Kairo stepped over the threshold of the sprawling mansion Akairo had assigned to the Pantheon, instantly regretting every life choice that led him here.
The place smelled of dust, old wood, and faint magic residue. Sunlight streamed through tall, cracked windows, illuminating long corridors and stone floors.
"Welcome home, Pantheon," Akairo's voice echoed from the balcony above, arms crossed. "This will be your base, your training ground, and your battlefield of camaraderie. Survive each other, and you survive the world."
Kairo's mark throbbed faintly. He clenched his fists, suppressing a surge of storm energy. Control. Control. Control.
Selene spun around, landing gracefully on the polished floor. "Well, cold boy, seems like we'll be roommates," she said, looping her arm around him. "Don't get too comfortable—you're in my territory now."
Kairo kept his face expressionless. Don't react. Don't flinch. "I'll adapt," he said flatly.
Raijin bounced on the stairs like a lightning bolt. "Finally! A place where I can test everyone's patience. Step aside, newbie!"
Darius laughed, summoning a small wave in the fountain outside. "This is going to be interesting… I hope the mansion has a pool."
Kali emerged from the shadows, letting her tendrils curl around the ceiling beams. "I'll take the attic. Darkness suits me better than any bedroom."
Aurora floated above the entrance, sunlight radiating around her. "And I'll be near the kitchen. Sunlight and snacks are priorities."
Liora adjusted her glasses, eyes critical. "You'll each have assigned rooms, and everyone will adhere to schedules. No excuses."
Orion appeared silently in the hallway, already seated on a couch, eyes glowing faintly. His presence alone made Kairo's chest tighten in an unfamiliar way.
The first evening was chaotic. Kairo unpacked his few belongings while Selene chatted incessantly about the mansion's hidden quirks, pranks she planned, and obscure knowledge of local deities.
"I still don't understand why I have to share this space with all of you," Kairo muttered, tone flat. "It's… unnecessary."
Selene grinned. "Necessary for your survival, cold boy. Plus, misery loves company. You're going to like it here… eventually."
During dinner, stories began to emerge. Raijin bragged about a small lightning contest he once won in his hometown. Darius spoke of rivers that could whisper secrets. Aurora shared tales of sunlight rituals from her village. Selene teased Kairo for never sharing anything.
"I'm… not here to entertain," Kairo said, eyes fixed on his food, suppressing the twitching energy of his mark. "I have training. That's enough."
"Cold and mysterious," Selene whispered with a smirk. "I like it."