endless path, infinite cosmos

chapter 163

Hephaestus released a long sigh as she looked into the slightly open and excited eyes of Loki. Ever since they had made the vow, Loki had been looking at her like a snake and waiting for her to speak. Since there was no way she could conceal the information in the future, Hephaestus began explaining, "Vahn has an item that appeared in his soul shortly after his interactions with Tiona and Ais. He obtained a strange golden chain that allows him to completely seal the divinity of gods and goddesses. With the information obtained from Anubis and Vahn's own personal recounting of the events, the chains very likely allow gods and goddesses to become truly mortal temporarily...I'm sure you understand the implications."

Loki's slitted eyes opened widely as the perpetual smile on her face rounded into one of abject shock. She knew exactly what Hephaestus was implying and the implication was perhaps the most significant thing she had ever heard. Vahn was likely 75% god, and now he would be able to enable goddesses, other than fertility goddesses, the ability to get pregnant? Though it wasn't a guarantee, that gave his children an 87.5% chance of developing their own pseudo-divinity and would also ensure their potential was higher than any other demigod in history.

Her thoughts began racing as she tried to think of a way to make the best use of this new information, but the vow she had taken would be a big restriction on her future actions. The most troublesome matter was the way Vahn acted toward her in the first place. Loki knew that, even if she approached him and tried to get closer to him, it would be very difficult to break down the walls he had built between them. Even if she tried to make use of his empathy and have him take pity on her, there would likely be other obstacles in her way...like the two women in front of her.

Loki's expression turned into a serious one as she asked, "The fact that you're telling me this now means you already knew you wouldn't be able to keep the matter hidden. You want me to help protect Vahn and the information related to his bloodline for the duration of your pregnancy?" Loki believed this to be the most likely case, but Hephaestus interrupted her thoughts as she said, "I know what kind of person you are, Loki. If I didn't do something like this, you would have likely schemed to obtain Vahn the moment you discovered I was pregnant. Depending on how things played out, you would likely involve several other gods and goddesses to put pressure on both Vahn and me."

Loki furrowed her brows a bit because there was no way to easily refute Hephaestus's words. Vahn's ability to impregnate goddesses was too significant a matter for her to standby on the sidelines and just keep silent. Even if he didn't do the deed himself, Loki knew there would be countless gods seeking out the boy in the future. She didn't know what Hephaestus had planned to protect Vahn, but she assumed it had something to do with her, so she asked, "So, you already have a compromise in mind?" As she asked the words, Loki couldn't help but show a devilish grin on her face.

Hephaestus was outraged by Loki's words, but she just grits her teeth before taking a deep breath to calm herself. After a few seconds, she explained, "Not only do I know you, but I also know Vahn. After discussing things with Eina, we agreed that it would be best to involve you in the matter to help guarantee Vahn's safety in the future. The fact that you had him make a vow to join your expeditions gives you too many opportunities to scheme around him. Though he may not agree initially, I have little doubts he would eventually fall into one of your schemes just based on his own empathic nature."

Loki frowned slightly because it felt like she was being seen through by the two women in front of her. She asked in a slightly cold tone, "Then what do you have in mind? You should know that there is no way I can avoid approaching Vahn with this new information." Loki stared into Hephaestus's equally cold eyes as the two held each other's gazes for several seconds. Eventually, Hephaestus said, "I want you to make a vow to allow Vahn to make the final decision without pressuring him. You can't take advantage of him or manipulate his feelings using the other girls around him..."