The moment Eros had figured things out, his power surged like a dam finally breaking.
It was like someone who’d been constipated for ten years finally finding sweet release, his magnetic field burst forth uncontrollably.
His calmly circulating Cosmos suddenly expanded like a Big Bang, detonating outward with incredible force.
Even without a single word, Oceanus could sense the transformation.
Eros’ power continued to climb, catching even Oceanus’ attention as it pierced through the abyss and shot up toward the sky.
Even in broad daylight, a lone star could be seen shining, its final, radiant blaze.
With that clarity of thought, Eros’ magnetic field naturally ascended to the realm of "Starbreaker."
His rapidly growing Cosmos also pushed near the pinnacle of the Sixth Sense, faintly brushing against the threshold of the Seventh Sense, Manas, the depth of true self-awareness.
While he hadn’t fully broken through in the physical sense, this single moment of realization had elevated him to a whole new level.
The Eros of now could easily defeat the Eros from ten minutes ago in under ten seconds.
That’s what you call "willpower-based combat." That’s what it means to be a Super-Type protagonist.
All Eros needed to do now was train in how to control and master his power. Growth? That wasn’t something he ever needed to worry about again.
"So it’s true, you really are full of secrets."
Oceanus finally spoke after Eros opened his eyes.
For gods, power was built upon a triad: divine domain, divinity, and divine force. It couldn’t just explode into being like Eros’ had.
Even though his current strength still didn’t amount to much in her eyes, the implications behind that explosive growth were something else entirely.
Eros slowly drew in his aura and replied calmly,
"Having secrets is pretty normal, isn’t it? Without a few, I wouldn’t have made it this far."
Honestly, he’d been out of his mind earlier. Other people might be ruined by wine and women, but not him.
The closer he got to love and lust, the stronger he became.
Achievements? Nice, but secondary. Chasing girls? Primary. Both paths together? That’s what you call synergy.
Now that his mindset had been restored, a natural smile returned to Eros’ face.
Why be scared? All he had to do was grow his wings, leave connections, build bonds.
When the day came that he couldn’t beat Hera, the power of love and bonds would descend upon him and bless him with the might of a million divine stallions.
"That’s not wrong," Oceanus agreed.
She stood up again but didn’t pressure Eros to reveal anything further. She had no intention of using strength to force his secrets from him.
"You do need power. But I’m afraid I can’t help you in that regard."
Can’t help with this, can’t help with that... You sure you’re the ruler of the ocean?
Still, considering how many daughters you have, I’ll let it slide.
Eros didn’t feel any disappointment at her refusal.
He hadn’t come to her seeking anything specific, it had all been a surprise visit anyway.
What really mattered was wrapping up this conversation and getting back to pursuing the future Queen of the Seas.
"But since you’ve come to the Oceanic Domain, I will ensure your safety. No matter what Hera wants to do, here you are absolutely safe."
Oceanus’ voice was soft, but her tone was firm with unshakable confidence.
"For convenience, why not let Hebe be your guide during your stay?"
The suggestion came smoothly, almost as if it had been planned all along.
"I... already agreed with Lady Amphitrite..." Eros reflexively tried to decline, then awkwardly backtracked.
"I mean, of course, I wouldn’t mind if both goddesses—"
"You humans really are greedy."
Oceanus shook her head with a helpless smile. If it had been any other god here instead of her, Eros would’ve been struck down with divine punishment for speaking so freely.
"Amphitrite has other important matters to attend to. I apologize on her behalf for the change in plans."
Eros had expected as much.
It seemed Oceanus didn’t want her children getting too deeply involved with him.
But Styx and Perseis? He was fine with them. They didn’t carry any baggage.
Amphitrite, though...
Eros frowned slightly and asked,
"By ’important matters’... do you mean she’s being sent to become the Sea Queen?"
Oceanus gave a knowing smile and nodded.
"So you’ve sensed it too. As expected of a prophet, you understand the fate that awaits that child."
Amphitrite was destined to become the Sea Queen. From every angle, that fate was already set.
Poseidon needed a queen. And that queen had to be a daughter of Oceanus.
Amphitrite was born for that role. Though a goddess, she had never been granted a divine domain of her own.
Because the only thing waiting for her was the Sea Queen’s throne.
Eros shrugged, choosing not to respond.
"You clearly have something to say," Oceanus noted, watching him closely. "You don’t seem to approve."
She had picked that up from her conversations with Styx.
"Well, no matter what I say or think, I doubt it would change your mind. After all, I’m just a mere human, aren’t I?"
Eros’ tone was light, his expression calm.
"You’re right. I won’t change my decision."
Oceanus nodded, her eyes never leaving his.
"But I can also see in your eyes that you don’t care what my decision is."
"Well, that’s just how it is, isn’t it? You do you, I do me. We don’t interfere, simple and clean."
Both of them understood the other’s stance. There was no need to keep pressing the topic.
Oceanus was hedging her bets, just like always. She wouldn’t stop Poseidon, but she wouldn’t stop Eros either.
Whether Amphitrite became the Sea Queen or Eros overturned fate, it didn’t matter to her.
She wouldn’t take sides. She wouldn’t play favorites.
"Well, in any case... thank you for your generosity. Your grace really is as vast as the sea."
That, at least, was something Eros said with sincere respect.
He’d half-expected to be put in his place or mocked by some pompous god.
But Oceanus’ temperament was gentle and pleasant, so much so that Eros couldn’t help but wonder...
Wait a second. Was my charm passive buff working here too? That’s amazing.
More allies, fewer enemies, that’s a winning formula in every world.
Olympus’ ultimate social butterfly? That title might be his one day.
"Well then, we’ve said all that needed saying. The rest is up to you."
Oceanus’ body dissolved into flowing water and merged back into the watery ring encircling the divine throne.
"Stay here, and I’ll guarantee your safety. Leave, and that’s your own choice."
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Hey everyone! I’ll be dropping an extra 1 Chapter once we hit 750 power stones! If you’re enjoying the story, don’t forget to spend some power stones. I’d really appreciate the support. Thanks a bunch!
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