The gusts of wind whipped against my cheeks as I clung onto my dragon's back, the scales rough against my skin. Below us, the world spread out like a never-ending patchwork quilt, with towering mountains and deep valleys, lush forests, and glistening rivers.
I couldn't believe that this breathtaking landscape was all just a simulation, lines of code, and pixels creating a seemingly real world. But as we flew closer to Olympus, the city of the gods revealed itself in all its grandeur. The buildings soared towards the sky, shimmering with otherworldly light. A mix of both excitement and anxiety bubbled inside me, knowing that this was where all secrets would be uncovered, where the ultimate truth behind this twisted game would be revealed.
My dragon glided gracefully through the air, effortlessly maneuvering around the celestial structures of Olympus. I could feel the eyes of the gods upon me, their gazes filled with curiosity and perhaps a hint of disdain. I was an intruder in their realm, even if I am a player just like them, I am still the reincarnation of Hades.
As we descended towards the grand palace at the heart of Olympus, a sense of foreboding crept up my spine. The marble columns stood tall and mighty, etched with intricate carvings depicting the exploits of the gods. The double doors loomed before me, guarded by two towering statues.
Taking a deep breath, I dismounted my dragon and approached the entrance. The statues seemed to come to life as my footsteps echoed against the marble floor. With a thunderous boom, the doors swung open, revealing a magnificent hall adorned with golden tapestries and shimmering chandeliers.
I walked through the hall, each step filled with uncertainty and determination. The eyes of the gods followed
me as I made my way deeper into the heart of Olympus. Whispers filled the air, carried on the wind as if the very walls themselves were alive with secrets.
Finally, I reached the throne room, where Zeus sat on his golden throne, his presence commanding and powerful. The other gods encircled him, their expressions a mix of curiosity and wariness. I could see Athena, her piercing gaze never leaving me, and Aphrodite, radiating both beauty and danger. My heart raced in anticipation as I stepped forward, ignoring the burn of their gazes upon my skin.
I spoke with a steady voice, but my resolve was evident. "Zeus," I said, addressing him directly. "You manipulated certain individuals in this game and attempted to have me killed. Aren't we all just college students playing in a virtual world, reincarnated as Gods? Why must we resort to violence and murder? We don't even know what will happen when we return to the real world." A smug smile spread across Zeus' face as he met my gaze. His eyes sparkled with arrogance and superiority.
"Impressive, Hades," Zeus sneered, his voice dripping with condescension. "You truly have adapted to your new form. But do not pretend to understand the depths of my divine wisdom and the motives that drive me."
I clenched my fists, fighting back the anger bubbling inside me. How could Zeus be so callous, so dismissive of the lives he had endangered? I took a deep breath, trying to steady myself before speaking again.
"Zeus, we were brought into this game for a reason," I said, my voice firm and resolute. "But that reason cannot justify the manipulation, the violence. There is something bigger at play here, something beyond our understanding."
Zeus chuckled, a sound that echoed through the throne room like a thunderclap. "You think you can comprehend the plans of the gods?" he scoffed. "You are but a mortal soul confined within a virtual world. Your desires and petty morals are inconsequential to the greater scheme of things."
"Are you not just a college student as well? You may be playing as Zeus, but you are still Levi! Do not pretend to be a God when you are still a mortal playing a game." The anger surged through me like a wildfire and I can't hold it back. I take a step closer to Zeus, my voice filled with defiance. "You may have the power of a god in this game, but you are no different than the rest of us. Your actions have consequences, and I will not stand by while you manipulate and endanger innocent lives."
Zeus's eyes narrow, his expression twisting into a mix of fury and amusement. "You dare to challenge me, Hades?" he sneers. "I am the king of the gods, the ruler of Olympus. You are merely a pawn in this game."
I refuse to back down, my blood boiling with righteous anger. "I may be a pawn, but pawns can become kings. I will not let you continue playing with people's lives for your amusement."
Zeus rises from his throne, the room trembling with his power. He raises his hand and a bolt of lightning crackles in his palm. "You think you can defeat me, Hades?" he bellows, his voice echoing through the chamber. "You are nothing but a speck in the grand tapestry of this game."
My heart pounds in my chest as I meet Zeus's fiery gaze. Despite the fear coursing through me, I stand tall, refusing to yield. "I may be a speck, Zeus," I say, my voice steady. "But even a speck can create ripples that change the course of history."
Zeus's laughter fills the air, booming and malevolent. "Enough!" he roars, his voice thunderous. "I tire of your insolence." With a flick of his wrist, he hurls the bolt of lightning towards me.
My hand moved instinctively to my sword's hilt, and I drew it out in a fluid motion. As the powerful bolt of lightning hurled towards me, I raised my blade and deflected it with a loud clash of steel against electricity. The throne room was filled with the smell of burnt metal and ozone as sparks flew in all directions.
Zeus's eyes widened in surprise and then narrowed with fury. He had underestimated my strength. With an angry growl, he summoned another bolt of lightning, this time aiming directly at me with even more force than before. The intense energy crackled through the air, causing my skin to tingle and prickle with discomfort. But I stood my ground, planting my feet firmly on the marble floor as I braced myself for the impact.
The bolt struck me with a force much greater than I anticipated. I stumbled and fell to my knee, clutching my chest in pain. As I looked up at Zeus, who wore a sinister smile, his words cut through me like a knife. "You are merely a pawn, always destined to be one. My intention was for us to take on this challenge together and emerge victorious, but you have proved to be nothing more than a disappointment. Your weaknesses were evident from the start, and I had hoped to rid myself of you quickly. Return to the Underworld and deal with the rebels that threaten your kingdom. I will find Lilith by my means."
The coppery taste of blood flooded my mouth as I struggled to stand up, my body throbbing from the fall. Thanatos materializes next to me.
"Hades, we need to retreat. I found Persephone, let's grab her and go!" He whispers urgently, glaring at Zeus with fury.
I nodded, my vision swimming from the pain. With Thanatos's help, I managed to rise to my feet, gripping my sword tightly.
My skills are still lacking; I'm not at the same level as Zeus in this game. The pain in my chest serves as a reminder that we're playing for our lives, and I need to level up if I want any chance of winning. Despite this defeat, I refuse to feel ashamed or embarrassed. Zeus may think he's won for now, but I'll hold my head high, level up, and come back to take him down.
So much for being a minor player.
As we walk towards the entrance of the throne room, I can feel Zeus's burning gaze on me. Once we're outside, I turn to Thanatos and ask, "Can you create a portal so we can bring Persephone with us? She may not want to come willingly either, but I need her help to complete my main quest in the underworld." It's not ideal to force her, but I have no other options at the moment.
Thanatos nods, his expression solemn. "I can create a portal, but I must warn you, Hades," he says, his voice laced with caution. "Forcing Persephone to accompany us may not bode well. She is also a powerful goddess in her own right."
I clench my jaw, feeling a surge of frustration, "We can always resort to knocking her out if necessary. Once I finish my quest, she can do as she pleases."
Thanatos's eyes widen in surprise at my suggestion. He opens his mouth to argue, but quickly closes it, realizing that there's no time for debate. With a resigned nod, he reaches into the depths of his dark robes and pulls out a small, ornate dagger.
"I hope it doesn't come to that, Hades," he says quietly, his voice laced with unease. "But I understand the urgency. If it comes down to it, I will do what needs to be done."
I clench my fists, filled with conflicting emotions. The thought of using force against Persephone makes bile rise in my throat, but I can't afford to let sentimentality cloud my judgment.
As Thanatos opened the portal, I couldn't help but feel a twinge of guilt. I knew I shouldn't be taking Persephone to the Underworld against her will, but I needed her there for my gain. As we stepped through, my mind raced with thoughts about the consequences and how I would deal with them later. Yet, part of me couldn't wait to level up in the Underworld and return more powerful than ever. My conflicting emotions battled within me as we made our way to Persephone.