In the palace, the beautiful queen Hypsipyle, newly a woman, asked Jason, "My dear Jason, are you leaving?"
Her keen heart sensed his hesitation. These past days, he'd seemed less joyful, as if hiding something he wouldn't share.
Hypsipyle knew he worried about her pain, but as a queen who'd borne responsibility early, she had her own resolve.
So, she broached the topic first.
Jason was silent. He adored Hypsipyle... she was thoughtful, gentle, and brought him happiness.
"Beautiful queen, I nearly lost myself here. I mean it; I'd gladly stay in your embrace," he said carefully, after a moment's thought.
He pondered how to spare her pain, knowing that when he confirmed his departure, her strength would falter, and sorrow would come.
"But I can't," he continued. "As I said at the start, I have a goal. I must pursue it… and…" He sighed. "Lately, I've been dreaming strange things."
"Strange dreams?" Hypsipyle asked, her heart aching but curious. She was willing to let him go, worried about these dreams.
Dreams were mysterious, often bearing divine messages!
Concerned for Jason's unease, she pressed him urgently.
"I dreamt of a mysterious god, the Twin Stars, called the Guiding Star. It told me not to forget my purpose… I also dreamt of my father, of my vow to my uncle. Everything urges me to move forward, not stay…"
"Jason, this is divine guidance. You must continue your journey, fulfill your goal. But if you think of me in the future, return after you succeed. You can govern this land, lead its people!"
Hypsipyle's cheeks flushed as she voiced what she'd long wanted to say but hadn't dared.
"You can truly be king here, taking my father's place, Jason!"
Jason's jaw dropped. He hadn't expected such words. But the king was only absent... if he returned, Jason would have to yield the throne!
"I recognize you," she said firmly. "You have courage, wisdom, and can lead well. I'll marry you, become your wife.
"Not just me... my people will accept you as king, Jason!
"Some heroes may return, others may not, but their children will bring boys back to this land. Under your rule, I believe it'll thrive again!"
Gazing at the beautiful, understanding Hypsipyle, Jason couldn't resist wanting to embrace her. She gently stopped him, saying, "But you must go, Jason. Chase your dream. I'll wait for you!"
Yes, he had to pursue his dream. But for now, he could stay one more day. Tomorrow, he'd truly leave.
…
"You're learning well, mastering the four-element rituals," Morpheus said, smiling at Atalanta as she diligently drew a magic circle and cast a spell.
"This refined mana flow… it's so strange. I've never used mana like this before," Atalanta remarked, channeling water's power through the circle, guided by the concept of water elements.
Morpheus didn't have her tap angelic power but linked the water element to her mother Clymene's and grandfather Oceanus's authorities.
Both deities held concepts of water and the sea. Using her bloodline's connection and water element symbols, Atalanta quickly grasped the magic.
It was a bit of a shortcut, but it was efficient and, crucially, easy to learn.
Her bloodline was the core concept, enabling her to master these altered spells so swiftly.
Condensing mana into ice blades and launching them to crater the ground, Atalanta asked worriedly, "I've been studying hard, but this magic uses my mother's and grandfather's power. Though we're related, I wasn't granted their abilities. Is this stealing divine power? Blasphemy?"
"No way!" Morpheus retorted. "It's a facsimile, unrelated to your mother or grandfather. The magic just uses the water concept from their divine authorities to connect to another god."
"Another god?"
Morpheus smiled. "Another Oceanus, unrelated to your grandfather... a pure conceptual entity, not of this world. Use it freely; it'll never trouble you."
Reassured by his confidence, Atalanta relaxed. Gaining power was exciting, but she'd rather forgo it than commit blasphemy.
She practiced more water element spells, attacking with brute force. Though unrefined in healing, her barrage rivaled the mightiest Age of Gods magus.
Morpheus marveled inwardly at the "cheat" of bloodlines. In just days, she'd achieved such destructive power.
With the Golden Dawn's aid, modern magecraft found substitutes... even roadside stones work. But in ancient times, magic needed spiritual essence. Atalanta's bloodline is that essence.
He stopped her, sparing the beach and its crabs further damage.
Handing her paper and a pen, he said, "Now, a written test. Let's see your answers."
Atalanta studied the questions, deep in thought.
First: What is a curse? Is it magic? Where do curses come from? Discuss in 100–300 words.
A professional question.
Second: After answering, how can you safely curse someone? If cursed, how do you protect yourself?
Just two questions, but they plunged Atalanta into deep contemplation.
In the past, she'd have given simple answers based on her understanding.
But after days studying curses under Morpheus, she knew she had to answer carefully.
She believed even if the gods cursed Morpheus, he'd be unaffected... perhaps even turning the curse back on its caster.
His mastery of curses was staggering!
After pondering and confirming her thoughts, Atalanta wrote her answers and handed them to Morpheus.
She was nervous, especially as he silently studied the paper, feeling like a prisoner awaiting judgment.
But when he smiled, she relaxed completely.
"Well done, Miss Atalanta. Not perfect, but passing... by my standards, enough for practical use.
"Your answer on cursing others was spot-on. You took my words to heart.
"Cursing is common, but casting it directly is foolish. Our defenses counter curses, sending them back to the caster, who suffers.
"But the world's full of malice. Where there are people, there's malice. We just guide some of that malice onto a target."
Morpheus removed a necklace from his neck and fastened it around hers.
The act stunned Atalanta. She froze, asking hesitantly, "W-What's this?"
"A small gift, or the final piece of these lessons."
He stepped back after securing it.
"Never let it leave your body. Master what I've taught, and you'll understand it."
Atalanta calmed her racing heart, focusing on the necklace.
A strange eye, imbued with unique magic... a consecrated relic, a spiritual item!
Her curse studies helped her recognize it instantly.
"The Eye of Horus?!"
Tied to Egyptian gods but not directly, crafted by Morpheus's unique magecraft system, it symbolized divine protection!
It shielded the wearer from curses, restored body and mind... a priceless treasure!
"This is too valuable!" Atalanta exclaimed.
Morpheus shook his head. "Not really. I can make it myself, and it grows stronger the longer you wear it. Never take it off!"
As she tried to protest, he invoked an authority she couldn't ignore. "Don't worry. Artemis has paid for it. You can have it."
No longer hiding the connection, Atalanta's suspicions were confirmed at Artemis's name.
Morpheus was indeed tied to Artemis!
Their bond seemed closer than she'd imagined!
Who was Morpheus, so closely linked to the gods?!
"You and I are like master and apprentice now, so I'll tell you," Morpheus said, smiling. "I'm Morpheus, my true name. But I have a magic name, chosen to affirm my path: Veritas000, the seeker of truth!"
A strange name, yet meaningful, reflecting a unique goal. His resolve shone through, striking Atalanta.
Over these days, she'd found him learned, witty, and skilled. Now, she felt his strength of will.
What a remarkable man. No wonder even Lady Artemis befriends him. Such men are rare. In all my years, he's the first like this…
Sighing inwardly, Atalanta bowed sincerely. "Thank you, teacher."
It was her first time speaking so earnestly to a man!
***
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