Chapter 64

"Therefore... you've returned?"

Euryale crossed one leg over the other as she sat on a stone, looking down at Medusa who sat opposite her, head bowed.

"Yes, Onee-sama."

"And... did you bring someone?" Euryale's interest shifted to Atalanta not far away, visibly uncomfortable leaning against a tree.

"Yes, Onee-sama."

"You're as clueless as ever," Euryale grabbed a branch to lightly tap Medusa's head. "After all this time with Cyd, there's been no progress."

"I'm sorry, Onee-sama."

"Indeed, that's the gathering place of the gods," Euryale sighed softly. "He might... not return."

Medusa's body trembled, nearly collapsing to the ground. "Then I will wait here. Whether it takes a hundred years, a thousand, ten thousand, or forever, I believe he'll come back, my little darling."

Atalanta stood silently behind them, bow and arrow in hand.

She couldn't match Medusa's illustrious lifespan, nor could she accompany Cyd for long. But she wouldn't give up; she could chase after Cyd like no other, even if it was a pursuit without resolution.

Mount Olympus.

"May I be excused?"

"I've seen the expression I wanted to see, but unfortunately, I've also seen this," Hermes teased, holding a plate of roasted chicken. "You must join us and help settle this."

"A feast of the gods," Cyd muttered under his breath. "Was this really necessary?"

"Technically, your mortality aside, there have been some... surprises," Apollo interjected, patting Cyd's shoulder. "This time, I'm inclined to help, despite the complications with the woman..."

Apollo then sighed, strumming lightly on his erhu.

The solemn melody resonated, stirring Cyd's heart, and convincing him that his journey might indeed begin anew.

Carving the Golden Apple, gifted to the most beautiful goddess, and the ensuing rivalry among three goddesses.

"This was supposed to be someone else's wedding feast, but it ended up being marred by an apple," Hermes quipped, shaking his head. "Each is wise in their own way, yet beauty got the better of them."

"And so?" Cyd's expression soured. "They each hold their pride; neither will yield."

"Thus, we must appoint an impartial judge to decide who deserves the apple," Hermes said, puffing his chest out dramatically. "Let Hero of Pure White, celebrated among mortals, decide."

Cyd's expression began to harden.

"Since we're on the subject," Hermes turned to Zeus, who sat back with a smug grin. "He's the one who suggested it."

Zeus seemed to notice Cyd's gaze and offered a genial smile, albeit with a somewhat piercing look from the three goddesses.

"It's been a while, Cyd," Athena approached naturally, stroking Cyd's silver hair as she took his left hand. "I've been watching you, and you haven't disappointed me."

The choice was clear.

Hermes whistled playfully, while Apollo played his erhu from a distance.

"This... is your final trial from me!" Athena declared, stroking the crystallization on her white jade bracer, her silver eyes fixed on Cyd's. "I will bless you!"

True to Hermes' words, the Goddess of Wisdom had her mind clouded by the apple.

In the past, Cyd might have nodded, knowing Athena could withdraw her blessing through various means. This time, rare indeed was her vulnerability to the allure of wisdom.

"I will bless you!" x2

Two more hands reached out to grasp Cyd.

With Athena's clear hint, even someone of average intelligence could understand. Goddesses of Beauty and Queen of the Gods spoke with almost identical tones to Cyd.

"So long as you choose me!" x2

Cyd glanced helplessly at Athena.

The conditions were equal, but... it stung! The power of the gods was overwhelming! Stop tugging at me!

Zeus smiled, watching Cyd amid a potential confrontation with the three women, a hidden depth beneath his jovial expression.

"It's futile to struggle like this. Blessings shouldn't be contested in battle," Athena released Cyd's hand first, her demeanor aloof and sacred.

"Indeed, equality is key," Hera nodded, releasing her grip.

"I have no objections," Aphrodite grinned impishly, wrapping Cyd's arm around her, then teasingly sticking her tongue out at Hera and Athena.

"Clang—" A blood-red lance grazed Aphrodite's hair and embedded itself in a pillar. Strands of golden hair drifted slowly to the ground.

Ares, coldly staring at Aphrodite, then closed her eyes.

"...," Aphrodite's face paled as she held her head, squatting on the ground.

Athena covered her mouth, unable to suppress a smile.

Just desserts!

Cyd silently took a step back. The lance had nearly struck Aphrodite, but it was best to keep this femme fatale at a distance.

Behind Zeus, Artemis nodded as she lowered her bow and arrow, watching Cyd with a fixed gaze.

"Regrettably," Hermes curled his lip, clearly disappointed by the outcome he anticipated.

"Indeed," Zeus nodded earnestly, exchanging a knowing glance with Hermes as they subtly high-fived.