One day, without warning or reason that anyone else could understand, Kael Veyris stood from his throne.
Seraphina looked over.
…Where are you going?
Kael answered simply:
…Somewhere old.
Ignisia tilted her head.
…That sounds suspicious.
Kael gave no further explanation.
Then vanished.
Kael appeared in a realm shaped by myth and worship.
Clouds parted around towering golden halls.
Marble temples shined beneath eternal sunlight.
Lightning crossed the heavens.
The air carried ancient authority.
He had arrived at Mount Olympus, home of the Greek Pantheon.
Gods paused instantly.
Not because they recognized him
but because reality itself reacted to his presence.
Zeus sat upon a grand throne of storm-light.
His lightning dimmed slightly.
"…Who enters Olympus unannounced?"
Athena narrowed her eyes.
"…He carries no worship, no divine signature… yet all laws bend around him."
Ares grinned.
"…Good. Maybe entertainment."
Hera watched in silence.
Kael looked around calmly.
This place is well-maintained.
Zeus rose.
Thunder rolled across Olympus.
I am Zeus, ruler of the heavens.
You stand before gods.
Kael nodded once.
…I know.
A pause.
Then Kael added:
…I came to look around.
The entire hall went silent.
Ares laughed loudly.
"You came to Olympus… to sightsee?
He stepped forward with spear in hand.
"Then test yourself!"
Before anyone else moved
Kael glanced at him.
Ares froze mid-step.
Not restrained.
Not injured.
Just suddenly reconsidering every life choice that led to this moment.
Athena spoke quietly.
"…Brother. Sit down."
Ares slowly stepped back.
"…Reasonable suggestion."
Athena approached carefully.
"…What are you?"
Kael thought briefly.
"…Currently?"
"…A visitor."
Athena stared.
"…That is not an answer."
"…It is enough of one."
Zeus raised a hand and summoned divine lightning.
Not to kill.
To measure.
The bolt struck Kael directly.
It vanished on contact.
No impact.
No smoke.
No reaction.
Kael looked at Zeus.
"…Was that important?"
Zeus slowly lowered his hand.
"…No."
The shadows behind the hall opened.
Hades emerged calmly.
"…Interesting."
He studied Kael.
"…Death does not seem relevant to you."
Kael nodded.
"…Correct."
Hades smirked faintly.
"…Then we have little conflict."
A portal of crimson flame opened.
Ignisia stepped through, arms crossed.
"…You really came to another mythology without telling me?"
Kael looked at her.
"…Yes."
Ignisia glanced around Olympus.
"…Nice place."
Then toward Zeus.
"…Bit dramatic."
Zeus said nothing.
He had chosen survival.
Kael walked through Olympus casually.
He examined temples, gardens, and celestial architecture.
Athena reluctantly became his guide.
Ares avoided eye contact.
Zeus pretended this was normal.
Hades found the entire situation amusing.
Before leaving, Kael looked over the realm.
…Your pantheon has endured well.
Zeus straightened slightly.
…Of course.
Kael nodded.
Then vanished with Ignisia.
After he left, Olympus remained silent for a long time.
Then Athena spoke:
…We were just inspected.
Hades laughed softly.
…And judged acceptable.
Zeus stared into the distance.
…I need stronger lightning.