Chapter 2323: Radiance
Since the Little Garden had a finite amount of space, the vast majority of Communities made use of Gates like personal, secluded Realms. Very few went out of their way to build structures in view of ordinary people unless they were trying to show off or recruit new members.
A stark contrast to the majority of Communities, Mt. Olympus went out of their way to erect their titular mountain at the center of a solar dome, one of the massive superstructures intended to allow Vampires to walk around without fearing the Sun. Because of this, every other Community situated within the dome had to deal with the sight of a massive mountain serving as a perpetual reminder of who they neighbored. And that was just the beginning of their troublesâŠ
As could be expected of a construct envisioned by Zeus, one of the most infamous, narcissistic, and prideful Gods in the Little Garden, Mt. Olympus completely dominated the dome in which it was constructed. There was a large rune shaped like an Omega symbol hovering high in the sky, serving as a stand-in for the Sun, while the upper half of the ten-thousand-meter tall mountain had been carved into a luminous, temple-like palace.
To ensure his home stood out even more, Zeus used his authority to make the sky beneath the dome a shroud of perpetual twilight. Even during the middle of the day, the sky overhead was a gloomy shade of bluish-purple, the only exception being the clear, golden skies over Mt. Olympus.
Seeing the overcast skies dominating much of the solar dome, the friendly smile typically found on Vahnâs face relaxed into a neutral, contemplative expression. He had heard the rumors but seeing Zeusâs palace so brightly illuminated while everyone else was forced to tolerate an endless twilight irked him more than he anticipatedâŠ
Interrupting Vahnâs introspection, a sound similar to a simmering skillet tickled his ears as Hermes appeared next to him, remarking, âItâs been a long time since I lost in a race. I think the last time was when I made the mistake of pitting myself against Sun Wu Kong. Iâm sure youâre fully aware of this, but thatâs one fast monkey.â
Though he would generally adopt a smile to put those around him at ease, Vahn maintained a neutral expression as he replied, âYou need not go out of your way to butter me up. I have no intention of punishing you for past crimes. Just continue doing your best for your people. Thatâs all I have to say on the matterâŠâ
Noticing the borderline disinterest in Vahnâs tone, an involuntary shudder racked Hermesâs body. He was well acquainted with the rumors regarding Vahnâs knowledge and wisdom, but it wasâŠunpleasant to be seen through with such ease. He had assumed his bio-mechanical implants might give him some leeway, but that apparently wasnât the case.
Before Hermes could think of how to respond to Vahnâs words, a flash of light shone from the top of one of Mt. Olympusâs towers. In the very next moment, a man with a flawless, muscular physique and fiery golden hair appeared before them. His complexion resembled ivory, and his body was veiled in little more than scant white cloth, numerous golden accessories, and a crown set with the same symbol floating in the sky, Ω.
With a smile that caused the surroundings to light up, the luminous man offered a nod and practically sang, âWelcome, Vahn Aldrnari Mason, the Sage Dragon Emperor. Itâs a privilege to meet someone whose radiance far exceeds even my own. Your match against that vixen, Amaterasu, is one Iâll not soon forget.â
Enhancing his performance, the luminous man, clearly Apollo, strummed a golden harp whose wires were forged with pure sunlight. The sound they produced could compel mortal enemies to reconcile, but Vahn barely cracked a smile as he inquired, âShould I be anticipating a greeting from each of the Olympians?â
Instead of taking offense to Vahnâs standoffish response, Apollo adopted his most captivating smile and replied, âNot all of us, Iâm afraid. My father has compelled my Great Aunt and many of my sister Goddesses to remain in private quarters for the duration of your stay. Your reputation, including your rather sorted history with women, proceeds you.â
As Apollo was nearly as famous as Zeus for his philandering, Vahn felt a strong compulsion to roll his eyes. Instead, the corners of his smile curled upward as he offered a terse, âUnderstandable.â
Feeling an obligation to explain further, Apollo gave his harp a practiced strum as he added, âWorry not. Youâve already had the honor of meeting my elder sister, Artemis. Once we reach the palace, youâll also have the opportunity to meet my mother, Hera, and my eldest sister, Athena. While their magnificence might not compare to Demeter and Aphroditeâs, I can assure you theyâre a delight to the senses.â
As it didnât really matter to him either way, Vahn just smiled in response to Apolloâs words. He was somewhat interested in meeting Hestia, but they could chat as much as they liked once his business with the likes of Zeus and Athena had been concluded. After all, depending on how things went, the pantheon of Mt. Olympus would be undergoing some ârestructuringâ in the very near future.
Noticing Vahnâs disinterest in the topic at hand, Hermes injected himself back into the exchange, appending, âSpeaking of which, we should make our way to the palace. Artemis knows the way, so thereâs no need to wait around to receive her. If anything, she would probably be more annoyed if we did.â
Though he loved his sister dearly, Apollo sighed in response to Hermesâs words, responding, âHermes is correct. Ever since she began experiencing changes to her body, Artemis has been somewhatâŠdifficult. If weâre here when she arrives, I imagine she would simply fly over us without stopping to exchange greetings.â
Resisting the moderate temptation to stick around, Vahn offered a curt, affirmative nod as he said, âVery well. Iâve never been particularly fond of false pleasantries, so I donât mind heading over early. The sooner I meet with Zeus, the sooner I can be on my way.â
Furrowing his brows, Apollo couldnât help remarking, âMy father may not be a flawless individual, but I do not believe he has done anything to sow enmity between Mt. Olympus and the Aldrnari Empire. I sincerely believe that if Your Majesty is willing to compromise, our Communities will be able to get along spectacularly.â
As the God of Music, Poetry, Knowledge, and Order, Apollo had a great disdain for âunnecessaryâ conflict. He knew his fatherâs character better than most, but he still believed Mt. Olympus and the Aldrnari Empire could be allies. Vahn was becoming increasingly renowned for his magnanimity and tolerance, so Apollo couldnât help envisioning a bright future for both of their Communities.
Understanding that Apollo wasnât trying to be intentionally daft, Vahn offered another curt nod and replied, âI would welcome such an outcome. Unfortunately, while Iâm willing to compromise on just about anything, the sole exception is my bottom line. The moment your father does something that crosses that line, thereâs no going back.â
Frowning deeply, Apollo was thinking about how he could convince Vahn to extend his father a degree of leniency when Hermes inserted himself back into the conversation, saying, âWe can continue this conversation in the palace. I donât imagine our father will appreciate us delaying his guest any further than we already have.â
Directing his frown at Hermes, Apollo was briefly tempted to chastise his younger brother. As one of the staunchest members of the conservative faction, the two rarely saw eye to eye. However, as they were currently in the presence of a highly esteemed guest, Apollo decided it was probably for the best if they didnât argue right in front of Vahn.
âVery well. Please, allow me to lead the way.â
With Vahn offering another nod, Apollo took off at a much slower speed than the one he had used to arrive. He knew Vahn could easily keep up with even his maximum speed, but he wanted to give the visiting Emperor an opportunity to admire the scenery surrounding Mt. Olympus. He took great pride in his home, and he wanted Vahn to be able to appreciate it just as much as he did. Little did he know that the more time Vahn had to observe the massive disparity between Mt. Olympus and its surroundings, the greater his urge to tear it downâŠ
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Observing Vahn, Hermes, and Apollo from atop her personal tower, one of twelve surrounding the central palace occupied by Zeus, Athena couldnât help feeling a little trepidatious. She didnât regret her past actions, but the notion she had slighted the wrong person began to set in following Vahnâs acquisition of Indraâs, previously thought to be immutable, Gate.
Appearing next to the troubled Goddess, a shapely woman with free-flowing brown hair, modest attire, fair skin, and gentle brown eyes placed her hand on Athenaâs shoulder and said, âItâs never too late to apologize, Athena. Even if he doesnât accept, youâll never be able to move forward if you continue clinging to this anger and resentment.â
Though she knew her fellow Goddess was undoubtedly correct, Athenaâs expression revealed her vexation as she poutily replied, âWhy should I be the one to apologize? That hateful man broke Laius and utterly ruined the reputation of the Perseus Community. Even if Laiusâs actions went too far, the Sage Dragon Emperor could have settled the matter without resorting to such an excessive form of punishment. It was like a lionâno, a Dragon using all of its energy to torment a defenseless rabbitâŠ!â
Smiling sadly, the marginally more diminutive Goddess, none other than Hestia, calmly retorted, âEven you cannot deny Laiusâs guilt in the matter. I understand your justifications for pinning the blame on the Sage Dragon Emperor, but his actions were ultimately reactive. Itâs also objectively true that the Sage Dragon Emperor could have killed Laius. Instead, he forced him into a situation where he had no choice but to change his waysâŠthat is a mercy very few are willing to afford the vanquishedâŠâ
Feeling a twinge of pain the moment she witnessed sadness in Hestiaâs gaze, Athena averted her eyes and muttered a frustrated, âDammitâŠif I had known I was going to feel like this, I would have come to you âafterâ the banquetâŠâ
Taking advantage of the fact Athena had turned away from her, Hestia wrapped her arms around the taller Goddessâs waist, completely ignoring the armor between them as she whispered, âItâs going to be okay, Athena. Vahn isnât our enemy, not really. If you can overcome this resentment, not only will you become a stronger person, thereâs a good chance the Sage Dragon Emperor will be willing to treat Laiusâs injuries. He doesnât strike me as the type to hold a grudge. If you can exhibit a willingness to move forward and change, I believe he will readily assent to mending Laiusâs broken mind and spiritâŠâ
Though she did not attempt to break free from Hestiaâs embrace, the look on Athenaâs face made it apparent she wasnât convinced. Swallowing her pride for the mere possibility of helping her nephew was easier said than done. If Vahn refused her apology and spurned her appeal, the amount of shame and embarrassment she would feel couldnât be quantified.
Understanding how difficult it was for her fellow Goddesses to set aside their pride, a glum look marred Hestiaâs face as she closed her eyes and held Athena a little more firmly. She couldnât say it, but she knew Vahnâs arrival at Mt. Olympus wasnât a good thing. If things progressed how she envisioned they would, there was a good chance she would be losing a few members of her family. As flawed as they were, the thought of losing even a single member of her cherished kin was enough to break Hestiaâs heartâŠ
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(A/N: Alternate Titles: âI know he probably isnât, but it kind of seems like Zeus is compensating for somethingâŠâ,âApollo is a bit of a simpâŠâ,âEven the vilest and most despicable people can have friends and family who would genuinely mourn their lossâŠâ)
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