"Lucas Walker."

Sol sat composed in the office, his demeanor calm yet commanding. Across the desk, the manager held a thin resume in his hand, staring between it and Sol as if searching for something that simply wasn't there. It had been almost a month since the Gods had descended to Main World, and Sol had only just begun the process of securing employment.

The manager, furrowing his brow, shifted uneasily in his seat. He blinked, utterly baffled by the situation unfolding before him. After a pause, he finally spoke, unsure of how to even approach the matter.

"In your resume..." he began hesitantly, "you've provided almost no information. Only your name."

The manager looked up at Sol, who met his gaze in unnerving silence. His expression was stoic and unfazed, as if the absurdity of the moment didn't reach him.

"Your age, place of birth, phone number... all left blank," the manager continued, his voice becoming more strained as he listed off the glaring omissions. "There's no background, no previous work experience, no social security number either. You... You do realize that, right?"

"That is correct," Sol responded flatly.

The silence in the room became heavy. Sol's unwavering stare only heightened the manager's discomfort. The man swallowed nervously, his fingers fidgeting with the edges of the paper as he searched for some sort of explanation.

"I don't understand what it is you're asking for," the manager finally said, his voice betraying his growing unease.

"I want the job," Sol replied, his tone unchanging, as if the request was the simplest thing in the world.

"But... you have no experience," the manager stammered, utterly perplexed by the exchange. "In this field or... in any field at all."

"That is correct," Sol said again, his tone devoid of emotion. "Is that a problem?"

The tension in the room grew unbearable as the manager stared at Sol, completely dumbfounded. The man's mind whirled, trying to make sense of the strange encounter. He couldn't shake the sensation that Sol wasn't merely confident but unshakably resolute in a way that was both unsettling and oddly compelling. This wasn't some bizarre prank, it was something more, something the manager couldn't quite grasp.

After what felt like an eternity of silence, the manager sighed, almost surrendering to the confusion. "No... no problem at all," he said, his voice almost defeated. "You can start as early as tomorrow."

Sol let out a small sigh as well, though his own seemed tinged with mild disappointment. "Sure," he replied with an indifferent shrug.

Rising from his seat, he made his way toward the door, exiting the office, and eventually the building, without another word.

Sol had been on Earth for only a few weeks now, fully aware of how crucial time was for their mission. Despite the urgency, he favored taking a deliberate approach, opting to lay a solid foundation for his life on Main World before diving into more critical matters. Over the first few weeks, he quietly amassed resources and created a semblance of stability, even without a formal job. Only when he felt reasonably settled did he finally decide to start looking for employment.

After some time behind the wheel, Sol pulled up to a grocery store. The mundane task of shopping had become part of his new routine. He grabbed a basket and moved through the aisles, collecting the essentials he needed for the week. As he strolled between shelves, his mind wandered back to their grand plan. This wasn't new; ever since his descent, the same thoughts had been swirling in his mind daily, as constant and persistent as the tides. After gathering what he needed, he made his way to the checkout counter.

"In today's news," a reporter's voice droned from a television above the counter, "small tremors have been recorded with increasing frequency worldwide. Countries such as Malta, Qatar, and Norway have all reported unusual seismic activity. Even here in the U.S., we are not immune to these strange phenomena…"

Sol glanced up at the screen briefly, his gaze cool and detached, before shifting back to the cashier to complete his transaction. Once his groceries were bagged, he left the store, heading to his car and making his way back home.

As he drove, his phone buzzed beside him. Pulling over to check, he saw Abyss's name flash across the screen. Figuring it could be important, Sol answered the call.

"So, how did the interview go?" Abyss asked without preamble, his voice calm but direct.

Sol sighed slightly, his voice flat as ever. "Exactly as you would've expected."

"Great," Abyss replied. "Siege and I are meeting up tonight. We haven't caught up since the descent, so I expect you'll join us?"

Another soft sigh escaped Sol's lips, but after a brief pause, he replied. "Sure."

"I'll send you the details," Abyss confirmed before letting his thoughts wander. "Honestly, these mortals, how quickly they've advanced with their technology. It's fascinating. Sometimes I'm genuinely surprised by their mental capabilities."

The line clicked as Abyss hung up. Sol returned his phone, merged back onto the road, and continued on his way.

Eventually, he arrived home, unloading his groceries and stashing them away in the fridge and cabinets. With his chores done, he sank into the couch in his living room, his gaze drifting lazily toward the television, where some show played in the background.

Though Sol wasn't entirely captivated by human entertainment, he found the experience amusing. The jokes in some of their comedies tickled his sense of humor, and he found a small pleasure in the simple act of watching television after long days of blending into mortal life. It provided a welcome sense of calm amid the greater responsibilities looming over him.

Before long, evening descended, and Sol began preparing himself for the meeting with his fellow Gods.

The night sky draped the city in a blanket of darkness as Siege, Sol, and Abyss gathered in an exclusive section of a dimly lit bar. The atmosphere was relaxed, a sense of camaraderie thick in the air as they indulged in a few drinks, exchanging stories of their time on Main World since the descent.

Though their generations were different, the three Gods had always shared a special bond, one that had been forged long before mortality itself had ever existed. Siege found solace in their company, and it was evident that Sol and Abyss felt the same.

"Sol," Abyss called out suddenly, breaking Sol from his brief reverie.

Sol blinked, realizing he had spaced out for a moment. He refocused on Abyss, who leaned in as if preparing to share some juicy piece of information.

"I heard something interesting recently," Abyss said, his tone carrying a hint of mischief. "Apparently, Nekro seemed to have tied the knot with a demon woman back in Under World."

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"Ohh...?" Siege replied with a raised eyebrow, a smirk curling on his lips. "So the God of duty sullies himself in the trivial affairs of his inferior kin?"

"Cut him some slack, Siege," Sol interjected, his voice steady and a bit more serious than the moment demanded.

"A jest, Sol," Siege shot back, maintaining his demeanor. "Lighten up."

Abyss chuckled, amused by the banter, but he was not done yet.

"But that's not even the best part," Abyss added, drawing both of their attention back to him. "It turns out that the demon woman is the current Queen of Nyxia."

"The Queen?" Sol blurted out, his normally calm and composed expression faltering into one of genuine surprise. His eyes widened, processing the astonishment of what Abyss had just revealed.

Noticing Sol's sudden shock, Siege and Abyss exchanged glances before bursting into laughter. Their amusement at Sol's rare break in composure was contagious, and after a moment, even Sol found himself chuckling at his own reaction.

As their laughter died down, they continued their lighthearted conversation, the easy rhythm of their friendship. Their moment of levity was soon interrupted by the appearance of a servant who approached the table.

"Mr. Knight?" the servant addressed Siege politely, drawing his attention. "Your drinks are ready, sir."

The servant placed an array of alcohol and wine on the table; an extravagant selection of exotic and expensive drinks that seemed fitting for their divine tastes. Sol's eyes widened, slightly overwhelmed by the sheer volume of alcohol, but Siege and Abyss appeared unfazed by the indulgence.

"Finally," Siege said with satisfaction, turning to the servant with a nod of approval. "Excellent work as always, Lester."

"My sincerest gratitude, Mr. Knight," the servant replied with a deep bow before retreating, leaving the Gods to their drinks and conversation.

"You seem to be quite the regular here, 'Mr. Knight,'" Abyss teased, his tone laced with amusement as he watched Siege drain another glass.

Siege grinned, raising his empty glass triumphantly. "Well, the God of War does enjoy his wine," he declared, his voice loud and boisterous.

"Perhaps keep your voice down, Siege," Sol cautioned, his eyes darting to the humans nearby. "And why do you insist on speaking in your ancient tongue? The mortals might find your speech... bizarre."

"It matters not," Siege scoffed. "I've already stripped myself of my armor for the sake of blending in with mankind. I refuse to further degrade my honor by abandoning my vocabulary as well."

"Humans already have too many concerns," Abyss added with a casual shrug. "I doubt they're paying any attention to our speech, Sol. You needn't worry."

The Gods continued their conversation as the night deepened, their laughter and banter echoing in their secluded corner. Hours passed in this manner, but despite the lighthearted atmosphere, Sol couldn't shake the tension lingering in his mind. The burden of worry was written across his face.

"I can't help but feel concerned," Sol finally admitted, his voice quieter than before. "Our duties weigh heavy on me; our absence from Higher World, the task we've been given, then there's the matter of the women who are to be involved in all this."

Abyss leaned back in his chair, his expression softening.

"You're overthinking it, Sol," he began. "Your concerns are valid, but if you allow yourself to be consumed by them, they'll cloud your judgment. Don't let the weight of it all crush you."

"I agree with Abyss," Siege chimed in from across the table, his tone less playful. "Mankind is amusing in its ignorance. Do not let their mortal worries become yours."

Siege's words were blunt, but they struck a chord of validity in Sol. He let out a long, quiet sigh, acknowledging the truth in his fellow Gods' advice. For now, he pushed his worries aside and rejoined the conversation, allowing the night to slip by as the seconds ticked deeper into the darkness.

A week had passed since Sol started his new job, and he had already settled into the routine. His coworkers had warmed up to him quickly, drawn to the quiet yet steady presence he brought to the office. Though he wasn't the most outwardly cheerful, Sol treated them with care, offering comfort in his own subtle way.

While he was focused on his work at his desk, a coworker suddenly approached him, calling his attention. The coworker explained to Sol that he had a visitor down in the lobby.

Surprised, Sol paused his work and made his way to the elevator. When the doors slid open at the lobby, he immediately spotted Siege waiting by the reception desk.

"I was passing by and thought I would see your chosen place of work," Siege said as he approached Sol, his deep blue eyes scanning the office surroundings with clear disinterest. A flicker of disappointment crossed his face before he added dryly, "But I suppose we all have our… strange preferences."

Sol's expression darkened in response. "I will not tolerate you judging my choice of workplace in my presence," he replied, annoyance seeping into his voice.

For a moment, the two Gods stood in silence, locking eyes. Then, as if on cue, they both broke into laughter. Their playful banter had long been a common source of amusement, and neither of them ever harbored any resentment to the back-and-forth teases.

"Luke…"

The lighthearted mood shifted as both Sol and Siege turned toward the entrance in response to the call. A woman with long blonde hair and bright brown eyes hurried into the building, her radiant smile drawing the attention of nearly everyone in the reception area. She moved with purpose, clearly familiar with the space, and the recognition in Sol's eyes was immediate.

"Please tell me you covered for me?" she asked, her voice light yet tinged with urgency as she approached the two Gods.

"Yes, but this is the last time, Gwen," Sol replied, the familiarity evident in his tone. "Any more and the boss is going to start asking me questions."

"I swear, this is the last time," Gwen promised, now standing directly in front of Sol.

"That was what you said last time," Sol reminded her.

"Oh, was it? I forget," Gwen replied playfully, her brown eyes gleaming with mischief knowing he was right.

They shared a smile, the connection between them palpable. "Either way," she said, her tone softening, "you've been a lifesaver. I don't know what I'd do without you."

"Probably get fired," Sol quipped, earning a laugh from Gwen.

"Which is why I keep telling you," she said, meeting his gaze, "you need to let me take you out to dinner sometime. It's the least I can do to thank you."

"You really don't have to," Sol replied softly. "I'm not exactly holding it against you."

Siege stood quietly, observing the easy familiarity between them as they shared another smile. The way Gwen captured the attention of everyone in the room was unmistakable, and yet, her connection with Sol seemed effortless, almost natural. He could see the level of trust and affection they shared in the way they spoke and looked at one another.

Turning his gaze back, Sol couldn't help but notice the faintest glint of amusement in Siege's eyes, recognizing the curiosity brewing in the God.

"By the way," Sol began, turning to the woman, "I would like you to meet a friend of mine. He's like a brother to me."

Intrigued, Gwen's eyes flickered with curiosity as she glanced at Siege, a friendly smile tugging at her lips.

"Gwen, this is Percival Knight," Sol began with a formal tone. "And Percival, this is Guinevere Miller."

"Nice to meet you," Gwen greeted warmly, her smile broadening.

"Nice to meet you as well," Siege replied, his usually hardened expression on others softening just a touch.

Gwen's eyes twinkled at the sound of his voice. "Ooh, I hear a foreign accent. You're not from around here, are you?"

"You have no idea," he replied cryptically.

Gwen laughed lightly. "Well, any friend of Luke's is a friend of mine. I'm happy to meet you."

With that, she extended her hand, offering a handshake with which Siege reciprocated. For a moment upon their contact, Siege remained quiet, as if caught off guard by something unseen. Then, after a few more seconds of silent handshaking, he regained his ability to speak.

"The pleasure is all mine, my lady," Siege said softly.

"Hear that, Luke?" Gwen suddenly teased, turning to Sol with a playful grin. "I'm 'my lady' now."

"Don't get ahead of yourself, Gwen," Sol replied, causing a brief giggle from her.

After a while, Gwen began to walk further into the building. "Well, I better get to work before the boss thinks I'm slacking off," she said, stepping backward toward the elevator.

"Alright," Sol replied. "I'll see you later."

"Bye, Percy," Gwen called out to Siege with a wave before stepping into the closing elevator doors.

Siege, still processing her presence, lifted a hand to return the wave. His expression was contemplative, almost dazed, as he stared after her. Sol, noticing the shift in the God's demeanor, couldn't suppress the amusement bubbling up inside him. He let out a chuckle, drawing Siege's attention immediately.

"You find it amusing?" Siege asked, his voice tinged with frustration.

Sol's laughter deepened. "Yes I do," he admitted.

"I was only taken aback when I recognized who she truly is," Siege explained, folding his arms defensively.

"I know," Sol acknowledged, a grin still playing on his lips. "But I still find it funny regardless."

Siege sighed, his frustration mounting as Sol's amusement showed no signs of waning. They talked for a few more minutes before Sol excused himself, returning to his duties, while Siege made his way out of the building sometime after.

As he reached his car, Siege paused by the door, lost in thought. He stood there for a moment, the distant hum of the city fading into the background as he reached into his pocket. Slowly, he pulled out a delicate necklace, a small stone hanging from the string.

Siege stared at the stone for a few seconds, his thoughts far from the bustling streets around him. His gaze drifted back toward the building where Sol worked. After a moment, he tucked the necklace back into his pocket, opened the door to his car, and drove off, his mind harboring thoughts.