"So this is the Gate of the Sun... I think I understand where they got their ego from. I wonder if I can hire this architect for my future business ventures," Kousuke muttered to himself, his gaze fixed on the massive gate before him. It hadn't taken them long to get from Cappadocia to Delphi, five hours by plane to the nearest airport, a thirty-minute taxi ride, and a short walk before finally arriving at their destination.
During the long flight, Morgan had taken a nap while Kousuke held a video call with Mei about his Trinity Project. She had asked about its progress, and he gave her a positive report. Even though he only worked on it for about an hour each day, the results were impressive thanks to Parallel Minds and his incredible processing speed. Mei was convinced there was a whole team working behind the scenes, but she didn't ask and simply kept her thoughts to herself.
"I agree that it's a praiseworthy design, but why make it so unnecessarily big? Are they trying to compensate for something? What do you think, dear husband~?" Morgan teased, standing beside him. After her long nap mid-flight, she was completely refreshed, yet her distaste toward Greek remained firm.
"Well now, they're the Greeks after all. They've got a lot to compensate for," Kousuke replied with a chuckle. Placing his hands on the enormous door, he slowly pushed it open. It must have some kind of magic that can sense their presences or something, because it was easy on him that makes him thinks even the average people could push it through. Fortunately that was the case, he thought it would be a pity to break such an intricate design door with brute force.
What greeted them wasn't the artistry of Greek architecture, but a blinding light that forced the two to shield their eyes. When their vision finally adjusted, Kousuke pried his eyes open to see a tall, muscular figure standing ahead. His long red hair fluttered in the wind, and his piercing eyes gleamed with the hunger for battle.
It was Ares, the legendary God of War.
He spread his arms wide, and behind him stood the breathtaking sight hidden from the outside world, it was the great Olympus, the divine city of the Greek Pantheon.
"Welcome to Olympus, Igarashi Kousuke... and his spouse, Morgan le Fay."
"I didn't expect to be welcomed by a sweaty, half-naked man. For a second, I thought I walked into the wrong club," Kousuke muttered, the corner of his lips curling up. He took a moment to admire the scenery before him. A few people, likely Olympians local or demigod children glanced his way, whispering among themselves. He ignored them and looked up, surprised to see a clear blue sky instead of the dark, rocky terrain of a mountain.
So the gate acts as a teleportation device, he thought before turning back to Ares. He could read the god's eagerness for battle from the way his muscles tensed and his expression burned with anticipation.
Meanwhile, Morgan had wandered off on her own before he noticed but Kousuke wasn't worried about her. it seemed she was drawn by the sweet fragrance that lingered in the air, which led her to a narrow path lined with marble pillars and golden vines. The ground shimmered faintly with divine energy, each step accompanied by a soft hum that resonated through her feet.
On both sides of the path, an array of radiant flowers bloomed, petals of shimmering white and gold, swaying gently as if greeting her presence. She knelt beside one, gently brushing her fingers along its silky edge. The flower pulsed faintly, releasing a soothing warmth into her palm.
"A flower that only blooms under divine sunlight..." she murmured, a hint of awe in her tone before she regained her clarity. "How fitting for Olympus."
Further ahead, the faint scent of freshly baked bread caught her attention. She followed it through a curved archway and discovered a small open-air bakery tucked between two glowing marble structures. The place looked almost too humble for a city of gods, yet somehow, that made it all the more charming.
An elderly woman stood behind the counter, her golden eyes kind as she greeted her. She exchanged a few pleasant words before leaving with a warm loaf of bread wrapped in soft parchment. The crust was golden brown, steam curling from it like a whisper of heaven itself.
...
Back at the gate, Kousuke continued his conversation with Ares.
"So, what Apollo said was true? You invited me here just for a fight?"
"Just a fight?" Ares grinned, his body glowing faintly with divine light. "I was born with strength, molded through battle—I am the God of War, Ares! How could I not be curious about a human said to possess power on par with the legendary Satan? It's not every day I find a worthy challenger!"
He stepped forward, resting a heavy hand on Kousuke's shoulder. "How about it? The Amphitheatre should be wide enough for our stage. Worry not, I'll hold back my full power. I know how fragile a human body can be."
Despite his boldness, Ares didn't come off as arrogant. Unlike the typical Greek gods known for their vanity, there was a sense of honor and restraint in his words. Even with his thirst for combat, he carried himself with surprising composure.
"Sure," Kousuke replied with a confident smile. "I'd like to see how I fare against a god of this world, so you don't have to hold back. I can take it."
He was genuinely curious, how strong was the God of War compared to the Demon God he had slain in the Otherworld? Since returning to Earth, he hadn't met anyone who posed a true threat to him. Perhaps Sirzechs might give him a decent challenge with his clan's Power of Destruction, but even then, Kousuke was confident he could endure it.
After all, he knew destruction all too well, it was the only thing capable of completely erasing the Demon God from existence.
"Good! Very good!" Ares laughed heartily. "Then I shall guide you to the Amphitheatre, my blood boils with anticipation!"
Just as they were about to head there, Morgan naturally returned to Kousuke's side and held up a piece of hot, steaming bread. Without a word, she brought it to his lips, and he took a bite.
"Mm, it's good," he said, pleasantly surprised.
"Right? I was drawn in by the amazing smell, and before I knew it, I walked out of the bakery with this delicious bread," she said nonchalantly, smiling. Morgan wasn't too worried about him agreeing to a spar with the God of War, if anything she looks forward to it. She'd like to see how stronger he have grown since their separation, the Hero that slain the Demon God—it should be an enjoyable experience for him, and her to watch. Honestly, the tour of Olympus had a great start, she thought internally.