King of Underworld

Chapter 60

The Story of Perseus - (2)

"Let's hear you justify yourself with that famous wisdom of yours, Athena."

When I spoke to her, I noticed Athena flinch slightly. Then she bowed her head deeply and began to speak.

"I know that no matter what I say, it will sound like I'm trying to avoid blame."

"So, you won't even try to make excuses?"

"...From now on, whenever I punish mortals, I will remember your words, Uncle."

I understand that she felt threatened by the potential violation of her vow to the River Styx, but... still. It reminds me of how Artemis cursed Actaeon.

"If something like this happens again, tell me or Zeus. I will at least issue a warning."

"Yes, thank you..."

"And I will remember that you sacrificed an innocent priestess who was raped by Poseidon. See to it that this never happens again."

"I will keep that in mind, Uncle."

I don't like the relieved expression on Athena's face, as if she's glad that this is over. But for now, that's all I have to say about Medusa.

Medusa is not a soul in the Underworld but a living being on the surface, and she was also a priestess under Athena. I can't interfere too much. Though, I do intend to offer her some comfort if she ever ends up here.

"...Now, tell me why I should lend you my Helm of Darkness."

"As you know, Perseus is destined to become a hero by slaying the monster Medusa."

"And?"

"But he is merely a mortal. Without the help of your divine artifact, Uncle Hades, he has no chance of defeating Medusa, who is a demigod."

Honestly, I don't care about whether Perseus becomes a hero or not. What bothers me is the reason that monster came into existence in the first place.

"Then why should I lend my Helm of Darkness to a mere mortal?"

"...How about this: you can meet Perseus in person, Uncle, and decide for yourself if he is worthy of receiving your Helm."

Athena spoke with confidence, her voice steady.

She wants me to personally test him? This answer suggests that Perseus must be quite remarkable if she’s this confident.

I can’t help but feel curious now. Just what kind of mortal is he?

"Very well. But in return, while I’m gone to test this Perseus, you will take over some of my duties in the Underworld."

"...Understood."

Even as Athena had remained composed when I questioned her about Medusa, I now saw a bead of sweat roll down her forehead.

On the peaceful island of Seriphos...

Perseus, who was caught in King Polydectes’ scheme to rid himself of the young hero, was brooding quietly. Who would have thought that among the men trying to court his mother, Danaë, one would be a king?

'Damn it... Medusa, a creature with snakes for hair, who turns anyone who looks at her into stone—what a monster.'

Perseus’s anger toward King Polydectes grew. The king was using the guise of seeking Medusa’s head as a way to kill him, so he could have Danaë to himself.

"Perseus. The king has ordered you to bring him Medusa’s head."

"If you refuse, you’ll be executed for defying the king’s command. What will it be?"

The young man, Perseus, gritted his teeth and grabbed his sword. The king’s command was clear—he had to find a way to kill that monster.

He considered fleeing with his mother, but the king’s men were watching them, and every ship was under the king’s control.

There was no excuse he could give for not going to slay Medusa. If he fled alone, his mother, Danaë, would be left to face the king’s wrath.

His eyes blazed with a fierce determination as he looked up at me. Where have I seen this kind of fire before? It reminds me...

"I will behead Medusa and survive, no matter what!"

Yes, it’s just like the courage that the great hero Cadmus showed me when he tricked Typhon. Perhaps... perhaps I should test him just a little more.

"Your name is already in Thanatos’s ledger. You will soon come to the Underworld and meet me again."

"It would be an honor to meet the lord of the Underworld again, but..."

It was a death sentence, confirmed by the god of the Underworld. To meet Medusa, an unbeatable monster, meant certain death.

"Still, I will slay the monster and make Polydectes pay for what he has done!"

"Medusa is no ordinary monster. She is practically a demigod."

"Even if it’s my fate to die, I cannot give up! I will do this, no matter what!"

Perseus inhaled deeply as he spoke. Despite my attempt to shatter his resolve by invoking fate, he did not waver.

He hadn’t realized that I was testing him, and instead, he accepted the challenge head-on.

Even in the face of a certain death foretold by a god, Perseus was undeniably a hero.

"...You remind me of Cadmus."

"Pardon?"

As Perseus looked at me in confusion, I extended my hand. A mortal who defies fate... How intriguing.

"Believe in yourself and move forward. My blessing will be with you."

"...?!"

Though your story may end in tragedy, at this moment, I will support you.

I swiftly returned to the Underworld and approached Athena, who was busy managing the souls. The goddess of war and wisdom clattered over in her armor as she saw me approach.

"How did it go, Uncle?"

"As you suspected, he is indeed a worthy mortal. He reminded me of Cadmus, who tricked Typhon."

Athena’s face brightened.

"Does that mean...?"

"Yes, I will lend you my Helm of Darkness. Take it."

"Thank you, Uncle!"

I handed the black, aged, and transparent helmet, the Helm of Darkness, to Athena. With this, I’ve indirectly assisted in the death of Medusa... Hmm.

"Now I’ll go and deliver the other divine items to Perseus."

"The other items?"

"Yes, my Aegis shield, Hermes’s winged sandals, Hera’s magical bag, and Ares’s sword will also be given to him."

So, the plan was for Perseus to use my Helm to approach unseen, locate Medusa using the reflection on Aegis, and then strike swiftly with Ares’s sword while wearing Hermes’s sandals for speed.

With Hera’s magical bag, the Kibisis, he could safely store Medusa’s head...

"Then, I’ll be off, Uncle."

As I watched Athena’s back as she departed from the Underworld, a bitter feeling crept into my heart.

Fate is unchangeable, not even by Zeus. But was this truly the best outcome? I’m not sure...

I should start preparing a proper compensation for the soon-to-be victim of fate.

Next Chapter Update: August 19, 20:00