Silence lingered in the grand hall after Zeus's question, thick and expectant. The faint hum of divine power pulsed through the marble walls like the heartbeat of Olympus itself. Dozens of divine eyes turned toward Athena, waiting for her answer.
Athena exhaled softly, her gaze calm yet unyielding. "We will do nothing."
A few murmurs broke out instantly. Hera's brow arched in disbelief, Poseidon leaned forward with a half-smirk, and Hermes whispered something under his breath that earned him a sharp glare from Apollo.
"Nothing?" Hera's tone dripped with disdain. "You would have us stand idle after a mortal defeated one of our own? Your reaction speak as if his victory should be celebrated."
"Because it should," Athena replied evenly, her golden eyes sharp. "Ares was not defeated by a mere mortal, mind you. He was bested by an irregular that appears human, his strength is anything but."
Ares grinned faintly at her defense, though the bruise to his pride was still fresh. "Hmph. I wouldn't say I went all out either, but I'll admit he was undeniably strong, strong enough to make me fight seriously."
Hera crossed her arms. "Strong or not, this so-called mortal's existence threatens Olympus's authority. What happens when Asgard or the Shinto gods hear that our War God lost to a human? They'll mock us for centuries."
Poseidon chuckled, his trident resting lazily against his shoulder. The Sea God wasn't exactly pleased that a human could best one of their own, his words were more to provoke than agree however. "Perhaps it's time Olympus learned a little humility. It's not the first time we've underestimated someone from the lower world."
Athena's expression hardened slightly. "Our pride means nothing if it blinds us to reality. Kousuke Igarashi's strength is not a humiliation, it's a warning. This world is changing, that much is certain. And he is at the center of it."
Her voice carried across the hall, calm but absolute, each word striking like tempered steel. "If we lash out or attempt to control him, we will only make an enemy out of someone who could destroy far more than Olympus. The wisest course of action is restraint. Let Ares maintain his connection with him, friendship, even."
"Friendship?" Hera repeated incredulously. "You would have one of our gods bow his head to a mortal? Have you gone mad, Athena?"
Ares interjected with grin. "I don't recall bowing. I respect strength, and he had earned it that day."
That silenced a few voices, though the air still simmered with divine pride and wounded ego. The tension between old arrogance and Athena's cold logic was palpable.
Zeus finally leaned back, lightning dimming around his frame. "So you propose we… simply observe?"
"For now," Athena said firmly. "We shouldn't needlessly interfere less our action backfired on us. If other pantheons hear of this, let them think what they wish. Olympus will not act foolishly out of wounded pride. If anything, it would benefit us if they underestimated his strength, let them become the scapegoats."
Her gaze swept across the hall once more, lingering briefly on each god. "Remember this: losing to him is not a humiliation. He is not lesser than us, he is different. The balance of the world depends not on who holds the highest throne, but on who understands the shifting tides and were the first to adapt to it."
For a moment, the chamber was still, and even Zeus's usual arrogance seemed tempered by her conviction. "…Very well," he finally said, his voice deep with reluctant approval. "We'll abide by your judgment, my wise daughter. For now."
Athena inclined her head slightly. "Then that is enough for me."
The gods began to disperse, some still muttering under their breath. Hera's fan snapped shut with a sharp clack, while Poseidon merely grinned, intrigued by the changing world Athena spoke of. Hermes slipped out first, undoubtedly rushing to spread gossip faster than divine decree.
Athena, left standing in the echoing hall, allowed herself a quiet sigh. "Igarashi Kousuke… you stand beyond what even the gods can predict. I did my best, so I only pray that Olympus will not make the mistake of treating you as an enemy."
...
Meanwhile, far below the clouds and back in the mortal world at Kuoh Town, Kousuke leaned casually against the wall of his bedroom. He had just returned home with Morgan after their wonderful short trip to Turkey. Pulling out his phone, he dialed a familiar number.
After a few rings, Rias answered, her tone bright but curious. "Kousuke? I thought you were in the middle of a date with that witch, my queen told me about it. Why the sudden call?"
Kousuke chuckled softly. "Well now, did I sense a hint of Akeno's jealousy from your words? I'm actually at home right now. Our date ended a few hours earlier. I need you to forward a message to your siscon brother, Sirzechs Lucifer. Tell him I'm ready to accept his offer about guiding me through the Underworld."
There was a brief pause. "Oh? That's sudden. Did something happen?"
"Not really," he replied casually, glancing toward Morgan, who flashed him a knowing grin. "Just thought I'd take him up on his word before things get too busy. Also, tell my adorable girlfriend listening to this call that I'll take her on a date next."
Rias hummed thoughtfully. "...Alright, I'll let them know. I'm sure he'll be glad to have you visit. When are you planning to go?"
"As soon as possible. I'm sure my beloved Akeno would want that."
There was some shuffling on the other end before another voice, soft and teasing replacing Rias's. It was his other girlfriends, Akeno. "Really? You're taking me out in the Underworld? Your idea of romance truly is… unique," she said with a sigh, though he could sense the hint of happiness beneath her tone.
"That's what makes me special, isn't it? You can thank your boyfriend any day, I accept bodily payment, just so you know," he replied with a sly smile.
"Hmph, that depends on how this date goes. And if it goes well…" she paused briefly, her voice dropping to a playful whisper, "then you can expect something I'm cooking up with Yasaka~"
"Huh? What do you mean by that?"
"Fufufu, it's a trade secret."
"Hey—"
Before he could ask for further explanation, Akeno ended the call on that mysterious note, leaving him smiling wryly.