Athanasios Perseus Apollyon - The Forgotten Tide

Chapter 8: The Forging of the Trident & Back Home

The forge of the Hecatoncheires was a realm of elemental fury and divine craftsmanship, set within a colossal volcanic mountain that seemed to pierce the heavens themselves. The cavern stretched endlessly, filled with the roar of flames, the clang of metal, and the raw power of creation. Here, amidst the blistering heat and the unyielding force of the forge, I would forge the trident that would symbolize my journey and my newfound powers.

Gathering the Materials

The materials I carried were precious and vital, each one integral to the trident's creation. The bones of Ketos, a fearsome sea monster, were wrapped carefully in sacred cloths. Phorys's scales, shimmering with an eerie, metallic sheen, were stored in a separate container. I held the crystal of Hydros, a deep blue gem that pulsed with the heartbeat of the ocean. The staff of Time, made from the ancient tree of Time, was a relic of unimaginable power. The startip of Fate and Destiny, a thread of shimmering light, was carefully protected. My own Life thread, a strand of my essence, completed the collection.

In addition, I carried water from the Five Rivers of the Underworld and the Springs of Pontus. The former was a gift from the depths of the underworld, each river embodying different aspects of the realm: Styx, Lethe, Acheron, Phlegethon, and Cocytus. The latter, sourced from the Springs of Pontus, was a symbol of the primal, untamed forces of the sea.

Titanodon, the primordial megalodon now in the form of an axe, and Karathen, the kraken now as a saber with an intricate guard, were at my side. Their energy and presence were a comforting reminder of my past trials and the bond we shared.

The Hecatoncheires, the three hundred-handed giants of ancient legend, greeted me with a mixture of reverence and curiosity. Their presence was overwhelming, their forms colossal and imposing. Briareus, Aegaeon, and Cottus, each with their many arms and immense strength, welcomed me to their forge. Their voices rumbled like distant thunder, resonating with the force of the earth.

Beside them stood the First Cyclops, their single, all-seeing eyes filled with wisdom and power. Steropes and Brontes, their forms massive and enduring, were the masters of divine weaponry. Their understanding of the ancient arts was unparalleled, and their craftsmanship was legendary.

"Welcome, Perseus," Briareus said, his voice deep and resonant. "We have awaited your arrival. Your quest has been long and fraught with danger, but now you stand on the brink of achieving something great."

Aegaeon nodded. "The trident you seek to forge will be a testament to your strength and your journey. It will carry the essence of the sea, time, and destiny."

Steropes stepped forward. "We have forged many legendary weapons, including the tridents of Poseidon and Triton. Their creation was a process of immense difficulty, but also of profound significance."

The first step in the forging process was to prepare the materials. The forge's flames roared with intensity as the bones of Ketos and the scales of Phorys were placed into the molten vat. The fire blazed hotter than any mortal flame, its heat searing and relentless.

"The bones of Ketos," Steropes explained, "are infused with the essence of a powerful sea monster. They will provide strength and resilience to the trident. The scales of Phorys, a bane of Othrys, will add a layer of protection and power."

The staff of Time was added to the forge, its wood glowing with a deep, otherworldly light. "The staff of Time is a relic of the ancient world," Brontes said. "It will imbue the trident with the power of time itself, allowing you to command the flow of events."