King of Underworld

Chapter 134

The Argonaut Expedition - (1)

“...Please offer me your guidance.”

Heracles had already completed eight labors, killing countless monsters and spreading his name throughout Greece. His feats seemed enough to earn him a place among the gods. Yet, why was he still mortal? What was missing?

Contemplating this, Heracles looked down, and Triton, observing him, seemed momentarily taken aback before breaking into laughter.

“Ah... Hahaha! A mortal seeking advice on becoming a god! Hahaha! You’re quite amusing, Heracles!”

“...Pardon?”

“A normal human would struggle to become even a hero or a king! But you, hah!”

As Heracles’s face filled with confusion, Triton’s laughter grew louder.

“...Isn’t it only natural to reach for the heavens?”

“Indeed, you seem to have surpassed the usual scope of a hero.”

After a long laugh, Triton suddenly grew serious and looked at him.

“Are you curious about the difference between gods and humans? Why you cannot yet ascend to godhood?”

“Yes.”

“Here is Antaeus, the Python slain by the sun god, and Ismenius, the dragon child of the war god.”

Names flowed from Triton’s mouth—names of legendary beings tied to the divine.

“Do you know what they all have in common?”

“They are all children of gods, yet lack divinity?”

“Correct. Becoming a god isn’t so simple.”

Heracles listened closely, more intently than ever before. It felt as if the secrets of divinity were unraveling before him—each word was not to be missed.

“Becoming a lower deity is relatively simple if the great gods decree it, but you... you are different.”

“Different? How so?”

The god spoke, his words seeming to pulse through Heracles’s mind like the surge of waves.

This voice—it wasn’t just a sound, but something that resonated within, as though the message was delivered directly to his soul.

Because you can rival the gods even with a mortal body.

Because you have completed multiple labors worthy of a hero’s praise.

Because your trials exceed any ordinary threshold of suffering.

Because you...

More... Something more is needed.

If you fail to realize this yourself, you will never become a god.

“...Ah...”

“It seems you might benefit from associating with other mortals. There’s a man named Jason forming an expedition... Why don’t you consider joining him once your next labor is complete?”

The Jason Expedition...

Jason

Jason was the son of Aeson, the former king of Iolcos, who had been exiled by his half-brother Pelias. Growing up in exile, Jason had eventually come to train at the hero’s academy in Thebes, where he was instructed by the wise Chiron alongside Heracles and Asclepius.

“It’s been a while since I last saw you in Thebes.”

“Jason, I never imagined you’d lead an expedition.”

“Indeed. You always had charisma, but an expedition...”

Following Jason’s criteria, most chosen heroes were ones he’d trained with in Thebes. The shared memories from their underworld training bonded them, each recognizing the others.

As they prepared to set sail, making offerings to the gods for safe passage, the crowd suddenly parted, as if creating a path.

Step by step.

“Wait... Isn’t that...?”

“He looks just as they say. Look at those muscles! They say he fought the Nemean Lion with his bare hands...”

“With him onboard, this expedition is sure to succeed!”

A lion skin draped over his head, a golden sword at his waist, and a massive club slung over his back. And, most notably, the powerful, muscle-bound physique.

No one in Greece was unfamiliar with this name.

Heracles, the great hero tasked by Hera herself, had arrived.

“Oh, Heracles! I’m honored you’re joining us. I thought you’d be busy with your labors!”

“Jason. It’s been a while.”

The appearance of Greece’s most famous hero brought delight to some, relief to others, and envy to those who feared being overshadowed.

“I wasn’t planning on coming, but Lord Triton advised me to join.”

“Triton, caller of waves? You met the son of Poseidon?”

“He said this expedition could aid me in achieving my goal.”

Everyone present knew Heracles’s ambition: to join the gods in Olympus. It was a dream he’d often spoken of during their training in the underworld.

“Are you sure about this? If I join, it might overshadow your accomplishments.”

A statement that, from anyone else, might sound like an arrogant provocation. But from Heracles, it was a genuine concern. His legendary reputation could indeed eclipse the fame of the expedition.

Yet, Jason only laughed heartily and clapped Heracles on the back.

“Haha! Worried for me, are you? Don’t worry! We each walk our own paths!”

“Our own paths?”

“Indeed. You aspire to godhood, while I seek to reclaim the throne of Iolcos.”

Jason had always been clear about his goal—to become king, not simply a hero.

“Is that so? I don’t intend to overshadow anyone’s achievements here. I’ll keep a low profile.”

“Oh, the others will be glad to hear that! Haha!”

Heracles looked at the man before him, a sense of camaraderie rekindling. No one knew how this journey would end, but reuniting with old friends was always a welcome thing.

“Haha! Heracles, let’s have a match afterward!”

“I’ll knock you down before I ascend to Olympus, so be ready!”

“Quit brooding and get on board already!”

“Hey, Heracles! Accomplished a few labors, and you think you’re the king, eh?”

One by one, the heroes welcomed Heracles onto the Argo, each laughing and bantering. With a slight smile, the great hero finally boarded.

And so, the Argonauts embarked.