"It is indeed to test you."
Gaia's answer made Tyche feel even more absurd, but the Earth Goddess then burst into hearty laughter.
"Chaos should not have used our power to create the world," Gaia laughed heartily. "Isn't it ridiculous? The creator god was swallowed by the world he himself created. Chaos is now slumbering in the origin."
"His power was decomposed by the world, and concepts like Earth and Night were born from it. I was the first to awaken."
"We inherited the creator god's power and became primordial gods, while he could only watch us usurp the world he created, powerless to stop us."
Gaia laughed so hard she swayed, even shedding tears of joy. "The Laws, under the threat of my collapsing earth, agreed to let me leave, as long as I could provide them with a successor. Then I would be released from this long imprisonment."
"Your growth has been unexpectedly smooth. I will soon be free!"
Tyche was silent for a moment. "Am I the successor you chose?"
Gaia nodded. "If you are willing, all of mine, including the power and status of a primordial god, will be yours. You can also continue to threaten the Laws with the collapsing earth to let me go."
"Don't you want to return to the world you were born in? I've always been watching you. Isn't the reason you've always refused Helios's love because you still have attachments in your heart?"
Tyche calmly closed her eyes. "Helios fell in love with me due to the influence of Eros. Even the appearances of Cannas and Zeus were all part of your plan."
"You haven't lost anything, have you?" Gaia explained eagerly. "Helios's love for you will be forever loyal! Zeus becomes the king of the gods, and you, as the mother of the king of the gods, will gain supreme glory! As long as you accept my power and become a primordial god, we can both get what we want!"
"Gaia, or perhaps Cybele, if there's one thing I've learned in this long divine career, it's equivalent exchange."
Tyche lowered her eyes, her emotions unreadable. "I used the power of fate without restraint, and fate rewarded me with family, friendship, and love as bonds. So, what kind of shackles will inheriting your primordial god position put on me?"
The Earth Goddess hesitated for a moment, then sighed. "Time. You will maintain the operation of the earth's power for a long time, until the Laws obtain primordial power equivalent to a primordial god, and then they will release you."
"But you've also sensed it, haven't you? The crystal wall system you brought to the world has been continuously transforming chaotic energy and strengthening the world. Coupled with the primordial power obtained from maintaining the existence of the earth, you will also gain freedom soon."
Tyche slowly shook her head in Gaia's hopeful gaze. "I don't believe this is the entire price. Perhaps the Goddess of Night would be more honest than you."
Tyche was quite self-aware. If she clearly refused, she might not be able to leave the Earth Temple.
Gaia, who had gained hope and then lost it, might do something unexpected. It was best to stall for time.
A flicker of disappointment crossed Gaia's face, but she quickly regained her composure and said confidently, "The conditions I offer are absolutely the most favorable. The Earth Temple welcomes your arrival at any time."
Tyche, who left in a hurry, did not immediately go to the Underworld but quietly returned to the Invisible Island.
There was a problem in Gaia's explanation that could not be ignored: if she replaced her as a primordial god, when would the next successor recognized by the Laws appear? What would be the requirements for this successor?
These were all issues that needed careful consideration, but Gaia had glossed over them, avoiding the crucial points and offering no explanation.
Fortunately, she now understood Gaia's purpose. If there was no room for negotiation, Gaia would not have attacked her; otherwise, the Laws might have used the loss of the crystal wall system's power as an excuse to demand compensation from Gaia for the lost primordial power. Gaia, unwilling to wait any longer, would not have voluntarily extended her imprisonment.
Only the dryads and sirens remained on the Invisible Island. Tyche's return did not disturb the attendants.
The constant anxieties surged within her, and Tyche felt utterly exhausted by the events that had been unfolding.
With a sigh, Tyche floated in the pool, emptying her mind. In a semi-conscious state, she was awakened by a warm touch on her face. A golden-red hibiscus flower landed on Tyche's face. The large blossom had no distracting fragrance, but it only made Tyche more agitated.
The nymphs had learned of the Thunder God's succession to the throne of the gods from the Rainbow Goddesses. Their rejoicing was to be expected. The son of a supreme god becoming the new king of the gods was such a glorious event.
The attendants' spirits were renewed, and even their busy footsteps became cheerful.
Iris and Alcay brought Zeus's request to Tyche. The God of Strength, Atlas, had, after the persuasion of his brother Prometheus, given up the newly acquired position of supreme god. The king of the gods needed the supreme gods to witness the first divine succession since his enthronement.
Tyche readily agreed. Zeus was using this opportunity to establish his authority before the gods. She happily went to the divine mountain to support her son.
After Zeus's enthronement, he renamed Mount Othrys as Olympus, meaning "place of light." This time, Tyche did not have to force herself to attend these tiresome banquets. The gods also did not have the audacity to approach Tyche for favors, silently giving the goddess enough space.
Tyche, lost in thought in the garden, was disturbed by the Goddess of Starry Night. Asteria did not blame Tyche for the God of Growth and the God of Stars being cast into the abyss. The goddess who presided over astrology sat beside her friend as usual, quietly accompanying Tyche.
"Leto has successfully merged the divine office of Fortune and become the Goddess of Fortune," Asteria said slowly, breaking the silence as Tyche regained her senses.
"Like you, she inherited the prophetic divine nature of the Goddess of Prophecy. This is only natural. I expect Leto will also be promoted to a middle-tier deity soon."
Tyche smiled and offered her blessings to Leto.
Sensing her friend's low spirits, Asteria did not speak further. The two goddesses sat under the pomegranate tree, gazing at the blooming flowers in a daze.
The silent companionship of the Goddess of Starry Night warmed Tyche's heart.
"Asteria."
"I'm here," the Goddess of Starry Night's voice was as gentle and tranquil as the night.
"If one day you find yourself living in a script written for you by someone else, would you refuse to believe it?"
The Goddess of Starry Night tilted her head to look at Tyche. "The answer is often very simple. Doesn't the person who asked the question already know it?"