Ancient Greece was a land of dense forests and sprawling swamps, teeming with ferocious lions, wild boars, and other savage beasts.
But in the era Jason had crossed into, this was the true Age of Gods!
That meant it wasn't just wild animals roaming the land—mythical creatures and monstrous beasts lurked everywhere.
This was precisely why heroes in this world were so renowned and revered. Many had slain fearsome monsters, saving countless lives in the process.
Clad in the white garments crafted by Athena, Jason rode his steed onward. At first, he worried that his conspicuous attire would invite trouble.
Honestly, if not for the fact that it was a divine gift, he would've considered taking it off.
Yet, to his great surprise, rather than attracting unwanted attention, his appearance actually deterred people from approaching him!
After all, not everyone was a fool. A young man, dressed in pristine white with an air of nobility, daring to travel alone through treacherous forests without any guards—he was either utterly reckless or under divine protection.
No one wanted to take that gamble.
But just because no one was looking for trouble with Jason didn't mean trouble wasn't looking for him.
Deep within the ancient forest, a massive serpent—over ten meters long—flicked its forked tongue, its eyes locked onto Jason with hesitant malice.
It had already taken several bites at him earlier, only to feel as though it was sinking its fangs into solid rock. The pain in its jaws still hadn't subsided!
Jason, having just finished a grueling battle, glanced at the broken sword in his hand, then back at the serpent before him, feeling equally exasperated.
This creature was undoubtedly a magical beast. Ordinary weapons would barely scratch it.
"…Looks like I have no choice."
Muttering to himself, Jason tossed aside the shattered blade, murmured a quiet apology to Meleager, who had gifted it to him, and then conjured a dark, eerie flame in his palm.
A bloodcurdling hiss filled the air.
From his perch on a towering tree, Jason watched as the serpent thrashed in unimaginable agony, its soul consumed by the unholy fire. No words could describe the sheer torment it endured.
"This fire that targets the soul is truly cruel… Even though that goddess has granted me the ability to use it more freely, I should still avoid relying on it too much."
Once the serpent was dead—its body riddled with gaping, scorched wounds—Jason leapt between several trees, avoiding the lingering flames before finally landing.
His gaze fell upon his fallen steed, the loyal companion that had journeyed with him for nearly half a month, now lifeless in the serpent's coils.
A heavy sigh escaped his lips.
"…Forgive me, my friend."
He dug a grave and laid the horse to rest.
Now, however, he faced a new dilemma.
With his mount gone, traveling would be much slower. Worse yet, he still had no idea where his destination truly lay.
Taking out the divine artifact meant to guide him, Jason looked ahead. Even under the sun's light, the forest remained eerily dark and filled with unseen dangers. His brow furrowed.
"This is my task, after all. It makes sense that Teacher Hecate wants me to seek out Persephone on my own. But… has she already seen through my soul? Does she know that I am far older than just twelve years?"
And that goddess… Was it really a coincidence that we met?
Is this truly just Hecate's trial for me, or is there something more at play?
Doubts lingered in Jason's mind, but he chose not to question Hecate's decision.
Finding Persephone and strengthening his soul would allow him to officially begin learning magic under Hecate's tutelage.
For his future—and for reasons even he couldn't fully explain—Jason needed this power.
A power that was originally beyond his reach.
A power that he must claim.
"…Enough thinking."
Jason made his decision.
The waters of the Underworld had tempered his body—not to the level of true immortality, but strong enough that ordinary monsters could hardly harm him.
And with his underworld's fire as a weapon, he could still press forward.
Besides, deep down, Jason had a gut feeling—he wasn't truly in danger.
That goddess had mentioned Hecate had visited her.
Which meant Hecate was watching over him from the shadows.
As for why he wasn't fully immortal, the answer was simple: the body of a true god, one that could rival the Olympians, required more than just a baptism in the Styx. It also needed to be reforged in the divine flames of Olympus.
Hercules had only ascended to godhood after Zeus burned away his mortal flesh with sacred fire.
Just as Jason resolved to continue his journey, a melodious tune suddenly drifted through the forest.
It was the sound of a lyre.
The music carried an almost supernatural allure, causing Jason to stop in his tracks before he even realized it.
"…Someone's there… No, wait!"
His expression shifted.
He turned to run—instinct screaming at him to flee.
Yet no matter how hard he tried, the music's enchantment was irresistible. His body, beyond his control, gradually drew him back toward the source of the melody.
It wasn't long before he arrived at a clearing.
Atop a smooth, sunlit boulder sat a strikingly handsome young man with golden hair, bathed in radiance.
A seven-stringed golden lyre rested in his hands.
And he was the one playing.
Jason wasn't the only one drawn in. Rabbits, deer, foxes—even lions and magical beasts had all gathered here, entranced by the music.
Yet, despite their natural instincts, not a single creature fought or attacked another.
Jason didn't need much time to realize who this divine figure was.
The God of Light—Apollo!
Twin brother of Artemis.
God of light, prophecy, music, and medicine.
It was said that the melodies of Apollo's lyre possessed an unparalleled charm—any living being who heard them would be compelled to approach and listen.
Jason had already suspected that the goddess who aided him was Athena. But with so many renowned goddesses, he hadn't dared to assume too much.
Wait… a child?
Apollo's golden eyes landed on Jason.
Or rather, someone who appeared to be a child.
Surprise flickered across the god's face.
But then, as he observed Jason more closely, his expression shifted.
That divine energy… Hecate?
Though Apollo and Hecate weren't particularly close, their families were intertwined.
Hecate's mother, Asteria, was the sister of Leto—Apollo's own mother.
And when Hera had persecuted Leto during her pregnancy, it was Asteria who had intervened, ensuring Apollo and Artemis could be born safely.
Sensing Hecate's divine energy on Jason, Apollo ended his performance.
With a single command of his divine power, he dismissed the gathered creatures before stepping toward Jason.
"Well, well… I certainly wasn't expecting such an interesting guest today."