chapter 28 (edited)

Cyd vaguely remembered the first time he met her. His instincts screamed to avoid getting involved with her, or at least not to go too deep if he did. The moment Hermes mentioned Artemis, Cyd refused almost without thinking, but it was no use.

"Because they forgot to offer sacrifices to Artemis, she got angry and sent a wild boar to punish them," Cyd muttered, rolling his eyes. "It's just a wild boar."

He always thought Artemis was just playing around. How big could a boar get? Surely a whole country could handle it?

"True, the boar isn't fully grown yet," Hermes gestured.

"So why involve me? There are plenty of others who'd love to take the spotlight," Cyd pleaded, clasping his hands together.

"But Artemis specifically asked for you," Hermes said, patting Cyd's shoulder. "I feel for you, but I'm just the messenger."

"Why punish them and then send someone to fix it?" Cyd's mouth twitched.

"Life goes on. If the country is destroyed, it's no fun. If she takes back the boar, it looks like she's lenient. So, here's the job for you, great hero," Hermes gave a thumbs-up. "It's a no-win situation."

"I'm not going," Cyd hugged the ship's mast.

"If you really need someone, ask Atalanta. She'd be glad to do it," Cyd shook his head vigorously.

"You don't get it, do you? You're already in the gods' game," Hermes sighed. "An immortal body, guidance from Prometheus, skills from the centaurs, and impossible trials. To the gods, you're already a destined hero. They're eager to see what kind of hero you'll become."

Cyd looked at his left wrist. The dark green crystal emitted a faint glow. Hermes wasn't lying and had no reason to. Maybe his soul, which didn't belong to this world, was never meant for an ordinary life.

"Now you understand?" Hermes tilted his head.

"This blessing..." Cyd pointed to the crystal on his wrist. "I can't even lie to myself, can I?"

"Exactly! So, why not ask yourself what you really want?" Hermes pointed to Cyd's heart. "The gods won't interfere with your choice, but we're curious to see what you'll become."

"I...still want..." Cyd began but couldn't bring himself to say he desired a normal life.

Hermes watched him calmly.

"I still want to be happy," Cyd finally admitted, raising his hands in defeat.

Why avoid the heroes and goddesses? Because heroes often meet tragic ends. Those entangled with Heracles rarely survived. And relationships with goddesses rarely ended well. Getting involved with them would likely lead to misfortune.

"Well, that's an unexpectedly ordinary answer," Hermes chuckled, patting his forehead. "That's fine. Just be yourself. You can't be happy if you're constantly on edge. Avoiding danger is fine because facing it often leads to quick death. So..."

Hermes extended his hand to Cyd.

"Go defeat the Calydonian Boar!"

"So you're throwing the danger in my face!"

"You said that a little piglet could be dealt with easily," Hermes smirked.

"I never said that!"

"Close enough. But now that you've spoken your true desire, is it wise to back down?"

"Defeating the Calydonian Boar won't bring me happiness," Cyd protested.

"You'll be unhappy if you don't go," Hermes whispered in Cyd's ear. "Remember, my sister Artemis holds grudges. Refuse her, and you'll be on her bad side, although you already are."

"I feel...so lost about my future..."

"That's the beauty of it! The tougher the journey, the sweeter the success. I promise, once you complete this bracelet, you'll achieve a miracle," Hermes leapt off the ship. "I'm looking forward to seeing that miracle."

"Do all gods speak in riddles?" Cyd sighed, sitting down.

"Oh, Poseidon asked me to tell you: don't stay on this wreck of a ship!" Hermes poked his head back up.

"Believe me, I can't wait to get off," Cyd groaned, covering his face.

It seemed Poseidon doubted Jason would complete the journey. Especially after they angered his son, Poseidon wouldn't be on their side.

"You talked too much," a voice said from behind Hermes.

"What's the harm?" Hermes dodged an attack from the person behind him, humming.

"It matters," the person, a tall, armored redhead, pulled back her fist. "The Fates predicted a great hero favored by the gods. Now you're hinting at that bracelet... Just remember, the gods won't interfere with his choices."

"I was just helping him clear his confusion. Better he faces the boar with conviction than uncertainty, even if he still has to face it," Hermes grinned at the armored woman. "Funny, though. Why do you, a war lover, care about a human? That prophecy doesn't affect the gods. We're just watching. Even if he decides to do nothing, it doesn't matter. Right, my sister, Ares?"

"I'm just curious how he'll get my blessing. I won't let your words make him give up," Ares crossed her arms.

"A woman's curiosity... Whoa, careful!" Hermes dodged another punch from the irritated Ares.

"Don't worry. Giving up is one thing," Hermes tapped his helmet. "He won't do that."