I Became the Guild Leader in Exile

108 – 6# The Ghost of the Past (6)

Just as the two enormous powers were about to collide.

A bolt of lightning fell from the sky, blocking their way like a wall. If it were an ordinary power, it would have been crushed, but this lightning was different.

Isaac and Odin felt the power contained within the lightning. Odin was unaware, but Isaac, with his knowledge related to the original story, realized who the owner of the lightning was.

From the beginning, in the realm of the gods, there were not many gods who could participate in the battle of the gods. And among them, the god who used lightning was already well-known.

He was an old man with a lush white beard and hair, wearing clothes that seemed to come from a historical documentary. The old man smiled as he introduced himself.

“This battle ends here. I, Zeus, have decided.”

Zeus.

The highest god of Greek and Roman mythology, ruler of the city of Gideon, and the god who had provided Isaac with considerable help and power.

“Did I not expect Zeus to intervene here?”

In the original story, Zeus was a god who respected freedom, but could also be seen as excessively negligent. Unlike Odin, who actively intervened in human affairs.

Zeus believed in human potential and did not intervene excessively. He only granted powers or provided necessary tools to humans. That was all.

“Zeus, what right do you have to intervene in this battle?”

“I have more than enough reason to intervene, Odin.”

“……I also agree with Odin’s words this time. I must settle the score with that guy.”

But Isaac had no intention of backing down. Odin was about to cross the line. He was going to inflict immense pain on Isaac’s precious family. So, he could not just let it go.

Then, Zeus turned to look at Isaac. Isaac also met his gaze without flinching. If he were to interfere, even if the opponent was Zeus……!

“I will apologize on Odin’s behalf for that matter.”

“?!”

But this time, even Isaac was taken aback. The king of the gods, Zeus, had bowed his head to apologize to Isaac. That proud god, who was unlikely to do so.

Fundamentally, most gods were arrogant. It was only natural, given their immense power compared to humans. But for such a god to bow his head?

And to a mere mortal? If an unknown person had heard this, they would have laughed. Thanks to that, Isaac was taken aback. It was a bit too much, even with his strength.

“But listen to my story. If you kill Odin here, the Bifrost Bridge that supports the law will collapse. And if that happens, the law will completely fall apart, causing immense sacrifices.”

“…….”

“You don’t want that to happen, do you?”

Zeus’ words pierced Isaac’s heart. As Zeus said, Isaac didn’t want innocent people to become sacrifices. But he couldn’t just forgive Odin.

“Of course, I don’t plan to just let it go.”

“Then what do you plan to do?”

“I’ll restrict Odin so he can’t interfere with the human world.”

“……Zeus, you dare……!!!”

From Odin’s perspective, it was unbelievable. It seemed like Zeus was going to easily take away everything he had achieved. However, Zeus responded firmly.

“Odin, this is for your own good. Look at your current state.”

Indeed, as Zeus said, Odin’s current state was a mess. He had become arrogant, thinking everything was going according to his plan, and had lost almost all his power.

At least.

Just barely.

To have any chance of redemption, Odin needed to have some achievements, no matter how small. But the result was that he had nothing left and had only created enemies around him.

That was why Zeus intervened in the fight.

The hatred towards Odin might spread to all the gods if it got out of hand. So, as a god of the same rank as Odin, Zeus stepped in to apologize and make amends.

“Don’t laugh. I……!!”

Of course, Odin wouldn’t accept Zeus’ proposal. It was essentially asking him to surrender everything and promise not to interfere with the human world.

But it was already too late for Odin to do anything. Zeus wielded his lightning bolt and struck Odin’s Gungnir, which fell to the ground powerless.

“Odin, this is my final advice to you.”

Just listen to me quietly.

* * *

In the end, Isaac accepted Zeus’ proposal.

After all, establishing a nation and protecting countless humans, defeating monsters, and saving people were indeed his achievements. Moreover, if Odin were to disappear, the nation would certainly collapse.

Those who disrespect others’ families don’t deserve respect. Just as I cherish my own family, I should also cherish others’ families. That was Isaac’s value.

Instead, Isaac received a firm promise from Zeus. He would ensure that Odin wouldn’t interfere with the human world again. Zeus vowed to use all his power to prevent it.

“Then I, in the name of Zeus, declare that the winner of this war is Isaac and his family!!”

Not only that, Zeus announced the winner of the war to the entire continent, making it known far and wide. It wasn’t just a simple declaration; it was a declaration that would resound throughout the continent.

“There was no need to go that far.”

“There’s a big difference between just spreading rumors and the fear of the gods.”

“What’s the reason for helping me this much?”

“It’s to prevent the upcoming Gigantomachy. Is there any other reason?”

In fact, Zeus wanted to prevent a conflict between Gideon and the nation. After all, they shared the same goal and power. But if they fought each other, it would only lead to mutual destruction.

Is there anything more foolish than self-destruction in this world?

However, it was already too late to stop Odin, who had crossed the line. So, Zeus decided to minimize the damage as much as possible and managed to preserve some of his power.

Of course, the best scenario would have been if Odin had maintained his full power. But given the circumstances, it was fortunate that some power remained. Zeus told Isaac,

“The end is near. Prepare for it.”

“Just a moment, is it already coming?”

“Odin’s downfall has been noticed by the end. This weakened state is an opportunity for them.”

The end.

Was he talking about the owner of Ragnarok, the Gigantomachy? Isaac let out a sigh. He didn’t regret what he had done, but this was faster than he had expected.

“It was supposed to take at least 5 years, until Zieg’s age of 23.”

It was truly a butterfly effect. Isaac shook his head to clear his thoughts. What’s done is done, and there’s no use crying over spilled milk.

“Then I must also make up my mind firmly.”

The battle against the end was so desperate that even Isaac himself couldn’t guarantee his survival. From the beginning, the gods were destined to lose and perish according to the prophecy.

So Isaac was torn. Should he give Zeke an answer before the end, or wait until everything was over and then talk to him in a relaxed state?

“What’s the point of agonizing over this?”

In the end, Isaac made a firm decision. He was tired of being hesitant about whether he would survive the end or not. When did he become so afraid?

It was since he faced the three great disasters.

There had been countless crises.

But every time, he had fought bravely and won. Of course, he couldn’t have done it alone. The reason he could risk his life and fight was to protect his precious family.

“Zeke, I have something to say.”

“Yes, Master.”

“Would you like to go on a date?”

“What, a date?!”

Zeke was taken aback by Isaac’s sudden and enthusiastic suggestion, and even the guild members who were basking in the glory of their victory were shocked. Zeus even wore a sly smile.

“Oh, really? You want to know my heart? If that’s the case, I can help you.”

“I don’t want your help, especially not with women.”

“Don’t refuse. I’ve already got a lot of experience with women…”

“Isn’t that something to brag about?”

A cold, icy voice pierced through the air, and Hera appeared beside Zeus, her eyes fixed on him. Zeus was frozen in place.

“Wait, just a minute! This is…”

Hera didn’t say anything else. She just smiled coldly and snapped her fingers, and in an instant, she and Zeus disappeared from everyone’s sight.

Isaac made a vow to himself as he watched them.

I won’t become like that.