Chapter 89: The Gods' Test

Jin and Lillian stepped through the divine portal, the world around them shifting as they crossed into the realm of Olympus. The very air felt different here, charged with an unearthly power that made Jin's skin tingle. He was no longer on Earth. No longer in the place he had known for so long. Here, the gods reigned supreme.

The first thing Jin noticed was the grandeur of the landscape—a vast, shining city filled with towering pillars and temples, all glistening in the light of an eternal sun. The skies above were pristine, untouched by storm or shadow. It was a world of beauty and perfection, but to Jin, it felt hollow. The gods had turned their backs on him, on humanity, long ago.

As he walked forward, Lillian remained silent beside him, her celestial presence a quiet contrast to the rage and desperation that seethed inside him. He didn't look at her. He didn't need to. His eyes were fixed ahead, on the grand palace looming in the distance, where the king of the gods waited.

They reached the final door, guarded by towering sentinels of divine power. The door opened as if they were expecting him, and before them stood Zeus—the ruler of Olympus. His presence was overwhelming, a storm of power and majesty that sent a shiver down Jin's spine.

Zeus regarded him with a gaze that seemed to pierce through his very soul. His voice boomed, yet there was a gentleness to it, as if speaking to a son. "Jin Shang, the broken warrior, The God of Death and Chaos. The fallen commander of World Guidance. I was waiting for you. You seek the aid of the gods?"

Jin bowed his head slightly, his voice unwavering despite the storm raging within him. "I seek only one thing. The life of Lia."

Zeus' expression softened. "Ah, Lia. A mortal, yet one whose fate is intertwined with yours. I understand your pain, Jin. But know this—Olympus is not a place for those who come with empty hands. What you ask of us, it will not come freely."

Jin's fists clenched. "I will pay any price. Whatever it takes. Just save her."

Zeus' gaze flickered to Lillian, who had remained silent until now. Her expression was unreadable, but her eyes spoke volumes. She, too, had heard the pain in Jin's voice—the desperation that had driven him to this point.

The king of the gods let out a sigh, his voice tinged with regret. "It is not that simple. Lia's fate lies with Gaia. She is the only one who holds the power to heal her. But to gain her favor, you must first prove your worth."

Jin's heart skipped a beat. "Gaia? But... what must I do?"

Zeus' eyes grew darker. "Gaia is the embodiment of the earth, the primordial force that controls life and death. She will not aid you simply because you ask. You must undergo the trials of Erebus. Only those who survive can seek her assistance."

Jin was shocked slightly. He remembered the moment when he first time met Erebus, How he became God of Death and Chaos. But after using Abyssal Breakdown his 99.9 % Abyssal core destroyed.

Jin nodded without hesitation. "Then I will do whatever it takes."

Lillian stepped forward. "Erebus? The trials there are not for the faint of heart. They are designed to break even the strongest."

Zeus' gaze softened as he looked at Lillian. "I am well aware, Lillian. But the mortal's resolve is strong. If he can endure, perhaps he will learn what he truly seeks."

Jin felt his chest tighten. His thoughts were consumed by Lia—her fragile form, the life slowly slipping away from her. He couldn't lose her. Not after everything. His gaze turned to Zeus. "When do I begin?"

Zeus stepped aside, gesturing toward the towering gate behind him. "The path to Erebus is open. But know this—once you enter, there is no turning back. The trials will test not only your strength but your very soul. You will face the darkness within yourself, and perhaps... the truth of why you have failed thus far."

Jin's mind was already made up. He didn't care what trials awaited him. He would endure. For Lia.

Lillian placed a hand on his shoulder, her voice low. "Be careful, Jin. The gods have their own agendas. Don't trust them too easily."

Jin met her gaze, his expression grim. "I have nothing left to lose."

With that, he entered the gates of Erebus. The air grew colder as he descended into the dark chasm, the oppressive weight of the trials bearing down on him. He was alone now, truly alone. No allies. No comrades. Only the endless darkness that seemed to stretch forever. He remembered his past moments when succeed to come out from labyrinth of Erebus.

He stood before the colossal gates, a void-like abyss stretching beyond comprehension. The air was thick with malevolence, the darkness alive, writhing as if it had a will of its own.

Zeus had warned him—Erebus was not just a place. It was a crucible, a test of soul and willpower. Only those who conquered its trials could claim dominion over its abyssal might.

Taking a deep breath, Jin stepped forward. The moment his foot crossed the threshold, the world twisted.

As he ventured deeper into the abyss, the trials began.