"What are you doing here, Athena?" Zeus asked, a hint of irritation in his voice.
"Father," Athena replied calmly, "he may still be of use to us. He can atone for his crimes against Olympus."
"I don't need some mortal to deal with a threat," Zeus said coldly.
"We cannot underestimate our enemy and he is no longer entirely mortal. He now wields magic," Athena insisted.
"I see not a trace of Hecate's former power in him. He's useless," Zeus snapped.
"And yet he fought you nearly as an equal, Father," Athena noted gently.
"Hrm." Zeus grumbled, stroking his beard thoughtfully. "So be it: if he can defeat two of the Dark Gods, I won't kill him. But Pandora returns to the Labyrinth, and Hephaestus will resume his work."
With that, he vanished in a blinding flash of lightning.
I could barely stand, but I kept my eyes on Athena.
"What were you talking about?" I asked.
"The Persians have allied with the Dark Gods," Athena said. "They've granted their armies inhuman strength. Now, all the lands beyond the Aegean belong to them. They say they've assembled a force the world has never seen hundreds of thousands of warriors and monsters, led by the Dark Gods themselves."
She paused, and her voice turned sharp:
"We're preparing for war. They must be stopped."
My thoughts spiraled in a whirlwind of dread. Where had these Dark Gods come from? If this was true, Greece could fall.
"How dangerous are they?" I asked.
"The Dark Gods feed on blood, sacrifice, souls, suffering, and fear," Athena replied. "The Persian army burns everything in its path, offering entire towns and villages in ritual slaughter. Every act of violence strengthens their gods. The battle ahead will be brutal."
She stepped closer, and her voice carried a sincere plea:
"Help us save Greece. Whatever grievances lie between us now is not the time for the past. We must stand together against this threat."
I could feel her trying to use me. But this wasn't about the gods. I fought for humanity. If I refused, Greece would be reduced to ash.
"When will they come?" I asked.
"We have two years, three at most," Athena replied. "We'll use that time to prepare."
Silence fell. I closed my eyes and made my choice.
This world is not yet ready to live without gods. I no longer burned with hatred for them as I once had for Hecate and all she had done. But before I make my final decision, I must learn everything I can about the Dark Gods.
I opened my eyes, my voice resolute:
"If the Persians cross the border and set foot on Greek soil I will take to the battlefield. And I will fight their armies. Shoulder to shoulder with all of you."
"We will be honored to fight beside you," Athena said, and vanished in a golden glow.
When all fell quiet, I collapsed onto the stone plain. My body was beyond exhausted only sheer will had kept me standing. The battle had drained me completely.
"Atreus, are you all right?" came Demeter's voice.
She stepped closer, and the ground beneath me seemed to come alive soft grass sprouted from the stone, wrapping me in warm, renewing energy. The exhaustion loosened its grip slightly.
"Yes… I just need to catch my breath," I replied.
"Kratos has sworn an oath to Ares," she said, gazing toward the horizon.
"So… the army of Sparta returns?" I asked, lifting my head.
"All barbarian forces have been destroyed," she confirmed.
"Tell me more about the Dark Gods," I said.
Demeter paused for a moment before speaking:
"They came from distant stars. We call them the Dark Ones because they exist only through destruction. They devour worlds draining life, magic, and soul. Any form of energy becomes their sustenance, and their hunger is insatiable."
She fell silent for a heartbeat, as if recalling something long buried.
"The first battle with them took place in times forgotten. Across the world, cults began to emerge, performing dark rituals and sacrifices. We realized something someone was influencing them. We united and fought back. We managed to banish them… but not destroy them."
"So it's true. Why didn't you tell me this before?" I asked.
"I believed they would never return," Demeter admitted. "And I could never have imagined Persia would fall under their influence."
"This changes everything," I said quietly.
"How can we stand against the coming storm?" she asked, staring into the distance.
I looked at her, then took out the compass and activated it. Golden runes ignited with light, opening a path between realms.
"I have an idea," I said.
I rose, casting off the last remnants of exhaustion, and stepped into the portal.
Light surrounded me.
I emerged into golden groves. A gentle breeze brushed my skin; the sun didn't scorch, but instead bathed me in a soft warmth. Wheat rustled all around, trees swayed in the wind. Peace reigned here the kind that makes you never want to leave.
I walked toward the old mill, where I saw Hephaestus in the courtyard. Pandora was with him tending to his wounds, checking the bandages with delicate care. Usually so stoic and reserved, Hephaestus now looked lost, awkward in the face of her tenderness.
"Atreus… you're alive," he said when he noticed me.
"Battered, but still breathing," I replied with a crooked smile.
"And Zeus? Did you manage to defeat him?" he asked.
"No," I said. "Any wounds I gave him healed instantly."
"The Flame of Olympus grants its bearer tremendous power," Hephaestus said, lowering his gaze. "I helped create it. All mortal belief is woven into its fire. It's an endless source of strength as long as there is flame… and faith."
He looked at Pandora with pain, but also with resolve.
"Please… don't make her suffer again. Don't use her to destroy the Flame of Olympus."
"I gave my word," I said firmly. "I'll find another way."
"Thank you," he said softly, relief in his voice.
"No, Father… I'm ready," Pandora suddenly spoke. "If my life can make a difference I accept my fate."
"Pandora…" Hephaestus sighed deeply. "You're dear to me. Your life is priceless."
"Pandora, I won't sacrifice you for victory. I have an idea to defeat Zeus if it comes to that I just need time," I said. "But there's something even more urgent we must discuss." I turned to Hephaestus. "I need an army the world has never seen."
The god-smith rose, leaning on his hammer.
"Tell me what you need. I'll help you."
"Create legions of golems," I said.
Hephaestus shook his head.
"That's impossible. Each one needs a rudimentary mind. To bring even a thousand to life would take centuries."
"They don't need minds," I replied.
"When I summon my brothers from the Underworld, I constantly use my will to anchor them. It strains me but what if they had bodies to inhabit? If I only needed to use my will to bind them to armor? I'd have warriors ready to fight within them."
Hephaestus narrowed his eyes. His face grew stern, but there was a spark of interest in his gaze.
"In that case it's possible," he said.
I would have an army one that could fight Olympus and any other foe, if needed. Enemies closed in from all sides, and the choices weren't getting easier. Only the cost grew heavier with time. Why does such responsibility rest in my hands?
These ten years spent here… they now seem like the simplest, happiest days of my life.