Raiden groaned, rolling over and shielding his eyes from the piercing sunlight streaming into the hall. His head throbbed, and he could still taste the remnants of mead on his tongue. Beside him, Zohar lay sprawled out, his hand over his face, while Kaito was half-hanging off the edge of the bench they had collapsed onto the night before.
The loud, boisterous laughter of warriors echoed through Odin's Hall. Several Einherjar walked past, chuckling as they saw the three of them in their hungover state. One of them clapped Raiden on the shoulder, nearly knocking him back down onto the floor.
"Rough night, eh?" one of the warriors joked, his voice way too loud for Raiden's splitting headache.
"Ugh, don't remind me," Kaito muttered from his precarious perch, blinking his tired eyes open. He groaned, lifting himself off the bench.
Zohar sat up next, rubbing his temples. "That was... definitely too much mead."
Just as they were beginning to gather themselves, they felt a massive nudge, almost like a small earthquake. A booming laugh followed. "Wake up, lads. You're late again!"
Raiden, Kaito, and Zohar blinked up, still groggy, to see none other than Thor standing over them, grinning like he was enjoying their misery a little too much. The god of thunder, tall and broad with flowing red hair and a braided beard, towered over them, a massive hammer strapped to his back.
"Late... again?" Raiden muttered, his voice hoarse.
Thor nodded, a smirk on his face. "Aye, late for your training with Zeus. You were supposed to be in Olympus already."
Zohar groaned, his head falling back. "Great. Just what we need, more lectures about being late."
Thor let out a hearty laugh. "Well, you've got two choices: either I throw you there myself with Mjolnir, or you get up on your own and make it to Olympus before Zeus blasts you with a bolt for making him wait."
The three boys looked at each other, clearly not eager for either of those options.
"Alright, alright, we're up," Raiden muttered, slowly rising to his feet.
"Good choice," Thor said, patting him on the back hard enough to nearly knock the wind out of him. "Zeus doesn't take kindly to tardiness."
Kaito rubbed his eyes and stretched. "I'm starting to think these gods just love messing with us. First Odin, now Zeus..."
"You'll get used to it," Thor said, still grinning. "Now hurry up, boys. The realm of Olympus awaits."
With Thor's booming laugh echoing behind them, the three friends stumbled their way out of Odin's Hall. Their heads still pounded, but they knew better than to keep Zeus waiting any longer than they already had. As they left the hall, the cool morning air hit them like a slap in the face, and they realized how sore they still were from yesterday's training.
"Why is it always us that's late?" Kaito grumbled.
"Probably because we drank our body weight in ale," Zohar replied, shaking his head.
Raiden, his own head still swimming, chuckled lightly. "We'll just have to hope Zeus isn't as mad as Odin was yesterday."
The three of them trudged forward, heading toward the portal that would take them to Olympus. As they walked, they tried to shake off the lingering effects of their hangover. They knew that what awaited them in Olympus was far more intense than what they had experienced in Asgard. This wasn't going to be a walk in the park.
As they stumbled their way out of Odin's Hall, the boys saw their angel chaperone pacing frantically near the portal. His wings fluttered anxiously, and his eyes darted between the sky and the portal, as if waiting for a disaster to unfold.
"Finally!" the angel blurted, rushing toward them. "You're late! Do you know how long Zeus has been waiting? This is bad—very bad. You have no idea what he's like when kept waiting!"
Kaito winced, holding his stomach. "We're already feeling terrible. You don't need to make it worse."
The angel grabbed them by their shoulders, clearly ignoring Kaito's complaint. "We have no time for this. If we don't get there immediately, Zeus will personally ensure your training is... less than pleasant."
Raiden exchanged an uneasy glance with Zohar. "We'll try to keep up."
But the angel shook his head, eyes wide. "No, you're too slow. You'll never make it in time!"
Before they could ask what he meant, the angel pulled a length of rope from his satchel and began tying their hands together around his waist.
"Whoa, whoa, what are you doing?" Zohar asked, trying to pull his hand free.
"Just hang tight!" the angel snapped, continuing his frantic knot-tying.
The three boys looked at each other, utterly confused, as the angel finished securing them to him. Then, without warning, his wings shot out wide, and he leapt into the air. Before they could react, they were yanked upward by the force of his wings beating against the wind, their feet lifting off the ground as the angel soared into the sky.
The boys felt a sudden rush of nausea as they were pulled through the air, their bodies swaying in the wind. The world around them blurred for a moment as they ascended rapidly, the clouds parting above them.
"I didn't sign up for this!" Kaito yelled, his voice barely audible over the wind.
But before they could protest further, the view around them began to shift, and all three fell silent as they beheld the incredible scenery on their way to Olympus.
The skies above Asgard stretched out before them, endless and blue, with clusters of thick white clouds floating peacefully. Below, the golden plains of Valhalla shimmered like fields of light, and the great halls of the gods stood proud and imposing against the landscape. As they rose higher, they passed floating islands suspended in the air, each one dotted with towering trees and glistening waterfalls that spilled down into nothingness. The air felt lighter up here, the atmosphere almost divine.
The further they flew, the more they began to see the shifting boundaries of the heavens. To their left, they caught glimpses of what could only be the celestial seas of Poseidon's domain—vast, swirling oceans that sparkled under the sunlight, their waters moving in perfect harmony, despite their height in the sky. Every now and then, massive sea creatures could be seen breaching the surface, their forms enormous and majestic against the rolling waves.
To their right, dark clouds hovered ominously over another realm. Jagged peaks and swirling storms dominated the landscape below, their lightning flashes dancing across the horizon. This, they realized, must be the edge of Hades' underworld, where shadows twisted and tormented the souls trapped within.
As they flew even higher, they entered a realm where stars dotted the skies in broad daylight. The constellations hung low, almost close enough to touch, and the air itself shimmered with cosmic energy. It was as if the heavens themselves were breathing with life, and they felt an overwhelming sense of awe in the presence of so many divine forces.
"This is insane!" Zohar shouted, his eyes wide as he stared down at the floating islands beneath them.
Kaito, still trying to keep his stomach in check, groaned. "Can't...look...down."
But Raiden, despite the sick feeling gnawing at his gut, couldn't tear his eyes away from the incredible display around them. "It's beautiful," he muttered, his voice filled with awe. "I've never seen anything like it."
Suddenly, their angel chaperone banked hard to the left, and the three of them lurched sideways, still bound to him by the rope. They soared through the final layer of clouds, and in the distance, a colossal mountain came into view.
Olympus.
It rose up into the sky, its peaks covered in swirling mist and radiant light. The very air around the mountain seemed to hum with divine power. At its summit, they could see the great palace of Zeus, its marble columns and golden domes gleaming in the sunlight. The structure was impossibly grand, more magnificent than any earthly kingdom they had ever seen. Surrounding it were smaller buildings, all crafted from shining stone and draped in greenery. Waterfalls cascaded down the mountain's sides, filling the air with the sound of rushing water.
As they neared the mountain, the angel dipped lower, bringing them closer to the ground. They could now see the sprawling training grounds of Olympus, where other chosen warriors were sparring and honing their abilities. Massive statues of past heroes and gods lined the pathways, and the roar of distant thunder rumbled through the air, reminding them whose domain they were entering.
The angel descended toward the entrance of the palace, and as their feet finally touched the ground, the boys felt an overwhelming sense of both relief and nervousness. They had made it to Olympus, but now the real challenge awaited them.
"You'd better get used to the view," the angel said, untying the rope around his waist. "This is where you'll be spending the next part of your training."
The three boys, still dazed from both the flight and the stunning scenery, could only nod in response. They stood at the base of the great mountain, knowing that whatever trials awaited them here would be unlike anything they had ever faced before.
"Welcome to Olympus," the angel said, gesturing toward the grand palace. "Now, let's hope Zeus is in a forgiving mood."
The massive golden gates of Olympus creaked open slowly, revealing an expansive corridor lined with grand pillars, each etched with ancient symbols. The angel escorting Raiden, Zohar, and Kaito paused for a moment, taking an exaggerated deep breath, clearly trying to calm his nerves. The boys exchanged uncertain glances as they stepped inside.
The interior of the palace was nothing short of awe-inspiring. The floor was polished marble, gleaming under the light from enormous chandeliers hanging high above. Statues of legendary heroes and gods lined the hall, each one sculpted with such precision it felt as though they could come to life at any moment. Frescoes depicting famous battles and tales of heroism covered the ceilings, telling stories of the gods' triumphs and the creation of the universe itself.
As they moved further inside, Raiden, Zohar, and Kaito couldn't help but notice the various figures that passed by them. Greek gods and goddesses, some they recognized immediately—Hera, Aphrodite, Poseidon, Hercules—stood or moved about their own duties, giving only brief glances toward the newcomers. Mythological creatures of all kinds roamed freely, from centaurs to griffins and even satyrs. One particularly large cyclops lumbered by, eyeing the group with mild curiosity.
Kaito whispered under his breath, "I can't believe we're actually here."
Zohar nodded in agreement. "Feels like we stepped into one of those old myths we used to read about in school."
Raiden, always quick with a joke, muttered, "Well, if Zeus is anything like the stories say, let's hope he's in a good mood."
But before any of them could add to the conversation, they approached the massive double doors that led to the throne room. The air grew thicker with energy, and even the creatures seemed to step aside, allowing them passage toward the grand hall of Zeus.
As the angel pushed open the doors, they were met with an immediate, thunderous crash.
A giant monster came hurtling through the air, slamming into the marble floor just feet in front of them. The impact sent dust and debris flying, and the creature—an enormous chimera with the head of a lion, the body of a goat, and a serpent for a tail—groaned as it struggled to get back up.
Before the boys could react, another crash resounded from deeper in the throne room. Their eyes snapped up to the center of the room, where Zeus himself stood locked in combat with multiple beasts.
The king of the gods was an imposing figure, his massive form towering over everything around him. His skin was bronzed from countless battles, his muscled body adorned with intricate tattoos that seemed to tell the stories of ancient wars. His long white beard flowed wildly as he moved, his eyes blazing with the fury of a storm. He was dressed in simple, yet powerful armor, and in his hand, he wielded a massive lightning bolt, crackling with raw energy.
Around him, several monsters had gathered—Minotaurs, hulking and savage, swung giant axes, roaring in fury as they tried to land blows on the god. Nearby, lions that breathed fire prowled, flames spewing from their mouths as they charged at Zeus. Yet, with every movement, Zeus deflected their attacks with ease, his lightning bolt carving through the air like a blade of pure power.
The boys stood frozen, watching in disbelief. This was Zeus's daily training.
Zeus grunted, blocking a fire-breathing lion's attack with his lightning bolt before launching the beast across the room with a single blast. One of the Minotaurs lunged at him, its axe raised high, but Zeus simply sidestepped and struck it with a blinding flash of lightning, sending the creature crashing to the ground.
"Is this normal?" Kaito asked, his voice barely above a whisper.
The angel, looking far less panicked now, smirked. "For Zeus? Absolutely."
Another monstrous lion roared, sending a stream of fire directly at Zeus. With a swift motion, Zeus raised his hand, and a massive barrier of electricity formed in front of him, absorbing the flames. Then, with a flick of his wrist, he sent another bolt of lightning straight through the beast, causing it to collapse.
The chimera that had crashed in front of the boys earlier managed to stand again, its serpentine tail snapping toward them. But before it could attack, Zeus turned and hurled his lightning bolt across the room. It struck the chimera in the chest, sending it sprawling once more, and this time it didn't rise.
Breathing heavily, Zeus stood tall, surveying the wreckage around him. The room fell silent as the last of the monsters lay defeated at his feet. He slowly turned his attention to the group standing at the entrance—Raiden, Zohar, Kaito, and their angel guide.
With a deep, booming voice, Zeus called out, "I see our new recruits have arrived."
The boys straightened up, still wide-eyed from the spectacle they had just witnessed. Zeus wiped his brow and strode toward them, his footsteps heavy, leaving faint sparks of electricity in his wake.
"Welcome to Olympus," he said with a grin, looking each of them over. "Now that you've seen my morning routine, it's time for you to begin your own."
Zeus crossed his arms as he surveyed Raiden, Zohar, and Kaito, a glint of expectation in his electric blue eyes. "Word gets around fast in the realms," he began, his voice still echoing with authority. "Odin has spoken highly of your training in his hall. Extraordinary, he said. It seems you've set the bar high."
He paused, pacing back and forth in front of them, his imposing form casting long shadows across the chamber. "Here in Olympus, we push even harder. Gladiators—our warriors—are revered. They train not as humans, but as beasts with a singular purpose: combat. No distractions, no hesitation, and no emotion. That is what I expect from you."
Zeus then turned sharply to Raiden, his eyes narrowing as he studied him intently. "I did not choose you for no reason, Raiden. Your power, your potential—there is more inside you than you realize." The weight of his words hung in the air, and Raiden felt a surge of pride but also a rising pressure to meet this divine expectation.
Without another word, Zeus turned on his heel and strode toward his massive throne, his steps echoing through the vast hall. As he sat down, the atmosphere remained tense, yet electric with anticipation.
Zeus leaned back, a smirk playing on his lips. "Later today, we will be expecting more chosen ones from other parts of Earth. You'll have the chance to meet others like yourselves—those who have been marked by the gods. Get to know them, but also, learn to know each other better. You will need each other in the battles to come."
Raiden, Zohar, and Kaito exchanged glances, the gravity of Zeus's words sinking in. They were no longer just individuals trying to master their powers. They were part of something bigger, something that spanned across realms and involved the gods themselves. And they would soon meet others who shared the same destiny.
Zeus's eyes gleamed with an intense light as he leaned forward on his throne, addressing the trio once more. "Before you leave this hall, there is something crucial I must tell you," he began, his voice booming across the room. "You are not just soldiers, not just warriors. You are chosen, and as such, you will wield more than just weapons of steel and wear more than just armor of iron."
He snapped his fingers, and suddenly, a set of armor and weapons appeared before Raiden, Zohar, and Kaito, shimmering with ethereal energy. The armor was basic in appearance—simple, unadorned, and functional—but there was an unmistakable aura around each piece that suggested something far more significant than its modest design.
Zeus stood up, slowly walking towards them, his gaze fixed on the gear. "These are no ordinary armors. They will not simply protect you. They will bond with you—learn from you. Each piece, each weapon, will mold to your soul, becoming part of who you are as a warrior, as an entity. Right now, they are basic, but the more you grow, the more they will evolve, reflecting your power, your will, and your identity."
He stepped closer to Raiden, eyeing the simple gauntlets and greaves laid out in front of him. "Raiden," Zeus said, his voice lowering, "this armor will harness your lightning, eventually making it as much a part of your body as your own blood. Every strike, every surge of power you unleash, this armor will remember, until it channels that same energy through you without hesitation."
Zeus then moved to Zohar, gesturing towards the lightweight, sleek armor set laid before him. "For you, Zohar, your speed will be your greatest weapon. This armor will move with you, not against you, enhancing your agility and heightening your senses. It will become an extension of your hyper vision, sharpening your instincts in ways you cannot yet imagine."
Finally, Zeus turned to Kaito, where a more robust set of armor and a finely crafted weapon lay. "And Kaito... your bond with the water and ice is strong, but this armor will make it stronger. It will allow you to flow with the water's currents and harden with ice's strength. It will protect you when the cold bites and sharpen your mind when the tides turn against you. But remember, the weapon you wield must be treated with respect, for it is more than just metal. It will learn your fears, your strengths, your very essence, and it will evolve as you do."
The trio stared in awe at the gear, each of them sensing the immense potential these items held. This was not just armor—it was something alive, something that would grow and adapt with them as they faced the battles ahead.
Zeus took his place back on the throne, his gaze never leaving the three of them. "Do not underestimate the bond between a warrior and their weapon," he warned. "These tools are not just to protect you; they are your partners in war, your allies in the darkness. Treat them as such, and they will never fail you."
Raiden, Zohar, and Kaito exchanged glances, each of them feeling the weight of the moment. The awe that filled the room was tangible, as if the air itself recognized the significance of what was happening. Slowly, with a mixture of anticipation and trepidation, they each stepped forward to claim their armor.
Raiden was the first to move. He reached out to the gauntlets that shimmered with a faint, electric glow. As soon as his hands touched the cold metal, he felt a surge of energy course through him, as if the armor was waking up, recognizing its new master. He slid the gauntlets over his forearms and secured the rest of the pieces—greaves, chest plate, and shoulder guards. As he did, he could feel the armor already responding to his body's movements, adapting to his energy. The faint hum of lightning crackled around him, growing louder with every breath.
Zohar followed suit. His armor was sleek and light, almost like a second skin. He felt its subtle power as soon as he strapped on the chest plate and fastened the guards to his legs and arms. The armor felt weightless, allowing him to move with the same speed and agility he always relied on. His hyper vision flared to life as if the armor was sharpening his senses even further, enhancing the edges of his perception. Every movement was smooth, fluid, like the armor had already become a part of him.
Kaito, with a deep breath, reached for his own armor. The cold metal sent a chill through his fingers, but it was a familiar cold—the cold of water, of ice, of the elements he knew so well. As he donned the armor, he could feel the temperature around him shift, the water in the air responding to his presence. The armor was heavier than the others', built for resilience and power. His weapon, a finely crafted blade, gleamed in his hand. He could already feel it humming with potential, waiting to be unleashed.
Zeus watched them carefully as they prepared. His eyes gleamed with approval, but also with the expectation of greatness. "Now," he said, standing from his throne once more, "this is only the beginning. The bond you share with your armor and weapon will grow, but first, you must test it."
He raised his hand, gesturing to the vast open field just beyond the throne room. "Get into position," Zeus commanded. "Today, your real training begins. We will push you to your limits, break you if we must, because out there"—he pointed skyward—"Lucifer and his forces are preparing for war. And if you are to survive, if you are to defeat him, you must be stronger than you have ever imagined."
Raiden, Zohar, and Kaito nodded in unison, the seriousness of the task ahead settling in. They adjusted their armor, securing their weapons, and moved toward the training grounds as instructed. Their hearts raced, their minds focused, as they took their positions. Each of them could feel the power humming through their armor, a new sense of purpose flowing through their veins.
Zeus watched them intently, his face unreadable, but the fire in his eyes was unmistakable. "Let the training begin," he declared, his voice echoing through the halls.
The boys braced themselves, knowing that whatever came next would not only challenge them physically, but would test their very souls.