Chapter 162Ivan paced the floor as he waited patiently for Hermes, he had made up his mind to sign the treaty.Not because he wanted to, but because it seemed like the most sensible thing to do currently to avoid the war.And that would be if, and only if, the new gods accept it. Hermes was not in full support of it, but he understood why Ivan was doing it.They have also planned to do it on the low, without the knowledge of the other gods, they did not have to know, or they would not let him proceed.“Hey,” Hermes said walking into the office without even knocking.“Hey,” Ivan answered him, walking towards his desk. “I came as soon as I got your message.” He replied, taking a seat.“I signed it, and all I want you to do is take it to Ares and bring his feedback.” Ivan said, "Hopefully it is a positive one.” He added wearily.He was torn between whether this was the right thing to do or not, that he did not know yet, at least not until he got Are's reply.“Do you think this is the r
Chapter 163Ares froze when he heard Hermes' voice, Ivan had sent him. He knew this because it was the only logical reason why Hermes would be here.The meeting earlier was chaotic, and now that Hermes was here he could say his hunch about Athena being involved in this was true.“What If, they present a peace treaty?” Athena had asked out of nowhere when Ares was giving a brief of the plan.“The Ivan I know would not,” Ares said, immediately dismissing the subject.“But what if he does, you guys there must be a way that we end this without a war,” Athena said. “Athena, why are you so bent on not wanting this?” Hades asked angrily, “You could just walk away instead of being a chicken and discouraging others.” Hades had said. “We lost lives, we lost properties, we lost loved ones, we can't afford to lose again.” She said stressing each word.“And so what?” Hades asked furiously.“Maybe it is just our turn to take revenge,” Osiris said.“Or not, we are supposed to be trying to get thin
Chapter 164“We have to do this,” Ivan said, following Vera into the living room.“No we do not, there has to be another way, I bet,” Vera said sitting down. “If there was, I would have told you,” Ivan said, crouching in front of her.“But why do we have to go?” Vera asked, “Why can't you come too?” Vera asked again.“Because it is very dangerous, and you are a mere mortal.” Ivan said, "*Vera, there is a lot you do not know.” “And many more I need to shield you from right now,” Ivan said, his voice begging her to listen to him.“Ivan, I want to be here.” Vera whined, “With you.” She added, cupping his face in her Palms.“I wish you could, but you can't Vera, you just can't,” Ivan said, gazing at her tiny bump.“I know it is because of him, or her,” Vera said, her gaze falling to her belly too and her hand wrapping protectively around it.“Yes, and because of you too, Vera.” Ivan said, "I would not forgive myself if I let you stay and something happens.”“But, what if nothing happens
Chapter 165“How could you?” Athena asked, barging into his office and marching towards him.Ares exhaled and rubbed his temple, he was not ready for this and definitely did not want to hear it.“Not today Athena,” Ares pleaded, “what do you want?” He asked when he noticed she just stood there staring at him.“You rejected the peace treaty?” She asked surprised. “Why?” She asked, determination etched on her face.“Because I did not want it, obviously.” He said, flipping through the pages of the file in front of him.“Is there not a way to think this through and come up with something other than this war?” Athena asked, to take a seat.“No, Athena.” Ares said, “I thought we had an understanding the last time.“We did, but Ares they sent a peace treaty, that has to be a sigh right?” Athena asked again. “Your refusal to accept the peace treaty will, out, jeopardize Harmony and calm that has existed for a while now.” She continued.Ares straightened In his seat, who had adapted to being
Chapter 166Ivan walked into the sect arena, they had yet another meeting to deliberate, but he had others to talk to Hermes first.His heart was heavy with worry, and he sought both counsel and support in this dire hour.“Hey,” Hermes called when he saw him.“Hey, where is Sara?” Ivan asked, looking around.“She should be here somewhere, what is it?”Hermes asked, “You sounded really serious on the phone”“I need to talk to you both,” Ivan said, sliding his hands into his pockets to hide the fact that he was visibly shaking.“Hey, Ivan, Hermes.” Sara greeted, panting a little out of breath.“I need to talk to you guys,” Ivan said, walking them to an office for some privacy.“Is everything okay?” Sara asked, looking between them.“I don't know,” Hermis said, “he said he wants to talk.” He said, gesturing towards him.“So you guys,” Ivan began, his voice tinged with urgency, “I need your help, both of you. Vera's well-being hangs by a thread as the looking war approaches.” “What do yo
Chapter 167Ares watched them match in the battle, it was the set day, and just like they had planned, they struck unaware without any notice to the old gods.He watched them fight back with surprise in their faces and laughed when he saw their number slowly decrease.They were yet to enter into the heart of the fight, and they had lost a significant number of their own already.His ears tinged with the noise and stirring of unrest that echoed through the realm.He watched with keen eyes from quite a distance, ancient deities, once revered and unchallenged, fought for themselves.The old gods who wielded more of classical might and elemental forces and ancient magic surged with power.Powers flew in the air just like he'd done, and his eyes roamed through the chaos for the one person he was interested in. The battle grew more intense, with swords slamming violently into each other, meeting with flesh and bones at intervals.Thunder clashed with the hum of lightning, and mystic wards
Chapter 168Ivan looked around at the bodies of his people splayed on the ground, his heart sank for them and his blood boiled with anger.“Ares!” He called. “Just the man I was hoping to see.” He said, smirking evilly as he walked towards me.“And why is that I wonder,” Ares asked, letting a smirk that matched his.Both men fought vigorously, Ivan felt the first blow and his head spun when he touched his side and felt the warm golden fluid that was his blood.Willing himself to stand, Ivan charges back at him, missing his arm by a margin.Ivan could tell he would lose, his arms were weak already and his knees felt like they would give way any moment.Applying pressure onto his side, he managed to get up on one knee, holding himself steady by digging the blade of his sword into the soft ground.His eyes opened wide in horror when he saw Ares charge towards him with a pained Expression, and his nose flared in anger.Unable to even move, Ivan closed his eyes and waited for the blow, bu
Chapter 169Ares stood outside the hospital room, Hermes had sent him away, but he was adamant, he had decided to wait outside until Hermes finally realized that.“You are still here?” Hermes said when he opened it to find Ares sitting just by it. He had probably asked one of the nurses for a chair or something.“Yes, I am still here.” Ares said, getting up to face him, “I really need to see him.” “Be quick!” Hermes said, a stern look on his face. “Thank you,” Ares said solemnly, walking past him and into the room.Ares approached Ivan's bed, his presence exuded a rare solemnity as he gazed upon Ivan, the man whose valor had clashed with his vicious self.With his gaze rendered on Ivan, his shoulders bowed under a cloak of humility.Ares sought to bridge the chasm between their groups that had been torn asunder, mainly by his selfishness.With slow, measured steps, Ares cleared his throat as he sat on the bedside chair that Hermes had occupied earlier.“Ivan” he called, his voice so