Medusa’s Hesitation

"So that's the reason why you wanted us to move here.", muttered Sona, understanding what Kisuke wanted for them.

As Kisuke nodded, he explained further, "That's part of it. This time, instead of just monsters, I want you to fight other people outside of your training partners. Although sparring with each other is still good, you all already know each other's quirks and got used to it. If you don't fight anyone else you're not familiar with, your sparring would actually start to be detrimental."

And with a smile, Kisuke continued, "Luckily, this place is teeming with people that will just push all the wrong buttons, and you don't even have to hold back against them~!"

Skeptical with his words, Aika asked, "But wouldn't most of those people be weaker than us? Not to brag, but I'm already confident to fight toe-to-toe with the top Adventurers in Orario without releasing all of my abilities."

"That's fine. What's important is that you fight other people. This is not about improving your techniques, but improving your experience. On top of that, this will actually help you not to form a stereotyped method of subconscious judgment against unknown opponents, which is very dangerous."

Aika finally understood Kisuke's point and she imagined being in a situation where her opponent moved similarly to Koneko and assumed that she should fight like she's fighting Koneko which might actually cost her her life in an instant that something out of her expectations happened. That realization gave Aika a cold shiver. Of course, it wasn't just her, as the other non-veterans also realized and felt the same.

Kisuke feigned a cough to take back their attention, "This isn't a big problem yet, but we need to do something about it. In any case, all of you are still doing fine so there's no need to rush this. To summarize the training goals, Sera-chan and Sona-chan will be learning the Magic-based transformation while Koneko-chan and Kuroka-san will be learning the Ki counterpart."

"As for Irina and Akeno-san, training with Ophis-chan is more appropriate, while Aika would be learning how to release the second stage of her Zanpakuto."

Kisuke then looked towards Medusa and said, "Finally, Medusa-chan, we will need to stabilize your Divine Power."

Hestia and Artemis, who were peacefully listening while drinking tea, spat out what's in their mouths, "...Come again?", asked Hestia after wiping her mouth.

"Ah, aren't you technically a Goddess?" Serafall asked full of innocence.

"...Someone... Please explain.", pleaded Artemis after wiping her mouth.

Still, they were ignored and Medusa answered Serafall's question, "The only thing that came from my Divine Power were my eyes and nothing else. If it's a technicality, I'm more of a Divine Spirit instead of a Deity because I don't have the power of one."

"Still, considering your origin, wouldn't you be a Goddess of Beauty?"

Medusa shook her head, "I'm not, but my sisters are. Unlike me, there was a time when they were truly worshipped." It was those times that Medusa vowed to protect her sisters when they came with her when she was banished to the Shapeless Isle.

Although her sisters were truly Goddesses, they were different from normal ones as they were born from the collective thoughts of 'Beauty that needed to be protected'. Hence, Stheno and Euryale were technically powerless to fulfill the role of being protected.

Thanks to Medusa being a defect, her Divine Power developed into something else, giving her supernatural abilities that are normally impossible even with Magic. She used this to protect her sisters from those who proclaimed themselves as heroes that wanted to save both of the Goddesses from her hands.

But due to Athena's curse, her Divine Power evolved and developed into something sinister as Medusa became addicted and took pleasure from killing the trespassers of the Shapeless Isle. That would result in the tragic end of her sisters and only when Perseus, bearing the treasures of Gods, defeated her, sealing her soul into eternal suffering of being reincarnated and hunted down.

Hestia got pissed that her and Artemis' important question was purposely ignored and directly faced Medusa. Medusa was startled when Hestia suddenly confronted her but their height difference made it look like Hestia was about to throw a tantrum.

"Medusa-chan! Please tell me about yourself!"

"Ermm... There isn't really anything aside from I possess Divine Power like a normal Deity, however, since my birth is a bit special, my situation is a bit different from you and everyone else. I'm sorry, but I would like to leave it like that for now."

Silence covered the room as Hestia silently stared at Medusa. A few moments later, Hestia sighed and smiled, "Fine. I will wait for the day that you can tell me everything. However, this doesn't change the fact that you're my child, alright?"

Medusa happily nodded and replied, "Of course, Hestia-sama. Nothing would change that."

Artemis soon sighed too. She's not as accepting as Hestia but she also respected her decision and let her do what she wants. In any case, after spending time with everyone, she already trusts that they wouldn't hurt her best friend. Though,she doesn't know what sort of danger this would bring to Hestia, so she couldn't stop worrying entirely.

Of course, after this revelation, both Hestia and Artemis already had a clue of where they really came from since if Medusa was truly a Deity, or something similar to it, she could have only come from the outside. Nevertheless, they didn't say anything about this either since nothing would really change.

Kisuke, on the other hand, also knew that they were already aware. After all, it was his idea to bring up Medusa's Divinity in front of them. Seeing the result, he sighed in relief that everything had gone as he expected, 'Thankfully, Hestia-sama easily accepted it.'

But while thinking so, he could feel a stabbing stare on the back of his head from Yoruichi, 'I'm sorry if I can only do it this way... Can't help it.'

Clearing his throat, Kisuke continued what he's saying, "Ehem... Anyway, I noticed that you've been cautiously tapping into your Divine Power during your training."

Medusa's expression became complicated. She wasn't exactly trying to hide it, but she's still hesitating about what to do. With everyone getting stronger each passing day, she could stay still and do nothing. However, she was also afraid of her own nature and was scared that she'd return to her monster form if she were to get any stronger.

Kisuke stood up and approached her. While still thinking about what she should do, Medusa felt Kisuke's hands wrapped around hers and she looked up to see his eyes looking straight into hers, "If you're thinking of changing your own nature, don't bother since 9 out of 10 times, you'll fail miserably and it might even cost you your life."

"But-"

"No buts." Kisuke immediately interrupted her, "Athena's curse is gone and you're not alone anymore. There is no reason for you to be afraid any longer."

Another familiar name came up but Hestia and Artemis didn't dare interrupt Kisuke.

And with a big smile, Kisuke added, "Besides, when it comes to berserk powers, I'd like to call myself an expert~!"