After his brief conversation with the god of light, Apollo, Jason gained a much clearer understanding of what lay ahead on his journey.
He had suspected something was amiss, sure—but he thought it would be, at most, a simple test. He never expected things to escalate to this level!
Jason fell silent.
His first instinct? Politely take his leave and never look back!
But that was just a fleeting thought. He knew full well that skipping this task wasn't an option. Refusing to go meant failing Hecate's trial, and without Persephone's help, he would have no chance of learning magic from Hecate.
But if he did go... he'd be making an enemy of a major Olympian.
After some time spent weighing his options, Jason's initial shock gradually faded. He let out a slow breath, nodded at Apollo, and said, "Thank you, great god of light, Lord Apollo. I... I understand what I must do now."
"If this is the trial my teacher has set for me, then I will see it through!"
Even if it meant offending an Olympian god!
After all, Jason was cautious and careful, but that didn't mean he was a coward!
After considering Hecate, Demeter, and his own future, Jason made his decision—he had to go, no matter what!
Apollo didn't know exactly what Jason was thinking, but as he looked at the boy's unwavering gaze, his eyes gleamed with appreciation.
"Child, I see the shadow of a great hero in you," Apollo said, ruffling Jason's hair. "If you ever find yourself in trouble, come to me. I will help you."
Jason opened his mouth to protest.
He wanted to say he would never become a hero—that everything he did was simply to change his fate as Jason.
But in the end, he said nothing.
With Apollo leading the way, they spent three days and three nights making their way out of the ancient forest.
Every danger they encountered along the way was effortlessly dealt with by Apollo.
Truth be told, Apollo could have transported them out of the forest in an instant. But he chose not to. Instead, he seemed to genuinely enjoy traveling with Jason during these three days.
By the way, they only set up a single tent, which meant they shared it every night... Nothing happened, of course.
But by the end of those three days, Jason had developed slight dark circles under his eyes.
"So it's over, huh..."
On the third afternoon, as the landscape ahead opened up into a vast expanse, Apollo, carrying his golden bow and quiver, sighed with a hint of regret.
"Yeah, it's over."
Jason, sporting panda-like eyes, sighed in deep reflection.
During these three days, Apollo had never once made a move on him. On the contrary, he had protected Jason like a true older brother.
But the problem was... Jason knew some of the myths. He knew that Apollo didn't exactly have a strict preference for women.
This was too much. Truly, it was too much.
Jason was suffering. He even felt like crying a little.
"Well, I suppose I should get going... Jason, I truly enjoyed our journey together." Apollo tucked a stray golden strand behind his ear, smiling warmly. "Until we meet again."
"Uh... uh-huh." Jason forced a stiff smile and nodded. "I also had a great time, Lord Apollo. Until next time."
Never again. Please, I beg you. Let there be no next time!
Just as Jason was about to turn and leave as quickly as possible, Apollo seemed to think of something and suddenly called out to him.
Then, the god removed the golden sword hanging from his waist and handed it to Jason.
"This journey will be dangerous, and you have no weapon... Take this sword, I'll lend it to you for now," Apollo said with a smile. "As long as you wield it, no matter where you go, the light will always shine upon you. It will protect you on your path forward."
"Lord Apollo, this..."
Jason stared at the sword, mouth agape.
This was Apollo's sword. Apollo's sword!
The sword of the god of light, one of the Twelve Olympians!
"I'm merely lending it to you for now... Or are you planning to reject me, the god of light, Apollo?"
"Uh... I am deeply grateful, Lord Apollo!"
After a brief hesitation, Jason finally bowed respectfully and accepted Apollo's sword with the highest form of courtesy.
"Go, Jason. I believe in you. You will find Persephone and bring her back."
Apollo nodded in satisfaction, then looked at Jason and said slowly, "She has shown you the path forward. And I... will clear the thorns for you."
Jason departed, carrying Apollo's golden sword and wearing the white robes woven for him by Athena.
"...I truly didn't expect you to lend him your sword."
As Apollo stood watching Jason disappear into the distance, a voice drifted from the shadows beneath a nearby tree, where dark butterflies flitted about.
Dressed in a long black gown, her inky hair cascading down to her waist, Hecate stepped forward.
"If I remember correctly, that's one of your divine weapons."
"Athena finds him interesting and has taken a liking to him, so why shouldn't I?" Apollo chuckled, unfazed by Hecate's sudden appearance. "Besides, he's your student... I have high hopes for his future."
"He may not succeed in rescuing Persephone."
"But he has a good chance, doesn't he?" Apollo continued. "Even Demeter would never expect a mere mortal to whisk Persephone away."
"More importantly, since Athena has shown herself, that means he will be helping in the shadows too, won't he?"
"Mm." Hecate replied calmly, tilting her head slightly, as if searching for something in the sky. She was looking for a hawk, but found none.
"But... Hecate, why him?" Apollo hesitated briefly before asking. "I admit the kid is talented, but... he's not strong enough yet."
"It was simply the natural course of events," Hecate answered. "He happened to seek Persephone's help, so I sent him."
"...That's it?" Apollo blinked.
"Mm." Hecate nodded.
Apollo was speechless. He knew Hecate wasn't like Athena—she didn't play riddles. So if she said it was that simple, she meant it.
After a pause, Apollo nodded thoughtfully. "Well, I suppose that makes sense. After all, with your protection, Demeter wouldn't dare lay a finger on him."
"But if he undergoes the cleansing of the Styx, the forging of its flames, and the baptism of Olympian fire... Hecate, are you planning to make this child one of us?"
"Mm... I hadn't thought that far ahead. Whether he becomes a god is up to him." Hecate replied indifferently.
"..." Apollo had no words for that response.
Then, gazing toward the horizon where Jason had disappeared, he chuckled and murmured, "Well, I suppose she's next... My dear sister."