chapter 43

Life doesn't always undergo dramatic transformations, but they do happen, stirring up a mix of emotions—some joyous, some sorrowful. People eagerly anticipate these transformations, which is why plays centered around them are so beloved.

Today's stage is not the brutal Colosseum, nor the fearsome Khalkotauroi. Instead, it's the story of a destined hero, and perhaps a princess waiting to be rescued, and...

Cyd grinned, observing the scene.

The anticipation was palpable. Aeëtes clenched his fist tightly.

How was it possible that the Khalkotauroi, moments ago seemingly unbeatable, suddenly knelt?

Aeëtes wanted to accuse Jason of foul play, but he couldn't explain how the Khalkotauroi had suddenly knelt before Jason. Aeëtes was left baffled by Jason's inexplicable influence over them.

"Jason can't possibly defeat the Dragontooth Warriors," Medea assured Aeëtes, knowing that Cyd had educated the Khalkotauroi to kneel before Jason.

Aeëtes nodded, confident that while the Khalkotauroi may have weaknesses, the Dragontooth Warriors did not. With Medea's enhancements, they were formidable war machines.

As Jason approached the Khalkotauroi to carry out his sentence, Aeëtes noticed something behind him.

The ground trembled as dozens of monstrous figures emerged—Dragontooth Warriors, larger and more menacing than before. Aeëtes felt a flicker of doubt. Could Jason handle this?

If Jason succeeded, the Golden Fleece would be his. Aeëtes felt a twinge of anxiety. What if Jason won?

Jason glanced nervously at Cyd, but received no guidance. Cyd simply watched him intently.

The Dragontooth Warriors charged at Jason, their bone blades poised to strike. Jason dodged and evaded, feeling helpless against their relentless assault.

"Damn it!" Jason cursed, realizing his usual weapons were useless against the Dragontooth Warriors.

Cyd sighed, frustrated by Jason's lack of observation. Couldn't Jason see the tiny cracks in the Dragontooth Warriors' armor?

Jason found himself cornered, unable to escape the impending strike of a Dragontooth Warrior's bone blade.

In that moment of peril, time seemed to slow down. Jason stared into the eyes of death.

[Believe in me.]

A snow-white figure interposed between Jason and the bone blade, calming his mind. Jason noticed the cracks in the bone blade, growing wider.

"I'm sorry I doubted you," Jason said, catching the blade with his bare hands. "I understand now. You are..."

The bone blade crumbled in Jason's grasp.

"A trustworthy ally!"

"How is this possible?" Aeëtes and Medea stood in disbelief.

Though the Dragontooth Warriors were formidable, they were not invincible. Only one possibility remained: Hercules' strength.

Medea glanced at Cyd, feeling a mix of resentment and admiration. Her potion had no effect, but Cyd's intervention did.

"Could Jason possess Hercules' strength?" Aeëtes wondered, his expression twisted in bewilderment.

Jason had faced many trials before, leading heroes on countless adventures. Perhaps his true strength had always been underestimated.

"Why did you run in the first place, if you're so strong?" Aeëtes muttered, realizing Jason's true prowess.

"The outcome was inevitable," Cyd remarked, leaving the cheering crowd towards the exit.

The Dragontooth Warriors were mysterious, but not impenetrable. With a little deduction, their weakness became clear.

As the Dragontooth Warriors collapsed, weakened by Medea's magic potion, Cyd approached Jason.

"Jason, the victory is yours.