Chapter 76 Can I Do It?
What I pursue, what I am committed to, what I deeply love.
When Tartarus fell asleep again, Hermes felt an unprecedented heaviness rising from the depths of her soul.
It wasn't a burden of power, but rather a kind of imprint of responsibility. She had established a connection with this eternal prison, or one could say she was its inheritor, if Tartarus ultimately wished.
Thinking of this, Hermes looked around and her gaze lingered on Triton, whose face was full of worry.
She was quite certain that she now had real control over the place, just like Hecate.
It's just...unbelievable.
“We should leave.” Apollo’s voice pulled her back to reality from her daze.
Apollo held Hermes tightly, his fingertips gently stroking her still slightly trembling shoulders, healing her wounds while bringing her comfort and warmth.
Those light blue eyes were hazy, carrying extremely complex emotions.
Hermes looked up into Apollo's eyes, which reflected her image—her face was pale, traces of blood remained at the corner of her mouth, but her eyes were unusually bright.
“Thank you, Brother Apollo.” Hermes steadied herself and took a deep breath. “You’re right, we still have a lot to do.”
Apollo released Hermes, savoring the lingering warmth of her body on his skin, and suddenly a slight smile appeared on his lips.
“Congratulations, my little genius.” He gazed intently at her. “I love you.”
Hermes was taken aback upon hearing this.
This confession was so abrupt, it really fits Apollo's goofy image.
And it's a little too... cute.
“I love you too, my dear Apollo~” Hermes smiled brightly, no longer surprised by the wild pounding in her chest for him. “So after we get married, you have to behave even better!”
Apollo: "...Ahem, in what aspect?"
Forgive him for misinterpreting the situation, but he clearly remembered that she was always very satisfied with his performance...
Hermes leaped up and smacked Apollo on the head, a sly glint of triumph flashing across her face as her complexion gradually returned to its normal rosy hue.
"You silly Apollo!" she laughed even harder. "Of course, it means everything you own belongs to me! Everyone has to know this!"
Unexpectedly, Apollo grabbed Hermes, who was floating in front of him, and pulled her into his arms.
He kissed her forehead, then chuckled softly, "But I've already said it before, I belong to you, Hermes."
Surprisingly, they were outmaneuvered!
"I don't care anymore, okay, let me go, we have important things to do!"
Hermes struggled to escape Apollo's blushing embrace, and seeing his gentle smile, she suddenly felt her mouth go dry.
No, this isn't the time to enjoy ourselves yet. Let's shift our focus!
Hermes then turned toward Triton.
Triton remains imprisoned in a cage made of distorted space. Hermes can sense that this son of Poseidon and Amphitrite also possesses great power; otherwise, it would be inexplicable why he could know of her, Apollo, and Typhus's existence here, just like Cronus.
She has even learned, through her newly acquired power of Tartarus, why Triton was imprisoned here.
Triton believed that his father Poseidon had broken his mother Amphitrite's heart, and he wanted to help her reclaim the glory that belonged to the ancient sea god from Poseidon. However, he was discovered and secretly imprisoned in Tartarus on charges of 'treason'.
Perhaps it was the things Hermes had said to Triton that influenced him—although she hadn’t thought Triton would cause such a disaster, he had indeed asked her about Amphitrite.
After that, she told him the true meaning of 'love'.
Sigh, my feelings are so complicated...
“You are indeed innocent,” Hermes said. “Don’t worry, I’ll take you with me!”
Hermes raised her right hand, and the two snakes at the top of the scepter awoke, intertwining and flicking their scarlet tongues.
This time, instead of using the natural power bestowed upon her by Gaia, she attempted to mobilize the power of the abyss of hell.
The cold and heavy feeling never left; it flowed down her arm, and when her fingers touched the empty air, the space rippled like water.
“In the name of Tartarus…” Hermes murmured.
Her words echoed strangely, as if countless voices were repeating the same phrase at the same moment. Then, a rift opened in the void before her—not a passage to another place, but a direct tear in space, revealing the cage hidden within.
Triton stared in shock at the scene before him, even more astonished to see the cage that imprisoned him crumbling, the invisible bonds dissipating like melting snow.
“Hermes, you…” Triton swam out of the cage, his colorful scaled tail tracing a faint arc of light in the darkness.
“I don’t think you did anything wrong. You just went astray. I will explain this to Father God and Uncle Poseidon, as long as you promise not to repeat the same mistake.” Hermes winked at the merman prince, looking as playful as ever. “So now, are you coming with us, or staying here?”
She looked absolutely radiant, no matter what.
Exactly the same as before.
Triton paused for a moment, then nodded without hesitation: "I'll go with you, Hermes."
Then Hermes turned to Typhoeos.
“I hope that you will never have a change of heart after this, as you promised us.”
Because Typhoeos had possessed Pan to do bad things several times, Hermes was almost instinctively unwilling to truly trust him.
However, she still used the power of Tartarus to help him, severing Gaia's will from his soul, since it was also useful to her.
After sensing Hermes' help, the countless eyes that Typhoon conjured blinked, their pupils gleaming with an eerie light.
“I still can’t believe it, you actually did it!” Typhoon’s voice was still hoarse and sinister. “Although it was only a temporary isolation, you did break free from her direct control and even helped me…”
Typhobos choked up, for it had indeed harbored wicked intentions; otherwise, the Mother Goddess would not have allowed it to reach an agreement with Zeus without reason.
What should it do now...?
“Oh right~” Hermes tilted her head, “But this is just the beginning, you ugly monster.”
Tiphios: "..."
No, is she really not afraid it will turn against her again? What a vengeful creature!
Apollo chuckled a few times, feeling that she was quite similar to him in some ways.
So incredibly cute, dear Hermes.
Apollo's smile deepened as he gazed intently at his lover.
Meanwhile, the former God-King remained seated in his cage, staring at Hermes with a fanatical gaze, even though he sensed that Hermes had no intention of releasing sinners from this abyss of hell.
"Will you take me with you, my lovely granddaughter?" Cronus grinned. "I can help you a lot, and I miss Rhea. Of course, I certainly won't be thinking about taking revenge on those brats Zeus and Hera anymore."
Haha, even he himself doesn't believe it when he says it.
Hermes, clearly aware of Cronus's nature, directly refused, saying, "No, you and your bunch of old bastards should stay here."
Upon hearing this, Cronus's expression instantly darkened, but then he laughed, his laughter echoing through the abyss.
"Fine, whatever. I'll stay here and see how this ends."
"I bet you'll need me, and one day you'll come back to me."
Hermes, too lazy to bother with this old bastard who always wanted to wipe out the Olympian gods, raised her scepter and tapped it lightly on the ground.
This time, it wasn't space that was torn apart, but the ground that began to rotate, as if some kind of mechanism had been activated, and a downward-extending passage appeared beneath their feet—not a path to leave the abyss, but an entrance to an even deeper level.
Triton watched this scene in astonishment, never expecting Hermes to wield Tartarus's power so skillfully.
Typhoeos glanced back at the boundless prison, as if searching for someone, but it still could not see them.
The helpless monster silently chanted a name it knew to death—Echidna. It had never valued its wife, for she was the mate chosen for it by the mother goddess, who needed them to produce offspring beneficial to her.
However, at this moment, Typhoeos thought of Echidna and wanted to say to his wife, "Hang in there a little longer, it will be over soon."
But Typhonus did not receive permission from its cruel parents; it could not return to Echidna, nor could it see its equally helpless wife.
Suddenly, Apollo's question to Hermes interrupted Typhon's thoughts.
Where are we going?
“Didn’t you already foresee it? You’re asking a question you already know the answer to, Brother Apollo.” Hermes said with a smile, “I sensed that the goddess Hecate is there, and we must go find her before leaving the Underworld.”
Apollo frowned slightly, then nodded: "Be careful. Although my aunt is kind to us, she has ultimately decided to side with Gaia."
“Hecate is a variable.” Hermes’ expression became quite serious. “She has always been true to herself, which is why she helped Typhon temporarily escape Gaia’s control, isn’t it?”
Upon hearing this, Typhoon was almost immune to the feeling of disbelief, and all its terrifying eyes were fixed on Hecate.
How do you know it was her who helped me?
"I've already explained, she's a variable."
Hermes sighed, then led everyone into the passage.
“Hecate can even use Tartarus’s authority. He’s more lenient with her than with me, otherwise the old man wouldn’t have let her manage the Abyss of Hell so easily.”
Yes, Apollo was not surprised that Hermes could understand this, and his gaze toward her became even more loving.
Typhoeos and Triton were apparently only just learning about this.
"I see... Wait, old man?"
“I can always learn more from you, Hermes. My father would also be a fitting name for you.”
"Ha~ As long as you don't say I taught you to call Uncle Poseidon that..."
However, among all the gods, perhaps only Hermes would address Zeus in this way. I wonder if His Majesty the King of Gods is aware of this?
The passage continued downwards, and the surrounding darkness grew increasingly viscous, almost solid, which made the visitors feel somewhat uneasy.
The sound of Triton's uneasy thrashing of his tail echoed incessantly, and Tiphonus uttered a muffled complaint.
Unlike the other two, Apollo walked side by side with Hermes, remaining vigilant at all times. The power of the God of Light formed a faint golden halo around him, dispelling the unsettling darkness for everyone.
Just like he had done for her countless times before.
Hermes felt a warm glow inside and couldn't help but take Apollo's hand.
He looked down at her, then smiled gently at her again.
The concept of time is very vague in the depths of hell. They didn't know how long they had walked before a faint blue light finally appeared ahead.
The light started as a tiny dot, but gradually grew larger as they approached, eventually revealing its source—an altar made of bones and obsidian, upon which burned an inextinguishable, eerie blue flame.
Beside the flames, Hecate, the goddess of the moon, waited quietly for these visitors. She had anticipated this.
Hecate did not appear in her triadic form, nor was Eris by her side. Her long, silvery-white hair shimmered with a faint light, her blood-red eyes were empty, her skin was pale, she wore a black robe, and held a torch in her hand that matched the eerie blue flames on the altar.
"We meet again, everyone. I have been waiting for you here for a long time," Hecate said, her voice calm as still water.
Hecate's gaze swept over the two people behind Hermes, lingering for a moment on Typhoon.
“Aunt,” Apollo greeted politely, even though he had recently clashed with Hecate.
"It's a pleasure to see you again, Goddess Hecate!" Hermes also bowed.
Typhon and Triton then paid homage to Hecate in turn. Triton gazed curiously at the goddess he had never seen before, recalling his father's assessment of her.
—Someone like Hecate… she deserves to die.
Poseidon said this in a secret conversation with Hera.
Meanwhile, Hecate was turning her gaze back to Hermes.
“Tartarus has responded to you,” Hecate said expressionlessly. “Then, what brings you here?”
"Could you please change your stance on Gaia, dear Hecate?" Hermes said frankly. "I need to ascertain your true position. You helped me see through the disguise of that damned monster Typhoeo at the Temple of Delphi, and then helped it temporarily break free from Gaia's control... Your actions seem somewhat contradictory."
Tifuus gritted his teeth: "...Tsk."
Those little rascals in Zeus's family are so annoying, one after another. They keep talking about how ugly and damned monsters are born. Do they think they are better?
It would not have succumbed to this awkward and dangerous situation if it weren't for the circumstances.
But Hecate curled the corners of her lips into a half-smile.
"Contradictory? No, I'm just doing what I believe is right."
The eerie blue flames illuminated the pale face of the Moon Goddess, making her look like a strange ghost.
“I witnessed Gaia plunging Nyx, Erebus, and Eros into eternal slumber. She may have been paranoid, but to me, her original intentions were excellent.”
Hermes boldly countered, "So you think she's right to want the world back to chaos?"
Her expression changed from relaxed to serious, adding a touch of mature charm.
Apollo's fingers, hanging by his side, twitched; his precognitive abilities allowed him to see something new.
“Why not?” Hecate tilted her head slightly, her tone ambiguous. “Besides—survival of the fittest.”
It is extremely strange that an omnipotent deity would utter such words.
Hermes felt her heart skip a beat, and said with disapproval, "But I have a more suitable method. It is definitely better than Gaia's fanatical behavior. At least the people will definitely choose me more."
“I know.” Hecate smiled, this time a genuine smile. “That’s why I’m waiting for you to truly make this decision.”
—Instead of becoming Gaia's puppet.
Whoever Hecate chooses to side with will ultimately win; this is almost a law.
Knowing this, Hermes wanted to know Hecate's true thoughts, and Hecate's wavering stance was clearly an attempt to find a turning point.
It's strange, they all see Hermes as that turning point.
Hermes couldn't help but recall the inexplicable warning Hecate had given her in the past, which was related to Pan.
—You clearly know this child's true nature.
He once devoured Periope's life, so naturally he will consume everything you have; this is how he lives.
—I am not instigating you to kill this child.
—If one day you are powerless to stop the arrival of cruel fate, Pan can bring us good luck.
—But if that day ever comes true, you will be the one destined to perish, Hermes.
Hermes now understood the significance of Hecate's earlier statement.
On the one hand, even if Hermes fails to rebel against Gaia in the future, Pan can take over her duties and complete the unfinished mission in her place.
On the other hand, Gaia, the Earth Mother, wants to completely destroy the old world and then create a new order from it, elevating Hermes to the position of queen of the new world. Pan, being of Hermes' blood, will thus become the next representative and be ready to take over his mother's power at any time.
In the design of that great goddess of creation, the world would not remain unchanged forever, which is why there were several generations of god-kings, and why there were countless changes and conflicts.
Gaia was always anxious and resentful. She was always dissatisfied with the status quo and then she would devise another status quo.
All of this stems from Gaia's unwavering belief that she is the successor to Chaos.
That saddened Hermes.
"I have a future that can be changed without destruction."
Under the watchful eyes of everyone, Hermes spoke again.
"Perhaps there is a gentler way to change the existing order, preserving the good parts and eliminating only the bad ones."
Do you think I can do it?
Can I do it?
Hermes asked Hecate this question at the end of her sentence.
“I don’t know,” Hecate answered honestly, still holding the torch, “but I’m willing to give you this opportunity.”
That's the best answer.
Hermes felt immense joy and breathed a sigh of relief.
At this moment, Apollo sincerely said to his aunt, "Thank you. I am deeply sorry for my previous offense."
Apollo was so enraged by Hermes that he actually believed Hecate wanted to ally with Gaia; he was being reckless.
Hecate accepted the apology from the son of Leto. She gazed at Hermes, who had carried too much since Gaia had chosen this lovely yet pitiful child.
"Be careful, Hermes, Gaia may influence you in other ways."
"Thank you for your kind offer, I will be careful." Hermes smiled, her emerald green eyes still so pure and clear. "I am prepared."
"Then let's go."
Hecate stepped aside, and the wall behind the altar slowly opened, revealing an upward passage.
“Olympus needs to know what has happened. I think Zeus and Hera are getting impatient. However…” She paused, her gaze settling on the long-silent son of Gaia and Tartarus, “Typhous cannot go to Olympus with you. It is safer for it to stay here. I will take good care of it.”
Upon hearing this, Typhoeos let out a disgruntled roar, but its protest had no effect.
“Although you did those bad things under Gaia’s manipulation, but…” Hermes rubbed her temples, “Never mind that for now, we have important things to do!”
Wait, it seems like I forgot something important?
She remembered that Hera wanted her and Apollo to come and find the three Moilei who controlled fate.
Hermes looked up at Apollo and winked at him.
Seeing this, Apollo understood immediately and replied, "No need, my aunt is here."
Hecate, aware of Hermes's thoughts, said softly, "I represent the will of the Moileans."
Oh? Fate is truly unpredictable.
Hermes pouted.
But, I guess we can call this mission accomplished? Yay!
“Yes.” Apollo ruffled Hermes’s hair. “Now we have to go back.”
Hermes happily rubbed her hand against Apollo's.
"Our understanding is truly the best! You know what I'm thinking, and I know what you're thinking! I love you! My dearest Apollo brother~"
"Yes, yes, our combination is the strongest. I love you too, dear Hermes."
"Yay! Chu~"
The other three, forced to play a supporting role: "..."
Please, you two, stop showing off your love all the time! You idiots!
"There's no time to lose." Hecate couldn't help but twitch her lips. "Let's get going, you can't let this delay important matters."
"Received! I'll be right there!"
"cough……"
Good grief, this silly couple is speaking at the same time again, perfectly in sync.
For some reason, Hecate was looking forward to their wedding; it sounded very interesting, and Eris would surely like it too.
Finally, Hermes, Apollo, and Triton bid farewell to Hecate and Typhon and then entered the passage.
The passage was short; less than a minute later, the three of them left the underworld, and outside the exit was the familiar Mount Olympus.
The commotion grew closer, accompanied by the varied gazes of the gods, led by Zeus and Hera.
The sunlight was dazzling, but Hermes did not feel uncomfortable even though she had just returned from the gloom and darkness, because her light was with her all the time.
Looking at the gods who had been waiting there for a long time, Hermes couldn't help but hold Apollo's hand tightly.
She whispered to him, "Let's get married after everything is over, Brother Apollo."
“Okay.” He replied gently. “You agreed when I asked you this last time, so you can’t go back on your word, Hermes.”
"Of course I won't go back on my word, because you've always been my goal."
What I pursue, what I am committed to, what I deeply love.
She felt this way towards the light, and the light felt this way towards her.
Triton stood at the back watching Hermes and Apollo. Their intimate relationship bothered him, but that was all.
because……
The mermaid prince lowered his eyes, and the amber color dimmed.
Because this is the true meaning of love.
You once taught me that, Hermes.
I remember everything.
[Author's Note]
This is so messy, I can't even keep it up myself.
Let me take another look at the previous text... Oh well, I'll fix it when I have time. [crying][crying][crying]
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
