The Gods's rewards

After Nathan retreated into the solitude of his room, he moved with slow, deliberate steps toward the center of the chamber. A deep breath filled his lungs as he closed his eyes, shutting out the world around him. In an instant, he felt the familiar pull of displacement, and when he opened his eyes again, he found himself standing in a vast expanse of white—a space devoid of walls, ceiling, or floor. It was the same ethereal plane he had visited before, where he had once stood in the presence of Aphrodite, Artemis, and Apollo.

This time, however, the gathering had grown.

Ares was there as well.

The god of war crossed his arms over his broad chest, his crimson cloak billowing slightly despite the absence of any discernible breeze. His expression twisted into one of mild irritation as his sharp gaze flicked to Apollo, brimming with incredulity.