Zeus spotted Metis at a glance. She followed behind the two Titans, the one-of-a-kind golden flower crown upon her delicate head making her especially eye-catching.
Zeus secretly lifted an eyebrow at Metis. Metis remained unruffled, as if she hadn't seen it.
Oceanus, the eldest of the Titans, the immeasurably great Ocean Current that encircles the world—his body was as vast as the ocean itself.
He bore the burden of enlarging the world, an essential maintainer of cosmic order.
He was an incomparably majestic Titan, yet his demeanor was gentle. A hearty smile played across his heroic face; clearly, he was in excellent spirits.
The gracious Tethys was a gentle, stunningly beautiful matron, warm and embracing like a current from the ocean's depths. The joy shining in her eyes now could scarcely be concealed.
Zeus stepped forward first and embraced the two Titans in turn, speaking with sincere respect:
"Great sons of Uranus, great lord of the ocean, god who encircles the world; great goddess who nourishes all things—it is my honor to see you both."
Oceanus did not put on airs, treating Zeus as an equal. He laughed heartily and said, "Honored guest, son of the sacred Rhea, welcome—your coming delights the gods like the returning tide."
Then he nodded respectfully to Rhea: "Great Queen of the Gods, welcome. The ocean has long awaited your arrival. We have craned our necks with expectation; your presence brings the ocean immeasurable honor."
Rhea nodded in return with a smile. "My elder brother, thank you for your steadfast support and protection."
Tethys stepped up to embrace Rhea, taking her arm with a smile. "Today is a day worth celebrating—a reunion we have awaited for so long!"
"And there are things that gladden the gods—let's return home and celebrate there first!" Her voice was gentle and brimming with joy. The goddess who nourishes all things made every god feel warm and close.
The gods returned together to the oceanic palace, surrounded by many sea deities.
Upon entering the temple, Oceanus dismissed the children, leaving only Metis behind.
Now, only the five deities remained within the hall, and the atmosphere shifted silently from lively ease to solemn gravity.
The warm-hearted Oceanus got straight to the point. He gathered in his smile, his face taking on seriousness and respect as he said:
"Renowned Zeus, you have accomplished a feat no other god could—a heavy blow to the God-King's majesty."
"This has not only helped many gods, but has also allowed many to vent their long-suppressed anger."
"That includes me—you have relieved the resentment that has clogged my heart for many years. Allow me to thank you here and now; your courage and resolve command my admiration."
Zeus's expression grew solemn and he replied at once, "Great Oceanus, my success could not have happened without the ocean's help. It was the beautiful and wise Metis who aided me—her wisdom guided my course."
"For this, I wish to express my most sincere thanks to you and to Metis."
Oceanus smiled. Zeus's attitude left him both satisfied and reassured.
He continued, "Honored Zeus, I know why you have come. But I still harbor a few doubts I would ask you to dispel."
Zeus nodded with a smile. "Please ask."
Oceanus said gravely, "What is your ultimate aim? Do you intend to completely overthrow the God-King's rule and establish a brand-new era, or merely ensure your own safety and stop here?"
The Ocean Current's sharp and authoritative gaze fixed upon Zeus. He needed a clear answer.
Zeus slowly shook his head and said, "The world's present order is far too poor. All gods are tightly constrained, unable to enjoy the world's goodness. What I want is to build a new order—a universe all gods can share—the most beautiful new age!"
His tone was utterly firm. "I will not stop until this goal is achieved!"
Oceanus asked, "Do you have the confidence and a plan to defeat the God-King? Though I dislike admitting it, I must: the God-King is the strongest among the gods, the hardest to shake."
Zeus smiled with unruffled confidence. "Great son of Uranus, I am as you once were—if I lacked sufficient confidence and a definite plan, how could I dare rebel against the God-King?"
"I may not possess the enchanting wisdom of your daughter, but I'm not that foolish, am I?" Zeus cracked a playful line to ease the weight of the moment, and, in passing, shot Metis a glance that no one could truly miss.
With a serious smile, he went on, "I have already weakened the God-King's strength greatly. He is no longer that aloof, overbearing sovereign."
"At the same time, I have rescued my kin and gained many united comrades. As one falls and another rises, the God-King is no longer invincible."
"Moreover, I have received recognition from the great Mother of All Things, and the support of the Lady of Night."
"My own mother, the great and sacred Rhea, stands at my side. Too many gods are dissatisfied with the God-King's order—how could I possibly fail?"
"I will succeed!"
Oceanus nodded slightly, then asked the most important question—the one that would determine how much he would invest.
"Then, great Zeus, if the God-King is truly overthrown, how will the gods' honors be apportioned?"
Zeus answered earnestly, "Great and noble son of Uranus, eldest and most magnificent son of the Heavenly Father—here I promise you: I have no intention of diminishing the honor of any god among the noble deities!"
"I promise all the gods: I will defend every god's honor, preserve all that the gods presently possess, and apportion to the offspring of every great god the honor they are due in the new age!"
"What the gods already have, I will see them endowed with more. What they lack, I will grant—so they too can partake in the world's goodness!"
"The gods shall jointly enjoy the world's goodness and share the world together. I will build an order of cooperation and common share among the gods."
"Let each god preside over his own honor, yet also share each other's conveniences, working together and advancing together."
"The sky, the earth, the sea, and the starry firmament should belong to the gods. Let the gods together enjoy the world's goodness, with no more constraints or oppression!"
"Let us together draft an order that accords with the gods' wishes. If disputes arise among the gods, then let the gods judge together—fairly, justly, by mutual deliberation!"
Oceanus nodded again, and, without betraying emotion, asked the final, crucial question:
"Honored Zeus, regarding the other son of the God-King—Poseidon—he was conceived from Kronos's theft of Sea and Ocean, and of the Mother's divine authority."
"How will his honor be apportioned?"
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