Slightly Different Tale of Thebes — Part 2
"A spy driven mad by insanity! Kill him!" "Raaaagh! Haaa!"
Clang! Clang!
The room, once peaceful, had suddenly become a battlefield. The man, whose eyes had turned red, utilized his powerful muscles to strike down one of the soldiers.
Slash—
Blood splattered across the room, staining the once-serene space, as furniture shattered and chaos ensued.
Philatos was struggling to grasp the situation. The only thing he was sure of was that something was seriously wrong with the man, and that the soldiers seemed well-prepared for such an occurrence.
"Raaaagh!"
"Kuh, such strength!" "Priest! The man—"
Seeing the soldiers struggling, Philatos quickly moved to assist. Circling behind the madman, he unsheathed his sword and raised it high.
Using the techniques he had honed in Sparta, Philatos aimed a powerful strike at the madman's shoulder. The blade gleamed, reflecting a cold light as it descended.
"Hup!"
Splat—
Philatos' sword sliced through the man's shoulder, severing his arm in a spray of blood. But the man, maddened by some unknown force, did not fall. Instead, he charged at Philatos with relentless fury.
Philatos, taken aback by the man's unnatural strength, barely managed to block the next attack. How could someone with one arm severed still possess such power?
Just as he thought his end was near—
"Aaagh! Uh..."
Thud.
The madman suddenly halted, his body collapsing lifelessly to the ground. Philatos turned to see a priest with an outstretched hand.
"The power of Hypnos, the god of sleep, cannot be resisted forever."
So that was it—the priest was one of Hypnos' followers. The madman was dragged away by the soldiers, but they still eyed Philatos with suspicion.
"Tch. It's been a while since we've had one of these... But it's about time for one to appear."
The middle-aged priest handed Philatos the mysterious stone.
Ads by Pubfuture
"You're the last one. Go ahead and touch the stone. If you're normal, nothing will happen."
"Hmm... Alright. I'm perfectly sane, so..."
Shine—
Like the others who had passed the test, the stone emitted a soft white light. No red, indicating madness.
Philatos let out a small sigh of relief, as did the soldiers, who began to relax.
"From now on, I will guide these chosen ones. The rest of you can return to your duties."
"Yes, Priest."
"We'll be on our way, then."
Only three had passed this bizarre test. The priest dismissed the soldiers and began to lead the three down a hallway.
"What was that strange test? And what was with that madman?" "That stone was infused with the power of Dionysus, the god of madness." "The power of the god of madness?" "It doesn't drive sane people mad, but it reveals those who are already tainted by madness. Think of it as a test for spies." "So, there are spies from... another god?"
The priest nodded solemnly. "You've heard of the giant serpent monsters, the Gigantes, that have terrorized Greece? Think of it as a test to weed out their agents."
Philatos knew of the Gigantes. Those monstrous beings had ravaged temples and slaughtered heroes and demigods across Greece. But the idea of monsters using humans as agents was unsettling.
"Damn... Getting involved in the affairs of gods isn't something I wanted... But if that's the case..." "Heh, it seems you've made up your mind. It's been nearly a month since someone like you appeared."
The priest led them to a room deep within the temple. After passing through several heavily guarded checkpoints, the atmosphere grew more tense.
"Now, each of you must read this parchment."
"What's this about?" "This is the third test. Read the parchment carefully and then swear by the River Styx to uphold everything written there."
"Wait, the River Styx?!" "Is this really necessary?"
Swearing by the River Styx was a serious commitment, an unbreakable vow. But the parchment was filled with countless restrictions and conditions.
"You must vow not to reveal anything you see or hear from now on, not through words, nor through writing or even drawings..." "Once you sign this, you'll be under strict supervision until you've proven yourself as a hero... and..."
"I... I can't do this! This is too much!"
One of the three quickly backed out, waving his hands in refusal. The other hesitated, growing pale as he read the many prohibitions.
"So, two of you are backing out. Fine. Then swear that you will never speak of anything you've seen or heard during these tests, and you may leave."
"...Alright. I swear by the River Styx that I will not reveal anything I've seen or heard during this 'test.'" "Me too..."
The two left the way they came, but Philatos remained. He had not come all the way from Sparta to give up now.
"I swear by the River Styx to abide by everything written in this parchment."
"Well, well... Finally, a hero among men. Though, not quite yet..."
Ads by Pubfuture
"But now that I've taken the vow, can't you tell me what's really going on?"
The priest nodded.
"I can't tell you everything, but that stone you touched earlier is infused with the power of Dionysus." "The god of madness?" "Yes. It doesn't induce madness but rather reveals those already touched by it. It's a way to root out spies." "So, those Gigantes are sending spies among mortals?" "That's right."
Philatos had heard of the Gigantes, those monstrous beings that had terrorized Greece. But to think that they were sending spies among mortals...
"Damn... I didn't want to get involved in the affairs of the gods... but it seems I have no choice now." "Heh. You've made a wise decision. It's been nearly a month since someone like you has appeared."
The priest led Philatos down a long staircase, descending deeper into the temple. Finally, they reached a chamber where a dark, swirling rift hovered in the air.
"What... What is this? I've never seen anything like it... Is this the power of the Olympian gods?" "This is a gateway to the Underworld. If you step through here, you will begin your training to become a hero." "The Underworld?!"
The Underworld, the realm of the dead, under the rule of Hades. A place where only the dead could go. Training heroes here seemed impossible.
The priest offered a final piece of advice.
"You've sworn by the River Styx, so I won't force you. But if you truly wish to become a hero, you'll step through this portal. If not, you're free to leave."
Philatos hesitated, the weight of his decision heavy on his mind. Could he truly enter the Underworld as a living man?
"But... don't those who eat the food of the Underworld become trapped there forever?" "You'll only be eating food brought from the mortal world." "So there's plenty of mortal food on the other side."
If he wanted to become a hero, did he really need to undergo training in the Underworld? Was there no other path?
"Did others who passed the tests also go through this?" "Of course. Some turned back, but others are training in the Underworld right now." "Hades himself is training heroes in his realm... I can hardly believe it."
Philatos was stunned by the revelation. Yet, the priest remained calm, urging him to make a decision.
"The gods themselves are watching over you. It's up to you to decide."
"The Underworld... Hmm..."
Philatos knew the priest wasn't lying. The followers of Hades feared nothing more than judgment in the Underworld.
These were people who believed that every sin committed in life would be judged fairly in death. The followers of Hades were not ones to commit crimes lightly.
After a long pause, Philatos finally stepped forward. If becoming a hero required him to enter the Underworld, then so be it.
"I'll go to the Underworld. I will become a hero and slay those Gigantes!"
"Ah, best of luck."
Philatos steeled himself and stepped through the dark portal.
Whoosh—
Stepping through the portal, Philatos found himself in the Underworld, and he was astonished.
"So this is the Underworld?!"
Hilarious Yet Terrifying Animal Encounters You Must Avoid!
This Man's Shower Routine Has Women Questioning Their Partners
It was nothing like he had imagined. Instead of the dark and ominous realm he had expected, he found himself in a vast canyon, with green fields and trees, and even a soft light illuminating the landscape.
Grass grew beneath his feet, and trees dotted the area. It looked almost like a place in the mortal world.
"Is this... the Elysian Fields?"
"Not quite! Haha! The real Elysium is far beyond this."
A voice suddenly called out beside him, and Philatos turned to see a semi-transparent centaur standing nearby, grinning at him.
"Who... who are you?" "I am Chiron. I'll be your teacher from now on."
"Chiron?! The great teacher Chiron?!"
Chiron's reputation was legendary, even after his death. Philatos finally understood why heroes were being trained in the Underworld.
"Is this really the Underworld? Why does it look so similar to the mortal world?" "That's because the goddess of spring, along with other gods, used their powers to make this place more bearable for the living. Just don't go beyond that barrier over there."
Philatos noticed the barrier in the distance, beyond which the Underworld's true form was visible—an endless expanse of darkness. He could instinctively feel that crossing that boundary would bring death.
The area allowed for hero training was limited to this canyon and its surroundings. But even that was enough. With Chiron as his teacher, Philatos was sure he had made the right choice by coming to Thebes.
That thought, however, was quickly shattered.
Boom—
"Aaagh!"
In the distance, a figure was sent flying, crashing into the rocks and leaving a trail of blood. The person appeared to be another aspiring hero, much like himself.
Philatos turned his head quickly, and what he saw left him speechless.
"Raaaagh!" "Damn, they said it was weakened after death, but it's still too strong!" "Think, are we Apollo?!" "Aaagh! Just die already!"
The creature before him was massive and exuded an overwhelming, terrifying presence. A semi-transparent snake-like monster was effortlessly swatting away the aspiring heroes who were attacking it.
Even though the monster seemed to be toying with them, it was causing immense destruction, sending people flying and shattering shields with just a flick of its tail.
"Use your strength! Aren't you a demigod?" "I've been giving it my all... Ugh!" "Damn it! Protus is down!"
Crash! Boom!
The massive snake, radiating an aura of invincibility, was thrashing about, and nothing the heroes did seemed to hurt it.
"That's Python, the great serpent. Lord Hades borrowed it to train the heroes."
"Python... The very same Python that Apollo himself slew?!" "Is there another Python?"
The snake was so formidable that even a god like Apollo had to personally intervene to slay it. And now, they were expected to fight it?
"Do we really have to fight that thing?" "...Didn't you come to the Underworld to become a hero?" "Yes, but..."
Philatos had been filled with courage when he first stepped into the Underworld. But now, facing the reality of what that entailed...
"Oh, and don't worry. Thanks to Lord Hades, it's very difficult to die here."
"...I can't even die?"
Philatos wanted to go back to the mortal world.Persephone's Aftermath
After Persephone and Eros came to the Underworld, the working conditions for the gods in the Underworld improved significantly.
It wasn't just Eros, who had been assigned to draw his bow day and night to torment sinners, but also Persephone, who showed surprising enthusiasm in helping with the tasks of the Underworld.
The goddess of spring, though inexperienced in her work, put in her utmost effort to assist the other gods. Her devotion seemed too intense to be explained by just her feelings for me, so I decided to approach her directly and ask.
As I walked toward the gods' workspace, the groans of labor could be heard. Gods carrying piles of parchment hurried past me, too busy to notice my presence. They were all toiling away.
"Ugh... When will this ever end?" "Oh! Lord Hades, you've arrived." "I could use just one sip of nectar..."
Among them, one figure stood out—the goddess with long golden hair.
At a long desk, Persephone, my niece, sat, flipping through an enormous stack of parchment, her quill busy at work. It was hard to believe that she was the same lively goddess of spring. She now looked rather drained and worn out, almost melancholic.
"Persephone." "Oh! Uncle Hades...! Just a moment. Let me finish processing this document from the souls' residential area first..." "...? Alright."
Honestly, I was a little taken aback. Her golden eyes sparkled with regret, yet she quickly returned her attention to the paperwork. Why was she working so diligently?
Dong—Dong—Dong
"Oof! My neck is stiff..." "Let me just close my eyes for a bit. Wake me when the bell rings again..."
As time passed, the mountain of parchment gradually shrank, and a short break was upon us. Even in the Underworld, we don't force anyone to work without respite.
Although we gods don't need food due to our immortality, the memory of resting during lunch and dinner in my past life led to us establishing regular breaks for leisure in the Underworld. Of course, cases like Charon or Thanatos, or those dealing with major sinners, were a bit different...
"Ah! Lord Hades?! When did you...!" "Did you come to see Lady Persephone?"
The other gods, now realizing my presence, rushed to greet me formally, but I gestured for them to leave us. I then turned to Persephone.
"Has anyone forced you to work here in the Underworld?" "What? No, not at all?" "Then why... Why go to such lengths? You are the daughter of Zeus and Demeter, after all. I was prepared to offer you more leniency..." "Well, Uncle, because an incompetent goddess wouldn't be to your liking, right? I'm just trying to do my best!"
Ads by Pubfuture
What on earth was she talking about? Since when had my "taste" been for workaholics?
Persephone stood straight, her chest puffed out as if she was emphasizing something, and continued.
"Even Lady Styx and that minor goddess Menthe said so." "...?" "They said if I couldn't even handle this much, you wouldn't give me the time of day. All the goddesses who have their eyes on you..." Why are these strange rumors floating around? I certainly can't go around correcting every goddess's misconception...
"You already have the responsibility of periodically reinvigorating the outer areas of the Underworld with your powers. There's no issue if you rest..." "That's different! That's a reward. This is a competition!" "...?" "Hehe~ It's just a small thing, Uncle. Don't worry about it."
Dong—Dong—Dong
"Ah, it's time to get back to work! See you later at dinner!"
Persephone's behavior left me uneasy, but I decided not to press the issue further.
"...That settles it. Assign this task to Mnemosyne. Is there anything else that requires my approval?" "The last one you mentioned has been processed, Lord Hades." "Good. Morpheus, you may also go and rest. You'll have plenty of work again tomorrow..."
Creak
Just as I was finishing up the day's duties and preparing for some rest, the door to the audience chamber opened. It was none other than Persephone, my niece, entering once again.
"Hehe, no Lady Styx or Lady Lethe around... Hehe!" "...? Persephone?"
She carried a tray filled with dates, figs, and other mortal snacks. Persephone sat down on the floor beside my throne, flashing a carefree smile.
"Uncle, if you're not too busy, would you like to chat with me?" "Isn't it about time for you to return to the mortal world?"
By now, the time Demeter and I agreed upon for Persephone's return had come. In fact, it might have already passed.
"I love being in the Underworld... But I don't want to go back yet! Let me stay a bit longer!"
She puffed out her cheeks adorably, pouting like a child. Yet, I knew she couldn't stay too long—her mother would start to worry.
Though, considering how much help she had been with my work in the Underworld these past months, I suppose I could indulge her for a little longer. Maybe a conversation would help pass the time, and then she'd leave on her own.
Ads by Pubfuture
"Very well, but only for a short while." "Hehe... Then, Uncle, shall I tell you about my time in the mortal world? When I used to play near Mount Etna with the nymphs..."
She shared stories of playful wagers with the nymphs, her joyful conversations speculating about the gods, and anecdotes about her mother, Demeter.
I learned more about Persephone than I had expected. Surprisingly, she had calm and refined hobbies like weaving and watching theater performances.
"Ah... But I'm talking too much about myself. Tell me about you, Uncle!" "...?" "What kind of goddess do you find attractive? Do you have any preferences in a partner's appearance?"
She blinked at me with sparkling eyes, full of curiosity. I turned my head away. What on earth was this girl talking about now?
"Nothing of the sort." "...Tch. How about telling me some old stories, then? You've lived so long, you must know countless tales..."
What good is living so long if there's little joy in it? But yes, I suppose I do know a few stories... Tales from ancient times, from before even the age of the Olympians, stories of our father Cronos...
"Have you..." "Hmm?" "Have you ever climbed to the peak of Mount Olympus?" "Oh, just once! Mother rarely took me to Olympus..." "...I still remember the view from the top vividly."
I closed my eyes, recalling the past, and Persephone, sensing my mood, remained quiet.
A long time ago, I stood atop Olympus for the first time, gazing over the world. That moment stirred within me the desire to live for a long time, to experience more of the world.
The Titanomachy—the war between the Titans and us Olympians—was fought with such fierce intensity because we were driven by that same ambition.
Back then, all of us coveted the sky, which Zeus now rules. It was the sense of power, of looking down on all creation from the heavens.
With those memories flooding back, I began to recount my story to Persephone.
"Wow... Even you, Uncle, who everyone says is so detached and indifferent, had such a time in your life." "Yes, back then. Over time, as I ruled the Underworld, I came to appreciate this realm more."
We continued our conversation for some time, with me sharing tales of the distant past. As we talked, I realized the hour had grown late. Surely, it was time for Persephone to return to the mortal world.
Just as I was about to suggest as much, a messenger burst into the audience chamber.
"Lord Hades! The goddess Demeter has arrived to collect Lady Persephone!"
Demeter herself had come? Surely she wouldn't come all the way here just because her daughter was a little late returning to the mortal world. She must have something to say to me directly.
"Guide her to the audience chamber."
The 9 Secrets Every Couple Needs For A Happier Relationship
These 17 Things Are Relationship Deal-Breakers - Are You Guilty?
As I said this, Persephone quietly stood up, clearly planning her escape before her mother arrived.
"Uh... well... Uncle, you seem busy, so I'll just... hehe..." "If you want to avoid your mother's scolding, I suggest returning to the mortal world on time next time."
Not long after Persephone returned to the mortal world, my guest arrived. With her striking appearance and cool demeanor, her light brown and golden hair flowing beautifully, Demeter, the goddess of the earth, entered the Underworld.
"Hades, my daughter..." "She fled just now to avoid your scolding. She's probably in the mortal world by now." "...I see."
Unsurprised, Demeter's expression remained unchanged. She had clearly expected this. Still, she wasn't here just to fetch her daughter. She had something else to say.
Using her divine power to silence the surrounding space, Demeter spoke softly, her head turning slightly away from me.
"...Do you know why I'm so overprotective of Kore?"
Her voice, heavy with a hint of sorrow, prompted me to remain silent. Demeter continued, not expecting an answer.
"My daughter Kore... She is too beautiful. Anyone who lays eyes on her speaks of her beauty."
As Hephaestus had mentioned, Persephone was indeed extraordinarily beautiful. The only goddess whose beauty might surpass hers was Aphrodite, the goddess of love and beauty.
Aside from Aphrodite, few could match Persephone's allure.
With a deeper, more sorrowful tone, Demeter whispered.
"In Greece, beauty is..." "...a curse, not a blessing. I know."
In a land rife with abductions, betrayals, and deceitful plots, beauty was no gift. Even Aphrodite herself had been forced into a marriage she didn't want because of her beauty.
Though Persephone often complained about her mother's overprotectiveness, without Demeter, it's likely she would have suffered some misfortune long ago.
"Countless suitors pursued my daughter, even though I am her mother, and her father is Zeus." "Because she is beautiful." "And in this world, that's enough to attract trouble. I've always feared for her."
Zeus, the king of gods, couldn't always be at Persephone's side, and neither could Demeter.
"...until the rumor spread that the Lord of the Underworld had fallen in love with my daughter and taken her to the Underworld."
One of the reasons I kept Persephone in the Underworld came from Demeter's very lips.
Though the mortal world believed I had fallen for my niece after being struck by one of Eros' arrows, I never bothered to correct that misconception. The more it seemed I was in love with her...
"Hades, thanks to you, the suitors disappeared. No one was foolish enough to pursue someone favored by the Lord of the Underworld."
Now turning to face me, Demeter's eyes glinted with gratitude.
"I know you are different from the other gods, who are driven by base desires. Kore remains untouched, even now..." "..." "Whether or not you and she eventually marry, I ask that you continue to take care of her."ec
A request not from the goddess of the earth, but from a mother concerned for her daughter. I met Demeter's eyes, waiting for a response, and spoke.
"...Do not worry." "I'll return to the mortal world now. Please keep today's conversation a secret from Kore."