After the trial Jin returned to the Olympus. The moment Jin stepped back into Olympus, the divine halls erupted in celebration. Every Olympian god had gathered to witness his return, a feat that hadn't been achieved in millennia.
Dionysus was the first to approach, placing a grand jug of wine on the table. "A victory like this deserves the finest wine from Olympus has to offer!" he declared and placed it on the table.
Jin chuckled, settling into the atmosphere. Everyone was hearing his adventure. But as he was chatting with them and his focus was gone, a shadowy hand slid over the rim, pouring an unknown substance into it. As usual Harmes took the wine and gave him.
Then, Hermes nudged him. "Go on, drink up! A warrior must enjoy life's luxuries."
Ares smirked, slapping Jin's back. "A warrior needs four things: money, respect, women, and wine!"
Jin hesitated, but before he could decide, a hand snatched the goblet away.
Athena.
She lifted the wine to her lips but halted, eyeing the gathering. "What a shame," she mused. "Jin's first divine feast, and yet, instead of celebrating properly, you fools tried to drug him."
The entire hall went silent. Hermes and Apollo whistled, feigning innocence. Ares avoided eye contact.
"Who, us?" Hermes grinned. "Would we ever do such a thing?"
Athena smirked. "Of course not." Then, without warning, she hurled the goblet directly at Hermes' head.
SMACK!
The messenger god yelped, staggering back as the wine splattered all over him. Apollo barely had time to dodge before Athena kicked him square in the ribs, sending him tumbling across the floor.
"Consider this your lesson," Athena said, dusting her hands off as she turned away. The other gods howled with laughter.
Jin blinked. That was… unexpected. He'd always known Athena as the ever-stoic strategist, yet this playful side had completely blindsided him.
Later that night, as Jin prepared to retire, a whisper drifted into his mind.
"Meet me outside."
Athena's voice.
Jin sighed, making an excuse to slip away from the festivities. Stepping into the moonlit courtyard, he found her waiting, arms crossed.
"Your ascension is only the beginning," she said. "There is more at play than you realize."
Jin frowned. "What do you mean?"
She hesitated before finally speaking. " You must go to the Temple of Nyx."
Jin's heart clenched. He had barely begun accepting her loss, and now Athena hinted at a deeper mystery?
Athena turned to leave but paused. "Make no mistake, Jin. You are strong, but even strength has its limits. If you want answers, you must be prepared to face them."
As she disappeared into the shadows, Jin clenched his fists. Lia's voice echoed in his mind.
A new path had been set before him. And this time, he wouldn't hesitate.