Artemis Faces Her Worst Moment?
"Sounds tempting as hell."
My mission was as the executor of the apocalypse, but things with Artemis had already spiraled into an emotional showdown. The silver lining was that she still didn't know everything I'd done. If she found out I'd rescued Python, she wouldn't let it slide.
"There's one key point when dealing with Artemis."
"What is it, Your Excellency?"
The First Scribe showed interest in my opinion.
"You have to take her out before she sees you as a real threat. Truth is, I've pulled a lot of hostile moves against her already. She's probably starting to keep an eye on me. But for now, I'm still just an annoying human to her. Not a threat."
Right now, Artemis's focus was on Enyo, Ares's adjutant and goddess of war. Their beef had pushed even the Amazons out of her sights.
"But Your Excellency, you're the biggest threat to Artemis of all. Endymion aside, if the Selene matter comes to fruition, she'll take a massive hit. How amusing. A goddess, oblivious to who dragged her into the abyss."
"Probably 'cause I'm too insignificant. Makes sense, right? To you gods, humans are just bugs. That's why I'm calling this the termite strategy."
"Termite strategy?"
"Yeah. The beam collapses because termites gnaw away unseen. By the time Artemis decides to exterminate them, it'll be too late."
"A brilliant judgment, Your Excellency."
For now, I told him to spill the rest of the intel.
"I can tell you how to enter the dream world through Endymion as payment for the offering. You'll go straight to where Selene, hiding in the dream world, is located."
"She'll probably want our help, huh?"
"Of course. She'll grasp at any alliance. With your cunning, Your Excellency, you can turn it to your advantage."
After that, I got a trove of info from the First Scribe equal to the offering. And the ritual ended.
"I'll head back to Your Excellency's vineyard. Sigh, that damn dung cart again...."
The First Scribe, reincarnated once more, looked utterly deflated. No trace of the great god remained—just Choros, the middle-aged man.
I decided to gift him a sliver of hope.
"You might ditch the dung cart soon."
"Pardon? Is that true, Your Excellency?"
"Yeah, new recruit's coming. Pass the cart to him."
"Oho! Fresh meat incoming! Someone must've pissed you off and got enslaved. Kahahaha, what rotten luck. Even demons would say your temperament's too much!"
Looked like this guy wasn't ready to let go of the cart just yet. Might need more mental reconditioning.
"Haha, just kidding! Anyway, farm duties call—I'm off!"
Sensing my glare, Choros bolted. Sneaky bastard, as always.
Tsking, I summoned the Secret Book.
"You can swallow Endymion without killing him, right? He's human, but steeped in chaos."
Divine power stemmed from chaos. Endymion was dyed in it by Selene. His time had stopped—he neither aged nor died. So the Secret Book should handle him fine.
"As I said. No issue even if I swallow him. He's neither living nor dead."
"Good. When we leave the island, I'll hand him over. Then Artemis can kiss finding him goodbye forever."
Even without reviving Selene, this was a massive win. Once the Secret Book devoured Endymion, she'd lose her path to completion.
"Might as well hit the dream world too. Let's start now."
Among the ritual's knowledge was how to enter via Endymion. I planned direct contact with Selene. This underground ruin, beyond the gods' gaze, was perfect.
"Your action's impressive, I'll give you that. But entering the dream world ain't easy. Dangerous as hell. Know what it is?"
"Yeah. Read up on it."
"Knowing ain't enough. Die there, and your soul takes a fatal hit. Why not prep more?"
The Secret Book's suggestion was solid. But I shook my head.
"Too late then. Gotta move fast. And screwing gods means risking your neck, obviously."
"Resolve's firm, I see."
"No easy rides in life. Grateful for the chance."
Truth be told, I'd love a freebie life, but ditched that dream post-apocalypse executor gig.
As I announced my dream world trip, Atalante grabbed my hand, face etched with worry.
"Peleus...."
"I'll be fine. My body's just asleep there. Guard it well."
Atalante pouted. She'd overheard my chat with the First Scribe, knew the risks, but couldn't help fretting. I stroked her cheek soothingly.
"Can't believe I ever thought you had a cold vibe. Emotions all over your face."
"Does my face look dumb right now?"
"Yeah."
"If you come back safe, I can make an even dumber one."
Hmm... oddly touching. Nearly cracked my poker face—I coughed and turned away.
"Back soon."
The dream world was no mere nap—nightmares made flesh. But for Selene, unavoidable.
After bidding Atalante farewell, I went to Endymion and chanted the spell.
"O dream, O dream, the dream realm brims with nightmares because the dead dwell there."
Originally left by Selene for a select few, she never dreamed a human like me would use it.
All things lingered in the Akashic Records. Pay enough, learn anything.
"O goddess, O goddess, you wander dreams because you met death like them. Yet you evaded Hades' realm in death—now open the gate for your promised guest."
Spell done, irresistible sleep crashed over me. Consciousness flickered out, then I awoke in pitch-black void.
Utterly unknowable place.
"Peleus."
The Secret Book floated beside me, calling out.
"What, you tagging along?"
"Fused as one since bonding. Stuck together."
"Some curse. Terrifying one."
"Don't worry. I'll hide during your romps with that girl you fancy."
"...No using that word either."
Shaking my head, I scanned around. Void everywhere, but the floor solidified—narrow marble path. Step off into darkness, no return.
"Forward it is."
Pressing on, the Secret Book pointed right.
"What?"
Far off, stairs floated unsupported. Midway stood two in black robes.
"Them, huh?"
From prior intel, I knew: to enter dream world, descend "Stairs of Sleep," guarded. But Selene's bypass let me skirt them. They glared from afar.
"Don't like me?"
"Who would? Not special to them, Peleus."
"...Thanks for the heads-up."
Miffed at my bypass, they rasped metal-scraping curses, then shut up.
"Funny guys."
I ignored them, advancing. Ethereal haze everywhere. Time warped—hour? Year? Human senses mangled here.
Soon, surroundings shifted.
"Cave. Definitely underground."
Dream world's regions included this perilous underworld. Selene holed up here, of course. But no big worry—Endymion routed me straight there. Otherwise, lifetimes wandering, no dice.
[Who goes there? Who dares come?]
A bone-chilling voice froze the air. Even the boldest heart would stop. Despite prep, I halted, spooked.
[I'll ask again. Who followed that path?]
Pure wraith's voice—no urge to reply. Just flee vibe.
But no choice. Face it.
"I'm Peleus."
Silence. But deep in the cave's dark, something vast and sinister writhed.
[Peleus? I know no such name. Only Helios and a few climb that path.... Who are you?]
Keen hostility sharpened. Creeping malice choked breath. Fallen long ago, yet overwhelming for a human like me.
She sensed I was her hunter's pawn, reacting touchily.
"I'm Artemis's foe. Noble goddess of the moon, Selene. I came for you."
No reply, but shock rippled.
[Selene... It's been ages since that name was spoken....]
"Goddess of the moon, grant me audience. I'll explain how a mere human reached here."
[You truly came for me?]
"Yes."
[Astonishing.... I thought hope long dead.]
Everything bewildering for her. I sketched the situation: Artemis hunting Endymion, me blocking. Her menace eased.
"I learned of your arrangement via Endymion. Led me here."
[Much remains mysterious. Such arrangements aren't for mortals. But I'll speak with you. Thanks for saving Endymion from Artemis. Is he safe?]
"Yes. And I secured means she'll never find him."
[Ah......]
Sad sob-like aura. Long silence, then:
[I shared that dream entry spell only with Helios and few. All devoured by Olympians. How did you learn it?]
"Aid from another great god."
[Possible? If so, paths remain for me. I'd given up. Barely fled here as a soul-wraith, no hope of help.]
"I'll help you."
[Peleus, pray good intent. Fine. Meet you now.]
With that, moon goddess Selene emerged from dark.
Once glorious beauty, now ragged cloth-wrapped cold corpse. Towering 5 meters, eyes rotted to black voids. Horrific.
Stooped like crone, she extended bony fingers.
[Hero. After losing hope, I merged with this world's dark. Lunar essence fades; I wander like the dead. Mock this cursed form if you wish.]
Deep resentment from Selene.
"How could I? Mistress of moonlight."
[Then explain my doubts. Friend or foe?]
"Of course. But first, I must judge too."
[What?]
"If you're worth saving."
Didn't expect her this broken—cursed demon. Powerful, but no goddess.
Predictably, Selene bristled.
[Daring to judge a god?!]
Outrage spawned swirling black malice, shriveling life. But I drew divinity to withstand; she marveled.
[No mere fool. Then I can't let you go. Serve the god!]
Darkness assailed commandingly, but half-hearted—killing her last hope? Bluffing fearfully.
I'd exploit it. No bowing to gods. Especially future Selene regaining throne—chain her now.
Contracts seal at peak advantage: me strong, her weak.
"You're fallen too far for goddess-hood. Tsk tsk."
Provoked, tongue-clicked.
[What?!]
"Push more, I'll leave. I'm Peleus—human, but bloodline no trifle. No low-rank for your rudeness."
Flashed Zeus's Sword at waist. She recoiled, stunned.
[That!]
Shrunk massive frame. Expected—Zeus's heirloom blade.
I sparked it; sheath crackled.
[Son of Zeus?!]
She retreated far, terrified of Zeus's power in her state.
"Respect me from now on."
Even my near-command; she deflated.
[......Understood.]
Of course, not Zeus's son. Never claimed it. Pure as first snow, always.
But think I'm here for charity? Prove utility first.
"Now explain. Worth saving?"
If talks go well, reclaim glory, Selene. As my slave, sure. Powerful moon goddess as servant? All hers mine.
"Kuhuhuhu."
An insidious laugh slipped from my lips.