Unlike the Fairy Kingdom of Britannia, the divergence between the Atlantis Lostbelt and Proper Human History—though it also traced back to the great catastrophe fourteen thousand years ago—had a different cause.
If Britannia was born from total defeat, then Atlantis was born from a victory that belonged neither to humanity nor to the planet.
The White Giant that ravaged the entire world—humans and gods alike—was not brought down by the Holy Sword that carried the planet's hope, but by the great god who forcibly integrated the power of all his companions.
"'Forcibly integrated'… so even though Zeus was the leader of the Olympian gods, he didn't actually have the authority to do that." Even as shock lingered, Shiomi managed to piece together the outline.
"And that planted the seed of the Twelve Machine Gods of Olympus splitting apart. Around three thousand years ago, the age arrived when humanity completely severed ties with the Age of Gods. We, as Machine Gods, were not affected by the fading of Mystery or the weakening of faith. That was when the fracture occurred."
Demeter's expression grew heavier with sorrow. She seemed unwilling to revisit it, yet her reason compelled her to tell Shiomi everything anyway.
Shiomi lifted a brow slightly, understanding the time Demeter meant: the point when Solomon broke with the gods.
In Proper Human History, the Greek gods did indeed leave the planet. It was said they all went to the world's outer side.
Perhaps their victory over the White Giant allowed the Greek gods to retain their power.
"Zeus viewed humanity as children who had yet to grow up, and believed they should continue receiving the gods' protection. That disagreement is what led to the situation you see now," Demeter said. "Including myself, Hera, Poseidon, Aphrodite, and Artemis stood with Zeus. We fought our other six brethren, and destroyed them."
"But in reality, no god supported Zeus," Shiomi said at once, catching the key point and pressing it. "Is that right?"
"No. In truth, aside from Hera, the rest of us opposed Zeus's thinking," Demeter said, sorrow written plainly across her face. "The result was that we underestimated Zeus. Six gods—including myself—had our divine cores altered by Zeus, and became what you've seen."
"Hm…" Shiomi rested his cheek in his hand, letting out a thoughtful hum.
He believed Demeter was telling the truth. Still, there were details she likely didn't know as a Lostbelt god, making it impossible to compare cleanly with Proper Human History.
He'd probably need to go over this with Romani later.
"And now you've temporarily slipped free of Zeus's divine core alteration, enough to approach us on your own and pass on information about you Machine Gods?" Shiomi narrowed his eyes. "Why you, specifically?"
"Because of the miracle you brought about—the one called 'The Earth Mother's Feast,'" Demeter said.
"You pushed your authority to its limit and guided the planet's will, creating resonance with my own authority. And that overwhelming power disrupted the alteration Zeus left behind."
"…I see." Shiomi nodded, understanding at last.
But just as Demeter said, this autonomy was only temporary.
Soon Zeus would realize it, and for Demeter—still not truly free—he would carry out a second alteration of her divine core, turning her completely into a machine built only for battle.
"So, since you were originally a god who opposed Zeus, and also Zeus's sister…" Shiomi extended his hand. "Can I take advantage of this moment to overwrite your divine core?"
Demeter was startled, then shook her head.
"You can't. Not now. You are not an Olympian Machine God, and your authority has yet to be fully tamed. It's not enough to place you above Zeus."
"...What a shame." Shiomi withdrew his hand with a rueful smile. "I was hoping to gain another ally while I had the chance. Sorry about that. I resisted becoming a god for a long time, and only made up my mind recently. I'm still half-baked."
Demeter smiled gently.
"Please don't concern yourself with that. I told you before—you are the world's one and only golden ear of rice. That was no empty praise. At this very moment, I am certain that neither Zeus, nor the Alien God who will descend in a few days, can harvest you so easily."
"Golden ear of rice…" Shiomi smiled faintly, tinged with melancholy. "That metaphor really does suit the Goddess of Abundance."
"So you must continue to grow stronger, to keep maturing. Until you realize your ideals and complete the mission you wish to fulfill, you must not allow anyone—any human or any god—to reap this precious ear of rice." Demeter smiled as she offered him her sincere blessing.
Her voice was sorrowful yet heartfelt, like the sea breeze at that moment, cool but carrying a trace of warmth.
"Thank you." Shiomi felt a jumble of emotions rise in his chest.
Demeter herself must still have been suffering, yet she had seized what little free will she had left to come here and tell him something so important.
Just then, footsteps sounded from the forest behind them, uneven and labored, as if someone were struggling over the rough terrain.
"It seems your companion has come looking for you." Demeter rose, preparing to leave.
Shiomi stood as well, asking hurriedly, "You've only told me about the origins of the gods. About Zeus—about Olympus—there's really nothing more you can tell me?"
"The alterations Zeus imposed on my divine core prevent me from revealing further secrets," Demeter said as she lifted into the air. "What I can tell you is this: Zeus absorbed the authorities of the gods he defeated. And the humans of Olympus, over whom he rules, will likely all be your enemies. Unlike these exiled humans, they possess long lifespans and immense power…"
With those final words, the Goddess of Abundance vanished into the night sky.
Even without being told, Shiomi understood.
The next time they met, there would be nothing left between Demeter and Chaldea but a struggle to the death.
Gazing at the now-silent night sky, Shiomi let out a quiet sigh. When he turned around, he saw Olga Marie, her expression a mix of worry and apology.
"Did I… interrupt you, Teacher?" Olga Marie asked.
"No, not at all. I was just trying to make contact with the Olympian gods and gather some information." Shiomi reached out and caught Olga Marie as she slid down the sandy slope. "But you—what are you doing here?"
"I went to the village to help Mash and the others carry some things, and then I saw you heading this way alone," Olga Marie explained awkwardly.
"And then you followed me, risking an attack from magical beasts?" Shiomi couldn't help but laugh as he pinched her cheek, pretending to be stern. "Don't ever take risks like that again. It's a relief nothing happened."
"...Yes. I'm sorry. I'll remember what you said, Teacher."
Feeling the warmth of Shiomi's fingertips, Olga Marie hurriedly nodded in agreement.