Absolute darkness shrouded everything.
It was a profound abyss where even time seemed frozen—a realm of nothingness where all things returned to silence.
Within this domain, where even sound was swallowed, only the most primitive sign of life—a faint breath—bore witness to the awakening of a solitary existence.
He opened his eyes.
What greeted him was a pitch-black, deathly silent cavern.
The rock walls were unnaturally smooth, resembling the inner lining of some gigantic living organ, yet they possessed the unmistakable texture of stone.
Silence reigned.
There wasn’t even the faint drip of water echoing through the cave.
The only sound was the quiet rush of air passing through his nose as he breathed.
Yet strangely, despite the suffocating darkness, he could see everything with perfect clarity.
The texture of the stone walls, the tiny bumps scattered across the ground, the winding outlines of distant tunnels—every detail was laid bare before his eyes in a way that defied common sense, as though the darkness itself had parted for him, or as if his vision had long since surpassed mortal limitations.
The contradiction filled him with an overwhelming sense of unease.
“…What’s going on?” His whisper echoed through the silence.
He tried to push himself up, pressing his palms against the cold ground.
It didn’t feel like rock.
Instead, it resembled some kind of hardened organic material.
Fragments of memory surfaced.
The last thing he remembered was the endless blue sea.
Sunlight filtered through the water, scattering dancing rays across the ocean floor.
Schools of fish darted between coral reefs… Then came the suffocating pressure.
Seawater flooded his lungs, and his consciousness sank into darkness.
He should have died.
Before he could make sense of his chaotic thoughts, a steady rhythm of footsteps echoed from deep within the cavern, shattering the silence.
Tap.
Tap.
Tap.
Neither hurried nor slow, the footsteps reverberated through the enclosed space.
Whoever was approaching might be the only clue to this strange place—a lifeline… or an unknown danger.
His body tensed instinctively.
Without thinking, years of martial arts training took over, placing him in a fighting stance.
Even though his mind was still in turmoil, his body had already prepared itself for battle.
A figure emerged from the depths of the tunnel.
It was a young man—or perhaps someone standing on the threshold between adolescence and adulthood.
His shoulder-length black hair flowed like ink, while his pitch-black eyes seemed darker than the darkness surrounding them.
His entire presence radiated a gloom utterly at odds with his youthful appearance.
He possessed a broad frame with powerful shoulders.
Beneath his simple robes, firm muscles were faintly outlined.
Seeing that the stranger carried no weapon, he relaxed ever so slightly.
As someone who had trained in martial arts for years, he was confident he could escape as long as he wasn’t facing an armed professional.
That judgment, however, came from the mindset of an ordinary man.
He had yet to realize that the world before him could no longer be measured by common sense.
Holding his breath, he watched the newcomer carefully.
The black-haired youth stopped several paces away and slowly spoke.
“Thou art finally awake, my brother.
I feared thou wouldst not awaken until after Father had slain thee.” After a brief pause, he added, “Thou didst look so peaceful with thine eyes closed.
Thou truly slept deeply.” The words left him utterly bewildered.
What was this supposed to mean?
Father?
Slain?
Just moments ago, he had been drowning in the ocean.
Now he’d somehow stumbled into a family dispute?
His thoughts raced, desperately searching for some logic behind the absurd conversation.
The black-haired youth studied his expression before clicking his tongue, his dramatic tone slipping slightly.
“Tsk… it seems you still haven’t figured out our situation.” “We were swallowed by our father, Kronos.” “We are currently living inside his stomach.” “Kronos?!” The name struck him like lightning.
Greek mythology.
The Titan King.
Son of Uranus and Gaia.
The father who devoured his own children.
Fragments of memory rapidly assembled themselves.
Kronos, the second King of the Gods, feared the prophecy that one of his children would overthrow him.
To prevent that fate, he swallowed each newborn whole the moment they were born.
He had read this myth years ago as a student.
Back then, it had been nothing more than an unbelievable legend.
Never had he imagined becoming part of it himself.
“Oh?” The black-haired youth noticed the change in his expression.
“Your eyes have changed.
Have you remembered?
Remembered being swallowed alive?” He immediately resumed his self-important demeanor.
“It is only natural.
As divine children, we are born extraordinary.” “Though, including you, I have only seen three of our kind.” At first, hearing such an over-the-top way of speaking combined with the robes and appearance, he had assumed the other man was merely role-playing.
But the longer he looked… The more impossible that explanation became.
The youth possessed a perfection that no makeup or costume could imitate.
There was an indescribable sense of divinity about him.
His skin emitted a faint radiance even in the darkness.
Every feature seemed sculpted by the hands of a master craftsman, flawless beyond mortal possibility.
More importantly… There was an ancient, transcendent aura that naturally accompanied him.
It wasn’t something that could be faked.
Looking down at his own hands, he froze.
His skin had become smooth as polished jade.
His fingers were slender yet powerful.
Even his fingernails shimmered with a pearly sheen.
He reached up to touch his face.
Sharper features.
A higher bridge of the nose.
Everything felt undeniably real.
‘Divine child…’ The words echoed through his mind.
If this was some elaborate prank… The production value was absurd.
There was one simple way to confirm it.
“What is your name?” he asked, his voice much steadier now.
“My name?” The black-haired youth raised an eyebrow.
“No one bestowed one upon me.” “So I have none.” He nodded before asking again, “Uh… do you always talk like that?” The youth froze.
Embarrassment flashed across his face, and the dignified façade he had been maintaining nearly crumbled.
That tiny reaction suddenly made everything feel real.
No matter who this person was, at this moment he was simply an awkward boy whose act had been exposed.
Searching his hazy memories of Greek mythology, he recalled the children of Kronos and Rhea.
Hestia.
Demeter.
Hera.
Hades.
Poseidon.
Zeus alone had escaped because Rhea had replaced him with a stone.
If his guess was correct… Then the young man before him was the future King of the Underworld.
Who would have thought the legendary ruler of the dead had been such an embarrassing show-off as a child?
Still, if Hades was here, then his other siblings were probably nearby.
That thought eased him considerably.
At least he wasn’t trapped in this bizarre place alone.
“Ahem.” Hades cleared his throat, trying to recover his dignity.
“I speak thus to display the bearing expected of the eldest brother—or rather, the only son at present.” “Someone must lead everyone in the future.” After confirming the other’s identity, the last trace of tension disappeared from his heart.
He laughed.
“Come on.” “We can’t even get out of Kronos’s stomach, and you’re already talking about leading everyone?” “Shouldn’t we figure out how to escape first?” His tone was openly teasing.
Although he wasn’t entirely sure what Hades had been like in mythology, seeing the future god acting like an overly dramatic teenager was surprisingly entertaining.
Then again… The Greek gods had always been famous for possessing personalities every bit as flawed as mortals.
Watching a kid desperately trying to act cool really was amusing.
Of course… Considering the circumstances, he himself had apparently become a newborn god as well.
To anyone else, they were probably just a group of children pretending to be adults.
If one ignored the fact that they were trapped inside the stomach of a Titan.
Hades’ already-dark expression grew even darker.
Wisps of black mist seeped from around his body.
The smoke seemed woven from darkness itself, curling around his arms and shoulders while radiating an icy chill.
Almost instinctively, power surged through his own body in response.
He clenched his fists.
A current of energy gathered within his palms as a faint mist rose around him.
Without backing down, he met Hades’ gaze.
The atmosphere immediately became tense.
Two fledgling gods faced one another within the narrow cavern, their immature divine powers colliding invisibly in the air.
“Oh, great.
One moody brother was already enough, and now there’s another blue-haired troublemaker.
Boys really are a pain.” A clear yet impatient female voice suddenly interrupted them, instantly dissolving the tension.
It came from the cave entrance.
Both he and Hades withdrew their auras simultaneously and turned toward the sound.
Three young girls stood at the entrance, their presence seeming to brighten the dark cavern.
Leading them was a red-haired girl standing with her hands on her hips, glaring at them in obvious annoyance.
She was breathtakingly beautiful.
Her fiery red hair resembled dancing flames, striking even in the darkness.
The strands drifted gently, as though real fire burned within them.
Her features were exquisite.
Snow-white skin.
Cherry-red lips.
Crimson eyes that gleamed like burning rubies.
She wore a simple white dress whose thin fabric softly outlined the figure of a girl just beginning to mature.
Her bare feet stepped lightly across the stone floor, revealing graceful ankles and elegant arches.
Yet all that beauty was overshadowed by her overwhelming presence.
She stood like a flame ready to erupt at any moment—beautiful, brilliant, and dangerous.
Slightly behind her stood two other girls.
The one on the left had long platinum-blonde hair cascading over her shoulders, glowing softly in the darkness.
Her demeanor was gentle and serene.
Emerald eyes quietly observed everything before her.
Though dressed in the same white gown, her aura couldn’t have been more different.
If the red-haired girl was blazing fire… Then she was a gentle breeze—warm, calming, and soothing.
The girl on the right had deep brown hair the color of ripened wheat beneath an autumn sun.
It was tied back simply, revealing a smooth forehead and delicate features.
She gazed at them with innocent curiosity.
Among the three, she was the most slender, making her loose white dress emphasize an almost fragile beauty.
Standing together, the three girls formed a breathtaking scene.
Flame.
Breeze.
Earth.
Three entirely different kinds of beauty existing in perfect harmony.
“My sisters… ye have come.” Hades visibly shrank back.
Even the black mist surrounding him quickly faded.
“I’ve told you before,” the red-haired girl said flatly, stepping into the cave.
“If you don’t stop talking like that, I’m going to beat you up.” “It’s not that…” “Our new brother is here.
I have to maintain some dignity…” Hades muttered weakly.
“Oh, please.” “You were about to start a fight with him.” Just a few words were enough to completely shut Hades down.
She strode between them, glared at Hades, then turned toward the newly awakened youth and carefully examined him.
‘Hera…’ He immediately reached his conclusion.
According to mythology, Hera was the Queen of Heaven—the goddess of marriage and childbirth, famous for both her authority and her jealousy.
Looking at this fiery young girl, he suddenly felt those ancient myths might have been more accurate than he’d thought.
Some personalities really did begin early.
Just as he was quietly studying her, Hera noticed.
Her eyebrows shot upward.
She strode over aggressively.
“Hey, blue-eyes.” “What are you staring at?” “Keep looking, and I’ll knock those eyes right out of your head.” Despite the height difference, her imposing attitude completely made up for it.
Standing close enough to smell the fragrance of roses lingering in her hair, he could clearly see the sparks dancing within her crimson eyes.
They really were beautiful.
Shaking his head helplessly, he asked, “Are you my sister?” “I guess.” “But just like that gloomy guy over there, you don’t exactly look like someone I’d get along with.” Hera snorted.
He calmly extended his hand.
“Nice to meet you.” “I’m Poseidon.” “And what is your name?” “…Huh?” Hera blinked.
“Your name.” “The way people address you.” He explained patiently.
Instantly, her fierce expression collapsed.
The aggressive older-sister act vanished, replaced by the bewilderment of a young girl caught completely off guard.
Her lips parted slightly.
She wanted to answer.
But she couldn’t.
It was hardly surprising.
A god swallowed immediately after birth… One who had never met their parents… Who had never even been given a name… How could such a child answer that question?
They possessed divine power.
Yet lacked even the most basic sense of identity.
As for himself… The moment he had heard the name Kronos, he had already decided.
He would call himself Poseidon.
Since he had somehow entered Greek mythology, possessed deep blue eyes, and could already feel the power of water flowing through him… He might as well embrace his fate.
Besides… He had always loved the sea.
“You… who says you get to have a name?!” Hera shouted, trying to hide her embarrassment.
Her cheeks gradually reddened.
The blush spread all the way to the tips of her ears.
Poseidon wasn’t offended.
Instead, he found her flustered reaction unexpectedly adorable.
Patiently, he replied, “Because I gave myself one.” “Poseidon.” “It means ‘Lord of the Earth,’ ‘Earth-Shaker,’ and ruler of the seas, rivers, and lakes.” “The King of the Sea.” The cave fell silent.
Not only Hera… Even the platinum-haired girl, the brown-haired girl, and Hades gathered around him.
Their eyes shone with curiosity and longing.
For these newborn gods, trapped inside Kronos since birth and able to learn about the outside world only through muffled voices… Every unfamiliar word Poseidon spoke was irresistibly fascinating.
Earth.
Ocean.
River.
Lake.
Lord.
King.
Each word painted another piece of the vast world beyond this prison.
More than that… They wanted names of their own.
A name wasn’t merely something to be called.
It was proof of existence.
The boundary between “me” and everyone else.
The first step toward becoming an individual.
Even Hera, pretending not to care, quietly leaned closer.
Though she deliberately looked elsewhere, her attention never left him.
Looking at the girls, Poseidon easily matched them with the memories of mythology.
The gentle brunette was Demeter.
Future Goddess of Agriculture.
The platinum-blonde girl was Hestia.
Goddess of the Hearth.
Hera and Hades required no further guessing.
“Um…” Hestia spoke softly.
“What are oceans and rivers?” Her voice was gentle as spring itself.
“And… what is the Earth?” Demeter asked curiously.
“And what exactly is a ‘Lord’?” Hades asked immediately.
His eyes fixed firmly on Poseidon.
The word had clearly struck something deep within him.
Three pairs of eyes… No, four—including Hera’s secret glances— all focused on Poseidon.
At that moment, age no longer mattered.
Knowledge had become true authority.
Poseidon sensed their eagerness.
Though born with divine power, they were still children.
Curious.
Eager.
Hungry to understand the world.
He suddenly realized that within this little family, he might not become the youngest brother everyone protected.
Instead… He might become the one who introduced them to the world beyond these walls.
“Alright.” “One question at a time.” “I’ll explain everything.” He sat upon a flat stone.
The others quickly gathered around him in a circle.
“I’ll ask first!” Demeter eagerly raised her hand.
“What is the Earth?” “It sounds wonderful.” “And where did your name come from?” “Did Mother give it to you before Father swallowed you?” The innocent question caused everyone’s expressions to change.
Hestia lowered her eyes.
Hera looked away.
Even Hades’ expression flickered ever so slightly.
Though they had never met their mother… They all longed for her.
And feared that she had abandoned them.
“The Earth is the land beneath our feet that supports all living things.” Poseidon spoke as simply as he could.
“Imagine this cave stretching outward forever.” “Flowers, grass, forests, animals…” “Everything living upon it.” “And above it stretches the sky.” “That is the Earth.” “As for my name…” “It simply appeared in my mind.” “Perhaps Mother somehow left this knowledge with me before Father swallowed me.” “As for your third question…” “It’s basically the same answer.” “So I won’t repeat myself.” He smiled.
Demeter nodded thoughtfully.
In her mind, only their mother could have secretly passed such knowledge to Poseidon.
After all… Who in this world would dare oppose Kronos?
The mighty King of the Gods.
The uneasy fear that their mother had abandoned them quietly faded.
Hestia smiled faintly.
Even Hera, despite pretending otherwise, looked noticeably relieved.
Poseidon caught every subtle change.
“My turn.” Hades immediately spoke.
“What exactly is a ‘Lord’?” He had no interest in anything else.
Whether their mother had abandoned them or not mattered little.
Or perhaps it did.
He simply refused to admit it.
What truly interested him… Was power.
Authority.
Dominion.
“It means something belongs completely to you.” Poseidon explained.
“If this cave were yours, then before any of us could stay here, we’d need your permission.” “In short…” “It means absolute ownership.” The moment Hades heard that answer, his eyes lit up.
The longing burning within them became unmistakable.
The word perfectly matched the image he held of himself.
Before Poseidon appeared, he had been the only brother.
He had always believed it was his responsibility to lead everyone.
Even if his sisters—especially Hera—rarely listened to him.
“A wonderful word…” “A truly wonderful word.” Hades murmured.
“Is it greater than ‘King’?” Poseidon casually nodded.
Hades immediately sank into deep contemplation.
At that moment, Hera quietly sidled over.
She lowered her voice.
“So…” “Can we have names too?” Her usual confidence had disappeared.
Instead, cautious anticipation filled her crimson eyes.
“Of course.” Poseidon smiled.
“Then…” “What are our names?” “Huh?” “You’re asking me?” “Obviously!” “You’re the only one here who even knows what names are!” Hera snapped.
Though this time, her anger was little more than a disguise for her nervousness.
Poseidon suddenly felt a headache coming on.
He had chosen the name Poseidon simply because he knew Greek mythology and had always loved the sea.
Nothing more.
But now… They wanted him to name them.
The future King of the Underworld.
The future Queen of Heaven.
The future Goddess of Agriculture.
The future Goddess of the Hearth.
If this truly was Greek mythology… Then names might carry genuine power.
Silence stretched.
Hera grew anxious.
“Why aren’t you saying anything?” “Is Mother only willing to give you a name?” Her voice echoed throughout the cavern.
Everyone looked toward him.
Hope.
Unease.
Even jealousy.
Poseidon rubbed his temples.
“Alright, alright.” “Stop shouting.” “Give me a moment.” He took a deep breath.
Things had already come this far.
He might as well see it through.
If history still followed the myths, these names would be correct.
And if they weren’t… Who could blame