Myth: The Ruler of Spirituality

They sowed their seeds there, built their cities there, and even had the objects of their worship and belief, which lent this originally ordinary little island an air of civilization.

"Ding—"

"Ding—"

"Clang————" Stay connected with m-v l|e'-NovelBin.net

Sparks flew as the hammer and iron collided, creating a thunderous noise. In an open space, a short and ugly smith showcased his skill, while hundreds of humans gathered around him.

Unlike the deities or even the Nymphs who served them, there was no mockery or contempt for the smith's appearance among these humans. Instead, they showed respect and excitement, learning the smithing techniques displayed before them.

This was the sea, different from the land, where the people who lived here had never experienced migration or the threat of other creatures. Sea Beasts did not fancy the land, and the rulers of the sea didn't wish those lowly creatures to harm the just thriving humans. Thus, the vast islands were often enjoyed solely by humans, who built cities and engaged in fishing or farming upon them.

Of course, when avoiding the threat of other life forms, these humans also faced the more capricious natural climate. Be it storms or tsunamis, any could wipe out their homes in an instant, and what's more terrifying was the volcano that stood upon the island.

Etna, a volcano that had once suppressed Typhon in some myths—although it might not have that honor in the true Mythic World—still was undeniably terrifying to mortals.

Just ten years ago, the people of the Island of Lemnos had witnessed the erupting lava and the nearly destructive deluge. It was on that day this short, ugly man first showed his Divine Power.

He made the lava flow backward, cleared the smoke, and then told the mortals his name: Hephaestus, who wielded volcanoes and magma. To thank this deity for his help, they named their city Hephaestia and built The Temple for him, praying he would forever appease the volcano that brought hot springs and minerals to the island, so it would never erupt again.

Since then, Hephaestus, who had been raised by Nereus' daughter, Thetis, often visited the city that bore his name. Here, he felt the respect and adoration of the people, a contrast to the attitude of the Sea God and the Nymphs. The veneration of mortals offered some solace to his somewhat twisted heart under the gaze of mockery and disdain.

"Ding—"

"Clang—"

"Let's stop here for today. Go home and ponder, I have a guest to attend to," he said.

With a final strike, Hephaestus looked at the short sword in the fire with some disappointment.

He was indifferent to the high temperature and casually tossed the red-hot short sword aside. It was a failed piece, and naturally, there was no point in processing it further.

Smithing was not his inherent Godhood, but it was certainly his hobby, and he was quite good at it. Perhaps due to the anomaly of Hera during Hephaestus's conception, or perhaps due to some other reason, this indeed gave him an ugly appearance but also bestowed him with some abilities different from those of other deities.

Like the Cyclops, Hephaestus had a natural gift for Smithing. Yet, compared to his skill, he found his creativity was quite limited.

That was why he taught humans. Hephaestus found that many of the ideas proposed by humans might be difficult for them to achieve, but for him, they were precious inspiration.

"As you command, Your Highness, may you be everlasting," came the voice of a man, seemingly of higher status, who stepped forward and bowed, leading the others to bow respectfully before dispersing.

Soon, only Hephaestus remained. He dusted off his hands and finally turned to the shade of a nearby tree.

It appeared empty, but Hephaestus spoke as if to someone, his tone indifferent:

"Come out. I don't know who you are or what you're here for, but you can come out now. I've lived on the Island of Lemnos for over a decade, and your little trick can't fool me."

There was no response as his words fell. Just when Hephaestus grew impatient, the shadows beneath the tree shimmered, and a stranger's figure emerged.

The arrival seemed embarrassed, apparently not expecting to be caught spying. He had concealed his form with the manipulation of light and come to the island rumored to be inhabited by a deity, only to witness the Smithing process of Hephaestus.

The young deity was so captivated that he had failed to realize he had already been spotted, which made him somewhat embarrassed.

Meanwhile, the appearance of the stranger caused Hephaestus's expression to darken.

He was a handsome, tall young man with golden hair, confident and full of fighting spirit, the complete opposite of Hephaestus. One born to shine in light, the other discarded at birth. Even though he didn't recognize the stranger, it didn't prevent the revulsion he felt at that moment.

That's why he preferred the company of humans. After all, Hephaestus was a god; he could ignore the humans' beauty and vigor, as they would eventually age. But now, the one before him was also a deity, which made him subconsciously feel repulsed.