Reborn As Hades In Olympus

Ch. 142: Last Stop Olympus

BEEP!

"LAST STOP OLYMPUS PLATFORM B7, WE WILL BE ARRIVING THERE SOON!"

The Hermes Express sped through the celestial tracks, weaving through clouds and streams of light, giving the feeling that we were tearing through dimensions. The train was more than just a means of travel; it was a work of art, moving at unfathomable speed, its smooth metal frame glinting in the light. As it neared Olympus, the landscapes below shifted, mountains of glimmering stone and rivers like molten silver coming into view.

The city itself loomed ahead, a gleaming marvel of towers and temples that touched the sky. Even after all my time here, the sight of Olympus was still imposing, brimming with the power and pride of the gods who called it home.

As I alighted from the train and descended onto the massive, polished platform, Hecate walked beside me, her expression unreadable. While her presence was steady, I noticed her eyes flicker with a hint of trepidation as they took in the grandiosity around us. The city was buzzing with life, but despite the noise and movement, a strange tension hung in the air, a reminder of the complicated relationships among the gods here.

As we proceeded further down Hermes appeared from a flickering portal a few steps ahead, his face lighting up as he spotted us. "There you are!" He waved with his usual enthusiasm, though as his gaze fell on Hecate, a shadow crossed his expression. There was an unmistakable stiffness between them, an unspoken conflict lingering just below the surface.

"Hey, guys," he said, voice trying to maintain his upbeat tone. "I came as soon as I got your message. You could've just let me pick you up, you know."

I nodded. "Next time, maybe."

Hermes glanced over at Hecate, a small, almost hesitant smile forming. "Hi, Hecate. You're… well, you're still as fierce as ever."

Hecate's eyes hardened. "Don't speak to me so casually." Her words were like ice, cutting through the warmth Hermes had attempted. She looked past him, clearly avoiding any kind of interaction. It was strange to see her so distant, but I knew her patience with him had worn thin over time.

Hermes's shoulders slumped just a fraction, his typical buoyancy momentarily deflated. I could feel the weight of their unresolved conflict pressing down, filling the space with a dense tension. They had always been a mismatched pair— Hermes, with his easygoing charm, and Hecate, with her somber, often severe disposition. And while they'd both played essential roles in supporting my plans, the rift between them had only grown.

"You two should work things out," I said, hoping to break the tension, though knowing full well it was a fragile truce at best. "We're here to get the alliance in order, and we need everyone on the same page."

Hecate merely folded her arms and cast a sideways glance at Hermes, who gave a resigned sigh. "Sure, let's call it that," she muttered, her tone dripping with sarcasm. Hermes seemed taken aback but forced a chuckle, trying to shake off the awkwardness that lingered.

"Look," I interjected, my voice firm, "I still have one stop to make before the gathering. You two can head over to Aphrodite's. I'll join you soon."

Hecate looked at me, a slight frown forming. "And how long should we wait? I'm not exactly on good terms with Aphrodite."

"I've already let her know," I assured her, meeting her gaze. "Just head over, and I'll be there as soon as I can."

"There you go, making decisions for everyone," she replied with a smirk, though her tone was less irritated than before.

I simply shrugged, waving as I began to walk away. They'd manage— they were adults, after all. I trusted them enough to keep the peace. I could still feel a sense of unease from them as I left.

Once I exited the station, I slipped the concealment cap over my head, feeling the shift in energy as it cloaked me. My appearance blurred, morphing into something that would blend in with the bustling crowds of Olympus. There was no point drawing unneeded attention to myself especially since I was here on unofficial business.

As I strolled through the streets, I took in the vibrant chaos around me. Buildings gleamed with celestial light, and the streets bustled with gods and mystical beings going about their day.

The city had a timeless beauty, as if it had been sculpted by the heavens themselves. And yet, beneath the shimmering façade, a sense of unease lingered. Olympus was a place of alliances and rivalries, friendships and betrayals— all hidden behind polished smiles and gilded walls. Only those daring enough could navigate down this place.

Eventually, I reached Talos' apartment, which stood in sharp contrast to the pristine splendor of the city. The building was old, with peeling paint and narrow windows. It was tucked away from the main streets, as though deliberately hidden from prying eyes. I noticed the quiet in the place which was unusual at that time of day. I climbed up the creaking staircase and stopped in front of her door, knocking softly, then louder when there was no response.

"Talos?" I called, but the silence that followed only deepened my unease.

I clenched my jaw, gripping the door handle, debating whether to force it open. Talos wasn't the type to ignore a knock, especially since she rarely left her apartment during the day.

"Are you there?" I muttered, feeling a prickling anxiety creep up my spine. Something wasn't right.

Behind me, I heard the shuffling of slippers against the worn carpet. I turned to find the landlady, a frail old woman with eyes that seemed to bore into me. There was something unsettling about the way she looked at me.

"So," she said in a cracked voice, her smile crooked and thin. "You're the one who came looking for her?"

"Yes," I replied cautiously, keeping my tone neutral. "Is there any problem here?"

"Well, that depends." The landlady's eyes narrowed. "She told me to expect someone would come. And she left behind a message for you."

My pulse quickened, and I studied her face for any hint of deceit. "What message?"

Her smile grew wider, and a dark glint flickered in her eyes. "She left you a gift," she whispered, her tone chilling. "A quick death."

My heart skipped a beat as her hand moved slightly, revealing a faint, dark mark etched on her skin— a sigil that pulsed with a strange, sinister light. This wasn't any ordinary landlady.