[3rd POV]
After witnessing the birth of Apollo, the God of the Sun, Ares didn't enter the temple of Dreos Island to disturb the moment.
He acted like a warrior solely focused on his recent victory and spoils of war, perfectly embodying the persona of Ares, the tough, silly God of War, Ares.
However, after wrapping up his things in a snake skin, Artemis appeared on the beach.
She wasn't alone and was helping a beautiful woman dressed in black, who was holding a golden-haired baby with a perfectly sculpted face.
When Ares looked at them, he noticed that Artemis' body had reverted from her adult into a little girl.
Clearly, Artemis had temporarily used her powers to make herself grow quickly to protect her mother and brother.
After confirming Ares wasn't a threat, she didn't need to stay in that form and returned to her original, cute little girl form with white hair.
Leto, holding Apollo in her arms, approached Ares with Artemis and gave him a slight bow.
She expressed her gratitude as she said, "Noble Ares, son of Zeus and Hera, thank you for your help."
"It's nothing, I simply couldn't stand that arrogant monster. Besides, it was a good hunt too."
In front of other gods he couldn't completely trust, especially with Zeus watching, Ares felt the need to maintain his persona as the God of War.
"Still, thank you very much."
Leto said softly, as she was known as the kindest goddess on Mount Olympus.
"After this, Hera probably won't send anyone to trouble you again. You can live on this island for now."
Ares said, "Afterward, Zeus will likely send someone to bring you back."
Afterward, Ares gathered the spoils left by Python, said goodbye to Leto, Artemis, and Apollo, and then clouds rose beneath his feet, carrying him back to Mount Olympus.
As soon as he landed, Ares was called over by someone sent by Zeus.
After arriving at the King of the Gods' palace, Ares finally met the King of the Gods face to face.
To stand out from the younger generation gods like Ares, Zeus transformed into a strong middle-aged man with a white beard and hair, sitting proudly on the throne that symbolized the highest power in the world.
Standing at his lower right side was Prometheus.
As soon as Zeus saw Ares, he immediately smiled and praised him, saying, "Well done, Ares. I never expected you to actively protect your younger siblings. You truly live up to being my son."
Hearing this, Ares felt a bit annoyed but tried hard to smile, showing his usual tough, carefree smile.
"Of course, Zeus."
Ares said gruffly, "I am the God of War of Olympus!"
"Good, good."
Zeus raised his hand and said, "I want to reward you. You have the skin and bones of Python, right? How about having your brother Hephaestus make you some new armor and a weapon? What do you think?"
Ares' face lit up with excitement, and he nodded eagerly, "That sounds perfect!"
Zeus then gave the order, and Ares handed over the snake skin, bones, and other materials to a lesser god nearby, instructing them to take the items to Hephaestus.
During this time, Zeus got up from his throne and walked over to Ares. He placed a hand affectionately on Ares' shoulder and quietly asked, "Ares, didn't Asteria come back with you?"
He knew exactly why Zeus asked that question.
In addition to the gentle and kind Leto, Zeus had also taken an interest in her sister, Asteria, the Goddess of Shooting Stars, Nighttime Divination.
Now, Ares finally understood why Asteria hadn't wanted to return with them after Leto and her children had been saved from danger.
Ares shook his head and replied, "No, the Goddess Astyrea is still staying at the floating island."
"I see... is that so?"
Zeus's face clearly showed his disappointment on his face.
Prometheus, standing nearby, noticed this and quickly advised, "Zeus, Hera is still angry right now. It's not the right time to stir up trouble."
"I know, I know."
Zeus said, with a bored look on his face. Clearly, he didn't have the energy to pursue her right now.
He turned, sat back down on his throne, and continued, "I have seen it. My two children, Artemis and Apollo, possess immense divine power, capable of becoming the rulers of Olympus. Sigh... but the twelve god positions are already filled. Even if Oceanus gives up his spot, there's still only room for one more. What should I do?"
"Zeus."
Prometheus lowered his head and said, "Perhaps you could convince Helios to give up his position."
"Helios, indeed."
Zeus said, "However, he is the God of the Sun, occupying a crucial position in the world. How could we persuade him to willingly give up his spot? Ares, Prometheus, do you two have any ideas?"
He looked at both Ares and Prometheus.
Ares knew that Zeus was testing him on purpose. This wasn't a task that the God of War, Ares, could handle.
If it were just about this, Zeus could have discussed it with Prometheus alone.
But now, Zeus insisted on involving him, and Ares could sense that the matter with Metis had left Zeus uneasy, still not entirely secure in his position as the new King of the Gods.
He might be starting to suspect every one of his children with fear that anyone who showed potential to take his throne would follow in Metis's footsteps.
Therefore, Ares did his best to maintain his image as the tough, blunt god of war, shouting in a rough voice, "What's so difficult about this? Zeus, I'll just go and cut his head off for you!"
He drew his flaming sword, pretending to walk out of the room, ready to march straight into Helios's temple and cut off his head.
Prometheus watched Ares's retreating figure, his eyes flickering momentarily.
Surprisingly, Prometheus didn't try to stop him and instead watched with interest.
'He's not stopping me because of the prophecy I asked him about earlier?'
After noticing that Prometheus didn't try to stop him like he had expected, Ares decided to keep going and walked out toward the temple.
'If I'm going to act, I might as well go all the way. If Prometheus doesn't stop me, I'll really go ahead and cut it off. Let's see who cracks first!'
Just as Ares was about to leave the throne room, Zeus finally said, "Ares, come back! You can't do something like this!"
Hearing this, Ares stopped and turned around, saying confidently, "Zeus, this is the fastest way!"
"Come back when I say so!"
Zeus slapped the armrest of his throne and pinched the bridge of his nose, looking a bit angry.
Once Ares obediently returned, Zeus's cautious look toward him faded, replaced by a more frustrated expression.
"Prometheus."
Zeus asked, his voice low as he turned to the God of Wisdom, "Why didn't you stop Ares?"
"Cough, I couldn't stop him, Zeus."
Prometheus said with a little upset, "Only a God King like you can command the wild God of War, right?"
"You're right."
Zeus replied and added, "Then this task will be given to you, Prometheus. Go and convince Helios to give up his position for Apollo."
"Understood."
Prometheus bowed confidently, clearly already having a plan in mind.
"Alright, that's enough for now. Ares, you can go to your brother to claim your reward later."
Zeus waved his hand and then placed his palm on his forehead with a look of discomfort crossing his face.
"I need to rest. If there are no urgent matters, don't disturb me."
Seeing this, Ares and Prometheus exchanged a knowing glance.
They both nodded to Zeus and left the throne room.
To be continued...