The afternoon air above Olympus was crisp and luminous, the clouds below forming a sea of white that stretched endlessly toward the horizon. The city of the gods stood proudly atop its heavenly plateau, its marble towers gleaming like polished ivory, adorned with gold and silver runes that shimmered in the light of an eternal sun.
Ares walked ahead with his usual confident stride, his crimson cloak fluttering behind him. Despite the cracks that still marred his armor, the God of War seemed as lively as ever, laughing heartily while pointing out various landmarks to his two guests.
"Over there's the Hall of Valor, where we keep the weapons of fallen heroes! And that dome beyond the fountain? That's where Zeus often holds his ridiculous banquets that last for days! Hah, you should see Dionysus drunk enough to wrestle lightning bolts!"
Kousuke chuckled quietly, following alongside Morgan, who seemed far more interested in the divine scenery than Ares's booming commentary. The streets were lined with statues of gods and legendary beasts, each exuding a faint divine pressure that would've crushed mortals flat. Yet to Kousuke, they felt no heavier than a breeze.
"Your city is quite something," Kousuke remarked, gazing at the flowing canals of liquid light running through the marble streets. "It's… surprisingly peaceful for a place filled with gods and demigods."
Ares threw back his head and laughed. "Hah! That's only because they're pretending to be civilized when Athena's watching. You should see them during festivals, every little bickering ends with some blood on the ground, of course no one dies!"
Morgan smirked and twirled a strand of her silver hair. "Sounds like my kind of party. Maybe next time I'll join in, purely for observation, of course. And with my darling guarding me like I'm his little princess~"
"Sure you will," Ares snorted, shaking his head. It was already chaotic enough with demigods involved, but if a witch like her were there to sow discord, someone might actually lose their life.
For the next hour, he guided them through the city, showing them the gardens where dryads tended immortal blossoms, the skyward bridges that linked floating sanctuaries, and the grand forum where divine judges once decided the fates of mortals. Morgan's curiosity was insatiable, while Kousuke's calm, steady presence seemed to attract stares from every passing god and nymph.
Eventually, their tour reached the edge of Olympus, a wide terrace overlooking the endless expanse of the mortal world far below. The wind was cool, carrying with it the faint fragrance of ambrosia and mountain air.
Ares turned toward Kousuke and Morgan with a grin that held a hint of respect. "This is where we part ways. I'd better not keep Athena waiting, she'll chew my head off for missing another council meeting. Oh, and please, keep this a secret."
Kousuke smiled faintly. "Then we'll take our leave as well. It's been quite a pleasant morning, God of War."
"Pleasant, huh? That's a first. Maybe we should open the gates to more outsiders… but who am I kidding? Not everyone has the strength, or earned my respect like you." Ares crossed his arms and laughed before giving Kousuke a friendly thump on the shoulder. "You're welcome in Olympus anytime, young warrior. Just make sure you bring some good liquor next time!"
He returned the grin. "I'll keep that in mind."
And with that, Ares vanished in a burst of red light, leaving only a faint trail of embers behind. Morgan turned to Kousuke, her expression softening as she laced her fingers with his. "So, where to next, dear husband?"
Kousuke looked down at the sprawling divine city one last time, then his gaze strayed to his stomach. "Take me to that bakery you found earlier. I'm famished after the battle with Ares."
"Oh my, were you that hungry already? Alright, I'm feeling a little peckish too," Morgan replied with a smile. She began guiding him toward the bakery, her hand still intertwined with his.
The couple spent the next few hours wandering the radiant streets of Olympus, tasting divine delicacies, visiting marble plazas, and watching winged messengers dart between temples. All while ignoring the curious gazes from the Olympians as they walked past.
When the sun began to dip toward the golden horizon, Kousuke traced a faint symbol in the air, and space folded around them in a gentle ripple. In an instant, they vanished from the spot, reappearing somewhere in Turkey. They had to check out of the hotel first before flying back to Kuoh.
...
Far above, within the grand council chamber of Olympus, the mood was starkly different.
Marble pillars rose like mountains around a vast circular hall, the air heavy with divine authority. Gods of varying rank and temperament sat upon their thrones, murmuring among themselves. At the center stood Athena, her posture regal, her expression calm. Yet beneath her composure lay tension sharp enough to still the air.
"Let's begin," she said quietly, her voice cutting through the murmurs.
One by one, the other gods fell silent. Hera, regal and radiant, folded her fan. Poseidon leaned lazily against his trident, watching with thinly veiled curiosity. Hermes fidgeted, eyes flicking between faces as if measuring everyone's mood. Only two thrones remained empty, those of Hades and Persephone, who were occupied managing the Realm of the Dead.
Athena's gaze swept across the assembled deities. "You all witnessed what occurred today. If you didn't, I'm sure Apollo or Ares has already told you about him. The mortal known as Igarashi Kousuke defeated Ares in single combat. His power is beyond comprehension."
A hush fell over the chamber.
Hera was the first to speak, she didn't hide the obvious contempt in her words. "A human surpassing a god? Ridiculous."
"impossible," Poseidon echoed, though his tone carried amusement rather than disbelief. A smirk surfaced on his face, his eyes glancing at the God of War. "And yet Ares himself confirmed it. Perhaps the tides of fate are shifting again…"
"He was quite the challenger, I'll admit. His combat experience isn't to be underestimated. He wasn't going all out in our duel, but then again, neither was I. Ahem!" Ares said almost defensively.
Athena clasped her hands behind her back. "Regardless of what you believe, one truth stands: this man's existence will not go unnoticed by the other pantheons. If word reaches Asgard, or worse, Shinto, the balance of the world will be shaken."
Zeus, who had remained silent until now, finally stirred on his throne, lightning crackling faintly around him. His expression was unreadable, somewhere between intrigue and caution. He didn't truly believe a mortal could defeat Ares; after all, he hadn't seen what happened in the amphitheater.
The God of the Sky had been rather preoccupied, sneakily peering into the mortal world when Athena's summons reached him. He was mildly annoyed at being disturbed, but he kept it to himself, lest it reach Hera's ears. It won't ends with just nagging at that point.
"Then tell me, Athena," he said, his deep voice filling the hall, "what would you, in your endless wisdom, suggest us do with this mortal?"