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As soon as the voice stopped, three doors appeared on the wall opposite the screen, with the middle one being the largest. One of the crew members closest to the doors shouted for everyone to hear:
"The main one says 'living room,' and the others say 'bedrooms'!"
Penelope immediately took control of the situation, her firm voice echoing through the room:
"The voice mentioned that the bedrooms have bathrooms, and you all know very well what I want."
She turned to Odysseus, evaluating him from head to toe with a critical look before adding in a teasing tone:
"And you need to shave and cut that hair urgently. You're starting to look like a caveman."
Odysseus gave a playful smile as he stepped closer to Penelope. In a low, teasing tone, he whispered in her ear:
"I thought you liked my hair longer. I could feel you braiding it… wouldn't you want it to stay this way a little longer?"
Penelope blushed slightly, averting her gaze to hide the redness. Regaining her composure, she replied in a somewhat hesitant voice but maintained her authoritative tone:
"A king must always keep a good appearance for his subjects. And right now, yours is far from ideal for a king."
Despite her firmness, Odysseus noticed a hint of reluctance in her voice, as if part of her didn't want him to change.
Elsewhere, Ctimene, Eurylochus, and Polites were exchanging stories. The two men reminisced about the times of war, describing the battles they fought, the generals they met, and the strategies they devised. Meanwhile, Ctimene shared with them how the kingdom had fared in the absence of the three.
She recounted how the first years were the hardest for Penelope and her mother, Anticlea. Penelope faced the challenge of ruling Ithaca while taking care of her young son, Telemachus, praying daily to the gods for the safety of her husband and her cousin Helena. Anticlea, in turn, shared similar concerns. When not at her husband's side, both of them burdened by the emotional toll of Odysseus' absence, she helped Penelope by taking care of Telemachus so her daughter-in-law could get some rest.
Ctimene also revealed that she spent much of her time moving between the two women. She did her best to assist Penelope with details about Ithaca that the former Spartan princess might not fully know. At the same time, she dedicated herself to being by her parents' side, trying to alleviate the sadness that seemed ever-present. However, her efforts didn't always succeed.
There was, however, one part that Ctimene chose to omit. She didn't mention what had happened to her mother.
Telemachus was beaming. In such a short time, he had gone from having only his mother, grandfather, and aunt as family to finally having his father back, two new uncles, and a grandmother—who, incidentally, was a goddess. But that wasn't the most important thing right now. What mattered at this moment was that Telemachus was persistently pestering Athena.
"No," the goddess responded in a firm and authoritative voice. Her steady eyes and rigid expression seemed carved from stone. However, for those who knew her well, there were small signs that her resolve was starting to falter.
"But whyyy?" the boy whined, looking at his newly discovered grandmother with bright, pleading eyes. "My dad was younger than me when he started training! Why can't you train me too, Grandma?"
Athena still didn't know how to feel about her protégé's son practically adopting her as his grandmother. At the moment, however, she was more concerned with convincing him that she wouldn't train him. "Your father was a special exception, something I sincerely hope not to repeat. Not because he failed, but because it's not healthy to start training so young. When you're 14 or 15, we can talk about it. We're not Spartans," she explained with a patient but firm tone, believing this argument would be enough to end the discussion.
Of course, Athena had forgotten one small detail.
"My mom is Spartan," Telemachus countered with a mischievous grin. "So I can start training earlier, right?" He wasn't willing to give up without a truly solid justification.
Athena sighed, pressing her temples with her fingers. This was going to be a long interlude. Perhaps she could use the time to check out the library the voice had mentioned. After all, it was better than continuing this debate with the persistent little boy who had already decided that "no" wasn't an acceptable answer.
Few groups were still engaged in interesting conversations, and, one by one, the room began to empty. Soon it was discovered that everyone had their own room, and all they had to do was wander through the hallways to eventually find a door with their name engraved on it.
Eurylochus and Ctimene headed to the shared room they had found, where they could clean up and spend some time together. Eurylochus, as previously mentioned, hadn't taken care of himself in a long time due to the hardships of war, while Ctimene had spent her recent days at her father's farm, dedicating almost all her time to him.
Meanwhile, Polites caught Telemachus's attention, inviting him to explore the area. Athena, still in the room, couldn't hide her relief. While Telemachus wasn't persuasive, he was incredibly insistent, and she could feel his determination beginning to wear down her own resistance. The reprieve provided by Polites was more than welcome.
Some time ago, Circe and Calypso had also left the room, each following their own path, while Hermes, ever curious, soon joined Telemachus and Polites to explore the place.
This left only Odysseus and Penelope in the room.
The two remained silent, savoring the tranquility of each other's company. They didn't know how much time they would have together, and this moment felt too precious to disrupt.
Eventually, they decided it was time to look for their rooms. But before they could leave, the voice echoed through the room, interrupting them:
"Ah, wait just a moment."
They did as requested. "Do you need something?" Odysseus asked the voice that had been assisting them so far. "And, by the way, could you tell us your name, please? I'm starting to get tired of just calling you 'the voice' or 'the mysterious voice.'"
The response came in an amused, almost teasing tone:
"Ah, yes, of course. I suppose it was rude not to introduce myself to you. You can call me Chaos," declared the now-named Chaos. Before the couple had time to react, he continued without pause:
"As for what I need from you, it's simple: we'll have three new guests in our room. However, I want to add them gradually. I need you to welcome the first one."
Penelope and Odysseus exchanged glances, wanting to ask more questions about Chaos's identity, but their attention was diverted when a small light shimmered in front of them.
As soon as the light faded, a familiar small creature appeared.
Odysseus recognized it instantly. It was the small Lotus Eater, the same one that had joined them during the trial in the Cyclops' cave.
The creature looked around curiously, trying to get its bearings in the environment until its eyes landed on Odysseus. A cheerful smile spread across its face, and it began waving enthusiastically. Its sweet, childlike voice rang out:
"Hello!"
Truly, a creature designed to be irresistibly adorable, just as Athena had mentioned.
Penelope couldn't help but smile faintly, and Odysseus extended his hand to the small Lotus Eater, who hopped toward him before climbing into his palm. With a careful motion, Odysseus placed it on his shoulder and asked:
"And the others? When will they arrive?"
Chaos responded in a calm yet serious tone:
"I'm giving you time to rest and explore the area before we begin the next saga. It will be mentally exhausting, so make sure you're prepared."
Odysseus nodded, sensing the weight of Chaos's words, as the small Lotus Eater settled on his shoulder, observing everything with curious, innocent eyes.
Odysseus planned to leave the Lotus Eater with Polites before heading to his room, and so he did. Polites was with Telemachus and Hermes, chatting in the common room, a majestic and enormous circular space exuding elegance and comfort. Various chairs and sofas, meticulously arranged, created cozy areas for conversation and relaxation. In the center, a luxurious, plush circular rug covered much of the floor, adding a touch of warmth and sophistication to the setting.
The lighting was carefully curated, with exquisite chandeliers hanging from the high ceiling, casting a soft, inviting glow. The walls were true works of art, adorned with magnificent Greek paintings narrating legendary and mythological stories.
Odysseus and Penelope approached, admiring their surroundings. The place was a perfect combination of beauty and coziness, so enchanting that they couldn't help but imagine something similar in their own palace.
The three in the room heard footsteps and turned toward the couple. At first, Polites, Telemachus, and Hermes waved warmly, but their gazes quickly fell on the new guest perched on Odysseus's shoulder. The moment they recognized the small creature, Polites and Telemachus's faces lit up, and they eagerly ran toward the couple.
Polites, after asking for Odysseus's permission, carefully picked up the small Lotus Eater in his hands, treating it with utmost care, while Telemachus followed closely, bouncing with excitement. The two quickly returned to their spot, chatting joyfully. The little creature, with its high-pitched, endearing voice, added the occasional enthusiastic word, making the moment all the more charming.
Seeing his son and best friend so happy and engaged, Odysseus and Penelope exchanged knowing smiles. Their joy was contagious, and the couple could only hope this positive energy would carry them through the upcoming songs.
Deciding to take the opportunity to rest, the King and Queen of Ithaca left the room to search for their quarters. It didn't take long to find them. Above an imposing set of double doors made of dark oak, their names were elegantly engraved, befitting their station.
Opening the doors, they were greeted by a room as luxurious as the common area they had just left.
The luxurious bedroom, designed in the style of ancient Greece, was a spacious and harmonious haven radiating elegance and grandeur. The high ceiling was supported by Doric or Ionic columns, decorated with intricate carvings and classical motifs. At the center of the room rested a noble wooden bed adorned with golden details and sheer white linen curtains that gently swayed with any breeze entering the space.
The walls were painted in light tones such as white and beige, accentuated by hand-painted murals depicting mythological and natural scenes, such as olive groves and the gods of Olympus. A large mosaic in shades of blue and gold covered the floor, showcasing a complex geometric pattern.
The furniture was minimalist yet refined: marble side tables with golden bases, high-backed chairs with silk cushions, and an ornate chest for storing belongings. A vanity with a polished bronze mirror stood in one corner, accompanied by delicate ceramic amphoras filled with perfumes and oils.
Decorative chandeliers were strategically positioned, providing soft illumination to the bedroom. The air was perfumed by fresh flowers arranged in ceramic vases adorned with geometric patterns.
The couple paused for a moment to admire the room before stepping inside, feeling a tranquility they hadn't experienced in a long time. The room invited laziness, as if beckoning them to sink into the bed and relax. It was an extremely soothing space—exactly what they needed after such a long period of stress.
To the left, another set of double doors, slightly smaller than those of the bedroom, stood ajar. Curious, Odysseus approached them, only to find himself in the en-suite bathroom.
The space was lined with colorful mosaic tiles forming intricate geometric patterns. Shades of blue, white, and gold dominated, evoking a sense of the sea and purity. At the center of the room rested a large marble bathtub, hand-carved and adorned with decorative edges featuring acanthus leaves or wave motifs. The bathtub was fed by polished bronze faucets designed to resemble lion heads. Small pitchers were placed nearby, intended for pouring water.
The high ceiling was painted to depict a soft blue sky with delicate clouds, with chandeliers descending to cast a gentle glow.
In one corner stood a washbasin with a marble sink on a decorative pedestal. Beside it, a polished bronze mirror reflected the light softly, flanked by small shelves holding bottles of perfume, herbal soaps, and neatly folded linen towels.
The bathroom was completed with wooden or stone seating cushioned with fine fabric, as well as a wicker basket for used towels. Odysseus noticed the air was fragranced with aromatic oils and fresh flower petals scattered around, creating an atmosphere of serenity and luxury.
The two were momentarily stunned by the sight before them. Was this really their bedroom and bathroom? The opulence was astonishing, almost surreal, with every detail exuding elegance and comfort. They exchanged glances, their surprise and enchantment mirrored in each other's eyes, before nodding silently.
Finally, a moment just for them. A space where they could momentarily set aside the worries and responsibilities that followed them. And with such a magnificent place, they knew they would savor every moment to the fullest.
People began returning to the common room after receiving a notification from Chaos. Everyone seemed refreshed, both physically and mentally, especially Odysseus's crew. They hadn't realized how much they needed a moment like that until they finally had it.
The rooms and spaces also revealed another surprise: food. After a while, everyone realized that it was possible to request practically anything, and it would simply appear. One crew member, for instance, took advantage of the opportunity to indulge in a seafood feast in his room. Now, he was sprawled across one of the sofas, clutching his overstuffed belly, while his fellow crewmates eyed him cautiously.
They had seen this scene before and knew what might come next.
Worse yet—they knew he might vomit on them!
Meanwhile, Athena was both satisfied and extremely curious. Through one of the doors in the living room, she had discovered the library. It was absolutely colossal, even larger than her own personal library. The shelves seemed to stretch on endlessly, filled with knowledge she had never imagined existed.
Among the many subjects she explored, Athena was particularly captivated by designs for machines and fascinating contraptions. Some of these sketches seemed so advanced that she was already planning to ask Hephaestus for help in constructing them when she returned to Olympus.
In short, Athena was happy.
As Chaos's voice echoed once more through the room, everyone's attention was drawn to it.
"Well, now that everyone is here, we can finally proceed. As I mentioned earlier to Odysseus and Penelope, I'll update the rest of you: we're about to have new guests."
He paused, allowing the information to sink in before continuing.
"I've already introduced the first one, as some of you may have noticed."
A few immediately glanced at Polites's shoulder, followed by others. The small Lotus Eater, realizing it was being observed by so many, lifted its head and waved at everyone with a radiant smile. Many couldn't resist its charm and waved back, a few even letting out muffled laughs.
Chaos resumed, this time with a more serious tone.
"Now I'll bring in the second guest. I recommend preparing yourselves, as not even I can predict exactly how she will react."
His words stirred a mix of tension and anticipation in the room. Some adopted defensive stances, ready to deal with someone who might be unstable or dangerous. However, Chaos quickly added:
"Let me be clear—no one will get hurt. So relax a little."
His assurance eased some of the tension, but caution lingered. There was something about his tone that kept everyone on edge.
Suddenly, a brilliant light illuminated the center of the room, causing some to squint. As the brightness faded, the vague outline of a woman began to take shape, gradually becoming more defined.
The woman emerged as a mystical and elegant figure, dressed in intricate, dark attire adorned with elaborate details like feathers and flowing fabrics, exuding both power and grace. Her outfit combined billowing skirts with bold ornamental elements, including striking silver highlights, hinting at a connection to the sea or the night.
Her captivating gaze was framed by sharp facial features that radiated both beauty and menace. Her hair, divided into six long, distinct sections that extended to the floor, began to move. Suddenly, six monstrous heads rose to her shoulder height, each writhing independently like living serpents.
These heads varied in appearance: some snarled with jagged teeth, others had glowing, unblinking eyes, and their long, sinuous necks undulated like tentacles. They emanated a supernatural energy, making her presence both hypnotic and terrifying. The heads seemed to reflect her mood, growling aggressively or moving calmly and watchfully, adding an air of dominance and unpredictability.
The woman's eyes, partially hidden by the monstrous heads forming her "hair," scanned the room until they locked onto Odysseus. He stood tense and wary, his sword firm in his hand as he positioned himself protectively in front of his wife and son.
Her gaze was cold and piercing—a sickly yellow that gleamed in the light, with reptilian slit pupils. The sight was simultaneously mesmerizing and terrifying.
Chaos broke the silence: "Meet Scylla, the Sea Terror."
Odysseus felt the blood drain from his face. His eyes widened as the woman's figure dissolved in his mind, replaced by the monstrous form of Scylla, the sea creature he had faced on his journey. The recognition was immediate and mutual. The way she looked at him—with both familiarity and other unspoken emotions—made it clear that she remembered him too.
And she hadn't forgotten.
"Why?" was the only question echoing in Odysseus's mind. "Why Scylla? What kind of twisted entertainment could anyone find in having a monster like her here?" None of it made sense to him. Why had Chaos chosen such a dangerous being to share this space with everyone?
But Odysseus wasn't the only one plagued by questions.
Not far away, another woman observed the scene with her own storm of thoughts: Circe. To her, the figure before her was a terrible reminder of her past. Scylla was the perfect fusion of the graceful nymph she had destroyed and the monster she had created.
Circe could clearly see the beauty that had once captivated Glaucus, her former love, alongside the horror born from her insatiable jealousy. Despite the years that had passed, the memory of the transformation remained vivid: the look of pain, sorrow, and betrayal on the nymph's face when it was over.
Now, facing Scylla again, Circe felt a profound fear growing within her—not fear of Scylla, but fear of confronting her own sins, of facing the living proof of her merciless choices and everything she had lost by her own hand.
Scylla didn't notice her. She didn't even glance at the woman who had ruined her life. Instead, she began walking toward Odysseus, leaving everyone around her tense. Athena swiftly moved to stand by her protégé, her stance firm and watchful. Hermes, meanwhile, observed with sharp eyes, ready to react to the slightest sudden movement.
Scylla stopped a few steps from Odysseus. The monstrous heads that had been scanning the room stilled, their focus shifting to six specific crew members. Confused and visibly nervous, they tried to understand why they were being observed. Meanwhile, Scylla's yellow eyes met Odysseus's—a deep green and intense brown. The silence between them was heavy, laden with memories and unspoken meanings.
Then, she smiled.
A wide smile, revealing sharp, gleaming teeth. Slowly, she raised one of her hands. Her pale, almost gray skin darkened at the wrist to a deep, grayish black, like the ocean's depths at night. With a calculated motion, she pointed first at Odysseus, then at herself.
The message was clear. He understood.
They were still the same.
Scylla let out a peculiar chuckle, both melodic and eerie, as though two voices—one guttural and monstrous, the other soft and melodious—were entwined.
Suddenly, a large chair appeared beside the sofa where Odysseus's family was seated. The piece was designed to complement Scylla's attire, with an open structure that allowed ample space for her extra heads to move freely. She let out a bubbling sound—something that resembled gratitude—and settled into the chair.
Odysseus watched her with curiosity and unease. "She doesn't speak?" he asked. He distinctly remembered Scylla's voice as she celebrated over the bodies of his men.
Chaos intervened, his voice firm:
"To alter her body and heal her mind, something had to be sacrificed. Scylla lost her ability to speak."
Odysseus turned his gaze back to the monster who had haunted his nights for years. But now, she seemed... different. Almost cheerful, almost innocent. Her large eyes scanned the room with curiosity, and a chilling smile remained fixed on her face. Yet, her behavior seemed almost childlike. Seated in the chair, she swung her legs back and forth, and her feet, peeking out from under her dress, displayed an intriguing feature: like her hands, her pale skin extended only to her ankles. The remainder of her legs was a dark, almost black shade, with long, sharp claws gleaming in the light.
After observing her for another moment, Odysseus concluded that she did not pose a threat. As Chaos had assured, no harm would come to anyone. But before he could lose himself in his thoughts, Telemachus's voice broke the silence:
"And the last guest?"
Chaos hesitated before replying, his tone uncharacteristically uncertain:
"This one will be a bit more complicated."
"More than Scylla?" was the question echoing in many minds.
Chaos elaborated:
"For context, the last guest comes from many years in the future, with some peculiarities."
Curiosity swept through the room. Even Scylla turned her attention to Chaos, momentarily abandoning her examination of the room.
"In the future," Chaos explained, "the gods still exist, but they are much weaker than they are now. This is because humans no longer believe in the Olympians."
The room fell silent. Mortals gaped, immortals were perplexed, and the gods were outraged. The idea that humanity could simply stop believing in them was absurd.
Chaos continued, unfazed: "The gods no longer need worshippers to survive, so many have blended into mortal society. Some became famous figures over time, while others simply spent their days relaxing. In short, you no longer have the responsibilities of gods."
Athena seemed intrigued rather than offended. The prospect of continuing to expand her wisdom over centuries appealed to her more than retaining immense power.
As a new light began to shine in the center of the room, Chaos spoke with a playful tone:
"Oh, and don't be too surprised by what you see."
Before anyone could question him, the figure of a man began to take shape.
When the light faded, the room was left in stunned silence. The man looked strikingly similar to Odysseus, yet there were notable differences: he was slimmer, younger, and bore an expression of confusion that sharply contrasted with the King of Ithaca's composed demeanor.
Wide-eyed and stammering, the man finally managed to speak:
"W-what…?"
His trembling voice reflected his shock, his gaze darting around the room until it met Odysseus's.
For a moment, the two locked eyes in stunned silence, the air thick with disbelief. Then, Jorge opened his mouth, about to scream, his confusion evident.