I'm The Devil - Chapter 258

Chapter 258: Medusa 1

Zeus led Apollo and Artemis out of the grand hall, their conversation continuing as they walked. Lucifer watched them go, a contemplative expression on his face. Once they were out of sight, he stood and moved toward the throne. He placed his hand on a hidden panel, and a door behind the throne slid open, revealing a dimly lit passage.

Lucifer stepped into the passage, the door closing silently behind him. The air was cool and filled with the faint hum of ancient magic. He made his way through the winding corridor until he reached a heavy wooden door. With a deep breath, he pushed it open.

The room beyond was bathed in a soft, ethereal light. In the center stood a circular table, around which sat three ancient women, their eyes closed in deep concentration. These were the Moirai, the Sisters of Fate: Clotho, Lachesis, and Atropos. The walls were lined with shelves filled with scrolls and books, each containing the destinies of gods and mortals alike.

The sisters opened their eyes simultaneously as Lucifer entered. Clotho, the youngest, smiled warmly. “Lucifer, it has been a long time since you visited us.”

Lachesis, her voice calm and measured, added, “We have seen much change in the threads of fate since you were last here.”

Atropos, the eldest, gazed at him with an inscrutable expression. “What brings you to our chamber today?”

Lucifer leaned against the door frame, a mischievous grin playing on his lips. “Is that how you say hello to a friend whom you haven’t seen in a while?” he quipped, his tone light.

Clotho chuckled softly, her eyes twinkling with amusement. “You always did have a flair for dramatics, Lucifer.”

Lachesis allowed herself a small smile. “Indeed, your presence is always… memorable.”

Atropos, though maintaining her serious demeanor, let a corner of her mouth twitch upwards. “We are glad to see you, Lucifer. Even if our greetings are not quite as warm as you might prefer.”

Atropos’s faint smile lingered as she continued, “After the creation of the Omniverse and our threads connected to it, we have seen countless destinies intertwine in ways we could never have imagined. It has been a challenging adjustment, but we have grown accustomed to the new order over the past few years.”

Clotho nodded, her gaze thoughtful. “The Omniverse has introduced a complexity to fate that is both fascinating and daunting. Each realm and its inhabitants bring unique threads, weaving an intricate tapestry that requires constant vigilance.”

Lachesis’s eyes sparkled with the light of ancient knowledge. “Our role has expanded, and our understanding of destiny has deepened. It is a monumental task, but one we are honored to undertake.”

Lucifer’s expression turned serious. “Then you understand the gravity of what has transpired today. Apollo and Artemis have returned to Olympus, their destinies now intertwined with the fate of the realms.”

Atropos’s gaze sharpened. “Yes, we have seen their threads and the ripples their actions will create. Their journey will not be easy, and their choices will have far-reaching consequences.”

Clotho extended a hand, and a glowing thread appeared, pulsating with energy. “This is the thread of Apollo and Artemis, bright and strong. But it is also fragile, susceptible to the forces that seek to unravel it.”

Lachesis touched the thread gently, causing it to shimmer. “They will face trials that will test their resolve and unity. Their bond must remain unbreakable, for it is their greatest strength.”

Lucifer’s eyes darkened with determination. “I will do everything in my power to protect them and guide them. But I need to know—what specific challenges do they face? What threats lie in wait?”

Atropos’s voice was grave. “Old enemies will resurface, and new ones will emerge from the shadows. The Titans, long imprisoned, sense a shift in the balance of power and may seek to reclaim their dominion.”

Clotho’s gaze was distant as she added, “And there are whispers of greater darkness, a force beyond the Titans, that seeks to consume the Omniverse itself. Its origins are shrouded in mystery, but its presence is felt in the threads of fate.”

Lachesis looked directly at Lucifer. “You must be vigilant, Lucifer. Your wisdom and strength will be crucial in navigating the challenges ahead. Trust in your instincts and the bonds you have forged with those around you.”

Lucifer gave them a final nod, his resolve strengthened by their words. He turned and made his way back through the passage.

As he emerged from the hidden passage, Lucifer paused and turned back with a mischievous grin. “Next time, ladies, perhaps we could catch up over something less ominous? I hear there’s a new cafe in Elysium that serves a delightful ambrosia blend.”

Clotho chuckled softly. “We will consider it, Lucifer. Though our duties rarely allow for such indulgences.”

Lachesis smiled. “But it is a pleasant thought, nonetheless.”

Atropos maintained her serious demeanor but allowed herself a small nod. “Take care, Lucifer. The threads of fate are delicate, and much depends on your actions.”

Lucifer winked. “I’ll do my best not to tangle them too badly.” With a final nod, he stepped out of the passage, the door closing silently behind him.

Lucifer made his way through the grand corridors of Olympus, his destination clear in his mind. As he approached the Palace of Athena, the grandeur of the structure caught the attention of every worker and some gods alike who did not recognize him. They whispered among themselves, wondering who this enigmatic figure was.

He moved with purpose, his presence commanding attention. When he reached the entrance of Athena’s palace, he was met by Ares, who was just leaving.

“Athena’s not in,” Ares said bluntly, his tone holding a hint of challenge. “You should check the mortal realm. She might be there.”

Lucifer’s eyes met Ares’, his expression unwavering. He smiled, but there was a dangerous edge to it. “Ares,” he began, his voice low and cold, “the next time you stop me in my tracks, that might be the day you draw your last breath.”

Ares’s eyes narrowed, his hand instinctively moving to the hilt of his sword. But he knew better than to provoke Lucifer further. With a nod, Ares stepped aside, allowing Lucifer to pass.

Lucifer closed his eyes, focusing his mind to search through the vast expanse of the mortal realm for any trace of Athena’s presence. His senses extended beyond Olympus, reaching into the depths of human cities, forests, and mountains, seeking the subtle threads of divine energy that marked her passage.

As he delved deeper into his search, a faint glimmer caught his attention—a flicker of Athena’s unmistakable aura resonating from a secluded valley nestled between towering peaks. The energy signature was faint but distinct, indicating that Athena had chosen a place of solitude and contemplation, away from the bustling cities and prying eyes of mortals.

Lucifer closed his eyes, focusing his mind to search through the vast expanse of the mortal realm for any trace of Athena’s presence. His senses extended beyond Olympus, reaching into the depths of human cities, forests, and mountains, seeking the subtle threads of divine energy that marked her passage.

As he delved deeper into his search, a faint glimmer caught his attention—a flicker of Athena’s unmistakable aura resonating from a secluded valley nestled between towering peaks. The energy signature was faint but distinct, indicating that Athena had chosen a place of solitude and contemplation, away from the bustling cities and prying eyes of mortals.

Lucifer teleported to the valley, materializing at the entrance of a hidden temple dedicated to Athena. The ancient structure was carved into the mountainside, exuding an aura of wisdom and power. As he approached, he heard the sound of anguished pleas and sobbing coming from within.

Rushing inside, Lucifer found a distressing scene: a young woman lay on the ground, tears streaming down her face, pleading with Athena. The goddess stood above her, eyes cold and unyielding, her hand raised in a gesture of judgment. The woman’s hair began to writhe, transforming into snakes, a sight both tragic and terrifying.

Lucifer’s arrival was timely. With a swift motion, he stepped between Athena and the young woman, his presence halting the transformation. “Athena, stop,” he commanded, his voice firm but calm. “She is not at fault. If anything, she is the victim here.”

Athena’s gaze flickered with irritation, but she lowered her hand. “Lucifer, you have no place here,” she said, her tone edged with annoyance. “This mortal has defiled my temple and must face the consequences.”

Lucifer knelt beside the young woman, placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder. “Tell me what happened,” he urged gently.

Through her sobs, the woman explained. “I… I was in the temple, praying to Athena for guidance,” she stammered. “But then… Poseidon appeared. He… he violated me right here in the sacred space. I had no way to stop him. When Athena found us, she blamed me for desecrating her temple.”

Lucifer who already knew the story turned to look at Athena with an eyebrow raised as if asking her why punish the victim for something she has no control over.