Chapter 362: Saying No with Her Lips, Yet Her Body Tells a Different Story

The Far West — The Sacred Garden

The once-peaceful and beautiful paradise was now in complete disarray.

The crystal-clear rivers had become murky, while the lush vegetation had withered and decayed.

Demon wolves, demonic boars, venomous dragons, hydras, chimeras, sphinxes, and countless other new breeds of monsters born from Typhon’s blood prowled through the mountains and forests, snarling as they patrolled the land.

One by one, the dark, hulking Gigantes trampled across the exquisitely carved stone steps, crushing the withered flowers and plants lining the path beneath their feet.

After several twists and turns, they finally arrived at the entrance to a hidden realm, where ochre-colored sigils rippled across the air.

The muscular man at the front, bare-chested and imposing, raised his arm and slammed his palm against the luminous barrier.

A crimson divine emblem immediately flared to life.

The barrier before them rippled like water, opening its gates to the vicious creatures behind him.

As the Gigantes stepped inside, the scenery suddenly opened up before them.

Flowers and vegetation flourished in abundance.

Green nurseries stretched beneath the shade of trees, while winding streams murmured through the landscape.

This was once the Sacred Garden of Hera, Queen of the Gods.

Rainbow arcs rose through the mist above the water, while the dense aether in the air was so concentrated that it seemed almost capable of condensing into clouds of multicolored radiance.

It was breathtakingly beautiful.

Unfortunately, it now belonged to someone else.

From a distance, the precious nurseries had been spared because of their immense value.

But inside the temple, statues dedicated to the gods had been toppled, while the murals depicting the Titanomachy and the battle against Typhon had been trampled beneath the feet of the invaders.

.

.

.

Meanwhile, the seven daughters of the Gigantean leader Alcyoneus, the seven nymphs, were happily wandering among the flowerbeds with watering jars in their hands.

They hummed songs as they danced from one patch of vegetation to another, sprinkling nectar over the rare plants and nourishing the precious garden.

At the center of it all, the King of the Gigantes, Alcyoneus, sat cross-legged beneath a magnificent golden apple tree.

Its branches were heavy with amber-colored fruit.

Rich telluric power flowed from the roots of the divine tree into his body, gradually filling his originally dark, hardened skin and muscles with a lustrous golden radiance.

Nearby, the serpent-legged giant Porphyrion flicked his forked tongue and swallowed great handfuls of precious herbs, greedily absorbing their concentrated vitality.

Even a three-headed venomous dragon that served as someone’s mount had sprawled beneath the tree and fallen asleep.

Every so often, it would secretly raise its head and swallow a few of the divine tree’s leaves, strengthening its own divinity in the process.

It looked completely at ease.

Seeing the scene before him, the muscular man immediately felt his blood boil.

He strode forward and slapped the three-headed venomous dragon that had been secretly eating beneath the tree.

Bang!

The dragon was sent flying like a cannonball.

It crashed into the nursery, flattening a large patch of magical herbs beneath its enormous body and causing the seven nymphs tending the plants to cry out in alarm.

Hearing his daughters’ screams, Alcyoneus abruptly opened his eyes as he rose angrily from beneath the tree and glared at the intruder.

"Atlas! What do you think you’re doing?!"

"What am I doing? That’s what I’d like to ask you!"

The Sky-Bearing Titan Atlas, newly freed from his seals and curses, snorted coldly.

His expression darkened as he looked at the leader of the Gigantes.

"The war isn’t even over, yet you’ve already settled down and started enjoying yourselves. What, have you decided this place is your private estate?"

"So what if we have?"

Alcyoneus angrily shot back.

"For thousands of years, the gods drove us underground. We had to eat rocks and drink filthy water, and we couldn’t even see a ray of sunlight.

We lived like filthy rats!"

He swept his arm toward the garden.

"Now we’ve finally returned to the surface and seized a place this magnificent. Are we not entitled to enjoy it? Everything here is ours by right!"

Atlas became even more irritated by the forceful argument.

"All this? A few fruits and some clean water, and you’ve already become intoxicated by comfort?"

He turned his gaze toward the distant mountain that could barely be seen among the stars.

His voice rang with barely concealed fury.

"Pathetic!"

"We don’t want this miserable garden. We want Olympus at the summit of the heavens! We want the entire world!"

"We are descendants of the Titans, children of Uranus! We should reclaim everything that was stolen from us and restore the order of the Titans to all creation!"

The declaration shook the surrounding Gigantes.

Their naturally fierce and warlike instincts were immediately ignited and they roared in excitement, blood surging through their veins.

Even the way they looked at several of their own leaders changed, a trace of contempt appearing in their eyes.

They were fighting and dying on the front lines, while these people were hiding inside the Sacred Garden and enjoying themselves.

It was an insult to the legacy of the Titans!

Seeing the atmosphere turning dangerous, Alcyoneus immediately softened his tone.

"Taking the Sacred Garden wasn’t for our own enjoyment. We did it for the entire race—and for our ultimate victory."

"What do you mean?"

"Thousands of years of living underground have already weakened our people. We also lost many of our kin during the last assault on Thessaly."

"Even with you and Prometheus joining us, we probably still don’t have enough strength to challenge the divine authority of Olympus."

Atlas fell silent for a while, then reluctantly nodded.

Although he didn’t want to admit it, the reality was undeniable.

Ever since Mount Othrys had fallen into ruin and the divine authorities of the Twelve Titans had been divided, the power of the Titan faction had been steadily declining.

Even though the Moirai had once forced the former chief gods to seal themselves, allowing them to walk the mortal world only through avatars and divine incarnations, the present-day Gigantes were still nowhere near strong enough to challenge them directly.

Even with the support of the Old Gods, storming Olympus and establishing a new Titan order remained little more than a fantasy.

"That’s why we need to seize this Sacred Garden and obtain the gods’ [Immortality]!"

Alcyoneus turned around.

His gaze burned as he stared at the magnificent Golden Apple Tree.

When Olympus was first established, Gaia, the Primordial Earth Mother, had presented this very tree to Zeus and Hera as a wedding gift.

Its fruits contained the divine authority of [Immortality].

They were not only unparalleled treasures capable of strengthening one’s power, but also symbols of the authority of the Earth itself.

The gift represented Gaia’s acknowledgment of the Olympian gods and the transfer of a portion of Earth’s divine authority to them.

Because of this, Hera’s authority over marriage, childbirth, and reproduction had been firmly established.

However, the Queen of Heaven had allowed jealousy to blind her.

After ascending to her position, she became obsessed with hunting down her husband’s numerous lovers and illegitimate children, gradually losing her reverence for and protection of life.

As a result, the sacred tree had never fully acknowledged her.

Nor had she inherited the complete authority of the Earth.

Now, however, if the Gigantes could seize the Sacred Garden and control the Golden Apple Tree, their innate affinity with the earth would give them a tremendous advantage.

By consuming the Golden Apples and herbs containing the Earth’s divine essence, they could rapidly strengthen themselves and acquire the properties of [Undeath], even [Immortality].

Then, at last, they would possess the capital necessary to contend with the gods of Olympus.

"I see..."

After hearing the secret directly from Alcyoneus, Atlas finally understood and immediately waved his enormous hand.

"In that case, hurry up and distribute these treasures."

"..."

Alcyoneus’ face darkened.

Earthly divine authority!

’I’ve barely absorbed any of it, and now you want me to distribute these precious resources equally among the tribe?’

’Then what was the point of all my effort?

And besides—

When did it become your place, an outsider, to decide how my possessions are distributed?’

Just as Alcyoneus was becoming increasingly displeased, a deep and powerful voice came from behind them.

"Hera has escaped. It won’t be long before news of the fall of the Sacred Garden spreads."

A prisoner entered the hidden realm with dozens of Gigantes.

His wrists still bore broken shackles.

His beard and hair were as disheveled as dried grass, yet his eyes shone brilliantly like stars.

"We cannot afford to linger here."

"Prometheus! You’re finally back!"

Atlas laughed heartily and strode forward, embracing his brother in a firm hug.

The two were both sons of Iapetus, the Titan of the soul and prophecy among the Twelve Titans, and had always shared a close bond.

Although they had stood on opposite sides during the Titanomachy, both had been mistreated by Zeus after the war.

With a common enemy before them, the brothers had once again joined forces.

"Hera escaped?"

Alcyoneus caught the important part of Prometheus’ report and frowned, clearly dissatisfied.

"You took that many men with you, yet you couldn’t even capture a wounded goddess?"

"Was she an ordinary goddess?"

"That’s Hera! The Queen of Heaven, second only to the King of the Gods among the Twelve Olympians!"

Atlas turned around and snorted,

defending his brother while taking the opportunity to mock Alcyoneus.

"If you’re so confident, why didn’t you lead your own people after her?"

"If I have to do everything myself, what exactly do I need the rest of you for?"

Alcyoneus’ eyes widened as he clenched his fists.

"Don’t forget that if I hadn’t freed you two, you wouldn’t even have the right to stand here and talk to me!"

"We have not forgotten the debt we owe you."

Prometheus immediately stepped forward, sensing that the two Titans were on the verge of coming to blows.

"We brothers are deeply grateful for your salvation and are willing to follow your commands as we work together to reclaim the power of the Titans."

He lowered his head.

"Failing to capture Hera was my mistake. I accept whatever punishment you deem appropriate."

Seeing Prometheus bow his head, along with the imposing Atlas standing beside him, Alcyoneus finally restrained his anger.

He waved his hand and snorted.

"Forget it. She is the Queen of Heaven, after all. And she had the assistance of Ladon, the hundred-headed dragon and eldest daughter of the Primordial Typhon."

"You were only recently freed, and your divinity and divine power are far weaker than they once were.

Failing to stop them is understandable."

"Thank you for your generosity and understanding."

Prometheus showed a grateful expression before continuing in a solemn tone.

"Although we failed to bring Hera back, we did drive her into the Sea of Chaos. We’ve also left scouts in the surrounding area."

"For the time being, she shouldn’t be able to escape our grasp or contact the other chief gods."

"We should take advantage of this opportunity to absorb the Earth’s divine essence within the Sacred Garden and strengthen the Gigantes."

"Once we possess enough power to contend with Olympus, we won’t need to fear a wounded Hera."

He narrowed his eyes as he said.

"Even if all the Olympian gods descend together, they may not necessarily be able to defeat us."

"And once we win the final battle and reclaim the authority that once belonged to the Titans, it won’t merely be this Sacred Garden."

"The entire world will be beneath your feet."

Hearing the wise Titan’s reminder, Alcyoneus was visibly tempted.

Indeed.

If he truly desired supreme divine authority, he shouldn’t become obsessed with hoarding this small amount of treasure for himself.

With an exaggerated display of generosity, Alcyoneus raised his hand.

"Brothers! Come!"

"Level this mountain! Take everything!"

"Enjoy the spoils that you have earned!"

The moment their leader gave the order, the Gigantes’ eyes lit up as they rushed toward the herbs and Golden Apples overflowing with divine essence.

Plants were ripped from the earth, roots and all, and stuffed directly into the mouths of the Gigantes.

Golden Apples were torn from the branches, their sweet juices transforming into concentrated telluric power as they entered the bodies of the giants.

Spring after spring was drained dry.

Even the stones and moss soaked with divine water were gnawed clean.

Before long, the monsters that had heard about the feast joined in as well.

They began devouring the Sacred Garden’s abundant resources with reckless abandon.

Alcyoneus watched helplessly as his once-private garden was stripped bare like a field ravaged by locusts.

His heart practically bled.

But for the sake of his grand ambition and the throne of Olympus, he could only maintain an expression of magnanimity and allow his subordinates to indulge in this extravagant feast beneath the sun.

Yet in a corner where no one was paying attention, Prometheus had already reached the base of the divine tree.

He quietly plucked several ripe Golden Apples and shared them with his brother Atlas.

The dense power of the Earth surged into their bodies.

The hidden injuries accumulated over years of punishment gradually began to heal.

Powerful vitality washed through their weathered bodies, restoring their long-dormant vigor.

A moment later, the awakened Prometheus clenched his fist.

He looked at the renewed flesh covering his arm and nodded in satisfaction.

A meaningful smile appeared in his eyes.

"Hum..."

Just as the Gigantes and monsters were immersed in the joy of their newfound strength, the earth suddenly began to shake violently.

A sacrificial altar constructed from dark blue-black volcanic stone slowly rose from the ground within the Sacred Garden.

From the altar emerged the enormous phantom of a primordial god, its colossal figure seemingly blending into the darkness.

Its deep, ancient eyes slowly opened.

The phantom looked upon the chaos before it.

The Sacred Garden had been transformed beyond recognition.

Even the Golden Apple Tree had been stripped almost bare.

The god’s brows immediately furrowed.

"What are you doing?"

"We are sharing the spoils we’ve seized."

Alcyoneus hurriedly lowered his head and answered respectfully.

"We’re using them to strengthen our people so that they will possess the power necessary to oppose the gods."

The moment the Gigantean king finished speaking, Kronos, King of the Titans, became so furious that it seemed smoke might pour from his ears.

His divine might resonated through the land as the earth trembled violently.

"Fools!"

"Who gave you permission to lay your hands on these things?"

Feeling the sinister pressure bearing down on him, Alcyoneus’ heart jolted and he hurriedly offered a dry explanation.

"They’re... spoils of war."

According to Greek tradition, whatever one seized in battle naturally belonged to the victor.

Not only had he, as their king, refrained from keeping everything for himself, he had even distributed these precious resources among the Gigantes to strengthen the entire tribe.

By any reasonable standard, that was already extraordinarily generous.

"These are divine treasures of our Mother, Gaia!"

Kronos’ voice was cold and oppressive.

"How they are to be used is her decision—not yours!"

To strip the Sacred Garden bare and swallow the herbs and divine fruits whole would only increase their divinity.

Even if their raw strength became enough to contend with the Olympians, they would probably still be unable to shake the greater order of Fate.

Only by offering these treasures to Gaia, the Primordial Earth Mother, and obtaining her support and blessings could the Titan faction truly establish a foundation for victory.

After all, the sky, the sea, and the Underworld were all under Olympian control.

At present, the authority of the Earth was the only foundation upon which the Gigantes could truly establish themselves.

The stronger the Earth’s divine authority became, the greater the benefits they themselves would receive.

And even if they were unwilling to offer sacrifices to Gaia...

Wasn’t Kronos himself still here?

The Old Gods had gone to considerable lengths to help these Gigantes emerge from their underground exile.

Yet the moment the fools obtained a few benefits under the protection of the Old Gods, they had eagerly begun swallowing the spoils themselves.

And worse, they were doing it in the stupidest way possible.

They were so shortsighted that it was almost beyond saving.

"Your Majesty, of course we haven’t forgotten your kindness."

Just as the atmosphere was becoming increasingly oppressive, Prometheus stepped out from behind the divine tree.

He carried three Golden Apples in his hands and then, with great respect, placed them upon the altar.

"Alcyoneus actually prepared these offerings for you in advance."

Hearing that the wise Titan had taken out his own share of the spoils and used it to defend him, Alcyoneus was deeply moved.

This brother is a good man.

He’s definitely someone worth keeping around!

"Hmph."

Kronos’ expression remained dark.

"Son of Iapetus, our forms have long been imprisoned, and our souls remain bound."

"What use could a few fruits possibly have for us?"

Despite his words, the murderous pressure surrounding the altar had noticeably diminished.

Although he looked down upon, and could barely make use of a few Golden Apples, the Gigantes had at least shown an acceptable attitude.

Kronos still needed these giant relatives to storm Olympus and drag his rebellious son Zeus from the throne.

He naturally wasn’t going to turn against them over a momentary irritation.

"Enough."

"Take these little things back."

Kronos’ gaze shifted toward the nearly stripped Golden Apple Tree.

"Offer the Golden Apple Tree itself to me. I’ll give it to Mother Gaia, who wasnts it."

Mother Gaia wants it?

You mean you want it, don’t you?

Alcyoneus glanced at the barely concealed greed and desire on the Titan King’s face and silently cursed him in his heart.

He was extremely reluctant.

But the situation was stronger than the individual.

Even though he was dissatisfied, he could only obey Kronos’ orders.

Under the Titan King’s urging, the Gigantes constructed an altar beneath the Golden Apple Tree, inscribed the necessary thaumaturgical formations, and collectively performed a ritual.

The divine authority originating from Gaia was offered to Kronos.

As the divine essence nourished him, the phantom within the altar became noticeably more substantial.

The divine sigils within the blue-black flames also brightened considerably.

"Hum!"

Accompanied by an obscure, resonant vibration, several divine sigils flew from the altar and entered the bodies of Atlas, Prometheus, Alcyoneus, and the other Titans.

Crimson brands appeared upon their bodies.

Instantly, an extraordinary sensation flooded their minds.

It was the sensation of having all things within the grasp of their hands.

The Titans who had received the marks were overjoyed.

Authority.

The divine authorities of the Titan gods!

Flames danced atop the altar as Kronos spoke in a leisurely, commanding voice.

"Accept them."

"This is the grace I bestow upon you."

"Carry this honor with you, drive those bastards of Olympus from their thrones, and restore the glory of the Titans!"

Even Prometheus raised his arm and shouted along with them.

Yet beneath his lowered gaze, he stared at the divine sigil that had disappeared beneath the skin of his forehead, his eyes filled with darkness.

Neither the Old Gods nor the New Gods had ever possessed such virtues as kindness or generosity.

(End of the Chapter)