Cronus' system: Against the gods

Chapter 155 Who are You

Jefferson strode forward, each step deliberate and heavy, as if the weight of his fury threatened to shatter the ground beneath him. Sparks of crimson Aether crackled around his clenched fists, casting a flickering glow that mirrored the storm brewing in his eyes.

His gaze wasn't just angry, it burned with a deeper, more personal resentment, like embers of an old fire rekindled. It was clear this wasn't just about Rex. This was a confrontation long overdue.

"You have no right to abduct a citizen of Stellar City and toy with their life just to serve your selfish ambitions!" Jefferson's voice thundered, reverberating off the walls like a cannon blast.

But the general remained still, his icy demeanor unwavering. His cold eyes locked onto Jefferson's, betraying no hint of fear or guilt. "And what gives you the right to question my authority, Jefferson?" he replied, his words cutting through the tension like a blade.

Jefferson's sharp gaze flickered to Rex for a moment, scanning him for injuries. To his relief, Rex appeared unharmed, leaning casually against a wall as if he were waiting for the show to begin. Jefferson couldn't help but suppress a smirk at the boy's nonchalance. "Persistent as ever, huh, Roach?" he muttered under his breath before turning his attention back to Silas. Explore more stories at empire

"Why are you so hell-bent on getting your hands on this boy, Veldrick?" Jefferson's voice lowered, his words laced with venom as he arched a brow, daring the General to respond.

Veldrick hesitated, his expression flickering for the briefest moment. It was as if he was weighing the consequences of his next words, fully aware of the storm he was about to unleash. He inhaled slowly, steeling himself. "Who knows? Perhaps his body holds the key to finally eradicating the monsters that plague this world," he said, his voice calm but heavy with intent.

Jefferson's expression darkened, his smirk fading into a cold, dangerous smile. His voice dripped with mockery as he responded, "Oh, really? And if you're so desperate for answers, why haven't you gone to the Valenbrook family? Or me?"

The air grew heavy with unspoken accusations, the tension crackling like the Aether sparks still flaring around Jefferson. He stepped closer, his smirk widening as he added, "Oh, that's right. You can't.

Because if you so much as laid a hand on Valenbrook's daughter, they'd have your head served on a silver platter before sundown. And as for me..." Jefferson's smile turned razor-sharp, his voice dropping to a low, menacing drawl, "You know better than to cross me, don't you, Veldrick?"

Veldrick's jaw tightened, but he said nothing. Jefferson leaned in slightly, his words slicing through the silence like a whip. "So instead, you target an orphan? Someone with no family, no resources to fight back. How... cowardly, General."

The last word hung in the air like a challenge, daring Silas to respond. Jefferson's crimson Aether flared brighter, casting eerie shadows across the walls as he stared the General down, his unspoken threat ringing louder than any words could.

General Veldrick swallowed hard, his composure cracking just enough to betray the storm of rage behind his eyes. "This isn't over, Jefferson," he spat, his voice trembling with barely contained fury. "Do not think for a moment that your title makes you irreplaceable! Don't let your power cloud your judgment... hmph!" With a disdainful snort, Veldrick turned sharply on his heel, Patricia falling in step beside him.

As they walked away, Patricia glanced over her shoulder, her emerald eyes glinting with amusement. She winked at Rex, her expression playful, but her gesture went unnoticed. Rex was far too absorbed in his thoughts, his mind racing.

"So freaking cool!!!" Rex's inner voice practically screamed.

He'd always admired Jefferson, but this? This was on another level. Even General Veldrick, a man feared by many, seemed hesitant to provoke him further. Jefferson exuded an untouchable aura of authority that left Rex awestruck.

"And that Aether!" Rex's eyes widened, practically glowing with excitement as he fixated on Jefferson's retreating form. "How did he change it from the normal blue to crimson?!" His awe was written all over his face, his gaze puppy-like as it lingered on his coach.

Without so much as a glance back, Jefferson began to walk away, his voice calm but commanding. "Follow me, Rex. We have some things to discuss."

Rex blinked, snapped out of his reverie. "Yeah, uh—yeah! I've got some things to ask, too!" he called out, jogging to keep up.

Inside his mind, Cronus stirred, his deep, resonant voice cutting through Rex's excitement. "Harbinger," Cronus intoned, his words laced with caution. "This Coach Jefferson of yours... he is no ordinary man. I advise you not to see him as either friend or foe—not yet."

Rex nodded instinctively, though his thoughts were still a whirlwind. "I know, right? Even General Veldrick was scared of him. And that red Aether! He's obviously mysterious, but... who cares?" Rex's carefree tone belied the weight of Cronus' warning.

Cronus sighed, a sound like the wind stirring ancient trees. "It's not just that, Rex," he began, his voice heavy with an emotion that felt eerily close to unease. He paused, as if struggling to organize his thoughts. "The day Zeus appeared... when he struck Lucius Noctis dead—do you remember?"

Rex nodded, the memory rushing back to him. That encounter was etched into his mind like a scar. He could still see Zeus' divine form, radiant and terrifying, descending like judgment incarnate. The god's power had been overwhelming, his arrival a death sentence for Lucius. And yet, Jefferson had stood against him.

Zeus had effortlessly knocked Jefferson unconscious with a single blow—a display of dominance that had shocked Rex to his core. It wasn't just the raw power behind the punch; it was how strange it felt. Hercules had spoken of Jefferson's strength in hushed, reverent tones, claiming it rivaled—no, exceeded—that of Zeus himself.

Cronus' voice grew quieter, yet carried a gravity that sent chills down Rex's spine. "My son, Zeus is not a god known for mercy. He destroys those who oppose him without hesitation. And yet... he spared Jefferson."

Rex's brow furrowed as he tried to make sense of it. Cronus continued, his tone almost contemplative. "Why would Zeus, of all beings, spare a man who dared to confront him so boldly? This... this puzzles me deeply."

Rex glanced at Jefferson, who strode ahead with unshakable composure. His mind was a whirlwind of conflicting emotions. Jefferson had saved him more times than he could count—he owed him his life. But Cronus' words clung to him like a shadow, and he couldn't deny the obvious anymore. Jefferson wasn't just powerful; he was otherworldly. And that crimson Aether? It wasn't normal.

Jefferson's steps never faltered, his presence commanding even the silence around them. They exited the military base, the cool night air brushing against Rex's skin, and approached a smaller, nondescript building nearby. Its simple exterior was a stark contrast to the monumental weight Rex felt pressing down on him as they walked in.

Inside, the room was bathed in warm, golden light. The faint hum of high-tech equipment filled the air, blending with the earthy smell of stone and leather. In the center stood a towering figure—Hercules.

Draped in his signature lion cloak, Hercules' muscular frame seemed to ripple with effortless strength. His laughter boomed through the room as he spun a 100kg weight on his pinky finger as if it were a child's toy. The gleam in his eyes was equal parts mischief and pride, his presence larger than life.

"Young warrior!" Hercules bellowed, his deep voice echoing off the walls. "By Zeus' beards, what brings you here?" His wild grin practically radiated warmth as he looked at Rex.

Before Rex could reply, Jefferson's cold, calm voice sliced through the jovial atmosphere. "Master, how many times have I told you never to mention that name in my presence?" His words were steady, but the undertone of a growl carried a weight that silenced even Hercules.

The jovial hero's grin faltered, his eyes darting to Jefferson. "Ah, forgive me, Jefferson!" he exclaimed, holding up his free hand in mock surrender. "By the love of Zeus'—I mean, his missing cup! I promise, no more mention of him!" He threw a sheepish smile at Rex, clearly trying to defuse the tension.

Jefferson walked over to a small cabinet and retrieved a simple ceramic cup. Without a word, he placed it in front of Rex, his movements deliberate. From a nearby shelf, he pulled out a bottle of wine, its dark, shimmering liquid sloshing as he poured it into the cup. The rich, velvety aroma filled the room. Jefferson then sat down across from Rex, his crimson eyes sharp and intense. "Here," he said, gesturing toward the drink. "Let's talk."

Rex froze for a moment, blinking in disbelief. This wasn't like Jefferson at all. The man who barked orders with military precision, who exuded an untouchable air of authority, was now casually pouring wine and inviting him to sit as if they were old friends. A strange unease settled in Rex's chest. Why the sudden change in mood? Why now?

Tentatively, Rex slid into the chair, his movements stiff and uncertain. His heart thudded in his chest like a war drum. "What's happening?" he thought. Jefferson's crimson gaze bore into him, steady and unyielding, as if peeling back the layers of his soul.

Cronus' voice stirred within him, low and filled with concern. "Harbinger, I sense peril. If thou art in danger, I shall lend thee every ounce of my power—even if it risks overloading thy mortal form to ensure thy escape." Cronus' tone carried a rare tenderness, a fatherly worry that only heightened Rex's anxiety.

Rex took a shallow breath, his fingers trembling as he gripped the cup. "Thanks, Cronus," he muttered under his breath, trying to appear composed, though every fiber of his being screamed otherwise.

Jefferson leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table, his expression hardening. The casual air evaporated in an instant, replaced by something cold and commanding. "Who the hell are you?"

A/N: I promise that after the next six days, I won't post any "don't unlock chapter again!"

School stuff is messing with my head and I don't wanna ruin my writing streak! Hope you understnd guys? (pretty pwease)