No Way. Nemesis.
I bit my lip slightly at the weight of that name.
Nemesis, Goddess of Retribution, is satisfied with your righteous vengeance. She shows you her favor.
From the reaction, it seemed Nemesis liked me. She rejoiced in righteous or justified vengeance. But honestly, I couldn't just be happy about it.
"Nemesis, huh…"
"Something bothering you, Peleus?"
"Nemesis is the goddess of retribution, sure, but she's also the one who teaches humans their place. You've heard the saying 'luxury brings ruin'? It means good fortune often comes with pitfalls, and in this mythic world, that was especially true because of Nemesis. She wants humans to know their limits and shed their hubris. If they amass too much fortune, she brings punishment."
"I read a story like this once. There was an old man who lived to 110, and whenever anyone asked his age, he'd whisper it in their ear."
"Why?"
"The old man looked terrified, they say. 'I'm scared Nemesis might hear.' Meaning he feared the goddess of retribution would punish him for living too long. That's why those who enjoy constant fortune always had to worry about Nemesis."
"Maybe all the heroes met tragic ends because of her. Just a hypothesis, but almost every hero who seemed headed for a happy ending met ruin. As if such endings weren't allowed."
"Really?"
"Just speculation. But to me, she's the barrier between humans and gods. She disciplines human arrogance, teaches them their station, and blocks them from becoming greater beings of higher stature. This is the world of myths. Humans can become gods here, but very few ever rise to that position on their own. I've always wondered why, but if there's some immense will obstructing it, that explains a lot."
"Her favor will help for now. But she's a ticking time bomb that could explode someday. I'll watch for the moment, but if she senses I've forgotten my place and grown arrogant, she'll come for me with sword in hand."
"So, an inevitable showdown with Nemesis someday."
"Yeah, but not today. Worry about tomorrow when it comes. Isn't that the greatest saying?"
I decided to leave the Nemesis problem to future me.
Excluding the fifty pirates who would become slaves, the rest were all hanged. No one would hold funerals for such villains, so they dangled from the gallows, drying in the sea breeze until they looked like jerky. Somehow, seeing them like that made me think humans weren't much after death.
"Hope you're having a blast in Hades' realm."
I raised my wine glass to the dead. The only response was the creaking of ropes rubbing against the wooden frames.
"Basileus, sire."
Aitos approached, bowing and scraping. I'd originally planned to keep my name and title secret, but getting noticed by the goddess of retribution changed my mind. No security was perfect with the gods watching. Better to go bold.
"Everything handled?"
"Yes, sire. The slaves have piled all the village's wealth in the square."
"Let's see."
The pirates not hanged had brands seared into their foreheads and made slaves. I'd ordered them to gather all their plundered treasure in one spot.
"Wow, you lot sure looted a haul."
The square was piled high with coins, gold and silver, jewelry, pottery, coral, herbs, myrrh, sulfur, ivory—mountains of it. How many people had they drowned to amass this?
"You who have gained freedom—I shall share this with you. May it at least serve as travel fare back to your homes."
I divided the loot with the captives. It was nowhere near enough compensation for their suffering and grief, but I hoped it offered some solace.
"Thank you, Lord Peleus."
"Never dreamed I'd escape here alive."
"I'll never forget the grace you've shown us."
The people bowed repeatedly. Many wept. Plenty murmured my name—Peleus—like they'd never forget it.
There were plenty of former sailors among the slaves, so with a ship, they could head home anytime.
"When you're ready, set sail."
I shook each one's hand, offering comfort. Watching family slaughtered by pirate blades, then dragged here as slaves—what must they have felt?
"I pray good days await you back home."
After farewells to the freed slaves, I inspected my share of the loot. That's when I spotted something unusual: a large pearl shimmering iridescently, plum-sized.
"Huh? This…?"
It matched one I'd seen in the Secret Book. No doubt about it. To find this—what luck.
"I had them set it aside specially, sire."
Aitos jumped in to explain. The rarest, most valuable items from the loot were sorted for me.
"You sly dog."
Fearing rebuke, he shrank like a turtle.
"S-sorry, sire. This lowly one overstepped…"
"Sorry? You did great."
This guy was useful. Of course the best should go to me after all that trouble. But it was awkward to say it myself, so him handling it bumped up my opinion of Aitos.
"You're somewhat useful, you."
"Glad to hear it, sire."
He rubbed his hands and bowed nonstop. His sly grin was annoying, but credit where due—I'd let it slide.
"Keep it up. But get cocky, and you'll dry like jerky in the sea wind too. Got it?"
"Would I dare? I'll run till my knees shatter."
I nodded and examined the pearl closer. My hunch seemed spot-on.
Peleus, what's that?
Triton's pearl.
Triton—the sea god, son of Poseidon?
Right. This pearl was one of the decorations on Triton's divine artifact. It shattered in an ancient battle, scattering the pearls across the seas.
How many are there?
Dunno the exact number. But Triton is searching for them. Collect them all, and the artifact regains its full power. Offer one, and he rewards you. They turn up in unexpected places—guarded by sea monsters, washed ashore for kids to find, or mixed in pirate loot like this. The pirates had no clue what it was.
Time for an offering ritual. It'll win Triton's favor. Can't just fight gods as the executor of the end times. The more allies like Iris the rainbow god, the better for the future.
Smart thinking, Peleus. But gods are double-edged swords—tread carefully.
Of course. But even with Nemesis looming, I need to meet Triton. More gods in my corner when her blade turns my way, the better. Plus another reason.
What's that?
Killed a bunch of sea folk, so Su-sin might be watching. Triton can shield me—he hates Su-sin enough to bite his teeth over it. Mostly to avert backlash.
Good plan. You know how to summon Triton?
Yeah. Thanks to the Secret Book, I know how to call most gods. Triton's not easy—needs ample offerings and a proper altar. Conditions weren't right before, but now's the chance.
Offerings: captured sea folk should suffice. Got the three leaders and grunts.
Altar?
Triton's is unique. Use a whole ship—the bigger, the better. The hull becomes the altar. Tie sacrifices aboard. Dedicate the entire vessel to Triton.
I ordered the pirates to prepare. First, clean the ship spotless, then chain the sea folk everywhere.
"Tough work… takes time."
I muttered watching them. Felt stuffy, but not blaming them—yet Aitos flinched.
"Eek! We'll fix it right now!"
Face pale, he grabbed a whip and leaped aboard, cracking it mercilessly.
"You scum! Hurry up! I see idle hands!"
Crack! Crack!
"You're rotten to the core! Nothing better to do than piracy!"
Crack! Crack!
"Scrub away your past with that rag! If you're ashamed, your grip'll tighten! Cleanse your sins!"
Aitos's intervention sped things up. He even took initiative—impressive. Pirate captain turning coats so shamelessly… not your average crook.
"Handy fellow. I like him."
I nodded watching. I'd planned to use him up and hang him, but maybe keep him longer.
By day's end, the offering for Triton was ready.
"Aitos, gather all the pirates. They need to chant the invocation for the ritual."
"Yes, sire."
More chanters, the better—reaches the god's ears louder. I climbed alone onto the ship on the beach—now the altar, mine alone to tread.
"Plenty for the rite."
I nodded, inspecting. Pirates already chanting. Dagger out—the blade gleamed coldly. Bound sea folk's eyes filled with terror. They cursed in their tongue, but I ignored. Just pigs for slaughter.
"Blow the conch."
I called below. Triton's symbol—perfect to start.
Bwoooong—!
The low, resonant blast echoed everywhere, shaking heaven and earth.
I slit a sea folk's throat, shouting.
"O Sea God Triton! We slaughter Su-sin's minions as offering to your greatness! Forgive its meagerness and accept! May their blood bring you joy!"
Blood gushed like a burst pipe, sticky crimson soaking the deck black.
Then the sea breeze shifted. Not just me—chanting pirates stirred.
"Heads down! Chant only! Gaze on the god, and you die."
They flattened to the ground, chanting nonstop. I swallowed, sweat beading. Sea fog thickened—something immense approached. The world fogged over, reality warping into unreality.
Then, amid the fog, a colossal giant emerged.
"Whoa…"
I knew instantly: a god. Water lapped his knees—immense. Coral crown on head, trident like Poseidon's in hand. But details blurred; he was a black silhouette, a giant of darkness.
He stared silently. World hushed. Glancing back, pirates were passed out, prostrate.
Thankfully, he spoke first. If displeased, he'd have wrecked everything and snatched my soul. But he was interested—good sign.
"Yes, noble lord of the seas, Triton."
Triton seemed intrigued—first such rite in ages.
"Behold the offerings."
"Hope it pleases you."
Interest waned to boredom.
He moved to leave. Time for my ace.
"How many pearls have you gathered?"
Triton froze, interest surging.
"I might add one to your collection."
Not for free, of course.