Reincarnated as a Phoenix

Chapter 147 – Tartarus

"*Yawnnn*... guess I'm up first then"

"..."

Waking up the next morning cuddled into Petra, I can't help but pull slightly away from her embrace to witness her sleeping face. She's even smiling right now, it's so freaking adorable...

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Simping aside, yesterday was pretty tiring after what happened so that sleep was absolutely lush. The session as well was really good but less said about what happened, the better. Was a little bit too perverted for consistent use...

Even just the beauty from the morning light and snow gleaming through the window seems to make my mood even better but I am cuddled into the best person in the entire world after all. Keep in mind, the days are considerably darker because of the clouds and all but just a hint of light can get through every now and then. It's such a rarity waking up before her as well so might as well make the most of it.

'That's unfortunate, she's about to wake up as well now'

"Oi sleepyhead, rise and shine"

"*Yawn... *, heh, morning Ikarus. Last night was pretty different, wasn't it?"

'I like how she used the word different. That's the understatement of the year'

"Petra... don't get me wrong, last night was epic and all, but we should probably keep things a little tamer from now on and keep that extremely rare. That went to levels I think both of us aren't fully willing to embrace"

"Heh, agreed Ikarus. Let's keep that sort of thing locked away for special occasions... maybe on your birthday next for example?"

[<Tell target -Petra- that's an unreasonable time to wait>]

"You wanna hear something funny Petra? Even Aesa's shouting in my ear saying that's way too long to wait. No need to set a date, we'll just wing it, an-"

The without any warning, the sound of knocking can be heard on our bedroom door and the culprit must obviously be that damn maid of ours.

"Are the two queens up yet? I've prepared your breakfast for the usual time, but I can go away if you're still sleeping"

"You can obviously hear us speaking maid, so why even bother asking!?"

"Heh, bring it in please Eve"

"Okay!"

Don't get me wrong, I like this maid and all but I can already tell there's going to be a comment or two about last night...

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(Temporary Perspective Change)

Deep down hidden beyond the earth, the never-ending fires and pits of Tartarus burn and consume all souls that dare to venture this far within its depths. It's countless fiery lakes, agonizing brimstone and its lack of life make it inhospitable for even the most powerful of souls.

This is why it makes for a brilliant place to hide or imprison heavenly beings, completely entombed within enchanted cages hidden within an unknown cave. Many others have had their stay down here before even including the legendary titans once upon a time. All of which have suffered the unending loneliness of being completely isolated and unable to reach another soul.

Except I, the God of wine and various other things am not alone. Beyond the chains and cage that keep me trapped like an animal is a red creature with a never-ending grin on his face...

"Have you come down here to gloat Asmodeus for my betrayal or is there any reason for such a visit?"

"Gloat? Oh Dionysus, you really have no idea how much of a favour I've done you right now"

"Favour? You think ratting on me to Zeus and getting me imprisoned, is a favour?"

"The heavens are currently in a civil war young God, with no winner in sight. This is unironically the safest place for you right now, especially considering how much power you've stolen for that incarnate of yours"

The knowledge this demon lord has is honestly baffling. He seems to know everything that I've done, everything that's going on behind the scenes and even the power I stole for her. He's obviously been onto me for much longer than I first realized.

"What about the others then? Please tell me they haven't all ended up in similar or worse fates"

"You mean the people that were conspiring with you? All of them have gone silent and are currently hiding, probably waiting for the day they truly believe there is a chance Zeus can be defeated. You really don't want to be up there right now, believe me"

"At least give me something a little more than that Asmodeus, that's not really much to go off"

"To give you a rough example then... Ragnarök has completely lost all faith in your father and even a good portion of you Olympians have now chosen sides, Athena's disappearance has also turned heads thought to be loyal as well. The angels aren't doing shit like usual, still fixated on the only evil out there being us demon folk"

Ragnarök has gone against Zeus? Fuck, the entire heavens are in uproar from the volcano news getting out it seems. Normally, they wouldn't care about something like this and if anything, they care little for volcanos but going this far? It's the fact Zeus has tried to hide and cover this up, they still care for the elves and dwarfs since their religion is supposed to loosely based around their beliefs.

Already knew about Athena disappearing, she knew this would end up madness so best not to stick around. As for the angels, they are the laughing stocks of the heavens because of the pure fixation on demons. Everyone knows not to trust a demon but the angel would sacrifice everything in order to destroy evil, even if there would be no good left in the world.

"Then, isn't this the perfect time to attack? You obviously aren't on father's side so why are you here?"

"Heh, nonsense. If I were to join in with the beauty happening up there, I'd end up facing his wraith just as everyone else. What they're doing right now is suicidal"

By the sounds of it, most of the heavens may be in civil war but Zeus would still hold the majority of power. It's not that surprising considering he's the strongest, just having more people wouldn't be enough. Even if every single God and Goddess were to turn against him, it's still a debate on who would actually win.

"You still didn't answer on why you're even down here. You couldn't have hitched a ride from Charon to the underworld just to inform me about current events?"

The demon, unlike the rest of the conversation seems to pause slightly. This seems slightly out of character for him.

"I did want to see how you were but honestly... I'm also hiding for the time being. The rest of the demonic world weren't supposed to find out about my tiny involvement in this till later on so my plans have been put on hold for now"

"Tiny involvement!? You literally commanded the entire majin army to invade the mortal world and failed miserably. You make it sound like it was nothing"

The demon almost looks a little irritated from what I just said there, almost as if he thinks I'm belittling him or something.

"Do you really think that little of me Dionysus, that what I've done wasn't on purpose? I literally made sure to poison that entire force before the battle itself! Listen young God, there's a reason for everything, trying to wipe out my entire race is something that doesn't concern you"

He actually is trying to wipe out the entire demonic race as well? Everyone knows demons want to destroy everything but actually going about it this way? This demon lord is crazy.

"So, that's why the attack went so lousy, it was done like that on purpose? I bet you also knew about how father would react to the failure as well, erupting the volcano"

Grinning like a madman, he definitely knew about that.

"Technically, he didn't even set it off, but that secret plan was also predicted as well. I'll reveal a little more to you in time but there needs to be the perfect moment for such an important piece of information, don't you think?"

Sighhh... it's almost as if he sees this entire thing as a game but there is something interesting about what he's doing. Maybe it's just boredom from the lack of anything else going on down here making me interested in what he's doing, there's no exactly much you can do staring at a cage door every single day. This is the longest I remember being sober as well.

By the sounds of it, I really wouldn't be surprised if Asmodeus is going for the destruction of every single soul, whether it be heavenly or mortal. Whatever he's up to, it's extremely big and may end up with Zeus's finally reaching his end. I'd be in agreement with him if it wasn't for the fact, he wants to destroy everything in the process.

"If you really are against him as well, why not join sides with me and release me from these chains then?"

"Heh, that sort of thing is impossible I'm afraid young God, I couldn't let you out even if I tried right now. Just wait patiently and this will soon be over. The volcano in particular will only last three more months so your time down here won't be as long as first feared. The rest of the time depends on how long it takes for them to show up here"

"Three months? Them? Just what is going on Asmodeus? You... found a new prophet, haven't you?"

It has to be something like that, the information this demon lord has makes no sense. Father doesn't share with anybody and yet this guy knows exactly when the ice age will end and that people will be coming down here? If it's not a prophet, then I have no idea...

"Heh, just don't worry about it young God. You'll know a lot more when you get to see your incarnate face to face next..."

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(Temporary Perspective Change)

"It's about time you showed up. Had the feeling you'd arrive any day now"

"Apologies for the lateness Jarl Denver, but this was the earliest I could do with everything going on"

A brown-haired beautiful woman, stands expressionless in front of me and my throne managing to arrive in the dwarven kingdom even in such a crisis. Dressed head to toe in tattered clothing, it's astonishing she's even managed to make her way here especially with the risks that currently face this world but then again, she has always been a woman of many talents. Such adaptability is nothing for her.

Before continuing on the conversation, I make sure to wave away my guards and advisor from the underground throne room itself. Still need to be careful but at least this allows a little more to be said.

"No worries... best to keep up appearances though, at least for the time being. I'm guessing things up there have gone to shit?"

"Yes Denver, it's exactly how we both predicted. The heavens are in uproar all calling for Zeus's head. I'm still not happy about this all but at this point, he's unsavable"

This exact scenario we both predicated centuries ago with Zeus declining mental capabilities and it's finally happened. I'd have personally loved to see his reaction from finding out he has been out meddled but that would require dying, no chance I'm throwing such a perfect life behind.

The problem with everything is what comes next. Helping the other Gods dethrone the God who rules all is an impossibility but if a different player were to enter the scene, then they'd have our complete backing. All that's needed is to find said person first though...

"Excellent. Now all we can do is wait and steer those who are powerful enough in the right direction. I did tell you decades ago it's impossible to remain neutral with him after all"

"That was based on your assumption that at the time held no credit. In hindsight, yes. I was incorrect but there's no reason to sound proud about such a thing"

Ah, maybe that did come across a little bratty towards her but then again, I'm still in the body of a child I suppose. You'll be shocked just how much this sort of thing can mess with your head but I've already gotten through the worst parts of mortal life. Learning to use the potty especially was a memory that will haunt me for eternity...

"Sometimes relying on things like luck and gut feeling work out more than you realize. Just look at me right now for example, this child's body was pretty much perfect for what was needed. Saved me years getting this right"

As usual, I'm one of the only people who can get a reaction out of the stoic women. We have known each other way too long so being able to push her button is sort of a skill of mine.

"Unlike you Denver, I had to find a way to come down here with a body suitable for instant use. Relying on pure luck like you did was extremely ill advised and could've ended up with you in the backend of nowhere"

It's not hard to understand she is correct but obviously my luck counters her reasoning. I had the feeling I'd reincarnate pretty close by to where I wanted and it happened. There's no amount of reasoning, knowledge and wisdom that can account for that and it confuses the hell out of her.

She's never been able to see the future but predications and logic have always been her strong suit. Both of us knew it was an inevitability that Zeus would eventually find some reason to set the volcano off again, this time around the fixation just had to be on the orange phoenix rather than Zeus knows what last time. It's just a good thing he doesn't know the core of this world more than I, I did create this blasted thing after all.

"Don't you start lecturing me again about that, we both know I don't only rely on luck. Are you forgetting that I'm still able to return to the heavens someday? You're now stuck down here permanently"

"That's true, but this was inevitable. You just put your trust in me and I'll do the same like how we've always done this"

"I never said I lost faith in you sister, just you're even more reckless than me at times..."