Crossover: The Problematic Human of Arcadia — Shaper of Anime Worlds Chapter 552: I’m Here to End This War

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Mount Olympus.

The towering peak pierced the clouds, its slopes thick with lush greenery and ancient trees that seed to hold up the sky. Twelve grand temples circled the mountain like a crown.

Lightly clad nymphs drifted between marble corridors. Handso divine attendants hurried along polished stone paths. Majestic sacred beasts prowled lazily through courtyards. In the clouds above, winged angels hovered in silent formation, standing guard.

At this mont, Ares, tall and powerfully built, his hair blazing red like a banner of war, arrived at the summit before the Temple of Zeus.

Leaning against one of the massive supporting columns outside stood an avatar of Hers.

Two chief gods. One in his true body, the other in an incarnation.

"My dear brother, you're a little late," Hers said with a sneer, though irritation flickered behind his eyes.

"Get lost." Ares shot him a cold glance.

"You've lost your main authority. You're not even qualified to sit among the Twelve anymore. Might as well scram and stop embarrassing yourself."

A god's authority couldn't be stripped away. That was common knowledge.

Unless the god relinquished it willingly.

When Hers had given up his Authority over Theft, transferring it to an avatar to prevent complications if that avatar were turned into a machine god, he had temporarily lost it himself.

It wasn't irreversible. But reclaiming it would take at least a thousand years.

During that ti, his combat power would plumt. He might even fall to the bottom of the three-digit ranks.

Ares, on the other hand, though battered and diminished, still retained multiple Authorities. He could at least cling to his position among the Twelve.

Hers's smile sharpened. "Funny. You talk like you're any better."

"You're the God of War, yet how many wars have you actually won? The mont your opponent's even a little strong, you lose without fail. I'm amazed you still have the nerve to call yourself a war god."

Ares tilted his head mockingly. "Want to list which of your children weren't actually yours again?"

When it ca to mocking his siblings, Ares would never concede first place.

Hers's expression darkened.

In the past, he would have brushed this off and walked away. No point engaging with soone so crude.

But now? Now Hers was worried about his seat among the Twelve.

He'd just received news: Heracles had broken through and seized the Authority of Strength.

That illegitimate son Zeus favored—and Hera tacitly tolerated—was suddenly a very real threat.

Hers had no intention of being replaced.

"How about we call a truce?" Hers said, his tone softening slightly.

"We have a common enemy. Until we deal with that Arcadia brat, we might as well work together."

"Can't beat him."

Ares said it bluntly, without a hint of sha. "The guy's explosive power is insane. In the lower layers where everything's restricted, not many can win against him head-on."

Hers knew that. He just hadn't expected Ares to admit it so readily.

The loudest dog in Olympus sure tucked his tail fast.

"We can hire soone who can win."

"I'm broke." Ares shrugged shalessly.

"But I heard your comrcial community's doing pretty well."

It was obvious he intended to dump the entire bill on Hers.

Hers's lips twitched.

Those capable of defeating Ryo Yagami weren't cheap rcenaries. They were powerhouses, rulers of entire factions—so even kings of pantheons.

Splitting the cost would hurt. Paying alone? Absolutely not.

"…We should just persuade Zeus."

At least Zeus cared about face. He wouldn't charge his own son too much.

Worst case, Hers could offer up a few beautiful n or won to offset the cost.

When Hers suggested seeking Zeus, Ares gave him a strange look, as if picturing a lush green field sprouting atop his brother's head.

"You're surprisingly open-minded."

He'd just exposed the fact that one of Hers's favorite lovers had borne Zeus's child. And Hers could still swallow his pride and ask for help.

Ares wouldn't have tolerated that. He would've declared war on Zeus on the spot.

But for Hers, pride ranked lower than regaining his Authority.

Fine by Ares. He wanted Zeus involved anyway.

If you can't win, call your dad. No sha in that.

"Let's go in."

Ares strode into the Temple of Zeus.

After a brief hesitation, Hers followed.

They passed through the grand halls and entered a side chamber.

Zeus was there.

He wore a white robe draped loosely over one shoulder. White curls frad his face. His eyes were the blue of the open sky, though deep within them flickered sothing violent and untad.

He lounged casually on a stone seat, holding a golden goblet filled with red wine.

"You're here."

A stag scrambled up from beneath him, casting a panicked glance at the two gods before bolting away.

Hers stared after it, expression turning odd.

That… had been a male stag, hadn't it?

"Father."

Once Zeus had adjusted his robe, Ares acted as though he'd seen nothing at all.

Zeus smiled faintly but didn't respond.

"Father?" Hers frowned.

Zeus's gaze wasn't on them.

"Show yourself!" Ares roared.

Unlike Hers, whose avatar only ranked in the upper four-digit tier, Ares was stronger, sharper.

He tore a massive stone pillar from its base and swung it toward the hidden presence—

And then the concealed intruder stepped forward on his own.

Ares glared at the man, pillar raised.

For a full minute, he stood frozen. Not a single movent, as if dusa herself had turned him to stone.

Zeus cast him a cold glance. "Stand down."

"Tch. If Father hadn't spoken, I'd have crushed you with this," Ares muttered, carefully setting the pillar back in place. A thin sheen of sweat slid down his back, hidden from view.

By the ti he finished, Hers had already retreated behind Zeus, glaring at the intruder like a small dog straining at its chain.

"Useless," Ares muttered, joining him.

Zeus paid no mind to his sons' disgrace. He gently swirled the wine in his goblet.

"I thought we would et on the battlefield of a divine war," he said lightly. "I didn't expect you to walk into Olympus itself. That takes courage."

He smiled. "Very well. For that courage, I'll hear you out. Speak."

Across from him, Ryo t his gaze, expression cold. The corner of his lips lifted slightly.

"I'm here to end this war."

As the words fell, he raised his hand toward Zeus.

Stars gathered.

A galaxy condensed in his palm, swirling with blinding light—

And he unleashed it without hesitation.

"Galaxian Explosion."

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