"Bang!"
Accompanied by a dull, earth-shaking thud, Stheno was smashed heavily into the ground, like a mold pressed into dough, stamping out a clear, human-shaped crater.
"Cough cough stop it! I order you to stop! I'm a god, you know! A goddess loved by everyone!"
Disheveled and covered in dust, Stheno spat out sand that had gotten into her mouth while shouting in rage and humiliation.
Hearing her words, a brilliant smile appeared on Lorne's face, and then...
"Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang!"
A thick, muscle-knotted arm swung back and forth like a malfunctioning electric fan.
Earth and stone exploded across the arena, dust billowing everywhere as one grotesque, human-shaped crater after another appeared.
"Rumble!"
With a thunderous crash, Stheno, who had been slammed dozens of times, went from wildly flailing to gradually falling silent.
In the end, she lay completely flat at the bottom of the pit, eyes lifelessly staring at the sky, her posture eerily peaceful.
"Tsk, what a weak god."
Seeing the Gorgon looking almost completely broken, Lorne casually released her like a discarded sack and tossed her aside, disdain written plainly across his face.
Then he turned his head toward the spectator stands, flashing a wide grin at the other Gorgon who had set him up earlier.
His expression was positively wholesome.
Instantly, guilt-ridden Euryale gulped nervously and instinctively shrank behind her little sister Medusa, fear clearly visible in her eyes.
Meanwhile, Lorne stretched his limbs in satisfaction.
The golden bull phantom formed from divine power around his body raised its head and let out a deep, heavy roar.
Golden ripples spread outward, and the ground nearby responded with resonant tremors.
Minos people working in the vicinity felt an inexplicable sense of belonging, as if they had returned to their homeland and their hearts immediately settled into calm.
—The Cretan Bull!
The embodiment of the Minos civilization's faith power, the lingering divinity of that land.
Because they worshiped only the Mother Goddess and abandoned reverence for the Father God, the remaining faith power and land divinity converged upon the Cretan Bull as the symbol of their civilization, allowing its strength to accumulate endlessly.
Originally, this bull should have been sacrificed to Athena, just as history dictated.
However, the Goddess of Wisdom cited incompatibility with her own divinity and instead handed it over to Lorne as a reward for wholeheartedly plotting a future for Crete.
Thus, it was naturally absorbed by Lorne and condensed into one of his divine manifestations.
The boost it granted its host was "Brute Strength".
In battle, as long as the host's feet were planted on the earth, they could gain overwhelming monstrous strength that surpassed their own limits, greatly enhancing the physical body.
If Minos people were present, or if the target of the strength was larger and heavier, the degree of brute force would rise accordingly.
For example—like this!
Lorne's gaze flicked backward as he twisted his body sharply and threw a right punch, layers of sonic booms exploding in its wake.
"Boom!"
A massively muscled arm collided head-on with a gigantic claw covered in pale-golden scales, its five fingers hooked like talons as a deafening roar echoed through the arena.
Lorne, staring at Stheno, whose back was now adorned with golden wings and whose body had swelled a hundredfold, revealing the complete form of Gorgon, immediately scoffed.
"Playing dead? You've disgraced every serpentine deity there is!"
"Mind your own damn business!"
Her sneak attack having failed, Stheno ground her teeth in fury.
Driven by both old grudges and fresh humiliation, she completely cut loose.
Her enormous claws erupted with an eerie purple-red glow and smashed downward, unleashing the overwhelming power of serpentine divinity.
"Moo!"
At the same time, Lorne steadied his breathing and raised his arms.
The golden bull phantom on his body seemed to come alive...hooves scraping against the ground, head lowered as it bellowed and charged forward.
In an instant, the monstrous forces released by the two divine powers collided violently.
The ground collapsed into a pit dozens of meters deep, shockwaves rippling outward as the entire arena seemed to quake.
Immediately after, the Gorgon, now tens of meters tall, was flung away like a cannonball, slamming into the protective wall at the arena's edge and burying herself beneath a pile of rubble.
One had to know that this place was protected by divine reinforcement.
Ordinary demigods couldn't even leave a scratch here.
Watching the Gorgon, who also possessed brute-strength traits, get thoroughly beaten by him, Lorne glanced at the golden bull phantom surrounding his body and felt increasingly satisfied.
As expected of a reward from Sister Athena...generous and decisive.
Unlike that stingy old bastard Poseidon, who acted miserly even when letting a bit of blood.
Not satisfying at all.
Just as Lorne was grumbling internally, the collapsed rubble of the protective wall suddenly exploded outwards.
Dozens of stones, each about ten times the size of bowling balls, shot toward the arena with the force of heavy artillery shells.
Lorne casually waved his hand, effortlessly deflecting several massive stones flying at him and then sneered toward the dust-shrouded Gorgon.
"Still not giving up?"
"You forced me to do this!"
At that moment, seeing the man who, just months ago on the Island of the Unseen, had fled in panic under her pressure and attacks, now repeatedly pummeling her without mercy, shame and fury flooded Stheno's mind and her pale-golden claws swung forward violently.
In an instant, a biting gale swept across the arena.
The sound of surging waves rolled in from afar, and the air grew thick, like water.
Next, a crimson aether tide manifested around Stheno. Empowered by ocean divinity, it transformed into a raging torrent that swallowed everything, crashing down upon its target with overwhelming force.
After absorbing the ocean divinity of the ancient sea god Pontus, the mother of sea monsters Ceto, and the father of sea monsters Phorcys, the oceanic divine power possessed by the three Gorgon sisters had accumulated to an utterly exaggerated level.
Even ordinary sea gods would not dare test their edge lightly.
Yet Lorne still neither dodged nor retreated.
Facing the blood-colored tsunami, he curled his lips into a smile, stepped forward proactively, and chanted divine words.
"The great whale bestows heavenly protection; the raging tide shall not overstep…"
Instantly, a giant wheel seemed to spin behind him.
The golden bull faded away, replaced by a colossal whale leaping out of the sea.
Enveloped by that phantom presence, the surrounding crimson waves retreated as if they had encountered a natural enemy.
From the platform, it looked as though an invisible giant hand had descended from the heavens, forcibly parting the waves that had submerged the entire arena and revealing the land hidden beneath the sea.
How could this be?
Watching her prized oceanic divinity be suppressed and shattered so easily, Stheno was completely dumbfounded.
Then she saw Lorne walking toward her with a smile, step by step, across the seabed as though he were strolling on solid ground, making tye haughty Gorgon enraged as shr waved her arms wildly, flailing in fury.
"Splash!"
In an instant, the crimson waves that had split apart on both sides overturned.
The raging ethereal torrents surged back into the central chasm, pouring down toward the figure calmly strolling within.
"All waters are divided into upper and lower; life and death follow their own paths…"
However, accompanied by a soft murmur from beneath the sea, the giant whale shook its head and flicked its massive tail.
The out-of-control crimson waves either turned into mist and rose into the air, dispersing with the wind, or lost all momentum and flowed gently beneath Lorne's feet like a calm, obedient river.
"If that's all you've got, you won't even escape Euryale's hundred lashes."
Lorne clapped his hands mockingly, his gaze sweeping across the illusory figures around him and a faint look of satisfaction flashed through his eyes.
— [Giant Whale].
A second avatar forged from the blood of Poseidon and fragments of the trident, possessing the authority to control seawater and pacify raging tides.
Judging from the results, even the Gorgon Banshee, who had defeated the old ocean-type veteran Gold Coin three times, was completely restrained.
Still, there was one thing Lorne truly wanted to complain about.
To forge this second divine incarnation, the [Giant Whale], he had used up the rewards from two [Golden Oracles] and nearly lost his life several times during the successive battles for Crete.
Unlike Sister Athena, who had simply gifted him the Cretan Bull and even personally taught him how to absorb and utilize divinity and power...allowing him to effortlessly obtain his first divine incarnation, the [Bull] the treatment they received was worlds apart.
Logically and emotionally, Lorne felt he had no choice but to cling to Sister Athena's coattails and continue fleecing that stingy Sea King.
At that moment, Stheno, having suffered setback after setback, finally snapped and could no longer suppress her rage.
Her almond-shaped eyes widened as her vertical pupils abruptly expanded into crimson rectangles, locking menacingly onto the approaching figure.
In that unintentional exchange of gazes, Lorne froze.
A streak of petrified gray instantly spread from his eyes, crawling rapidly across his entire body.
Seeing her sudden attack succeed, Stheno's face lit up with a smug sneer as she raised her claws and swept them forward.
Underestimating me? I'll teach you a lesson!
However, before she could fully vent her fury, that deep voice sounded once again.
Lorne slowly raised his head and Stheno's expression changed instantly.
The gray-white haze in his pupils had been completely washed away, replaced by a captivating crimson glow. Grapevines burst forth from his body, spreading wildly and intertwining as they grew, transforming the surroundings into a lush, vibrant vineyard.
An illusion!
Stheno's expression shifted sharply.
At the same time, a deep whisper sounded behind her, carrying unmistakable mockery.
"Had enough laughing?"
In an instant, Stheno's hair stood on end.
The pale purple snake tail coiled beneath her snapped straight and reflexively swept backward like a spear.
That's it?
Lorne smiled.
Behind him, the halo spun once more, the invisible pointer turning toward [Bull]. A violent surge of power erupted from his body as hr casually reached out and grabbed the sweeping snake tail, grinning maliciously.
At the same time, the grapevine symbolizing primal divinity at the center of the roulette wheel spread outward, wrapping around [Bull]'s massive form.
It was as if a jar of [Madness] liquor had been poured into the beast that trampled the earth.
The Bull's enormous eyes instantly filled with frenzied light.
Its violent power doubled yet again, condensing into tangible golden-red flames.
Sensing the terrifying force that nearly tore the tip of her tail apart, Stheno's scalp tingled. Cold sweat beaded on her forehead as she hastily raised her hands and shouted:
"I surrender!"
"No!"
Just then, a purple figure leaped down from the stands, interrupting her sister's cowardly retreat.
"What are you afraid of? Let's all go for it!"
Athena, who should have been maintaining order, sat in the stands with her arms crossed, making no attempt to stop them.
She even used casual conversation as an excuse to deliberately..or perhaps deliberately, block the restless Medusa and Hestia.
This little guy had been hiding his true strength all along.
This was the perfect chance to see what he was really capable of.
Sensing the signal released by her goddess, Euryale, who had been somewhat hesitant, immediately straightened her back.
She revealed her true Gorgon form and rubbed her hands together eagerly.
Lorne smiled faintly. With one hand, he pinched the tip of Stheno's tail; with the other, he raised a gleaming whip, speaking in a low and deep voice.
"One hundred lashes."
"Heh, trying to sow discord? As if my sister would ever—"
Euryale sneered disdainfully.
Before she could finish, a chill shot from the tip of her tail to the crown of her head. Her body stiffened as she turned back.
Instantly, her gaze met two wide-open rectangular pupils and her entire body froze.
The Gorgon's demonic eyes could immobilize not only enemies, but allies as well.
Euryale stared at her beloved sister in disbelief, her body rigid with fear.
"You…"
"It's just one hundred lashes. Bear with it—it'll be over soon."
Stheno swallowed hard and forced a warm smile.
The whip she usually used on others now rested in her own hand.
What's with a little lashing? I'm covered in snakeskin anyway!
If she kept dragging this out, no matter the outcome, she'd still be caught by the tail and beaten again.
Besides, she'd sworn an oath before the battle.
She wasn't afraid of the Styx's curse, but she was even more afraid that Hestia on the platform would find an excuse to beat her for breaking the rules.
Better to let her dear sister take the fall first.
Two beatings for one—a perfect trade!
Later… later, when I get the chance, I'll definitely avenge you!
Comforting herself with this solemn vow, Stheno swung the whip without hesitation, striking Euryale's buttocks.
"Crack!"
The whip landed heavily with a crisp sound.
Yet Euryale, who had been filled with grief and indignation, froze in shock.
Because even though it looked vicious.. it didn't hurt at all…
Only after Stheno subtly winked did Euryale snap out of it and let out an exaggerated scream.
Seeing her sister's cooperation, Stheno nodded secretly, a satisfied yet sinister smile spreading across her face.
After all, they were sisters.
A little acting was enough. Once they escaped this man's grasp, they'd join forces and teach that bastard a proper lesson.
However, Lorne, standing nearby, had already seen through Stheno's little scheme. He sneered and tightened his grip on her tail.
"Didn't eat today? Swing harder. This was the agreement before the competition. Do you want me to demonstrate?"
As he spoke, his malicious gaze drifted toward Stheno's buttocks.
Instantly, Stheno's face stiffened and she flicked the whip sharply, striking her sister hard.
"Crack!"
This time, a burning pain spread instantly through her body and Euryale grimaced.
Her dear sister hadn't held back at all.
Euryale turned her head, eyes watering, and looked at Stheno with a deeply wronged expression.
"It's just one hundred lashes. Bear with it—I'll avenge you later!"
Stheno made the promise casually. Under Lorne's watchful gaze, she steeled herself and began lashing her younger sister repeatedly.
Whip shadows fell in rapid succession.
The cracking sounds blended together as the once-invincible Gorgon clutched her head and wailed miserably.
Gradually, Stheno's movements grew more vigorous, more practiced.
The bitterness and resentment on her face slowly flushed into excitement and pleasure.
It had to be said...when misfortune struck, having an outlet to vent it, especially by making someone else suffer more, was an excellent way to relieve stress and boost one's mood.
Finally, after a full hundred lashes, Stheno felt refreshed, almost regretful that it was over.
Still, maintaining the dignity of an older sister, she returned the whip, bent down with a smile, helped Euryale up, and comforted her.
"It's alright. I'll avenge you later…"
Long oppressed by Stheno's tyranny, Euryale could only sob inwardly as she leaned into her shameless older sister's arms.
Then, a devilish whisper reached her ears.
"Want revenge? Perfect. Let's fight again."
Stheno shuddered and hurriedly shook her head.
"No, no—definitely not. Next time, for sure!"
Lorne shook his head, smiling in satisfaction.
"Not you. I'm talking about her."
His freed right hand pointed directly at Euryale.
"Same rules. If you win, you get the same treatment. If you lose, you whip her a hundred times. How about it?"
Hearing his words, Stheno's hair instantly stood on end, her face changed drastically as she tightened her grip on her sister.
"No!"
However, Euryale struggled and raised her hand, her voice trembling with resentment as she shattered her sister's resistance.
"I surrender!"
"…"
Stheno's face darkened instantly.
"Euryale, you actually betrayed me. I'm so disappointed. Looks like I have to teach you a lesson today!"
Hearing that icy voice, Euryale—long oppressed, instinctively shrank back.
Just then, a warm hand grasped her trembling wrist, and a gentle voice whispered into her ear.
"Can't keep your promise? Need my help?"
Euryale froze, then turned toward the well-meaning bystander.
She nodded vigorously, her eyes shining with excitement.
A thin, elongated object was placed deftly into her hand.
Stheno sensed danger and tried to flee, but the figure behind her smiled and pressed down on her shoulder.
The weight was overwhelming, like a mountain pinning her in place.
Unable to move, she watched as her sister approached, whip in hand, eyes brimming with malice.
The helpless Gorgon let out a miserable cry.
"No—!"
Then came a series of sharp cracking sounds as the brutal whipping began once more.
This time, without any prompting, Euryale lashed out with all her strength, mercilessly striking her beloved sister.
Watching the cruel scene unfold, Medusa and Hestia closed their eyes in despair.
Athena, on the other hand, looked both amused and exasperated.
These two idiots…
They really thought they could outsmart him? Serves them right.
Although she hadn't fully tested the boy's true limits, this level of power, paired with that kind of mindset, was more than enough to handle the chaos on Mount Olympus.
Lost in thought, Athena ignored Stheno's cries and pleas and stretched lazily before leaving the arena.
As the last shred of hope vanished, Stheno let out a pitiful wail, while the unrestrained Euryale whipped even more fiercely.
In the stands, Hestia and Medusa couldn't resist peeking.
Munching on snacks, they commented casually on the various positions.
For a moment, the air was filled with an oddly cheerful atmosphere.
(End of Chapter)