Bab 8: The Winter Came
After leaving the Sisters of Fate safely in the mortal realm, I descended once more into the depths of Tartarus to confront Typhon. The air grew heavy with the stench of sulfur as I ventured deeper into the underworld. Finally, I beheld Typhon, a monstrous figure of immense size and power.
Typhon towered over me, his body a grotesque fusion of serpentine coils and mighty wings that spanned the cavernous ceiling. His eyes burned with a fiery malevolence, and his roar echoed through the darkened corridors of Tartarus. His massive limbs quivered with pent-up fury, ready to unleash devastation upon any who dared to challenge him.
I steeled myself, knowing that this battle would be the ultimate test of my newfound powers and resolve. With my gauntlets shimmering with divine energy, I stepped forward to face Typhon, ready to bring an end to his reign of terror.
Typhon, the colossal titan, loomed over me like a living nightmare. His serpentine lower half thrashed, and his upper body, a grotesque blend of scales and sinew, exuded raw power. With a thunderous roar, he lunged forward, aiming to crush me beneath his massive fists.
I dodged to the side, feeling the ground quake as his blows landed where I stood moments ago. I countered with swift strikes from my enchanted gauntlets, their energy crackling with each impact against Typhon's hardened scales. His skin was tough, but not impenetrable—I aimed for the joints, where his defenses were weakest.
Typhon retaliated with a sweeping tail strike that cracked the air like a thunderclap. I rolled beneath the deadly arc, the wind from his tail brushing against me. Rising to my feet, I summoned the power of the winds to shield myself from his next onslaught, debris swirling around me like a protective barrier.
The titan was relentless, his attacks fueled by primal rage. Every strike carried the weight of mountains, testing my agility and resolve. I danced between his blows, my movements a blur of calculated evasion and strategic strikes. I had to find a way through his defenses, no matter how daunting the task.
With a burst of speed, I leaped onto Typhon's back, grappling with his massive horns for leverage. With a grunt of effort, I managed to wrench one of the horns free, sending Typhon staggering back in pain. Seizing the opportunity, I unleashed a flurry of strikes at his exposed neck, aiming for a vital spot.
But Typhon fought back with the fury of a tempest. Rocks levitated around him, forming a swirling vortex that threatened to crush me under its weight. I leaped and dodged with acrobatic skill, narrowly avoiding the deadly barrage. Each moment tested my endurance, but I couldn't falter—I had to press on.
Summoning the power of the gods, I called forth a torrent of lightning from the heavens above. The sky crackled with energy as bolts of lightning converged on Typhon, striking him with divine wrath. The titan roared in agony as the lightning coursed through his massive form, staggering him.
Typhon, the colossal titan, staggered back under the onslaught of lightning, his massive frame convulsing with pain. As the storm raged around us, I seized the opportunity granted by the gods. With a surge of determination, I lunged forward, my gauntleted fist crackling with residual energy.
The titan's eyes widened in a futile attempt to comprehend the impending strike. In a swift motion, I drove my gauntlet deep into the center of Typhon's chest, feeling the resistance of his toughened hide give way beneath the force of my blow. The energy surged through me, coursing into Typhon's heart with a final, decisive thrust.
For a fleeting moment, time seemed to stand still. The titan's body shuddered once, twice, before collapsing like a fallen mountain. The battlefield, once filled with the chaos of battle, fell silent save for the distant rumble of dissipating thunder. I stood amidst the debris, panting heavily, my hands trembling from the exertion.
As I looked upon the fallen titan, I knew that this victory was not just mine alone. It was a testament to the resilience of mortals and the divine strength bestowed upon those willing to fight for the balance of the world. With each challenge faced, I had grown stronger, honing both my skills and my resolve.
[Some time passed]
The onset of winter draped a serene veil over the land, and with Demeter temporarily freed from her solemn duties, she approached me with a request that held a glint of excitement in her eyes.
"Damian," she began, her voice filled with anticipation, "could we host the toast here, in your palace? It would be a celebration to mark the changing of the season and a much-needed respite for us all."
I couldn't help but smile at the thought. "Of course, Demeter. Persephone and I would be honored to have you arrange such an occasion here."
With Demeter's nod of gratitude, we set about transforming my palace into a festive haven. Persephone, her spirit lifted by the shift in season, took charge of adorning the halls with winter blooms. Roses intertwined with holly and ivy, creating a tapestry of colors and scents that filled the air with a delicate sweetness.
Meanwhile, Demeter busied herself in the kitchen, conjuring culinary delights fit for the gods. Roasted meats, glazed with honey and herbs, platters overflowing with fresh fruits, and breads warm from the hearth were laid out with care.
Just before the event, Demeter approached me with a specific request. "Damian," she said, her expression earnest, "for this occasion, we must have the finest wine. Seek out Dionysus and ask for his best."
I nodded in agreement, recognizing the importance of Dionysus' contribution to the celebration. "Consider it done, Demeter. I'll return with the best wine Dionysus can offer."
With that, I set off on my mission, leaving Persephone and Demeter to put the final touches on our palace-turned-celebratory-hall. The promise of a joyous evening filled with warmth and companionship lingered in the air, promising a night to remember.
I found Dionysus amidst his vineyards, the air thick with the scent of fermenting grapes and the faint hint of divine mischief. He greeted me with a warm smile that faltered only slightly when I requested his finest wine.
"Ah, Damian," Dionysus said, his brow furrowing. "I wish I could oblige, but the Stellar wine you seek—well, it's a bit of a challenge at the moment. I've run out of the celestial grapes needed to make it."
My heart sank, but Dionysus continued, his expression turning mischievous. "To procure these grapes, one must venture into the Valley of Crows. It's home to Ornomus, a giant bear as old as the primordial gods themselves. Recently, he and I have had... disagreements, and he's not one to share his bounty willingly."
A ripple of anticipation and caution coursed through me. Ornomus was a legend among even the gods, known for his ferocity and territorial nature. Yet, the promise of Stellar wine for Demeter's celebration spurred me on.
"Dionysus," I asked, my tone measured, "what awaits me in the Valley of Crows?"
Dionysus chuckled, his eyes twinkling with amusement and a hint of warning. "Ah, that's the surprise, my friend. Let's just say Ornomus isn't the only guardian of those grapes. Be cautious, Damian, and may the gods favor your journey."
With a nod of thanks and resolve, I left Dionysus to his vineyards and set forth toward the Valley of Crows.
---
I stood before Ornomus, the towering giant bear whose ancient presence loomed over the Valley of Crows. His fur gleamed with an otherworldly sheen, and his eyes held the wisdom of centuries past. Direct confrontation was out of the question; I needed a different approach.
"Ornomus," I began respectfully, "guardian of this sacred valley, I seek your wisdom and strength."
The bear's gaze fixed on me, a mix of curiosity and suspicion. "What brings you here, mortal?"
"I come not as an adversary, but as a seeker of truth," I replied, choosing my words carefully. "I've heard tales of your unmatched intellect and prowess. Perhaps you can help me."
Ornomus grunted, clearly intrigued but cautious. "Speak, then. What is it that you seek?"
"Legend speaks of a challenge whispered among the creatures of this valley," I continued, weaving a tale. "A challenge that tests not only strength but wit. They say only the bravest and most cunning can succeed."
The bear's interest was piqued. "What challenge do you speak of, mortal?"
"A wager, if you will," I proposed, hoping my plan would work. "You will answer three riddles posed by me. If You fail, I ask for safe passage to collect the celestial grapes beyond. If I fail, I vow to leave without a fight."
Ornomus considered my proposal, his deep voice rumbling like distant thunder. "Very well, mortal. Let us hear your riddles."
I took a deep breath, knowing this was my chance. "First riddle: What are the names of the constellations that guide the seasons, whose patterns dance across the night sky?"
Ornomus furrowed his brow, pondering the question. "Ursa Major, Cassiopeia, Orion..." he muttered, listing several constellations. But one elusive constellation escaped him.
"The answer eludes you," I remarked calmly. "But fret not, for there are more riddles to unravel."
For the second riddle, I presented a puzzle involving the ancient stones scattered throughout the valley, hinting at their hidden significance and the patterns they formed. Ornomus studied the stones intently, his massive paw tracing the symbols etched into their surfaces.
"Time grows short," I prodded gently. "What do the stones reveal?"
Ornomus grunted in frustration, unable to decipher the intricate puzzle before him. "Your riddles are cunning, mortal. But I will solve them."
Finally, I posed the third riddle, challenging Ornomus to distinguish the call of a solitary crow amidst the cacophony of bird songs echoing through the valley. His ears twitched as he strained to listen, focusing on the distinct cry of the crow.
Silence stretched between us as Ornomus listened intently, his expression shifting from concentration to realization. With a growl of defeat, he conceded.
"You have bested me, mortal," Ornomus conceded reluctantly. "Pass freely and take what you seek."
I nodded gratefully, acknowledging the bear's honor in defeat. "Thank you, Ornomus. May our paths cross again under more peaceful skies."
As I departed with the celestial grapes in hand, I glanced back at Ornomus, who watched with a mix of resignation and respect. Sometimes, wit proved to be the sharpest weapon in the most unexpected battles.
---
After securing the celestial grapes from the Valley of Crows, I returned swiftly to Dionysus, presenting him with the precious fruit needed for the Stellar wine. His eyes widened in disbelief and gratitude as he inspected the grapes, nodding in approval.
"You've done it, Damian," Dionysus exclaimed with a hearty laugh. "These are perfect! The toast will be legendary."
With the wine in hand, we returned to my palace, where Demeter and Persephone had prepared the grand hall for the celebration. Torches flickered, casting dancing shadows across the marble floors adorned with flowers and delicate drapery. The air was thick with anticipation as the gods began to arrive, their chatter echoing through the halls.
As the evening progressed, I found myself amidst a sea of familiar faces and divine figures. Poseidon, still nursing the wounds of his defeat, eyed me with a mixture of resentment and fear. Medusa, now freed from her curse and serving as my attendant, moved gracefully through the crowd, her presence a reminder of the trials we had faced together.
"Quite the gathering," Medusa remarked softly as she poured wine into goblets, her eyes meeting mine briefly before turning to attend to another guest.
"It is," I agreed, watching as the gods mingled and exchanged stories of battles won and lost. Poseidon's gaze lingered on us, a silent reminder of our shared history and the tensions that still simmered beneath the surface.
Demeter approached, her expression warm yet tinged with concern. "Thank you, Damian, for arranging this," she said quietly. "It's been too long since we've gathered in such harmony."
I nodded, acknowledging the significance of the moment. "It's an honor to host, Demeter. We've come a long way."
Persephone joined us, her laughter ringing through the hall as she greeted the arriving guests. "To new beginnings," she declared, raising her goblet in a toast. The gods echoed her words, their voices blending in a chorus of celebration.
As the night unfolded, stories flowed freely, punctuated by laughter and occasional solemn reflection. Medusa, now a symbol of redemption and resilience, moved with grace and dignity among the guests, her presence a testament to the bonds forged in adversity.
Poseidon approached, his demeanor guarded yet curious. "You've changed, Damian," he remarked gruffly, eyeing me with a newfound respect. "I didn't expect..."
"I didn't either," I replied evenly, acknowledging the complexities of our shared history. "But here we are."
The evening wore on, the wine flowing freely as the gods reveled in camaraderie and unity. As dawn approached, a sense of peace settled over us, a reminder of the strength found in forgiveness and the resilience of the human spirit.
Status Power Mingguan
-- Peringkat
Power 
-- Power
stone