Python's Blank Stare at My Daring Proposal
Python's face went blank for a moment at my bold proposal.
"Awaken the Great One? No! That would start the end times. You idiot! We're not ready yet."
"Is that so?"
"You're asking the obvious. And there's more to it. I'm grateful you think so highly of me, but I can't use god-level spells like that. If I could, I wouldn't have survived this long even with all these traps. The whole of Olympus would have come down to exterminate me."
Come to think of it, if Python could awaken the Burning Nameless One at any time, the gods led by Zeus wouldn't have sat idly by. It was a relief that I was merely Artemis's prey.
"Truth be told, I wasn't seriously suggesting we wake it. I agree we're not ready yet."
I didn't know when the end times would come, but I was sure it wouldn't be today.
"Then why make such an absurd proposal?"
"In a situation like this, we need a change of perspective."
"A change of perspective?"
"Yeah. Simply put, threaten them by saying we'll awaken the Burning Nameless One."
"Hah!"
Python gaped in disbelief, then muttered with a sour expression.
"Honestly, after half a year together... I can see your true character, Peleus. Drop that habit of always scheming tricks instead of facing things head-on. You won't make a proper hero that way. The Cursed Hero's judgment must have been off. This looks more like the talent of a swindler than a hero."
"Ahem!"
She cleared her throat as if she didn't want to hear it and added,
"Odysseus is respected by all and called the hero of wisdom. Who knows if I don't have that kind of quality?"
"Hmph! Don't forget that same Odysseus is also called a vile rogue. His nickname is 'Mouth of the Gods' for a reason. It's because he pulls so many scams. I don't want you turning into a shameless man like him."
"You're especially prickly today, Python."
"Heh, those with guilty consciences find others' words like thorns in their ears."
Ugh... Since when was Python this eloquent? The naive girl occasionally turned wise in bursts, and arguing with her then always ended in defeat. I decided on a strategic retreat.
"Don't we have more important things to discuss right now?"
"Fine, if you want to change the subject, I'll play along."
"Ugh."
I shot her a protesting glare—she was hitting where it hurt—before diving into the explanation.
"First, we need to buy time somehow. They'll have to break through the traps, so they won't arrive quickly, but that's not enough. Bluff that you'll awaken the Great One."
"Shallow trick. Ares's minions must know I don't have that power."
"But they lack wisdom to match their strength. Magic knowledge especially. If you bluster convincingly, they'll contact their master to check."
"Hmm..."
Python nodded.
"Fine. I get that it buys time. But it won't solve the root problem. We can't hold out until the Cursed Hero returns tomorrow."
"We have one more combat asset. We just need time to secure it."
"Hm?"
I explained what was needed to the tilting Python. She listened intently but voiced concerns.
"Not a bad plan. But how do you plan to take down that black warrior who seems to be their leader? Through Iapetos's eyes, his skill stood out above the rest."
"I'll handle him."
"Reckless. I acknowledge your dazzling progress lately, Peleus. But that one's a hero sent by the gods themselves. You can't possibly match him."
"Every fight so far has been like that. We've always overcome these crises. I think luck will be on our side today too."
"Sigh..."
Unable to sway me, Python nodded reluctantly. There were no other options now. But she grabbed my hand and advised,
"Peleus."
"Yes."
"If the worst happens, you run—at least you."
"How could I leave alone?"
"You must. I can't leave this mountain anyway. If you can escape, you should. I wouldn't blame you even if you fled now."
No way in hell. I said it wouldn't come to that and turned away.
"As I said, I'll use the altar. Please be careful. Avoid combat and just stall for time."
"Don't worry. Worry about yourself. Who do you think I am? Python, guardian of the mountain and its king."
With that spirited declaration, Python left to buy time, just as I'd suggested—by bluffing about awakening the Burning Nameless One.
"Time to head this way."
As I moved toward the altar, the ever-silent Secret Book chimed in.
"Just run. That's the smartest move."
"Shut up."
"Strange. The guy who dreams up vile schemes for personal gain suddenly acts all loyal."
I chuckled at the Secret Book's words.
"Even a pure profiteer has lines he won't cross. There's a saying from my old world: Seek virtues in others, flaws in yourself."
"What's that got to do with anything?"
"Admit I'm better than I seem, and you're more twisted than necessary."
"What! You damn bastard!"
"Back off a bit? Your filth might rub off."
"Arghhh! Peleus! I can never like you!"
Bantering with the Secret Book, I soon reached the altar. This place, overlooked by the majestic serpent statue, was where I'd brought the injured Python half a year ago.
The altar, at the center where the mountain's vital energy converged, possessed tremendous healing power. Placing the wounded here brought immediate effects, incomparable to any famed priest's power.
"You really gonna do this, Peleus? That thing's cunning and strong. It won't listen easily. You're more likely to end up in grave danger."
"I have to. If I can bend it to our side, it'll be an unbeatable ally. Now, spit it out."
What I intended to retrieve was the cannibal giant, Thematos. The one I'd defeated half a year ago had been in a comatose state inside the Secret Book ever since.
"Gueeeh!"
The Secret Book's mouth opened, and with a revolting sound, Thematos emerged covered in sticky fluids. The massive giant, unconscious, breathed faintly. No other movement—just periodic breaths.
"What a tough bastard."
To survive half a year in this state was miraculous vitality.
"It's tied to the mythic age. Nothing unusual for something beyond common sense. Just inheriting Titan strength makes it a powerhouse hard to match in this era."
Thematos, on the altar floor, began twitching as his body healed and consciousness returned.
"How do you plan to handle him? Forget negotiation—he'll try to eat you on sight. Or worse, use every twisted idea from that bald head to torture you cruelly."
"I'll act first, obviously. I didn't idle for half a year."
While learning martial arts from the Cursed Hero and attempting divine fusion with Python, I'd practiced refining control over the divinity Zeus granted me in my spare time.
Divinity was untapped potential, a power shaped by the user. Infinite possibilities, but ordinary humans couldn't handle it. Even structured spells overwhelmed them—let alone formless divinity. As much as I hate to admit it, it was purely a matter of talent.
Knowing that made the Secret Book's tone sharp.
"Hmph, lucky bastard. Born with it, huh?"
"Watch. I'll show you something fun."
A new technique even the Secret Book didn't know. Because this was my first real try.
Whiiiing—
Divinity glowed and condensed above my hand, forming a shape.
"Tch."
Slower than I'd hoped, but it'd speed up with practice.
"No way—you're shaping it?"
The Secret Book asked in surprise. I nodded.
Divinity had no form. Condensing it into shapes was a god's technique—like Zeus suddenly hurling lightning.
"Incredible... Unimaginable for a mere human. Even the talented might spend a lifetime barely grasping it, yet you did it in half a year?"
The Secret Book's voice trembled slightly. A seemingly ordinary human mimicking divine arts in half a year.
Woooong. Pop!
With a short burst, I molded the pure white divinity into a clear form. The light faded, turning metallic.
"A ring?"
The Secret Book queried the created shape. As it said, a simple ring—but immensely useful.
"What's this? A big ring, sure, but how does it help control that monstrous giant?"
"This ring's name is Tightening Ring."
"Tightening Ring? What's that?"
No reason the Secret Book would know. It was from my Earth—Journey to the West, where the monk put this on the troublesome Sun Wukong's head. Chant the spell, and it tightens, inflicting agony. Even the mighty Sun Wukong who shook the heavens submitted. A mere cannibal giant like Thematos was nothing.
"Just watch."
I extended my finger. The metal ring flew, slipping onto Thematos's head automatically.
"Grrr?"
Thematos, half-conscious and dazedly looking around, wore a puzzled expression. His drunken, vacant face suggested full recovery would take time.
Boom! Crash! Thud! Thud!
Explosions and tremors echoed from above the cave. Python was properly engaging them.
As long as the traps weren't fully destroyed, she could wield real power. Foreseeing them didn't mean instant demolition—it took time. If she retreated behind traps, they couldn't pursue immediately.
"Time to start here too."
By now, Thematos was rising. Ridiculous recovery—perhaps the natural energy combined with his regeneration.
"Ugh... What is this place."
He rubbed his shoulders, surveying confusedly. Then he spotted me, face hardening.
"You...!"
"Sleep well? You were out cold."
"...How much time has passed?"
As expected, this giant was sly beyond his looks. He'd troubled me with unexpected eloquence and cunning in our fight. A normal giant would charge in rage, but he asked about time first. Scheming darkly inside, no doubt.
"Half a year. You were unconscious the whole time."
"Why wake me now?"
"I needed you."
I'd hoped for a more dramatic reunion, but his cold calculation led to tense, mundane exchanges. Still, Thematos decided quickly.
"I don't know the details. But waking after so long, I'm starving. First, I'll gut you and eat your innards. Best way to get revenge and fill my belly."
Thud!
The giant took a heavy step. But instead of replying, I smirked and tapped my forehead lightly—as if telling him to check his head first.
"Hm?"
As he puzzled and touched his head, my lip curled up.
"Kneel first. No, wait. I don't like anyone taller than me. Kneeling won't cut it."
Arms crossed, I pointed my chin at the ground and commanded.
"Crawl to me first."