Shadow of the Abyss

Chapter 296 Blackmail II

"That one in the middle was a bitch," Syris said quietly. "I wonder what type of stick she has up her ass."

Altair turned, eying Syris. "She can hear you, you know."

Syris shrugged. As if she cared about such things. "Good. Then she can hear that she's a damn fool. I'm not sure if it's because she stood on her throne for so long, but insulting the man by giving them opportunity is idiotic."

Altair was in agreement. The new gods had been on a mission. And he wasn't sure why. But they were killing off the Old Gods, taking what was theirs without regard for morality. Stepping into power, news outlets on Genisis had reported the deaths of many Old Gods.

The New Gods were united, unlike the Old Gods, who sought only to live in seclusion or upon their pedestal.

Sauntering towards his new target, one Athena had told him much about. He smiled, holding the stunning figure of Hestia, surrounded by chattering men and women yet secluded from sight.

He approached her, and men and women parted to make way. "May we sit?"

"Emperor," Hestia said, her soft eyes and lovely lips rising in surprise. "Why, of course."

Altair did so and began with a musing grin. "I have in my possession your disciple."

"That you do," Hestia said, voice still soft. "Can I ask what you want from me?"

"You," Altair said.

"Me?" Hesita said, stunned, her lips thinning. "Why?"

"Your acolyte did not motion to draw her blade at me, but neither did she wisely join Artemis's acolyte." Altair paused, allowing his words to reach the deepest regions of Hestia's mind. "She stood to gain with my death. A crime. But one I am willing to forgive."

"For me... for my assistance," said Hestia softly. "Why so... generous with me?"

"Because of Artemis," Altair said.

"Do not lie... it's unbecoming of you," Hestia said gently. "Why?"

The Emperor chuckled. "Medusa claims you fought for her the day she was abandoned by Athena. It was you who hid her away within one of your abandoned temples. She said if not for your kindness, she'd have been slain long ago."

"That child... you have her?" Hestia asked, a smile rising once more on her serene lips. "My brother, released her to you?"

Altair nodded. "She is in my gardens tending to the flowers. She seems to love it."

Hestia arose. "Altair I—"

He couldn't lose such a valuable asset. But he could...

"I could give you the Embers of the Third Rite."

Altair grinned. "That's better," he said. "Place the Flame Rite in a crystal and deliver it to me on the morrow. You'll have your acolyte... if he doesn't choose death."

Hephaestus looked as Altair sauntered past him, a hideous smile rising across his lips as he thought, 'Just as I look to be a monster. So too shall you take on my appearance.'

***

As the party began to die down, Altair made an early exit, having spoken to most of the Gods that had caught his eye. A few were missing, such as Zeus, Apollo, and Ares, but that didn't matter to him.

He'd gotten much from out of the Gods present, except Demeter, who had made an appearance but had left early on while he was making his rounds. Still, he'd not lost or gained anything as of yet, and for that, he was thankful.

Presently, he stood in the imperial Garden of the Sunset Palace, tired, as if he were out at sea for days, swimming back to soar. Maintaining his domain, alongside the Will of the Abyss, the Sword Path, and his Presciences, had left him mentally drained. So much so that the moment he felt himself alone, he tumbled onto a bed of lavender, pulling in its lovely aroma.

Hungry for blood, sex, and war, he looked up at the skies to the endless cluster of constellations forming never-ending patterns.

His throat was dry, growing dryer by the second as he sighed. "I hate that I'm always like this... Each day, it's getting harder and harder."

"What is my Lord?" Nia said, sauntering into the garden. You look terrible, by the way. It looks like you're about to die from an illness." She looked down at him, grinning. "You alright?"

"I haven't had sex in three days. What do you think?"

Nia flushed. "D-Don't tell me that!" she snapped, turning her head away as he laughed at her shy expression. "Pervert!"

"Is that how you talk to your emperor? For shame, Nia!" Altair joked, slightly pulling himself out of his funk. He stood up, the throbbing his head rattling like the cry of hundreds of children. "What brings you here? Aren't you supposed to be at the party?"

"I had to leave... so many guys were asking me to dance," Nia moaned. "I had to get out of there."

"Did you?"

"Of course. I quite like balls, but it was just a little too much this time around," Nia expressed, turning to face her Master, then the delicate flowers billowing with the moonlit breeze.

"I see... And training the new recruits, how is that going?"

"As you suggested, I created a new technique for the children. I hope you don't mind, but I started training them in Glaives instead of swords. Since glaves have more reach, they'll have an advantage against various opponents.

The Emperor chuckled. "That's good. Then do you suppose you can show me?" Altair said, creating a Vale Sword as he drew on Nia. "Show me the skill you've prepared for the children of my kingdom.'