Sword and axe clashing as flames blast out from the weapons clashing. Each coated in variant color flames. Ares' shield practically breathing out dark blood-red flames as Tasey's were a bright purple.
Separating only for a second as Tasey dashed back in as Ares reset to his defensive form. Sword placed above the shield as he pivoted Tasey's wild axe toward the ground while aiming to stab him through the throat.
Only for Tasey to swing his free left hand, striking the flat of the Greek-styled short sword. Redirecting it upward as a kick landed squarely against Ares' shield while he was moving forward to blast flames at point blank.
Ares used the momentum to spin his body, producing more weight for his sword back down as Tasey swung his axe, meeting the smaller blade that produced just enough weight to offset the axe.
Tasey clicked his tongue. With both of them being flame users, neither would gain an advantage without risking a just-as-deadly counterattack. Yet the mission Tasey came for had already been completed.
With Grim already retreating and the children secured, my job holding up this raging bull was complete after me and him destroyed more of Olympus property with our fight. Flames ate through everything they touched, demonstrating the level SSS-tier operators function at. Even their casual spar was enough to level this guild and the surrounding area. I stayed behind to make sure Tasey could retreat like Grim ordered.
The two stood in silence, staring each other down—something common between them—deciding if the fight was worth risking injury. Even Ares, who already failed his goal, wasn't known for unwise decisions like Zeus. As one of the few of our generation who traveled into the Sea with the first generation, Ares had always been a step above the rest of us—held back only by Tasey and Agni when they met.
"I told you I'd get you back for that strike, Ares! Haha! We'll see each other next time. That old witch is definitely coming if you're here, so goodbye."
Taking a step forward, I felt something grab my shirt collar before motion sickness overwhelmed me. Tasey did his usual routine when escaping these big names—dragging me at insane speed. I left a trail of vomit that never touched Tasey due to the sheer force of the wind.
---
"Send the supplies. Grim has already secured the data and witnesses. So if anyone takes the wrong step, we can blow the lid off now and keep investigating later."
The President of the Society nodded, jotting notes with pen and paper—the old-fashioned way he brainstormed scenarios. After receiving my report about Tasey succeeding and my request for his pardon, even he had to pause at the gravity of Zeus' actions.
None of us expected Oceanus' grandson to stoop this low. But Zeus—known for pushing the envelope for the sake of forcing evolution—had clearly been operating like he knew exactly why Oceanus would break him if evidence emerged that he worked with Astral Gods.
Often confused with Earth's patron gods, Astral Gods were cosmic horrors we encountered once—thanks to Chronos making the greatest mistake in Explorer history, forcing us out of the Sea early. Yet even with all the knowledge from his grandfather, Zeus was still dumb enough to meddle with things capable of ruining our world.
So multiple groups taking part in dismantling Olympus wasn't surprising. Explorers remembered what Chronos did.
"The president of the country sent another request for you to redact your statement. Like I said before, if you want to go to war with Olympus, the Society is behind you, Artemis. Just know when to call it quits—that's the only thing I ask. American Travelers follow your lead more than the Explorers."
A heavy burden—but one I'd grown into. This was just another obstacle.
"If you think we should cut ties, then do it. I trust your opinion concerning the Travelers more than I trust the news crying about job losses from your order."
He leaned back, tapping his desk.
"Zeus isn't worth going to war for—but Hugin has been contacted by an Astral resident concerning Baldur's key. Zeus' obsession with the Sea isn't a secret. If we don't move now, while Oceanus is content letting his child attempt to force open the door, then we'll have a real problem on our hands."
I nodded, turning to leave the office—already thinking through the next plans that were now set in motion.