Eros lay on the creaking wooden bed in his inn room, the hard mattress shifting under his weight. The Blades of Chaos, propped against the wall, glowed faintly in the dim light, their black sheen pulsing like a living heart. The fatigue from his battle with Pan and the journey to Athena's village weighed on his muscles.
Meanwhile, in the oracle's chamber at the heart of Athena's sacred village, a heavy atmosphere reigned. White marble columns rose toward a ceiling adorned with frescoes of the goddess of wisdom, her piercing gaze immortalized in stone. At the center, on an ivory throne, a young woman with a divine aura observed a trembling priest in a white tunic, kneeling before her. "So, Eros has come to my city?" she murmured, her voice soft but sharp, like a blade hidden beneath velvet.
"Y-yes, goddess," the man stammered, his forehead pressed to the floor. "He arrived and took a room at one of the inns. W-what would you have us do?"
The young woman perhaps an incarnation of Athena, or the goddess herself tapped the armrest of her throne, an enigmatic smile on her lips. "Nothing," she replied calmly. "Just keep an eye on him."
"As you wish, Goddess Athena," the man said, rising with a mix of relief and fear. He hurried out, his footsteps echoing on the marble. Alone, the woman stood, her white robe flowing like a cloud. Her gray eyes seemed to see beyond the walls. "So, you've defeated one of Ares' generals," she murmured, a spark of curiosity in her voice. "I look forward to our reunion, Eros." Her smile widened before she vanished into the shadows.
---
The next morning, Eros woke at dawn, his body refreshed from the fatigue. He descended the creaking wooden stairs of the inn. The main room was nearly empty, save for a few early patrons who averted their eyes as he approached. His Spartan toga, now clean thanks to the innkeeper's wife, hugged his golden muscles. He sat at a table by a window, watching the village stir under a pale light. A nervous serving girl brought him a mug of ale without him asking. He nodded, taking a sip, the cool liquid soothing his dry throat.
He beckoned the innkeeper, the same stout man with a bushy beard he'd intimidated the previous day. "Tell me," Eros said, his voice low and direct, "where's the oracle?"
The innkeeper paled, his hands trembling slightly. "W-we know who you are and what you've done," he stammered, eyes downcast. "You… you're the fallen one who destroyed Ares' base."
Eros raised an eyebrow, a sly smirk curling his lips. "So that's it," he said, setting his mug down with a thud. "Since you know who I am, you also know I could kill everyone here, right?" His voice, heavy with menace, made the air shiver as his Seductive Aura pulsed just enough to amplify his threat.
The innkeeper dropped to his knees, his beard grazing the floor. "Lord Eros, please, spare us!" he begged, his voice shaking. "We want no trouble!"
Eros stayed silent, taking another sip of ale, letting the tension build. "As long as you do what I say and show no hostility, I'll let you live," he said finally, his tone icy. "So, answer my question yes or no?"
"Y-yes, my lord!" the innkeeper stammered, scrambling to his feet. "I'll take you there."
Eros stood, leaving his half-full mug behind. "Let's go."
"R-right, of course!" The innkeeper, still trembling, led the way, hurrying out of the inn. Eros followed, his stride confident, ignoring the villagers' stares. The people, clad in white tunics, parted as he passed, their whispers hushed by fear and fascination. The Blades of Chaos at his belt drew eyes, their dark aura unmistakable. Eros didn't care. He wasn't here to be loved, but to get answers.
After a twenty-minute walk through marble-paved streets, they reached a grand temple flanked by columns carved with owls. A sacred aura emanated from the place, but Eros was unfazed. "This is it, my lord," the innkeeper said, voice quivering. "The oracle's temple."
Eros nodded. "You can go now."
"Y-yes, my lord, th-thank you for… for the visit," the innkeeper stammered, practically fleeing.
Eros approached the temple's entrance, his steps echoing on the marble steps. As he reached the door, he activated his Seductive Aura, letting his divine status ripple through the air. A wave of godly energy surged, spreading across the village like a shockwave. The guards at the entrance, armed with golden spears, staggered back, their faces pale with fear. Nearby villagers froze, some dropping to their knees, overwhelmed by his aura.
Suddenly, a clear, authoritative female voice cut through the chaos. "You should stop scaring my faithful, Eros."
He turned, eyes narrowing. Before him stood a young woman in a flowing white robe, her auburn hair cascading to her waist. Her gray eyes pierced the soul, and an aura of power radiated from her, nearly matching Eros's own. He smirked, crossing his arms. "Athena," he said, voice dripping with defiance. "You came to greet me in person? I'm flattered."
Athena raised an eyebrow, an enigmatic smile on her lips. "You're in my village, Eros," she replied, her voice calm but sharp. "And you carry the Blades of Chaos. Should I assume you're here to cause trouble?"
Eros stepped forward, his aura pulsing lightly, testing the goddess's limits. "I'm looking for info on Ares' generals," he said bluntly. "I know your oracle has answers. So, we can do this the nice way, or…" He rested a hand on a blade, his smile widening.
Athena didn't flinch, her piercing gaze unwavering. "You're bold, Eros," she said, a spark of curiosity in her eyes. "But you're playing a dangerous game. Come inside. We'll talk."
The interface flickered, displaying an update:
[Progress: Contact established with Athena]
Note: Be cautious. Athena is an ally of Ares. Her intentions are unclear.
Trust Level: 0