With a crisp clatter, the ancient serpent tossed several remnant divine cores—stripped from their grooves—onto the ground. He smiled and waved at the pitch-black magic array.
Tsk, tsk. Even with Enkidu and Gilgamesh present, that worthless goddess didn't dare speak up. Looks like her reckless raid on the Babylonian Treasury ended in a well-deserved beating.
Well, another day to savor.
Samael stretched lazily, his schadenfreude plain, then pulled Medusa toward the exit.
"So, pleased with this unique coming-of-age gift?"
The ancient serpent basked in the sun's warmth, stretching his limbs and breathing in the earthy fragrance of dawn. He turned to Medusa with a light chuckle.
"Mm. This was the most beautiful night I've ever experienced."
Medusa nodded earnestly, her face taut. Then, catching Samael off guard, her flushed lips brushed against the ancient serpent's forehead.
"Just a small token of thanks."
A moment later, she pulled back, tall and composed in posture, her voice low and cool. Yet beneath her purple hair, her ears glowed a vivid red.
"Mm, I get it. A good morning kiss. Life needs a little ritual."
The ancient serpent brushed the damp trace on his forehead, his gaze drifting to her proud curves before he teased.
"Tsk, little Ana's all grown up now… in every sense of the word."
Medusa recalled the questions her female friends had pestered her with last night. The icy composure she had forced herself to maintain collapsed in an instant, her lovely face burning crimson.
She bit her lip and shot Samael a furious glare, shame and inferiority welling up inside her.
For the Gorgon sisters, physical growth was proof of their incomplete divinity and immortality—a flaw waiting to be filled. Constant jabs from her two sisters, so different in figure, had nearly turned Medusa's body into her greatest source of insecurity.
"Silly girl, have some confidence. Hold your head high. This is a gift most would envy."
The ancient serpent stepped closer and patted her shoulder, his expression serious.
"But my sisters…"
Medusa's expression softened slightly, though doubt lingered.
"Pfft! Stop listening to them. Euryale and Stheno are the real disgrace to the Mother of Serpents' bloodline—flat as boards!"
"And the nymphs said—"
"Look at those little dragonflies. They don't even have an ounce of flesh on them!"
Samael's voice rang with righteous indignation.
Old perverts should be honest about their tastes—what's wrong with warriors liking big breasts?
To stamp out this corrupt flat-chest propaganda and protect rare resources, the ancient serpent didn't hesitate to sacrifice family ties.
"Those rumors were spread by Athena! That girl's own growth is stunted—pure jealousy!"
Crack!
Just as a certain "upright old lecher" defended the lofty ideals of beauty before Medusa, a sharp sound came from behind him.
The ancient serpent froze, slowly turning his head. Outside the cave entrance stood the Goddess of Wisdom, freshly awake, draped in a sheer veil, smiling brightly as she snapped a dry twig between her fingers.
That crisp echo sent a chill straight down Samael's spine—it sounded disturbingly like bones breaking.
Cold sweat broke out across his forehead as he recalled the words he had just exchanged with Medusa.
All night… secret chamber… growth… farewell kiss…
Not to mention the talk of sacrificing family for justice, and those remarks about "development."
Just how many landmines had he stepped on? He'd lost count.
As Athena approached with a twisted smile, Samael's heart thumped wildly, his body rigid.
Only two thoughts filled his mind now: leave an intact corpse, and for the love of the gods—don't hit the face.
"Out for a stroll? What a coincidence. Good morning."
"Mealtime's almost here. Want to stay and eat? I haven't prepared your seat or utensils, but I'll find a way to arrange it."
Unexpectedly, the Goddess of Wisdom showed no intent of reproach, nor any shame at her past misdeeds being exposed. Instead, she smiled brightly and extended a warm invitation.
Such poise, striking first to seize the initiative!
The subtle sharpness in her tone made Samael inwardly admire her, even as he shrank his neck slightly and took a step back.
"No need. If I want to eat, Samael will make something just for me."
Medusa's voice was cool and indifferent.
High move! That was flipping the script!
The ancient serpent nodded to himself, then his gaze dropped, and his mouth twitched.
But could you at least let go of my hand first?
"I can't help it. That's how we treat guests at home. Even if it means inconveniencing ourselves, we can't neglect them. He taught me that since I was little."
So, even after we undressed and went to bed last night, just to entertain a visitor, Samael had to crawl out of our blankets, unwilling as he was.
Athena blinked her violet eyes, drawing closer and closer to Medusa until she stepped into her guard. Face to face, she hid a laugh behind her hand.
"But you know, while the host's kindness asks nothing in return, not all guests understand that.
Some push their luck... Ah, of course, not you… You just like making the host work hard."
She paused, her gaze softening as she turned back with a sweet smile.
"Family is different. Whatever Samael wants to eat, I'll make it."
Samael's expression grew strange as he scanned Athena up and down.
You can cook? Have you ever cooked? You're that obedient? Since when?
So, is this catering to guests, sowing discord, speaking in veiled barbs, or making things up from nothing?
Damn—four strikes in one move.
The ancient serpent cursed inwardly, his estimation of Athena's combat strength rising yet again. Suddenly, he felt his verbal sparring might finally have a worthy successor.
But really, could you also let go of my other hand?
Samael glanced at the fingers gripping his other arm just as tightly, the skin already bruising, and nearly broke into tears.
Masters clashing—do they really need to drag him into it?
You two keep talking. Can't I just eat first?
"You stayed up with me last night and had to host uninvited guests this morning. You've worked too hard. Let me handle breakfast today..."
Just as the ancient serpent grumbled inwardly, Athena lifted her head, eyes gentle as she leaned half her body against Samael's chest.
In an instant, she turned to Medusa with a beaming, oh-so-considerate smile.
"By the way, weren't you leaving? The Arima Caverns are that way. Want me to guide you?"
Her fingers tightened ever so slightly, tugging Samael toward the cave entrance. Triumph flashed in her eyes.
Hmph! Come into my home, use my plates, eat my food, and try to take my things? Not a chance!
Yet the soft hand clinging to Samael's other arm didn't budge. The previously lowered face now carried a fierce determination.
"You're right. Samael leaving you behind to throw me a birthday party was indeed too much trouble."
"I feel bad putting him through so much. I shouldn't be ungrateful. Better that I make him breakfast as thanks."
Medusa leaned close to Athena's ear, her lips curving upward. Her voice carried a playful lilt, her tone sharp with provocation.
Mhm, your foster father really is amazing.
Athena's breath caught at the words. Her teeth ground audibly, veins bulged on her forehead, and her composure nearly snapped.
Broken! Broken! Broken!
Caught between them, Samael stared at his arm—nearly twisted into a pretzel—and felt like crying.
Why did it feel like both of them had just awakened some terrifying hidden attribute?