Chapter 47

20th of December - Winter Solstice
Thyrsopolis

Prometheus hunched over in the chaotic heart of Thyrsopolis' control room, surrounded by a wild mix of steampunk machinery and arcane tech. Brass gears clanked, copper pipes hissed steam, and eerie glows added to the mad atmosphere. At the center stood a colossal crystal, pulsing with a dark light. Sparks crackled from Prometheus' fingers as he worked feverishly, merging the Soul of Ddraig, the Welsh Dragon, with Dionysos' dormant soul. As the final threads connected, he threw his head back, cackling like a maniac.

His laughter cut off abruptly. "What the hell?" he muttered, sensing a disturbance. Someone had entered Thyrsopolis uninvited—a rare and unwelcome event. He extended his senses through the city's soul, probing the intruder's essence. "Feels like a Shinigami... but different." His curiosity burned, but he had no time for distractions.

An alarm blared, the crystal shuddered violently, sending out unstable energy. "Fuck!" Prometheus growled, tightening his grip on the conduits. "Not now, damn it!". "Go check out the freak and make it quick," he muttered to the one behind him. He had to complete the integration perfectly. The stakes were sky-high, and he wasn't about to let some uninvited asshole ruin it.

20th of December
Thyrsopolis

Orihime walked alongside Ichigo, Sado, and the valiant Issei, who had saved them. Every time she glanced at him, she felt a blush creeping up her cheeks. The city around them was like a scene from a fairy tale, filled with fairies, orcs, goblins, and even elves. "Amazing!" she gushed aloud, her eyes wide with wonder.

The city was a steampunk paradise, with brass and copper buildings adorned with intricate designs. Fairies flitted through the air, their wings shimmering in the sunlight. Orcs and goblins bartered in the bustling markets, while elves with ethereal beauty moved gracefully through the streets. The sounds of mechanical gears and enchanting melodies filled the air. Orihime's attention was split between the sights and Issei, who was explaining—badly —about the city. He stammered, especially when his eyes crossed her ample chest.

"Uh, th-this city," Issei began, swallowing hard, "was created by Dionysos, the best god for dreamers and adventurers. It's a place where anything is possible." His eyes wandered, landing on Orihime's chest, which was rising and falling with her breath. Her breasts, round and full, strained against her top, drawing his gaze like a magnet. He turned a bright shade of red, his voice faltering mid-sentence.

Orihime noticed his gaze and blushed even deeper. "What about Dionysos?" she asked, hoping to redirect his attention. She found his awkwardness oddly charming.

Issei cleared his throat and tried to focus. "Well, Dionysos is the god of wine, revelry, and madness. He built this city for those who dream and seek adventure. It's like a haven for gamers and adventurers who want to live out their fantasies." He glanced at Orihime's chest again, unable to help himself. "Um, the city is divided into twelve towers, each representing a card suit—King, Queen, and Jack."

Ichigo raised an eyebrow. "And who are these kings and queens?"

Issei's eyes flicked to Orihime's breasts once more before he snapped his attention back to Ichigo. "Oh, right! So, the King of Spades is Prometheus. You guys know Prometheus, right?"

Sado nodded slightly, but Ichigo and Orihime looked confused. Issei took a deep breath and launched into an explanation. "Prometheus is a Titan from Greek mythology. So, like, there were these super-strong gods before the regular gods, and Prometheus was one of them. He created humans from clay, like, actual mud pies, and then he went, 'Hey, humans need fire!' So, he stole it from the gods and gave it to us. Zeus got super mad and chained him to a rock where an eagle ate his liver every day. But his liver grew back every night because he's immortal, so it was like a never-ending buffet for the eagle. Brutal, right?"

Orihime gasped, her hand flying to her mouth. "That's horrible!"

Issei nodded enthusiastically. "Yeah, but Prometheus is a total badass. He defied the gods to help humanity, and that's why he's so revered. Here in Thyrsopolis, he's one of Dionysos' twelve bishops, and he's the King of Spades. He's super smart and always tinkering with stuff, kind of like a mad scientist."

As Issei continued, his eyes kept darting back to Orihime's chest. Her breasts, round and full, strained against her top, rising and falling with her breath. The fabric clung to her curves, highlighting their shape. Each breath she took made them move subtly, a sight that seemed to mesmerize Issei. He turned a bright shade of red whenever he glanced at them, his voice faltering mid-sentence.

"The Queen of Spades is Medusa," Issei went on, his eyes momentarily snapping back to Ichigo. "Medusa used to be a beautiful priestess of Athena. But after she was cursed by Athena—probably because Athena had a bad hair day—her hair turned into snakes. So, now, she can turn people to stone with a look. It's like having really intense stink eye. This hero guy, Perseus, used a mirrored shield to avoid looking at her directly and cut her head off. Her head still had that stone-turning power, though. Like, it was a major magic trick!"

Sado listened intently, clearly fascinated. "And now she's here in Thyrsopolis?"

Issei nodded, glancing at Orihime's chest again, unable to help himself. "Yeah, here she's not seen as a monster but as a fierce warrior. She's the Queen of Spades and commands a lot of respect. Medusa's all about turning weaknesses into strengths. She's got this badass vibe, you know?"

Orihime smiled, captivated by the story. "And what about Icarus?" she asked, hoping to keep Issei talking.

"Oh, Icarus!" Issei's eyes lit up, momentarily breaking his fixation. "Icarus was the son of Daedalus, a brilliant inventor. They were imprisoned on the island of Crete, so Daedalus made wings out of feathers and wax for them to escape. He warned Icarus not to fly too close to the sun or the wax would melt. But Icarus got too excited and flew higher and higher until the sun melted the wax. His wings fell apart, and he plummeted into the sea and drowned. It's a story about hubris and the dangers of overreaching."

Ichigo scratched his head. "So what's he doing here?"

Issei chuckled. "Here, Icarus is a master of flight and adventure. He's always pushing boundaries but in a more controlled way. He's learned from his past mistakes, and now he's one of the Twelve Bishops, specifically the Jack of Spades. He's always inventing new ways to soar through the skies of Thyrsopolis."

As they continued to walk, Orihime's eyes were drawn to the cozy restaurants and fantastic markets, where vendors sold all sorts of magical and mechanical wonders. "This place is like a dream," she whispered.
Ichigo looked impressed as Issei explained that nearly everyone in the city was a gamer. "That's amazing," Ichigo said.

"Yeah," Issei agreed, his eyes drifting back to Orihime's chest once more. "And Dionysos built it all for people like us. He wanted a place where dreamers and adventurers could come together and create something incredible. Here, you can be truly free! Every project, every idea, every bit of energy can come to life! It's the place where the impossible becomes possible!" Issei exclaimed, his enthusiasm radiating as he spoke.

Just then, a stunning succubus strolled by, captivating their attention. Her skin was a flawless shade of alabaster, her curves perfectly accentuated by a barely-there outfit that left little to the imagination. Her long, flowing hair cascaded down her back, shimmering with an almost supernatural light. Her eyes, a deep and seductive shade of purple, sparkled with a mischievous glint as she caught sight of the group. Her hips swayed provocatively with every step, the tight leather of her outfit creaking slightly as she moved, emphasizing her voluptuous figure. The delicate lace trim of her top barely covered her ample breasts, which bounced gently with each step, drawing the gazes of Ichigo, Sado, and Issei.

Her smile was tantalizing, a small hint of fangs showing as she licked her lips playfully. The succubus's tail, long and slender, flicked back and forth behind her, drawing even more attention to her perfectly sculpted derriere, which was hugged tightly by her revealing shorts. She winked at the group, her eyes lingering on Orihime, who turned a deep shade of red. Ichigo, Sado, and Issei all started to bleed from their noses simultaneously, their faces a mixture of embarrassment and awe.

"Hello, boys," the succubus purred, her voice dripping with sensuality. "Enjoying the view?" She leaned in closer to Ichigo, her breath hot against his ear. "If you need a guide to the city's more...intimate places, just let me know." She trailed a finger down his chest, making him shiver and blush furiously.

Orihime nearly passed out from reddening, her face flushed with a combination of embarrassment and something she couldn't quite identify. "Oh my!" she squeaked, desperately trying to focus on anything but the succubus. Her heart pounded in her chest, feeling the heat rise to her cheeks as she struggled to maintain her composure.

Suddenly, Sado pointed ahead. "Wait...Isn't that the guy from the supermarket at home?"

They all turned to see Urahara, with his cat perched on his shoulder, surrounded by city guards. Urahara looked amused, his usual smirk firmly in place as he conversed with the guards. The scene was surreal, Urahara looking out of place yet somehow fitting in this fantastical city.

Before they could react further, a thunderous thud shook the ground. A colossal, steampunk-themed suit landed with a dramatic impact. The suit, standing at three meters high, was an awe-inspiring blend of ancient Greek and advanced steampunk technology. It wore a bronze and copper toga, intricately engraved with Greek motifs and patterns. Gears and cogs adorned its limbs, turning and clicking with each movement. Blue energy lines pulsed along its joints, giving it an otherworldly glow. The chest plate bore the emblem of a stylized phoenix entwined with grapevines, symbolizing Daedalus and Dionysos. Its eyes glowed with an intense, piercing light.

Issei's eyes widened in recognition. "Wait...That's...That's Daedalus? Well, one of his suits!"

Orihime's eyes followed the intricate details of the suit, marveling at the seamless blend of ancient and futuristic design. "What is the guy from the supermarket doing here?" she whispered, her eyes wide with astonishment.

20th of December
Thyrsopolis

Urahara Kisuke was minding his own business, still invisible to the ordinary eye. He had slipped through the bustling streets of Thyrsopolis, his cat perched comfortably on his shoulder, when a sudden thud echoed in front of him.

A monstrous suit of metal, three meters high, landed with a heavy thud. Its sleek, metallic surface gleamed under the city lights, and its eyes glowed with an intense blue light. The emblem of a stylized phoenix entwined with grapevines adorned its chest plate. "Hello, Kisuke Urahara," the suit said. And, after half a second, he added. "Hello, Yoruichi Shihōin. What are Shinigamis doing in Thyrsopolis ?"

Urahara's eyes widened beneath his hat. How? How did it know his name? And what was it? His mind raced as he took in the suit's intricate design and imposing presence. The suit was a marvel of engineering, clearly far beyond anything he had encountered before. It moved with the grace of a living being, despite its size and bulk, the gears and cogs turning seamlessly.

The suit's toga-like adornment fluttered slightly in the breeze, adding an almost regal touch to its already impressive form. Articulated joints allowed for fluid and precise movements, and various weapons and tools were seamlessly integrated into its structure. Urahara's usual smirk faltered slightly as he realized the gravity of the situation. This was not an encounter he had anticipated.

The suit's mechanical gaze fixed on him, waiting for a response. "Ah, well," Urahara began, his smirk returning with a touch of nervousness. "It seems I've been found."

Suddenly, the cat on his shoulder leaped into the air, transforming back into Yoruichi Shihōin. She landed gracefully, her naked body a stunning contrast to the cold metal of the suit. Her skin was a rich, caramel hue, and every curve of her athletic, muscular form exuded power and grace. She stood confidently, utterly unbothered by her nudity. Her breasts were firm and full, with dark, taut nipples that seemed to defy gravity. Her taut stomach led down to her well-defined hips and legs that were nothing short of mesmerizing.

Yoruichi's eyes narrowed as she took in the imposing figure of the mechanical suit. She could not sense any spiritual energy from it, which was both unsettling and intriguing. This place was strange, very strange indeed. She couldn't shake the feeling that they were not the strongest beings in this city; even a random citizen on the street seemed as strong as a seated shinigami.

The machine seemed to hesitate for a moment before beckoning for them to follow it. "This way," it said in a tone that left no room for argument.

Just then, Ichigo, Orihime, Sado, and Issei arrived on the scene. Ichigo, spotting Urahara and Yoruichi, called out, "Urahara-san! What are you doing here ? What's going on?"

The machine's eyes flickered with recognition. "My... What a surprise," it said, its voice carrying a note of genuine curiosity. "The Game truly did choose incredible people."

"Huh?" Ichigo replied, his brow furrowing. He quickly deduced that the machine had also some sort of status-checking capability. Issei told him almost all people here were gamer, so if it was the iron-man suit of a Bishop…Could it see all his stats, even the mysterious ones he himself couldn't?

The suit's gaze then landed on Issei, who was standing awkwardly to the side. "Follow me," Daedalus commanded, his voice brokering no argument. "We must have a conversation."

21th of December - Winter Solstice
Olympus

The Olympus Council Room was a place of unparalleled divine majesty, where the very air seemed to hum with ancient power. The walls, crafted from gleaming white marble, were adorned with intricate golden filigree that shifted and shimmered as if alive. The high ceiling was a dome of purest gold, casting a warm, ethereal light that bathed the room in a celestial glow. Massive pillars, each carved with scenes from the gods' innumerable legends, stood as silent sentinels around the grand table made of celestial stone, its surface reflecting the power and splendor of the deities who convened around it. Zeus, king of the gods, stood tall and imposing, his eyes like storm clouds following Athena as she entered the chamber.

Athena moved with a predatory grace, her armor gleaming as if freshly forged by Hephaestus. Her presence was a mesmerizing blend of wisdom, unyielding power, and an icy allure that sent shivers down the spine. She exuded a fierce intellect and a sensuality that was both captivating and intimidating. Athena's body was the epitome of divine perfection: muscular yet exquisitely feminine. Her intricately designed breastplate clung like a second skin, highlighting her firm, full breasts and narrow waist. The armor, etched with symbols of her victories, hugged her powerful thighs and sculpted calves, emphasizing her lethal abs, defined and taut, rippled beneath the shining metal, a testament to her strength and discipline. Her strong, sculpted arms bore the marks of countless battles, the muscles flexing with lethal elegance. Her ass, perfectly rounded and firm, was a masterpiece of divine craftsmanship. Each step she took made her hips sway with a hypnotic rhythm, the curves of her buttocks accentuated by the form-fitting armor that seemed to be molded to her divine form. The way the metal hugged her contours left little to the imagination, each movement emphasizing the powerful muscles beneath the smooth skin.

Her sharp, intelligent eyes scanned the room with an intensity that could pierce through the fog of war itself, a cold, dangerous gleam hinting at the deadly intellect behind them. Her gaze was like a winter storm, beautiful yet deadly, promising both wisdom and destruction. The owl perched on her shoulder, a symbol of her profound wisdom, mirrored her penetrating stare with its own, completing the picture of a goddess who embodied both beauty and lethal might. Athena's movements were fluid and deliberate, like a beautiful but deadly snake, coiled and ready to strike at a moment's notice. Zeus smiled - a snake, a perfect comparison.

Athena was the last to take her seat. The absence of Ares, Dionysos, and Artemis was painfully evident, their thrones standing empty like vacant sentinels. Zeus refrained from gulping, keeping his expression stern and composed. He watched as Athena, with a fluidity that spoke of both grace and power, made her way to her throne and settled with an air of undeniable authority.

Around the table, the gods sat in their places, each exuding their unique aura of power. Hera, the queen of the gods, radiated an aura of regal poise, her gaze as piercing as a hawk's. Her long, flowing robes seemed to shimmer with an inner light. Demeter, the goddess of the harvest, emanated a calm, nurturing warmth, her eyes reflecting the cycles of life and death she governed. Her hair, a cascade of golden wheat, framed her serene face. Hephaestus, the god of the forge, appeared rugged and strong, his hands marked with the signs of his eternal craft, his eyes burning with the fire of creation. Poseidon, god of the seas, exuded a raw, untamed power, his trident resting beside him, his skin the color of stormy seas. Hades, lord of the underworld, was a dark and brooding presence, his eyes deep pools of shadow and mystery, his cloak seeming to absorb the light around him.

Zeus, with an air of undeniable authority, struck the ground with his mighty bolt. The sound echoed through the vast hall, resonating with a divine decree. The main doors closed with a definitive thud, signaling the commencement of the council.

"I declare this Winter Solstice divine meeting open," Zeus announced, his voice a thunderous proclamation that reverberated through the room, commanding the attention of all present.

Athena smiled, but it was too wide, almost inhuman. Her lips stretched and did not reach her eyes.

Zeus had a feeling that something was about to happen…and he had taken some measures to survive what would be quite a chaotic meeting.

AN : Thanks for reading ! For people missing Dio, there's only one or two chapters not focusing on him, then it'll be almost only him until the end of the Arc.