บท 272: Hermes' Scheming
Zeus word's caused the two other deities to shiver. This was not the true Olympus and just a branded Dungeon, but it was still a representation of their homeland. Thus the word war was not one taken or used lightly, everyone as odd as Zeus.
Zeus was oddly arrogant and had a wanton personality. A hedonist of the truest sense, but he had a battle talent and intelligence for war that matched his skills. He was a difficult king to serve but he was indeed worthy. Zeus was one quick to anger when certain elements were involved. An example of this would be the appearance of a nemesis.
"Your idiotic mortal insulted Odin as if she were a deity herself. I don't mind the act itself, but it actually led to him allowing a mortal to flex his stupid armaments in my domain! Why did a Norse powerhouse under that crow geezer win a tournament of mine? How is it possible that none of our fighters could defeat a single brat from a Lower World? Do you have any idea how much face you have lost me?" Zeus bellowed.
Ares and Aphrodite were gob smacked. Zeus didn't care about the results but rather a loss of face. That was his primary concern. Aphrodite could not help but curse her bad luck, her favourite mortal from this sector was defeated by an unknown mortal so she could not help but be annoyed.
Zeus switched the target of his finger to Ares and said, "And you!"
Ares tensed up, because unlike Aphrodite, he knew his crime.
"How did a mortal blessed by Odin and Thor exist so close to us without us noticing a thing!"
Zeus had qualms with both Odin and Thor. He shared similar qualities with both and often competed for mortals to contract with the Norse duo. Especially Thor. Zeus and Thor had multiple similarities in terms of attributes and desired almost the same type of mortal.
Will had received a Minor Blessing from Thor to cast Mjolnir's Lockdown and he had received a major blessing to cast Odin's Armaments. Zeus desired to have Will because he knew that he would be full of talents. And the results of the match did not disappoint.
"Father, I'm sorry! I will-"
"Bring me a mortal with talent in the realms of Perspective! Did I get that correct my son?"
Ares was not even angry at being interrupted. He know of Zeus' desire for the Realms of Perspective. Deities could only pick up a new talent by contracting a mortal that had not yet evolved. As the mortal evolved so would the deity in that respective field. After seeing how the Realms of perspective strengthened The Norse, Zeus felt incredible Envy. On his side Hestia had the Realms of Perspective. But she was not a battle deity and she did not mix well with others. Zeus had tried to bed her many times and failed miserably each time. She threatened suicide and Zeus knew she kept her word. He needed her alive because he needed at least 1 deity with the Realms of Perspective.
'They make the best Teachers.'
Hestia was the goddess of civilization. Her ability to teach and evolve large groups was key to the function of Olympus. So Zeus could not order her around. She only listened to logical instructions.
After seeing Loki and Thor swell in power due to Perspective, Hestia's Importance grew even more. Hence Zeus desperately desired to learn Perspective. Hestia had expressed that Hermes, Dionysus and Narcissus were better suited to Perspective due to their mindsets and talents but Zeus would have none of it. He was already hearing whispers of 'Thor is stronger than Zeus' everywhere he went. It was already a foregone conclusion to others that Thor was one of the mightiest deities in existence. Zeus used to have that mantle but his laziness had caused him suffering.
'Even Poseidon is said to be stronger than me. I need to catch up soon.'
Ares and Aphrodite panicked and spent time placating Zeus. After a few minutes of discussion, Ares made a suggestion, Hermes was invited into the room.
The swift-footed deity, known for his cunning and wit, entered the palace with an aura of youthful grace. His raven-black hair framed a face blessed with features that mirrored the sculpted perfection of the gods. Eyes of piercing emerald gleamed with a mischievous twinkle, hinting at the infinite knowledge they possessed. His lithe form moved with effortless elegance, draped in robes that whispered of adventure and discovery.
With a humble reverence, Hermes knelt before Zeus, his presence radiating an air of unparalleled intellect and insight. The god's words seemed to dance upon his tongue, carrying the weight of wisdom and secrets yet untold. His voice, smooth as a river's current, carried with it the vibrancy of the mortal realm, echoing the conversations of countless souls.
"My Lord," Hermes spoke, his voice a harmonious blend of confidence and humility, "You have summoned me, and I am here to offer my counsel. May I speak freely? I have a suggestion" said Hermes with a thoughtful grin.
Zeus nodded, signaling for him to talk. Hermes narrowed his eyes and said, "These guys are headed to Fafnir's Grave. We can tackle advantage of that.
Father, few people can match your shape shifting skills. All you have to do is gain that mortal's trust, and have him switch to your side. He isn't fully in the Norse camp. He was just given permission to user their powers and was given blessings. If he had signed a full on contract, they would not have been ordinary blessings. I can even argue that his ability to use multiple blessings is due to the fact that he still has not contracted any deities.
Hermes' words made sense to all that were present. Ares chimed in, "But after this that will change. There is information on that boy that was locked out by High level System users. There could be annoying characters supporting the boy behind the scenes. I received a lot of complaints from Hercules because of his lack of information on the boy. After displaying the Realms of Perspective like this, other deities that were just watching will become active participants in this."
Zeus placed a hand on his chin as he contemplated the possibilities. Aphrodite smiled seductively and said, "My King, all you have to do is order Hercules to include an avatar of yours on the trip, allowing you to get close to the boy."
Hermes shook his head and said, "I would advise against you going at all. Odin is keeping an eye on your movements, and so is Thor. Poseidon will no doubt want to get involved. If you make a move and get noticed, many others will notice the boy, and the competition will get worse.
Zeus frowned by he did not disagree. Hermes was not the God of War, but his understanding of cause and effect made his extremely wise. It was rumoured that he was already on the cusp of understanding the Realms of Perspective. Thus his input was highly valued.
"Then what would you suggest?" Asked Zeus.
Hermes smiled and said, "I would suggest you send someone loyal to you who can also disguise themselves well. Have then report to you all the events that happen. Then have them present the young mortal a contract offer at the right moment."
Ares eyes shone, "I suggest Dionysus. Everyone still thinks he is a useless alcoholic. But his scheming is second only to Hermes."
Aphrodite, in an attempt to get herself out of a sticky situation, added on. "I will have my mortal seduce him and have him submit to you."
Lightning crackled in Zeus' pupils. He enjoyed what he was hearing. And did not oppose the idea at all. Dionysus and Aphrodite working together would work well under normal circumstances
"Very well. You know your mission. Hermes, coordinate with Hercules and get me that mortal. Ares, from now on work well with Hercules on this. I didn't want this to disrupt my plans. I didn't care about Fafnir's Grave, but I want that mortal!
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