Throughout the island created by Aetherion, music, dancing, and joyful laughter filled the air.
Everyone was smiling, moving to the rhythm, celebrating beneath the starry sky.
All kinds of immortal beings—spirits, nymphs, dryads, gods, goddesses, titans, and titanesses—gathered together.
It didn't matter who they were.
Tonight, everyone celebrated.
They feasted on ambrosia and drank nectar—the divine food and drink of the gods.
Only something as potent as nectar acted like alcohol to them, leaving many tipsy, laughing freely as the night carried on.
Stories of the first battle of the war echoed throughout the gathering.
The loudest voices belonged to Zeus and Poseidon, who animated their tales with grand gestures, even using their divine energy to recreate parts of the battle.
"Yeah! You should've seen me!"
Zeus boasted.
"I threw my lightning, and that major god was as good as dead!"
"No, no, no—it was my mighty powers,"
Poseidon argued.
"The sea itself obeyed me. I nearly defeated him myself!"
"But then you got knocked unconscious,"
Hades added dryly.
"Shut your mouth, Hades!"
The three brothers laughed, surrounded by a crowd of immortals enjoying their stories. Nearby, their sisters—Hera, Demeter, and Hestia—laughed along, joined by their mother, Rhea.
Aetherion sat slightly apart, observing the scene as he sipped from his cup.
The nectar was strong—far stronger than any mortal drink—and even he could feel its effects, a pleasant warmth spreading through him.
As he watched, nymphs began to dance gracefully in the open space, their movements flowing like music itself.
Before long, several immortals approached him.
"You were incredible, Aetherion! You defeated one of the Twelve Great Titan!"
"Yeah, tell us how you did it!"
"I want to hear too—come on, Lord Aetherion!"
He found himself surrounded by nymphs, satyrs, and other immortals, all eager to hear his story.
Aetherion smiled, lifting his cup as he took another sip of nectar.
"Oh? It seems you're all quite curious,"
he said lightly.
They nodded eagerly.
Already slightly tipsy, Aetherion's smile widened.
Tonight, he allowed himself to relax.
'This is the Greek world… Then I'll live as they do.'
The gods celebrated whether they won or lost—and so would he.
"Alright… listen closely,"
he said.
And so, he began recounting the battle—how he fought, how he defeated the Great Titan, and how the army had been brought down.
The crowd listened with shining eyes, asking questions as they leaned closer.
Some of the nymphs moved nearer still, their hands brushing against his arms and chest, smiling softly as they listened.
Aetherion didn't seem to mind.
But—
Amidst the laughter and attention—
Someone approached him.
And he hadn't noticed.
"Haha, you're so amazing, Aetherion… and charming too,"
a goddess said, leaning closer, attempting to rest her head against his shoulder.
But before she could—
A hand gently stopped her, guiding her away.
"You wouldn't mind if I sat here, would you?"
The voice came from behind.
Metis.
She wore a soft smile, but her eyes held something sharper—colder—as they rested on the goddess before her.
The goddess laughed nervously.
"Ah—no, no, not at all, Lady Metis."
She quickly moved aside.
Aetherion, slightly drunk, looked up and smiled brightly when he saw her.
"Oh? Metis. Come, come—join us,"
he said, his voice light with laughter.
Metis sat beside him, leaning back slightly as she brought her drink to her lips.
Her cheeks carried a faint golden flush—the nectar had affected her too.
"Hmph…"
she hummed softly, a faint pout forming.
"Must you show off so much?"
Aetherion tilted his head toward her, a playful glint in his eyes.
"And how could I not… when they're all so eager to listen?"
The crowd immediately burst into agreement.
"Yes, yes! Keep going!"
"Tell us more!"
"Don't stop now!"
Metis let out a soft breath, her expression easing as a small smile touched her lips.
Then—
She leaned in.
Her head rested gently against his shoulder.
"Then do as you please…"
she murmured, her voice low and warm.
Aetherion glanced down at her, a quiet chuckle escaping him.
"I was planning to,"
he said, lifting his drink and finishing it in one smooth motion, warmth spreading through his chest.
His thoughts felt lighter now, his body more relaxed.
Tilting his head slightly, he looked at her again—her beautiful flawless face.
A soft smile formed.
"So… you're just going to stay like this?"
he asked, his tone teasing.
Metis slowly lifted her gaze, meeting his eyes.
A knowing smile curved her lips.
"Mm… I think I will,"
she replied, her voice carrying a playful edge.
"You don't mind… do you?"
Aetherion chuckled softly.
"Having a beautiful titaness leaning against me?"
he said, his voice lowering just slightly.
"I can't imagine anything better."
For a moment—
Metis faltered.
The golden tint in her cheeks deepened.
Her eyes flickered away, breaking contact for just a second.
Around them, the watching immortals reacted—some amused, some envious—but most…
Jealous.
The goddesses, nymphs, and even titanesses nearby couldn't hide it.
Even a few male gods watched with quiet envy—but strangely, much of it was directed at Metis.
Then—
Click.
The sound of heels echoed softly against the ground.
The atmosphere shifted.
A figure approached.
And stopped right in front of them.
Selene.
A slow, seductive smile curved her lips as her gaze settled—not on both of them—
But directly on Aetherion.
"I've come to claim my reward."
Aetherion blinked.
"…Huh?"
He looked up at her, his attention pulled away from Metis, while Metis herself narrowed her eyes slightly in quiet confusion.
Selene tilted her head, her smile deepening.
"You did promise me one,"
she said, her voice smooth, teasing—almost dangerous.
She extended her hand toward him.
"I'll take it now."
Her fingers lingered in the air between them.
"I want a dance,"
she added softly.
"Come… with me."