Myth: The Ruler of Spirituality

Chapter 817 - 305: Catching Them All in One Net

The next day.

Compared to the chaos of a few days ago, the Alliance's camp had regained order.

Two obscure small countries had hurried their armies here, setting up camp not far from the main encampment.

The size of the Alliance was visibly increased, but their shattered morale was slow to recover and had even worsened over time.

Various rumors spread among the lower ranks, and Agamemnon, the only one who could possibly manage the situation, was still healing from his wounds.

So when Achilles appeared in front of the camp once again, this uneasy emotion was further amplified.

Fortunately, Ares hadn't failed this time; he stood in the military formation and furiously denounced Achilles for his despicable and shameless tactics during the previous battle, where he had lured Ares into distraction by attacking the Goddess of Beauty.

Afterwards, he refused Achilles' renewed challenge and instead asked to battle the next day.

After all, his repeat journeys to Mount Olympus had understandably left him spiritually exhausted.

Ares' excuse was only briefly considered by Achilles before he agreed.

Whether it was a day earlier or later made no difference to him; since the other party requested a postponement, he was content to delay. That way, once he won, Ares would have no excuse to vindicate himself.

"So this is the battleground you've chosen? Quite picturesque indeed."

"I suppose, losing the title of War God in a place of your choosing would leave you with no regrets."

His voice laced with a hint of amusement, Achilles casually surveyed his surroundings.

A not-so-small valley, surrounded on three sides by mountains, with only one exit.

A river flowed through the exit into the valley, making it seem like a perfect place for an ambush.

However, this would only hold true for mortal armies, who could merely hold the sole exit against all odds.

But for the indestructible Achilles, all the world's passes were as flat as a plain.

Unless there were other gods here waiting for him. Yet, feeling the reaction of the Styx River's essence within his body, Achilles could be sure that there was no god here but Ares. Find exclusive stories on My Virtual Library Empire

"Heh, come then."

"Honestly, I thought you'd have called a few gods to ambush me. But now I see, you know what shame is, and what a joke is."

Drawing the bronze sword he had previously seized, Achilles pointed it forward.

Standing opposite him was none other than Ares, bearing an ugly expression.

"...Arrogant and vile mortal, you can only be arrogant for so long..."

Thinking of today's plan, Ares struggled to swallow his anger.

It was correct not to call others for help; the power from the Styx River made this human extremely sensitive to the presence of divine breaths.

If he had really called for assistance, Achilles might not have shown up.

But now it was different; with him alone here, this arrogant youth would naturally not shy away from battle.

And as long as he showed up, there would be only one outcome.

"...Bastard, meet your end!"

These words, Ares meant them with all his heart.

And soon, after several days, the battle between Achilles and Ares erupted once more.

Sword clashing against shield, force against force.

From the nameless valley echoed endless tremors, as the nearby wildlife fled to evade the clash between demigod and deity.

This time, without any other interference, the battle between Achilles and Ares lasted from morning until evening, yet neither could claim victory.

Just a little longer... just a little longer, and once I invite all Gods of Mount Olympus...

Under everyone's observation, I will slay you and thereby restore my tarnished reputation.

······

Hundreds of miles away, in a cave halfway up the mountain.

A figure, significantly taller than average, hastily put down what he was holding and continued to look into the distance.

Previously relying on some techniques, he had prevented his own aura from leaking out.

But having personally witnessed his student being captured, Chiron's emotions were inevitably stirred.

Not long ago, after receiving Achilles' letter, the Centaur Sage sensed something ominous.

Prophecy indicated that Achilles was to die in a war.

Whether it referred to a specific war or the God presiding over the war was uncertain.

Prophecies were always vague, but Achilles' direct challenge to the Deity was still too bold.

Even Chiron hadn't foreseen that shortly after leaving Silver Moon City, he would become so arrogant.

Maybe he shouldn't have come to Silver Moon City at all; perhaps then he could have adapted to mortal life sooner, without becoming so haughty...

Chiron felt some regret in that moment.

Perhaps having too much is what led Achilles to this point.

He was a little late, and now he had been captured by the Olympian Gods.

Whether it's Achilles' blasphemy or the Olympian Gods' hostility towards Silver Moon City, they likely wouldn't let him go easily.

"Sigh... causing trouble in the mortal realm is one thing, but why did you have to create a stir on Mount Olympus?"

"Do you really think that even the Divine King couldn't deal with you?"

With a worried look, Chiron wasn't supposed to worry about Achilles' safety.

After all, he knew very well that his student's adaptation to the power of the River Styx was unbelievably perfect, as if it were his destiny to be baptized by Styx.

Ordinary Deities couldn't contend with the force of the Underworld's Origin connected to the River Styx, only a very few could actually harm him, yet Zeus was one of them.

Regardless, even Hades was technically part of the Divine Court.

Without trying, Chiron didn't believe Achilles could withstand the Divine King's supreme power.

"With my power alone, I'm afraid there's nothing I can do."

"Mount Olympus... it's not a place one can simply come and go as they please."

Taking a deep breath, Chiron couldn't just watch his student suffer, yet he lacked the power to rescue Achilles.

Despite his longevity, he was not a True God.

To save someone on Mount Olympus, he would need others' help.

And the first to come to mind were Hecate and Artemis.

These two Goddesses were undoubtedly the most likely to help, but after a moment of thought, Chiron decided he needed to involve another Deity.

These two Goddesses had little to do with Olympus and weren't well-versed in the conditions there.

To save Achilles, it would be better to be cunning rather than forceful.

And when it came to wisdom and knowledge of Mount Olympus, only Princess Athena came to mind.

"Just as well, this young man intended to align with Athens, and the New King of Athens was once a Priest of the Goddess."

"I'll seek her mercy; if the Goddess is willing to help, she certainly won't turn a blind eye."