It is midnight. Lamia and I are running away from the Atlanteans.
The night air was thick with tension, and every sound echoed like a gunshot in the silent cave where we had taken refuge just moments ago.
My heart pounded like a wild drumbeat as we moved quickly but cautiously through the jagged rocks and narrow tunnels.
Those Atlanteans — they were relentless hunters, like predators stalking their prey. I
I swore to myself that I wouldn't use the "Divinity of Love" ability again until I fully master it, not after tonight.
The memory of this chase has already left a scar deep in my mind.
Inside the cold cave, Lamia and I sat cross-legged, trying to meditate and recover our energies faster. The flickering shadows cast by a small fire danced on the walls, as if echoing the turmoil within me. My sixth sense screamed at me: "Run. Now."
I grabbed Lamia's hand and prepared to leave, but as soon as we stepped out, I saw ten Atlanteans blocking our path.
My hope shattered in an instant. Panic tried to claw its way through my chest, but then an idea struck me — a desperate gamble.
Wrapping my arms around myself, I shyly said, "Friends, I would love to spend time with you, but there are ten of you, and I cannot stand against all of you. So, let's fight among yourselves — whoever wins, gets to take me."
Lamia looked at me as if I were some sort of insect, maybe worse than that. "Don't look at me like that," I whispered. "I don't like this any more than you do." Suddenly, one of the Atlanteans stabbed the leader in the back.
Blood poured from the leader's mouth as he turned to look at the attacker. "You too, Brutus?"
Oh my god, this turned into a drama.
Everyone started attacking each other fiercely. The man who stabbed the leader fell to his knees, bleeding heavily.
He was already at demi-god level strength, and the battle he fought with his comrades nearly brought the whole island to ruin.
Brutus looked at me with a smirk. "When do I get my reward, dear?"
I hated myself in that moment. Without hesitation, I fired a bullet made of crimson lightning straight into Brutus's head. A hole pierced through him, and his last word was "Why…"
Lamia turned her back on me, sighing heavily. "Arthur, that was ruthless. If you're interested in men, shouldn't you be more open about it?"
"Oh, come on! I have my limits, I am not Apollo," I snapped back. "This was the best way to get rid of them."
When I killed him, the energy inside me surged to gold (mid). We left the island immediately. But as soon as we stepped into the sea, my dear uncle's voice boomed from the depths, "How dare you kill? You better pray, or your end will be in the Underworld."
I wiped away my fake tears and screamed at the sea like a madman. "Damn you, how can you say that? Your daughter was cursed, and I saved her. You couldn't even face Zeus to break the curse, and now you act as if you are all-powerful?"
[Mission: Escape Poseidon]
[Reward: Information about divinity]
[Penalty: A nice vacation in Tartarus]
(System, please don't mock me now.)
The sea roared and swirled violently. The water formed into the shape of a man who pointed at me and said, "Do you know what you've done? There are tensions between Zeus and me. Since Lamia is my daughter, Hera pressures me. Can you handle this?"
A heavy pressure descended upon me, forcing me to kneel. I obeyed, but my only mistake was saying "Yes."
"Come on now, if you want to ascend Olympus and be its ruler, will small things like these mean anything to you? You are mighty Poseidon; you don't fear these things, do you? Oh, great god, please enlighten me with your wisdom."
Poseidon looked at me curiously.
"The mighty ruler of the seas, I am neither an enemy nor a thief. I saved your daughter from a curse so terrible it tore her body apart and consumed her mind. I asked for no reward nor recognition because who I am doesn't matter — what matters is how late you are."
Poseidon narrowed his eyes. As he stepped forward, water walls pressed against my body. It was some test. But I did not falter.
" Zeus's reign limits you. You channel this anger onto your daughter. Does a god like you bow to such petty pressure? No. So have mercy on us."
With these words, Poseidon's gaze softened a little. The ocean calmed. Yet, the god remained cautious.
"Who are you?"
I smiled and answered, "My name is Arthur, all mighty god."
He touched my head. "My blessing is yours. Take good care of my daughter and be free on the seas. But be prepared — gods need sacrifices. I will use you. I will tell Hera and Zeus you are guilty and that I am innocent. I hope you're ready."
I smiled back, having no choice. "I am ready for anything, great god."
Then the water receded. I could walk on the sea now. Because before leaving, he blessed me. Once we reached Minos, I was certain I was cooked. Minos and Poseidon have a dark history.
If I get the help of goddess Athena, I might have a chance.
[Secret mission: Convince Poseidon]
[Reward: Information about divinity, divine physics]
[Reward pending]
Oh, Poseidon, you have done me a great favor. Thank heavens I survived. I looked at Lamia, who was still trembling beside me, and touched her shoulder.
"Lamia, are you okay?"
She suddenly stood and hugged me. "Thank you, Arthur. You've endured so much for me. I don't know what to say."
She rested her head on my chest, but her clothes were soaked, clearly crying. I stroked her head softly. "Lamia, I chose this path. I must endure this now. If I turn back, how can I face myself in the mirror?"
We stayed like that for a while, then slowly walked toward Minos.
As soon as we arrived, the world around us changed abruptly.
Before my eyes stood the colossal walls of the ancient city, built with stones that bore the weight of centuries.
Each stone was a silent witness to history. The reliefs on the walls whispered tales of past wars and divine interventions. The great archway at the city's entrance seemed like a gateway through time itself.
Inside the city, we found a place to rest and decided to stay for a while. But the divine fire inside me stirred restlessly, as if reacting to something.
I hope it's nothing serious. So this day ends here.
{Friends, I know this chapter is short. I'm aware people don't comment or like, so I can't tell if you enjoy this or not. I feel kind of foolish writing this alone. So please, share your thoughts and reviews. It motivates me.}