Chapter 2: Meeting with Gods
In a blinding flash of light, Saitama, Artemis, and Hermes materialized in the grand throne room of Olympus. The cavernous space was filled with massive thrones, each occupied by a larger-than-life figure radiating power. At the center, on the largest throne, sat Zeus himself, his electric blue eyes fixed intently on Saitama.
Saitama glanced around, his expression only mildly interested. "Huh. Nice place you've got here."
Zeus leaned forward, his voice booming through the chamber. "So, this is the mortal who defeated a drakon with a single punch. Tell me, Saitama, what manner of being are you?"
Saitama scratched his bald head. "I told you guys, I'm just a hero for fun. Is this about getting me back home? I really need to catch that sale on udon."
The gods murmured among themselves, some amused, others offended by his casual demeanor.
Ares, the god of war, stood up, his eyes blazing. "You dare speak to the king of gods so casually? I'll show you your place, mortal!"
Before anyone could intervene, Ares charged at Saitama, his divine sword raised high. Saitama sidestepped the attack effortlessly, causing Ares to stumble.
"Hey, watch it," Saitama said, frowning slightly. "You could hurt someone with that."
Enraged, Ares swung again, but Saitama caught the blade between his thumb and forefinger, stopping it cold. With a flick of his wrist, he sent Ares flying across the room, crashing into his own throne.
The Olympian throne room fell into shocked silence.
Athena, the goddess of wisdom, leaned forward, her grey eyes calculating. "Fascinating. He possesses strength beyond even the gods."
Zeus stroked his beard thoughtfully. "Indeed. Saitama, it seems you are more than you appear. Perhaps you were sent to us for a reason."
Artemis, who had been watching silently, suddenly spoke up. "Father, I believe this hero could be of great use to us. The prophecy speaks of a powerful ally from another world."
Saitama raised an eyebrow. "Prophecy? Look, I appreciate the offer, but I've got my own world to protect. Plus, there's that udon sale..."
Suddenly, Apollo's eyes began to glow, and he spoke in a voice that echoed with power:
"Bald hero from a distant land,
With goddess of moon, hand in hand,
A child of two worlds shall rise,
To face a threat of cosmic size."
As the prophecy ended, all eyes turned to Saitama and Artemis. Artemis's silver eyes widened in shock, while Saitama just looked confused.
"Wait, what?" Saitama asked, glancing between Artemis and Apollo. "Did I miss something?"
Zeus's expression turned grave. "It seems, Saitama, that your arrival here was no accident. The Fates have decreed a union between you and Artemis, and a child that will save us all."
Artemis, her face flushed, stammered, "But Father, my vow of chastity..."
Aphrodite giggled from her throne. "Oh, this is going to be fun!"
Saitama, still looking bewildered, turned to Hermes. "So... about that supermarket?"
The throne room erupted into chaos as the gods argued about the prophecy and its implications, while Saitama stood in the center, wondering if he'd ever get his discounted udon noodles.
As the commotion in the throne room continued, Zeus raised his hand, silencing the other gods. He fixed his electric blue gaze on Saitama and Artemis.
"The prophecy is clear," Zeus declared. "Saitama, you will remain in our world for the time being. Artemis, you will guide him and... fulfill the prophecy's requirements."
Artemis, her face a mix of shock and indignation, opened her mouth to protest, but Zeus cut her off with a stern look.
"This is not up for debate. The fate of Olympus may depend on it."
Saitama, still looking perplexed, turned to Artemis. "So, does this mean you know where I can find a supermarket?"
Artemis sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose. "Saitama, I don't think you understand the gravity of this situation."
"Oh," Saitama replied, his face unchanging. "Is it serious?"
Athena stepped forward, her grey eyes analytical. "Perhaps it would be best if Artemis showed our new... ally around our world. He clearly has much to learn about our ways."
Zeus nodded in agreement. "It is decided. Artemis, you will take Saitama with you and your hunters. Teach him about our world, and... prepare for what the prophecy foretells."
As the meeting concluded, Hermes approached Saitama with a mischievous grin. "Don't worry, baldy. I'll make sure to bring you some udon noodles. Something tells me you're going to need the comfort food."
With that, the gods began to disperse. Artemis, still looking flustered, gestured for Saitama to follow her.
"Come," she said, her voice a mix of resignation and curiosity. "We have much to discuss, and apparently, a great deal of time to spend together."
As they left the throne room, Saitama glanced back at the chaotic scene behind them. "You know," he said to Artemis, "this is turning out to be a pretty interesting day after all."
The goddess of the hunt couldn't help but shake her head, a small smile tugging at her lips despite her best efforts. Little did either of them know, their adventure was only just beginning.
