Chapter 22: The Birth of Humanity (1)
After the events involving Athena and Kybele, Zeus came to a realization.
He understood the importance of capable offspring and the need for women to support and assist him.
Until now, though he had indulged in affairs, he had avoided fathering children.
But seeing the strength of Athena, her sibling—now the goddess Kybele—and the many goddesses who aided Poseidon, Zeus recognized the value of powerful children and allies.
Of course, it wasn't a simple decision. With Metis gone, Zeus had lost the wisdom she embodied, leaving him somewhat diminished.
"I need beings who are moderately wise and not too powerful," he mused.
He reasoned that unions with gods as mighty as himself could produce offspring that might threaten his throne.
"It would be best to form relationships with suitable goddesses and have children with them."
With Metis no longer by his side, Zeus was like a horse freed from its reins.
He roamed the world, pursuing relationships with various goddesses.
Notably, he coupled with Themis, the goddess of order and law, and from their union came the Horae, the goddesses of the seasons.
These daughters became the gatekeepers of Olympus and a cornerstone of the world order Zeus established.
Next, he turned to Mnemosyne, the goddess of memory, who had fought alongside Zeus and his siblings during the Titanomachy.
From her, he fathered the Muses, goddesses of the arts, whose creative powers became one of the reasons Olympus was revered by earthly beings.
Through these unions, Zeus solidified his authority and that of Olympus.
Ironically, his rampant pursuits laid a firm foundation for Olympus' dominance.
After a time, Zeus became captivated by the beauty of mortal beings on earth.
However, most of them were devoted to specific gods.
"Ah… they say elves are so beautiful…"
But elves revered Gaia and Poseidon, making them untouchable for Zeus.
"What to do…"
As he stewed in frustration, an idea struck him.
"The Golden Race is gone, leaving their place empty. And we need beings to worship us gods!"
With that, Zeus summoned Prometheus, the wise counselor, prophet, and craftsman.
"Prometheus, I have a request. Create a perfect race, one most like the gods. They will dominate the world."
Prometheus wasn't fazed by Zeus' sudden demand.
'Given Zeus' penchant for women, he's now after mortal ones too. After Athena's case, he's avoiding powerful goddesses…'
Moreover, the lack of an earthly race to revere Zeus and Olympus likely played a role.
Though he saw through Zeus' intentions, Prometheus bowed and accepted.
"Very well, King of the Gods. I will create a race most akin to the gods."
Thus began the Silver Age and the Age of Heroes for humanity.
Prometheus, joined by his brother Epimetheus, set to work crafting a race to succeed the Golden Race.
"Epimetheus, you brought the materials, right?"
"Yeah, here. Bones and flesh of the Titans, and soil infused with their blood."
Prometheus nodded at the materials and began shaping the new race.
He had anticipated this task and prepared accordingly, his prophetic abilities honed alongside Gaia.
Soon, using the Titans' bones as a framework and mixing their flesh with clay, he created beings that resembled the gods.
But they were incomplete, like lifeless golems.
"We'll need Poseidon's help," Prometheus said.
"Huh? Why? We're done, aren't we?" Epimetheus asked.
"For humanity's completion, water and souls are essential. If they're like the Golden Race—ignorant of death, hunger, or want—they'll only repeat the same mistakes."
***
At Poseidon's palace, a sparring match was in full swing between Poseidon, Athena, and Kybele.
Clang, clang, clang!
Athena's spear clashed with Poseidon's, each aiming for the other's vital points.
Her spear moved like a salmon swimming against the current, defying Poseidon's flow.
But just as most salmon perish against the tide, Athena's spear began to falter.
From behind, Kybele thrust her spear.
Swish!
The air split with the force of her strike, but Poseidon, as if anticipating it, caught the spear under his arm and flung Kybele toward Athena.
Crash!
"Ugh!"
"Ouch…"
Athena and Kybele collapsed in a heap.
As they groaned in pain, applause echoed from somewhere.
Clap, clap, clap!
"Impressive! To have such skill at such a young age," said Prometheus, the source of the clapping.
"Hm? What brings you here? Looking for Nereus?" Poseidon asked, puzzled.
Prometheus rarely visited the sea unless meeting Nereus or Oceanus' daughters.
"No, I'm here to make a request of you, Lord Poseidon."
"Of me?"
"Yes."
Poseidon found this odd but welcomed Prometheus as a guest.
"Come along, then."
Turning to Athena and Kybele, he added,
"Let's call it a day for sparring. We'll pick up tomorrow."
"Okay!"
"Got it!"
Athena and Kybele, holding hands, ran off cheerfully.
Watching them, Prometheus gave a meaningful smile.
"So that's the child of prophecy."
Poseidon smacked the back of Prometheus' head, exasperated.
Whack.
"What are you talking about? You saw her when she brought back the Spring of the Goddess. And you've seen her every time you visit Nereus or the nymphs."
Prometheus gave an awkward laugh at Poseidon's exasperated reaction.
"Haha, I just felt like saying something dramatic…"
Poseidon shook his head.
When he first met Prometheus, he'd seemed like a mystical prophet, but the more he knew him, the more he realized the god was a bit unhinged.
Casting a pitying glance at Prometheus, Poseidon led him to a room with a round table.
Slumping into a chair, he gestured for Prometheus to sit and asked,
"So, what's the favor?"
"…"
After a brief silence, the playful demeanor faded from Prometheus, and he spoke in a grave tone.
"I need Panopeus' water and Gaia's Psyche."
'Hmm… Psyche and Panopeus' water.'
"Why do you need those?" Poseidon asked.
He had suspected since Prometheus' arrival that the time had come for the era of humanity to succeed the Golden Race.
Zeus must have decided to create humans.
"Well…"
Prometheus spoke earnestly, almost desperately.
"They're essential for the survival of the humans we've created. Elves have keen senses and agility, dwarves have strength and precision, beastmen have sharp instincts, and merfolk and fishmen are perfect in the sea. Harpies can soar the skies. Among these races, blessed by countless gods, humans need wisdom and souls to take root in this world."
Poseidon shook his head, watching Prometheus grow more passionate with each word.
'No wonder he gets punished by Zeus, chained up with an eagle pecking at his liver.'
But he couldn't entirely dismiss Prometheus' fervor.
After all, the gods would likely take the most delight in the humans he created.
Besides, Poseidon was curious too.
Unlike the original myths, where he had created merfolk and fishmen, powerful gods in this world had crafted races to serve them.
How humans would evolve and survive in such a chaotic world intrigued even Poseidon.
He also sensed Prometheus was hiding something.
"Alright. I'll give you the Psyche and Panopeus' water from my stores. Show me this era of humans you're so excited about."
***
With Poseidon's cooperation, Prometheus could create humans as he envisioned.
"Look, brother. These are the humans I wanted to create," he said proudly.
Epimetheus, who had assisted while struggling to understand his brother's obsession, couldn't help but nod in awe at the completed humans.
"Wow, they really look like gods. If they had divine power, they could almost pass for gods."
Just as divine energy flowed through gods, Panopeus' water coursed through humans, and with the aid of souls, they could wield powers akin to those of gods.
Prometheus nodded at his brother's words.
"Exactly. If they had the gods' power, humans could become gods themselves."
He muttered under his breath, "Maybe…"
"What was that?" Epimetheus asked.
"Nothing, just that they're well-made."
Unseen by Epimetheus, Prometheus' eyes gleamed like those of a sage who had already foreseen and planned everything.
***
Zeus, upon seeing the humans Prometheus created, was astonished.
"Remarkable. Truly the work of a craftsman god."
"I didn't expect them to resemble gods this much."
Unlike the original myths, where only men were created, Prometheus' humans included women, per Zeus' request to spread his divine lineage and solidify his rule.
Indeed, Zeus had begun scheming to have his offspring dominate the earth.
"This is good enough to please the other gods. We'll protect them, and they'll worship us."
Zeus inspected the humans with delight.
Seizing the moment, Prometheus, seeing Zeus' joy, made a bold request.
Now was the time to give humanity one of its greatest weapons.
"Lord Zeus, there's still something these humans lack."
"Lack?"
Zeus was puzzled.
To him, they seemed perfect.
With Panopeus' water and Gaia's Psyche—unique to her—humans already possessed a formidable weapon for earthly beings.
Knowing Zeus' thoughts, Prometheus raised his voice passionately.
"Of course, they have weapons. But look at the other races. Dwarves, blessed by Demeter, wield her power. Elves, blessed by Gaia and Poseidon, wield theirs. Beastmen all carry divine blessings. For humans to survive, they need a divine blessing too."
Zeus was slightly overwhelmed by Prometheus' fervent outburst, unusual for the typically reserved god.
"Then, Prometheus, what blessing do you seek?"
"…"
Prometheus fell silent for a long moment.
Growing impatient, Zeus raised his hands, urging him on.
"What's with the dramatic pause? Speak!"
Even as Zeus pressed, Prometheus remained silent until a crowd of curious gods gathered, drawn by the news of humanity's creation. Then, he shouted, "Fire is needed!!!"
The gods, shocked, turned to stare at him.
""What?!""
_____________________________________________
TL Note — Regular chapters will be updated 5 chapters per week on the site.
If you want to read ahead, join my Patreon for early access:
Plus Tier: 7 chapters/week per novel (21 total)
Premium Tier: Includes all Plus benefits + 9 chapters/week per novel (27 total)
You don’t need to pay extra for my other novels —
• The Genius Shut-In Writer
• Dream Breaker — they’re included in the same tiers.
Link — https://www.patreon.com/cw/Vritratls?utm_source=search
If you want to read this novel, just check the collection under “Poseidon's Chronicle.”
_____________________________________________