Gathering of the Chosen

Raiden, Zohar, and Kaito glanced at each other, each with a growing smile as they caught their breath. They exchanged nods and pats on the back, each expressing their admiration for how they fought together.

"That was insane," Raiden said, shaking his head in disbelief. "I didn't think we'd come this far this fast. I mean... we're literally standing in Olympus. Among gods, angels... in actual heaven."

Kaito chuckled, rubbing his sore shoulder. "I know, right? A month ago, we were just regular kids trying to figure things out back on Earth. Now we're here—chosen for something way beyond us."

Zohar crossed his arms, still catching his breath but smiling thoughtfully. "It's surreal. We're here, training with gods, all for something bigger than ourselves. It makes everything back home feel... distant."

They paused, letting the magnitude of it all sink in. Then, without warning, several Olympian servants approached them, carrying trays of food and wine. The servants wore traditional Greek garments—draped togas, adorned with gold and jewels, yet their attire was surprisingly minimal, elegant but revealing, emphasizing the timeless beauty and strength expected of beings in Olympus.

One of the servants held up a golden goblet filled with deep red wine, offering it to Kaito with a graceful bow. The boys exchanged a wary glance, remembering all too well the aftermath of their last feast in Odin's hall.

Raiden laughed, shaking his head. "Yeah, no thanks. I think we learned our lesson with the mead. Don't want to be late to training again—especially with Zeus."

Zohar smirked, nudging Kaito. "Tempting, though."

Kaito shrugged, raising an eyebrow. "Maybe after we get through the next round of training."

With polite declines to the wine, they each took a bite of the offerings, savoring the food but keeping a lighthearted mood. The three stood together, grounding themselves as they adjusted to their surreal surroundings, feeling ready to take on the trials still awaiting them.

As Raiden, Zohar, and Kaito strolled through Olympus, marveling at the intricate architecture and absorbing the divine energy surrounding them, they took time to interact with merchants and even greeted a few passing gods. The vibrant atmosphere buzzed with activity, and they eagerly soaked up every detail, learning bits and pieces of heavenly lore with each step.

Amid their exploration, Raiden's attention was drawn to two angels walking past, their voices raised in frustration.

"...infected with hell poison, and they're actually bringing them to the heavens," one angel said, his tone laced with disdain. "Athena and Hermes, wasting their time with that girl and that boy. They're choosing anyone these days."

Raiden stopped in his tracks, a sudden chill running down his spine. He called out, "Hey—are you talking about Kirashi?"

One of the angels turned and eyed Raiden with mild irritation. "What's it to you?" he replied curtly, before turning his back on them and continuing on his way.

Raiden's heart raced, and he exchanged an uneasy glance with Zohar and Kaito. The words "hell poison" and "on the way to the heavens" hung heavy in the air. Raiden shook his head, his mind flashing back to that day, the confrontation with Lucifer—the way Kirashi and Shigenori were injured in the battle.

"That...that can't just be a coincidence, right?" Raiden muttered. "Athena and Hermes escorting someone infected with hell poison? Kirashi and Shigenori were hurt when we faced Lucifer. What if...?"

Kaito looked thoughtful, his brow furrowing. "We don't know for sure if it's them, but...it sounds too close to be a random guess. If it is them, it could mean they're in serious danger. Hell poison is no joke."

Zohar, ever the calm presence, put a hand on Raiden's shoulder. "If they're being brought here, there's a reason for it. And if it is Kirashi and Shigenori, they're with Athena and Hermes—they won't be left to fend for themselves."

Raiden exhaled, trying to shake off the tension. "You're right. But knowing they might be suffering... I just can't sit by and wait. We've got to be ready for whatever comes. If that means training harder and proving ourselves to Zeus and the others, then that's what we'll do."

Zohar nodded, the glint of determination in his eyes mirroring Raiden's. "They need us strong. We're not the same kids who left Earth. We've come this far, and we'll keep pushing."

Kaito gave a faint smile. "We'll be here for them, just like they'd be here for us."

With that, the three continued their journey through Olympus, the weight of their responsibility sinking deeper. Each step reminded them not only of the power they were gaining but of the people they were determined to protect.