Returning to the secluded cave felt like crossing through a portal into another world—a place where the extraordinary gathered, and the mundane faded into the background.
"Jason, you're back," called a calm, confident voice.
Jason turned to see Meleagros—a young man who radiated both poise and strength. His sharp features and composed demeanor hinted at the hero he would one day become. Known as a future leader and the instigator of the famed Calydonian Boar Hunt, Meleagros was already an impressive figure among their peers.
"Yeah, just got back," Jason replied casually, his eyes darting to the hulking figure beside him—Heracles, the living embodiment of raw power.
Meleagros hesitated briefly, his gaze lingering on Heracles before stepping forward to assist. Without a word, he hefted a massive deer carcass from Heracles' shoulders, as if attempting to ease the tension between them.
"Thanks," Heracles said, his deep voice rumbling like distant thunder.
"It's nothing," Meleagros replied, his tone neutral but polite.
Jason, watching their stiff exchange, was about to intervene when his gaze fell upon a familiar figure beneath the shade of a sprawling tree. His blood ran cold. There, sitting serenely, was Chiron, the wise centaur and their mentor.
Jason froze. Maybe if I just—
"Jason, come here," Chiron's calm but firm voice interrupted his escape plan. "I have something to discuss with you."
Caught, Jason plastered on his most innocent smile and approached. "Oh, Chiron! I didn't see you there. Good morning!"
"Good morning," Chiron replied, his knowing eyes twinkling with amusement. "I hear you've been quite adamant about your studies. Still set on focusing solely on cultural pursuits—music, strategy, art?"
Jason nodded earnestly. "Yes! I believe that's where my strengths lie."
Chiron sighed, a mixture of exasperation and affection. "You have untapped potential, Jason. With proper training, you could shine among heroes."
Jason, however, had his reasons. This wasn't the time to explain his aversion to heroics. His plan was simple—networking. Why risk his neck when the future legends of Greek mythology were his classmates? Better to ingratiate himself now than be left stranded in the chaos of Greece.
As Jason excused himself, Chiron's gaze shifted to the group gathering under Jason's influence. Even Heracles, often regarded as unapproachable, seemed to interact more openly. The once somber cave now buzzed with life. Though he didn't fully grasp Jason's intentions, Chiron allowed it to continue. Perhaps it was fate at work.
---
[Meanwhile...]
A gentle rain pattered outside as Chiron lectured Jason on the hierarchy of the gods, his deep voice filling the room like the rhythm of an ancient epic.
"...And thus, Zeus ascended as the King of Gods after overthrowing the tyrant Kronos. Poseidon claimed dominion over the seas, while Hades ruled the underworld. Together with the other Olympians, they form the Twelve Great Gods of Mount Olympus: Zeus, Poseidon, Hades, Athena, Apollo, Artemis…"
Jason listened intently, though his mind wandered. These gods are real here, and they're no benevolent saints. If anything, it's safer to avoid them altogether.
"Chiron," Jason interrupted, his tone unusually serious. "Are there any gods I should especially avoid? You know, just in case I need to run."
Chiron arched an eyebrow, his lips twitching with amusement. "The gods are not so easily encountered, Jason. For most, meeting a god is an honor."
Jason frowned. "Yeah, 'honor.' That's what they call it when someone gets smited."
Chiron chuckled, though his expression sobered slightly. "If there is one you should tread carefully around, it's Hecate, the Goddess of Magic and Crossroads. She holds sway over many realms, and even Zeus respects her."
Jason blinked. "Noted. If I meet her, I'll run with all my might!"
"She rarely leaves her temple, so the chances are slim," Chiron added, though he hesitated, glancing at Jason thoughtfully. "She has two apprentices, however…"
"Apprentices?" Jason prompted, curiosity piqued.
Chiron shook his head. "Never mind. It's nothing to concern yourself with."
Jason nodded but couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to the story.
---
[In Hecate's Temple…]
Far from the mortal world, in a dimly lit chamber filled with artifacts of ancient power, Hecate paused mid-experiment. The black-haired goddess narrowed her crimson eyes as a flicker of awareness crossed her mind.
"Someone's talking about me," she murmured, setting aside the glowing vial in her hand. "Hmm… Chiron? How curious."
As she traced the thread of fate that connected her to the centaur, a name surfaced—Jason.
"Jason… Why does that name feel familiar?" she mused aloud.
Before she could delve deeper, a soft knock interrupted her thoughts.
"Teacher, may I come in?" a young voice called from the doorway.
"Enter, Medea," Hecate replied.
The door creaked open to reveal a silver-haired girl with striking violet eyes. Medea, her apprentice, carried an aura of quiet determination as she stepped inside.
"I've gathered the materials you requested," Medea said softly.
"Good," Hecate replied, though her thoughts remained elsewhere. "Tell me, Medea, what do you think of mortals?"
Medea blinked, caught off guard. "Mortals? I… suppose they're fascinating in their own way."
Hecate smiled faintly. "Indeed. They often surprise even the gods."
---
[Back in the Cave…]
Jason stretched lazily, unaware that the gears of fate were already turning. Somewhere in the divine tapestry, his name had been whispered—and the gods had begun to take notice.
###
Well, well, you made it to the end of Chapter 2. If you're not tired of me yet and actually want to read more before everyone else, then hit up my Patreon (Patreon.com/Dracode). No pressure, but if you don't, you'll probably just have to wait for the next chapter like everyone else—your call. 😏