The God of Underworld - Chapter 178
178: Chapter 23 178: Chapter 23 Olympus.
Hera rubbed her forehead, her patience thinning by the second as Athena finished her explanation.
“So, that is why you two nearly leveled half of the continent,” she muttered under her breath, clearly unimpressed.
“What are you, kids?” Arhena flinched, lowering her head in shame.
She wanted to argue, say that everything was Poseidon’s fault, but the disappointed look of her aunt silence her.
She may not look like it, but she had admire Hera ever since she was a young goddess.
Having read the history books, she knew that Hera, along with Hecate and Hades were the brains of the Titanomachy.
All strategies and tactics that ensured their victories were thought of by them.
As a goddess of wisdom and war, how could she not admire her?
Hera’s sharp golden eyes turned toward Zeus, who was still dramatically slouched while leaning on Metis.
“And you… why didn’t you stop them before it escalated this far?” Zeus gave a weak, pitiful cough and straightened just enough to look convincing.
“Apologies, sister.
It’s just I was sick.
I was holed up in my temple being taken care of by Metis, so I know nothing of what happened until now.” Poseidon clicked his tongue, slamming the butt of his trident on the floor.
“You holed up in your temple pounding Metis.” “Watch your tongue, brother,” Zeus warned, though his voice lacked its usual thunderous authority.
Then, as if realizing something, he let out a cough, “…cough, I may look like this, but I am still the King of Gods!” Hera pinched the bridge of her nose, exhaling through her nose.
“Forget it,” she said at last, her tone resigned.
“If you say you are sick, then you are sick.” Her gaze then slid to Medusa, who still knelt on the floor, trembling, and Hera’s expression softened slightly.
“This curse…” she murmured, frowning.
“Even I cannot undo it.
Poseidon, you’ve gone too far.” Poseidon shrugged, as if indifferent.
“It was a light punishment for what she did.
So don’t you dare blame me.
No mortal should insult a god’s dignity!” Athena glared at him in disdain, “You got a lot of dignity for a man with a dick the size of a shrimp!” Poseidon’s eyes flared up, and was about to start an argument again when Demeter put a hand on his shoulder.
“Just let it go, brother.” Poseidon glared at her, but decided to let it go and stared at Hera, “Anyway, that curse was casted by me using the power of my authority.
Unless your authority completely eclipses mine, you won’t be able to undo it.” Hera’s eyes narrowed but she said nothing more to him.
She continued observing Medusa and muttered, “Perhaps only Hecate can undo this with her magic.
Or Hades with his power…” Medusa flinched but didn’t speak.
Hera straightened her posture, her decision made.
“I will take her to Hecate and have the curse undone.” She then turned toward Zeus, her expression cold and regal.
“But first, as King of Olympus, how do you intend to punish Athena and Poseidon for their recklessness?” The room fell silent.
Athena and Poseidon both stiffened, glaring at each other but waiting for the king’s judgment.
Zeus hesitated, scratching his beard, his divine eyes flicking from one to the other.
“Hmm…” he began, clearly stalling.
“Athena.
Poseidon.
You have both shamed Olympus with your recklessness.” Athena straightened, her jaw tight but her eyes calm.
She knew that her father was right.
What she did was completely reckless.
Poseidon only glared, gripping his trident harder.
He wanted to say that Zeus did more to shame Olympus than him, but he remained silent.
“I will now decide your punishments,” Zeus declared.
“since it was you who started this, Poseidon, you will be the one responsible for repairing the damage you two have caused to the world.
After that, you will be under house arrest.
You are to not leave your castle for a decade, and are forbidden to meet anyone, including your wife.” Poseidon’s face twisted in anger.
“It was Athena who attacked first!” he snapped.
“I will not accept this!” Athena immediately retorted, her voice icy.
“You dared to lay hands on my priestess first.
Do not twist the truth.” The tension spiked, divine power crackling faintly between them.
“Enough.” Hera’s voice cut through like a blade.
She stepped forward, her presence commanding.
“Be silent.
Your king is not finished.” Both Athena and Poseidon fell quiet, though neither looked at the other.
Zeus nodded at Hera, grateful for the silence.
His gaze turned towards Athena, “My daughter, even if you did it to protect your priestess, it is true that you struck first.
Therefore, I punish you to circle the world on foot, without the aid of your divinity.” Athena’s eyes widened.
That seems far more heavy than Poseidon’s punishment!
He then turned towards Medusa, “As compensation for the injustice you have suffered, I will grant you your own island.
You will be safe there, free from interference.
No god nor mortal will trouble you.” Medusa’s head rose slightly, her eyes widening.
Hera gave a small nod of approval, her lips curving in a faint, satisfied smile.
“A wise decision, brother.
Now you finally look like a king.” The atmosphere in the place eased, if only a little, as Zeus’s judgment settled over the gathered gods.
And with the tension finally defused, Hera clapped her hands once, the sharp sound echoing through the hall.
“Then it’s decided.
I will personally take Medusa to the Underworld and have Hecate remove the curse.” She turned her golden gaze toward Demeter.
“Will you accompany us?” Demeter shook her head gently, her expression calm but weary.
“No.
I will return with Persephone and my nymphs.
They have packed my things.
We will go there together.” Hera gave a curt nod of understanding.
Then she turned her attention to Zeus, her regal aura flaring for a brief moment.
“And you,” she said, her voice cool but commanding, “fulfill your duty as King of Olympus.
Do not allow your subjects to throw the world into chaos again.” Zeus gave a reluctant nod, scratching his beard.
“Sister, it’s just this once.
I was sick you know.” he said, his sounding like he was wronged.
Hera rolled her eyes, “Whatever you say.” She then turned towards Metis who was supporting Zeus, “And you, control your husband.” Metis smiled wryly, “Don’t worry, I will.” Satisfied, Hera raised one hand and snapped her fingers.
Instantly, purple mist surged across the marble floor, coiling like living smoke.
Divine Spirits materialized, bowing deeply before helping Medusa to her feet.
“Medusa, I’m sorry I couldn’t help you.” Athena apologised, holding her priestess’ hands.
Medusa smiled, “Lady Athena, you have done more than enough.
It was you who took me in when my parents abandoned me, I owe you my life.” Athena smiled softly, “Once I’m done with my sentence, I will visit you in your island.” “You are always welcome, Lady Athena.” Medusa cast one last glance toward Athena, her expression one of relief and gratefulness, before the mist swallowed her form.
Hera’s final words echoed softly through the chamber.
“We will be leaving now.
Make sure this never happes again.” And with that, she and Medusa vanished into the mist, leaving Olympus heavy with silence.
“Mmn~” Demeter stretched her arms, “Well then, now that everything’s settled, I will also be taking my leave.” She turned towards Zeus and a the others wave her hand, “Bye.” With that, she vanished to the skies.
“I will be leaving as well.” Poseidon snorted, “I will fix the damages.” Without even looking at anyone, Poseidon turned into a beam of light and flew to the sky, disappearing from their view.
Zeus then turned towards Athena, “Daughter, I will now seal your divinity.” Athena took a deep breath and nodded, “I’m ready, father.” Zeus nodded.
He raised his hand, and the sky darkned, thunders roaring in the clouds.
With a wave of his hand, a lightning descended, hitting Athena.
She didn’t scream, nor her expression changed.
She look as a calm as ever.
Finally, as the lightning disappeared and the sky cleared once again, there were lightning marks glowing on her skin before disappearing, and with it, the last trace of her divinity vanished.
Her armor even disappeared, replaced by a simple brown tunic that a commoner would wear.
Looking at her now, one couldn’t tell that she was once a divine being.
Metis stepped forward, a worried look of a mother on her face as she caressed her daughter, “Be careful, Athena.” “I will, mother.” Athena nodded.
With a last look to her divine parents, Athena descended Mount Olympus under the tearful eyes of her mother and the calm eyes of her father.