📖 Scene — Web of Lies
Odin looked at his brother, who couldn't even lift his gaze from the ground, and let out a deep sigh before speaking:
"Why did you do that? Do you realize you've forced me into a position where I have to punish you? Don't you know how to keep a secret?"
His voice was calm… but its sharp edge was unmistakable.
Poseidon glanced at Odin from the corner of his eye, avoiding direct eye contact, and replied in a low voice: "You would've punished me either way… and I didn't know my daughter would tell Hades everything. Believe me."
His words echoed weakly—an attempt to defend himself, but not nearly enough to hide his unease.
Odin studied him for a moment, then said with a faint trace of mockery: "Alright… lift your head. I have something for you to do."
The moment Poseidon heard that, he raised his head quickly, hope flashing across his face. A wide grin spread as he said eagerly: "Just give the order—I'll do anything for you!"
Odin watched him silently for a second. Then, slowly, a smile crept across his face… an unsettling one.
"Go," Odin said, "and tell your daughter and Hades that Loki was the one who insisted on keeping them in the dark. Your words will confirm mine."
Poseidon froze.
Then he looked at Odin and muttered under his breath: "You really are… a devil."
Odin raised an eyebrow. "Did you say something?"
Poseidon flinched and shook his head quickly: "No! Not at all! I was just saying how kind you are… for not punishing me!"
Then he rushed to change the subject: "Leave the lying to me—you know I'm an expert at it."
And in the next instant… he vanished, fleeing to carry out Odin's deception.
Odin watched the spot where he disappeared and shook his head slightly. "He really is an idiot…"
😈 In another place…
The demons had already returned to the Demon Continent.
The air there was heavy—thick with a terrifying presence, as if the land itself was watching them.
They exchanged uneasy glances, each waiting for someone else to speak first… to be the one brave—or foolish—enough to report their failure.
But no one dared.
Until Lilith stepped forward.
Fatigue was clear on her face as she said firmly: "I'll handle it. You can go."
At once, the demons scattered, disappearing one after another, as if they had been waiting for that exact moment.
Lilith watched them leave, then let out a soft laugh. "Cowards…"
She turned to Medusa—who hadn't moved.
Still standing there.
Watching.
Lilith narrowed her eyes slightly. "What's wrong? Planning to come with me to report to the Demon King?"
Medusa paused for a moment, as if carefully choosing her words. Then she said: "Yes… there's something I want to tell him."
Lilith's eyes widened in surprise.
She knew Medusa well—knew how cautious she was… how much she valued her own life.
And yet now…
She stood firm.
Unafraid.
Lilith smiled faintly. "Then let's go."
👑 Before the Demon King
They arrived.
And as soon as they did… they felt it.
A presence so overwhelming it seemed to press down on everything around them.
The Demon King was already looking at them.
Waiting.
"I already know what happened," he said, his voice deep and commanding. "No need to explain."
Lilith let out a quiet sigh of relief, though irritation still lingered in her tone: "If it weren't for those dragons… we would've taken the flower for sure!"
The Demon King didn't respond.
Instead…
His gaze shifted slowly toward Medusa.
"I didn't expect to see you before me now, Medusa," he said. "Did something happen during your journey that I'm unaware of?"
Medusa stepped forward, lowering her head respectfully. "No, my king… I've simply found my successor. I came to inform you."
Lilith froze.
Shock filled her eyes. "A successor…? Already?"
At the same time, the Demon King's interest sharpened. "And who," he asked, "is worthy of inheriting the position of one of my rulers?"
Medusa raised her head.
Pride shone clearly in her eyes.
"My daughter," she said with unwavering confidence. "She was born recently… but I believe she will become incredibly strong."
She paused… then added:
"Stronger than me."
Silence filled the space.
The Demon King observed her carefully, weighing her words.
Then, after a moment: "Bring her to me when she grows older. I'll judge for myself."
Medusa bowed slightly. "Thank you, my king."
⚔️ A warning of war
After Medusa left, Lilith frowned slightly. "Why would someone like that appear now, of all times? It's… strange."
The Demon King shook his head slowly. "It's not strange."
His voice grew heavier.
"The war we've been waiting for… is approaching."
Lilith's eyes widened slightly.
"When war comes," he continued, "so do powerful individuals. It's only natural for those with the potential of rulers to appear."
He looked toward the distant horizon.
"And it won't just be her… the world itself will begin producing treasures."
Lilith lowered her gaze, murmuring: "So that's why the flower appeared…"
The Demon King nodded.
"Yes… and it won't be the last."
Then, in a tone filled with quiet inevitability, he said:
"When the strongest beings clash… when a great war begins…"
He paused.
"…the world itself responds."
Silence followed.
Heavy.
Unavoidable.
Because somewhere beyond sight…
Everything was already moving toward that war.
(Author's Note):
Hello everyone! Thank you for your continuous support of this novel; your comments and interactions mean the world to me.
Stepping away from our story here for a moment, I wanted to share another project I've been working on with great passion. I have started publishing a webtoon (comic) on the Webtoon platform titled "Me and the Wolf."
It is a [Comedy / Fantasy] story about a miserable young man and a cunning wolf who is constantly getting him into trouble! If you enjoy my writing style and the way I build scenarios, I promise you're going to love this comic.
I would be so grateful if you could go check it out, subscribe to the series, and let me know what you think in the comments there!
🔍 Search on the Webtoon app for: [Me and the Wolf]