(Greek Mythology) The Abyss of the Underworld
Chapter 51
The drama of Hera, the Queen of the Gods, battling her lover is always a highly anticipated annual spectacle across the Three Realms. Top-notch sound and light effects, spectacular special effects, a complex and ever-changing plot with a unified main storyline, and a constant pursuit of high standards have attracted countless viewers…
Ahem, getting off topic. In short, Hera's recent attacks on her love rivals have reached new heights. Previously, she only targeted Zeus's human lovers, but now she's even targeting the gods.
Of course, a large part of this is because Leto, the goddess of night, is pregnant with Zeus's eldest son. To consolidate her position, Hera's ruthless actions are not surprising.
As a goddess, exuding elegance is a must. Personally hunting down her rival would be beneath her dignity; she must sit regally in her palace, served by her maids, displaying her masterful command and remotely directing her subordinates to hunt down her rival, sending him fleeing in panic. She, on the other hand, leisurely sips tea and enjoys the scenery, awaiting good news – that's the epitome of a goddess's elegance, isn't it?
However, overdoing it leads to failure. So, if you don't have the protagonist's destiny, don't try to be one. A protagonist can easily succeed in hunting down a villain, but if you, the villainous boss, send your men to do the same, aren't you just giving them a chance to turn the tables?
Hera forbade the earth from providing Leto with a place to give birth. Therefore, Leto ultimately gave birth to Apollo and Artemis on the Isle of No Return, a place created by her sister, the goddess of the night, Asteria.
So, the gods are truly fortunate. Any other pregnant woman about to give birth, after being hunted for so long, would surely have perished along with her unborn child. While Leto appeared weak, she was perfectly healthy, possessing a clear innate advantage.
The twins, the sun and moon, were indeed extraordinary. From birth, they shone with dazzling brilliance, the sun and moon appearing simultaneously in the sky—a display of power that deserves full marks.
The Mirror of Life, that high-level tool for watching the drama unfold… cough, a powerful tool for gathering information, isn't something everyone possesses. But with the extraordinary phenomenon of the sun and moon appearing simultaneously, if Hera didn't realize her pursuit had failed, she'd be a fool. Therefore, although she was a little short-tempered, Hera, clearly not a fool, successfully angered herself to the point of premature labor, unfortunately giving birth to the only ugly god among the gods, Hephaestus, the god of fire and blacksmiths.
A perfunctory candle for Her Majesty the Queen of the Goddess: No zuo no die, why you still try?
Hera: No try, no high. Give me five!
Fine, try it if you want. Whatever makes you happy.
On a secluded island far from Hera's control, Apollo and Artemis lived peacefully with their mother goddess. Though lacking the luxury of their mountain retreat, their life was easy, joyful, tranquil, and serene… Wait, where's Artemis? She's vanished in the blink of an eye!
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Leaving aside the two gods' worry and anxiety upon discovering their daughter/sister's disappearance, let's look at the little girl Artemis, who is currently missing.
Artemis feels she's always been unlucky. First, she was hunted by the goddess Hera before she was even born, then she was burdened with a weak-willed mother and a troublesome brother, forcing her to plan for the future of the three goddesses from a young age.
The Mother Goddess was wonderful, undoubtedly a model Greek mother. However, one couldn't consult her on matters, for it would be futile. Her brother was also a good Greek brother, but his upright and honest nature, despite his intelligence, rendered him completely ignorant of intrigue and treachery, leaving him defenseless. His actions were also too direct and reckless.
Life on the nameless island was peaceful, but they couldn't stay there forever. It wasn't that they couldn't bear the austere life, but her brother was, after all, the Father God's eldest son, and future conflicts were inevitable. The Queen Goddess's temporary cessation didn't mean it would continue. Without sufficient status and power, how could they protect themselves?
Today, she stood at a 45-degree angle on the beach, gazing at the sea, worrying about the future, when she encountered another deity for the first time.
She was a very beautiful goddess. Although she appeared to be a goddess of the underworld, her aura was unexpectedly gentle, her expression pure and beautiful, even carrying a hint of shyness.
Just like… the little rabbits she had seen on the island.
With this first impression, Artemis, though intelligent and precocious, was still naive and easily deceived. She quickly lowered her guard during her brief conversation with Eris and was unfortunately taken away by her. (Another unfortunate child deceived by Eris's innocent appearance.)
Although it seems the outcome would have been the same even if she hadn't lowered her guard—the difference in strength was undeniable.
"Seriously, do the parents know you took someone's child away?" Ai Miya leaned lazily in her chair, propping her chin on her hand. The girl who once looked twelve or thirteen had grown into a vibrant fifteen or sixteen-year-old young woman. Her crimson lips held a half-smile, and her silver-red heterochromatic eyes, flashing with two extreme emotions, lightly swept over Eris, who had brought in carrying a little girl. Her voice was playful.
"I left a note," Eris replied. Whether they found it or not was none of her concern.
"Oh," Ai Miya responded indifferently. She wasn't concerned about that; she had only asked casually. Don't think she would really care.
With amusement, Ai Miye observed the little girl, who appeared to be only five or six years old, whom Eris had just placed on the ground. Her long silver hair reached her ankles, and a crescent moon adorned her brow, gleaming faintly in the darkness. Her eyes, dreamlike and clear like moonlight, were a deep, serene sea blue. Her fair skin, like snow, had a translucent quality, and her entire being possessed a tranquility rarely seen in someone her age.
After observing her, Ai Miye lost interest. Such obedient children were easy to manage, but also rather boring.
"Ai Miye, stop fooling around. Honestly, after being scared like that, even the most unruly child would behave."
"Your Highness, Goddess of Annihilation," the little girl bowed obediently.
" "Get up." A casual remark followed, and Ai Miya turned to Eris, no longer focusing on Artemis. "Why did you decide to bring her back?"
"I thought she was interesting, so I just brought her back," Eris said casually, as if she hadn't kidnapped someone's child, but rather bought some cabbages she saw at the market.
"Actually, you're just imitating your brother again," Ai Miya bluntly exposed the truth.
Tartarus brought Eris and the twin gods back to raise as pets, and today Eris brought Artemis back—a perfect tradition.
"It's better to keep this to yourself."
"Children are indeed fun, though sometimes a bit annoying, but isn't this a bit too dull?"
The Underworld is frightening for a reason; the dim light alone is a serious problem. Aside from gods who are inherently dark-attribute, no god visiting the Underworld for the first time can adapt to it.
Having been suddenly brought here and managing to maintain a semblance of composure, the little girl Al actually possessed a remarkably strong mental fortitude. Yet, she was still found too dull, silently lighting a row of candles for the unfortunate girl.
"If you're annoyed, just throw it back," Eris said irresponsibly.
Hey! Can you guys please stop discussing whether it's fun or not in front of the person involved? They're still here!
Chapter 51