The short conversation with Apollo, God of Light, gave Jason a much deeper understanding of the true purpose of this journey.
Although Jason had suspected something unusual, he had assumed at most it was merely a test. He truly never imagined the stakes would be this enormous!
Thus, Jason fell silent.
His first instinctive reaction was to bid farewell and disappear forever!
But in the end, that was only a fleeting thought, because Jason knew he had no choice this time. Refusing would mean failing Hecate's test. Without Persephone's help, he would never be able to study magic under Hecate.
Yet going forward meant offending one of the major Olympian gods…
After pondering for a long time, the shock on Jason's face gradually faded. He let out a slow breath, nodded to Apollo, and said, "Thank you very much, great God of Light, Lord Apollo. I… know what I must do."
"Since this is the trial given to me by my teacher, I will definitely complete it!"
Even if it means offending a major Olympian god!
Although Jason was cautious and careful, that did not make him a coward!
After weighing the matter between Hecate, Demeter, and his own future, Jason decided he would go. He had to go!
Apollo did not know exactly what was going through Jason's mind, but seeing the firm resolve in the boy's eyes, a look of appreciation appeared in his own.
"Child, I can see the shadow of a future great hero in you." Apollo reached out and gently patted Jason's head. "If you ever run into trouble in the future, come find me. I will help you."
Jason opened his mouth. His instinct was to protest.
He wanted to say he would absolutely never become a hero, that everything he did was only to change the fate that belonged to "Jason."
But in the end, he said nothing.
Under Apollo's guidance, the two spent three full days and nights before finally emerging from the ancient forest.
Every danger they encountered along the way was effortlessly resolved by Apollo.
In truth, Apollo could have carried Jason and left the forest in an instant, but he chose not to. Instead, he greatly enjoyed these few days of traveling together with Jason.
As an aside, during those days they shared only one tent and slept in the same tent every night… although nothing actually happened.
Yet after three days, Jason had developed faint dark circles under his eyes.
"It's over…"
On the afternoon of the third day, Apollo, now carrying his golden bow and quiver, looked out at the wide-open view before them with clear reluctance on his face.
"Yes, it's over."
Jason, whose eyes now resembled a panda's, let out a deep sigh of emotion.
Over these three days, Apollo had not laid a single finger on him in any improper way. He had truly protected Jason like an older brother.
But Jason knew some of the myths all too well, and he happened to know that Apollo did not even mind beautiful young men!
This is too hard… My life is just too hard.
Jason felt miserable. He almost wanted to cry.
"Then I'll be going…" Apollo brushed a strand of golden hair behind his ear and smiled gently at Jason. "These past few days traveling with you have made me very happy, Jason. Let us meet again next time."
"Mm… yes." Jason forced a stiff smile and nodded. "I was very happy too, Lord Apollo. Let us meet again next time."
Please, never again. I beg you, never again!
Just as Jason was eagerly about to turn and leave, Apollo suddenly called out to stop him after a moment of thought.
He then unfastened the golden sword hanging at his waist and handed it to Jason.
"Your journey is dangerous, yet you have no weapon… I will lend you this sword for now." Apollo smiled at Jason and said, "As long as you carry this sword, light will envelop you no matter where you are. It will protect you all the way forward."
"Lord Apollo, this…"
Jason stared at the sword with his mouth agape.
This was Apollo's sword, the sword of Apollo, God of Light!
The sword of Apollo, one of the Twelve Olympians!
"It is only a temporary loan… Or are you planning to refuse me, Apollo, God of Light?"
"That… My deepest gratitude, great God of Light, Lord Apollo!"
After a brief hesitation, Jason bowed deeply and accepted Apollo's sword with the utmost reverence and courtesy.
"Good… Go, Jason. I believe in you. You will find Persephone and successfully bring her out."
Apollo nodded in satisfaction, then looked at Jason and said word by word, "She has pointed out the path ahead for you. Therefore, I shall clear the thorns from your way."
Jason departed, wearing the white robes woven for him by Athena and carrying the golden sword of Apollo at his side.
"…I truly never expected you would lend him your sword."
As Apollo stood in the distance watching Jason leave, Hecate appeared from the shadows beneath a nearby tree, accompanied by the fluttering of Underworld butterflies. She wore a long black dress, her black hair reaching her waist.
"If I remember correctly, that is one of your innate divine artifacts."
"Even Athena finds him interesting and has taken such a liking to him. How could I feel any differently?" Apollo smiled, not surprised at all by Hecate's appearance. "Not to mention, he is your student… I have very high expectations for his future."
"He may not succeed in rescuing Persephone."
"But his chances are high, aren't they?" Apollo continued. "Because even Demeter probably never imagined a mortal would be the one to take Persephone away."
"And more importantly, since Athena has already appeared, that means she will help him from the shadows, correct?"
"Mm." Hecate replied calmly while looking up at the sky, as if searching for something. She was looking for a hawk, but she did not find it.
"However… Hecate, why him?" Apollo hesitated briefly before asking. "I must admit the boy is outstanding, but… he has not yet grown into his power!"
"I am simply going with the flow," Hecate answered. "He happened to need Persephone's help, so I sent him."
"…That's really all?" Apollo blinked in slight surprise.
"Mm." Hecate nodded.
Apollo was momentarily speechless. He knew Hecate was unlike Athena; she did not enjoy speaking in riddles, which meant she was telling the truth.
After thinking for a moment, he nodded again. "That makes sense. No matter what happens, with your protection, Demeter wouldn't be able to touch a single hair on his head!"
"Between the baptism of the River Styx and the tempering of the Underworld flames, if the divine fire of Olympus were added as well… Hecate, are you planning to make this child one of us?"
"Mm… I haven't thought that far ahead. As for becoming a god, that will be up to him." Hecate replied indifferently.
"…" Apollo was clearly rendered speechless by this answer.
Then, looking toward the direction Jason had vanished, he smiled and said, "In any case, the next one should be her… my sister."