The sunlight was deep.
The wind howled.
Above the ruins.
Ian stood before the stone steps, draped in his flying cloak. He looked back at the group of Black Robe Wizards. Everyone shrank back, except Zeus, who stood at the front with a grim expression and did not retreat.
He was forcing himself to stand firm.
His body clearly wanted to react instinctively, but he suppressed that conditioned reflex. As their leader, his dignity required him to force himself to appear fearless before his people.
"I should be going."
Ian's tone was calm.
"The journey ahead isn't suitable for you."
There was a trace of emotion in his voice.
"We never said we wanted to go with you. We'd be happiest if you left and never came back," Zeus said frankly, lightly tapping the Crystal Ball atop his staff with his fingers.
Perhaps that was one of Zeus's little habits for easing his inner turmoil.
"..."
Ian did not particularly like people who were so honest. He preferred the treatment he received at Hogwarts, where even students who disliked him would pretend to look reluctant to part with him.
Slytherin students might be bad, but they also knew how to flatter Ian.
"As far as you are concerned, there is still a long road ahead. The first thing you should learn is how to deal with people and the world," Ian earnestly advised this group of ancient humans who had yet to become gods.
"After you leave, we'll hide. We hope you never come looking for us again. Even if Raven completely corrupts your heart, we hope you remember the help we gave you."
Zeus remained as honest as ever, sincerely voicing the shared wish of the entire tribe. Once again, he successfully left Ian speechless with a single sentence.