The vastness of the sky above the Sky Citadel was a spectacle Throk, Neptune, and Spink could not ignore. Even amidst the tension mounting around them, there was something surreal and timeless in the sight of golden clouds drifting like immortal veils beneath the celestial light. They were surrounded by dozens of angels, all emanating a sacred and imposing aura. The Hundred Divines, known as the most relentless hunters of the celestial realm, formed a ring around the trio, ready for a battle that now seemed inevitable.
The tension was palpable, and the air itself vibrated with the imminence of a brutal clash. Throk, muscles primed for combat, already gripped his sword tightly, eyes sharp and alert. Neptune stood ready, trident in hand, while Spink—her energy practically tangible—seemed poised to unleash her power at any moment.
Then, something unexpected happened.
The trio, without even realizing it, began to release their spiritual auras. First came Throk, his colossal presence manifesting a golden and green aura around him—primal and untamed. Next was Neptune, whose spiritual waters danced around his body, cloaking him in a shimmering aquatic mist. Spink, in turn, radiated a vibrant and agile energy, like sparks of lightning and winds swirling around her small frame.
The Hundred Divines, their spears raised, suddenly hesitated. A thick silence fell upon the field. And then, in a gesture almost choreographed, they all lowered their weapons. The fierce gleam in the angels' eyes softened, and the once ruthless hunters knelt before the trio.
Throk raised an eyebrow, his skeptical expression barely hiding his surprise.
- Throk: "What... is happening?"
Neptune, still gripping his trident, cast a questioning glance at Spink. She, equally baffled, tried to keep her composure.
- Spink: "Why are they... kneeling?"
One of the angels—the leader of the Hundred Divines—lifted his head. His voice, once stern, now carried a reverent tone.
- Leader of the Divines: "You are vessels of the ancient masters. We... cannot harm such sacred bodies."
Throk stepped forward, confused.
- Throk: "Masters? What are you talking about? You were about to try and wipe us out."
The angel nodded, his eyes glowing with a gentle light.
- Leader of the Divines: "We do not fully understand it ourselves, but the Gods have shown us that you carry something far beyond your own souls. Something ancient... Because of this, we were commanded not to harm you. Instead, we are to guide you."
Spink frowned, doubt written all over her face.
- Spink: "Guide us? To where?"
- Leader of the Divines: "To the 13 Houses of Olympus," the angel replied. "You have a destiny among the Zodiac Emissaries. And our duty now is to escort you with all due reverence."
Neptune looked at Throk, confusion in both their eyes.
- Neptune: "Why would they do that? And what is this talk of ancient masters?"
The angel hesitated, as if the answer eluded even him.
- Leader of the Divines: "The Gods see great value in you, and any harm to your bodies could disturb something far greater. The divine will is clear, and we do not dare defy it."
The tension between the trio and the Hundred Divines began to dissolve, though the mystery remained. Throk, Neptune, and Spink were far from understanding what it all meant, but the sudden reverence and respect from the angels only made them more cautious.
The leader of the angels stepped forward.
- Leader of the Divines: "We will guide you to Mount Olympus, but be warned—it will be a long journey. The Citadel is vast, and you landed on the opposite end from the path to the Mountain."
Throk nodded.
- Throk: "Then let's get moving. I don't want to waste any more time here."
With the agreement sealed, the Hundred Divines formed an escort around the trio, leading them toward the 13 Houses of Olympus. The path ahead, however, was long, and the vastness of the Celestial Citadel made the journey all the more grueling.
As the trio began their march, the scene shifted to a far more violent part of the celestial realm.
The battle between Midoki and Arion was fierce. Midoki's Berserker Mode, unleashed with uncontrollable fury, made him nearly unrecognizable—his chaotic energy resonating throughout the region.
Arion, the Emissary of Aries, was a relentless and skilled warrior. Every blow he struck against Midoki was like a meteor of pure divine force, yet Midoki did not yield. Their clash was a spectacle of raw power—a collision of superhuman strength. But then, in a decisive moment, Arion delivered a devastating blow with his Aries Spear, launching Midoki with staggering force over 60 kilometers, directly into the House of Taurus.
Gyuuma, the guardian of the House of Taurus, had been waiting patiently. He had sensed Midoki's approach long before the human fell onto his domain. The impact was brutal—Midoki slammed into one of the walls outside the Taurus House, forming a crater upon collision.
For a brief moment, all was silent.
Midoki, feeling the effects of the blow, began to regain consciousness. No longer in Berserker Mode, his body struggled to rise, while his mind fought through the lingering madness. He looked up and saw Gyuuma—a towering, powerful figure—watching him with a curious expression.
Gyuuma let out a deep, echoing laugh.
- Gyuuma: "So, Arion sent you here and let you live?" He looked at Midoki with a grin. "That can only mean one thing—you're stronger than you look. You earned his respect."
Midoki didn't answer right away. He was still trying to grasp what had happened. Arion's strength was overwhelming, and he felt the weight of every blow. But something in Gyuuma's laughter struck a chord.
- Midoki: "Respect...?" he muttered, still trying to understand.
Gyuuma shrugged.
- Gyuuma: "Arion doesn't leave enemies alive unless they prove themselves worthy. He could've killed you—but he chose to send you to me. Now, let's see if you truly deserve to be here."
Now fully recovered and more aware, Midoki stood up. His gaze locked with Gyuuma's, and he realized this battle would be even more intense than the last. The House of Taurus would not be an easy challenge. Gyuuma was ready to test every limit Midoki had—and the outcome would determine whether he lived or died.
Meanwhile, back at the House of Aries, Throk, Neptune, and Spink finally reached their initial destination. But they didn't expect to be met by Arion himself, who stood at the entrance like an unyielding sentinel.
- Arion: "The path ends here for you," he said, his voice brimming with authority. "Midoki... is already dead. The blow that launched him to the House of Taurus was fatal. There's no reason to go further."
- Throk(thinking): "That's not true. Midoki would never be killed by someone like you."He was sure of it—and Neptune and Spink felt the same, even if they didn't know Midoki personally.
Arion blocked their path. The sun was nearing its zenith, and Throk felt his strength increasing with each passing second. The half-orc, ever direct and with no patience for mind games, shot a defiant look at Arion.
- Throk: "You're ridiculously weak if you think you can stop us."
Arion narrowed his eyes, hand already near his spear.
- Arion: "Weak? I am the Emissary of Aries. You have no idea what kind of power you're dealing with."
Throk stepped forward, ignoring Neptune and Spink's protests.
- Throk: "If you're as strong as you claim... one-on-one. Let Neptune and Spink pass. Or are you only good at bluffing?"