"Chiron, you have no idea what I've been through since I left you!"
Back in Chiron's wooden cabin, Jason glanced around to confirm it was still daytime before putting on a pitiful expression. He immediately began complaining about Hecate's misdeeds—dragging him to the Underworld, throwing him into the River Styx, abandoning him in the Everlasting Flame for three months without a care.
"And now, even though I just got out of there, she's sending me to find Prometheus and track down Persephone, whom Demeter has hidden away!"
After venting his frustration, Jason let out a heavy sigh, wearing an expression of utter misery.
However, after listening to Jason's complaints, Chiron's expression turned rather strange.
"So, what you're saying is… Lady Hecate not only granted you immortality but is also putting in the effort to temper your soul with the Everlasting Flame?"
"Uh… yeah, I guess that's right," Jason nodded after thinking it over.
"Then what are you even complaining about?!"
Chiron couldn't help but chuckle. "Or do you actually think just anyone can bathe in the River Styx and be tempered by the Everlasting Flame?"
"Huh…?" Jason blinked, looking confused. "Wait… is it really that rare?"
It wasn't entirely his fault for thinking otherwise. After all, it had all seemed to happen so easily. Plus, as someone who had memories of another world, he clearly remembered that Achilles had once bathed in the River Styx and gained an immortal body.
But if it were truly that simple, then why would Achilles' immortality be so legendary?
"Of course, it's rare!" Chiron sighed. "The River Styx exists to prevent the living from entering and the dead from escaping. Forget mortals—even lesser gods can be corroded by its waters!
"And more importantly, using Underworld resources without permission would normally enrage Lord Hades. The only reason you were able to do so is that Lady Hecate intervened. If it were anyone else, the moment you stepped into the Underworld, you would never have been allowed to leave!"
Jason processed Chiron's words and slowly nodded.
He wasn't stupid—he knew Chiron wasn't just trying to scare him. But for some reason… it still didn't feel real.
Well, mostly because Hecate just didn't seem all that reliable…
Seeing Jason's dazed expression, Chiron knew the boy still didn't fully grasp the gravity of the situation. So, he simply said, "Forget it. There's no point dwelling on it. Since Lady Hecate has made these arrangements, she must have her reasons.
"She wants you to find Prometheus and Persephone, right? You should prepare and set out today!"
Now that Chiron knew how much Jason stood to gain from meeting Persephone, he was more eager than Jason himself to get him moving.
Before Jason left, Chiron also examined his condition.
"Such potential… such incredible potential… Alright, I'll talk to Lady Hecate and see if she can spare a few days each month for you to train with me.
"You have an even better foundation than before. With just a bit of polishing, you'll become one of the brightest heroes of this era—maybe even rival Heracles in the future!"
Jason had always had the makings of a great hero, but after Hecate's training, his potential had become truly extraordinary.
"A hero, huh…" Jason muttered.
"You don't seem particularly interested in becoming one… At your age, shouldn't your greatest dream be to become a heroic legend, someone who will be remembered for generations?" Chiron asked curiously.
"But I think living a peaceful life is far better than being a hero."
Jason hesitated for a moment before honestly admitting, "To tell you the truth, Chiron—if this world weren't so dangerous, and if I weren't lucky enough to know parts of my future, I wouldn't even be doing any of this!
"Even now, everything I do—becoming stronger, training—is all so I can survive and live peacefully! I have no interest in heroism. And I can promise you this—I will never become some great hero!"
Looking at Jason's serious expression, Chiron's mouth opened slightly in surprise.
He had assumed that Jason's mindset might have changed after training under Hecate, but it turned out he was just as resistant to the idea of being a hero as before!
"You… sigh, forget it." Chiron had the urge to lecture Jason, but after recalling how his past attempts had failed miserably, he simply gave up.
Instead, he shifted his focus. The most important thing now was to sculpt this unpolished gem.
At the very least, Jason no longer resisted learning.
As for his slacker mentality… well, gold will shine no matter what.
Once Jason was fully refined, the world would naturally take notice.
Especially that goddess on Olympus who was obsessed with heroes.
Thinking this, Chiron no longer felt frustrated. Instead, he smiled at Jason—his expression oddly radiant, making Jason feel uneasy.
"I'll prepare a map for you… Oh, by the way, today's the day your senior, Meleager, returns home. You should pack up and leave with him."
"Return home?" Jason blinked. "Senior Meleager is graduating already?"
"Yes," Chiron nodded. Then, after thinking for a moment, he added, "Meleager is the prince of Calydon. He's come of age now, so it's time for him to return. He can't stay with me forever."
"What about Senior Heracles and the others?"
"They're not ready yet," Chiron shook his head.
Shortly after, Chiron introduced Jason to Meleager and the others. Jason's fellow students were all surprised to see their junior after three months and were overjoyed to reunite with him.
Watching Jason surrounded by his affectionate senior brothers, Chiron nodded in satisfaction. This kid was truly likable… though, he had to admit, Jason did have a talent for getting along with others.
After all, his words were always sweet, he was observant, and his manners were impeccable—making people feel at ease.
In this wild and untamed era of Greece, it was hard not to like someone like Jason.
Well, it made sense—he was a modern person from an age of information and social skills. Naturally, he knew how to navigate conversations.
With Chiron's blessing, Jason and Meleager eventually left the centaur's mountain home.
After several days of travel, they finally arrived at the Kingdom of Calydon.
Meleager warmly hosted Jason, and when the time came for Jason to leave, he gifted him some travel funds and a sharp sword.
Though Meleager had wanted Jason to stay a bit longer, Jason's fate was tied to a prophecy, so he had no choice but to move on.
Thus, Jason's first official journey in the age of Greek gods began.