Promise Embarks on the Journey
The legend spoke of a distant land by the Black Sea, the kingdom of Colchis, which held a priceless treasure—the Golden Fleece.
For a long time, the Greeks had spun tales about it.
It symbolized not only wealth but also adventure, indomitable spirit, ideals, and the pursuit of happiness.
Indeed, it was rare, as it was a gift from the gods.
Specifically, it was a gift from Hermes, the messenger of the gods and one of the twelve Olympian deities.
Although the Golden Fleece now belonged to the war god Ares—having been sacrificed to him by the current king of Colchis—its symbolic significance made many heroes and kings yearn for it.
So they embarked on perilous journeys to obtain it, yet none succeeded.
Many didn't even catch a glimpse of the treasure before perishing along the dangerous path.
Thus, on this day, in the kingdom of Iolcos, atop the sacrificial altar, the revered Hera once again descended from Mount Olympus.
In the presence of her followers and the gathered crowd, she announced the divine oracle.
Standing beside Jason and Promise, King Pelias, who had been showing a displeased expression, suddenly showed signs of joy upon hearing the oracle.
Before Jason and Promise could speak, he turned to Jason, and spoke words full of concern which even a foolish could discern were fake.
"Dear nephew, you must be familiar with the tale of the Golden Fleece.
It symbolizes wealth, power, and undaunted spirit. Countless people have died in its pursuit.
Such a quest is impossible to accomplish, and I don't wish for you to throw your life away needlessly."
He paused for effect, then continued, "In the presence of the great Hera, I swear to share a portion of my rule with you.
You need not undertake this impossible task."
Jason's face also showed hesitation.
The legend of the Golden Fleece was well-known, and many had lost their lives chasing it, causing him to waver.
But then,
"Since this is the trial set by the great Hera, we must strive to complete it, even if it seems impossible," Promise's calm voice interrupted. "Moreover, the fact that the kind and benevolent goddess Hera has given us this trial indicates her trust and expectations for us.
How could we possibly betray her faith?"
After Promise spoke, although Hera, who was at the highest point of the platform, had not said anything, if one looked at her now, they would have seen that the corners of her mouth were slightly raised.
When Jason heard this, he came back to his senses and looked at Promise.
Looking at his calm expression, he couldn't help but think of his oath.
He swore to the gods on that day that he, Jason, would eventually become a hero and a brave man worthy of the title!
Then Jason's panic disappeared instantly as he raised his head and declared with determination, "Indeed, even if it appears impossible, we will accomplish this task under Queen Hera's watchful gaze!"
Seeing Jason's resolve, Pelias's face darkened once more.
"And you, King Pelias," Promise said with a smile, meeting Pelias's furious gaze, "if we do return with the Golden Fleece, what then? Under the witness of the great Hera!"
When Promise finished speaking, Hera lowered her head, directing her commanding gaze at Pelias.
Not only that, but the gathered crowd also turned their attention to him, waiting for his response.
Under such pressure, Pelias had no choice but to lower his head and reluctantly promise,
"In the presence of the great goddess Hera, if you truly return with the Golden Fleece, I will willingly surrender the sacred throne!"
From that day onward, this news quickly spread across the Greek continent.
Bards played their lyres, weaving songs and spreading the word.
Everyone who heard of this event eagerly anticipated their official departure and fervently debated whether they could actually return successfully.
Thus, about a week after Hera bestowed the trial upon them...
.
.
One week later,
In the early morning before dawn,
Jason stood outside the royal city of Iolcos, watching Promise, who had already packed and was preparing to leave and seemed hesitant to speak.
"Jason, I'll leave the shipbuilding to you. Pelias won't easily let us build the ship," Promise said first, addressing him.
Although he knew that Athena would assist in building the Argo with wood that would never sink in the sea, ensuring its completion but it doesn't hurt to speak.
Upon hearing this, Jason immediately thumped his chest, and promised, "Don't worry, I'll supervise them well! But you... are you sure you're okay?"
As he spoke, looked at Promise with a face full of concern.
"What could go wrong?" The latter replied with a smile. "I'm just going to find them."
As Promise finished speaking, he raised the list in his hand.
On it were all the names of the senior brothers who had refused to take him down the mountain, and some who had even grabbed him by the neck and brought him to Chiron.
Just thinking about meeting them next made Promise's smile even brighter.
"When they see me, they will be very surprised!" he said.
"I think they will be more scared than surprised," Jason couldn't help but laugh and said to Promise, "They will definitely be worried about how the teacher let you down the mountain, knowing that you are determined to seek death!"
"What's there to worry about? Anyway, the teacher has given up on me and doesn't care anymore."
"And..." At this point, Promise hesitated, and his expression visibly became more troubled.
"And what?" Jason naturally became curious.
"Nothing... Anyway, because of some things, now even if I want to die, I don't dare to," Promise sighed deeply.
He was obviously recalling Athena's vow.
Most notably, her somewhat yandere-like statement — If he died before the grand finale she prepared, she would drag him out of the underworld herself!
So now Promise was genuinely a bit afraid to die.
He even thought that if he accidentally died and didn't become a Heroic Spirit, it might be a blessing in disguise.
He definitely didn't want to be summoned as a Heroic Spirit and have a smiling goddess appear alongside, only to choke him.
Ugh, just thinking about it was terrifying!
Indeed, these virgin goddesses all had some issues!
"Well, I don't know what happened, but as long as you're not seeking death, that's fine," Jason said, tilting his head.
"Don't worry. I promised to help you become king," Promise waved his hand. "And I've said more than once, I want to die gloriously and become a hero.
So how could I miss the adventure of the Golden Fleece?
It's you guys who keep obsessing over my death, you're the weird ones!"
"Chasing after glory, wealth, and women while alive, but seeking all that one cannot enjoy after death... who is truly the strange one here?" Jason looked at Promise speechlessly. "Don't say we mere mortals can't understand you, even those great gods can't comprehend it!"
Damn it!
Thinking of Athena's reaction, Promise realized he really couldn't argue.
Even the wise goddess looked at him with a face full of astonishment upon hearing his dream.
"Alright, enough talking, the sun is about to rise. Goodbye, Jason."
"Yeah." Jason nodded, "Goodbye, Promise, and... don't really die, come back soon, we still need to complete Hera's trial!"
"Okay."
Looking at Jason, who was actually quite afraid of the Golden Fleece adventure, Promise smiled and said, "I'll be back soon!"
After speaking, he turned to leave.
But suddenly recalling the traditions of ancient Greece, he turned back to Jason and said, "By the way, I'm about to leave, aren't you going to give me a few words of blessing?"
The latter was taken aback and fell silent.
After a long pause.
"Um... may you die gloriously?"
"Aren't you the one who doesn't want me to die?"
"Then, may you not die?"
"Fuck, I helped you, and you are cursing me to live!"
puff!
Just as Jason's face turned dark, almost ready to draw his sword and duel with Promise, a certain goddess who had been eavesdropping on their conversation finally couldn't hold back and let out a joyful laugh.
Hearing the tinkling laughter, Promise, who was slightly startled, immediately recognized who it was, so he no longer had any intention of continuing to mess with Jason.
"Goodbye, Jason!"
Without waiting for Jason to respond, Promise turned and mounted his horse.
Under Jason's gaze, he gradually rode away.
At this moment, Promise began his journey.
.
.
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