Making proud goddesses lower their heads is quite a challenge, especially for three such proud goddesses.
Fortunately, two of them are tactful enough to save face and gracefully back down. The third, lacking in brains, can only laugh along with them while secretly seething inside.
"I, Athena, possess a beauty that transcends physical allure—it is the beauty of wisdom, which entices men in a different way from you."
"I, Hera, am the noblest being in this world. Beauty is but one of my many attributes. I do not need to compare myself to your beauty."
With the conflicting tension diffused, the Golden Apple, the object of their heated competition, has finally been claimed by Cyd.
Naturally, Cyd acquires the Golden Apple.
To make the gods boastfully happy is the best way to deal with their confidence. Naturally self-assured, they do not see it as boasting but rather as Cyd speaking the truth. Hera simply gives Cyd a blessing, affirming him as the noblest among men, in keeping with Cyd's assertion that she is the noblest goddess.
"In whatever position you find yourself, you shall be the noblest."
In essence, it is about wealth, status, and the like.
Aphrodite also straightforwardly bestows a blessing upon Cyd, which greatly pleases him, even if it appears simple.
"In your love life, every encounter will yield complete fulfillment."
Even a momentary favorable impression can lead to boundless affection, ensuring a complete outcome. How inspiring!
However, I definitely won't use it!
Regrettably, all blessings are passive techniques!
Athena, initially hesitant to give a blessing to entice Cyd, is undoubtedly the most reluctant to bestow a blessing. She admires heroes and their unyielding determination. Cyd is the greatest hero of this era, who won the hearts of both gods and mortals alike. She is eager to offer her blessing, but she is not ready yet. If she were to give her blessing to Cyd, she would not be able to present another enticement to win him over. If it were possible, she would have exhausted all of Cyd's rewards, including his wisdom, except for his blessings.
"Regardless, your choice is correct," Athena reluctantly gave her blessing.
The chaotic wedding festivities continued, even after Cyd left the palace, riding the crest of his newfound fame...
"The remaining blessings still remain..."
Outside Olympus, Cyd raised his left wrist. The once pure white bracer was now adorned with seven-color crystalline decorations, save for two empty spaces.
"Two more left!"
"Have you walked?"
Just as Cyd was about to slip away, a hand gently rested on his shoulder.
"My duty is done, it's probably best I take my leave," Cyd's expression stiffened. "What does King of the Gods Zeus want from me?"
"No, did you have something you didn't say to me?" Zeus released Cyd's shoulder, stepping back to sit on the steps. "Don't be nervous, I won't harm you."
Saying this, Zeus motioned for Cyd to sit.
"I... I apologize for my disrespect," Cyd swallowed nervously, sluggishly taking a seat beside Zeus.
This was Zeus after all— a figure feared by both men and gods alike, who could easily wield his power!
"Seeing me is a rare occasion, didn't you want me to bless you?" Zeus pointed to Cyd's left wrist. "It's not easy to catch me."
"Well... I don't think I should accept your blessing," Cyd grimaced.
"I'm easy-going. Originally, I planned to give you the same thing as Poseidon," Zeus's smile faded, growing serious. "Unless... you haven't received a blessing from Hades."
Cyd hesitated, unsure of what to say.
"Don't misunderstand, I'm not withholding a blessing because of Hades," Zeus pinched Cyd's stiff cheek. "It's because he favors you, that he bestowed such a blessing upon you."
"You mean... I can't die?" Cyd tilted his head in confusion.
"Yes, that blessing was meant for you alone," Zeus reclined undignified on the steps. "You really can't consider my perspective?"
"Well... I thought it didn't matter," Cyd touched the white jade bracer on his left wrist.
"Haven't you realized your condition?" Zeus tapped Cyd's head. "That blessing isn't just divine favor, it symbolizes the power of a god. Consider carefully the strength you've acquired."
Cyd's eyes widened.
Apollo's solar strength, Aphrodite's power of love, Hera's noble power, Ares' warlike power, Demeter's harvest power, Artemis' power of the moon and plague, Hermes' true strength, Athena's power of wisdom, Hestia's power of the hearth, Poseidon's power of the sea, and Hades' power of immortality.
"The power you now hold surpasses any god. Even if this doesn't matter to you, you're still mortal, and mortal life is limited," Zeus' expression was complex. "You cannot die now, and the divine power you possess will only grow stronger. One day, you may rival even me. While I, as the Sky God, may rejoice in this challenge, only I would face such a problem."
"Therefore... I cannot complete this bracer," Cyd grimaced.
"Even if you refuse immortality," Zeus shrugged, "with eleven arcanums, you'll eventually surpass me. So..."
Zeus gave a thumbs-up. "I'll give you the blessing!"
"What?"
"I'm not interested in remaining King of the Gods," Zeus lazily ran his fingers through his pale hair. "Besides, I'm very curious to see if the Hero of Pure White will withstand the test of time and retain his consciousness."
"You really are unpredictable," Cyd relaxed.
"Rest assured, I won't give you something for nothing," Zeus smirked. "After receiving thirteen blessings, you certainly won't act as a hero. You'll probably find a safe place to live..."
"...I suppose I'll start from that goal after all," Cyd hesitated.
"So... consider this the final offer for the Hero of Pure White," Zeus said, counting on his fingers. "To fight for the salvation of the world."