The truth seeks through

Dazai chuckled lightly as he applied healing magic to Akatsuki's injuries. The warmth of his magic seeped into the wounds, slowly mending them. After a while, he exhaled and turned his attention to Medusa, his expression contemplative.

"Alright then, you're coming with us to the surface. I'll find a way to help you control your power—or curse, rather. But for now, we'll just—"

Before he could finish, everything around him was consumed by an overwhelming white light.

Dazai sighed, already recognizing the sensation. He knew exactly where he was. As the radiance settled, Athena appeared before him, her presence both regal and formidable. He let out a dry chuckle, his patience wearing thin.

"So, you finally show yourself after months? How generous of you," he muttered, his voice laced with sarcasm. "So tell me, how may I assist the great goddess this time? Or are you planning to turn me into a gorgon, like Medusa? Hm? Angry that I had a hand in killing your uncle? The pervert?"

Athena sighed, irritation flickering across her divine features. With a snap of her fingers, golden ropes materialized around Dazai, binding him in place. She stepped forward, her gaze piercing as she crouched slightly to his level.

"Calm yourself, mortal," she said, her voice firm but not unkind. "But do worry—what you and your friend did has angered the gods of Olympus. A mortal daring to lay hands on a god? And not just any god, but Poseidon's spiritual form. You didn't kill him, but you wounded him. That alone is enough to shake the heavens."

Dazai grunted against the golden restraints, his sea-blue eyes narrowing. "And what does that have to do with me? God or not, if someone stands in my way, I'll remove them without a second thought—"

The sharp sound of Athena's slap echoed through the ethereal space.

"You are truly foolish, Dazai," she said coldly. "Do you still not understand? There is a reason why this world is the way it is. Why women hold power over men. It was to prevent history from repeating itself."

Her fists clenched at her sides.

"Medusa was not merely cursed. She was defiled—violated by a god who thought himself untouchable. Turning her into what she is now was the only way to protect her from further torment. But as time passed, mortals began repeating the same sins as the gods. So, with the help of a certain demigod, we created this world—Astra—where women could wield the power to prevent such horrors. Yes, arrogance exists among them, but it is a small price to pay for their safety."

Dazai was silent for a long moment. Then, unexpectedly, he chuckled, a newfound glimmer of respect in his gaze.

"Ha... I really didn't like you at first," he admitted, "but I'll bite. Let me guess—because a mere mortal managed to wound a god, Olympus is now interested in this world. They want to tear it down before the mortals become too powerful, right?"

Athena studied him for a moment before chuckling softly. "You truly are like him," she mused. "The demigod who helped me build this world. But yes, you are correct. When you recklessly entered the depths of my temple—the one guarded by Maleficent, whom I believe you are acquainted with—you disrupted the natural order. That temple holds the Heart of Astra. Normally, it remains sealed, but when a being with a ten-star rating steps into its depths, it disrupts the flow of mana, turning it into a gateway."

Dazai sighed, rubbing his temples. "So in short, I fucked up by helping Maleficent? She was too late to stop the fools trying to break in, so I ended up being her last hope. And now, because of that, the gods see this world as a threat and want to destroy it. That about right?"

Athena nodded solemnly.

"You haven't lost your sharp mind," she remarked. "Now, I have a request for you, Dazai. You must form a powerful group of mortals before the gods invade."

Dazai let out a deep sigh, rubbing the bridge of his nose. "Ugh, working with people? Not exactly my style. But fine... you know how this goes. I want something in return. Amelia Fox—what is she doing in my world?"

Athena smirked knowingly. "Even a man as ruthless as you has something he cares about, it seems. Very well. She is here, in Astra. And she is powerful. You will meet her soon enough. But for now, time is short—I am being summoned to the divine realms for a meeting with the gods."

Before he could say another word, the light consumed him again.

When he returned to the mortal realm, his mind was a whirlwind of thoughts. He turned his gaze to the sky, deep in contemplation, when Akatsuki's voice pulled him back.

"That look... the same one you get when you're about to bring down a rival company," Akatsuki muttered, crossing his arms. "Who's daring you now?"

Dazai laughed, the moonlight casting a sharp gleam across his eyes.

"Oh, just the gods," he said, his grin widening. "From this point on, Olympus will learn to fear a mortal."