The Veil of Worlds

Chapter 8: The Guardians of the Isle

The air on the Isle of the First Pantheon was unlike anything Jason had ever experienced—thick with power, alive with the hum of ancient forces. Every step they took seemed to echo through the ground, as though the very island was aware of their presence. Temples and ruins stretched before them, each dedicated to gods from different pantheons, their influence blending together in a way that seemed natural, yet deeply unsettling.

"Alright," Percy muttered, gripping Riptide. "This place is seriously weird. Feels like the gods from every culture ever are just staring at us."

Annabeth nodded, her sharp eyes scanning the landscape. "The gods were once united here, long before they split into their respective pantheons. It makes sense that their presence would still linger. But we need to stay focused. The prophecy said we'd have to unite the pantheons, and this is where it starts."

Thalia walked ahead, her bow slung over her shoulder, her electric-blue eyes alert for any sign of trouble. "I doubt we're the first to set foot here in a while. I can feel it—something's watching us."

Magnus, though attempting to appear nonchalant, was visibly tense. His hand never strayed far from his sword, Jack, who was murmuring something sarcastic under his breath. "Yeah, not creepy at all," Magnus muttered. "I give it five minutes before we get attacked by some ancient monster."

"Maybe not a monster," Sadie said, her eyes flickering with excitement, but also worry. "Ra did say there were guardians. We should be expecting something—probably something older than the gods themselves."

As if on cue, the ground beneath them trembled slightly. A faint, rhythmic thudding sound filled the air, growing louder by the second. The group exchanged wary glances, their weapons ready, as the earth seemed to pulse with energy.

Carter clenched his staff. "Here we go."

The thudding reached a crescendo, and from the distance, massive figures began to materialize, walking toward them. At first, it was hard to make out what they were—huge, humanoid shapes draped in ancient armor, their faces obscured by helmets that glinted in the strange, ethereal light of the Isle. As they grew closer, Jason's eyes widened. These weren't just guardians—they were embodiments of the gods' primordial power.

"They're titanic," Magnus whispered.

Jason could feel the power radiating off of them—primordial beings, older than even the gods of Olympus. They were living remnants of a time when the gods of all pantheons walked together, and they were not happy to see intruders on their sacred ground.

The first guardian, easily twice the size of any giant Jason had ever fought, stepped forward. Its voice echoed like the cracking of mountains. "Who dares disturb the Isle of the First Pantheon?"

Annabeth, ever the diplomat, stepped forward, her voice steady. "We're here to fulfill the prophecy. We've come to unite the gods and prevent the destruction of all realms."

The guardian's eyes blazed with an unnatural light. "The gods do not seek unity. They have chosen division. Their quarrels have spanned millennia, and they will not welcome the likes of you."

Thalia took a step forward, her grip on her bow tightening. "We didn't come here for permission. If we don't stop Setne, the gods, and everything else, will be destroyed. We need to pass."

The other guardians, now forming a semi-circle around the group, watched in silence, their presence oppressive. The lead guardian seemed to consider Thalia's words, but its massive sword still rested in its hand, glowing faintly with divine energy.

"None pass through this Isle without proving their worth," the guardian declared. "Your prophecy is meaningless if you cannot stand before the First Pantheon's guardians."