91 The Giant Geryon and his Herd

[T/N: 3 x Chapter]

In fact, in the myth, obtaining the red-brown cattle of the giant Geryon is actually the tenth labor of the twelve Labors completed by Heracles under the direction of Hera, Queen of Gods.

But now, under the leadership of Amphitrite, Queen of Sea, a certain 'Heracles' has arrived on this small island named Erytheia to accomplish the same task of obtaining the red-brown cattle owned by Giant Geryon.

"This herd was not actually owned by Geryon."

After Pegasus landed on the ground, Amphitrite and Jason came down from Pegasus, then Amphitrite said to Jason: "These red-brown cattle were originally owned by one of my sisters, Callirrhoe."

[T/N: For those who might have not known, both Amphitrite and Callirrhoe are Oceanids, who are 3000 in numbers, so Amphitrite actually has 2999 sisters, it is also mentioned later on.]

"A few days ago, I have specifically gone to meet her, and she had said that if you can really retrieve the red-brown cattle from Geryon, she will be happy to reward you with the whole heard of cattle you have retrieved."

Hearing Amphitrite's words, Jason was momentarily stunned by the unexpected news, but then, he immediately thanked Amphitrite.

After all, Jason knows that in many legends and myths of Greek Mythology, robbing others to get treasures, sometimes even beautiful women, men, and animals, is a rather common occurrence, and there are even instances of Heroes favored by the Gods showing off what they have robbed and even Gods accepting those robbed items as offerings.

But in Jason's case, although he really isn't someone who is just unwilling to follow the same practice, since he has grown up in the 21st century, if possible, Jason wishes to avoid doing it.

And actually, quite a few Gods, including Athena, are also aware of the fact that Jason doesn't prefer using this method, but, this is just in line with Athena's goal of turning Jason into the most dazzling and ideal hero because ideal hero won't perform an act of robbing.

Therefore, Athena, who had found Jason quite easily compared to Rhea due to the clothes she had woven and given to Jason, had met and discussed with Amphitrite to make a few changes in Amphitrite's plans, so that Jason's story won't be polluted by something like an act of robbing.

Suddenly, at this moment, Callirrhoe, the sister that Amphitrite had just mentioned, a beautiful goddess with blond hair and blue eyes, rose from the water near the shore and began slowly walking towards Amphitrite and Jason.

Incidentally, Amphitrite and Callirrhoe really do have many sisters and brothers, and even Athena's mother, the previous Goddess of Wisdom, Metis is also one of their sisters.

Because all three of them are daughters of Titan God Oceanus and Titan Goddess Tethys, who have together given birth to 3000 daughters collectively referred to as Oceanids, and 3000 sons collectively referred to as River Gods and Potamoi.

After arriving in front of Jason, the beautiful goddess Callirrhoe blinked her blue eyes while curiously looking at Jason and asked: "Amphitrite, is he the child you were talking about the last time?"

Then, seeing Amphitrite nodding, Callirrhoe also nodded with satisfaction, and being a standard face control, she said with a smile: "Truly, he is indeed a very cute child."

"Callirrhoe, why are you here?"

Amphitrite looked at the blonde and blue-eyed Oceanid in doubt.

"Obviously because of curiosity, Amphitrite, on that day you left suddenly only after a short meeting, and that too just because of a mortal, so I followed you to come here... But now that I look at him, especially after learning about his deeds, I can truly understand it."

While saying this, Callirrhoe walked toward Jason and reached out her hand.

But just when Callirrhoe was about to touch Jason, Amphitrite reached out to pull Jason back and stood in front of him.

"Amphitrite, don't be so stingy..."

"I am not being stingy, you can't touch this child because I haven't given you the right of doing so."

Hearing Amphitrite speaking these words in a flat tone, naturally, Callirrhoe's face showed dissatisfaction, but she did not dare to disobey the Queen of Sea in front of her.

"Then, I won't touch him, anyway, I have come closer mainly to say one thing... This child can take the whole herd of red-brown cattle as a reward, but only if you don't help him."

After saying this, Callirrhoe immediately noticed Amphitrite wrinkling her brows, so she quickly continued: "At least while this child is capturing the herd, Amphitrite, you can't help him!"

"Okay then, you are the one who had said this." Amphitrite loosened her brows and, like it wasn't her who was just about to get angry at Callirrhoe for disturbing her plans, she said to Callirrhoe with a smile: "And of course, since Geryon had taken the heard of cattle from you by his own strength, this child also needs to rely on himself to bring back and earn those cattle."

[T/N: For those who might be wondering, not all Greeks Gods are really strong.]

After speaking this, Amphitrite turned her head to look at Jason and explained her plan to him: "Jason, listen carefully, that herd of red-brown cattle is currently kept on the highest mountain of this island and is being looked after by the centaur Eurytion and the two-headed hell-dog Orthrus."

"Also, currently Geryon is not there and will come back after the sunset."

"So you must bring the herd of red-brown cattle to the sea before sunset, then I will whirl away the herd and stop Gryon from pursuing you. "

Jason nodded to indicate that he had understood, but then, after thinking only for a few moments, he looked at the two Goddesses and suddenly asked in a cautious tone: "Then, Goddess Amphitrite, Goddess Callirrhoe, can I ask one thing?… Whose child is giant Geryon?"

"Geryon..." Amphitrite looked at Callilohe.

Callirrhoe thought for a while and said: "I too don't know, but from what I have sensed before... he seems to be a child of a sea spirit."

After hearing this, Jason immediately asked: "Then, as long as I bring the herd back, can I use any method?"

"Sure." Amphitrite nodded.

"Oh..." Jason observed the reaction of the two Goddesses, then nodded again to indicate that he had understood.

But Pegasus, who was looking at this interaction from the side, blinked while looking at Jason who is showing a rather familiar expression.

Then, Amphitrite and Callirrohe rode Pegasus to fly away from the island and Jason began walking alone towards the highest mountain on the island.

*****

"Amphitrite, even if he can take back the herd of cattle from the centaur Eurytion and the two-headed hell-dog Orthrus, can he really escape the pursuit of Geryon?"

Callirrhoe looked at Amphitrite in puzzlement, then looked at Pegasus they are riding and asked: "I originally thought that you would at least allow him to use Pegasus, but you..."

"Don't worry." Amphitrite replied with a smile and clear anticipation in her voice: "At the most critical time, I will definitely take action."

And after speaking this, Amphitrite whispered silently in her heart: 'The main reason why I haven't given him Pegasus is to create a chance for me and leave a good impression on this child, otherwise, how will he keep thinking about me and prepare a lovely tribute for me.'

Indeed, this is exactly what Amphitrite had planned after learning about Jason's tribute to Artemis.

And, just like Callirrhoe, Pegasus also sensed that Amphitrite is planning something, but although he doesn't know why Amphitrite is looking forward to a chance for helping Jason, he still concluded that Amphitrite's plans are most likely going to fail.

Because Pegasus believes that he has a very good understanding of Jason and even knows about one of the very first rules Jason had written in Jason's laws of survival, after all, Jason had narrated that rule quite a few times to Pegasus.

So, naturally, Pegasus still remembers that the rule was: 'Don't interfere in any troublesome business, but it is unavoidable, then solve it as soon as possible.'

'So in this case, either he will completely avoid a fight, or if he fights, he will end the fight as quickly as possible and there is no way, he will actually run away without ending the fight or will even allow Geryon to escape.'

'By my understanding of Jason's character, he might even burn the bones down to the ashes and then scatter them at different places... no, what am I thinking, he will definitely do this!'

'That is, obviously, if there are actually any ashes left by the end of the fight...'

*****

Actually, facts are proving that Pegasus really does have a good understanding of Jason's character.

Because while walking towards the tallest mountain with the compass given by Athena in his hands, Jason also thought to himself: 'In this crisis-ridden era, if I can avoid making an enemy, it will be better for me to do so.'

Therefore, even if Jason had guessed that the two goddesses, Amphitrite and Callirrhoe, must be watching from a distance, Jason still did something that both goddesses have never expected.

Just a short while before sunset, Jason finally reached the destination and saw the famed herd of red-brown cattle grazing on tall grasses, then he also noticed the centaur Eurytion and the two-headed hell-dog Orthrus guarding the herd.

However, Jason didn't follow the usual practice of taking out his Magic Staff and using stealth magic on himself, then sneaking behind the enemies to carry out sneak attacks.

Rather, Jason put away the compass in the silver bag and took out the sea blue harp that Amphitrite lent to him.

Actually, just like Sirens can charm even the winds with their singing, from Amphitrite, Jason has learned to do the same with the water, after all, if he was incapable of doing even this much, he wouldn't have been able to suppress Sirens in a music contest.

So, although Jason can't charm someone with just music, he is still capable of suppressing aggressiveness and hostility in someone's heart, as long as they don't hold any clear hatred toward him.

Therefore, as soon as Jason began playing the beautiful melody using his harp, the cattle stopped grazing and raised their heads to look at Jason, and naturally, centaur Eurytion and two-headed hell-dog Orthrus also immediately discovered Jason, who for them is an uninvited guest.

"Who are you?!"

Centaur Eurytion walked to Jason and asked while warily looking at Jason, but still, because of the music Jason is playing both, Eurytion and Orthrus didn't directly attack Jason, which is something they usually do to other people arriving here.

"Strong centaur warrior Eurytion and ferocious two-headed hell-dog Orthrus, I am a singer who has arrived here in accordance with the oracle of a Great Goddess."

Jason didn't stop playing the harp and continued speaking to the two with a smile: "I am willing to present you two with this music that can soothe the fatigue of your mind but in return... I hope that you can fulfill a small request of mine."

"What request?" Centaur Eurytion suspiciously asked while still warily observing Jason.

"I want to meet Geryon once."

After Jason presented his request, centaur Eurytion was surprised, but after only a moment of hesitation, he turned around and left to find Geryon.

All that Jason has done is naturally seen by the two goddesses, so after being surprised due to Jason doing something completely beyond their expectations, both continued observing while feeling curious about what Jason is going to do next.

So, seeing Eurytion leaving to find Geryon, Jason continued playing the beautiful melody using the sea blue harp, and before the sun fully went down, the centaur Eurytion really did bring Geryon.

And looking at Geryon, Jason found that Geryon deserves the title Giant because he isn't even as tall as the feet of Geryon.

Actually, because of this reason, in the mythology, Hercules was forced to rely on arrows painted with the poison of the Nine-headed Hydra to successfully kill this giant Geryon.

"Tiny human, what do you want to talk to me about?"

Giant Geryon lowered his head to look at Jason in front of him and while hearing the soothing melody, he asked calmly.

"Noble giant Geryon, I have arrived here under the guidance of Great Goddess, and you may call me... Heracles."

After Jason reported his 'name' with a smile, hearing the name Heracles, Gryon couldn't help but feel stunned for a moment.

"Hera, Queen of Gods...Human, why were you looking for me?"

After being silent for a while, Geryon asked again and even dropped the word tiny.

"Noble giant Geryon, I hope you can trade those cattle with me." Jason directly stated his intention, then explained: "Because I need to offer them to a great god, God of Light, God Apollo."

"You want my herd?"

Hearing Jason's intention, Gryon was stunned for a while but then he began laughing out loud.

After ending his laughter, which was ringing like drums in Jason's ear, the tall giant Gerion said to Jason: "Humans are always so ridiculous!"

"But seeing that the music played by you is very pleasant and you are Hera's believer, I can forgive you for being unreasonable."

Noticing that Geryon hadn't used the word Goddess before speaking Hera's name, while Jason was thinking that this Geryon doesn't really respect Gods, Geryon continued: "As for the trade... what can you give me, human?"

As soon as these words fell, under the surprised gaze of Geryon, Jason put back the harp and took out a huge red gemstone from the silver bag.

Indeed, that is exactly the gem that Jason had taken from the treasure mountain when he had first entered the temple of Hephaestus.

"If you are willing to trade with me, I can take out as many treasures as to fill an entire hall!"

While holding the gem, Jason hinted at stunned Gryon to look further and began taking out bottles of different kinds of magic potions from the silver bag.

Then, Jason even tested a few of the interesting potions for showing them to Geryon, like the half-finished flying potion made using feathers plucked from Pegasus that gives a short-term flying capability, powerful explosive potions, and a few others.

Then noticing that Geryon still isn't willing to trade, after a moment of hesitation, Jason took out his Magic Staff, both as a precaution and for showing a few different spells to Gryon, before proposing that he can engrave these spells for Geryon.

"...Human, you really do have a lot of weird things, but if this is all of it, it's not enough."

After being silent for a while, Geryon shook his head at Jason.

And just when Jason was thinking about other methods while still not dropping his guard, Gryon said: "Unless you are willing to trade that sea blue harp and this Magic Staff in your hand."

Hearing this, Jason was stunned for a moment, but then he immediately shook his head and said to Gryon: "Noble giant Geryon, I cannot trade these two things with you."

"Because this harp has been temporarily lent to me by goddess Amphitrite, and this Magic Staff is my teacher's possession and I haven't graduated yet so it doesn't belong to me."

"Right..."

Gryon replied calmly while looking at the small human in front of him.

But then, suddenly, Geryon waved his hand and attacked Jason.

Actually, even though Geryon didn't show it on his face and he doesn't feel what Jason has shown him is as good as the red-brown cattle, it is more than enough to make Gryon feel eager to get them.

And since Geryon wants to get them and he also doesn't want to trade, he decided to follow his usual practice and snatch them.

*****

Although Jason had used this approach to not directly turn a stranger into an enemy, for the two goddesses watching from the distance it appeared as something different.

"This child..." Amphitrite sighed and said: "He is really too kind."

And after saying this, Amphitrite prepared to take action at any time.

Therefore, Amphitrite did not notice the strange gaze of Pegasus with which he is looking at her at this moment, due to hearing her comment about Jason's character.

*****

And, the next scene was indeed what Pegasus had expected.

So, just when Eurytion and Orthrus were looking at Jason while feeling a little regretful, thinking that this good musician is about to die like this.

Facing the giant hand coming down to attack him, Jason didn't show an alarmed or angry expression, rather it was written on his face that he was expecting Geryon's attack at any time.

And, in fact, Jason was indeed prepared for this, after all, he obviously knows that while showing wealth, he can't really put his guard down in front of someone who had even dared to rob a Goddess.

So, at this moment, under the light of the sun that has almost gone down...

'clang--'

Jason lightly tapped his Magic Staff on the ground, so with a soft sound, under the stimulation of Jason, one of the spells engraved on the Magic Staff began to take effect, then a dark magic circle suddenly appeared on the ground and quickly began extending.

Then, with a dazzling flash, the magic circle instantly wrapped Jason, Geryon, Eurytion, and Orthrus together, and simultaneously the red-brown cattle were teleported out by the magic circle.

And the next instant, all four of them appeared on a grey plain filled with blooming white spider-lily flowers.

Also, on this grey plain, a three-headed hell-dog, of the same size as that of Geryon's, was already standing there.

And this three-headed hell-dog immediately bit on Geryon's hand to stop it from being swung down on Jason.

Obviously, this three-headed hell-dog is Cerberus.