chapter 44

The heroes won.

Today, they overcame an insurmountable trial, and the praise for their accomplishment echoed endlessly. Jason stood triumphant, lifting his fist to the sky amidst the broken bones of his enemies, his body covered in dirt and blue bruises. Despite the collapse of the Dragontooth Warriors, their strength was real, and Jason's victory was hard-fought and well-deserved.

The crowd erupted in cheers, celebrating their hero, Jason. Even Aeëtes had to acknowledge that Jason had emerged as a hero through this trial.

Jason looked towards Aeëtes and Medea, who sat at the highest point. Throughout history, heroes have been drawn to beauty, and Jason, facing the princess Medea, felt a surge of confidence. He believed he had displayed his heroic spirit sufficiently to impress her.

Medea, however, glared at Jason with a dark, menacing look. Knowing the truth behind the trial, she found it boring and predictable, orchestrated entirely by Cyd. Everyone, including Jason, was deceived by Cyd, ensuring that her father had no reason to deny Jason the Golden Fleece. If it were the past, she might have been captivated by the hero, but now, knowing the truth, she found him an eyesore. She had lost the gamble she had made.

Jason, noticing Medea's intense gaze, felt a tinge of fear. Though he felt elated by his victory, he knew it was Cyd's help that made it possible.

"It's alright, Medea," Aeëtes said, patting his clever daughter, who was still staring at Jason. "I admit he passed this trial, but he won't get the Golden Fleece so easily."

Medea was stunned. Although she didn't believe Jason would get the Golden Fleece, she hoped Cyd would. If her father intervened, things could go badly.

"The Golden Fleece belongs to Jason, but it doesn't mean I'll hand it to him," Aeëtes continued. "That Fleece is consecrated to Ares, the God of War. If he wants it, he'll have to take it himself. If he can perform two miracles, he can surely perform a third: defeating the demon dragon."

Medea was shocked by her father's capriciousness. During the victory announcement, Jason's smile faded when Aeëtes mentioned taking the Fleece himself. Jason wasn't foolish enough to let success get to his head; he knew better.

The tree that held the Golden Fleece was guarded by a demon dragon! If he had the skill to steal the Fleece under the dragon's watchful eye, he would have done it already instead of playing along with the trial.

Jason looked distressed. "Cyd, what should I do? You helped me pass the trial."

"Jason, you were the one who frightened the Khalkotauroi and tore down the Dragontooth Warriors. The scars on your body are proof of your struggles. You passed the trial," Cyd reassured him.

Jason felt a surge of gratitude. Unlike the cheering heroes, Cyd felt like a true companion, akin to Hercules.

"Even so, if we can't obtain the Golden Fleece, it's meaningless," Jason said, shaking his head.

"That's not your concern," Cyd replied, patting Jason's shoulder. "You passed your trial. As for getting the Golden Fleece, I'll take care of that."

"You want to face the demon dragon alone? That's too dangerous!" Jason exclaimed, grabbing Cyd's shoulder.

"Relax. I won't fight the demon dragon directly. Besides, everyone has their own trial to pass. You passed yours; now I must pass mine," Cyd said, lifting his left wrist to reveal three glowing crystals on his bracer.

"I should pass my own trial."

In Medea's room, she sat on her bed, supporting her chin with an ill-humored look at Cyd, who sat cross-legged on the ground.

"So, what's your plan?" Medea asked.

"I'll kill the demon dragon," Cyd said after a moment of thought, raising a finger.

A thick Magic Primer landed on Cyd's face with a thud.

Medusa, who sat on Cyd's leg, drew her black robe over her head. She could have caught the Primer, but she thought Cyd might need a wake-up call.

"Feeling better?" Medea asked, holding the Magic Primer.

"I'm probably invulnerable," Cyd said, putting the Primer aside. "But don't use magic on me again."

"Do you know what you're saying?" Medea waved her hand, dispersing magic. "That's a demon dragon, not the same as the Khalkotauroi."

"I know, but I have no choice but to kill it," Cyd shrugged.

"You might die," Medea said, clenching her skirt.

"Then I will face it," Cyd said, clenching his fist.

"You're determined," Medea sighed, as if making a significant decision. "Do you need any materials for an item?"

Cyd rummaged through his bag and handed her a small pouch. "The tooth of an invulnerable lion?"

Medea's mouth twitched as she accepted the pouch. "You must let me accompany you when you face the demon dragon."

"I'm enough to protect Cyd," Medusa said, raising her hand.

"Do you know the way?" Medea asked. Medusa silently put her hand down.

"When do you plan to go?" Medea asked, tossing the pouch aside.

"Tomorrow."

"Looks like I'll be staying up late," Medea said, gripping her purple hair. "But don't worry, I have a potion to keep us alert." 

"I won't abandon you," Cyd said, glancing around nervously.

"Bring the potion here," Medea ordered, pressing a small vial into Cyd's hand.

Cyd looked at Medea seriously. "I thought it was too dangerous."

"I'll tell my father you helped Jason cheat. He'll kill Jason with a chaotic blade, even without evidence. He'll be glad to do it."

"Fine," Cyd conceded. "But stay far away."

Medea grinned, knowing she had made her point.