The gathered gods made space as Zeus and Hera approached. Athena stood at the center of a small clearing, a makeshift table of solidified mist before her. On its surface, symbols and diagrams glowed with a soft, silver light—concepts made visible. Beside her, Metis stood, her hollow form somehow radiating a quiet intensity. Though her essence was still captive, her mind burned brighter than ever.
"Everyone needs to hear this," Athena said, her voice carrying that familiar tone of absolute authority that came from being the smartest person in any room. "Not just the generals. Everyone."
Gods shuffled closer. Odin leaned in, his one eye narrowing. Thor put down his lightning cards. Wukong stopped juggling and perched on a boulder of solidified mist. Kratos rose from his solitary corner and walked over, his presence parting the crowd like a hot knife.
Athena waited until the silence was absolute. Then she began.
