"No! I don't want to go to sea! I get seasick!"
Cyd, who had been so composed moments ago, now clung to a rock as if his life depended on it, looking like a terrified child. The middle-aged hunter glanced awkwardly between Cyd and the burly young man who had caused this sudden change of heart.
"I didn't know you got seasick, Cyd," Hercules said, patting him on the shoulder. "But don't worry, you get used to it after a while."
No, it's not seasickness—it's you! No, it's all of you!
Cyd wanted to smack himself for getting carried away by the two blessings he had received. How could he forget such an important detail? This was the Argo! The person recruiting sailors was Jason! The ship was filled with famous heroes!
A wild-looking female hunter was eyeing Cyd up and down with a sharp gaze.
No, no, no, no, no! Of all the ships, this is the one I absolutely cannot board!
Cyd's fingers dug into the rock, determined to cling to it for dear life.
"Hercules, if he doesn't want to come, just leave him," Jason said, frowning. From the beginning, he had been gathering heroes from all over. Initially, he didn't think much of Cyd, but after Cyd knocked out a hot-tempered hero with a single blow, Jason's interest was piqued, but just slightly.
"We need him, Jason," Hercules said, scratching the back of his head. Seeing Cyd's determination, there was only one thing he could do.
Hercules lifted the rock, with Cyd still clinging to it, with one hand.
"Good luck, kid," the middle-aged hunter said, waving to the dejected Cyd.
"Oh, Cyd," Atalanta said, narrowing her eyes.
Help! Cyd cried out internally.
Onboard the Argo.
"Hercules, is he really okay?" Jason asked for the third time, watching Cyd clutch the railing as if about to jump overboard.
"He's just seasick, no big deal," Hercules waved off the concern.
"Is that really it?"
Seasickness didn't usually make someone cling to the railing like that.
Jason shook his head. Having Cyd on board didn't make much difference to him. If he wanted to leave, so be it.
"You'll see," Hercules said, sensing Jason's doubts. "Cyd has a certain charm."
"Charm? His white hair and unusually pale skin do make him stand out," Jason mused, stroking his chin. "Someone seems quite taken by him."
The agile female hunter was stealthily approaching Cyd from behind.
"?" Hercules tilted his head. Why did she look more like a lioness stalking her prey?
Jason, with a knowing look, patted Hercules on the back. "Women can be like that when they see someone they're interested in."
Jason watched Atalanta and sighed. "Too bad, I thought I had a chance with her."
She was attractive, with a wild look in her eyes that made any man want to conquer her. But, alas, he didn't have the skill.
"You, come with me!" Atalanta pounced on Cyd, wrapping her arms around his neck like a lioness, dragging him into the cabin.
"Help—mmph!"
"Told you," Jason said, whistling. "Whether he's the conqueror or the conquered, Cyd's in for it."
"Sounded like he was calling for help," Hercules said, scratching his head.
"Men always say that. You said yourself that Cyd is strong. No way he can't handle a single huntress," Jason shrugged.
"True," Hercules nodded.
In truth, Cyd could easily overpower Atalanta, but he didn't dare to.
"Look, lady, we barely know each other. If you have a grudge against some white-haired guy, it's not me!" Cyd said, looking up at Atalanta, who was straddling him.
"Don't worry, you're the only white-haired person I've ever seen," Atalanta replied, pulling a dagger from her waist and pressing it against Cyd's throat. "It's been three years."
"Why do you act like we know each other well? We only met once three years ago," Cyd said, annoyed.
"True, we don't know each other well, but one thing has bothered me for three years," Atalanta said, leaning in, her emerald eyes boring into Cyd's. "Why did Artemis say you're the child of the Moon?"
You've been thinking about that for three years? Cyd's expression turned odd, making Atalanta uneasy.
"You're pretty weak," she muttered.
"While I try to downplay things, sometimes…" Cyd rolled his eyes and headbutted her.
"Ugh…" Atalanta fell back, clutching her head.
"The Moon's child isn't what you think," Cyd said, sitting up and shrugging as he looked at Atalanta lying next to him. "Believe what you want, but I'm not connected to any goddess."
Cyd paused, realizing he might be stretching the truth.
"Please, I won't be on this ship for long," Cyd said, covering his face. "Just pretend I don't exist."
"Do you know how many people would kill to be on this ship?" Atalanta said, shaking her head.
"I don't know, but I'm seriously considering jumping overboard," Cyd said, scooting away. "I don't like the people here."
"I don't like them either," Atalanta said, arching an eyebrow at his movement. "But I want to prove myself."
"You don't need this ship to prove yourself," Cyd yawned.
"I'll figure that out on my own, thank you," Atalanta said, picking up her dagger. "This ship is headed to Colchis for the Golden Fleece. The journey won't be easy."
"Don't worry, I'll get off the ship the first chance I get," Cyd said.
"And I'll shoot you in the head if you do," Atalanta replied.