Myth: The Ruler of Spirituality

Chapter 628 - 207: Setting Out

Just as with speeches, debates are endeavors that test both the mind and body.

The brain’s reasoning, the agile responses, the expression of emotions through body language — this was not the so-called debate competition of later generations where one person only had a few minutes to speak; rather than speaking rapidly, participants placed more importance on the impression they made on the judges.

After all, the true objective of convincing in a debate seems to be the opponent, but in reality, it is the audience watching. As long as they acknowledge the logic of your argument, then your debate is successful.

"Ladies and gentlemen present here, my friends sharing this stage with me, and deities above and below us."

The order of the concluding remarks was the opposite of the opening speeches, so at the end, when it was Odysseus’s turn to make his final address, he stood at the center of the venue, arms outstretched, as if embracing the entire world.

"Previously, we thoroughly examined the circumstances of the Bronze Age’s destruction. And Miss Leah’s critical view of the gods’ deeds and misdeeds, the right and wrong in their actions, centered around ’human justice,’ is a thought-provoking perspective."

"But as I said, gods are born innately, they are the creators of the world; all spirits are made by the gods, and every being is the creation of the gods. As mortals who are not born with innate knowledge, from the distant Golden Age to the present, whether it be human ’good’ or ’evil,’ which aspect exists independently, born without the influence of the gods?"

"Believing in human justice does not conflict with understanding the gods, because the relationship between humans and gods is close, with an inseparable connection between the two. In the distant Golden Age, the gods fashioned humans in their own image and endowed them with all that is positive and good, establishing the bonds between humans and gods from that moment. And concepts like ’justice,’ which are not naturally occurring but are built upon the society of living beings, naturally follow this principle; since the norms of human society originally stem from the gods, then humans should naturally learn it first, rather than question it."

"I have heard that ancient heroes achieved countless feats in their lifetimes, and in the end, they were raised to the heavens, which is the closest depiction of the relationship between humans and gods. Everything about a human comes from the gods, and all that the gods represent is ultimately the destination of humanity. Lastly, I dedicate this grand debate to the wisdom of Athena, as is fitting etiquette for a foreigner like myself."

A hubbub of voices arose among the audience below, and applause for these wise men of the nations rose and fell in waves.

The debate had ended, but the ultimate victor had not yet been chosen. Everyone knew that soon, it would be time to select the champion.

Almost simultaneously, another box was opened on the audience’s seats, a similar arrangement to the one used at the beginning to select the topic appeared before them.

All the spectators will once again use flags bearing the names of different contestants to draw a perfect end to this grand event.

"As the organizer, before the results come out, I will announce the prize for the champion of this competition."

The host took the stage once again, facing the audience present.

"The treasury of Athens will be open to him; the victor will have the right to choose what he desires from it, and the prize from the church will be personally reviewed by the deity."

As his words fell, the atmosphere on the scene heated up even more.

The noise ebbed and flowed as the host lifted his hand, and the official voting for the final victor began.

A few projected numbers floated in mid-air, updating in real-time the changing vote counts for the different contestants. However, it was evident that two numbers were far outpacing the rest, not even in the same league as the others.

"This is indeed fair," Iapetus nodded as he sat below.

But the fairness he referred to was not about the count but about the competition itself.

"Purely from the standpoint of debate, this young man actually finds himself at a disadvantage — the topic of this competition is to discuss the justice and injustice of the Bronze Age’s demise, but due to identity and stance, he could only limit the discussion to the justice of the gods, often leaving him at a disadvantage during the debate."

"Yet, from the external environment, people ultimately revere the deities, and their voting tendency will naturally be biased. The plus and minus between these create a balance that cancels each other out."

As his hobby, Iapetus hoped for a fairly adjudicated outcome for the event.

Thus, satisfied with everything, the God of Speech quietly awaited the determination of the victor.

Her heart was in turmoil, but she tried her best not to show it.

Like all the spectators present, Andrea awaited Theseus’s arrival.

However, in the next moment, the quietly waiting Little Princess suddenly looked up, and so did the audience.

For the clouds in the sky had suddenly parted to form a ’hole’, and the sun’s light previously obscured poured through, shining in mid-air.

A figure dressed in a pale blue Chiton and a Golden Robe appeared within the sunlight.

In his hand, he held a scepter, looking down upon the tens of thousands of people in the spacious arena. Invisible currents of air swirled around him, causing his robes to flutter noisily.

"I am Zephyrus, the Principal God of Olympus, the lord of mortal meteorology."

His voice was calm but slightly hurried.

The God of West Wind extended his hand and a golden ladder immediately materialized out of nowhere.

"I am here by the Divine King’s command, to invite the most wise and just mortal to the deities’ banquet. So mortal, do you accept this honor and agree to partake in the feast of the gods?"

Normally, Zephyrus wouldn’t ask for acceptance, but sensing the approaching King of Athens, he used more gentle words.

As a Wind God skilled in evasion and roaming, he did not have the same trepidations as the Sea God who ruled over fixed maritime domains concerning the thorny powerful mortals. But now he was here by the Divine King’s command, and it was best not to court trouble if he could avoid it.

"...If you had listened to the debate just now, perhaps you would understand that for such an honor, it might be better to choose Odysseus."

After a moment of silence, facing the God of West Wind, Andrea spoke up.

"So you’re refusing my invitation?"

Zephyrus furrowed his brow slightly, actually a bit unsure of what to do.

The counts from earlier had been close, theoretically, he would have chosen Odysseus if possible. But when he departed, the Divine King seemed to have no aversion to Andrea.

Who knew what Zeus was thinking... But after sizing up Andrea, Zephyrus suddenly had a moment of realization.

"Ah, the gods do not harbor dissatisfaction over mortal debates, mortal, do you accept my invitation?"

"Then I accept."

Taking a deep breath, Andrea nodded in agreement.

She called out to Laine in her mind, and then received a corresponding response.

Perhaps this was the reason she had come to this great assembly... Realizing this, Andrea relaxed slightly.

Thus, amidst the envious, jealous, curious, and mocking gazes of the tens of thousands of spectators, Andrea stepped onto the golden ladder.

A banquet of the gods, it was her first time witnessing it.