Hephaestus stood in stunned silence, digesting the truth that had just been laid before him.
The weight of Coeus' revelation settled in his mind like molten metal cooling into shape. Poseidon was Pontus.
Not just a god of the sea, but an ancient being whose very essence had once been one of the oldest forces in existence.
And then there was the position of the God King.
A title that could elevate a god to the level of a primordial if they were deemed worthy by the will of the world.
Hephaestus clenched his fists.
This wasn't just about power—it was about legacy.
The mere knowledge that a god could transcend into something greater changed everything.
His voice finally broke the silence.
"You're telling me that Poseidon isn't just some sea god? That he's actually Pontus reborn?"
Coeus chuckled, though his disembodied head lacked any real expression.
"Reborn? No. He has simply inherited the sleeping soul of Pontus. Whether he ever awakens to that truth is another matter entirely."
Hephaestus narrowed his eyes.
"And the position of God King? You're saying Uranos tried to claim it and failed?"
"No," Coeus corrected. "He succeeded. Uranos was once a god, but through his ambition, he transcended. However, he became consumed by fear. He saw threats everywhere—his brothers, his children, the very world itself. His paranoia led to his downfall."
Hephaestus scoffed. "So that's what it takes to rise higher? Fear and ambition?"
"No, Hephaestus." Coeus' tone turned serious. "It takes merit. Recognition. You must prove yourself to the world, not simply seize power. Uranos forced his way to the top, but he never earned the world's trust. That's why he fell."
The forge god crossed his arms, deep in thought.
This was valuable knowledge.
But he was a craftsman first and foremost. He had made a deal, and now it was time to fulfill it.
"Alright, old man," Hephaestus said, rolling his shoulders. "I'll hold up my end of the bargain."
"Oh?" Coeus' voice carried a hint of amusement. "So you'll grant my request?"
Hephaestus grinned, sparks crackling from his fingers.
"I'll do more than that. I'll make sure you get to see the world in a way no one ever has."
The forge of Hephaestus roared to life, filling the cavern with an intense glow.
Hephaestus worked faster than ever before, his hands moving with purpose.
He would not simply reanimate Coeus as a weapon—he would create a vessel worthy of a Titan's wisdom.
Coeus watched with silent fascination as the forge god began crafting a lantern.
Not just any lantern—one infused with divine metals, imbued with concepts beyond mortal comprehension.
The base was formed from Orichalcum, a rare metal that gleamed with the essence of knowledge.
The frame was woven with Celestial Bronze, a material that resonated with the heavens themselves.
And at its heart, the fire of the forge burned, fed by the very breath of creation.
The head of Coeus would reside within, not as a prisoner, but as a guide.
A weapon spirit, capable of speaking, of revealing truths, of granting wisdom to its wielder.
As Hephaestus hammered the final piece into place, Coeus spoke.
"A lantern?" he mused. "Not a sword or a shield?"
Hephaestus smirked.
"What good is a blade without wisdom to wield it? You asked to see the world, didn't you? This way, you'll be carried by those who seek knowledge. You'll light the way for generations to come."
For the first time in eons, Coeus felt something he had long forgotten.
Pride.
He had been cast aside, his wisdom stolen, his body left to rot.
But now, he would be reborn.
A light in the darkness, a beacon for those who sought the truth.
Hephaestus lifted the lantern, feeling the immense power radiating from within.
"From this day forward, you are no longer just a severed head lost to time. You are the Lantern of Lost Wisdom. The ninth divine weapon representing lost wisdom"
Coeus let out a low chuckle.
"Hephaestus, you have my gratitude."
And so, the Titan of Wisdom was given new life.