The spring hushes as the air cracks with descending power. Athena lands at the edge of the market ring, helm-bright eyes taking in Ares, Sisyphus, and Merope in one hard glance.
Athena
So this is the knot. Corinth, your king, and Ares at the center.
Sisyphus eases back a half step, not in fear of the kingly sort, but in calculation. Merope shifts closer to him, guarded and tense, while the crowd keeps still around the spring.
Athena
Stand aside, Sisyphus. If this is a lie, I will find it. If it is truth, I will weigh it faster than your schemes can run.
Ares
Athena is not here to listen politely.
Her gaze snaps to Ares, sharp as a spearpoint. The market feels smaller under it, as if the goddess has already mapped every exit and weakness in the square.
Athena
And you, brother, you do not wander Corinth without a blade in the dark. Speak plainly, or let me start counting the reasons you are here.
✓ Quest Accepted
Answer Athena plainly
✓ Quest Accepted
Keep the investigation with Sisyphus alive
“I answer Athena truthfully. “Our father threatened Thanatos and tried to give orders to the Underworld on account of this man. Can you blame me for wondering why?””
SUCCESS (Legendary Willpower, rolled -2)
Ares
Our father threatens Thanatos and tries to command the Underworld over this man. Can you blame me for asking why?
The words land cleanly in the spring air. Ares does not raise his voice, but the square still tightens around him, and the black ribbon at his wrist gives a faint, cold twitch.
Athena
So that is the shape of it. Zeus reaches into Hades' realm, and you stand here in the middle, asking whether the mortal is the cause or the excuse.
Sisyphus
She says it like a ledger entry. That is dangerous, and useful.
Sisyphus tilts his head, the fresh scrape on his knuckle catching the light as he studies Athena instead of Ares. Merope stays close at his shoulder, unmoving, while the market runner freezes by a crate, eyes wide on the three gods.
Athena
Plainly spoken, at last. I hear a father overreaching, a god of death pressed hard, and a prince of war choosing witnesses over slaughter. That deserves measuring, not guessing.
Her spear lowers a fraction, not in trust, but in restraint. The square keeps its breath, waiting for whether she names Ares ally, witness, or obstacle.
Quest Complete
Answer Athena plainly