Meeting a god was never my wish, but it seems I can no longer avoid it.
Jason's scalp went numb as he watched the God of Light, Apollo, approach. Golden hair cascaded over his shoulders, luxurious robes adorned his body, and he held a seven-stringed lyre while openly appraising Jason.
According to every myth Jason had ever read, Apollo could barely be considered one of the better-tempered gods. Yet Jason would rather meet an ill-tempered male god any day than Apollo!
Because both Apollo and Zeus had very famous stories involving... an appreciation for beautiful young men.
The transmigrated Jason remembered it clearly: one of Apollo's lovers was the strikingly handsome son of the king of Sparta. Jason had forgotten the boy's name, but the story was unforgettable.
And now here he was, Jason himself, blessed with an exceptionally good-looking face!
Especially after Athena had personally dressed him up. Even she had barely resisted the urge to hug him tight...
Of course, while Jason was internally screaming that this was bad, catastrophically bad, on the outside he maintained a perfectly respectful and reverent expression.
As Apollo, his long golden hair resting on his shoulders, drew closer, Jason was still wondering how to speak when Apollo asked first.
"What is Hecate to you?"
Jason froze for a moment. Meeting Apollo's curious golden eyes, he answered honestly, "Great God of Light, Lord Apollo, Lady Hecate is my teacher…"
"You are Hecate's student? Then why are you here?"
Apollo was not surprised that Jason recognized him. The seven-stringed lyre in his hand and his extraordinarily handsome face were more than enough for instant recognition.
And after learning Jason was Hecate's student, Apollo's gaze softened considerably.
He even gave Jason a careful once-over and nodded lightly, clearly very pleased...
It had to be said: almost all Greek gods were absolute suckers for good looks!
Jason naturally noticed Apollo sizing him up. His body stiffened, and he hurriedly sped up his words, explaining that he carried a divine oracle to find Persephone, daughter of Demeter.
At the same time, he casually asked which goddess had helped him earlier... mainly to divert Apollo's attention!
"Persephone? …Ah, so that's how it is… As for the goddess who helped you, since she chose not to tell you her name, wouldn't it be rude of me to reveal it?"
Apollo smiled gently and said, "I already know everything, child. Continue your journey and complete your task."
After speaking, Apollo looked Jason over once more and continued, "This generation has not yet been fully tamed. The forests are filled with countless magical beasts. Although your body has been bathed in the waters of the Styx, without the purification of sacred fire, it is not yet a truly immortal frame.
Moreover, only your body has been tempered. If you encounter monsters that release poison or similar threats… Very well. Since you are Hecate's student, you are no stranger. Allow me to escort you the rest of the way."
"Lord Apollo, I-I couldn't possibly accept such an honor!" Jason's face changed at once, and he opened his mouth to refuse.
"It's fine. I was just about to leave anyway." Apollo added with a smile, finding the boy's manners quite admirable and liking him even more.
Jason's cheek twitched. Sensing that Apollo had already decided, he could only smile bitterly and accept. At the same time, he silently prayed in his heart: "Great Lady Hecate above, please protect your student and keep him safe!"
"Pfft…"
In her Underworld laboratory, Hecate, hearing Jason's desperate prayer, couldn't hold back and burst out laughing. Unfortunately, no one was there to witness that breathtaking smile.
Because of her laughter, the experiment she was conducting exploded spectacularly!
Along the way, Jason originally tried to walk behind Apollo, but Apollo insisted he walk side by side and told him not to be so overly reverent; he and Hecate were on very good terms.
Jason still wore a pained expression. It wasn't reverence he felt; it was fear! Fear that Apollo might suddenly show him something huge! Dear gods!
Thanks to traveling with Apollo, all the gloom of the ancient forest was completely banished. Even in the darkest places, light illuminated everything.
"Are Lord Apollo and Teacher Hecate very close?"
During the journey, Jason felt uncomfortable walking beside Apollo in silence, so he chose conversation to ease his nervousness.
"Mm… Her mother once did me a great favor."
Although the matter should not be discussed with outsiders, Apollo felt favorably toward Jason and briefly explained.
Halfway through, Jason realized this gossip involved Queen Hera, Zeus's legitimate wife, and immediately shut his mouth.
After simply telling Jason about his connection to Hecate, Apollo smiled and asked, "By the way, do you understand what you are actually doing?"
"What I'm doing?" Jason blinked.
"Do you know what it truly means to take Persephone away this time?"
"What it… means?" Jason asked, a little confused.
Meaning? Isn't it just finding Goddess Persephone so the Underworld flames can temper my soul, and then I can finally study magic properly under Hecate?
Noticing Jason's confusion, Apollo smiled and said, "This time, Goddess Demeter is not merely hiding Persephone. She has imprisoned her."
"Imprisoned?" Jason began to sense something was wrong.
"Persephone has decided to marry Hades. Demeter refuses to allow it, so she locked her daughter away… After you take Persephone away this time, she will marry Hades and become Queen of the Underworld."
Apollo finished speaking calmly. Jason's steps came to a halt. He stared blankly at Apollo, his eyes gradually widening.
Wait, no one ever told me this!
Jason was not stupid. The sheer amount of information in that single sentence instantly made everything click!
Queen of the Underworld… The Underworld will gain a queen!
And that queen will be delivered… by me?!
Amid the shock, Jason instantly realized another terrifying truth: by doing this, he would be completely offending Demeter, one of the Twelve Olympians!
Heavens! Offending a major Olympian to the death? How am I supposed to survive in Greece after that?!
"That is why meeting that previous goddess, and meeting me now, was not coincidence. It was inevitable… And very soon, you will meet at least one more god."
Apollo continued, "Because only in this way can you reach Persephone, successfully take her away, and allow her to become Queen of the Underworld!"