Re:Cord of Ragnarok

Chapter 28 [Golden Opportunity]

For all of human history, the affairs of mortals have traditionally been orchestrated by the powers of the divine. This heavenly interference stems from many millennia, from the expulsion of man, from Eden's Gardens to the destruction of Babel and its people's ambitions, to the lives and deaths of Egypt's Great Pharaohs, throughout the rich history of Greece and the Holy Crusades of European legends.

Amidst these mortal trillings, Ancient Greece was an area that intermingled the divine and the human worlds above all else. Oracles of Gods and prophecies of Sprites echoed in the ears of anyone who could listen. Until the mighty Heracles bargained for humanity's freedom, there would not be a day that the revered and mighty Olympians were not honoured in ceremonial traditions held in mortal cities.

Midas, Ruler of the Kingdom of Phrygia, ascended to his throne due to these prophecies. He and his father, Gordias, traversed the vast realms of Greece amidst a world of discord and chaos. Civil war was rampant amongst the people, and it was to be foretold that only when a young man would enter the city wagon-bound, would a king be ready to rule them all.

It was then that a young Midas and his aged father crossed the threshold of Phrygia, pulling a wagon of aged goods. A beautiful eagle, a symbol of the mighty Zeus, mounted their ragged vessel. The people gazed upon this man with wonder in their eyes, for he was now King hereafter—King Midas, the Lord of Golden Glory.

Midas laid on his bed, staring up at the ceiling of his chamber with wonderstruck eyes. The morning sun bedazzled the beckoning sky as it rose into sight, cascading light through the flowing curtains of his room.

It had been many years since he was crowned ruler of the land. The fate of the gods had blessed him with a prospering nation and untold riches. His supporters were endless, and his life was perfect. If not for a dark seedling of ambition deep within his heart.

Phrygia was a glorious nation, but it was far from the best of Greece. As a king ordained through the prophecy of the Gods, it was Midas' purpose to realise their grand design. If the gods had given him this power, it would be unforgivable not to prove himself worthy. As such, Midas knew that he needed more. To forsake his destiny would be to forsake the almighty gods of Greece.

Lifting himself to his feet, Midas observed his kingdom from a balcony beyond the curtains that captured the sun's light. He witnessed the cobblestone streets and the ant-like dots of people scurrying through them. He saw the cart to which his Kingship was owed, knotted in a ribbon of gold: the Gordian Knot, another symbol of kingship and godly blessing.

"Father!" A voice cried out behind him. Turning to face the small intruder, Midas beamed joyfully and lowered his arms to pick them up. A small girl jumped into the king's embrace and laughed excitedly. "Zoe, you are awake early. What do you need, my little marigold?"

The adventurous girl grinned before telling Midas she was joining her grandfather on a journey to the temple of Dionysus. Despite the safety of the royal entourage, Midas would always be worried for his daughter. He announced the significance of listening to her grandfather, Gordias, and emphasised that she must always stay safe. The gods would protect her so long as she prayed.

"Of course father. The oracle shall be graced with a wondrous celebration when I get there," she boastfully claimed before being rushed out of the room by the king. He watched as she ran down the corridor with little decorum, knocking over decorations in her wanderlust.

Turning back to his room, Midas only chuckled while reciting a small prayer for her journey. As she grew older, it was becoming increasingly difficult to keep her locked in the castle, and eventually, Midas would be forced to accept that she would leave him for her destiny. With a resigned look he reached towards a wooden wardrobe and took out a silken garment. His golden crown was lowered onto his head before he exited his room. He made his way towards his gardens to ponder his fate. He would surely bring about his destiny.