章節 2322: Don't Shoot, Messenger

Seeing Vahn and Merry emerge from the One-Horn Community's headquarters, a seemingly voluptuous woman with maroon hair and olive, slightly reddish skin narrowed her eyes. Her features and physique could be described as flawless from a distance, but closer inspection revealed that her entire body was purely mechanical in nature.

Though androids, gynoids, and other artificial lifeforms could be found in many places throughout the Little Garden, they were especially rare in the South and East Sides. However, while her mechanical form and golden, camera-like irises stood out, the features most people would notice when viewing the peculiar woman were her garments.

Instead of 'conventional' clothing or a form of attire that would help her blend in with her surroundings, the maroon-haired woman was garbed in a pristine white toga and various red and gold ornaments. Most prominent among these was a golden pauldron fashioned in the visage of a deer, an armored arm bearing a durable-looking buckler, banded, fur-lined sandals that covered much of her calves, a crown-like diadem affixed with antlers, and a girdle with runic symbols depicting a mountain and lightning bolts.

"So, that's the Sage Dragon Emperor...he's a lot less imposing in real life..."

Following the woman's remark, an even more conspicuous figure replied, "Perhaps. That doesn't change the fact he was able to defeat Amaterasu and Indra in single combat. It would be pretty rash to underestimate him."

Despite possessing a purely mechanical head resembling a helmet with a visor, the fashionably dressed, relatively modern-attired man brought up a cigarette to his non-existent lips and inhaled. As he did so, fiery crystals protruding from his helmet and the backs of his silvery, metallic boots lit up in a manner resembling luminous golden flames.

After inhaling a considerable amount of smoke, the man exhaled in a clearly exasperated manner, the smoke emanating from the sides of his helmet rather than the approximate location of his 'mouth.'

Without taking her eyes off Vahn, the maroon-haired woman adopted a scowl as she remarked, "Such thinking is the reason Olympus is gradually losing its power and authority. Even if it means our destruction, we should face the Sage Dragon Emperor with conviction. The Poets and Bards have already begun to sing songs of our 'cowardice.' If we try to ignore them as we did during Avalon's ascent, Olympus may never rise again."

Exhaling another tired sigh, the helmeted man remarked, "We're relics of a bygone era, Artemis. Our efforts to modernize and compete with the Nine Realms have long since undermined the history and traditions upon which we derive our power. At this point, there are 'Heroes' in the West that have nearly as much power and influence as we Olympians..."

Clenching her teeth, the maroon-haired woman, better known as Artemis of the Olympians, raised her fist as if she were about to strike her helmet-headed companion. She was one of the more popular Olympians, but that was a double-edged sword. As the influence of other Artemis grew in the West, her form became more mechanical to match the many markswomen and gunslingers that relied upon cybernetic enhancements and advanced weaponry to emulate her power. That's one of the many reasons she was so eager to return to the battlefield; she wanted to restore her image and regain her 'purity.'

Though he clearly suffered from an even worse 'affliction,' the helmeted man, Hermes, had long embraced his form and the influence it had on his lifestyle. He was part of the progressive faction of Olympians, so even if he became completely robotic in the future, he didn't care so long as their Community continued to prosper.

Unfortunately, while Hermes stood in opposition to Zeus, the Chief God of the Olympians and de facto leader of the conservative faction, he still had to follow the tyrannical Gods' orders. Zeus was infamous as one of, if not the most vengeful Gods in the entire Little Garden. He permitted the existence of the progressive and neutral faction, but he would often show up to 'clean house' whenever he was in a bad mood.

Recalling Zeus's past actions, Hermes caressed a vicious burn mark that covered the entirety of his left arm and much of his body. Conspiratory thoughts ran rampant within his mind, but they were promptly suppressed by a sub-routine he had created to store away and prevent such thoughts from being read by others. Unless accessed directly, even he would not be aware of the true extent of his hatred and subterfuge.

After calming himself sufficiently, Hermes flicked aside his extinguished cigarette and said, "Let's go. And remember, we're only here to deliver a message. If you pick a fight, don't expect me to bail you out."

Snorting through her nose, Artemis retorted, "Coward..." before jumping from her perch and bounding through the air with the grace of a gazelle. Golden ripples appeared each time her feet impacted the air, effectively allowing her to stride across the sky.

As this was far from the first time he had been called a coward, Hermes just shook his head and placed his hands into his pockets. The crystals protruding from his helmet and greaves briefly illuminated, but only the most discerning would have been able to recognize it as he immediately vanished...

...

Though he had been keeping tabs on Artemis and Hermes, Vahn couldn't help muttering, "Really? You're going to interrupt my date...?" just as twin streaks of flame bypassed him and Merry, culminating in the appearance of Olympus's God of Trade, Wealth, Luck, and Travel.

Despite the helmet covering his head, Hermes raised his hand to scratch the back of it as he answered, "Yeah, sorry about that. You're not exactly easy to pin down. I recommended we send an official missive to the Sage Dragon's Hearth, but the big man up top isn't exactly known for listening to the counsel of others."

Recognizing who Hermes was, Merry's body became tense, a fierce look marring her previously smiling face as she clung to Vahn's right arm and growled, "You shouldn't be here. Underwood may welcome outsiders and tourists, but that courtesy doesn't extend to the hounds of Zeus..."

Shrugging his shoulders, Hermes elected to ignore Merry's remark as he made 'eye contact' with Vahn and revealed, "Anyways...we came here to deliver a message."

Following Hermes's remark, Artemis touched down a few meters away from Vahn and Merry, a proud and detached glower on her face as she added, "Zeus awaits you at the peak of Mt. Olympus. If you accept, we are to escort you there immediately."

Waving her hand, Artemis created a golden vortex to her right. From the interior emerged a mechanical Ibex, its height exceeding three meters as it stood proudly next to its master.

In an attempt to prevent an altercation, Hermes raised his hands in a gesture of mock surrender, his tone chipper and upbeat as he clarified, "What my sister neglected to mention is that we've prepared a banquet and various forms of entertainment to welcome you. We also know about your ability to split yourself into multiple forms, so it's not like we're asking you to abandon your date with little miss unicorn here."

"Hmmm..."

Directing his gaze to Artemis, Vahn narrowed his eyes, his voice taking on a playful undertone as he asked, "And if I refuse...?"

Narrowing her eyes in turn, Artemis crossed her arms under her shapely, ostensibly artificial breasts as she replied, "Then Zeus was right about you. You're a coward that has conspired with the declining rulers of the Little Garden to reinforce their standing and undermine the influence of any God that might oppose them."

Though Artemis's words were clearly vitriol intended to anger him, Vahn exhaled a light chuckle. He hadn't conspired with anyone, but the optional objectives listed in his Quest made it clear he wasn't opposed to the idea of undermining certain Gods. Among those, Zeus was near the top of the list, second only to a certain 'God of Truth.'

Annoyed by Vahn's laughter, Artemis manifested what appeared to be an inordinately long-barreled revolver. It resembled a rifle, but the stock was curved, clearly intended to be wielded with a single hand.

As her golden eyes emitted an ever-growing radiance, Artemis's naturally husky tone sounded audibly strained as she put pressure on the gun's trigger and bellowed, "Why are you laughing!? Do you think we Olympians are some kind of joke...!?"

"Artemis...!"

Vanishing from his initial position, Hermes appeared in front of Artemis in an instant, his arms spread in a defensive posture. He understood full well that Vahn didn't need his protection, but initiating a conflict in the territory of a Floor Master was asking for trouble. Draco Greif's reputation couldn't compare to even the least famous Olympian, but he still had the authority of a Host Master. If they acted out and received the label of Demon Lord, their reputations would never recover.

Clicking her tongue, Artemis shouldered her ornate, oversized revolver and asked, "Why are you getting anxious? It's not like I had any intention of firing. I just wanted the Sage Dragon Emperor to take our conversation more seriously. Is that a crime?"

"..."

Understanding the futility of trying to argue with a Goddess as proud as Artemis, Hermes took a moment to adjust his collar before looking back at Vahn and Merry, his voice audibly apologetic as he stated, "It would mean a lot to a lot of people if you were to accept our invitation..."

Catching the two Gods off guard, Vahn showed no discernible hesitation as he replied, "Sure. I originally planned to stop by once the festival was drawing to an end. Showing up a few days earlier doesn't change much."

Punctuating his words, Vahn's body appeared to vibrate and become illusory as he split into three identical versions of himself. He only needed two, but Hermes's revelation that he could split himself had caused Merry to bore holes into him with her passionate, ruddy-faced gaze.

Understanding the implication behind Vahn's actions, Artemis's already frigid expression became exceptionally icy while Hermes just exhaled a synthetic-sounding chuckle. However, as Vahn was pretty famous for his 'womanizing,' neither was particularly surprised by his actions.

Not wanting to stick around any longer than was absolutely necessary, Artemis climbed onto the back of her artificial Ibex and suggested, "We depart immediately." in a commanding tone. She wasn't the type to offer courtesy to anyone, not even Zeus, so she couldn't care less if her words and actions offended Vahn.

Borrowing a page from Hermes's book, Vahn ignored the maroon-haired Goddess, his gentle green eyes fixating on her markedly more mechanical half-sibling as he asked, "Are you truly okay with that form? I could easily restore you to your 'original' appearance."

Though he didn't have a mouth or the musculature to smile with, Hermes gave off the impression he was doing precisely that as he replied, "Nah. It was a little jarring in the beginning, but I've grown somewhat fond of this form. I do appreciate the offer, though. Thanks."

Nodding his head in approval, Vahn briefly shifted his gaze to Artemis, a natural smile developing across his face as he noticed the sudden conflict within her distinctly mechanical eyes. Both he and Hermes knew the true reason for his proposition. The only question was whether or not Artemis had the intestinal fortitude to swallow her pride, apologize, and appeal to his good nature. Unfortunately, while he had absolutely no qualms about restoring her original appearance, Artemis ultimately clenched her teeth and tightened the reins of her Ibex, growling, "Don't fall behind..." before giving them a flick and taking off at hypersonic speeds...

...

(A/N: Alternate Titles: 'Jiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii-','Hermes seems like a bro...','Let's just hope she doesn't shit the bed if Vahn allows her to lie in it...')

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章節 2323: Radiance

Since the Little Garden had a finite amount of space, the vast majority of Communities made use of Gates like personal, secluded Realms. Very few went out of their way to build structures in view of ordinary people unless they were trying to show off or recruit new members.

A stark contrast to the majority of Communities, Mt. Olympus went out of their way to erect their titular mountain at the center of a solar dome, one of the massive superstructures intended to allow Vampires to walk around without fearing the Sun. Because of this, every other Community situated within the dome had to deal with the sight of a massive mountain serving as a perpetual reminder of who they neighbored. And that was just the beginning of their troubles...

As could be expected of a construct envisioned by Zeus, one of the most infamous, narcissistic, and prideful Gods in the Little Garden, Mt. Olympus completely dominated the dome in which it was constructed. There was a large rune shaped like an Omega symbol hovering high in the sky, serving as a stand-in for the Sun, while the upper half of the ten-thousand-meter tall mountain had been carved into a luminous, temple-like palace.

To ensure his home stood out even more, Zeus used his authority to make the sky beneath the dome a shroud of perpetual twilight. Even during the middle of the day, the sky overhead was a gloomy shade of bluish-purple, the only exception being the clear, golden skies over Mt. Olympus.

Seeing the overcast skies dominating much of the solar dome, the friendly smile typically found on Vahn's face relaxed into a neutral, contemplative expression. He had heard the rumors but seeing Zeus's palace so brightly illuminated while everyone else was forced to tolerate an endless twilight irked him more than he anticipated...

Interrupting Vahn's introspection, a sound similar to a simmering skillet tickled his ears as Hermes appeared next to him, remarking, "It's been a long time since I lost in a race. I think the last time was when I made the mistake of pitting myself against Sun Wu Kong. I'm sure you're fully aware of this, but that's one fast monkey."

Though he would generally adopt a smile to put those around him at ease, Vahn maintained a neutral expression as he replied, "You need not go out of your way to butter me up. I have no intention of punishing you for past crimes. Just continue doing your best for your people. That's all I have to say on the matter..."

Noticing the borderline disinterest in Vahn's tone, an involuntary shudder racked Hermes's body. He was well acquainted with the rumors regarding Vahn's knowledge and wisdom, but it was...unpleasant to be seen through with such ease. He had assumed his bio-mechanical implants might give him some leeway, but that apparently wasn't the case.

Before Hermes could think of how to respond to Vahn's words, a flash of light shone from the top of one of Mt. Olympus's towers. In the very next moment, a man with a flawless, muscular physique and fiery golden hair appeared before them. His complexion resembled ivory, and his body was veiled in little more than scant white cloth, numerous golden accessories, and a crown set with the same symbol floating in the sky, Ω.

With a smile that caused the surroundings to light up, the luminous man offered a nod and practically sang, "Welcome, Vahn Aldrnari Mason, the Sage Dragon Emperor. It's a privilege to meet someone whose radiance far exceeds even my own. Your match against that vixen, Amaterasu, is one I'll not soon forget."

Enhancing his performance, the luminous man, clearly Apollo, strummed a golden harp whose wires were forged with pure sunlight. The sound they produced could compel mortal enemies to reconcile, but Vahn barely cracked a smile as he inquired, "Should I be anticipating a greeting from each of the Olympians?"

Instead of taking offense to Vahn's standoffish response, Apollo adopted his most captivating smile and replied, "Not all of us, I'm afraid. My father has compelled my Great Aunt and many of my sister Goddesses to remain in private quarters for the duration of your stay. Your reputation, including your rather sorted history with women, proceeds you."

As Apollo was nearly as famous as Zeus for his philandering, Vahn felt a strong compulsion to roll his eyes. Instead, the corners of his smile curled upward as he offered a terse, "Understandable."

Feeling an obligation to explain further, Apollo gave his harp a practiced strum as he added, "Worry not. You've already had the honor of meeting my elder sister, Artemis. Once we reach the palace, you'll also have the opportunity to meet my mother, Hera, and my eldest sister, Athena. While their magnificence might not compare to Demeter and Aphrodite's, I can assure you they're a delight to the senses."

As it didn't really matter to him either way, Vahn just smiled in response to Apollo's words. He was somewhat interested in meeting Hestia, but they could chat as much as they liked once his business with the likes of Zeus and Athena had been concluded. After all, depending on how things went, the pantheon of Mt. Olympus would be undergoing some 'restructuring' in the very near future.

Noticing Vahn's disinterest in the topic at hand, Hermes injected himself back into the exchange, appending, "Speaking of which, we should make our way to the palace. Artemis knows the way, so there's no need to wait around to receive her. If anything, she would probably be more annoyed if we did."

Though he loved his sister dearly, Apollo sighed in response to Hermes's words, responding, "Hermes is correct. Ever since she began experiencing changes to her body, Artemis has been somewhat...difficult. If we're here when she arrives, I imagine she would simply fly over us without stopping to exchange greetings."

Resisting the moderate temptation to stick around, Vahn offered a curt, affirmative nod as he said, "Very well. I've never been particularly fond of false pleasantries, so I don't mind heading over early. The sooner I meet with Zeus, the sooner I can be on my way."

Furrowing his brows, Apollo couldn't help remarking, "My father may not be a flawless individual, but I do not believe he has done anything to sow enmity between Mt. Olympus and the Aldrnari Empire. I sincerely believe that if Your Majesty is willing to compromise, our Communities will be able to get along spectacularly."

As the God of Music, Poetry, Knowledge, and Order, Apollo had a great disdain for 'unnecessary' conflict. He knew his father's character better than most, but he still believed Mt. Olympus and the Aldrnari Empire could be allies. Vahn was becoming increasingly renowned for his magnanimity and tolerance, so Apollo couldn't help envisioning a bright future for both of their Communities.

Understanding that Apollo wasn't trying to be intentionally daft, Vahn offered another curt nod and replied, "I would welcome such an outcome. Unfortunately, while I'm willing to compromise on just about anything, the sole exception is my bottom line. The moment your father does something that crosses that line, there's no going back."

Frowning deeply, Apollo was thinking about how he could convince Vahn to extend his father a degree of leniency when Hermes inserted himself back into the conversation, saying, "We can continue this conversation in the palace. I don't imagine our father will appreciate us delaying his guest any further than we already have."

Directing his frown at Hermes, Apollo was briefly tempted to chastise his younger brother. As one of the staunchest members of the conservative faction, the two rarely saw eye to eye. However, as they were currently in the presence of a highly esteemed guest, Apollo decided it was probably for the best if they didn't argue right in front of Vahn.

"Very well. Please, allow me to lead the way."

With Vahn offering another nod, Apollo took off at a much slower speed than the one he had used to arrive. He knew Vahn could easily keep up with even his maximum speed, but he wanted to give the visiting Emperor an opportunity to admire the scenery surrounding Mt. Olympus. He took great pride in his home, and he wanted Vahn to be able to appreciate it just as much as he did. Little did he know that the more time Vahn had to observe the massive disparity between Mt. Olympus and its surroundings, the greater his urge to tear it down...

...

Observing Vahn, Hermes, and Apollo from atop her personal tower, one of twelve surrounding the central palace occupied by Zeus, Athena couldn't help feeling a little trepidatious. She didn't regret her past actions, but the notion she had slighted the wrong person began to set in following Vahn's acquisition of Indra's, previously thought to be immutable, Gate.

Appearing next to the troubled Goddess, a shapely woman with free-flowing brown hair, modest attire, fair skin, and gentle brown eyes placed her hand on Athena's shoulder and said, "It's never too late to apologize, Athena. Even if he doesn't accept, you'll never be able to move forward if you continue clinging to this anger and resentment."

Though she knew her fellow Goddess was undoubtedly correct, Athena's expression revealed her vexation as she poutily replied, "Why should I be the one to apologize? That hateful man broke Laius and utterly ruined the reputation of the Perseus Community. Even if Laius's actions went too far, the Sage Dragon Emperor could have settled the matter without resorting to such an excessive form of punishment. It was like a lion—no, a Dragon using all of its energy to torment a defenseless rabbit...!"

Smiling sadly, the marginally more diminutive Goddess, none other than Hestia, calmly retorted, "Even you cannot deny Laius's guilt in the matter. I understand your justifications for pinning the blame on the Sage Dragon Emperor, but his actions were ultimately reactive. It's also objectively true that the Sage Dragon Emperor could have killed Laius. Instead, he forced him into a situation where he had no choice but to change his ways...that is a mercy very few are willing to afford the vanquished..."

Feeling a twinge of pain the moment she witnessed sadness in Hestia's gaze, Athena averted her eyes and muttered a frustrated, "Dammit...if I had known I was going to feel like this, I would have come to you 'after' the banquet..."

Taking advantage of the fact Athena had turned away from her, Hestia wrapped her arms around the taller Goddess's waist, completely ignoring the armor between them as she whispered, "It's going to be okay, Athena. Vahn isn't our enemy, not really. If you can overcome this resentment, not only will you become a stronger person, there's a good chance the Sage Dragon Emperor will be willing to treat Laius's injuries. He doesn't strike me as the type to hold a grudge. If you can exhibit a willingness to move forward and change, I believe he will readily assent to mending Laius's broken mind and spirit..."

Though she did not attempt to break free from Hestia's embrace, the look on Athena's face made it apparent she wasn't convinced. Swallowing her pride for the mere possibility of helping her nephew was easier said than done. If Vahn refused her apology and spurned her appeal, the amount of shame and embarrassment she would feel couldn't be quantified.

Understanding how difficult it was for her fellow Goddesses to set aside their pride, a glum look marred Hestia's face as she closed her eyes and held Athena a little more firmly. She couldn't say it, but she knew Vahn's arrival at Mt. Olympus wasn't a good thing. If things progressed how she envisioned they would, there was a good chance she would be losing a few members of her family. As flawed as they were, the thought of losing even a single member of her cherished kin was enough to break Hestia's heart...

...

(A/N: Alternate Titles: 'I know he probably isn't, but it kind of seems like Zeus is compensating for something...','Apollo is a bit of a simp...','Even the vilest and most despicable people can have friends and family who would genuinely mourn their loss...')

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