Hermes was very fast. With the help of his winged sandals, it took him less than half a day to travel through the Underworld, the great river Oceanus, and Crete, where Artemis and Apollo resided. He then returned to Olympus with Aphrodite, who had been in the Underworld accompanying her deceased son.
As soon as Hermes returned, he and Aphrodite were summoned back to the God Kings Hall by Athena. The two main gods quickly stood by the sacred fire. Aphrodite only had time to look up at Zeus, who was leaning back in his throne, feigning sleep, his face full of exhaustion, when she heard Athena ask beside her:
"Hermes, Aphrodite, is it just the two of you who have returned?"
"Yes, Athena."
Hermes explained:
"Apollo said he would return immediately after he finished giving some instructions. As for Artemis... Apollo said there was no need for his sister to return this time."
"Hermes."
At this moment, Zeus, who had been feigning sleep in his seat, slowly opened his eyes. He asked:
"When you went to Oceanus, did you not see Hera and Hephaestus?"
"This... no."
Hermes looked ashamed.
"After I arrived at the great river, the god Oceanus did not let me in. He told me that Hera was very tired and wanted her to rest well in the great river for a while. I was about to argue with him when my second uncle arrived and told me to leave..."
"And then you left?"
Athena asked.
Hermes nodded silently. He did not feel ashamed, nor did Athena and Zeus blame him for this matter.
Hermes was originally a younger brother. If he had dared to contradict Poseidon in the sea, then this War would not have been so difficult.
"Damn Poseidon, always taking advantage of others' misfortune!"
Zeus cursed angrily, then closed his eyes again. He was truly too tired now, various difficulties had worn him out. To deal with Alcyoneus, the leader of the Giant Race, he had to constantly maintain his full combat strength.
"Never mind, it was within my expectations."
Athena shook her head, then looked at Aphrodite and asked with a smile:
"Aphrodite, are you alright?"
Seeing Athena's smiling appearance, Aphrodite still felt a bit of resentment in her heart, but she dared not show it. She could only nod gently.
"I am very sorry about Eros. However, Olympus is now in grave danger. I hope we can put aside our hatred and prejudices and work together to fight against the Giants. After we defeat those Snake-Footed Giants, I will apologize to you about Eros. Is that alright?"
Athena smiled and extended her hand to Aphrodite, and Aphrodite hesitated for a moment, then slowly extended her hand and clasped Athena's.
As the two goddesses clasped hands, Aphrodite felt a surge of mental energy suddenly come from Athena's palm, beginning to probe her body, which startled her into quickly letting go. At the same time, she looked at Athena somewhat angrily and demanded:
"Athena, what is the meaning of this?!"
"I apologize, I was just concerned about you."
Athena showed no embarrassment at all. She calmly withdrew her hand and said:
"You went to the Underworld to visit Eros. I heard that Eros was granted a position as a minor god of the Underworld by Hecate there. I think you most likely went to Ares for this matter. My stingy brother would not help you with such a big favor for no reason, plus you are indeed a bit weak now... What conditions did he offer you?"
Aphrodite recalled the War God's instructions to her as she walked out of the Hell Gate, and replied:
"He took away my divinity of love."
"Tsk, what a greedy thief."
Athena frowned slightly in displeasure upon hearing this.
"This is a bit troublesome..."
After speaking, the Goddess of Wisdom lowered her head, muttering something, and silently walked to the side, beginning to ponder.
Seeing that she had no suspicion at all, Aphrodite remained silent, but secretly let out a long sigh of relief.
She rubbed her index finger and thumb, feeling the abundant divine power within her at this moment. At this very moment, according to the deal between her and Ares, Ares had already taken away her divinity and divine personality. At this moment, Aphrodite could be said to have become a deity without any divine personality or divinity, just like the Son of the Sea God who died at Athena's hands back then.
Even if Aphrodite's body could still possess divine power at this time, it should have been pure divine power without any attributes. However, Ares used some means to allow Aphrodite to obtain special pink divine power that had been transformed through her original divinity and divine personality.
It was precisely because of this that Athena did not express suspicion towards Aphrodite.
Athena pondered for a moment, then seemed to have a plan in mind. She raised her head and said to Aphrodite and Hermes:
"In short, you two should go down and rest first. You've worked hard. For now, we still have ways to contend with the Giants. Zeus, I suggest that at this time, we can issue oracles through our temples to various places, summoning the Heroes of the world to come to Olympus to assist in the War. We can even exceptionally elevate those who fight bravely into gods. What do you think?"
"Hmm."
Zeus on the divine throne responded weakly upon hearing this:
"You can handle these matters yourself; you don't need to ask me."
"Athena, what if Apollo doesn't come back?" At this moment, Hermes asked with some worry, "I remember when Typhon was around, Apollo was the fastest one to run away."
"Don't worry." Athena replied with a smile, "He will definitely come back."
...
Meanwhile, on the island of Crete, in the divine palace where Artemis and Apollo resided, Artemis was bidding farewell to her brother Apollo.
Today, the God of Light was uncommonly wearing a golden armor. He carried his bow and arrows on his back, and a short sword hung at his waist. He was currently holding his sister's hand, giving her a long list of instructions.
"After I leave, you still cannot stay at Orion's place at night. Your oath has not been lifted by Zeus. If anything happens, your power will rapidly weaken, and I don't believe Orion can control himself."
"Mhm."
"Also, when hunting with Orion, don't go too far. It's best not to leave the confines of Crete. The world is not safe right now; you don't want to be caught by any monsters or demons."
"I know. Why do you sound like Mother?"
Artemis replied, drawing out her words.
"I'm just concerned about you..."
As Apollo spoke, he couldn't help but recall Athena's words that Hermes had relayed to him.
"What's wrong, Apollo? You look so troubled."
Artemis looked at Apollo's face and asked with some concern:
"Do I really not need to go back with you?"
"No, you and Mother can stay here at ease. I'll go to Olympus alone."
Apollo came back to his senses, shook his head, and suppressed his emotions. He turned and walked towards his chariot, but after taking a step, he turned back and instructed:
"Oh, and Artemis, tell that annoying blockhead to be a bit careful lately and protect you. Otherwise, I'll hold him accountable when I return."
"I know."
A sweet smile appeared on Artemis's face:
"Don't worry, Orion will definitely protect me."