The Argo,
This was the warship given to Jason by his teachers, meant for "self-defense."
On the oceans of the ancient Greek Age of the Gods, dangers lurked everywhere, especially for this journey to obtain the Golden Fleece, with the perilous Queen of the Gods Hera and the Goddess of Wisdom Athena keeping watch.
Thus, "self-defense" seemed quite necessary.
The ship spirit, Argo, was born for this very reason.
In truth, calling her a ship spirit was less accurate than saying she was a vessel, the system of the Argo warship!
Weapon systems, propulsion devices, detection equipment, defensive facilities...
Magic missiles, mana cannons, Age of the Gods missiles, tracking spells, mana protective barriers...
According to Jason's requirements, all these had been collaboratively crafted by Hecate and Hephaestus.
To provide their disciple with means for self-defense...
Yes, absolutely not for conquering the world!
And after creating these things, Athena raised a question: who would manage and control them?
Moreover, how was Jason to command such a massive Argo?
Thus, after some discussion, the ship spirit was born.
The doll brought by Hephaestus was already her most outstanding and ingenious work.
Then Hecate inscribed the magic of the Argo warship, one by one, onto this ship spirit.
Countless thousands, even tens of thousands, of magical seals hidden within the ship spirit's seemingly delicate frame.
Linking the ship spirit completely to the Argo.
To describe it in simple terms, at this moment, with Jason and the group standing on the Argo, it was no different from standing on the ship spirit herself.
And she could not be destroyed... as long as the Argo endured, she would not be destroyed!
Last night, when Jason arrived on the Argo with the three goddesses.
And signed the contract with the Argo.
As the ship spirit, she had playfully said to Jason: "Master Jason, now you have no way to refuse me..."
Back then, Hephaestus had intended to gift the doll to Jason.
But Jason refused every one, his avoidance so resolute that it hurt the feelings of the doll-turned-ship-spirit lady for quite some time.
...
...
The sea breeze blew,
The appearance of the Argo undoubtedly shattered the worldviews of all the heroes and gods present.
Even sparking doubts in some hearts.
One could not help but voice: "With a ship like this... do we really need to head to the distant Colchis to retrieve that treasure called the Golden Fleece?"
Hearing this, the many heroes who had been enviously watching Jason, after snapping out of it, looked down at the sacred and magnificent warship beneath their feet.
Such doubts could not help but arise in their hearts as well.
"Heading to the distant and dangerous Colchis to retrieve the priceless treasure, the Golden Fleece, is actually my own affair to begin with.
I wish to seek justice for my respected father, the true King Aeson of Iolcos, and in doing so, fulfill the condition my uncle Pelias set for returning the throne to me.
That condition is precisely to journey to distant Colchis and retrieve the priceless treasure, the Golden Fleece."
Sensing their doubts, Jason stepped forward and declared loudly: "In truth, this is my matter from the start, one I should bear alone.
That all of you have come at my invitation is already the greatest honor for me!"
With that, Jason bowed to everyone present.
And with Jason's words, the crowd recalled that the invitations Jason had sent clearly stated this.
He had no desire to contend for the sacred throne, but to seek justice for his father, he was willing to venture into danger and distance, to Colchis...
Remembering this, and seeing Jason before them, bathed in the brilliant sunlight, performing this noble courtesy and expressing his utmost gratitude.
Everyone present felt their hearts deeply touched.
"Rest assured, Junior Brother Jason, I, Theseus, guarantee you: I will retrieve the Golden Fleece for you!"
Theseus, who had once felt indebted to Jason, was the first to step forward, voicing his determination loudly.
"That's right, rest assured, Junior Brother Jason, we will seek justice for your father!" Heracles nodded, replying solemnly.
With these two leading, soon everyone expressed their resolve one by one.
The atmosphere instantly surged with enthusiasm!
The jealousy ignited by the Argo's arrival had not fully dissipated, but in this moment, it undoubtedly faded much.
And at this moment, watching Jason smile and express his thanks.
Many could not help but think: probably only a being like him could receive gifts from the gods, and command the sacred Argo!
"...What a show-off!"
Queen of the Gods Hera, hiding among the pristine white clouds, watched this scene and could not help but grit her teeth lightly.
No helping it; the more outstanding Jason appeared, the angrier she became!
And besides her, the other gods, such as Hestia and others, all revealed incomparably gentle smiles, gazing softly upon them.
Gazing upon Jason.
With the Argo's arrival, the Golden Fleece journey should have officially set sail.
But... one person had yet to arrive.
Among all the humans present, the one who held the greatest place in Jason's heart had not come.
Thus, Jason did not set sail. After expressing his apologies to the heroes, he gave the final deadline... three days, at most three days!
And this garnered everyone's understanding... mainly because the Argo belonged to Jason; if he did not wish to leave, they could not force it.
Moreover, they were now utterly fascinated with the Argo and spent their time happily exploring the ship.
Plus, supplies needed replenishing for the sea voyage.
Thus, three days was entirely acceptable.
It was just that many were curious: just who could be so important that Jason would make everyone wait...
"This guy still claims he has no feelings for that girl."
Meleager, the prince of Calydon, who had once entertained thoughts of pursuing Atalanta but ultimately gave up because of Jason, could not help but smile at Heracles.
"Actually, that woman named Io is not bad either... pity Jason has someone in his heart already."
Heracles laughed as well.
"Yes, you all don't know: when I told him Atalanta was trapped in the labyrinth, the way he panicked."
Theseus joined in from the side, fanning the flames.
And whether these words were said intentionally or not, they were spoken loudly enough for Jason nearby to hear clearly.
In response, Jason's face was filled with helplessness.
He simply could not understand: these three guys, each with a harem of wives and concubines, what right did they have to discuss such matters... after all, in the current world, the most prevalent custom.
Was to spot a girl (or man) you liked, knock them out directly, and drag them into your chambers...
With the ship spirit's presence, Jason no longer needed to keep watch over the crowd gathered on the Argo.
The surveillance systems operated around the clock; though somewhat intrusive, they monitored everyone closely.
Not a single minor movement escaped the ship spirit's eyes!
That night, after a day of excitement.
As everyone excitedly found their rooms on the Argo and prepared to rest.
Jason held the Argo manual handed to him by the ship spirit with a shy face, and returned to his room.
Then, downing a bottle of sleeplessness potion as casually as eating a piece of bread, Jason prepared to spend the night thoroughly studying her captivating form.
But what Jason did not expect was that, the instant he returned to his room full of vigor, he froze...
The black-haired, red-eyed goddess sat quietly by the window.
The bright moon outside shone upon her.
Her figure was striking, her features exquisite, clad in a black gown adorned with patterns traced by nether butterflies.
Her head lowered, gazing at the black-leather grimoire in her hands that she used for recording.
"What are you standing there stunned for?"
Hecate said flatly: "Close the door."
Hearing this, Jason snapped back and hurriedly shut the door.
And in the instant he closed it, a magical seal appeared, inscribed upon the door, blocking all sight from outside.
Hecate put away the grimoire and lifted her vermilion eyes to look at Jason.
After a brief moment, Hecate could not help but smile on her face. She said: "What's wrong... we just met yesterday, why are you so reserved today?"
"Uh, that... I just never imagined my beautiful teacher would come."
Jason chuckled and walked over to sit beside Hecate.
An intimately close distance, yet Hecate did not resist.
She reached out, pinched Jason's cheek, and said: "Is it because you sensed I came to lecture you again, so you're resisting inwardly?"
"No way, no way at all. Teacher, your guidance is like a beacon in the night for me, the light that illuminates my dark life!"
After Jason exaggerated this, Hecate rolled her eyes at him in mild exasperation.
"Save that talk for other goddesses... your sister, and that child of Artemis!"
Jason chuckled sheepishly, not responding.
Responding would make him a fool.
Then Hecate rose and sat on the nearby bed.
"Come here."
Jason blinked, looking at Hecate and tilting his head slightly.
"What, you don't want to? ...If not, then forget it..."
"I do, I do!!!"
Reacting, Jason rushed to Hecate's side faster than lightning, lying blissfully on her lap with a face full of happiness.
Heh, Teacher Hecate's thighs of legend!
I'm really over the moon!
Jason admitted that, though he was not originally a leg fetishist... after sleeping with so many goddesses, even if he did not start out that way.
He had developed the habit.
"You certainly don't refuse..."
Hecate found it amusing and flicked Jason's forehead lightly in mock annoyance.
"Because it's you, Teacher Hecate."
Jason replied as if it were the most natural thing.
Of course, because it was the Goddess Hecate.
Hearing Jason's endearing words, even Hecate could not help but let the corners of her mouth curve up slightly.
"But speaking of which... Teacher Hecate, is something wrong?"
Lying comfortably on Hecate, Jason soon felt his entire body relax, wanting to sleep like this forever.
But he could not.
So he mustered his spirits and voiced his question.
"The reward for you... you like this, don't you?"
Hecate reached out, gently stroking Jason's hair.
Truth be told, such a role did not suit Hecate very well; it suited Hephaestus more.
In Jason's impression, Hecate had always been a cool, desireless existence.
Though she had pampered Jason many times, it was almost always the result of Jason's own proactive coaxing.
Proactive on her part... hardly ever.
Thus, Jason knew Hecate definitely had something to discuss with him.
"Yes, I like it most... but Teacher, what exactly happened? You're not... going to abandon me, are you?"
"Abandon you... I'd love to, but can I even shake you off!"
Hecate said in mild exasperation.
"Heh heh, of course not; I've latched onto you anyway!"
With that, Jason righteously nuzzled against Hecate's thigh, only to have his face thoroughly roughed up by her in response.
"Alright, stop moving, lie still... what else could it be but the matter with Athena."
Hearing this, the smile on Jason's face instantly stiffened, a flicker of panic in his eyes.
Then, after a while...
"...Teacher, you really see through everything."
Jason did not argue, admitting frankly.
"Yes, because I knew from the start you'd be angry; I just did not expect you'd be this furious."
"...?"
Jason blinked at Hecate's words.
"You've always wanted to escape your fate, unwilling to entangle too deeply with the gods... that's your inner demon.
Three years ago, because of this demon, you did not choose Hera; you chose me.
And now, though Athena may have meant no harm, she inadvertently touched that demon. With your temperament, I'd find it strange if you weren't angry."
Hecate said calmly.
Yes, she knew everything.
Including Athena's self-destructive actions; even before they provoked Jason's anger, Hecate knew Athena was done for.
After all, this matter had always been Jason's inner demon.
And the origin of everything.
Because of it, Hecate found Jason.
Likewise, because of it, Jason became her disciple.
Though not a secret, only Hecate knew the immense shadow this cast over Jason's heart.
And...
"And you're still such a cowardly fellow... even after receiving so many gifts from the gods, even after growing to where you are now, you still fear, still hesitate.
Thus, when Athena tried to stir trouble with this Golden Fleece matter, I knew she would inevitably anger you."
"...Teacher, why do I feel like you're scolding me?"
"Am I not speaking the truth?"
Jason pouted and rolled over in protest.
"Then why didn't you stop Goddess Athena?"
"It wouldn't anger you if I did it; why should I stop her? To be precise, I'm glad to see it."
Hecate replied matter-of-factly, then ruffled Jason's hair. She added: "Moreover, I think this is indeed a step you must go through... what must be faced will always be faced.
Whether your inner demon, Queen of the Gods Hera, or Typhon... your fate of deicide."
"But remember, you still have a promise with me... you must unconditionally fulfill one condition of mine, no matter what it is!"
Jason fell silent, pondering her words.
But soon, he was interrupted by Hecate pinching his cheek.
"Well? Answer me."
"Got it."
Jason replied with slight helplessness. "I've always known... but Teacher, I'm still very angry now; what do I do?"
"Is that so... well, hearing that, I'm actually quite happy now, even feeling a thrill like I've gained something."
...???
Jason was stunned, unable to resist sitting up and looking up at Hecate.
What he saw was Hecate's beaming expression.
"...Are you really my Teacher Hecate? You're not Goddess Athena in disguise, are you!" As he spoke, Jason could not help but reach up to touch Hecate's face.
He even pinched it twice...
Wow, what a great feel!
"No manners."
Hecate rolled her eyes and swatted Jason's hand away.
"The angrier you are, the more it shows how much you care about her. I think... you really almost placed all your trust in her, handing your future over to her.
In other words, that woman nearly succeeded in stealing you from my side.
But now... she probably won't have that chance in her lifetime. Don't you think I should be happy?"
Hecate crossed her arms over her chest, smiling as she watched Jason.
Hearing this, Jason swallowed hard and said: "Ha... haha, what are you saying, Teacher? How could Goddess Athena compare to you?
And how could I dare, ha, hahaha..."
Jason broke out in a sweat.
These goddesses... each one sharper than the last!
"You wouldn't dare? ...If I hadn't intervened back then, you nearly ran off to Hera's side. And you dare say you wouldn't?"
Hecate's smile intensified a bit.
At this moment, she had quite the air of settling old scores, making Jason want to cry a little.
He had thought tonight would bring sweet affection from his master.
Unexpectedly, it was affection, yes, but nine parts pain and one part love!
"But fine, wherever you run off to, whoever you choose, it has nothing to do with me... but remember, as long as you remain my child, my disciple for a day, then..."
Hecate did not finish, but her gaze sharpened.
Jason nodded frantically like a little bird pecking at rice, unable to stop.
And in this instant, Jason understood.
"Nothing to do with me" if he ran off or chose someone.
This was "dare to run, and I'll break your legs" territory!
Just as Jason fully comprehended Hecate's words...
"I came today not just to talk about Athena, to keep you from bottling it up and hurting yourself, but also..."
With that, Hecate paused slightly.
Gazing intently at Jason before her.
Then, under Jason's puzzled gaze, Hecate reached out, brushed aside the hair on his forehead, leaned in, and gently kissed his forehead...
Jason's eyes slowly widened.
His gaze incredulously fixed on Hecate, who pulled back after the light kiss.
...What just happened?
Eyes wide, Jason blinked blankly at the calmly composed Hecate.
His mind went utterly blank in an instant!
"...You really are a child who never grows up."
Seeing Jason like this, Hecate could not help but smile.
Her eyes filled with boundless gentleness.
"Jason, the path ahead for you... may be the most arduous time of your life.
Queen of the Gods Hera will not let you go for betraying her.
At the same time, this is the offering you present to Athena; she will surely prepare some things for you along your way.
And this time, I cannot accompany you... because your matter with Hera needs resolving. My presence would only stir more hatred from her.
So this time... everything truly depends on you."
Hecate said, gently stroking Jason's head.
This was her disciple, her child...
"But rest assured, I will still watch over you from the shadows, blessing you always.
Though I won't intervene... if you truly can't hold on, then call for me.
I am your teacher, your Lady Goddess.
Even if the sky falls one day, as your teacher, I will hold it up for you."
Under Hecate's voice, Jason slowly came back to himself.
Looking at Hecate before him... never had she seemed so gentle.
Because Hecate knew what grueling journey Jason would face next.
Though Jason had always walked a path of thorns.
But during that time, Hecate could always intervene.
And she had, more than once.
The serpent demon Lamia.
The path to the Underworld of the God of Medicine Asclepius.
The endless abyss, within Tartarus.
Hecate had intervened more than once, helping Jason overcome difficulties.
She had always watched over Jason, and when he needed her most, she was forever the first to appear.
But now, for Jason's sake, she could no longer do so.
Thus, tonight, she came before him.
Besides the matter with Athena, it was also a brief farewell to Jason.
And to bestow blessings upon her disciple, her child...
"Teacher, you... suddenly got so sly..."
Jason understood the meaning in Hecate's words and revealed a wordless bitter smile.
"I clearly, clearly chose to rely on you because you were a goddess who cared for nothing, minded nothing, so I couldn't help but act spoiled toward you.
But now, now..."
"Being sly once in a while isn't so bad, is it?"
Hecate said with a smile.
"Then Teacher... could you bless me one more time?"
Jason fell silent for a while, then lifted his head, looking at Hecate with full expectation. He said: "It was too quick just now; I didn't even feel it..."
"In your dreams."
Hecate rolled her eyes at Jason.
Though she said that, just as Jason wore a regretful face, Hecate suddenly leaned down and kissed his forehead once more.
Then, transforming into a flurry of nether butterflies, Hecate vanished from before Jason.
"...Teacher, don't run! What about the lap pillow you promised!"
Snapping back again, the ever-greedy Jason wailed.
...
...
The next day,
When Asclepius saw Jason on the deck, he could not help but pause for a moment.
"Junior Brother Jason, today... did something good happen to you?"
"Hm?" Jason blinked, looking puzzled at Asclepius.
"Why do you say that?"
"Because in the time before, you were clearly... clearly..."
Asclepius scratched his head, looking at Jason in confusion, struggling to organize his words for a good while, ultimately finding he still did not know how to put it.
"Forget it; in any case, as long as you're fine." Asclepius finally shook his head in defeat and patted Jason's shoulder.
Then,
Soon, in the blink of an eye, three days passed.
And as night fell, with stars filling the sky.
"How about... we wait one more day?"
Heracles looked at Jason standing by the ship's edge, quietly gazing at the shore, and could not help but suggest.
"Yes, Junior Brother Jason, how about we wait one more day."
"Yeah, one more day."
"Wait a bit longer; it's fine, it's fine!"
Knowing the person Jason awaited had not come, everyone could not help but劝 Jason.
But Jason did not reply.
"...Argo, has it passed twenty-four o'clock yet?"
Jason said flatly to the ship spirit beside him.
"Master Jason, it just passed."
The ship spirit hesitated briefly, but since it was her master's question, she ultimately gave the precise answer.
"Is that so." Jason sighed.
"Then set sail."
"Won't we wait a bit more, Junior Brother Jason?" Heracles could not help but ask.
"No... I promised you all three days, and three days it is; this is my commitment to you."
With that, Jason issued the command to the ship spirit.
The ship spirit faithfully executed her master Jason's order.
The propulsion magical array activated, and the massive Argo slowly began to set sail.
Jason stood on the deck, silently watching the land.
As time passed, the heroes gradually dispersed, and Jason stood there quietly.
Then, until the land gradually became the horizon at sea's edge, vanishing from Jason's sight, only then did Jason finally let out a sigh.
"Sigh... I never thought you still wouldn't come... and Teacher left too."
Shaking his head, Jason returned to his room.
But he felt he could not calm down.
Then, around two or three in the dead of night, setting aside the scepter in his hand, realizing no matter how he tried, he could not communicate with the Underworld or enter it, Jason finally gave up.
"Teacher, you really went too far."
Jason reached out, letting a nether butterfly land on his hand.
Then watched as it dissolved into dust and vanished.
Wordless silence descended upon the ship once more.
Basking in the moonlight's glow, leaning on the railing, shaking his head as he gazed at the stars overhead, that bright full moon...
Hm?
Jason blinked, feeling like he had spotted something faintly familiar amid those stars.
What... was it exactly?
Just as Jason wondered this, a star fell from the heavens.
Transforming into a streak of white meteor, heading toward the Argo.
Then, the meteor suddenly curved in the sky, returning upward.
And a person descended from that meteor.
Landing with momentum, she stormed up to Jason.
Reaching out, she grabbed Jason's collar, pulled her face close, and snarled through gritted teeth at Jason: "You bastard, you really didn't wait for me!"
Their eyes were both a beautiful holy azure.
Jason gazed at the slightly disheveled beauty before him.
Seeing her anger, his face could not help but reveal a relieved smile.
"Good... you made it."