True Magician

Chapter 156

Olympus.

The appointed day arrived, and at about three o'clock in the afternoon, I gathered the selected group and activated the magic circle in the invitation. In the next second, we were enveloped in a bright light that transported our group to Olympus.

We found ourselves at the foot of a truly high mountain, which was completely imbued with divine power, covered with neatly trimmed vegetation, surrounded by clouds creating a mystical and mesmerizing view, and featuring dozens of massive Greek temples made of white marble with columns, triangular roofs, and corresponding carved ornaments.

Of all the buildings, of course, only twelve stood out, and the most massive was located right at the top of the mountain. It definitely belonged to Zeus, considering his inflated ego and everything else.

Overall, after visiting Heaven, Olympus didn't seem particularly impressive to me. Yes, the view was luxurious, but in terms of protection, functionality, and other details, the abode of the Greek gods was definitely lagging behind. The enclosed fields here were, to put it mildly, mediocre.

I wasn't the only one who immediately began to explore the surroundings of the legendary Mount Olympus; Archer was doing the same, as if looking for convenient spots for shooting. Grandpa preferred to disappear into the shadows, and I very much doubted that the Olympians would be able to detect him, but Heracles clearly felt a sense of nostalgia mixed with novelty, judging by his eyes darting from side to side.

The berserker took several deep breaths, as if trying to taste the air of this place ruled by his biological father, and, one might say, enjoyed it, albeit relatively, given the clearly discernible presence of a not-so-pleasant individual who had ruined his life. Even if she was from another world.

While we were exploring the place, two figures appeared before us in a short flash of light. The first was the familiar Hermes, who had changed his business suit for a Greek toga, but the woman... Red hair, amber eyes, and a toga with a slit on the side so that it would not restrict her movements.

Heh. Apparently, Zeus had decided that Aphrodite wasn't suitable and had changed his choice. And considering her aura and clearly dissatisfied and contemptuous gaze, I already knew who had come to meet us alongside the messenger from Olympus.

- "We are glad to see you on the sacred mountain of Olympus, Mr. Archaman, dear guests," Hermes began, scanning our group with his gaze, which stopped on the large and muscular Heracles. Then he stood directly in front of the Berserker and, smiling, held out his hand. "Hello, brother. We know you are from another world and look different, but father's blood is clearly felt in your veins and essence. Welcome home."

Heracles looked Hermes straight in the eye, then smiled back and shook his hand like old friends or relatives who hadn't seen each other in a couple of centuries.

- "Arrrrr," he growled, but Hermes understood him perfectly, as did Hermes' companion, who smiled slightly.

- "Welcome, brother," she said, to which Heracles replied with a good-natured nod.

Of course, a familial atmosphere reigned between them, in which all three felt comfortable and restrained joy. They didn't talk, just looked at each other, and that was enough for them, as if they were connected by an invisible thread of light, which was obvious. Archer pretended not to be there, which was to be expected, but I...

- "What about the reception? You gave me your word, didn't you, Hermes?" I asked, eliciting a predictable response. Heracles smiled awkwardly and silently apologized, Archer rolled his eyes, Hermes let go of Berserker's hand and put on a businesslike expression, and the goddess...