Olympus Multiverse, the heavens, in a magnificent and grand palace suspended among colorful clouds.
God-King Zeus sat high on his throne, his stormy and thunderous eyes flickering.
For some reason, this sturdy, imposing God-King felt uneasy.
"Could Poseidon be planning another rebellion against me? Or perhaps Hades, or Athena? Or even my consort, Hera..."
God-King Zeus pondered silently, flashes of lightning flickering around his body, filling the air with a sense of scorching heat.
Last time, Poseidon secretly allied with several gods, plotting to imprison Zeus and seize his throne. They nearly succeeded. Before that, Zeus had a similar uneasy feeling, a sense of foreboding.
Zeus thought carefully.
Infinite information flashed through his eyes as he sought to uncover any clues in the Olympus Multiverse that might explain his unease, focusing particularly on the gods with a history of plotting against him.
Unfortunately, too many gods had a history of such plots. No matter how Zeus looked, he couldn't determine who might be planning to seize power.
Because any of them could be.
"...These gods who never let me rest, always thinking about how to replace me."
"Where is my God-King's dignity?"
Boom!
Zeus's dignified face seemed to be covered in lightning, showing his anger.
As God-King, Zeus had unique privileges and an unmatched reputation among the gods.
But these were limited.
When Poseidon led the rebellion to seize the throne, an enraged Zeus wanted to kill the leader as a punishment for daring to disregard the God-King's glory and will and covet the God-King's power.
However, in the end, Zeus spared Poseidon, only imposing a trivial punishment—sealing Poseidon's divine power and making him suffer as a mortal, humiliated and degraded.
The problem is, such punishment only made Poseidon resent Zeus more.
Zeus didn't spare Poseidon out of brotherly love.
Since Zeus ascended to the throne, the brotherly bond among the three brothers had long vanished, replaced by calculation and suppression.
As for why Zeus didn't kill Poseidon, it was because he couldn't.
The root cause was their grandmother, Gaia, the Mother Earth, also known as the Mother of All Gods, one of the oldest primordial deities in the multiverse.
The Mother of All Gods didn't want to see her descendants kill each other.
The first God-King, Uranus, Gaia's child and consort, had aroused Gaia's displeasure with his misdeeds towards his brothers. Later, Cronus, Gaia's son, ambushed and severely wounded Uranus, sealing him with Gaia's support.
With the Mother's support, Cronus replaced his father, becoming the second God-King.
However, Cronus suffered a curse from his father, foretelling that he too would be overthrown by his offspring.
So he swallowed his children one by one.
This again displeased Gaia.
With Gaia's help, Zeus avoided being swallowed and, just as the first God-King's curse foretold, later overthrew his father Cronus, becoming the third God-King.
Major events in the Olympus Multiverse were closely tied to the Mother of All Gods.
Although Gaia lacked significant combat power, her high status and influence were substantial. If Zeus truly killed his brother, he had to be prepared for Gaia's displeasure.
Moreover, apart from Gaia.
The main gods of Olympus today didn't want to see Poseidon executed.
Because if Poseidon could be executed today, any of them could be next. As gods under the God-King, they chose to stop Zeus, forcing him to only punish but not eliminate Poseidon.
Poseidon, knowing his brother couldn't actually do anything to him, repeatedly plotted to seize the throne.
"From my past experiences, this time it shouldn't be Poseidon."
"After plotting once, Poseidon usually lies low for a while, waiting for me to unintentionally let my guard down before planning again."
God-King Zeus thought silently.
"Should I consult the Three Fates?"
"...They treat me as they do all gods, even mortals, with indifference and ruthlessness."
The Three Fates, though not main gods of Olympus, held a special status, knowing the past, present, and future, with authority over destiny surpassing all gods, overseeing the fate of all beings and gods in the Olympus Multiverse, including Zeus himself.
However, due to their unique status, Zeus couldn't command them.
They were majestic, cold, steadfast, mysterious, and elusive, evoking reverence like fate itself. Although descendants of Zeus, they seemed more like embodiments of the will of fate.
Inquiring about his fate from the Three Fates would usually result in rejection.
Because fate should not be spied upon, ever-changing as it is.
After a period of deep thought, Zeus made a decision, slowly rising and descending to the mortal world.
...
The Faceless Garon, disguised as Poseidon, was completely unprepared for the arrival of God-King Zeus.
In the Sea God's palace, two gods of similar appearance and strong, imposing stature stood facing each other.
"Poseidon, my brother, how have you been?"
"I heard you've found a consort and chosen your Sea Queen."
Zeus smiled as he spoke.
'Poseidon' showed a hint of impatience, bluntly saying, "Zeus, as the God-King, shouldn't you be in your heavenly palace? Why come to my little Sea God's palace?"
"If it's just to put on a show of brotherly affection, there's no need."
"Have you forgotten the many humiliations you inflicted on me when I was mortal?"
This was very much in line with Poseidon's usual demeanor.
At the same time, Garon's outward demeanor showed no flaws, but he became more cautious internally.
He didn't know why Zeus had come. His first thought was that his impersonation of Poseidon had been discovered. After all, the waters of the Olympus Multiverse ran deep.
However, seeing Zeus's reaction, it didn't seem to match Garon's fears, so while he remained cautious, he wasn't overly tense.
"Brother, you sought to usurp my throne. Some small punishment should be reasonable."
Lightning flashed in Zeus's eyes as he suppressed his anger and spoke slowly.
Facing the God-King, 'Poseidon' sneered and said, "Your throne? Zeus, you know very well how you got your throne. Is it really the fair and just drawing of lots as the world believes?"
Resentment, unwillingness, and disappointment filled 'Poseidon's' tone.
"If it were truly fair, do you think Hades and I would lack the magnanimity to acknowledge your throne?"
Under Poseidon's questioning, Zeus remained indifferent, smiling as he said, "You suspect I cheated? Then present the necessary evidence instead of baseless accusations."
'Poseidon's' gaze swept over the God-King, calmly saying, "Let's not pretend between brothers."
"If you truly have no guilt, swear by your divine power, your authority, and your throne."
Zeus's smile froze momentarily.
"Just because of your suspicions, I must swear? Where is the dignity of the God-King?"
He spoke righteously, with a stern expression.
'Poseidon' chuckled, crossing his arms, staring at the God-King with a look of disdain in his eyes.
Zeus's God-King dignity?
All beings and gods in the Olympus Multiverse knew this God-King was as lustful and licentious as his brothers, tyrannical, capricious, and suspicious—where was his dignity?
"Tell me, great God-King, what brings you to the Sea God's palace."
"If it's just to show off your dignity, then please leave if you have no business here."
'Poseidon' issued an order to leave.
At this moment, Zeus sighed slightly, his tone tinged with melancholy, "Can't I visit you purely as a brother?"
Seemingly revealing true emotions, Zeus said softly, "Poseidon, my brother."
"Have you forgotten? We fought together, endured endless hardships, hovering between life and death, overthrowing the Titans' rule."
"In the past god wars, we saved each other countless times. I've lost count."
"Has our brotherly bond completely disappeared?"
Poseidon was known to respond better to kindness than to threats.
Zeus knew his brothers very well.
But he usually wouldn't lower his God-King dignity to show any sign of softening.
"If I truly saw you as an enemy."
"Do you really think I, Zeus, would be swayed by the Mother of All Gods and other gods' opinions?"
Though he said this, he was indeed influenced by the Mother of All Gods and other gods' opinions.
"If I saw you as an enemy, with what you've done, you'd have died more than once already."
Hearing this, 'Poseidon' was silent for a moment, then said in a low voice, "If you don't come to me as a God-King, then I still recognize you as a brother."
Zeus smiled in response, taking out a box glowing with divine light.
"You didn't invite me to your wedding with the Sea Queen, and I understand."
"But I can't fail to present a gift and blessing for my brother's wedding."
"Inside is a primordial pearl created by the primordial sea god Pontus, which should enhance your trident's power."
Pontus, the primordial sea god, was the first offspring of Gaia, the Mother of All Gods, and Uranus, the first God-King. He was also Gaia's consort.
'Poseidon' was slightly stunned, showing a hint of genuine emotion, and accepted the primordial pearl.
Then, God-King Zeus and the Sea God Poseidon, in the golden palace beneath the sea,
reminisced about past times, recounting their battles against the Titans and overthrowing their father.
The situation between the brothers eased slightly.
After a while, seeing the opportunity, God-King Zeus showed a melancholic side, saying, "Brother, I know you want this throne, but it's not an easy seat."
"To wear the crown, one must bear its weight."
"The gods secretly covet my position, wanting to replace me. I hold extraordinary power but also bear immense pressure every moment."
His main purpose in visiting the Sea God's palace was to gain deeper insights into the gods coveting his position through Poseidon.
Because Poseidon was the most direct in opposing Zeus, having led multiple coups and covertly incited every god dissatisfied with Zeus's conduct, thus knowing them well.
"Brother, besides you, which god do you think most wants my throne?"
Zeus asked seemingly casually.
At this moment, the Faceless Garon, disguised as Poseidon and reminiscing about their brotherly past with Zeus, roughly understood Zeus's intent.
"...I want to ascend to the throne, and I've been secretly planning."
"Moreover, the Sea God and the Sun God have been quietly replaced by outsiders."
"The gods' intuition probably made Zeus uneasy, so he's seeking answers from me."
"Maybe that's it."
Garon guessed the correct answer.
"Besides me, the god most wanting your throne..."
'Poseidon' pondered, then looked at Zeus, saying, "You seem to have forgotten our brother, Hades."
"As the king of the underworld, dwelling in the barren, desolate underworld, always guarding endless spirits, he has often complained about his dull and tedious life."
"Think about it, which god in the heavens wants to visit the underworld?"
"He's been repressed in the underworld for too long."
"I think Hades desires your throne more than I do, but he hides it better, planning more meticulously."
Listening to Poseidon's words, Zeus seemed thoughtful.
"And your daughter, the goddess of wisdom and war, Athena. She is the most intelligent and ambitious goddess, even defeating me and taking over a city of believers."
"Athena inherited your power, born from your head, having defeated Ares, and she continues to grow. One day, she may surpass us."
Goddess of wisdom and war, Athena.
She is the daughter of Zeus and the goddess of wisdom, Metis.
The Mother of All Gods once prophesied that the fourth God-King would come from the offspring of Zeus and Metis. When Metis gave birth to Athena, Zeus, following his father's example, swallowed her to seal her. However, suffering unbearable headaches, Athena sprang from his head.
This fate echoed the experiences of the previous two God-Kings.
Many mortals believe Athena will become the fourth God-King. This goddess, wise, brave, powerful, yet compassionate and merciful, holds high esteem.
If she were to become God-King, all beings would celebrate.
Hades and Athena were both potential threats to Zeus's throne.
They were also threats to Garon.
He wanted to ascend the throne as the Sea God openly, without attracting the attention of the ancient primordial gods. Having Zeus eliminate the competitors would be ideal.
"Hades and Athena... They indeed have the qualifications, the ability, and the reasons to overthrow my rule."
God-King Zeus's eyes flickered, his heart pondering.
At this moment, 'Poseidon' stared at his God-King brother, saying solemnly, "I am your brother, having tolerated much from you. In the past god wars, I shielded you from countless injuries."
"You should understand, my ill will isn't because you took the throne. I, Poseidon, disdain to snatch my brother's throne."
"My long-standing rage, like a tsunami, is because your actions have disappointed and disheartened me."
Pausing, 'Poseidon' seriously said, "Zeus, if you admit to cheating during the draw, I can forgive you, set aside our grievances, and help you secure the throne as your brother."
Hearing this, Zeus was momentarily stunned, showing hesitation.
If he admitted to cheating and Poseidon secretly recorded it, then made it public, his God-King dignity would be shattered, and he wouldn't be able to hold his position. The gods would certainly choose a new God-King.
"I swear by my authority and divine power as the Sea God, by my essence as Poseidon, that today's conversation will not be known to a third party."
Seeing Zeus's hesitation, 'Poseidon' continued.
Hearing this, Zeus thought deeply for a while, finally sighing, "Brother, actually I only learned later that the draw wasn't fair. Grandmother Gaia favored me and secretly helped me, ensuring I became the God-King."
"But, driven by greed for power, I didn't reveal the truth to you and Hades."
"I'm sorry, brother."
After speaking, God-King Zeus exhaled a long breath.
Revealing this long-held secret indeed made him feel somewhat relieved.
Meanwhile, 'Poseidon's' eyes glinted as he said, "I've waited a long time for your apology."
"So, will you forgive me?"
Zeus asked.
"Of course, we are brothers after all."
'Poseidon' responded with a smile.
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