The Seraphic System

The Seraphic System

Chapter: 50

Disclaimer: I don't own High School Dxd or any other universe used in this story. 

Note: Extra long chapter due to the fact it's my fiftieth chapter. Can't believe I've posted so much lol. Thanks for all the support. 

Pa/ t reon details below the chapter if you're interested in seeing some content in advance. I'll keep posting regardless. If you have any suggestions you would like to see added, I will try to incorporate what I can :)

(The Quests Completion)

We left Zeus' palace through the series of holes that Tiamat had created. She had the gall to suggest using the quick exit she had made when I had finished with Zeus.

Zeus himself had seemed fine with the whole ordeal, I imagined that such a thing didn't mean much beyond the disrespect that he had decided to ignore in favour of lust.

He had tried to get Tiamat to stay for a celebratory lunch but she had rather bluntly declined. 

Hestia had relaxed after she realised her brother wasn't going to push it further due to his lusts. Something she was both embarrassed and relieved about judging from her emotions. 

We hadn't spoken for much longer after he had confirmed that I would be able to use my boon later on and that I had somehow managed to make myself a friend of Olympus. Another thing to add to the list of benefits this quest had netted me. 

As we stepped outside into the sun that shone down on Olympus, the clouds parted seemingly as an indicator of Zeus' good mood at having his bolt returned to him.

A bolt he had taken away to 'Heal from the filth' that had gotten on it. I didn't know if he meant it as an insult or genuinely felt that way but I didn't care. 

I took a deep breath, my body relaxing. 

Victory. 

My eyes glanced at the many notifications at the side of my vision. 

[Quest Completed]

[Quest] [Completed!]

The Lightning Bolt of Zeus

Description: Zeus, the mighty king of the Olympian gods, has lost his divine weapon—the Lightning Bolt. This powerful artefact, capable of unleashing devastating storms, has fallen into the wrong hands. The balance of power on Olympus is threatened, and chaos looms. Your mission is to retrieve the Lightning Bolt and restore order among the gods.

Objective: Retrieve the Lightning Bolt. [Completed!]

Bonus objective: Help Hades retrieve his helm [Completed!]

Reward: [Perk - Fateless] [Enchantment Scroll (Sharpness)] [Saplings of Laurelin and Telperion] [Summon Token]

Bonus reward: [Perk - Hades Favoured]

Bliss washed over me as I ignored everything around me. 

Fucking finally. 

Perk Gained

[Fateless] (Passive)

You can't be predicated or bound by Predeterminism such as prophecies and tapestries of fate affecting Greek Gods or Patterns affecting Egyptian Gods or cycles affecting Norse Gods or wheel of Karma affecting even the Heavenly Kings, Gods & Buddhas.

This alone made this entire quest worth it.

Fuck you Fate. 

Item Gained

[Enchantment Scroll] (One Time Usage)

The Enchantment Scroll is a single-use magical item designed to transfer the sharpness enchantment on any chosen object. Upon activation, the enchantment scroll will pass a sharpening enchantment. 

{Enchantment Properties}

Sharpness Amplification - When applied to an item, the enchantment scroll adds a magical enchantment that will boost the item's cutting & piercing power. This effect not only increases the sharpness but also enhances the object's durability.

{Usage Mechanism}

Activation and Imbuement - To activate, the user must focus their intent and channel a small amount of their energy into the scroll. This releases the stored enchantment, which will then pass into the targeted item. 

{Special Attributes}

Single-Use Enchantment - The scroll is a one-time use artefact, meaning it will disintegrate upon application while transferring all its magical contents to the selected object.

That was certainly interesting, I hadn't really thought about getting an enchantment. Then again, I guess that technically did exist even if I hadn't heard of it before in this world. 

It must be some obscure branch of magic, considering none of the divine weapons had it. Or perhaps the Greek Faction simply didn't use that mechanism. Akin to the way the Norse used runes instead of average magic. If my canon knowledge was to be believed. 

Item Gained

[Saplings of Laurelin and Telperion] (Legendary Trees of Valinor)

The Saplings of Laurelin and Telperion are remnants of the mythical trees of Valinor, whose final fruit and flower became the Sun and Moon. These divine saplings glow with a divine light that nurtures and strengthens the realm they inhabit.

{Nurturing Properties}

Divine Light - These saplings radiate a divine glow that bathes their surroundings, blessing the realm they inhabit with a glow that enhances growth, vitality, and harmony within the environment.

Realm Enrichment - The light from this tree nourishes the land, fostering abundant growth and imbuing plants, animals, and structures with a unique resilience and beauty. The realm in which they will be planted will grow along with the samplings, ushering a new era of life.

{Blessing Effects}

Blessing of the Light - Those who have seen the light of the saplings are blessed with Hallowed Fëa (soul) with increased spiritual pressure & awareness along with enhanced hröa (body) capabilities such as enhanced abilities, including minor heightened senses, endurance, and inner peace. This blessing is visible in their eyes, which reflect the sacred light.

Eyes of the Divine - The eyes of those blessed bear a very faint almost unnoticeable glow, which symbolises their connection to the trees' divine power.

{Special Attributes}

Ancestral Essence - As the creation of Aratars & will of Eru Ilúvatar , these saplings hold the sacred essence of the legendary trees along with echoes of music of creation and brilliance of the Flame Imperishable. 

"…"

This one caused me to pause a lot more than my other rewards. It was perfect. I had a sub-dimension that this could fit perfectly into but to think I had gotten my grubby hands on such a sapling. 

Seriously, minor heightened senses & spiritual awareness along with a slightly enhanced endurance and whatever spiritual pressure means? From looking at a couple of trees? Where do I sign my name? 

[Summon Token] (Legendary)

A token that allows you to summon a companion from across the multiverse. The summoned target will be completely loyal to the summoner while also having the chance of potentially rising to the legendary in status in your world. 

That was something…

Not exactly what I need, I guess the summoned individual would have the chance to be legendary? Whatever that meant. I was glad to have it anyway, having a loyal potentially legendary companion would be good. 

[Hades' Favour] (Passive)

The favour of Hades grants you the ability to have an easier time accumulating wealth and have a knack for finances. You are also harder to kill and the dead fear you. 

Okay, a bit lacking on the information but considering I got a reward from Hades. This was mostly just an added bonus. 

In the end… the quest rewards had proven themselves worth every bit of the effort.

I closed my eyes, letting them rest for a moment, trusting Tiamat's vigilance to keep any threat at bay. If someone was bold enough to strike at me now, they'd be in for a rude surprise.

This had surpassed even the Namara incident, though the weight of that event had affected and continued to affect me much more. Maybe it was because of the loss of my Angel and Namara that had unexpectedly left an impression on me. 

Speaking of that, my download should be done very soon. The resurrection skill would be in my skill list soon and I would be able to get my dead Angel back to the land of the living. 

Something I was both anxious and excited to do. I was confident in my system, there was still a part of me that denied the possibility of resurrection. Perhaps I didn't want to get my hopes high only to experience the pain of being let down. 

Hestia frowned harshly. 

"What will you do now Kai?" She questioned, the nervousness in her voice hard to miss. 

I looked back to her and felt Tiamat's gaze burn into the side of my head. She was just as interested too. 

"I'll be heading to Heaven. Gabriel is waiting for me at a church relatively nearby." I replied, somewhat hesitantly. 

A part of me didn't want to go but I wasn't going to betray her trust. Especially when she had fought for me. There were many benefits that outweigh the cons of going up to Heaven and perhaps this would be for the best.

I had been subjected to chaos down on Earth and apparently after all that I still hadn't touched the true monsters of this world. By going up to Heaven I would be given a chance to grow in a safe environment within Heaven and that was a commodity I didn't want to pass up on. 

Hestia looked at me sadly.

"I see, I had hoped that we could spend more time together." She replied disappointedly.

My frown deepened, a flicker of confusion that quickly shifted to something else as she stepped closer, 

Hestia halted right before me, her gaze flickering to my lips. her cheeks noticeably flushed with a hint of gold. She took a deep breath, her eyes closing. 

Then, without warning, she leaned in, her lips pressing softly to mine. It was quick, the warmth of her soft lips pressing against mine only lasting for a second. 

She pulled away, but it was enough to leave me reeling in shock. I hadn't expected this. A thousand thoughts roared through my mind but all I could think was.

Did I just get kissed by a Virgin Goddess?

I felt my face heat up. I didn't know how to handle this situation. 

Her gaze lowered, a look of vulnerability appearing on her beautiful face. 

"I hope I'll see you again," she murmured, her voice softer with a touch of earnestness slipping through her normally kind tone. "I've… really taken a liking to you."

And with that, she stepped back. Which left me frozen in place. 

No shit.

That was the only thought I could get out. I didn't dislike the kiss, that was for certain. Hestia was special. She had been nothing but genuine and kind. I just hadn't had time to really think about it. 

Tiamat's anger and worry practically radiated off her and was picked up by my empathy skull. She was already pissed off and she felt worried now that I was going to leave her here while I went up into Heaven. 

It was enough to snap me out of my daze, regaining my bearings. I reached out, placing a calming hand on her shoulder and she instantly softened under my touch, her scowl turning into a pout. 

"I want a kiss too." She muttered.

I nearly sighed. 

"Later." I whispered barely audibly. Only realising what I said after I said it and nearly slapping my forehead. 

The words were something only she picked up because she was standing next to me. I didn't want Hestia feeling weird now that she had gone and decided to kiss me. 

Her frown spread into a grin. 

Again, I wasn't sure how to go about processing this. I hadn't exactly been great at handling my emotions since being reborn. Romance had been the last subject on my mind. 

Even thinking about it, I wasn't against it. 

I just couldn't help but feel wary. 

I looked at the blushing Hestia once more. 

She was assuming that she wouldn't see me again for a long time, the sadness and disappointment I felt for what would be my lack of presence actually made my face heat up again. 

"Don't you have some sort of way to contact me in Heaven?" I questioned, my mind searching for solutions. 

She shook her head. "The wards created by your Father have made Heaven an impenetrable fortress. Even for Gods. I doubt he would let me place a Hearth within the silver city too."

Hestia's face was downtrodden. "I've enjoyed my time spent with you Kai. You don't look at me like I'm something to be conquered and you've taken the time to be my friend."

This was depressing. 

I didn't think I would be given much more space when I decided to announce my status to Heaven either. 

Tiamat turned my face around. "You aren't going to leave me right? You know I can't come to Heaven."

I looked at the both of them before outwardly sighing. 

I made my decision. They deserved to know I had a way to stay connected, even if I had to leave. 

"There's something I want to show you," I said, keeping my tone even as their eyes lit with curiosity.

I needed to head into my sub-dimension anyway to make sure Percy was settled down and give him back his mother… who I had knocked out and stuffed into my inventory 

Then I could drop them all off back at camp. 

A rift appeared behind me and I walked in, the two girls following behind me. A large, grassy field stretched out before us. With a large house visible in the distance. 

Tiamat and Hestia followed through, their faces both set in surprise. 

"Some sort of private sub-dimension?" Tiamat wondered out loud. Her sharp eyes scanned our lush surroundings.

Hestia looked around behind her, kneeling down to feel the grass. 

"What is this place Kai? I can feel you have a bond with this place." Hestia questioned. "I also have the same question"

My arms spread, my mind attempting to block out my embarrassment. 

"Welcome to my private sub-dimension, yet to be named." I replied with a grin.

Before I could respond, five radiant beams of light suddenly descended upon me, illuminating the field around us. The light faded, revealing my angels, each of them glowing with excitement.

"Father!" they shouted in unison, their voices filled with reverence.

Avael especially was hugging me like a lost child who had just found the arms of their parents. She looked tired and was practically falling asleep in my arms. 

I felt Hestia's gaze sharpen, her eyes morphing into clear surprise beside me, a hint of confusion in her expression as she murmured, "Father?"

I laughed awkwardly.

"Now now, brother and uh sisters. We have guests no need to play around." I awkwardly sputtered out.

I mean technically they were my brother and sisters. Oh, who was I kidding. 

I didn't even want to see their reactions so I let myself get buried in my children's embrace. It wasn't as uncomfortable as you would think since Angels bodies were softer than human bodies.

Hestia looked at me with a thoughtful frown, her eyes taking in the scene. 

A boom rang in the distance and Percy along with the others came running to our location. 

"Kai!" 

"Hey Percy, how's it going?" I greeted him. 

He averted his eyes from me, opting to look at the ground. Percy approached hesitantly, eyes cast downward, his shoulders tense. It was clear he was wrestling with something.

"Kai..." he started, his voice low. "I... I should have been stronger. Cao Cao caught me off guard. I thought I could handle it, but I messed up."

I blinked in confusion. 

"Oh that? Don't worry about it. He wasn't exactly hard to deal with. Though I could have done without Ares finding me." I replied dismissively.

My body felt like jelly. While my mind finally relaxed, nearly sending me unconscious. The container that I had used to bottle my emotions finally unboxed itself. 

A wide smirk appeared on my face. 

The quest was finally done. 

"Just like that?" Percy questioned disbelievingly. 

I nodded and he slumped in relief. 

"What happened?" Annabeth finally spoke. 

Tiamat spoke up. "Yes, I would also know what happened. I was only able to join you at the last part of your quest."

"Fat-Younger brother. Who is this?" Avael asked.

Hestia looked at me again but seemingly decided to leave her questions unasked. 

Wait, wasn't one of her domains related to relationships? Did that mean she knew? My mind briefly froze. 

Tiamat on the other hand didn't seem to care. Her eyes looked at me curiously. There was an underlying anger in her emotions as she knew that I had been hurt on parts of this quest. 

It wasn't that impactful in comparison like the quest with Namara had been. This had been tough no doubt but more intriguing than anything. Especially with Annabeth and Avael both getting hurt.

Annabeth looked to be in top condition once more. Other than her slightly darkened eyes. Which showed that she was tired. 

Annabeth nodded, her stormy eyes looking at Tiamat observingly. 

"I would also like to know." She asked, crossing her arms. 

I briefly considered if keeping the truth from them would be a good idea before I shrugged.

"This is Tiamat, an old friend. She is a Dragon." I revealed.

Tiamat perked up and smiled at my introduction. Her cold mask slipped once more. 

"A dragon?" Percy asked with bright eyes. "A real Dragon? Does she have a Dragon form or is that like some sort of myth? What type of Dragon? Do Dragons have types actually."

Percy went off on a spree of firing questions, his mood much better now that the quest had finished. The weight that had suppressed him was lifted and I could see even with the way he stood how relieved he was. 

"A dragon?!" Annabeth shouted. "Do you mean a Drakon? They're extremely dangerous."

"No. A Dragon." I corrected her. 

"A Dragon King." Tiamat then corrected me. 

I shot her an amused smile. 

They both looked at her in awe. 

"Oh also, this is Hestia." I announced with a gesture to the woman standing next to me. 

They both robotically turned to stare at her. 

Medusa behind them widened her eyes, looked truly shocked. 

Hestia gave them a cute smile and hand wave. 

Percy waved back cheerfully while Annabeth and Medusa kept staring at the Goddess.

"As for what happened-"

I launched into an explanation and recounted the events that had unfolded. 

Mostly speaking about what happened after Cao Cao, the confrontation with Ares and how everything had been dealt with. I left out many details. 

Such as my weird reaction to this spear and the shard I had gotten along with that weird ascendance state. 

I remembered being surrounded by Angels I hadn't seen before calling out my name but I didn't know if that was a dream or not.

"So it's all over?" Annabeth questioned. 

I nodded, a faint smile on my face. "Yes. Everything's handled. The quest was successful. The lightning princess got his toy back"

Annabeth and Percy deflated in relief, completely ignoring my comment. 

Oh right.

I brought Sally Jackson, her body flopping to the ground. Percy immediately jumped down and wrapped her in a hug. Her eyes opened tiredly and she returned the hug.

Unwrapping myself from my Angels who had been staring at my conversation like guard dogs ready to kill if anyone came too close, I decided to give Percy and Sally some privacy.

"Hestia," I began, catching her attention. "What if you placed a hearth somewhere within my dimension? If it's possible, it might let us keep in touch."

Her face brightened, a faint blush colouring her cheeks. 

"You'd really want that?" She asked, her voice was soft. 

"Of course," I replied, trying to keep my tone casual despite the strange pull I felt toward her. 

After all, she'd just kissed me and that had only happened literally a few minutes ago. 

"I would love that." She replied happily. 

Her hand lifted, touching her lips as if recalling the moment. "About that kiss…" she murmured, now clearly embarrassed. "Maybe I acted a little too quickly."

I chuckled hesitantly, feeling an odd worry bubble in my chest. "Not regretting it, are you?"

"No," she replied, her gaze meeting mine with a touch of vulnerability. "I don't regret it. Not one bit."

".." Annabeth didn't know what to say.

Avael coughed besides us. I turned to see my Angels staring at Hestia like hawks. Tiamat glaring at them from the side. 

"Kiss? What kiss?" Tamiel questioned.

I patted her head. "Don't worry about it."

"What about me!" Tiamat growled.

"Tiamat you can stay here if you want, I'll be able to visit when I can. I doubt I'll be let out of the sight of my brothers and sisters for a while but when it settles down I'll be able to come visit often for a couple of hours per day." I offered her.

She crossed her arms.

"T-that wasn't what I meant but if it's the only way to stay in contact with you then I shall move my residency here." Tiamat replied.

"Where would I put my Hearth?" Hestia questioned.

"I would say closer to the house, I plan to add more housing later. For now everyone is staying in the large house." I responded, scratching my cheek in thought.

Hestia's expression shifted into excitement.

"I see! Would you like me to contact Athena to help you with design? She may be a bit cold but she's a good girl underneath that." Hestia replied happily. 

"Mother?" Annabeth exclaimed. 

"I don't think that will be needed, Hestia, I don't want to be in debt to Gods." I replied with a chuckle. 

I appreciated her offer though. 

"Okay, I can use my domain to help out though." Hestia replied happily, walking over to the large house. 

Tiamat stepped in front of me.

"What about me?" She questioned.

"You told me you had a cave? You don't have to move any of your belongings if you don't want to. Perhaps we can dig out a cave for you?"

She pouted.

"Where do you sleep?"

"Uh, sometimes in the master bedroom." I replied hesitantly.

"I'll sleep there." 

"…"

I mean it was like I was not going to be sleeping there much so sure? Wait, did Dragons even sleep? 

"Okay." 

"Why don't you go help Hestia? I have to take Annabeth and Percy back to camp half-blood." I suggested. "It would make me happy."

I added the last part, her expression turned conflicted before she nodded. 

I turned towards Medusa.

"Medusa, I'm assuming you'll be staying with me as well?" I asked, watching her reaction.

She nodded. "If that's alright with you?"

I offered her a smile, and she quickly looked away, a hint of colour rising to her cheeks.

Finally, reaching into my inventory I pulled out the still-sleeping Love Goddess and gently set her on the soft grass.

"Who's that?" Annabeth asked, curiosity bright in her eyes. "Also where the hell did you just pull her from? 

"Oh yeah, this is Aphrodite and it's a secret." I casually replied. 

Her eyes widened. "I feel like I continue to know you less as I learn more about you. The more I learn the less I know. How is that even possible?" 

The way she said that had started out as surprise before leading into exasperation at the end. 

Ah, it seems her brain is glitching. I forgot how absurd certain things must be to normal people. I was used to being in this chaotic and random lifestyle at this point. 

Aphrodite's eyes snapped open and she sat up quickly. Her eyes scanned around and stopped on me. Relaxing slightly before she spotted Tiamat and immediately her body tensed.

I placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder, offering a small nod as I spoke. 

"There's nothing to worry about. The whole thing with Tiamat was just... a misunderstanding." 

I threw a warning glare at Tiamat, who grumbled under her breath, casting a sidelong glance at Aphrodite. 

Aphrodite looked at her in confusion. 

"Fine. I apologise," she muttered, in what could only be described as the least convincing apology imaginable.

Aphrodite looked bewildered. 

"Wait a second, you knocked me out?!" She shouted.

Tiamat crossed her arms.

"Yeah, my bad."

"You ruined my time with Kai!" She shouted again.

Tiamat didn't reply to that and Aphrodite frowned deeply. 

"I'm glad to see you coming to an understanding." I said, giving a sarcastic smile to the both of them.

"Aphrodite!" A shout came from the distance.

We all turned to see Hestia giving them a wave.

"Auntie?" She asked, turning towards me. "What the hell is going on? Am I dreaming?"

"No, things are a bit chaotic right now." I replied with an innocent smile.

Giving her head a pat somewhat awkwardly, I watched her tension melt away as she quietly relaxed. A small smile formed on her lips.

This was so weird. I don't know why but my instinctive response to situations like this was headpats. 

To give you an image of what was happening as of this moment, I was surrounded by five overprotective Angels. Who all stood closely around me, seemingly partially nervous about all the people who had suddenly joined us and overprotective of me. 

I had a Dragon King standing a bit further away, with her arms crossed leaning against a tree. 

It seemed she was only going to go and help Hestia when I took Aphrodite back to Olympus. 

We all stood in a grassy clearing, the lush grass and healthy trees surrounding us. The large house that had come with the sub-dimension stood in the distance as Hestia, another beautiful Goddess, was looking around with a kind smile. 

What had my life come too? 

With a slight nod, I turned to Aphrodite. "Ready to head back?"

She nodded, a hint of something in her expression and we both promptly left the sub-dimension. We were back on Olympus. 

I led her along the marble paths up to what she told me was her castle, it was much more reserved than Zeus' castle. 

We made idle chatter as we slowly made our way to her Palace. When we finally reached the entrance, Aphrodite paused before glancing up at me with a hesitation.

"When will I see you again?" she asked softly, her voice carrying an almost vulnerable note.

I met her gaze.

"I'll try to visit you soon," I replied, giving her a faint but reassuring smile. "It may take a while but I promise it'll happen at some point." 

She nodded but still had a frown on her face.

"I don't have many Friends Kai. I've appreciated the kindness you've shown me. Not many have. I doubt Ares will be able to do much of anything for a few centuries so I will have time to prepare." Aphrodite replied with a small smile.

She turned around quickly and seemingly stopped herself from doing something.

"I look forward to your next visit." She spoke. 

A flash of pink and she was gone.

I stood there for a few moments. Thinking about what she said before leaving Olympus and re-entering my sub-dimension

I entered through the rift, taking a moment to enjoy peace before I noticed Sally and Percy approaching, their expressions lighter than they had been before though I could sense the weariness lingered in Sally's emotions which made sense since I was quite powerful. 

When Sally and Percy reached me, Sally immediately began thanking me. 

"Thank you, Kai," she said, her voice trembling with relief and her eyes glistening. "I can't express how much this means to me. And I'm sorry for all the trouble."

She bowed and then slapped Percy's head. Who then bowed to me next to her. I sent a flat stare to my Angels who were nodding like this was some correct action. 

I shifted uncomfortably, feeling a strange embarrassment as I tried to respond. 

"Uh… sure, no problem." I wasn't used to this kind of sincere gratitude 

Saving people wasn't exactly my usual line of work.

"No, really Kai. Thank you. I know I wasn't easy to deal with and I got in the way. I promise I'll work on becoming stronger." Percy spoke up determinedly.

I gave him a smile. 

After a moment, I cleared my throat, awkwardly shifting the conversation. "So… what's your plan now?"

Sally hesitated, sending a look towards Percy before speaking. 

"Years ago just as Percy was born, Poseidon offered me a place in Atlantis and told me I could live there if I ever wanted." She spoke, looking off into the distance. 

"At the time, I refused. I thought it would be safer to raise Percy away from all this but now, I'm starting to think that was a mistake. I want to take him down to Atlantis with me where he'll be safer." She admitted sadly.

Percy blinked in surprise, looking towards Sally with shock but he didn't protest.

I nodded, understanding her reasoning. 

"Probably a good call," I replied. "If that's what you want, I can get Hestia to help transport you both to Camp Half-Blood. From there, you can find a way to reach Poseidon."

She nodded gratefully.

I didn't think that Hestia would be able to access Atlantis since it was probably still under war preparations like Hades' realm had been. It would be easier for Sally to contact Poseidon from a safe place.

I turned towards my Angels with a raised eyebrow.

"You do realise there isn't any danger right?" I questioned.

They nodded.

"Not with us around." Avael said, with a tired smile. 

I facepalmed. 

"Can you go show Tiamat where she will be sleeping? I'm not leaving the sub-dimension right now so you'll be close by if anything happens." I asked them, walking around with an entire entourage was becoming awkward. 

They looked hesitant.

"I'll literally be outside the house." I assured them. 

My angels nodded. 

"Where will you be sleeping?" Zakiel questioned.

Tiamat smiled.

"Kai's bedroom." She replied. 

"As if." Avael scoffed, walking towards the house.

Tiamat followed and I could hear what was beginning to sound like an argument. 

I had a feeling things were going to be a little chaotic within my sub-dimension. That wasn't surprising. I literally had the Khaos Karma Dragon sleeping here now. 

I only had a few more things to do before I would go to meet Gabriel. 

That included getting Hestia to transport Percy and the others to camp half-blood. Planting my new saplings and then waiting until my download was finished which should be tomorrow. 

Then I would be finally able to resurrect my dead Angel and be able to meet up with Gabriel to go up into Heaven. 

-{Olympus Council Room}-

The grand council chamber of Olympus was steeped in an air of tension, each god in their divine form. Sitting down in massive thrones that each resembled each gods domains. 

Massive marble pillars lined the circular room, supporting a ceiling painted with the stories of old: battles won, lands conquered, mortals vanquished. 

At the centre of the massive chamber that had views out looking at the clouds, an immense hearth flickered with eternal flames, casting an orange glow over the gathering of gods seated in their rightful places.

The air in the room was visibly fluctuating under the presence of such powerful Gods.

Zeus was seated at the head, his form wrapped in a shroud of storm clouds. He slowly eyed each god in turn before his voice filled the chamber. 

"It has come to my attention that recent events are not as they seemed. A mere theft would be one thing," he began, his voice serious, "but what we witnessed was an attempt to shake the very order of Olympus."

To his right, Hera sat, her gaze was sharp but curious. Hera had dark, wavy hair that fell around her face, her face possessed high cheekbones and intense eyes. 

She wore flowing robes in shades of deep blue and purple, with gold detailing that catches the light, and a diadem rests on her brow. Her attire included peacock feathers. Around her divine light swirled as she looked at her husband in annoyance.

He hadn't decided to inform her of this before the meeting. 

Athena, on Zeus's left, observed in silence, her calculating gaze shifting as if assembling a puzzle in her mind. But Zeus's gaze kept drifting to the one seat that remained conspicuously empty. Ares's.

Zeus looked over to Aphrodite who had shown up a bit late, an amused smile on her face. The absurdly beautiful Love Goddess knew something. There was a look in her eyes that was downright sadistic. 

Ares was missing from this meeting, something every god in the room noticed. 

"Ares," Zeus began, his voice rough with a mixture of irritation and suspicion. "Where is he? This matter of my lightning bolt's theft has been revealed to be of his doing. He is to come for punishment for his crimes immediately."

There was a noticeable shift in the room. All the Gods looked slightly surprised. 

Demeter frowned in thought. 

They knew Ares was a warmongering idiot but stealing Zeus' bolt and nearly starting a war was stupid for even him.

Hephaestus shifted in his seat, casting a quick glance at Zeus and then at the empty chair. Apollo arched a brow, looking intrigued but uncaring while his fingers idly tapped his lyre.

Artemis scoffed lowly, muttering something as she sent a contemptuous look at Ares' seat of power. While Hermes whistled in a manner that would suggest he was impressed, a smirk on his face.

Poseidon, seated several places away from Zeus, gave a soft chuckle, catching Zeus's gaze. 

"So," he began, his voice becoming more amused as he thought more on the situation. 

"This entire time it wasn't me or my son you had to worry about all along, brother but your own Son. Funny, really. Nearly starting a war over an accusation like that." He chuckled. 

His tone was light and amused but his words served to piss off Zeus. Lightning rumbled in the sky as the Lightning God glared at his brother.

"I think there are more serious issues that we should focus on rather than your need for petty revenge." Zeus proclaimed nobelly. 

He ignored Poseidon's flat stare. 

"While I believe my husband doesn't have much right to say so, I do concur that there are urgent matters to take care of. . You mentioned an attempt to shake Olympus? Would you clarify on that before being so quick to punish your own son." Hera spoke up, her tone clipped.

She sent a narrowed glare towards her husband who didn't return her gaze.

"I agree with Hera," Athena spoke up, her voice calm and collected. "Focusing on the larger problem at hand and finding a way to counter it would be best."

"I believe that we are facing a threat far beyond petty grievances or family rivalries." He paused, his tone becoming more serious. "Ares wasn't acting alone. He was working with an outside force."

Murmurs rippled through the council, with Hera's eyes narrowing as she looked at Zeus with new interest. 

Poseidon rolled his eyes.

"Are you sure it's from outside our Pantheon? Not that I would be surprised considering how many enemies we've made." Poseidon replied.

"The Angel who completed the quest, the one who retrieved my bolt has confirmed that Ares had outside help. He returned the bolt to me personally and provided me with critical information that I confirmed my own contacts." Zeus informed them. 

"You're trusting an outside source to punish your son for something that may not be his fault?" Hera questioned frostily.

Poseidon surprisingly came to Zeus' aid.

"No, I have full confidence in the boy. He was involved with the quest. As a helping hand to my son. He has my support in his words." Poseidon announced. He turned to Zeus' "What did the boy say?" 

Zeus' huffed. He ignored the unreasonable desire to disagree with his brother purely since his brother had backed his words. 

"Apparently he encountered members belonging to a Faction of sacred gear wielders when completing something Ares had asked him to do. Which after defeat led to a battle with Hercules. 

Hera's mood soured after hearing the name Heracles, picking up on that Hephaestus said 

"The angel must be tough to beat Heracles. He's no pushover."

"Do we know why the Angels are intervening? Was this an order from his Father?" Athena questioned.

Zeus paused.

"I hadn't asked." He replied pridefully. 

There was a collective sigh that Zeus ignored. 

"So what are you trying to suggest?" Artemis questioned.

"The young Angel informed me he was ambushed just as he reached Olympus. Hestia recognized the energy signature of the attack, so I ordered an investigation. Within hours, we received multiple reports matching this energy pattern, confirming that it wasn't an isolated event." He recounted to his fellow Gods. 

"So, I chose to descend myself and while there, I detected a faint trace of an energy that felt all too familiar."

His next statement caused a shift in the mood. 

"It felt like Father's." 

-END-

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