Only the Divine King himself knew he couldn't really talk about having any certainty of success. Zeus still trusted his sister's judgment, and since Hestia had said that the opponent was stronger than every deity present, it was likely that he was no exception.
Zeus didn't know if Hestia had taken into account his most prized weapon, but deep down, he had quietly made a decision.
Previously, before the gods had created Pandora, he had felt a vague premonition. Over time, this premonition grew stronger, but he gave up searching for its source.
Because along with this intuition, came a warning from the Divine Authority in the dark recesses of his mind.
In the past, Zeus had been engrossed in the joy of discovering the mysteries of faith. He thought time was on his side, but now it seemed that it might not be the case.
The world was too unknown, and the Olympian Gods were born too late. The so-called 'Hell' was not the first place beyond his knowledge, but it certainly wouldn't be the last.
So now, the Divine King had to take some risks. If the known paths to success were not viable, then the best strategy was to introduce new variables, rather than watch one surprise after another unfold.
'But I will succeed... just like I once defeated my father.'
Looking at the gods before him, Zeus couldn't help but recall that afternoon.
It was the first and only time he had defeated his father; he had presented Cronus with the wine laced with magic potion. Despite the vast difference in their strength, like heaven and earth, he had succeeded because destiny was on his side.
And now, it was the same. After all, whether there was a Destined next Divine King or not, it definitely wouldn't be today.
...
For a long time, Cohen sat on a collapsed column. Looking at this scene, he couldn't help but think of his past.
Once, he had personally bid farewell to Golden Humanity, and now, he had witnessed the Destruction of Bronze Humanity. The difference was that this time humans died because of the gods, and what hadn't changed was his continued helplessness.
"Deities..."
Step—
"Hmm?"
Startled, suddenly, Cohen thought he heard a sound of footsteps. He looked in that direction with some surprise.
He was eager to find signs of his own kind, and sure enough, at the end of his vision, there was another human like him, a survivor walking towards him.
Unlike his own ragged appearance, the approaching figure, though looking decrepit, did not seem to have gone through any disaster.
With difficulty, Cohen stood up and called out from a distance.
"Over here—"
It seemed that the old man heard Cohen's call and noticed him. Seeing Cohen's condition, the old man gestured for him to stay put and waited for him to approach.
"Greetings, Your Highness. My name is Humar. I was once entrusted with guarding knowledge, but now, it seems there is no knowledge left to guard."
Approaching, Cohen could finally see the man clearly. Clutching a huge stone tablet, his body already steeped in death, the old man's spirit seemed good, and he smiled as he introduced himself.