The gods attended the divine council enthusiastically. Apart from the meeting being compulsory, they are eager to attend the meeting because they want to know what he has to say after being silent for so long.
"I call this divine council to order." He said after everyone that will come had arrived.
He informed them of his intention straightaway. "I have decided to end this stalemate with the ants. I have called a Colossus from my church. The Colossus will enter the ant mound and get to the bottom of this issue."
He informed them for several reasons all of which revolves around a single word, "betrayal." A betrayal needs a betrayer. The first reason he is informing them is to let them know of his plan and hopefully reduce the chances of the new god using that as an opportunity to turn gods against him.
Some gods like Harkam still believe he is the one responsible for this entire situation. They believe he is doing it to remove their demigods and stop the creation of more divine lords in a bid to reduce changes like he always does.
He chose to inform them of his intentions to resolve it so that if it leads to another unfavorable situation like the death of demigods, it wouldn't lead to more misunderstandings. There will be more misunderstandings if he moves without informing the gods and something unfortunate happens.
The second important reason is to watch the reaction of the ants to his declaration. He wants to determine if there is already a betrayer among the gods. His plan is aimed at uncovering more about the situation so he doesn't mind the leakage of his plans. Whatever happens, is sure to clue him into the aim of the ants and the god helping them.
"I am only calling this meeting to inform you of my decision and not to open it to a discussion. It will happen and we will see the effects of my decision soon when the Colossus arrives. In the meantime, you can leave." His tone indicated the finality of the matter.
"I hereby declare this divine council dismissed."
The gods dispersed. No one said anything since he didn't call them here for their opinion. The seven gods who had demigods here felt sour about the decision but they don't care much anymore. They have a war to fight which requires their full attention. Plus they have already sacrificed more than the value of those demigods in the world war. As it is right now, the situation isn't about the demigods anymore but about disrespect of Harkam to them.
Stelios went to see Helios before he left. He found Helios meditating.
"When are you going to be ready to break through? I'll feel better if you're a transcendent and can protect yourself." He asked his son with concern due of a father.
"I can't become a transcendent or I won't be able to remain as the negotiator. The ants won't trust a transcendent, especially after what happened last time. It is unsafe to remain a negotiator but I can't leave it yet until my job has been fulfilled. " Helios replied with righteous determination.
Stelios smiled and nodded. He is impressed with Helios's show of comradery. It is a good quality that a parent will like to see in their child. It is also a quality that will make his plan for Helios go smoothly.
"Well, you won't have to worry about that any longer. The Celestial Supreme has sent for a Colossus. He intends to get to the bottom of the matter with the ant. Then you can return to the sun city and break through there. It will be safe for you to break through there and I won't have to worry about you anymore."
The relief that Stelios feels is evident in his voice. One will be able to tell how much concern he has for Helios.
Helios beamed. "That's great news."
"Yes, it is. So prepare yourself to leave this place."
Helios nodded like a dutiful son. "Thank you for your concern father. I'll return as soon as I am no longer needed."
Stelios left after having a short chat and Helios resumed his meditation. Except he isn't meditating anymore. His mind is thinking about a lot of things one of which is Stelios' sincerity to him.
Helios knows that Stelios wants him to be safe and sound. He is not basing his belief on the display of concern that Stelios is showing to him. He is basing in on what he found out after cracking the Stigmata and figuring out its complete purpose. If he were in Stelios' shoes, he will be concerned about his safety too considering the investment he has put in and what he hopes to get for it.
The other thing that he is worried about is the Celestial Supreme's declaration of action.
'It seems the tree father is out of time. Something has to be done about this.' He thought to himself.
The front lines had been in a state of reduced activity for more than a hundred years but it became active again because of the Celestial Supreme's declaration. Then something happened that put the front lines in a state of overdrive. It is something unexpected. The ants called for negotiation after years of silence. The gods gathered again for the event. They turned their gaze to the front lines and gave it their undivided attention.
'Now I am certain that there is a betrayer in our midst or could it be a coincidence that the ants asked for negotiation as soon as I am about to break this stalemate? One of these gods has betrayed me. Who is it?' The Celestial Supreme thought to himself as he scanned the crowd of sitting gods.
They seem innocent and jovial but one of them has betrayed him. He has been watching the frontlines like a hawk and he is aware of everything that took place including Stelios's conversation with Helios. Helios didn't do anything suspicious and neither did any soldier on the front lines.
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