Meanwhile, on Mount Olympus, Zeus gathered the gods in his grand throne room. The air was tense as the divine beings took their places, sensing the storm brewing below. Among them sat Ares, his fiery gaze filled with defiance.
Zeus, seated upon his mighty throne, spoke with authority. "Ares defies the balance. His madness threatens not only mortals but the order of the gods themselves."
Ares leaned forward, his armored fingers gripping the hilt of his massive sword. "Balance?" he scoffed. "You speak of balance while you cower behind a mortal? Kratos is nothing but a broken warrior, a puppet clinging to vengeance. He cannot stop me."
Athena stepped forward, her voice unwavering. "Kratos has claimed the power he needs to challenge you, Ares. Your reckless destruction has gone too far."
Zeus remained silent for a long moment, his piercing gaze fixed on Ares. Finally, his voice thundered through the chamber. "The path is set. Your fate, Ares, will soon be decided."
Ares let out a low, rumbling laugh. "Then let him come. Let him try." Flames erupted from his hands as he rose from his seat. "I will crush him as I have crushed all who dared oppose me."
As the gods watched in silence, the battle between Kratos and Ares was no longer just a mortalâs revengeâit had become a war that would shake Olympus itself.
After the gods dispersed from the throne room, Ares made his way to a secluded chamber, where Aphrodite awaited him. Draped in elegance, she gazed at him with a mix of amusement and concern.
"You seem troubled, my love," she purred, tracing a finger along his armored chest.
Ares scoffed, his eyes burning with fury. "The fools believe a mere mortal can challenge me. They place their hopes in a broken Spartan."
Aphrodite smirked, tilting her head. "Kratos is no ordinary man, Ares. You made him what he is."
Ares clenched his fists, flames flickering at his fingertips. "He is nothing without me. And soon, he will be nothing at all."
Aphrodite chuckled softly, stepping closer. "Perhaps... but tell me, do you fear him?"
Ares glared, his pride wounded by the very thought. "I fear nothing."
Aphrodite simply smiled, then leaned in and kissed Ares, her lips soft yet intoxicating. For a brief moment, the God of War let go of his rage, losing himself in her embrace. But as their lips parted, her eyes gleamed with knowing amusement.
"Then prove it," she whispered.
Ares smirked, his confidence reignited. "I will. And when Kratos falls, Olympus will remember why I am the true God of War."
Aphrodite said nothing more, only watching as Ares turned and strode away, his fury burning brighter than ever.
