"What sensitive perception! As expected of the eldest sister who gives off the strongest oppressive feeling, but I just don't want to come out."
Listening to Hades's familiar voice, Kurumi thought this, but before she could think more, her neck felt heavy and her feet felt light, and she felt herself floating in the air. At this moment, Kurumi knew that her elder sister had pulled her out of the shadow. Ah! How embarrassing! She couldn't face anyone.
"Uh, actually, I'm just here to watch, please, you must believe me, really."
Feeling the gaze and oppressive presence behind her, Kurumi's neck slowly turned like a rusted screw, and she looked at Hades, who was curiously observing her. At this moment, Kurumi was like a black cat being picked up by 'fish-lipped humans.' By the way, Hades was about 1.9 meters tall, while Kurumi was only a pitiful 1.57 meters, so Zeus, currently in Kurumi's body, was like a small kitten being held by Hades.
Hades did not answer Kurumi's words. She felt a familiar sensation from Kurumi. She was very curious where this feeling came from, but she had never really seen this person in her hands before. Why did she have this feeling?
"Um, could you please put me down first? It's really embarrassing, please."
Although no one else saw Kurumi's current predicament, the feeling of being picked up and observed was something ordinary people couldn't understand. So, Kurumi, whose inner shame was about to explode, pleaded.
"Ouch!"
Unexpectedly, Hades actually listened to Kurumi and let her go. In mid-air, Kurumi, unprepared, instantly fell to the ground. Although it hurt a bit, it was much better than being held in mid-air for everyone to admire.
"Where are you going!?"
Standing up and dusting herself off, Kurumi took the opportunity to carefully look around (to see if there were any escape routes), and also glanced at Hades, who was deep in thought (searching her memory for any trace of Kurumi). Kurumi thought her chance had come and planned to turn and run, but before she had taken two steps, a figure stood with her back to her, less than two meters away. Fortunately, Kurumi reacted in time, otherwise she would have run into Hades's arms.
"Why! How did your power grow so fast?"
Looking at Hades, who was faster and more elusive than ever, Kurumi said in frustration. This made her wonder if she was a fake King of Gods. She had been working herself to death and still hadn't fully comprehended the peak of the Ninth Sense. Judging by Hades's appearance, she had probably already surpassed the limits of the Ninth Sense. Although Zeus's strength hadn't reached that height, she still had good judgment. Hades was more than twice as strong as the last time she saw her.
"You know me."
Looking at Hades, who was speaking in an ancient, arrogant tone, Kurumi, who wasn't fond of that'style,' twitched her mouth. She really didn't want to use ancient language with her 'antique' sisters. Modern Mandarin was better. Ancient language was only fun for chuunibyou or when trying to act cool. To make her speak ancient language normally, she would have to say, 'This concubine cannot do it!'
"We haven't seen each other for so long. Although I lost your accompanying divine artifact, the cloak, don't forget your little sister!"
"I am Zeus. Long time no see, Big Sister."
Without looking at Hades's stunned expression upon hearing this answer, Kurumi apologized. After all, she had lost her divine artifact. When Athena was born, in order to escape quickly, Zeus didn't have time to take the cloak that could hide her aura. Thinking about it now, she really felt sorry!
"You... you, do you know what you're saying? Who are you?"
"Ow! Let go."
Hades, thinking she had misheard, tightly gripped Kurumi's shoulders. But seeing Kurumi's brows furrowed in pain and her cry of discomfort, she quickly released her hands. Happiness? Joy? Hades couldn't describe her feelings now, but before seeing Zeus's true form, her heart was filled with trepidation.
"I am Zeus, your genuine sister Zeus."
Although Kurumi said this, Hades still couldn't quite believe it. Happiness came too suddenly, making it hard to adapt—no, it felt unreal. To avoid ultimate disappointment, Hades could only believe Kurumi by fifty percent. Seeing this situation, Kurumi had no other choice. After all, she had Gaia's 'tracking divine art' on her. If her true form appeared, Gaia would immediately discover her.
Just as the two were feeling a bit awkward, Hades handed a black cloak to Kurumi and waited by her side for Kurumi's choice.
"It wasn't lost? Is it still the same one?"
The feel in her hand was exactly the same as the one from back then. Kurumi muttered to herself curiously. Then, Zeus slowly emerged from Kurumi's 'avatar.'
"It feels like ages since I've moved in my own body. So refreshing."
After retracting the avatar, Zeus put on the cloak and stretched, then was tightly embraced by Hades.
"I'm sorry for making you suffer so much! My sister."
Hades rubbed against Zeus deeply, showing a happy expression for the first time. It was truly wonderful to meet her again, her beloved sister. She would never let her leave again.
In Hades's slightly cool embrace, feeling Hades's strong emotions, Zeus uncharacteristically didn't push her sister away immediately. Instead, she returned the hug. If Gaia hadn't treated her that way, she wouldn't have had to run around. If she could, she would rather be working with sheepskin scrolls now than constantly moving. Drifting between various worlds like this, she was like a stray animal without a home.
Actually, all she wanted now was a home, with family to care for each other and children to play around. But all of this was impossible because she was too weak. She, Zeus, was a complete failure. But now she had a chance to become stronger, and she could only strive for this glimmer of hope with a hundred times the effort and loneliness.
Striving doesn't guarantee success, but giving up is equivalent to failure.
This is a famous quote many use to warn themselves. Now Zeus was resuming her path to becoming stronger. With a firm goal, she was no longer lost.
"I'm sorry, Big Sister, for making you worry."
Gently pushing Hades away a little, as the other person was holding her too tightly, Zeus had to create some distance to give herself time to breathe.
"No! Seeing you safe and sound, I'm happier now than anything else!"
For the first time, Hades smiled so brightly. Last time, she didn't know how to smile, but after seeing Zeus, she immediately learned. The joy in her heart began to surge, and a smile unconsciously appeared on her face.
"Will you leave with me, Zeus? Let's go back, back to our world, and live happily there."
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