Zeus’ bloodlust was rising fast. He realized he’d been played for a fool. His obsession with the breakthrough technique was the only reason he hadn’t made his move earlier.
Now it hit him that Grace’s promises were all lies. The supposed breakthrough was just an excuse to buy time. The more he thought about it, the deeper his anger grew, and with it came the deadly urge to strike.
“Yes. I was trying to extend Logan’s life… But the breakthrough method is real,” Grace said calmly.
She continued, “You should’ve noticed by now that I’m a disciple of Regal Observatory. Across Dragonmarsh, only two people have reached beyond the ultimate grandmaster level.
“The first is Arion, Ancient Sage of Sacred Wrym Summit, and the second is Ezekiel, chief overseer of Regal Observatory. As royal gods of the Hall of Gods, I’m sure you’ve heard this before.
“If Ezekiel managed to break through past the ultimate grandmaster, then of course, he had a special technique. And since I’m his disciple, I happen to know about it. So no, I’m not lying to you.”
At her words, Zeus’ expression finally softened. The crackling lightning at his fingertips slowly faded.
As Grace had said, there were only two people in Dragonmarsh he truly feared. One was Arion from the Sacred Wrym Summit, and the other was Ezekiel, chief overseer of Regal Observatory.
If anyone else had made that claim, he wouldn’t have believed it. But Grace was a disciple of the Regal Observatory and a princess of Dragonmarsh. She knew Ezekiel’s breakthrough technique, so her words had weight.
“Talk is cheap,” Hera said coolly. “Until we see the breakthrough technique, we won’t believe a thing you say.”
She added, “If you want us to spare your life, your best bet is to hand over that technique. Otherwise, you won’t leave here alive.”
“Exactly!” Zeus echoed. “Hand over the technique first, or you’re dead.”
Grace was running circles around him, and he didn’t like it one bit. He needed to take back control.
“If I hand over the breakthrough technique, can I trust you to uphold your end of the deal?” Grace asked.
She knew there was no talking her way out of this. Unless she gave them what they wanted, they’d never back off.
“I swear,” Hera said solemnly. “If you hand over the breakthrough technique, we’ll spare your lives today. If we break that promise, may we burn in hell.”
Grace looked at Zeus. “What about you?”
“I’m with her,” he replied without hesitation.
He didn’t believe in any of that eternal damnation crap anyway.
“Okay. You two wait here. I’ll go write it down,” Grace said.
She nodded and stepped inside the ancient temple. Every second she bought gave her an edge the longer she stalled, the more the odds tilted in her favor.
“Hera, do you think she’s setting us up?” Zeus suddenly asked.
“Setting us up?” Hera scoffed. “You really underestimate yourself. What could a nobody like her possibly do to outsmart us?
“That’s what I keep telling myself, but something just doesn’t sit right,” he said, narrowing his eyes.
With his strength, crushing Grace would be easy. But when it came to brains, it was a different story. From his observation, there was no denying she was incredibly smart.
“I’ll admit, she’s smart and has guts. But we hold the upper hand now. We’re the ones calling the shots.” Hera smirked. ” Even if she’s lying, so what? We might waste some time, but she won’t live to see another day.”
No matter how smart Grace was, she was still just a small fry. Hera knew Grace couldn’t hurt her, so she wasn’t intimidated.
Besides, she had already seen through every trick Grace had up her sleeve. When it came to wit and strategy, Hera was far ahead.
“Okay, then. Let’s wait and see what she’s really up to.” Zeus nodded and said nothing more.
He found a spot to sit and slowly recover his strength. Though he was strong, his internal energy was nearly drained after a whole night of relentless attacks. This was a perfect chance to rest.
Time passed slowly as Zeus and Hera sat at the temple gate, waiting in silence.
Before they knew it, the sun climbed high into the sky. But Grace, who had entered the ancient temple, still hadn’t come out. The delay made them restless.
Grace was just writing down a breakthrough technique. How could that possibly take half a day?
“Hera, do you think she’s stalling?” Zeus frowned.
Hera didn’t answer. Instead, she stood and projected her voice toward the temple.
“Wasting time won’t get you anywhere, princess. Hand over the technique now for everyone’s sake. If you try to play tricks, don’t blame me for forcing my way in.”
“Almost done. Just give me a bit more time, “came Grace’s calm reply.
“I’ll give you one more hour. If you’re not out by then, I’ll destroy this entire mountain-and you along with it,” Hera said coldly.
Her patience was at its limit. If things didn’t go her way soon, there would be bloodshed.
