On the barren plateau of Mount Olympus, a bonfire blazed, and seven figures sat casually before its light. From left to right were the six children of Kronos—three daughters and three sons.
The eldest daughter, Hestia. The second daughter, Demeter. The third daughter, Hera. The fourth son, Hades. The fifth son, Poseidon. The sixth son, Zeus.
Nestled in Zeus's arms was the goddess Metis, her silver hair flowing over her shoulders. Her bright, ocean-like violet eyes gazed tenderly at the king she adored.
The gods treated this wise goddess with respect, stepping forward to thank her. After all, it was her potions that had freed the five siblings from captivity. Metis responded with a graceful nod, her hand resting on Zeus's arm. She carried herself with such dignity and warmth that being in her presence was naturally comforting.
Even the proud Hera, among the three sisters, could not help but lower her head and admit that this was an exceptionally captivating woman.
Since their escape from Mount Othrys to Olympus, Metis had used her sharp insight to press for unity among the six divine children.
Naturally, the one chosen as the new King of the Gods was Zeus.
The matter was settled. Though Hades and Poseidon also longed for that supreme authority, they had no choice but to accept the decision.
They could do nothing—Zeus was Gaia's chosen son, the one most familiar with the outside world, and the one who had just accomplished the great feat of rescuing them all.
This younger brother was at the height of his glory, the strongest in divine power, and for now, none of the other five could challenge his position.
Still, as they lowered their heads in public, Hades and Poseidon could not shake the feeling that once the hierarchy was set, overturning it later would be near impossible.
It was obvious that the wise goddess before them was already paving the way for her husband Zeus's future reign.
Such a virtuous wife stirred envy in Hades and Poseidon. Both princes found themselves begrudging their youngest brother.
That lucky brat, always leaning on a woman's strength.
Why hadn't such fortune ever fallen to them?
The two exchanged glances, their faces dark with frustration.
As their thoughts shifted, their eyes drifted toward the other three striking figures.
Metis was already taken, but their three elder sisters were still unwed.
Whether it was the Twelve Titan Gods—six male and six female—or the six children of Kronos, part of their very design was to allow pairings that would continue the bloodline of the Age of Gods.
If they could pair with their sisters, at the very least they would gain loyal allies.
For now, though, the urgent matter was the pursuit and looming declaration of war from Mount Othrys. Concerns of the flesh would have to wait.
"Everyone, ever since you escaped from Mount Othrys, the Curse of Fate has already begun to move. A battle between the new gods and the old gods is inevitable!"
Metis, noticing the unease in the two princes' expressions, immediately spoke to draw attention back to the urgent matter at hand.
With their survival on the line, the gods pushed aside all distractions and grew solemn.
"What should we do?"
Hera smiled at the wise goddess, her eyes shimmering with curiosity.
But it was Zeus who answered instead.
The youngest brother, who had already established his position as leader on Olympus, spoke with confidence. Picking up a dry branch, he sketched lines before his elder siblings as he explained.
"Actually, it's simple. We have three things to do."
"First, we declare war on Mount Othrys. We have nothing to fear, for we are the will of destiny itself! Those who should tremble are the old gods who defied the laws of creation!"
"Second, we secretly reach out to the younger Titans who wish to resist Kronos's brutal rule. The presence of those old gods is rotting this world!"
"It's time to inject fresh blood into Greece."
"Third, once the situation stabilizes, we will visit the Earth Mother Goddess and seek her support."
"After all, both victory and divine will will always side with the strong."
The gods nodded in agreement, understanding why Zeus chose to delay seeking Gaia's guidance.
As descendants of the Titans, they understood better than anyone that selfishness and ambition flowed through their veins. Without offering anything of value, how could they expect the Earth Mother Goddess to willingly aid her grandson in punishing her own son?
Of course, while Zeus spoke fluently and displayed remarkable wisdom, none of them were fools. These well-thought-out strategies had clearly been shaped, at least in part, by Metis's counsel.
As the discussion turned to implementing the second step, the goddess of wisdom revealed her keen insight.
Who should be enticed with power and position, which factions could be divided by their rivalries, and who was worth winning over—her responses were always precise and incisive.
The haze of uncertainty began to clear as Metis's sharp analysis laid everything bare, the situation unfolding into a clear and ordered path.
Finally, the wise goddess broadened the discussion, offering an even wider perspective.
"In truth, it's not just about drawing in the younger Titans. The Twelve Titan Gods themselves are far from a united front."
"There are plenty who resent that so-called King."
"For example, your mother, the goddess of time Rhea, and my father, Oceanus, the god of rivers and streams, are both ideal candidates to approach first."
"Even if they don't fully side with Olympus, if they remain neutral in the coming divine war, that alone would be a tremendous success!"
At this, everyone's eyes lit up, their confidence in victory growing stronger.
After all, Kronos himself had seized the throne, and he was not beloved by all. Now, without the backing of Gaia, the Earth Mother Goddess, the suppressed discontent among the Twelve Titan Gods would likely spread like wildfire.
Their uncles and elders, then, were not necessarily all enemies.
Through an entire night of discussion, Metis completely won them over. They listened carefully to the strategies she voiced through her consort Zeus, convinced by her clarity and foresight.
When the talks finally ended, the gods set their worries aside. They drank crystal dew and fine wine, feasted on meat and fruit, and savored freedom for the first time in decades.
After being trapped inside the body of their tyrannical father for so long, they could finally breathe freely, reveling in the wonders of the world.
The atmosphere grew intoxicating. Flushed with drink, one of the goddesses caressed Zeus's handsome cheek, her eyes dreamy as she asked,
"My king, if the new gods of Olympus truly fulfill the destiny, how will you repay me?"
Zeus wrapped his arms around Metis's slender waist and laughed heartily.
"Of course, I will make you my Queen of the Gods, so that we can share in the joy of victory together."
Metis traced her fingertips across Zeus's chest, smiling faintly as she shook her head.
"That's not enough…"
"How about adding my heart as well?"
"Stop it, who would even want your heart…"
The Greek seducer, skilled in charm, caught the goddess's delicate hand, his expression brimming with affection.
"I'll give you anything you want."
Metis leaned against Zeus's chest, her violet eyes reflecting the endless starry sky. Her fingers brushed lightly across her abdomen, her lovely face turning solemn.
"I want our child to inherit everything we have—and even surpass us."
"So promise me… promise me you'll give her the very best this world has to offer."
Zeus laughed again and nodded with casual ease. But as Metis fell into her dreamlike vision, the new King of the Gods cast a lingering look toward the three dazzling figures before the fire.
Hades and Poseidon, who thought that eliminating rivals would increase their chances with their sisters, never imagined their youngest brother was such a ruthless man—one who intended to have everything.
And even among the Twelve Titan Gods, who were meant to pair off in twos, there were still four or five left unwed.
So, even if one had the heart for such a path, the opportunity itself was far from certain.
Love, after all, was blind and filled with uncertainty.
...
(50 Chapters Ahead)
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