Chapter 77 You're really something!
You're something else, God of Fraud and Theft!
Many gods gathered in front of the temple on Mount Olympus.
Of course, with the lazy Hades leading the way, the gods of the underworld are usually absent.
Sunlight streamed onto the pristine white marble pillars, yet it couldn't dispel the heavy atmosphere in the air. Zeus sat in the main seat, toying with his thunder scepter, his expression serene; Hera stood beside him, her piercing golden eyes gleaming with a complex light.
When Hermes, Apollo, and Triton rose from the crack in the ground, all eyes were on them.
It's like there's a feeling of heroes returning in triumph? And why is everyone gathered here?!
Do the gods already know about this...?
“Welcome back,” Zeus spoke first, a meaningful glint in his blue eyes. “It seems you’ve brought back quite a few surprises.”
Hermes always felt that the old man had foreseen everything; he had been playing a long game from the very beginning, and it was impossible for him to have done nothing.
She released Apollo's hand, took a step forward, and bowed: "Father, I have completed the task given to me by you and Princess Hera."
The God King and his wife may seem to be at odds, but in reality, they are truly of one mind and their strength can overcome anything.
Whenever Hermes recalled how Hera protected Typhoeos, she couldn't help but think of more things, perhaps because they were concerned about her not yet truly free from the shackles of Gaia's will.
Did they already know Gaia's true intentions? Including the disputes among the creator gods?
Is this also related to Hecate? After all, Hecate and the old man were on good terms, and they often helped each other.
Hermes felt that she had guessed correctly again.
“I’m sorry I hurt you back then, Hermes.” Athena stepped out from among the gods, her grey-blue eyes sharp as an eagle’s. “But now it seems you’ve done better than I expected…”
Athena paused for a moment.
"You seem to carry the aura of Tartarus."
The name of the abyss of hell caused a murmur among the gods. Poseidon raised an eyebrow, Demeter gasped, and even the usually indifferent Hestia cast a concerned glance.
Hermes nodded readily: "Yes, I made a deal with that great god. He granted me some authority, which can also be used to isolate me from the influence of the goddess Gaia."
"Is that so?" Hera said in a cold voice, "You're quite capable, kid, getting 'chosen' time and time again."
Upon hearing this, Apollo stepped forward, standing protectively beside Hermes: "No, this is a mutual choice."
Mutual selection... Haha, that silly goose is really cute!
Hermes looked up at Apollo and felt a warm glow in her heart.
“Then Hermes’ abilities are even greater!” This time it was Artemis who spoke, smiling as she played with the bow and arrow in her hand.
As Apollo's sister, Artemis always knew that he could see more things; she had a premonition about it even before Hermes was born.
But she never imagined that her younger brother would end up with that girl.
Of course, knowing this won't change anything. I have to say, Hermes and Apollo are quite a good match!
After all, Artemis was quite fond of Hermes, even though she hadn't paid much attention to her at first. Such a strong and lovely girl had always pleased her.
At this moment, Zeus turned his gaze to Triton, who had remained silent: "And what about this one?"
Poseidon's face instantly darkened, and he slammed his trident heavily on the ground: "Triton! Who gave you permission to leave there?!"
The mermaid prince raised his pale face, his colorful scales reflecting a faint light in the sunlight.
"I'm leaving." But he said it so confidently, "You...you old geezer!"
Gods: "?"
Poseidon: "???"
No, what the hell is "old geezer"?
For some reason, Zeus sneezed unexpectedly, while Hera gave a cold laugh.
Hermes, however, suffered cardiac and pulmonary arrest.
Triton just blurted out that name? He's got some nerve! What if he exposes her later?!
Damn it, that idiot Apollo is actually trying not to laugh!
Hermes quickly changed the subject: "I brought Triton out, and I believe his 'crime' is nothing more than loyalty and love for his mother, which should not be a reason for his eternal imprisonment."
As she spoke, she reached out and gave Apollo's arm a hard tug, and he pretended to cough a few times.
"Actually, you could use a little more force; I like it."
"..."
Hermes thought that Apollo had probably really been driven mad by her.
That said, thankfully, no one was fixated on the dreaded term "old geezer".
"Loyalty? Love?" Poseidon snapped out of his daze and sneered, "This rebellious son is trying to steal my authority and overturn the order of the seas!"
Upon hearing this, murmurs arose among the gods once more.
Aphrodite nestled in Ares's arms, clapping her hands with a beaming smile: "What a show! What a wonderful show!"
Few gods knew that Triton was plotting a rebellion, but Saiton has now directly exposed it, even at the cost of his own family. It's hard not to suspect that he's making a statement.
“I understand, but Terry has shown genuine remorse, and I believe he should be given a chance.” Hermes looked directly at Poseidon, her emerald green eyes showing no sign of backing down. “Then let’s set that aside for now and get to the point!”
“We must unite to fight against the goddess Gaia, because she wants to destroy us and the whole world and then create the so-called ‘new order’.”
That was nothing more than violence and coercion disguised as love.
The gods fell into a brief silence.
Recently, the world has been in turmoil, with cracks appearing in the earth and new land rising from the ocean. Some creatures have already died as a result, especially vulnerable humans.
However, Gaia had clearly ordered Athena and Prometheus to relocate humanity.
The thoughts of Mother Earth seem too elusive.
Zeus slowly rose to his feet, the scepter of thunder humming softly in his hand, and gazed majestically at his daughter, whom he was so proud of.
"Then tell me, Hermes. What do you intend to do now?"
Under his plan, Hermes gained Tartarus's trust and power, thus temporarily escaping Gaia's control. However, this did not change the fact that Gaia was still waiting in the Tree of Life on Crete, still plotting to destroy everything in the world.
Perhaps Gaia is also silently watching the gods at this moment, patiently toying with them like a hunter.
Hermes had clearly thought of this as well. She took a deep breath and said, "I am going to see her, Father."
"What?" Artemis exclaimed, "Are you insane?"
Having just escaped Gaia's control, are they about to walk right into his trap?
You're something else, God of Fraud and Theft!
Apollo raised an eyebrow slightly upon hearing this; he already understood Hermes's thoughts.
“It’s not about walking into a trap.” Hermes shook her head. “It’s about negotiating. Or rather, um… understand?”
Tartarus said that Gaia was so fanatical because she always believed that she was Chaos's successor and had a responsibility to correct the world.
Perhaps because of her natural background, Hermes empathized with Gaia's situation, but that did not prevent her from thinking that Gaia was too extreme and that her decision to destroy the world was clearly wrong.
If possible, she hopes to coexist peacefully with her rather than hurt each other.
Apollo seemed to sense something and gently took Hermes' hand.
"I'll go with you."
“Okay.” Hermes gripped Apollo’s fingers tightly, his warmth giving her immense comfort. “But we must not upset her.”
Hermes remembered that Apollo was punished by being sent to Arcadia to herd sheep because he angered Gaia, and that's how he witnessed her birth.
Therefore, she believes that peaceful coexistence is the most important thing.
Athena said thoughtfully, "So... you intend to accomplish what she wants in your own way, but you've used the wrong method?"
“Yes, Sister Athena,” Hermes nodded. “Preserve the good and correct the bad. I think this approach is more gentle.”
As if struck by a sudden thought, Athena's lips curled into a smile: "You are braver than I imagined, Hermes."
Suddenly, Hera let out a soft laugh, breaking the solemn atmosphere in front of the temple.
All the gods looked at the beautiful woman standing beside Zeus. This queen of the gods, who was always known for her nobility and majesty, now showed a rare look of admiration in her eyes.
“How interesting.” Hera stepped down the stairs and stopped in front of Hermes. “You remind me of something from the past.”
Hera was also bewitched by Gaia, a fact known to both Zeus and Hecate.
She stretched out her white, lily-like arm, and with her strong fingers gently lifted the new girl's chin, her beautiful face displaying a half-smile.
"But you must know that Mother Earth has lived for far too long; she is an origin-like being, thousands of times older than your lifespan."
Gaia will not be easily persuaded.
Even if it means facing the smooth-talking Hermes.
“I know, Your Highness, and I thank you for your concern.” Hermes looked directly into Hera’s beautiful golden eyes. “But I have reasons to do it.”
"For him?" Hera glanced at Apollo, then at Triton. "Or for all that you supposedly cherish?"
“For all,” Hermes replied immediately, “including Gaia herself.”
For a moment, Hera was stunned and slightly moved.
Seeing his wife in this state, Zeus understood that she was recalling something from the past.
He sat back on his throne, tapping his fingers lightly on the armrest: "Since your mind is made up, then go. Olympus will always be with you."
"If any danger arises..."
As Zeus said this, he suddenly curled the corners of his mouth slightly and pointed his thunder scepter at the sky.
"At that time, I will personally go to Crete, even if it means going against the very essence of the earth."
The weight of this promise commanded the respect of the gods. Zeus rarely made such a direct declaration, which meant that Hermes' plan had the full support of the king of the gods.
"Thank you, beloved Father God." Hermes bowed deeply.
Honestly, that old man is quite responsible; no wonder he's been able to stay on the throne of the gods for so long. She actually finds him incredibly charming now.
Ah, if only he could stay like this forever!
"Wait, wait a minute!" A faint voice suddenly rang out.
Everyone's attention shifted to see the goddess of youth, Hebe, emerging from behind the throne. She still held the golden cup in her hands, her face rosy, and her eyes unusually resolute.
"Sister Hermes, I want to go with you..."
"..." Hera looked down at her daughter and realized that she had indeed learned a lot from Hermes.
Hermes tilted her head: "But this is dangerous, Hebe."
At the mortal feast before heading to the underworld, Hebe created 'Phych', which contained the soul of Typhoeos. Hermes speculated that Hera might have also played a role in this.
Hera was always serious about educating her daughter, not only to raise Hebe to be a powerful and excellent goddess.
“I know it’s dangerous, Sister Hermes,” Hebe took a deep breath, “but I’ve always felt it’s my responsibility, and…”
The goddess of youth gazed intently at Hermes, her golden eyes, like her mother's, glistening with tears.
"And it was you who taught me that my true creation is not about giving form, but about giving life meaning."
"I want to witness it with my own eyes..."
Hebe didn't say the last sentence, but everyone knew she wanted to witness Hermes communicating with Gaia, and perhaps more.
Hermes was stunned. She looked at the little sister who was always ignored by the gods and saw something in her eyes for the first time that was no longer innocent and naive—the determination to grow up.
“Are you still afraid, Hebe?” Hermes said softly.
“I am not afraid.” Hebe straightened her back, looking even more determined. “I am the daughter of the Queen of Heaven and the child of the God King. I possess the courage to face danger!”
These words deeply moved Hera, and even Zeus showed a look of satisfaction.
Aphrodite suddenly clapped again, her emerald eyes filled with admiration and surprise: "Well said! Little Hebe has finally grown up, I support you!"
Ares quickly chimed in, "That's right! It's a good thing my sister is determined!"
Eletia hugged Enyo tightly, her eyes welling up with tears: "Oh my god, our little Hebe is so cute, she's glowing!"
"Cough cough cough..." Enyo frowned and tried to break free from her sisters' arms. "Idiot, you're holding me too tight, cough cough... Let go!"
Seeing this, Hephaestus snorted and said, "Fine, I admit that. She's at least better than some idiot who can only fight."
"That's enough! You cripple, do you want to get beaten up again?"
"Your eyes are just for show. I'm perfectly healthy right now, and your fighting skills aren't that great either."
Seeing that another argument was about to erupt, and Hera, unusually, did not stop it, Zeus quickly coughed lightly, successfully bringing everyone back to silence.
“Apollo and Hebe can go, along with Artemis to assist them,” Zeus finally decided. “And you, Athena, your wisdom will come in handy in the negotiations.”
Artemis nodded in agreement, and Athena bowed slightly as well.
In an instant, a warm feeling welled up in Hermes' heart, and more and more companions joined her.
"There is no time to lose; you must depart before tomorrow." Zeus stood up again, his thunder scepter clanging loudly. "All gods must be prepared. Regardless of the outcome of Hermes' meeting with Gaia, we will face change."
Hera glanced at Zeus, then looked at Poseidon, Demeter, and Hestia, who had been standing silently among the gods for a long time. Their expressions were complex, and it was clear that they each had their own thoughts.
It's a pity Hades and Persephone aren't here, and Hecate is doing whatever she wants.
However, the show is far from over...
"Excuse me... may I come along?" Triton asked abruptly.
The gods' attention was drawn back.
Poseidon immediately grabbed his troublesome son and brought him back, saying irritably, "You've caused such a huge mess before, what more do you want? Stay in your sea cellar and behave yourself! Your mother has been crying for you until now—"
“I’m going with you!” Triton broke free from his father’s grasp, his eyes resolute. “You can’t control my will forever. I have my own ideas!”
Poseidon laughed in fury: "Control?"
Triton nodded without flinching: "Yes!"
"So, you've been corrupted by that brat Hermes, haven't you? Come with me! I'm going to take you back and give you a good lesson!"
The Sea King and his son started pulling and tugging at each other in front of everyone, leaving everyone dumbfounded, especially Hermes, who had 'corrupted' Triton.
"I don't want to go back with you! I want to go to Crete with them! Let me go, you old geezer!"
“You’re getting more and more rebellious, Triton. It seems the punishment I gave you before wasn’t enough.” Poseidon smiled faintly, his eyes as cold as winter snow. “Don’t embarrass yourself here. I’ve said it before, come back to the sea with me!”
"No—let me go!"
Poseidon grabbed Triton's arm again, and the latter, powerless to resist, could only watch helplessly as the trident struck the ground twice, and then the father and son were surrounded by the waves and disappeared from the spot.
"Hermes! Hermes, please wait for me, I will definitely come to find you!"
That's incredible; the shouts that Triton made before he was taken away are still echoing here.
The remaining gods: "..."
Hermes, who was being forced to endure the attention: "..."
Why is the Mermaid Prince acting this way?
Apollo patted Hermes on the shoulder and began to suppress his laughter again.
“This shows you are incredibly charming.” Apollo was no longer jealous, because he knew she loved him. “Hermes, you should be happy.”
Hermes was utterly speechless.
What nonsense is that silly goose spouting? She's so happy!
Also, Uncle Poseidon, could you perhaps try a different way of educating children? No wonder Triton... Oh well!
After all the gods had left, Apollo accompanied Hermes back to her palace on Olympus.
Upon entering the palace, Hermes collapsed onto the bed and let out a long sigh of relief.
"So, you're nervous?" Apollo sat down next to Hermes, his large hand stroking her body and gently massaging her shoulders.
“A little.” Hermes sighed as she enjoyed the God of Light’s voluntary service. “It’s easy to boast in front of everyone, but when it comes to actually facing Gaia… I do feel uneasy.”
“That’s normal,” Apollo said gently. “But you are never alone, Hermes.”
Hermes looked up and suddenly laughed again: "Yes, silly goose, I still have you, and I still have everyone!"
Upon hearing the nickname "Silly Goose," Apollo paused for a moment, blinking his light blue eyes.
"You really know how to come up with nicknames."
"Thank you for the compliment."
Apollo smiled then, but only a few seconds later his gaze became serious.
"However... there is something we must take care of before we head to Crete."
"What is it?" Hermes thought for a moment. "Ah, Pan?"
“Yes.” Apollo nodded. “Because Pan, Hecate warned you.”
Hermer was not at all surprised that Apollo knew about this. She sat up and buried herself in his strong, broad arms, feeling the warmth that she cherished.
“Yes, I also suspect that the goddess Gaia might use Pan, just like she manipulated Typhoon to possess him.”
Thinking of this, Hermes felt a sinking feeling in her heart.
If Apollo hadn't suddenly mentioned Pan, the turmoil of this period would have made her almost forget the child she had left in Arcadia.
"He should still be in Arcadia, right?"
“Of course, Pan is with Maya,” Apollo replied. “He’s too quiet.”
He was too quiet.
That's a very subtle way of putting it.
Hermes immediately made up her mind: "I have to go see him, and then we'll gather our companions and head to Crete together!"
“Okay.” Apollo gazed intently at Hermes, his light blue eyes sparkling. “I will always be with you, my dear little strategist.”
...
Arcadia, inside the cave of Kulenne.
Maya was humming a lullaby softly, weaving a flower wreath in her hands. Pan sat beside her, his violet eyes lowered, his expression somewhat dazed.
The events that occurred on Mount Riolympus during the day have already been spread by the nymphs.
As Hermes and Apollo entered the cave, Pan suddenly looked up, his eyes flashing with a complex mix of emotions—longing, fear, guilt, and a hint of darkness.
"Mother," Pan called softly, not rushing over as usual.
Hermes greeted Maya, then knelt down in front of Pan, carefully examining the child she had never known how to treat.
Pan inherited the beauty of Hermes and Perius, but also carried a certain unnatural and eerie quality. His ram horns were longer than when I last saw him, and they were wrapped with tiny thorns.
“Pan, look at me,” Hermes said gently.
Upon hearing this, Pan looked up, his purple eyes shining brightly in the dim cave.
“Tiphios once controlled you,” Hermes chose to cut to the chase. “Now it remains in Tartarus, but I wonder if you can still feel its influence?”
Pan's eyelashes trembled slightly, as if he were somewhat uneasy: "Sometimes... in my dreams, I dream that I am like a master."
As if recalling something, he stopped speaking, a blush of shame appearing on his face.
"And then?" Hermes asked calmly.
“…You kneel before me, begging for my mercy.” Pan’s voice was barely audible; he could not disobey his mother.
Suddenly, the cave fell silent.
Maya stopped singing, and Apollo squinted.
Hermes was not angry. She reached out and stroked Pan's head, her fingertips touching the hot goat horns, and then stroked his face.
“That’s a fantasy the monster instilled in you, Pan.” Hermes’s eyes curved into a smile. After everything that had happened, she had become much more patient with the child. “But I’m more interested in knowing how you felt when you had such dreams.”
It was like a gentle persuasion; Hermes and Gaia became more and more alike, but the former would never become the latter.
Apollo lowered his eyelashes and looked away.
Pan's body trembled slightly. He stared uncontrollably at his mother and bit his tongue, saying, "I...I'm so excited."
Because of that feeling of control over everything, that exhilarating sense of being above all living beings—
Pan blinked, his eyes suddenly welling up with tears that reddened, and scalding hot tears slid down his fiery red cheeks, dripping onto Hermes's hand.
"...Please forgive me, Mother. I feel guilty and scared. I don't want to hurt you. I don't want to become that kind of monster!"
Maya stopped singing and hugged Pan tightly, whispering words of comfort in his ear.
Hermes released her grip and stood up, looking at Apollo: "Hecate was right, the seed has been planted in Pan's heart as well."
Gaia is very likely to take advantage of Pan.
This realization made Hermes' feelings even more complicated.
“Let me guess,” Apollo said, “Do you want to take him along?”
Because Pan needs to learn to control his desires, instead of being controlled by them.
Hermes smiled and nodded to Apollo, then spoke to Pan again: "Come with us, Pan, we are going to Crete to meet the goddess Gaia."
Pan was stunned: "Huh? What does that mean?"
Maya trembled slightly, looking somewhat flustered.
“It’s nothing, just the same old thing.” Hermes blinked her right eye, as if her prank had succeeded. “Don’t you want to join us on an adventure?”
Those words sounded incredibly cunning.
It suits her perfectly.
Pan stared blankly at his mother. After a long while, he forcefully wiped away his tears and said, "I'll go, I definitely will!"
He seemed to have made up his mind.
"I want to prove to you that I can be a good boy."
Maya looked at Hermes with concern: "This is too dangerous, darling."
“Mother Goddess, believe me. This is also to protect him.” Hermes hugged Maia, then whispered in her ear, “You were the one who told Athena the truth, weren’t you? About me being chosen by Gaia… This is the secret you couldn’t tell me before, isn’t it?”
Before Maya could answer, Hermes released her.
Maya looked shocked, then hesitated before returning to her initial silence.
“I love you, Mother Goddess,” Hermes said tenderly.
Upon seeing this, Apollo sighed.
[Author's Note]
Countdown to the end! [Dog head with rose in its mouth][Dog head with rose in its mouth][Dog head with rose in its mouth]
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