chapter 14 (edited)

"I think it's Finished," Cyd said softly.

After enduring five solid minutes of Hercules's relentless assault, the invulnerable lion lay on the ground, sprawled out like a puddle. Blood, shattered bones, and internal organs seeped from its body.

"I haven't had this much fun in ages," Hercules said, wiping sweat from his brow.

"Though I never intended to dine on it I don't think is edible anymore..." Cyd muttered, squatting to touch the lion's head gently.

In an instant, the lion's head deflated like a punctured balloon, oozing a nauseating mix of flesh and froth.

"This is inedible," Cyd said, covering his nose. Chiron's potent herbs had fully taken effect, ensuring the lion's demise under Hercules's mighty blows.

"Do you still not want the lion's skin? It's impervious, after all," Hercules poked the lion's corpse.

"Don't tell me you forget how it met its end?" Cyd rolled his eyes. "Its invulnerability only extended to its hide. Its flesh and bones were frail, leading to this outcome from its overconfidence."

"Fair point," Hercules nodded. "As per our deal, the claws and teeth are yours."

Cyd retrieved a small bag from his pocket and extracted the teeth from the lion's mouth, with a squelching sound that made Hercules wince.

"Ugh— You caused this mess!" Cyd grumbled, equally repulsed. Yet, thanks to the lion's teeth being easier to remove, he didn't struggle much.

As Cyd packed the gleaming white teeth into his bag, he flicked off the froth from his hands.

"These claws will make a fine dagger," Hercules noted, prodding at the lion's claws.

"Don't toy with them. Cutting yourself won't be amusing," Cyd scolded, pulling Hercules away and adding the claws to his bag.

"I'm just curious what you'll do with them," Hercules said innocently, holding his hands up.

"Gauntlets," Cyd replied, clenching his fist. "I lack the skill to craft them alone; I'll need help."

"If you need a top-notch smith, I might know one," Hercules offered, scratching his chin thoughtfully.

"Handy as that would be, only one person in this realm can create them," Cyd said, tightening his fist.

"If I'm not mistaken, you mean Hephaestus, the God of Fire," Hercules said, intrigued.

"I hope he's in a good mood," Cyd sighed, a touch of worry in his voice.

"If you can endure some hardship, you might get what you seek," Hercules patted Cyd's shoulder. "Good luck. Hope to see you around."

"Why do you talk like I won't make it?" Cyd rolled his eyes.

"I'm sure you will," Hercules chuckled. "But I've heard stories."

"The poison should have dissipated by now," Cyd said, vigorously shaking the lion's skin to scatter any remaining blood before handing it to Hercules. "Remember to clean it thoroughly with fresh water. If you cut it, start from the inside."

"Got it. You remind me of my teacher," Hercules chuckled, rolling up the lion's hide.

Cyd's heart skipped a beat, but he ignored it, picking up his bag and slinging it over his shoulder.

"Seems you're someone who gives teachers gray hairs," Hercules continued, giving a thumbs-up.

"My teacher says the same," Cyd replied, returning the gesture. "But I believe you'll make your teacher proud."

"Why do your words give me such confidence?" Hercules laughed.

"Because confidence suits you," Cyd replied, waving. "Farewell, mighty hero."

"Wait... leaving already?" Hercules reached out, but Cyd had vanished.

"Following the whispers of the Goddess of Virtue was the right move may we meet again," Hercules said, clenching his fist with a smile.

"If not... you'll definitely become a hero so," Hercules says grinning while looking at the spot where Cyd disappeared.

Cyd sighed as he walked alone through the jungle.

Hercules was a good person, destined for a life of splendor and glory, tempered with adversity. Cyd, on the other hand, longed for an ordinary life despite his immortal body. He helplessly rubbed his forehead. Neglecting survival skills in this world was proving regrettable.

"Where to next?" Cyd glanced at the eagle perched nearby. "Great King of the Gods — Zeus."

The eagle had followed them through the lion ordeal, an unusual occurrence. In this world, such anomalies were often linked to gods.

The eagle glanced at Cyd briefly but continued preening its feathers, ignoring him.

"..."

Cyd's expression stiffened. Had he guessed wrong? But that couldn't be right why else would an eagle be here?

Cyd's unblinking gaze seemed to unsettle the eagle. It flapped its wings and flew off.

"I guessed wrong, then," Cyd sighed, covering his face in embarrassment. Right, Zeus wouldn't manifest as an eagle just to guide him. If Zeus did intervene, it would likely be to check on his son, Hercules, not an ordinary mortal like him.

"What was I thinking? I won't let an eagle judge me!" Cyd muttered.

"Okay, let's head west... um, west by coincidence!" Cyd's confidence wavered after his misjudgment.

"Why are you so grumpy, child?"

A gentle force nudged Cyd from behind, causing him to stumble forward. As he regained his balance, the forest vanished, replaced by a bronze palace. The sound of clear knocking echoed in his ears.