Trailing behind Heracles, who carried his hunted game, Morpheus and the hero swiftly returned to Heracles's home.
Before even stepping inside, Morpheus caught a whiff of a pungent odor, the kind that triggered a visceral gag reflex.
Heracles frowned, hurrying in while asking, "What's burning?"
"Heracles, you're back!" Megara exclaimed, delighted, pointing to Medea, who was brewing something nearby. "Medea says she can make a potion to cure your illness. Isn't that wonderful, Heracles?"
Heracles paused, then realized she meant his strange condition. He'd suspected his wife had noticed his issue, but seeing her joy at the prospect of a cure filled him with warmth.
"That's great news. I was worried my condition might cause harm. If this can truly restore me, I, Heracles, swear by the gods... you'll always be my friends!
"And if you ever need my help, just ask. If it's within my power, I won't refuse!"
Heracles's pledge made Morpheus chuckle inwardly. He didn't care much for a hero's vow, but it felt like a badge of honor nonetheless.
If he joined a Holy Grail War in the future and someone summoned Heracles, imagine the shock if Heracles chatted with him about this promise. It'd stun everyone present.
Morpheus grinned at the thought, but then another idea struck him.
Wait. Would they be shocked that I have Heracles's pledge, or that I know him from the Age of Gods, assuming I'm some ancient relic who preys on young women?
Clearly, he was already set on finding a young, beautiful partner in the future.
"Just a bit longer. The potion needs a little more time to brew," Medea said, her expression deadly serious. She resembled a professor conducting a meticulous experiment, ensuring every step was flawless.
After about ten minutes of silent waiting, Medea cheerfully poured the potion from the apparatus into a cup and handed it to Heracles.
"Drink this. It'll cure your madness," she said. "Drink it all in one go, no hesitation, to maximize its effect."
Heracles eyed the viscous green liquid, its sharp, acrid smell radiating a fear of unpalatable taste.
Yet, after a brief hesitation, he downed it in one gulp.
Closing his eyes as he swallowed, he then looked surprised. "It actually tastes good!"
"Tastes good?!" Morpheus blurted out. "That stuff tastes good?!"
Medea, annoyed, pinched Morpheus's side. "It only smells bad. The taste is fine!"
Heracles nodded. "She's right. It's like diluted grape juice... light but definitely grape-flavored."
"Grape-flavored, despite that stench…" Morpheus shook his head, unable to fathom the potion's appeal.
Medea huffed, then turned to Heracles. "Now, wait a few days. If you don't have any episodes, your madness is cured."
"Then I'll trouble you all for a few days," Heracles said, glancing at his sister. Artemis just smiled, offering no hint about the potion's efficacy, leaving him unsure.
"Let's not dwell on that. Heracles bagged a huge boar today... we're feasting tonight!" Morpheus said with a grin.
Heracles patted his chest. "I'll handle the game. You all rest for now."
As a seasoned adventurer, Heracles was adept at preparing ingredients.
But dinner was not to be. At that moment, a woman appeared in the courtyard.
Artemis froze. Heracles, stunned, quickly bowed. "Greetings, great goddess Athena."
"No need for such formality, Heracles," Athena said calmly. "I'm here for you. A calamity has arisen. The remnants of a civilization-destroying entity have awakened, and its monsters march toward Olympus. The gods need your aid."
Heracles's voice was resolute. "To help the gods and protect this world is my duty!"
Athena then turned to Artemis. "Artemis, it's time to return. The monsters born from Sefar's fragments... the Gigantes... are coming. We must fight them!"
Artemis's identity was exposed. Medea, already aware, showed no surprise, merely offering the proper respect to a goddess. Megara, however, stood in shocked silence, unable to believe the kind, approachable girl was the moon goddess.
She hurriedly bowed to both Athena and Artemis, too awed to speak.
She knew her husband had to leave for this monumental war.
Per the divine oracle, Athena had intended to depart after finding Heracles. But someone stopped her.
"Wait, Goddess Athena."
Athena turned to the mortal... though not quite mortal... Morpheus, a visitor from another world.
The gods had noticed him but paid little heed, except for the restless Artemis, who sought him out for amusement.
"What is it, mortal?" Athena asked.
"I want to join the battle, along with Medea!" Morpheus said with a smile.
His words stunned Athena... and Medea.
"Morpheus, what are you thinking? Joining a war of gods?!" Medea whispered.
He nodded. "It's a rare chance. I can test my magic, and you can gain combat experience."
"Gain experience?" Medea blinked, confused.
"It's a unique opportunity. These giants, born from a monster that nearly ended the Age of Gods, will teach you a lot," Morpheus said confidently. "And don't worry... you'll be safe. I'll protect you."
Medea's face flushed, and she lowered her head, dizzy with emotion. Her initial urge to dissuade him vanished, replaced by a soft "Mm."
Artemis's eyes widened, her mouth forming an "O" as if she could fit an egg in it.
Then, excitedly, she nodded. "Yes, that's the spirit! Be bold!"
She was clearly thrilled, as if watching a romantic drama unfold.
Athena, the first to regain composure, spoke gravely. "Human, I know you're no ordinary mortal. But Heracles is chosen for his divine power and mortal body, which amplify his strength. You, however... I advise against joining for your own safety."
Morpheus shook his head, smiling. "Please let me join. I don't think the Gigantes pose a threat to me. And I'm sure Hecate would be thrilled to see my secrets revealed."
Seeing his insistence despite her warning, Athena relented with a nod, choosing not to argue further.
Using her divine magic, Athena transported them to their destination. The spell was awe-inspiring, enveloping them in light like meteors streaking across the sky.
As they traveled, Artemis whispered, "You're not planning to use that light sword, are you?"
"I'll try it, but not just that. I want to test more," Morpheus replied casually.
Artemis nodded. "Your magic is impressive, but the Gigantes, born from Sefar's remnants, are powerful. Avoid close combat... your body's just human."
"I'll be careful."
Medea, recovering from her daze, asked quietly, "Morpheus, how should I fight?"
"Pick off the weak ones."
"Pick off?" She tilted her head.
He nodded. "Find the ones near death and finish them off with a strong hit."
Medea looked skeptical. "Will that help my experience?"
"Absolutely. Spotting enemies you can defeat, then swiftly eliminating those still capable of causing harm... it prevents further destruction. It sharpens your judgment and perception."
Morpheus spoke earnestly, even offering tips. "Keep gathering magical energy, chanting spells to build power. When you spot a target, unleash the charged spell."
Beyond her own magic, Medea wielded powers granted by Hecate. Those could harm the Gigantes, but Morpheus wanted her to rely on her own spells, not divine authority.
He didn't mention that if she defeated a few Gigantes this way, as a future Heroic Spirit, she might gain a "Sefar Slayer" Trait.
Perhaps even an advantage against divine beings or planetary threats. Since he didn't yet understand how such traits formed, he figured joining every major event might unlock them.
Plus, if Medea's name was etched into this story, she'd grow stronger in the future, less subject to the gods' whims.
Athena, observing Morpheus and Artemis's exchange, noted Artemis's surprise at his request to join but lack of concern. This sparked her curiosity.
She approached Artemis. "Does Morpheus have some special ability?"
"Special? Well, he's got a cooking spell!" Artemis said with a grin.
Athena frowned. "A cooking spell?"
"He loves using it to grill meat. Tastes great... I like it!" Artemis continued.
As the goddess of wisdom, Athena sensed Artemis was hiding something and rephrased her question. "Is that spell particularly powerful?"
"Very powerful. Few spells match its strength," Artemis replied, confirming Athena's suspicions.
Relieved, Athena glanced at Morpheus, now chatting with Medea, and fell into thought.
"The oracle mentioned only Heracles, but these two are joining… Perhaps I should've consulted Apollo before leaving. He'd know something."
***
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