Metis gave a slight nod. "Although the great gods cannot strike directly, their children can. They are not bound by those oaths, yet they can still provide us tremendous aid."
"So long as they see hope of victory, our support will only grow."
"After you win the support of the Titan great gods, you can no longer hide. You must establish your own foundation, fix the future divine court, and contend with the God-King in earnest."
"Only by withstanding the God-King's assault and letting the world see your strength will the gods fully resolve to help you—abandon the old loyalty and welcome a new era."
Zeus slammed a fist and laughed loudly. "That's enough!"
Metis hesitated, then advised softly, "Zeus, I know you are strong, but the God-King's power must not be underestimated. Even greatly weakened by you, the God-King is still the strongest deity. The gods will not openly support you before the final moment."
"The support you have now is very tenuous. In the end, it still depends on you. You must not grow careless or underestimate the enemy."
Zeus laughed heartily and nodded hard, his gaze resolute. "I know. I will not belittle any foe, nor will I repeat the mistake of underestimation!"
He paused, then blinked at Metis, smiling brightly, full of trust. "Besides, aren't you at my side to fill the gaps and point the way?"
Feeling a little flustered, Metis looked off to the side, no longer meeting his gaze, a faint, almost imperceptible blush rising on her cheeks.
Watching the two gods banter, Rhea's beautiful face deepened with a smile. In every respect, this goddess of wisdom was the most fitting match for Zeus.
Since the plan was set, it was time to act at once! For safety and secrecy, Mother Rhea first asked the Lady of Night to veil their presence; only then did the three slip quietly into the world to meet the sea god Pontus.
In the enterprise of overthrowing the Heavenly Father, the only great god who contributed nothing at the time was the sea god Pontus.
He had no achievements to his name in the new order.
When Kronos redrew the world's order, the hierarchy he laid down centered on the Twelve Titans. Pontus had essentially no honor at all.
If not for the protection of the Mother of All Things, he would long since have been stripped bare by Kronos; other Titans would scarcely have cared about his fate.
Those who did not help win the realm had no standing to speak.
In the new era, to survive, he proactively married into the Titan line—but even so, during Kronos's centralization of power, Kronos showed no mercy in pressing him.
Even having been bullied to this extent, Pontus still would not dare to rebel against Kronos.
However, though he dared not rebel, he still harbored anger—resentment! Keeping him neutral would not be difficult.
He was the sea, but under the world's order Pontus could only go with the flow.
Winning Pontus over was mainly to consider Mother Gaia's feelings—and to court Crius.
When the three reached the inner sea, Pontus came personally to greet them in great humility, his manner exceedingly deferential.
His body was vast, yet he bowed to receive Zeus and company, displaying utmost caution and modesty.
Sea though he was, he was entirely unlike Poseidon, the capricious and irascible outer sea—he was truly an honest god, mild of temper and of good character.
He could hardly be otherwise; a bad temper would have gotten him handled by the Titans long ago.
Zeus accorded him full respect, embracing Pontus first, an earnest smile on his face. "Honored, great son of the Mother of All Things, it is a privilege to meet you. Your existence brings goodness to the world."
Pontus was almost flustered by the favor. After so many years of keeping his head down, as low-profile as could be, now the god who had dared challenge the God-King treated him with such respect. He was both startled and delighted, his heart a swirl of emotions.
Pontus took the form of a stalwart middle-aged man, handsome of face, with deep blue eyes and a righteous, gentle air.
He smiled gently and spoke with humility. "Honored great Queen, son of the Queen, daughter of the Ocean—welcome to your arrival. The sea is brightened by your presence."
Seeing that Metis, daughter of the Ocean, accompanied Zeus, he already understood Oceanus's stance, and all the more clearly grasped Zeus's purpose.
Pontus invited them into the undersea divine palace and even strongly insisted that Rhea take his own chief seat.
Once the gods were seated, Pontus asked, knowingly yet formally, "Honored child of the cosmos, may I ask, what important matter brings your divine presence down to the sea?"
Smiling, Zeus laid out his blueprint for the future cosmic order (political platform), then very earnestly invited Pontus to join his camp.
He gave a political pledge: "Honored Pontus, I hereby assure you that in the new order you will fairly receive the honor you are due; your contributions will no longer be ignored."
After Zeus's long discourse, Pontus was, of course, moved by the new order. In the present situation, if no change came, sooner or later Kronos would strip him to nothing.
But to participate in rebellion—impossible.
At least openly, he absolutely did not dare.
To be pulled into such a matter—he, in every sense an outlying god—one misstep could mean utter annihilation.
He replied carefully, "Great and wise child of the cosmos, your breadth and wisdom inspire my respect. I look forward to the day when your vision for cosmic order is realized."
"But I once swore allegiance to the God-King; I cannot betray my oath. I am also loyal to the great and merciful Queen—that is my duty."
"My power is so small. In the grand endeavor you seek to create, I fear I can be of little help."
Pontus's gentle refusal was entirely within Zeus's expectations. Hearing it, Zeus laughed heartily—so heartily it made Pontus a bit uneasy.
Zeus let the laughter fade and smiled. "Honored Pontus, I respect you as I respect all great gods. I understand your difficulties—you are a kindly great god, who shuns war and longs for peace."
"I am not like the cruel and violent God-King. I am the son of gentle Rhea; I will not force anyone against their will."
"My coming today is only to share my heart with you—to let you know the world should have a better order, and that every god should receive his share of honor."
Zeus's tone was utterly sincere. "A righteous god should not coerce any god to violate his oath. So this visit is not to ask you to break your vow."
"I only wish you to know that whatever choice you make—so long as you do not choose wrongly—your share of honor will forever exist in the future universe. No one will be able to take it from you."
"As for Poseidon, laws once conceived have their place; they are part of the universe. But he will preside only over the seas beyond the land. Your authority will be respected and upheld."
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