Shin appeared at the grand entrance of the Gremory mansion in a brilliant flash of red lightning, the energy crackling in the air before fading into nothingness. Asia, Freya, and Kuroka stood beside him, taking in the luxurious estate with casual ease. The Gremory household was nothing if not opulent—tall marble pillars, immaculate gardens, and an aura of sheer aristocracy that spoke of generations of prestige and power.
As the dust settled from their arrival, the grand doors opened, revealing Rias Gremory standing at the forefront, her crimson hair flowing gracefully behind her. Her radiant blue eyes sparkled with warmth and familiarity. "Shin!" she called, a pleased smile gracing her lips.
Shin's gaze moved past her and landed on the familiar faces of Issei and the rest of her peerage—Akeno, Kiba, Koneko, Gasper, and Xenovia. But what caught him off guard was the additional presence of Vali Lucifer and his team—Arthur, Bikou, Le Fay, and even Ophis, the Dragon God of Infinity herself, standing quietly in the back, her unassuming yet overwhelming presence filling the air.
Shin raised an eyebrow, crossing his arms as he surveyed the unexpected guests. "Huh," he mused, a smirk tugging at his lips. "Your Kyoto trip was quite eventful, I suppose?"
Issei, ever the loudmouth, scratched the back of his head with an awkward chuckle. "Y-Yeah, you could say that... Things got a little crazy."
Kuroka purred beside Shin, stepping forward with a sly grin. "Well, well~ Looks like you guys made some new friends while you were gone, huh?" Her golden eyes flicked toward Vali, who merely smirked at her.
Rias sighed, shaking her head. "More like unexpected allies." She looked toward Vali, her expression softening but still guarded. "A lot happened in Kyoto, Shin. Things we weren't prepared for."
Vali, leaning casually against the side of the mansion's grand archway, spoke up, his silver hair catching the light. "You could say our interests aligned… for now." His sharp eyes met Shin's. "But I didn't expect you to show up so soon."
Shin smirked. "What can I say? I've got a knack for showing up at interesting times." He tilted his head, locking eyes with Ophis, who simply stared back with her usual blank expression. "And you... What's the Dragon God of Infinity doing here?"
Ophis blinked slowly, her voice eerily soft yet carrying an unmistakable weight. "I am... watching."
Shin's eyes narrowed slightly. "Watching who, exactly?"
Ophis simply stared at him, unblinking, before answering in a calm, monotone voice. "Everything."
Shin sighed, already feeling a headache coming on. "Right. Of course."
Freya leaned closer, whispering in Shin's ear. "Should we be worried?"
Shin shrugged. "Honestly? Probably."
Rias stepped forward, hands on her hips, clearly eager to move on from the awkward introductions. "Come inside," she said. "We have a lot to talk about."
Shin shook his head as they stepped into the grand hall of the Gremory mansion, his crimson eyes scanning the gathered group with a serious expression. He exhaled sharply, rubbing the back of his neck before speaking.
"Sorry, Rias," he said, his tone firm. "This isn't a social visit. I would've figured Sirzechs or Grayfia would have told you why I was coming."
Rias's confident expression faltered slightly, concern creeping into her features. "They didn't," she admitted, crossing her arms. "What's going on, Shin?"
Shin glanced at Asia, Freya, and Kuroka before returning his gaze to Rias. "Sirzechs is heading to Olympus to speak with Zeus about Prometheus. And I'm going with him."
A heavy silence settled over the room, and the atmosphere shifted. The mere mention of Prometheus sent a wave of tension through everyone, the weight of the name alone enough to darken the mood.
Issei stepped forward, his brows furrowed. "Wait, you're going to Olympus? As in the Olympus? Dude, that's... kinda huge."
Shin smirked slightly. "Yeah, well, it's not exactly a vacation." His expression hardened again as he looked at Rias. "I need Kuroka, Asia, and Freya to stay here with you guys. They'll be safer here." He paused, his gaze sweeping over the room, lingering briefly on Vali's team and then on Ophis. "And I guess now I can feel a little more secure with everyone here... and the Dragon God herself."
Ophis, who had been silent until now, tilted her head slightly at Shin's words. "Safety... is relative," she said softly, her voice carrying an unsettling calm.
Shin shrugged with a small smirk. "Fair enough," he said, stepping forward toward Ophis. She remained as still and expressionless as ever, her black eyes watching him with an eerie calm.
Without a word, Shin reached into a shimmering portal beside him, his hand disappearing into the swirling vortex of his pocket dimension. A moment later, he pulled out two items: a small bunch of ripe bananas and, of all things, a fidget spinner. He held them out toward Ophis casually.
Her eyes widened ever so slightly, a rare flicker of excitement passing over her usually impassive face as she took the bananas from his hand. She examined them carefully, running her fingers over the peel with a fascinated expression that made Shin chuckle under his breath.
Then, her gaze shifted to the fidget spinner in his other hand, her brows furrowing ever so slightly. "What... is that?" she asked, tilting her head.
Shin grinned and held it up. "This," he said, balancing it on his index finger, "is a fidget spinner."
Ophis blinked. "Fidget... spinner?"
Shin nodded. "Yeah, you hold it like this—" He positioned it on his finger, flicking it with his other hand. The spinner whirled rapidly, a faint hum filling the air as it spun effortlessly. Ophis's black eyes locked onto it, transfixed as the metallic rings spun in a hypnotic blur.
She stared in silence, completely absorbed, watching intently as the spinner gradually slowed down and eventually came to a stop. Without hesitation, she reached forward, plucking it from his fingers with the same seriousness she would use when handling an ancient relic of immense power.
"I... will protect them," Ophis declared, clutching the fidget spinner with the same reverence she had shown the bananas.
Shin fought the urge to laugh but simply nodded, placing a hand on his hip. "Glad to hear it," he said. "I knew I could count on you."
Rias, watching the interaction with an incredulous look, leaned toward Issei and whispered, "Did he just bribe the Infinite Dragon with... bananas and a toy?"
Issei sighed, rubbing his temples. "Yeah… yeah, he did."
Kuroka giggled, leaning against Shin. "Nya~, you sure know how to get on people's good sides, don't you?"
Shin smirked. "I have my ways."
Freya crossed her arms, shaking her head with a small, amused smile. "Well, if it works, I'm not complaining."
Ophis, now entirely absorbed in spinning the fidget spinner on her finger, nodded once more. "I will stay here," she said with finality. "Protect them."
Shin gave a small salute. "Appreciate it. Just, uh… don't get too lost in that thing."
Ophis didn't respond—her full focus was now on the spinner, watching it spin with an expression of deep concentration.
Shin sighed in relief and turned back to the others. "Well, now that we've got her on board, I think I can leave without worrying too much."
Rias chuckled softly, still amazed by what she had just witnessed. "Just... be careful, Shin."
Shin grinned. "Always am."
Shin turned to Asia, Kuroka, and Freya, his usual confident smirk replaced by something more serious, more thoughtful. He looked at each of them in turn, his crimson eyes lingering just a little longer on each face, memorizing them. The weight of his upcoming journey pressed against him, and he wasn't one to leave things unsaid.
"Alright," he said, exhaling. "I'm heading out."
Asia's blue eyes widened with worry, her hands clasping in front of her chest. "Shin… be careful, okay?" she pleaded, her voice soft and filled with concern.
He reached out, gently placing a hand on her head and ruffling her blonde hair with a warm smile. "You know me, Asia. I'm always careful."
Freya stepped forward next, her violet eyes searching his with a deep understanding. She said nothing at first, but her hand found his, squeezing it gently. "Promise me you'll come back," she whispered.
Shin nodded, giving her a reassuring squeeze back. "I promise."
Then, he turned to Kuroka, who had been standing with her arms crossed, watching him with an uncharacteristically serious expression. "Nya~, what's with the long goodbyes, Shin?" she teased lightly, though there was a hint of unease beneath her playful tone. "It's not like you're going off to die or anything."
Shin sighed, his smirk faltering. "Because you never know when Prometheus will strike," he said, his voice steady but heavy. "And if… if this is the last time I see one of you..." He trailed off, his crimson eyes darkening.
His gaze drifted downward for a moment, his jaw tightening. A heavy silence filled the space between them before he continued, his voice quieter but laced with emotion. "I didn't get to say goodbye last time… to Kari." His throat tightened at the mention of her name, the wound still fresh, still raw. "I didn't get to let her know how much she meant to me."
He swallowed hard, his fists clenching at his sides. "I'm not making that mistake again."
Asia's eyes welled up with tears, her lower lip trembling. "Shin..." she whispered, stepping closer to him.
Kuroka's ears twitched, and for once, she didn't have a teasing remark to fire back. Instead, she blinked up at him, silently taking in the weight of his words. Before she could say anything, Shin stepped forward and pulled her into a firm hug.
Her eyes widened in surprise for a moment before she melted into it, her arms slowly wrapping around him. Shin leaned down, whispering into her ear, his voice low and deadly serious.
"If Prometheus attacks," he said, "get Asia and Freya, and teleport the hell out. Don't hesitate. Don't worry about anyone else. It's them he'll target... because they're the ones most important to me."
Kuroka's grip on him tightened slightly, and she whispered back, "I understand, Shin." There was no trace of her usual flirtation—just quiet determination.
Pulling back slightly, Shin met her gaze, searching for any hesitation. When he found none, he nodded. "Good."
Kuroka stepped back, folding her arms again, but this time, there was something more protective in the way she positioned herself next to Asia and Freya. "You better come back, nya~," she muttered, flicking her tail against his leg. "I'm not gonna be responsible for dealing with these two worrying about you 24/7."
Shin chuckled lightly, feeling a bit of the tension ease. "I'll do my best."
Freya, standing beside Asia, crossed her arms. "We're holding you to that."
Asia sniffled but smiled, trying to keep a brave face. "We'll be waiting, Shin."
Shin let out a breath, giving them all one final look before turning away. "Stay safe. All of you."
And with that, red lightning crackled around him once more, and in an instant, he was gone.
(Scene Break)
Shin reappeared in a crackle of red lightning inside Sirzechs' office, the familiar polished wood and grand decor greeting him. His crimson eyes quickly scanned the room, landing first on Sirzechs, who stood behind his desk with his usual composed expression. But what really caught Shin off guard was the sight of Serafall, standing beside him—not in her usual Milky Girl magical girl outfit, but instead in something far more... professional.
She wore a crisp blue button-up shirt tucked into a pair of well-fitted black jeans, with a white undershirt peeking out from beneath. Her hair was still styled in its signature twin tails, but the usual sparkles and ribbons were absent, replaced by a simple, neat look.
Shin raised an eyebrow, his lips curling into an amused smirk. "Well, don't you look all dressed up," he teased, folding his arms across his chest.
Serafall groaned dramatically, throwing her hands up in exasperation. "I know!" she whined, pouting. "Do you have any idea how bothersome this is? Ugh, I hate all these stiff, boring clothes. No frills, no sparkles, no pizzazz!"
Shin chuckled, shaking his head. "Yeah, I can see how wearing something normal might be a nightmare for you."
Serafall puffed her cheeks, crossing her arms in defiance. "Sirzechs said I need to look presentable for this whole Olympus thing," she huffed. "Something about not embarrassing the Underworld or whatever." She turned to Sirzechs, pointing accusingly. "You're just jealous of my usual cute look!"
Sirzechs, standing with his hands clasped behind his back, gave her a patient smile. "Serafall, the goal is diplomacy, not... distraction." He turned his attention to Shin, his crimson eyes filled with purpose. "Are you ready?"
Shin exhaled and gave a firm nod. "Yeah," he said, stepping forward. "Let's do this."
Serafall sighed dramatically, rolling her eyes. "Ugh, fine. But after we talk to Zeus, I'm totally changing back."
Shin grinned. "I'd expect nothing less."
Sirzechs chuckled softly before gesturing toward the glowing teleportation circle that had been prepared in the middle of the room. "Then let's not keep the King of Olympus waiting."
Shin took a deep breath, his expression shifting to something more serious. "Right," he muttered. "Let's get this over with."
As the three of them stepped into the circle, the magic flared to life.
As the teleportation circle flared to life, Shin felt a sudden shift in the atmosphere, the sensation of weightlessness washing over him. A moment later, the blinding light faded, and he found himself standing in Olympus.
The sight before him was nothing short of breathtaking.
Olympus was a realm of unparalleled majesty, a place sculpted by divine hands and steeped in ancient power. Towering marble columns lined the streets, etched with intricate carvings depicting heroic battles and celestial triumphs. The air was rich with the scent of ambrosia and blooming flowers, and a faint hum of divine energy buzzed through the atmosphere, as if the very realm pulsed with life.
The streets themselves shimmered under the golden sunlight, paved with smooth white marble streaked with veins of gold that reflected the brilliance of the heavens above. Lush gardens overflowed with flowers in colors beyond mortal comprehension, their petals gently swaying in an unseen breeze, releasing an intoxicating aroma. Streams of crystalline water flowed through ornate fountains, cascading down in perfect harmony, the soft sound of trickling water adding to the serene ambiance.
High above, the sky was a canvas of deep blue and gold, dotted with shifting constellations that moved subtly in the daylight, constantly rearranging in accordance with divine will. Grand temples dedicated to the remaining Olympians dotted the horizon, each a monument to power and devotion.
And in the distance, standing as the crown jewel of Olympus, was Zeus's palace. A colossal fortress of shimmering white and gold, its towering spires touched the sky itself, radiating authority and dominion. Lightning crackled faintly across its surface, a constant reminder of the king's unchallenged rule.
As Shin took it all in, the heavy footfalls of armored boots echoed through the grand plaza ahead. From the great palace doors emerged Hera, the Queen of the Gods.
Draped in an elegant robe of deep purple and gold, Hera's presence was as commanding as the realm itself. Her hair, dark as the night sky, was adorned with a golden diadem encrusted with shimmering gemstones. Her emerald eyes were sharp and calculating, exuding an air of quiet authority and control that left no room for defiance.
She strode toward them with measured grace, each step echoing her power and unwavering dominance. When she finally stopped before them, her gaze swept over Sirzechs and Serafall before settling on Shin with an unreadable expression.
"So," Hera said, her voice smooth but carrying a weight that made it clear she was accustomed to command. "The devils of the Underworld arrive in Olympus."
Shin, feeling the sheer pressure of her presence, offered a lopsided smirk. "Nice place you've got here."
Hera's lips curled into the barest hint of a smile, though her eyes remained cold and analytical. "Flattery won't get you far," she said, folding her arms across her chest. "I assume you're not here for a tour."
Shin crossed his arms, his expression turning serious. "Sirzechs and I are here to talk to Zeus about Prometheus."
Hera's expression darkened at the mention of the name, a flicker of something—annoyance? Concern?—crossing her features before she quickly masked it with her usual regal composure. "Of course," she said, her voice clipped. "He's expecting you."
"But we were only expecting Lucifer," she said coolly, her emerald eyes narrowing slightly. "Not Leviathan as well." Her gaze then landed on Shin, studying him with a critical air. "And who... are you, exactly?"
Shin blinked, pointing to himself in disbelief. "Me?"
His pride took an immediate hit. He had gotten used to everyone—from gods to devils to supernatural beings—knowing exactly who he was before he even said his name. The fact that Hera, of all people, didn't know him stung more than he'd like to admit. Straightening up, he puffed out his chest slightly and declared, "I'm Shin Hyoudou!"
There was a moment of silence. Hera's expression darkened further, her lips pressing into a thin line as her eyes locked onto him with sudden intensity. "Shin Hyoudou?" she repeated, her tone colder, more deliberate. "The one who inherited the Limitless Body Sacred Gear?"
Shin grinned, giving her a thumbs-up. "Yup! That's me! The one and only."
For a moment, Hera's gaze lingered on him, unreadable. And then, to Shin's utter confusion, her expression completely shifted. Her stern demeanor melted away, replaced with an almost warm smile. "Well then," she said, her voice carrying a newfound familiarity. "In that case… welcome home."
Shin froze, his face contorting in sheer confusion. "H-Huh?!" he blurted out, face-faulting dramatically. "What do you mean welcome home?"
Shin and Sirzechs exchanged glances, equally puzzled, while Serafall stifled a laugh behind her hand. "Well, that took a turn," she muttered.
As she turned and began walking toward the palace, Shin exchanged a glance with Sirzechs, who shrugged his shoulders.
"This should be fun," Shin muttered under his breath, stepping forward to follow Hera's lead. The weight of Olympus pressed down on him with every step, and deep inside, he couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to this meeting than just diplomacy.
Shin shook his head, staring at Hera as if she had just grown a second head. "Seriously, what the hell are you talking about?"
Hera, clearly enjoying his bewilderment, gestured toward the towering palace doors. "Zeus will want to explain himself," she said smoothly, the faint amusement in her voice doing nothing to ease Shin's confusion. "Please, follow me."
Shin hesitated for a moment, his mind racing with questions. Welcome home? What did that even mean? He had never been to Olympus before. Had he? No... he'd remember something like that.
Rubbing the back of his head, Shin sighed, muttering under his breath, "This day just keeps getting weirder and weirder."
Serafall patted him on the back, grinning. "Welcome to diplomacy, Shin-chan."
With no other option, Shin followed Hera, his mind running wild with possibilities as they ascended the grand steps toward whatever answers Zeus had waiting for him.
As Hera led them up the grand marble steps, Shin couldn't help but feel the sheer weight of Olympus pressing down on him. Every inch of the city screamed divinity, and now, standing before the towering doors of Zeus' palace, he felt it more than ever. The massive doors, carved from celestial gold and adorned with intricate depictions of ancient battles, radiated a power that seemed to hum in the air around them.
The doors groaned as they slowly opened, revealing the grand interior of the palace, and Shin felt his breath hitch. Despite everything he'd seen in Asgard, the Underworld, and beyond, the sheer opulence and majesty before him left him momentarily stunned.
The inside of Zeus' palace was nothing short of breathtaking. The vast hall stretched endlessly, its ceiling seemingly touching the heavens, painted with living murals that shifted and changed—depictions of mighty storms, divine feasts, and the many victories of the King of Olympus himself. Towering white marble pillars, each lined with veins of gold and crackling faintly with residual lightning, held up the immense structure.
The floor beneath them was made of polished obsidian, reflecting the golden glow of floating orbs of divine energy that floated high above, illuminating the chamber in a soft, celestial radiance. Massive thrones lined the sides of the hall, reserved for the gods of Olympus, though many sat empty now. Shin noted the ones that still remained—Ares, Poseidon, Apollo—but others were conspicuously absent, their thrones sitting vacant and cold.
Golden banners depicting the thunderbolt of Zeus hung from the rafters, swaying gently despite the lack of wind, and the air itself smelled faintly of rain and ozone, a constant reminder of the storm god's dominion.
Shin let out a low whistle, his crimson eyes sweeping the room. "Okay, I'll admit it. This is... impressive."
Serafall nudged him with an amused grin. "Told you. The Greek gods know how to make an entrance."
Sirzechs, ever composed, simply offered a small nod of approval. "The majesty of Olympus is not to be underestimated."
Hera, leading them forward with regal grace, cast a glance over her shoulder. "Zeus awaits you in the inner sanctum," she said, her voice echoing through the cavernous hall. "Do try to show some respect."
Shin smirked but said nothing, his gaze still drinking in the overwhelming grandeur around him.
As they walked further inside, the echo of their footsteps against the marble filled the empty space, and Shin couldn't shake the feeling that he was being watched. The palace itself seemed alive, the very walls humming with divine presence, and Shin felt an undeniable sense of power pressing in on him from all sides.
As they approached the towering golden doors leading to the inner sanctum, Hera paused, placing a hand against them. "Zeus awaits," she said simply, before pushing the doors open with surprising ease.
Steeling himself, Shin squared his shoulders and stepped forward, ready to finally face the King of Olympus.
As Shin stepped through the towering golden doors of the inner sanctum, his gaze locked onto the figure seated upon the grand throne at the far end of the chamber. Zeus.
The King of Olympus was a presence unlike any other Shin had ever encountered—an aura of raw, unchecked power radiated from him, filling the vast chamber with an oppressive weight. He sat upon a colossal throne of solid gold and ivory, crackling faintly with arcs of divine lightning that danced along its edges. His muscular form, honed through millennia of war and conquest, was clad in a regal white toga trimmed with intricate golden embroidery that shimmered with celestial energy. A thick beard of white, streaked with traces of stormy gray, framed his chiseled jawline, and his sharp, piercing blue eyes—electric and storm-filled—seemed to see through everything they gazed upon.
His hair, long and wild, cascaded down his shoulders like an untamed storm, and in his massive hand, he held his legendary master bolt, a spear of pure lightning crackling ominously, its presence a constant reminder of his dominance over the heavens. Despite his regal bearing, there was an edge of raw, untamed fury beneath the surface, as though the god of thunder and sky was only moments away from unleashing a tempest upon the world.
Hera, standing tall beside them, raised her hand and announced in a clear, commanding voice. "Your Majesty, I present to you Sirzechs Lucifer, Maou of the Underworld."
Sirzechs stepped forward, offering a polite nod, his crimson eyes unwavering as he met Zeus' gaze with the poise of a leader accustomed to such encounters. Zeus merely gave a small nod, his eyes shifting with little interest.
Hera continued, gesturing toward Serafall. "Serafall Leviathan, Maou of the Underworld."
Serafall, unusually composed in her professional attire, smiled brightly, though the glint in her eyes hinted at her usual playful nature lurking beneath the surface. "Heya, Z!" she chirped, but Hera's stern glance quickly quieted her enthusiasm.
Finally, Hera's gaze fell upon Shin, and the moment his name left her lips, the room seemed to tighten with anticipation.
"And lastly, Shin Hyoudou."
The reaction was immediate.
Zeus' electric-blue eyes widened ever so slightly before a predatory smirk curled across his lips. He leaned forward, his massive hands resting on the arms of his throne as the crackling energy around him intensified. The storm in his eyes darkened, thunder rumbling faintly in the distance.
"Well, well," Zeus rumbled, his voice deep and resonant, filled with equal parts curiosity and amusement. "It's about time you've come to me, Shin Hyoudou."
Shin's crimson eyes narrowed, his instincts immediately kicking into high gear. There was something dangerous in the way Zeus looked at him, something that sent a chill down his spine despite the heat of the Olympian palace.
He straightened his posture, offering a casual smirk to mask his unease. "Yeah, well," Shin said, crossing his arms, "figured it was about time we had a chat, right?"
Zeus' smirk deepened, and the lightning in his grip flared brighter. "Indeed," he said, his voice carrying a dangerous edge. "We have much to discuss."
Shin glanced at Sirzechs, who gave him a subtle nod of reassurance. Whatever was about to happen, Shin knew one thing—this meeting wasn't going to be an easy one.
Shin's crimson eyes narrowed, his mind racing as he took a step forward. "You seem to have me at a disadvantage here," he said, his voice steady but laced with caution. "You're treating me like I'm someone coming home. Like I'm some long-lost son."
Zeus' smirk didn't fade. Instead, he chuckled deeply, the sound rumbling through the massive chamber like distant thunder. "That would be because," he said, rising from his colossal throne, "it isn't far from the truth."
As he stepped forward, Zeus' titanic form shimmered briefly, and with a crackle of divine energy, he began to shrink down to a more human scale. The air around him crackled as he adjusted, his divine presence still overwhelming even in a smaller form. Now standing level with them, he gazed at Shin with eyes that burned like storm clouds on the verge of eruption.
"I created you, Shin Hyoudou," Zeus said, his voice unwavering, filled with an undeniable authority. "You belong to Olympus."
Shin's heart pounded in his chest, his expression twisting in confusion. "You... created me?" he echoed, his mind struggling to grasp the words.
Then, like a lightning bolt striking his thoughts, it hit him. His Sacred Gear.
It had nagged at him, the strange markings, the Greek symbols that had never quite fit in with the divine systems of the Underworld or Heaven. He had chalked it up to coincidence or a quirk in the design of the Gear, but now…
He clenched his fists, his eyes locked onto Zeus. "You're talking about my Sacred Gear, aren't you?" he asked, his voice lower but laced with certainty. "You created it? Not the Biblical God?"
Zeus smiled knowingly, the arcs of lightning dancing subtly around his fingertips. "Yes," he said. "The power you wield... the Limitless Body Sacred Gear... was forged here, in Olympus."
Shin's breath caught in his throat. He had always believed that the Sacred Gears were creations of the Biblical God, tools meant to empower humanity with gifts beyond their comprehension. But if Zeus had a hand in creating his gear, that changed everything.
"Why?" Shin demanded, stepping forward. "Why would you create something like this and—" He paused, his eyes narrowing. "And why the hell don't I know about it?"
Zeus chuckled again, though this time there was something darker beneath the sound. "Because you were never meant to."
Sirzechs and Serafall exchanged concerned glances but remained silent, letting Shin take the lead in this unexpected revelation.
Shin's mind raced. If Zeus was telling the truth, then his Sacred Gear—his very existence—was tied to Olympus in a way he had never imagined. What else had been kept from him?
Taking a deep breath, Shin leveled his gaze at Zeus. "Alright, old man," he said, his smirk returning, though it didn't quite reach his eyes. "You're gonna have to explain a lot more than just that."
Zeus' predatory grin widened. "And so I shall, Inheritor. The truth… has been long overdue."
Shin stiffened at Zeus' words, his muscles tensing involuntarily. His crimson eyes narrowed. "You just called me Inheritor," he said slowly, the weight of the title settling over him. "Inheritor of what?"
Zeus regarded him for a moment, his smirk widening as if he were savoring Shin's reaction. "Ahhh," he drawled, folding his powerful arms across his chest. "So you've heard it before." His stormy eyes gleamed with amusement. "I've heard you live in Asgard now, so let me guess… the Norns, right?"
Shin's expression hardened, his fists clenching at his sides. "Maybe."
Zeus chuckled, the sound deep and knowing, like rolling thunder across the sky. "Those pesky celestial beings," he said, shaking his head in mock annoyance. "Always sticking their noses in things they shouldn't, meddling in the affairs of gods and mortals alike." He stepped closer to Shin, towering over him, though his presence felt less like intimidation and more like inevitability. "And what do you think I'm talking about, Shin Hyoudou?"
Shin swallowed hard, his mind racing. He had asked the Norns the same question, and their answers had been cryptic, evasive. He hadn't gotten any closer to understanding what it meant to be the Inheritor of Light.
Before he could answer, Zeus leaned in slightly, his smirk turning into something more predatory. "The Light," he said, his voice a whisper that crackled with divine power. "I'm talking about the Light."
Shin's breath hitched, and he took a step back, staring up at the King of Olympus with a mixture of frustration and confusion. "You're talking about the same Light they wouldn't shut up about," Shin muttered, rubbing his temples. "Okay, great. But what is it? Why do you all talk like it's something I should just know?"
Zeus chuckled again, his massive frame radiating an easy confidence. "Because it's who you are, Shin. It's why you were created. You are the Light."
Shin gritted his teeth. "Yeah? Well, I must've missed that memo."
Sirzechs stepped forward, his crimson eyes calculating. "Zeus," he said smoothly, "perhaps now would be a good time to elaborate, instead of speaking in riddles."
Zeus' smirk lingered as he watched Shin's growing frustration, the amusement in his stormy blue eyes never wavering. He crossed his arms over his broad chest, lightning crackling faintly around his shoulders, filling the air with a charge that made the hairs on Shin's arms stand up.
"No," Zeus said smoothly, his voice carrying the weight of the sky itself. "I think I'll keep the details close to my chest, for now." His lips curled into something between a smirk and a warning. "All you need to know, Shin Hyoudou, is that I, Zeus, created you."
Shin's body tensed, his fists tightening at his sides. The words echoed in his mind, ringing louder than they should.
Zeus continued, taking a slow, deliberate step forward. "Many were sacrificed for you." His voice grew deeper, the thunderous authority behind it pressing down on the room like an impending storm. "And many more will be."
Shin felt his pulse quicken, his crimson eyes burning with an unspoken challenge as Zeus went on. "You were chosen by my creation," Zeus said, his eyes flickering briefly to Shin's chest, where his Sacred Gear resided. "It was only meant to reveal its true potential when it found the one worthy of it." His grin widened. "And now, it has."
Shin's jaw clenched as Zeus' next words hit him like a hammer.
"Now, you belong to Olympus."
The room fell silent, the weight of the declaration hanging in the air like an oppressive cloud. Sirzechs' face darkened, and Serafall, despite her usual playful demeanor, looked uncharacteristically tense.
But it was Shin who shattered the silence.
His crimson eyes locked onto Zeus, his gaze fierce and unwavering. He took a slow step forward, matching the thunder god's imposing energy with his own. "I don't belong to anyone," Shin said, his voice low and laced with defiance.
For a moment, the tension crackled between them, two forces of nature facing off, neither backing down. The air between them became charged with latent energy, Shin's red lightning flickering faintly at his fingertips as his power simmered just beneath the surface.
Zeus' grin faded slightly, his eyes narrowing. "Careful, boy," he said, his tone carrying a dangerous edge. "Olympus does not take kindly to defiance."
Shin scoffed, standing his ground. "Yeah, well... I don't take kindly to someone trying to put a leash on me."
Sirzechs stepped forward slightly, his calm yet commanding presence easing the tension in the air. "We're here for diplomacy, not declarations," he said, his tone polite but firm. "Let's not get off track."
Zeus' eyes lingered on Shin for a moment longer, then he leaned back, a deep rumbling laugh escaping him. "Hah! You've got a fire in you, I'll give you that." His smirk returned, but this time it carried something darker beneath it. "But whether you accept it or not, boy… fate is not so easily escaped."
Shin held his gaze, his expression unwavering. "I don't believe in fate," he said coolly. "Only choices."
Zeus leaned back against his towering throne, lightning crackling faintly along the edges of his fingers as he studied Shin with an amused yet calculated gaze. The tension between them still hung heavy in the air, but the King of Olympus seemed content to let it simmer beneath the surface.
"Very well then," Zeus said finally, his voice carrying the weight of the heavens themselves. "You came to speak of Prometheus. What do you want?"
Shin didn't hesitate. His crimson eyes burned with determination as he stepped forward, his voice steady and unwavering. "I want to know where he is, how he got so strong, and more importantly—what his weakness is."
Zeus chuckled, his lips curling into a knowing smirk. "Straight to the point. I like that." He exhaled, the air around him shimmering with power. "Well, as I understand it, Prometheus got his powers because of you, Shin Hyoudou."
Shin's body stiffened, his fists clenching at his sides. "What?"
Zeus stood, taking slow, deliberate steps down from his throne, his piercing blue eyes locked onto Shin. "You killed his son," Zeus said, his tone cold and matter-of-fact. "And grief, Shin... grief is a powerful thing." He paused, letting the weight of his words settle. "Prometheus took that grief and forged it into something new. He made a vow—one with Oceanus."
Shin's brow furrowed in confusion. "Oceanus?"
Sirzechs' face darkened slightly at the name, and Serafall's usual playfulness was absent as she frowned.
Zeus nodded slowly, his expression growing more serious. "The Primordial Sea, the endless abyss that predates even the Olympians. A force older than the gods themselves. Prometheus sought its power in his desperation, made a vow, and in doing so… he became something else entirely." Zeus' eyes narrowed. "He became the God of Hate."
Shin's breath hitched for a moment, and a cold realization washed over him. "The God of Hate," he repeated slowly, the title feeling heavy on his tongue.
Zeus nodded. "Hatred in its purest form, unrelenting, all-consuming." He gestured grandly to the heavens above. "And now, he is no longer the God who defied us long ago. He is something beyond that, a force driven by nothing but vengeance." Zeus' smirk returned, though it was darker now, tinged with something resembling regret. "And it's all thanks to you."
Shin's crimson eyes bore into Zeus, his expression hardening. "What's his weakness?" he asked, his tone sharp and demanding.
Zeus chuckled, the deep rumble of his laughter echoing through the grand hall like rolling thunder. He leaned back on his throne, a smug smile playing across his lips. "What makes you think he has one?"
Shin didn't hesitate. "Because everyone has one." His voice was unwavering, his gaze locked onto the King of Olympus with steely determination.
Zeus' smile widened, his piercing blue eyes gleaming with amusement. "I'll tell you," he said, leaning forward, his voice lowering to something far more dangerous, "if you pledge your loyalty to Olympus."
A heavy silence fell over the chamber.
Shin's eyes widened slightly before narrowing into a glare, the crimson lightning crackling faintly around him, betraying his growing frustration. Sirzechs and Serafall tensed beside him, their gazes sharpening as they stared at the Olympian king with barely contained disdain.
"You really think extorting me is going to gain you my loyalty?" Shin asked, his voice low and laced with venom, the energy around him flaring. Red lightning crackled violently around his body, illuminating the hall with an ominous glow as cracks formed beneath his feet.
Zeus remained unfazed, his smirk unwavering. "I don't see you as having another choice, boy," he said, his tone calm, confident—almost condescending. "You need answers, and I have them. What will it be?"
Shin took a deep breath, letting the weight of Zeus' words settle over him before exhaling sharply. Without another word, he turned on his heel and started walking toward the grand doors.
Sirzechs stepped forward, concern evident in his usually composed expression. "Shin," he called, "where are you going?"
Shin didn't look back. "Away from here," he said, his voice cold and resolute. "I'll handle Prometheus myself. I'm not pledging loyalty to Olympus—especially not to that pompous ass."
Serafall blinked, biting back a smirk at the sheer audacity of Shin's words, but the tension in the room only thickened.
Zeus' voice cut through the air like a blade. "Careful, boy," he warned, rising from his throne, lightning crackling dangerously across his form. "You leave this place, and I will consider you an enemy."
Shin stopped at the threshold of the grand chamber, his head tilting slightly. Slowly, he turned to face Zeus once more, his crimson eyes glowing with raw power and defiance. The red lightning around him surged outward in an explosive burst, sending violent shockwaves across the floor, causing cracks to spiderweb beneath his feet and up the towering marble columns. The very air trembled under his presence.
A predatory smirk tugged at Shin's lips. "No, Zeus," he said, his voice echoing through the chamber like rolling thunder. "It's not I who made an enemy of you, but you of me."
He took a step forward, the lightning crackling louder with each movement. His tone dropped lower, colder. "And I promise—you will regret that."
Zeus' eyes narrowed, the flicker of something—perhaps doubt or recognition—crossing his face for the briefest moment before his usual arrogance returned.
Without waiting for a response, Shin turned sharply, his red lightning exploding once more as he disappeared in a flash, leaving behind the lingering hum of his power and a deep crack in the polished marble floor where he once stood.
Serafall let out a low whistle. "Well... that went great."
Sirzechs sighed, rubbing his temples. "It could have gone worse."
Zeus' smirk returned, though his eyes flickered with a dangerous glint. "Interesting," he mused, his voice laced with intrigue. "Very interesting indeed."
Sirzechs turned to Zeus, his crimson eyes calm yet filled with unmistakable authority. Despite the storm of tension still lingering in the grand hall, he remained composed, offering the King of Olympus a polite but firm nod.
"I believe that concludes our visit today," Sirzechs said smoothly, his voice carrying a subtle weight that made it clear he was done with the conversation.
Zeus, standing tall with his arms crossed, his stormy blue eyes still fixed on the spot where Shin had stood moments ago, let out a low rumble of thunder from deep within his chest. His expression was unreadable, but the irritation lurking beneath his regal demeanor was palpable.
"Yes," Zeus said finally, his lips curling into a thin, almost dismissive smirk. His gaze flicked back to Sirzechs, lightning crackling faintly around his fingertips. "It does. Leave."
There was no politeness in his tone, no farewell, only an imperious command that echoed through the chamber like the distant roll of thunder.
Serafall, standing beside Sirzechs, rolled her eyes dramatically but offered a mock salute. "Don't have to tell us twice, big guy."
Sirzechs, ever composed, gave a respectful nod and turned on his heel, leading Serafall toward the exit. As they walked, the heavy golden doors began to creak open, the grand hall behind them filled with the oppressive silence of Zeus' lingering presence.
Just before stepping through, Serafall glanced back with a sly smirk. "Tell your servants to polish the floor," she teased lightly, pointing at the cracks Shin left behind. "Looks like you've got some remodeling to do."
Zeus' eyes flashed with a dangerous glint, but he said nothing, simply watching them leave with a simmering intensity.
As the two exited the grand halls of Zeus' palace, the towering golden doors closing behind them with a resounding boom, Sirzechs glanced sideways at Serafall, his crimson eyes holding a hint of exasperation.
"You do realize Zeus is strong enough to kill you, right, Serafall?" he said, his voice carrying that ever-calm, measured tone. "Should you really be poking the bear like that?"
Serafall, walking with her hands behind her head, smirked mischievously, completely unfazed by his concern. "That may be true," she said with a playful wink, "but I've got you here, Sirs." She tapped him lightly on the shoulder. "And even Zeus knows that if he tried anything, he'd be mercilessly slaughtered by you."
Sirzechs sighed, rubbing the bridge of his nose. "You have far too much faith in me."
Serafall grinned. "Hey, I have just the right amount of faith in you." She leaned in slightly, whispering with a teasing lilt. "Admit it, even the great King of Olympus gets a little nervous when you're around."
Sirzechs smiled faintly, though his eyes remained thoughtful. "Perhaps," he murmured. "But even if that's true, it's not wise to test his patience."
Serafall shrugged. "Eh, patience, shmatience. We're already on his bad side, so I might as well have some fun while I'm here." She twirled a strand of her hair, looking far too amused for someone who had just taunted one of the strongest beings in existence.
Sirzechs chuckled softly, shaking his head. "Let's just hope Shin doesn't go and do anything too reckless after today."
(Scene Break)
Shin reappeared in a crackle of red lightning inside the grand halls of the Gremory mansion, the familiar warmth of the estate doing little to quell the storm brewing inside him. His crimson eyes burned with frustration, his jaw tight as he stood motionless for a moment, letting out a slow breath in an attempt to steady himself.
The first to notice him was Grayfia, standing nearby with her usual composed demeanor. She studied him carefully, her sharp silver eyes immediately catching the anger rolling off him in waves. Without missing a beat, she tilted her head slightly.
"Didn't go well?" she asked, her voice cool but laced with understanding.
Shin turned to look at her, and despite the fire still simmering within him, his gaze softened. Something about Grayfia's presence always had a way of grounding him. He let out a sigh, running a hand through his hair. "No," he admitted, his tone weary. "Instead of getting the help we needed, I think we just drove a wedge between Olympus, the Biblical faction, and Asgard."
Grayfia nodded, as if she had already anticipated such an outcome. "I see." She paused for a moment, then added with a slight smirk, "What did you do?"
Shin's eyes widened slightly, looking offended. "Why do you assume it was because of me?"
Grayfia's lips curled into a small, knowing smile. "Because it's always you, Shin."
He blinked before letting out a small chuckle, his tension easing slightly as he moved to the nearest couch and dropped into it with an exhausted sigh. To his surprise, Grayfia followed, gracefully sitting down beside him.
He felt the cool yet comforting touch of her hand as it landed gently on his, fingers curling slightly around his own in a rare gesture of affection. Her silver eyes softened, no longer the stern maid of the Gremory household, but instead, a friend offering comfort.
"I'm sorry, Shin," she said quietly. "I know I didn't know her for long, but in the short time I did, Kari wormed her way into my heart too." Her voice was gentle, sincere. "I'm so sorry for your loss."
Shin looked down, his chest tightening at the mention of Kari. The memories flooded him—her laughter, her relentless optimism, and the way she looked up to him with such trust. His hands clenched slightly. "Yeah…" he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper. "I sort of went off the rails after she died."
Grayfia nodded, her thumb brushing lightly over his hand. "I heard," she admitted. "I also heard about your punishment."
Shin let out a bitter chuckle, shaking his head. "Yeah, the Trial of Eternal Memories." He glanced at her. "You don't have to be polite, Grayfia. I know you don't like me very much."
Grayfia blinked, a rare look of surprise crossing her usually stoic features before she shook her head firmly. "You're wrong," she said, her voice steady. "Maybe I didn't at first… but over time, you've become someone I deeply care about, Shin."
Shin looked at her, searching her expression, and for the first time, he could see the genuine sadness in her eyes—sadness for him. It caught him off guard.
He sighed, his voice quieter, more vulnerable. "I'm not doing well," he admitted. "My mind is... a mess of trauma." He rubbed his temples, frustration evident in his posture. "Being around the people I love… it's the only time my mind calms down."
Grayfia squeezed his hand lightly, her gaze unwavering. "Then stay close to them," she said softly. "We're here for you, Shin. No matter what."
Shin looked at her for a long moment, his defenses lowering slightly. "Thanks, Grayfia."
She gave him a small nod, the silence between them felt... comforting.
Shin sighed, running a hand through his hair before pushing himself up from the couch. "Well," he said, stretching his arms above his head, "I better go find everyone. We need to head home." He turned to Grayfia with a small smirk. "Don't want to keep all our eggs in one basket, if you know what I mean."
Grayfia smiled softly, a rare warmth in her usually composed features. She nodded gracefully. "Of course," she said, her silver eyes watching him with quiet understanding.
Shin turned on his heel, making his way toward the door, his mind already moving to the next task at hand. But just as he reached the threshold, a quiet voice stopped him in his tracks.
"Shin?"
He paused, glancing over his shoulder. Grayfia was still seated, her hands folded neatly in her lap, but her silver eyes held something different—something cautious, almost vulnerable. It was a rare look for her, one that made Shin stand still and give her his full attention.
Her voice was steady but softer than usual, laced with something she rarely let show. "Am I…" She hesitated, then pressed on. "Am I one of those people? Does your mind… calm down around me?"
Shin stared at her for a moment, surprised by the question, but his expression quickly softened. He offered her a small, genuine smile. "It always has, Grayfia."
The tension in her shoulders eased, and for a brief moment, her lips curled into a faint smile, more genuine than any he had ever seen from her before. She nodded slowly. "I'm glad," she said quietly.
Shin chuckled lightly, giving her a small wave before stepping out of the room. As he walked down the hall, he couldn't help but feel a little lighter.
Behind him, Grayfia sat still for a moment longer, the gentle smile lingering on her lips before she composed herself once more.
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