A true ally

Silence lingered for a few tense seconds, stretching unbearably between them. Then, Athena's expression twisted—her brows furrowed so tightly they nearly touched, casting ominous shadows over her piercing gaze. When she finally spoke, her voice quivered, uncertain whether from seething anger or deep-seated hatred. But then, as if forcing herself into composure, she steadied. "So… you've discovered the conspiracy woven by Zeus and Horus."

"The question remains—whose side are you on?" Suleiman's voice was firm, his gaze sharp as he clenched his fist, channeling his power into his palm. He was ready to act, knowing full well that she couldn't kill him—they needed him too much.

A bitter smirk tugged at Athena's lips before she spoke with unwavering resolve. "Against Zeus. Even if it means walking through the depths of hell itself."

Suleiman continued staring at her, his expression unreadable, his disbelief evident in the tense silence that followed.

"Ahh…" Athena exhaled heavily, her frustration tangible. Then, her voice lowered, thick with raw emotion—anger, sorrow, and helplessness interwoven. "Because of a prophecy… that if my mother bore a son, he would overthrow Zeus, just as Zeus did to his own father, and claim the throne of Olympus. Instead of simply sealing her away or ending her life, he devoured her. He absorbed her essence, her strength—he was waiting for the moment to consume her and grow even stronger. And I—" Her voice cracked slightly, but she pressed on, eyes burning with an ancient grudge. "I remember everything. And I wait for the day he will choke on the same suffering he inflicted upon me and my mother."

Suleiman remained silent for a long moment before speaking, his voice cold and probing. "What makes me believe you? You are his daughter, carrying his very blood in your veins. You never warned me before. What if you're simply biding your time to eliminate me when the moment is right?"

Athena's eyes locked onto his, unwavering. "You have every right to doubt me," she admitted, her voice eerily calm. "After all, I didn't know how to face you with the truth—that those who aided you only see you as a pawn in their grand game."

A heavy silence hung between them. Suleiman scrutinized her, searching for deception in her expression, but Athena stood her ground, unflinching.

Then, suddenly, she acted.

Without hesitation, Athena sliced her wrist open. A single golden droplet of blood emerged, shimmering with divine vitality as it floated in the air between them. "This is a drop of my Origin Blood. Through it, you will feel my emotions. If anything happens to you… my life will also be in jeopardy."

Suleiman's breath hitched slightly, caught off guard by her drastic action. Curiosity and astonishment flickered in his eyes as he studied the golden droplet, glowing like a tiny sun.

"You're wagering everything on me? Knowing the sheer difference in power between me and Zeus?" His voice was measured, but beneath it lurked a quiet storm of emotions. "Not to mention that Horus stands beside him as well."

Athena, her eyes glowing with unwavering conviction, answered, "The fact that you uncovered their plans proves one thing—your parents sealed away your Bloodline Inheritance to protect you."

Suleiman inhaled sharply, absorbing the weight of her words before nodding. "That… makes sense."

Athena let out a soft, relieved chuckle, almost inaudible. "Then Gaia and Ra never truly trusted that bastard Zeus or Horus. That means… there must be a way to help you, a way to end them both once and for all."

She took a deep breath before posing a question. "I assume you don't know the true origins of Ra and Gaia?"

"No." His voice was laced with uncertainty. "All I know is that they are my parents. They warned me of Zeus and Horus's treachery and left me with fragmented memories of the world of NIVHARA. But I haven't fully unlocked my Bloodline's Seal yet."

Athena tilted her head slightly, regarding him with intrigue. "Hmm. That explains why you're still so weak. Even I don't understand how you managed to break part of the seal." A teasing smirk played at her lips as she noticed the irritation flash across his face.

She chuckled softly. "Hah… Let me explain. The world of NIVHARA is vast, divided into a prosperous central continent, a lush northern region, an archipelagic eastern zone, a mixed western land, and a mysterious southern domain. Each continent is nearly isolated from the others and governed by a Sacred Ennead representing the eight elements—Fire, Water, Wind, Earth, Lightning, Ice, Forest, and Space. Ra is the Saint of Space in the Eastern region, while Gaia is the Saint of Earth in the central continent. They are pivotal figures in the very core of NIVHARA, though most Saints remain in deep slumber… or are engaged in wars beyond this world."

Suleiman's mind reeled. "Wait… wait. Let me process this." He took a deep breath. "My parents are among the fifty strongest beings in NIVHARA? And I… I'm the only one who inherited their bloodline? Then why am I going through all this—on Earth, in the Trial Lands, from Zeus and Horus? What the hell is happening?"

Athena sighed, her expression unreadable. "I don't know much. Everything I've told you came from a memory my mother granted me before Zeus devoured her. I have never set foot in NIVHARA myself." Her voice hardened, eyes once again ablaze with vengeance.

Suleiman closed his eyes, drowning in thought. Athena remained by his side, watching over him in silence. He had learned too much in a single moment, and his journey had only just begun.

After a long pause, Suleiman exhaled deeply, his expression steeled with newfound determination.

"The only path forward… is to gain power. Enough power to crush every conspiracy in my way."

Athena guided the golden droplet of her Origin Blood toward him. Suleiman observed it for a moment before inhaling deeply, drawing the divine essence into himself. It assimilated effortlessly into his being—because she had given it willingly.

He then turned to Athena, activating Horus's Eye.

— Horus's Eye – Status Window —

Name: Athena

Age: ??

Level: 7 (Sealed)

Rank: Secretary of Lord Suleiman / Assistant Village Chief

Bloodline: Celestial

Class: Magic Warrior

Skills: Sword of Wisdom, Shield of Light, Divine Aura…

Suleiman studied her status window before raising an eyebrow. "Why can't I see your age?"

Athena responded with deadpan seriousness, "Your Highness, age is merely a number."

"Oh?" A small smirk curled at the corner of Suleiman's lips as he observed her closely. There was something different about her now—she seemed lighter, as if shedding a weight she had carried for far too long.

——————

Suleiman stepped outside, with Athena following behind.

He surveyed the village, still marveling at the rapid magical advancements reshaping its foundation.

His next stop was the Summoning Platform, the Royal Pyramid, and Olympus Mountain.

Unlike the previous day, there were no commanders summoned from the Royal Pyramid or Olympus Mountain—only soldiers.

But the true surprise? The summoning of three scholars—one of whom was an S-rank scholar named Gore!

"Gore, at your service, my lord."

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