Chapter 555 - Kronos (5) (2/2)

In fact, Athena had a good sense of her own limitations. She had moved everyone to Erebus because she wanted to evacuate the elder great gods, like Poseidon, who had lost their drive and will. However, she’d left Erebus because she wanted to stay in Tartarus and fight to the bitter end, hoping for the opportunity to retake Olympus.

‘Kronos…Kronos is the secret weapon that can change the situation. However, it’s too difficult for me to approach Kronos in this condition.’ If she made a move, the Gigantes would quickly discover her whereabouts.

Syceus had helped Persephone bring down the great gods of Olympus, and he had a tremendous amount of power. Most gods would probably be too frightened to challenge him. Deprived of her holy power and majesty, Athena wouldn’t be able to withstand him, especially since she’d fled the heavenly world. Besides, Syceus had a grudge against her, and his tenacity made even Athena tremble.

‘On the positive side, the other Gigantes haven’t come after me. Also, the Titans are nowhere to be seen. Is there something going on?’ When Athena caught herself thinking these thoughts, she smiled bitterly at herself. Despite her condition, she was still trying to understand the enemy’s situation. It was a laughable reaction, considering her present circumstances. ‘I don’t know if this is lucky or not, but I guess I won’t be alone on my path.’

Athena raised her head slightly to look at Ares, who was still cautiously surveying their surroundings. Even though they shared the same blood, they didn’t usually get along with each other. Ares cared mostly about himself and what he could gain, and most of Athena’s memories were filled with his growls of dissatisfaction.

When she thought of it now, Athena felt that Ares was justified to feel that way. Like many of Zeus’ other children, Athena was an illegitimate child, while Ares was a legitimate one birthed by Hera. It was inevitable that Ares would be jealous of the eldest daughter who excelled in everything from academics to martial arts, and even virtue.

They had clashed so often before that at some point, they’d grown reluctant to even meet each other. In fact, they were carrying out this mission together because, in a rare occurrence, they agreed on retaliating against their enemy. When she thought of the past now, Athena felt that they had wasted precious time bickering and clashing with each other. Athena had ignored Ares because of his mercurial personality, but now that she’d spent a few days alone with him, she came to realize that he had a good side, too.

What she’d seen as moodiness was simply his desire to win all the time, and his obstinance came from his ability to make fast decisions about what had to be done. She often got tired of his smugness, but if she considered his point of view, his actions made sense. He was fairly loyal, too.

“How are you feeling? Can you move?” Ares asked Athena after confirming that Syceus and his troops had left the area.

Athena smiled bitterly and shook her head. “No. If I move, it’ll be even more dangerous for me. Thus…” For a moment, the color in Athena’s face came back as she slowly stood, using her spear for support. “I’m going to take Syceus’ idiotic head with me.”

Athena also never forgot a grudge. She had always been a proud goddess, and the heavenly world still talked about the time she’d clashed with her uncle, Poseidon. She could never forgive Syceus, that babbling fool. Even if she died, she would take him with her. Also, if she used herself as bait, Ares might be able to reach Kronos’ corpse.

However, with a stiff expression, Ares took Athena’s spear and forced her to sit on the ground. Athena was about to get angry when he shouted, “What are you planning to do in that shitty condition? Stay here. You won’t have to get your hands dirty, sister. I’ll rip that guy’s face off.”

“What?” She hadn’t been expecting those words. Athena’s eyes widened.

However, Ares just snorted. “How dare such a lowly being say blasphemous words about my sister? It’s not even enough just to kill him. Stay here, and I’ll find a way to get his attention. In the meantime, find a way to heal yourself, then go to Kronos’ corpse.”

“Why are you doing this? Since I’m injured, I should be the one…!”

“It’s unfortunate, but sis is smarter than I am, right? In fact, I couldn’t understand any of the things that you all discussed in Erebus. I only came here because I wanted to smash their faces one last time,” Ares said, a corner of his lips rising. “And you know, I’m muscular, unlike you. Meatheads like me have to do meathead things. Besides, what kind of bait can you be in that state?”

“No…!”

Ares was already heading toward Syceus. Athena tried to chase after him with a shout when Ares suddenly froze. Bam! A large blade protruded from his back.

『What did you say you were going to do to me?』 Syceus appeared out of nowhere in front of Ares, sneering.

Athena also froze. Drip! Ares looked down at the sword that had pierced his heart as blood gushed from his mouth. Hydra’s venom spread quickly throughout his body, just as it had with Athena. Anger swelled in his eyes, and his face twisted from pain. “Y-you…!”

『Didn’t your sister just tell you? Shut your trap.』 Syceus yanked his sword out of Ares and was about to swing for his throat.

At that moment, Athena released all of her remaining power. Sss. Boom! An intense tornado spread around her, shaking the stage. Even if she lost her dignity, she would go down as a warrior, a warrior strong enough to compete with the great gods of Olympus. Her powers pushed Syceus away. Psh…!

『Hahaha! You’ve finally revealed yourself. Yes. This is it. Athena! My Athena! You’re at your most beautiful when you’re being stubborn! Stay like that. That will give me the greatest feeling when I take you down!』

“Crazy bastard, how dare you!” Athena’s power continued to expand. However, the more power she released, the more Syceus’ infatuation with her seemed to grow apparent. The veins along his white forearms swelled up as if they would burst at any moment. In Syceus’ maddened eyes, Athena’s appearance was even more alluring. He laughed more maniacally and swung his sword.

Bam! The force that exploded from the tip of his sword broke through Athena’s power and defenses. Athena tried to draw her power and counterattack. Ugh! However, Hydra’s venom reached her heart, and her body froze at the critical moment. Her magic power stopped functioning, and her divine power was cut off. Her power quickly drained from her body.‘At a time like this…!’

Athena shut her eyes at Syceus’ approaching blade, but not before something twinkled in the corner of her eye. It was the image of a smiling Yeon-woo. Boom! There was a loud explosion, and a hot breeze swept through Athena’s hair. She opened her eyes and saw Yeon-woo standing in front of her with outstretched wings, just like the way he’d appeared before she shut her eyes.

“Are you OK, Athena?”

“Yeah.” He was back. Athena’s emotions rose irrepressibly as she nodded. A single tear fell from the corner of her eye.