King of Underworld

Chapter 139

Epilogue of the Argonauts’ Journey

Returning to Iolcos, the Argonauts received a hero’s welcome. The golden fleece draped over Jason’s shoulders gleamed brilliantly, capturing the admiration of everyone in the city.

"Is that the Golden Fleece? It really shines like gold!" "They actually brought back the treasure that’s said to bless a kingdom with prosperity..." "And who is that beautiful woman trailing behind Jason?" "So, does this mean Jason is going to be king?"

The people couldn’t take their eyes off Jason and the golden fleece, chanting his name as he strode down the main road, proudly leading the way with Heracles, Medea, Meleager, Atalanta, and the other heroes following closely behind.

The Argonauts had already discussed their plans aboard the Argo. They agreed to support their friend, Jason, in securing the throne. After all, if Pelias refused to relinquish his rule even after they retrieved the Golden Fleece, it would diminish their accomplishments and leave their hard-won reputations at risk. However, things took an unexpected turn.

“...Fine. Tch. I’ll step down.” “...?” “What are you staring at? Can’t I decide to step down on my own?”

With a scowl as though he’d swallowed something bitter, Pelias grudgingly handed over the throne to Jason. The ease of this concession left Jason suspicious. If Pelias intended to surrender so easily, why hadn’t he done it before the quest for the Golden Fleece?

"With Pelias’s lust for power, I thought taking back the throne would be challenging." "Perhaps it’s because of Heracles standing right behind you," Meleager suggested. "Or maybe he’s worried you’ll lead a revolt, now that the Colchian princess is here to support you." "Pelias is supposedly Poseidon’s son. Could he have been warned, like when we saw the goddess Rhode rebuking King Amycus?"

Various theories swirled among the heroes. The most popular explanation was that Pelias feared retaliation due to the heroes’ strength, the blessing of Poseidon, and the powerful symbolism of the Golden Fleece.

After reclaiming his throne, Jason went to find his father, Aeson, who had been exiled to a cave by Pelias.

"Father? I thought you were still in the cave." "Pelias set me free. Came shaking like a leaf, saying he needed my forgiveness to survive..." “...What?” "From the shadows under his eyes, I’d wager he had a run-in with a god in a dream."

Pelias’s strange release of Aeson, fueled by fear, was puzzling, but Jason chose to see it as a blessing. He brought his father back to the palace with him.

On the day of Jason’s coronation as King of Iolcos, the beautiful princess of Colchis, Medea, stood beside him.

On High Olympus

In the palace of the gods, Zeus spoke to Hera.

"My dear." "...I’m aware." “Please let go of your grudge against Heracles. I truly regret the hardship he’s caused you, but it was necessary."

The heroes’ deeds in Colchis had not gone unnoticed by the gods. They knew Heracles had slain a dragon endowed with divine power, a creature gifted by Gaia herself, and ascended to godhood.

The Queen of the Gods. Goddess of marriage and family. The pinnacle of divinity.

Hera’s presence filled the temple, dignified and serene, her elegant attire and regal poise unmistakable.

Heracles recognized her at once and bowed deeply. Strangely, he didn’t feel the need to kneel as he had in the past.

Hera did not reprimand him for his lack of formal humility. She merely regarded him with a complex gaze, then spoke in a steady tone.

"Heracles. You have completed my nine labors with honor." "Thank you, Goddess Hera." "Slaying Gaia’s dragon in Colchis was an extraordinary feat."

With his head bowed, Heracles listened as Hera continued.

"The dragon you slew, the Sleepless One, was a sacred creature of Ares, corrupted by Gaia to destroy you." "......" "Crysaor and Lamia, who once pursued you, were likewise her doing. You are the hero of prophecy who will aid us."

"Across Greece, Gigas have wreaked havoc. Gaia, the Great Mother, created them. Our prophets have foreseen that for us to defeat them, we need the help of a mortal hero. That is why Zeus brought you to me as an infant and let you suckle at my breast."

Hera’s words were calm, but they carried secrets of the gods.

"Initially, I didn’t believe in the prophecy, despite Zeus’s claims. But now, I must acknowledge it." "Thank you. I owe my success to the labors you set before me." "To ascend to godhood by your own merit... Only Dionysus has done so before."

Until now, Dionysus had been the only god to earn divinity by gathering followers and performing extraordinary deeds, joining the Twelve Olympians not only because he was Zeus’s son but due to his own accomplishments.

“Heracles, God of Strength and Struggle.”

"Yes, Lady Hera." "I give you my daughter, Hebe, goddess of youth, as your bride. Come, ascend to Olympus."

Though this was an extraordinary offer, Heracles showed no surprise. As the new god of strength, he felt he could now rival any deity except the Three Great Gods themselves. Even before the Queen of the Gods, he stood unshaken.

Closing his eyes, he reflected on his journey. The trials in the underworld, the labors, the Argo, the dragon...

With a small smile, he finally voiced his wish.

“Queen of the Gods.” “...?” "I wish to complete my final task. Please, grant me this."