"That's right. As long as you have light, I'll accept your challenge."
Helios sneered and glanced at Apollo. Wasn't this just shifting the blame? He acted like he'd patented it.
"Then I have no objections. Put your Divine Authority on the line, and let's begin!"
Russell shrugged. After all those twists and turns, he had finally talked Helios into the trap. He added, "With the King of Gods and Queen of Heaven here, and so many gods as witnesses, you can't go back on your word."
Helios frowned slightly. "I won't go back on my word, but where is your light? The Sun God isn't the Dark God. You must first prove that you're qualified."
"By that logic, wouldn't the God of War have to win every battle?"
Russell took the opportunity to needle Ares before continuing, "Your demand may be somewhat unreasonable, but I'm not one to fuss over trivialities. You want light? I'll give you light."
As he spoke, Russell formed a great sword of holy light in his right hand beneath Helios's stunned gaze.
Wings of Light unfurled behind him. Sacred, dazzling radiance illuminated the divine hall, blooming in magnificent splendor.
This was a light that had never appeared on Mount Olympus. It resembled the radiance of Apollo and Helios, yet was entirely different.
Like A'e, the gods seeing holy light for the first time were all astonished. Bathing in its glow, they felt incomparably warm, while the power contained within the light left them awestruck. For no reason at all, they even felt that Russell carried an aura of holiness.
That was the benefit of wearing a disguise. Once holy light covered him, who would dare call him dark?
The gods closed their eyes and shook their heads to dispel the illusion. When they opened them