Jin drifted into a restless sleep, his body weary from the weight of his sorrow. But in the depths of his slumber, he found himself standing in a breathtaking garden bathed in golden sunlight. The scent of blooming lilies filled the air, and the soft murmur of a distant brook played like a melancholic melody. The leaves on the ancient trees shimmered, reflecting the sky's amber glow, and the flowers swayed as if whispering forgotten secrets. It was a paradise untouched by time.
He took a hesitant step forward, his heart stirring with an emotion he couldn't name. Then, through the haze of light, he saw her.
Lia.
She stood amidst the garden, clad in a white dress that fluttered with the breeze. The moment their eyes met, Jin's breath caught in his throat. She was smiling, yet the sorrow in her gaze was unmistakable.
"Help the Olympians," her voice was a whisper, laced with a plea.
The moment shattered like glass. Jin's vision blurred, his surroundings twisted, and before he could reach for her, the dream was gone. He woke with a gasp, the room around him shrouded in darkness. His heartbeat thundered in his ears. It was just a dream. Or was it?
His hand clenched the sheets. Lia's voice still echoed in his mind, her words carving into his very soul. Was this a mere illusion conjured by his grief, or something far more profound? He turned his gaze to the small, unassuming watch resting on the bedside table—the gift Thomas had left him.
Thomas had told him, "This will take you back to Olympus when the time is right."
Jin had ignored it before, but now Jin hesitated. He had sworn to leave it all behind. But Lia's voice lingered in his heart.... now he had a reason.
With a deep breath, he reached out and activated it.
The world twisted.
Colors bled into each other, time warped, and his body felt like it was being pulled through an endless void. Then, suddenly, he felt solid ground beneath him.
He was lying on a soft bed in a grand chamber, the scent of divine incense lingering in the air. His eyes fluttered open, and standing beside him was none other than Zeus himself, his presence overwhelming, his gaze sharp and calculating.
"You've finally returned," Zeus said, his deep voice reverberating through the room. "Come. There is much to discuss."
Jin stood, his body heavier than he remembered. As he followed Zeus through the ornate halls of Olympus, memories flooded him—memories of betrayal, of pain, of loss. And yet, as they stepped into the grand hall, he saw the gathered gods, their expressions tense, their divine auras pressing down on him like an ocean of power.
Poseidon, his sea-green eyes piercing and unwavering. Hades, draped in the shadows of the underworld, his gaze a void of endless darkness. Athena, her wisdom manifesting in the sharp glint of her silver armor. Ares, exuding raw, unrestrained battle lust. Hera, regal and unreadable. Apollo, golden and radiant, a smirk playing on his lips. Artemis, cold and composed. Hermes, leaning against his throne with a knowing grin. Hephaestus, Demeter, Aphrodite, Persephone, Dionysus, Hestia was also there. Their Devine aura was lingering into the air.
Jin stood in the center of it all, his posture rigid but unyielding. "Why am I here?"
Poseidon was the first to speak. "There is a way to restore your power. To reclaim Erebus."
Jin remained Cold. " I don't need it."
Gasps echoed through the chamber. Hades narrowed his eyes. "And why is that?"
Jin clenched his fists. "I will not be a pawn in another divine game. I've had enough of gods and their schemes. Whatever this path is, it will come at a cost I am unwilling to pay. Jin looked at Other olympians. "And why will I help You? And also why will you help me?" he asked, distrust lacing his tone.
Hera smirked. "Because we need you. Gaia's plan is unfolding faster than we anticipated. If we do not act, Olympus itself will fall."
Jin clenched his fists, ready to refuse—until Athena spoke, her voice carrying an unsettling weight. She stepped forward, her gaze piercing through Jin's soul.
"This isn't just about Olympus. It's about Lia."
Jin's breath caught. He turned to her sharply. "What did you say?"
Athena's voice softened, laced with an emotion Jin never expected from a goddess of wisdom. "You may think you've left this behind, but fate is not so easily ignored."