Age of Gods, Greece.
Arcadia, deep within the cave of Mount Pelion.
In the early morning, inside a wooden house built from ancient trees…
The wise centaur Chiron sat by the window, eyes closed, gently strumming a golden lyre, playing a melody of divine beauty.
Outside, the morning sun bathed the forest, and small birds flitted around the treetops, chirping playfully.
Knock, knock.
A knock at the door interrupted the peaceful tune.
Chiron paused briefly, then spoke gently, "Come in."
As he opened his eyes and set down his lyre, the door creaked open to reveal a young boy.
He was barely over ten years old, a golden-haired, blue-eyed youth with a face still carrying traces of childishness, yet his gaze held a spark of spirit. This was precisely why Chiron had taken him as a disciple.
"Teacher Chiron, sorry to disturb you." The boy greeted him with the customary respect of a student to his master.
Chiron nodded slightly and, with a hint of anticipation, asked, "Have you thought it through after last night?"
He firmly believed in this young boy. From the moment he first laid eyes on him, Chiron knew that once he grew up, he would surely become a hero who would stand tall under the heavens!
"Yes, Teacher Chiron." The golden-haired boy took a deep breath and declared with unwavering determination—
"Please allow me… to drop out!"
"..."
The smile on Chiron's face slowly faded.
This was not the answer he had been expecting.
Pressing his hand against his forehead, he sighed, "Jason, if I recall correctly, you've only been here for a week… and when you first became my student, you swore with absolute conviction that no matter how hard it got, you would persevere. Am I wrong?"
"No, you're right. But that was then, and this is now."
Chiron fell silent. He stared at the boy before him, who met his gaze with unshaken resolve. A student who had completely changed his mind in less than a week.
"…Can I hear your reason?"
Chiron could tell that Jason wasn't quitting because he feared hardship—there had to be something deeper behind his decision.
Jason hesitated for a moment before answering.
"Because my name is Jason."
"…Huh?" Chiron frowned in confusion.
"Because now… my name is Jason."
Yes. That was it. That was the reason this boy wanted to quit.
And for a transmigrator like him, that was more than enough.
That's right—Jason was a transmigrator.
Originally, he had been just an ordinary college student on Earth, but an unexpected accident had flung him into the Age of Gods in Greece.
He arrived at the very moment when Jason's uncle had usurped the throne, exiling him and his parents.
At that time, Jason hadn't even been named yet.
So when he realized he had landed in this brutal era, he decided that he needed to learn some combat skills to protect himself in this lawless world.
That's why he came to Chiron, seeking to train under him.
After all, in an age where laws were practically nonexistent, dreaming of a peaceful life without strength was pure fantasy.
A week ago, he successfully became Chiron's student. He was thrilled—until that same day, he was finally given his new name.
Jason.
Jason? …Wait, wait, wait, Jason?!
You mean that Jason—the one who angered the vengeful witch Medea?!
Jason?
You mean that Jason—the so-called great hero who was just a plaything of the gods?!
Jason?
You mean that Jason, who seemed to have a glorious life, became a legendary hero in history, but in reality, suffered endless hardships and couldn't even die in peace?!
That day, Jason felt like he had been struck by lightning.
The moment he realized what kind of future awaited him, he could only describe it with two words—utter misery.
If he continued his training, he was doomed to a life of suffering with no escape!
At that moment, a single thought formed in Jason's mind.
I have to drop out.
No matter what, I must drop out!
He refused to go through such a life!
Some people might choose to shine brightly, even in a short life.
But as a model citizen of the 21st century? No thanks.
Jason was not interested!
He just wanted to live a peaceful, happy life!
"So, Teacher Chiron, I request to drop out. Please approve it!"
Chiron remained silent. He looked at the boy before him, who once again bowed respectfully, his eyes filled with determination.
He could tell—Jason had already made up his mind.
For a moment, Chiron wanted to say something, but no words came. After a long pause, all he could manage was—
"No."
"Why not?!"
"Jason, you have great potential." Chiron patiently tried to reason with him. "I see in you a talent beyond the ordinary!"
"I guarantee that once you finish your training, you will become a hero who stands above all! You will earn the gods' favor, your name will be remembered for eternity, and…" Chiron suddenly smiled, "you will be adored by many women."
As Chiron spoke with such conviction, Jason's eyelids twitched uncontrollably.
A great hero?
Eternal fame?
The gods' favor?
Admired by women?
…Are you cursing me?!
A grand, glorious life? A name passed down through history?
Sorry, not interested!
Does that compare to a peaceful and happy life?
Not even close!
Compared to a heroic and tragic fate… Sorry, but Jason preferred being a couch potato!
"Teacher Chiron, you make a strong argument."
Chiron sighed in relief—just as he was thinking that kids were easily swayed by the allure of heroism…
"But I still want to drop out."
Chiron's smile froze.
After staring at Jason for a long time, he finally sighed and said, "Alright. I've heard your request."
He pointed at the door. "Leave me for now. I need to think about this."
"Yes, Teacher Chiron. Goodbye."
Jason walked to the door, hesitated, then turned back and said, "But think carefully, okay? You're so wise—I'm sure you'll let me drop out!"
Chiron didn't answer. But Jason could see the twitching veins on his forehead.
Sensing danger, Jason quickly made his escape.
As he stepped out into the morning sunlight, Jason sighed.
"Teacher Chiron isn't going to let me drop out, huh…? Well, he is Chiron, after all."
"But if I don't drop out, I'll be forced to become a hero… What do I do?"
Then, an idea struck him.
"I've got it!"
After thinking for a moment, Jason's eyes lit up. "If I just don't become a hero, won't that solve everything?"
As the saying goes, a master can lead you to the door, but cultivation is up to the individual!
If I don't even step through the door, don't train at all, and just laze around every day—won't that work perfectly?!
"Yes, that's it! That's the way! Although… I do feel a little guilty toward Teacher Chiron, but… Sorry, Teacher Chiron! I, Jason, will never become a hero!"