"Celestial Thunder!!" Thessalus felt a shock, and at the same time, the heroism in his chest erupted.

Celestial Thunder, representing the authority of the sky with thunder and fury, using the name representing the sky for the god-slaying great ship, gave him an overwhelming sense of epic myth that made his blood boil.

As recorded in later times, the great hero Xediles discussed and confirmed the name of this god-slaying warship with himself, Celestial Thunder!

This sense of epic and destiny in the name is something no Greek can refuse, and it made them excited to raise their flags.

And just like that, almost all eyes in the world were focused on Troy.

While Troy awaited the gathering of heroes, Celestial Thunder was gradually taking shape.

...

During this time, Xue Dili was ceaselessly collecting disease and suffering; even with the Birdman Armor and Athena's protection, Xue Dili felt the numbness of his body and the wails of his organs.

He had forgotten how much suffering he had collected. During this time, his fame had spread throughout all of Troy because he had virtually cured all of the city's diseases.

Now, even just stepping outside, countless people would spontaneously pray and bless him. Every morning, he would find many gifts outside his house.

He seemed to have gotten used to life in Ancient Greece, and even began to like the Greek mindset. Whether heroes or commoners, this place, full of heroic worshippers, was indeed dirty in many ways, yet also incredibly pure.

To any hero, their honor and integrity were seen as more precious than life itself. They did not engage in convoluted schemes; they acted openly and courageously. This was the impression Greek heroes left on him.

Greek heroes were easy to get along with; they primarily valued their reputation and accomplishments. Talking about leaving their mark on history and achieving great feats made them want to rush into action, their momentum as if even passing Zeus would get hit several times.

Easy to placate.

Xue Dili felt that these Greek heroes were a bit like the swordsmen or knights of the Spring and Autumn and Warring States period, seeking fame, prestige, grand achievements, and glory. Yet, they genuinely valued their honor and integrity over their lives.

In these days, heroes were arriving in Troy one after another, including those who would be famous in later generations, such as the Great Ajax, who possessed the Blazing Heaven Covering Seven Rings.

The protagonist of the mythological epic Odyssey, the hero who would become famous later for the 'Trojan Horse stratagem,' Odysseus.

It's worth noting that this man, just hitting his thirties and looking unkempt, arrived in Troy dust-laden, with new armor and spears on his horse, smiling: "I sold my young armor; this is newly bought..."

Even though Odysseus wasn't famous yet, future generations would jokingly call him the Greek "little Jia Xu."

Of course, more importantly, he was the protagonist of the Odyssey and notoriously known as a 'cowardly hero.' Why would he partake in this suicidal journey?

All other heroes came for glory; they wanted their names in history, preferably in their personal epics.

But Odysseus was different; Xue Dili knew he wasn't here for glory or fame. Otherwise, in original myths, he wouldn't have used a series of ruthless plots that even the gods couldn't tolerate. He was a rare unique figure among glory-driven Greek heroes.

"Thank you for your aid, noble hero from afar," Xue Dili habitually used the Cursed Blood then curiously asked, "Hero Odysseus, why have you come?"

This question piqued the interest of the other heroes present, as they were all here for glory.

Odysseus sighed, looking at these heroes seeking glory, he explained, "I have seen the apocalypse..."

Having said that, he glanced across the sea, "I just want to prevent this apocalypse; after all, my child has just been born..."

The heroes were stunned, unable to conceive that someone wasn't here for glory, seemingly just genuinely wishing to prevent the apocalypse.

Xue Dili said no more, nodding slightly before departing. His plan was nearing its end; the stage was set, the Celestial Thunder was ready, and he could head to Olympus at any time.

They had only this one chance.

...

Elsewhere, Zeus had been feeling somewhat ill at ease in recent months.

The anger from being fooled by a mortal months ago hadn't dissipated, but it was mostly replaced by the unease from the plague spreading in Olympus and his restless mind.

Zeus knew the reason for his unrest was the curse that he would be killed by his youngest offspring.

Fate seemed to whisper that his youngest son would kill him. Yet how? His youngest son was just three years old! Secretly hidden in Athens' royal palace, unknown to any god!

Recently, he'd been consulting the Fates frequently to predict how his youngest might kill him, in hopes of preparing a countermeasure.

But no matter how he tested, he couldn't foresee his fate concerning his youngest.

Growing more anxious, Zeus decided to delay the curse with an old method—by siring another child, thus transferring the curse.

So, without further ado, the god king of Ancient Greece, master of Minotaurs, Zeus, decided to descend and again play the role of a bull-headed man, raising children for other kings.

Zeus searched all over Ancient Greece and paused when he saw Troy.

Why were so many heroes gathered there? He hadn't started the Trojan War yet!

A moment of confusion, then he noticed a familiar mortal who had once fooled him!

Almost forgot about him.

Zeus initially intended to directly punish by summoning Typhon's Demon Beast to attack this mortal, but then he heard Xue Dili's muttering: "In my impetuous youth, this time I'll bear the harshest thorns and ask for forgiveness from Father Zeus, bringing the treasures and heroes of all Greece to witness my redemption..."

Zeus was taken aback, then activated his profound wisdom.

Oh, was this a plan to seek forgiveness with all Greek heroes in tow? More importantly, he recognized Odysseus among them, his key piece in the Odyssey journey.

In that case, why not let this entire journey mark the beginning of the Seven Days of Destruction? Zeus's profound wisdom sparked a new plan, now intrigued by this beautiful youth's "apologetic gesture."

Adding the gods' trials and the prelude to the Seven Days of Destruction, this could become a new heroic epic like the saga of the Argo returning with the Golden Fleece.

Zeus found his interest piqued, letting the anger from being fooled dissipate. If a Greek version of "bearing thorns for forgiveness" happened, he would arrange for a goddess to join, seeking thorns that cause ultimate suffering on a specific island.

With that thought, Zeus felt quite thrilled.

After the arrangements were made, Zeus recalled his original purpose—descending as a bull-headed man to visit some empress or princess.

He spotted Menelaus, King of Sparta, presently in Troy.

Then he thought of the one residing in Sparta, the most beautiful woman in Greece, Spartan Queen Helen.

Instantly, Zeus transformed into King Menelaus's visage, approached Helen's chamber, and knocked, saying, "Helen, open up; it's Menelaus..."

...

[Zeus is watching you, be prepared.]

This prompt had flashed across the screen just minutes ago.

Xue Dili quickly shifted into another gear, commencing a planned performance.

Upon the Great Sage informing him Zeus had gone, he sighed in relief, knowing Zeus had indeed taken an interest, surely arranging someone to partake in this epic tale.

And three days hence, the Celestial Thunder would depart on its voyage to Olympus.

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