Encountering a god wasn't exactly on my to-do list, but it seemed like there was no way to avoid it.
Looking at the figure approaching me, clad in luxurious robes, long golden hair cascading over his shoulders, and holding a seven-stringed lyre while scrutinizing me—this was none other than the god of light, Apollo.
Jason felt a tingling sensation on his scalp.
By the standards of most mythological tales, Apollo could be considered one of the more even-tempered gods. But honestly, Jason would have preferred running into a short-tempered one instead.
Because Apollo and Zeus… well, they both had quite the infamous reputation for appreciating the beauty of young men.
As someone who had transmigrated into this world, Jason remembered very clearly that among Apollo's many lovers, one was the son of the Spartan king—a particularly handsome youth.
He had forgotten the name, but the story stuck.
And Jason himself? He just so happened to be rather good-looking.
Especially now, after Athena had personally dressed him up. Even she, the ever-composed goddess, couldn't resist wanting to get close to him...
Of course, while he was internally screaming about how disastrous this situation was, Jason still maintained an outward appearance of utmost respect and humility.
As Apollo, with his golden hair draped over his shoulders, approached, Jason hesitated over how he should begin speaking.
Then Apollo asked, "What is Hecate to you?"
Jason was momentarily stunned, meeting the god's golden eyes, which held a hint of curiosity. He answered truthfully, "Great Lord Apollo, the goddess Hecate is my teacher."
"You're Hecate's student? Then why are you here?"
Apollo wasn't surprised that Jason recognized him. Between his seven-stringed lyre and his strikingly handsome features, it was obvious enough.
And upon learning that Jason was Hecate's student, Apollo's gaze softened considerably.
He even took a closer look at Jason, then nodded slightly, seeming rather satisfied…
One undeniable fact about the Greek gods: most of them were complete aesthetes.
Jason, naturally, noticed Apollo's scrutinizing gaze, which made his body instinctively tense up. In a slight panic, he quickly sped up his speech and explained that he was carrying out a divine oracle—to seek out Persephone, daughter of Demeter.
He also took the opportunity to ask Apollo about the goddess who had helped him earlier… mostly just to divert Apollo's attention.
"Persephone? ...Ah, I see, so that's what this is about…" Apollo mused. Then, regarding the goddess who had aided Jason, he chuckled lightly and said, "Since she chose not to reveal her name to you, it would be rather indiscreet of me to do so, wouldn't it?"
Apollo smiled gently and added, "I already understand the situation. Child, continue your journey and complete your task."
After saying this, Apollo once again took a long look at Jason and remarked, "This region has yet to be explored, and the forests are teeming with magical beasts. Though your body has been cleansed by the waters of the Styx, you are not truly immortal unless you undergo the baptism of sacred fire.
"Moreover, while your body has been tempered, if you were to encounter creatures that wield poison… well, since you're Hecate's student, that makes you no stranger to me. I shall escort you on this journey."
"Lord Apollo, th-this—I wouldn't dare trouble you!" Jason's expression changed instantly, and he tried to refuse outright.
"No trouble at all. I was planning to leave anyway." Apollo smiled, finding the young man's manners rather pleasant.
This only made Jason more appealing in his eyes.
Jason's face twitched. Realizing Apollo's decision was final, he could only force a bitter smile and resign himself to fate. Internally, he silently prayed: Goddess Hecate, please, I beg you—watch over your student and keep him safe!
"Pfft—"
In the Underworld's laboratory, upon hearing Jason's desperate prayer, Hecate couldn't help but burst out laughing.
It was a shame no one was there to witness her rare, breathtaking laugh.
Unfortunately, her experiment was still ongoing… and the moment she laughed, it promptly exploded. [T/N: Now, no one is here to watch my breathtaking laugh. 🤣]
On the road, Jason had originally intended to follow behind Apollo. But the god insisted that he walk beside him, instructing him not to act so reverently—after all, he had a good relationship with Hecate.
Jason still wore a pained expression. He wanted to explain that he wasn't being reverent—he was terrified. Terrified that at some point, Apollo might just decide to show him a "great treasure"! [T/N: ☠️]
Due to Apollo's presence, the eerie gloom of the ancient forest was completely dispelled. Even in the darkest places, light illuminated their path.
"Lord Apollo, are you very close with my teacher, Hecate?"
As they walked, Jason, feeling increasingly uncomfortable in Apollo's presence, decided to strike up a conversation to ease his nerves.
"Hmm… her mother did me a great favor."
This wasn't something he should discuss in detail, but since he had a favorable impression of Jason, Apollo gave him a brief response.
Halfway through, Jason realized something was off—this gossip involved Hera, Zeus's legitimate wife! At that moment, he wisely chose to shut his mouth.
After briefly explaining his connection to Hecate, Apollo suddenly asked, "By the way, do you even know what you're doing?"
"What I'm doing?" Jason was puzzled.
"Do you understand the significance of taking Persephone away?"
"The significance…?" Jason was still confused.
Wasn't it just about finding Persephone so he could temper his soul with Underworld fire and officially begin learning magic under Hecate?
Noticing Jason's bewilderment, Apollo chuckled and said, "The goddess Demeter isn't simply hiding Persephone this time. She's imprisoning her."
"Imprisoning?" Jason was starting to realize something was off.
"Persephone has already decided to marry Hades. Demeter, however, refuses to accept this and has locked her away. Once you take her, she will become the Queen of the Underworld."
As Apollo spoke nonchalantly, Jason's footsteps came to an abrupt halt. He stared at Apollo, his eyes widening.
Wait—what?! Nobody told me about this!
Jason wasn't stupid. Though he was momentarily stunned by the sheer weight of that revelation, he quickly processed the implications.
Queen… the Underworld is getting a queen!
And the person delivering her there… was him?!
As the shock settled in, Jason immediately realized what this meant—wasn't he making himself an enemy of Demeter, one of the Twelve Olympian gods?!
Dear gods, if I offend a major Olympian deity, how the hell am I supposed to survive in Greece?!
"So, you meeting that goddess earlier, and now encountering me—it wasn't a coincidence. It was inevitable," Apollo continued. "And from here on, you will likely meet at least one more god."
He smiled. "Only then will you be able to reach Persephone and take her away… making her the Queen of the Underworld."