Chapter 24 ( edited)

It was the second day of their stay in the "Land of Women," and things were already taking a dramatic turn.

The queen had arrived once again, but this time, things were different from before.

"I slept with your captain," the queen declared with dramatic flair as if she were the star of a low-budget soap opera discovering true love after a heartbreaking affair. "I love him. He understands me better than you ever could. He will become the master of this land, and you will have only your regrets to keep you company!"

With a dramatic toss of her hair, she strutted back to the city, her entourage of adoring women following her every step.

Cyd took a bite of the banana Atalanta had brought back that morning and looked completely bewildered.

"Hercules, have you been cuckolded?" Cyd asked, patting Hercules on the shoulder.

"She's talking to you, isn't she?" Hercules tilted his head in confusion.

"No, she's talking about you," Cyd said with a strained grin. "I knew that pretty boy Jason wouldn't resist temptation."

"So, it's not about you," Hercules said, trying to piece things together. "But what's important is that she said Jason will become the master of this island! What about the Golden Fleece?"

"So what?" Cyd said calmly, munching on his banana. "I don't need the Golden Fleece. Jason wanted it for the throne, but now that he has a throne of a kingdom of women, he wouldn't want to leave this paradise."

"But…" Hercules looked troubled.

"There are more important things to focus on than that disgusting man," Atalanta said firmly, pointing at Cyd. "We have a duel to settle!"

"Huh? Why?" Cyd was taken aback.

"Today, I'm going to erase the shame you brought upon me yesterday," Atalanta said, her fists clenched. "With your blood!"

"But didn't you agree to do whatever I wanted?" Cyd recoiled. "Why are you going back on that?"

"I said I wouldn't resist, but that doesn't mean I won't pursue my own goals!" Atalanta drew her bow and nocked an arrow. "Or are you conceding already?"

"Hercules…" Cyd turned to Hercules for help. Hercules thought for a moment and then gave him a thumbs-up.

"Alright, I'm going hunting today. You all take care of the Argo. Don't let things get out of hand," Hercules said, then hurried off.

"I didn't even say anything yet…" Cyd let out a melodramatic sigh.

"Today, I will defeat you!" Atalanta declared, her eyes blazing with determination.

"Okay, what should we compete in?" Cyd sighed, bracing himself for the challenge.

Looks like I'm in for it today. Even though Atalanta is stubborn, she should know that mere speed won't be enough to win against me. And while there are some clouds today, the sun is still high overhead. If we're competing in something else, I might still have a chance. But if it's hunting, I can just run away.

"Let's race!" Atalanta said through gritted teeth.

Are you trying to make the same mistake a third time?

Cyd placed a hand on his forehead, looking distressed.

"What are you worried about?" Atalanta raised an eyebrow.

"Oh, right, Hercules went hunting today," Cyd said, unable to hide his relief. "And he was the voice of reason." He shivered and then buried his head in his hands, lamenting.

Atalanta saw this as a challenge and became even more determined.

"I will defeat you!"

Five Minutes Later

Atalanta was sitting on the ground in the same defeated position as the day before, her eyes blankly staring at the Argo.

She must be ready to give up now…

Cyd wiped the sweat from his brow. This time, he wasn't holding back. He was going all out from the start!

Yet Atalanta remained in that same defeated posture…

"Atalanta…"

"Ahhhh! Next time, I will definitely win against you! Just you wait!" Atalanta's eyes gleamed with renewed determination as she scrambled to her feet and ran off, leaving Cyd behind.

"Huh?"

A Moment Later

"I didn't expect you to have so much trouble dealing with that troublemaker," a gentle breeze rustled the air, and a girl in a Greek gown with silver hair appeared on a rock near Cyd's head. She watched him with curiosity as she rested her chin on her hand.

Cyd, dazed by the sudden appearance of this beautiful girl, closed his eyes and muttered to himself. This must be a dream. Yes, it has to be a dream.

"I'm afraid this is reality," the girl said, bending down to gently pat Cyd's face. "I am Athena, the goddess of wisdom and war, and I am the goddess you've been seeking."

"Um… Lady Athena, could you give me a blessing?" Cyd asked with a forced smile, holding up his left hand.

"Oh, so this is the vessel for Hephaestus's blessing?" Athena examined the white jade bracelet on Cyd's wrist with interest. "It's quite a piece. Apollo's blessing is genuine, and even the trickster's blessing comes from the heart."

"Then, um… what about you?" Cyd blinked.

"I'm afraid that despite your selfless devotion, I can't just give you a blessing without due consideration," Athena said, pinching Cyd's cheek gently. "A blessing must be earned. The trickster's blessing was given to prevent deceit, and Apollo's blessing was meant to protect you."

"So how can I earn your blessing?" Cyd asked, his distress evident.

"I won't make it too difficult for you, but there will be a test and a trial," Athena tilted her head thoughtfully.

"Huh… I think being a bit hasty wouldn't hurt," Cyd said bravely.

"No! I am the goddess of wisdom; I can't be hasty in bestowing blessings."

So basically, she's saying I can't just get a blessing for nothing?

"Well then, revered goddess, what should I do?" Cyd sighed in resignation.

"Let me think…" Athena tapped her lips with her finger, her expression one of charming contemplation. "You need to continue the journey that has been stalled."

"Huh?"

"Of course, I will offer you a reward," Athena said, standing up. "I will reveal a method to you, one that is very important for you, but I won't tell you what it will resolve for now."

"Huh?" Cyd's eyes widened. "How can I be motivated if I don't even know what it's for?"

"This is a test of your wisdom," Athena leaned in and gently tapped Cyd's forehead. "Don't disappoint me~"