Myth: The Ruler of Spirituality Chapter 617

Chapter 617: Chapter 199: In addition to Mathematics, there is Substitute Hitting

“Cough, please make way, thank you.”

Trying to appear no different from ordinary people, even polite, Iapetus stood up from his seat and walked toward the outer edge of the venue.

The entire tiered audience seating built against the mountain had flat interval paths every dozen rows, arching around and connecting to portals leading to the outside.

However, at this moment, the spectators, participating as audience members at the conference, were very enthusiastic, engaging in loud conversations and frequently standing up. As a result, Iapetus nearly had to inch his way out of the viewing platform, constantly greeting acquaintances along the way.

Yes, acquaintances. In fact, in Athens, Iapetus not only had acquaintances, but also a noble identity passed down through generations, a significant fiefdom, and widespread reputation.

In the impression of the vast majority of Athens's upper class, he was a descendant of a family that had single-handedly passed down for centuries, originating from a foreign land. As the current family head, Mr. Ilos, like his ancestors, was enthusiastic about books, paintings, and enjoyed watching speeches and debates, though he rarely participated himself.

“…Yes, I just suddenly remembered that I have an urgent matter to attend to… Yes, it can't be delayed, I have no choice…”

Showing a look of helplessness, after exchanging a few words with the last friend, Iapetus then walked briskly toward the exit.

It was probably just a trick of the eye earlier, Gaia shouldn't appear here, but nevertheless, he didn't want to stay here a second longer.

Walking hurriedly, observing the movements of the crowd in the distance without arousing suspicion, searching for the target in the bustling venue, the exit was right ahead…

Bang–

Accompanied by a dull thud, Iapetus staggered, nearly falling to the ground. The God of Speech, having recovered, instinctively expressed his apology, as he hadn't been paying attention to his surroundings just now.

“Hiss… Truly sorry, I didn't notice you just now.”

His tone was sincere. If it were another god, many would already be furious because of this, but Iapetus didn't take this incident to heart. Even if Gaia's presence here was merely suspected, he wouldn't remember such a trivial matter.

Since ancient times, whether it was Iapetus, Prometheus, or Epimetheus, due to their relatively weak powers, they frequently interacted with humans, each developing a different personality as a result.

For instance, Prometheus's self-perception of once being a “guide” and “protector,” a blend of arrogance with benevolence; or the mindset of Iapetus, who felt there was no difference between humans and gods, aside from having differing levels of strength.

After all, he had once been the weakest of the gods, back when even territorial gods didn't exist… So, despite being eager to leave, Iapetus still politely apologized.

“Really sorry, but I have urgent business to attend to–I am Count Ilos, residing in Athens; if available in the future, I would be pleased to host you at my residence for dinner.”

“Count Ilos?”

A voice came from ahead, and Iapetus nodded slightly.

From the other party's tone, he, as the God of Speech, could easily discern surprise, delight, contemplation… Strange, is this someone who has heard of me but has never met me before? At the very least, Iapetus was certain he had never met the young man in front of him.

But no matter who he was, he had to leave here quickly.

“Though it may be rude, I'm afraid I can't stay long, there's something urgent at home–”

“I understand your urgency, Count Ilos, but may I boldly ask…”

The young man looked up at Iapetus standing before him.

“Are you avoiding her?”

“What?”

He abruptly raised his head, only then did Iapetus feel something was amiss.

Following the young stranger's pointed finger, at the end of his gaze, the familiar reddish-brown hem made him unconsciously hold his breath, but fortunately, the other party didn't look his way.

She's really here… Earlier wasn't an illusion! But why would Gaia come to Athens, what is she here to do, is there an issue with this conference?

And besides that…

With a grave expression, the God of Speech stared at the young man before him.

Appearing to be around twenty, possibly younger. A handsome appearance, exquisitely crafted clothing, indicating wealth was abundant… However, at this moment, what attracted Iapetus was not these mortal creations, but the hidden aspects beneath them.

He only realized just now, even amidst the tension caused by Gaia's fleeting form, he shouldn't have collided with someone else. You see, although Iapetus restrained his divine form, which was among the weakest compared to gods but significant among mortals, this did not include his sensing abilities.

Not even thinking deeply or running with eyes closed, Iapetus shouldn't have bumped into someone. The only possibility for such an event occurring is the person before him evaded his senses, evading the senses of a god.

Even in the mortal world, this remains an incredible matter. So who really is this person in front of him, and has he realized both himself and the person he points to are true identities?

“Who are you, and what do you want?”

Without rashly taking action, considering there was already a big threat nearby, even without it, he wouldn't easily make a risky move. Iapetus asked seriously, and before him, the young man spread his hands innocently.

“No need to be so tense, Count Ilos, I'm just a passing poet in Athens–of course, if you prefer calling me a prophet, or seer, that's fine too. In any case, destiny guided us to meet here.”

Destiny?

Internally ridiculing, Iapetus could confirm the surprise this person exhibited upon encountering him wasn't feigned, he truly didn't know who he'd meet here… Nonetheless, on the surface, he seemed to believe in it.

“Alright, let's say it's destiny, but I need to leave here–”

“So you really are avoiding her? But at such a close range, can you really keep avoiding her?”

The young man casually spoke with a smile.

“…Perhaps, but one must at least try, or do you have a better plan?”

Speaking in a deep voice, Iapetus knew what the other person said was the truth.

Regardless of Gaia's reason for coming, or why she hadn't noticed him yet, since she came and in such proximity, she would eventually discover him. Unless he directly left the city quickly with demigod strength, creating a safe enough distance–though this would make him discovered even faster.

“I have no solution, yet under destiny's guidance, if you stay by my side, you won't be discovered by her–for the time being–provided you don't do anything to attract too much attention.”

Stepping forward, the young man returned to his seat. He raised his hand slightly and inquired with a smile:

“So, do you intend to leave, or stay?”

“…What do you want me to do?”

After a moment of silence, for some reason, Iapetus felt like he was reminiscing about a long-lost era. Back then, there might have also been a “seer” claiming the name of destiny, guiding the mother goddess who used to be sane to do many things… But now, reflecting on that hard-to-comprehend ancient figure, Iapetus walked a few steps and sat on the empty seat beside the young man.

The air carried a scent of fragrance, implying a girl had been here, but now she was nowhere to be found.

“Don't phrase it as if I'm threatening you; I didn't instruct you to come here–well, I do have one matter needing your help, previously uncertain, but now I am.”

Nodding slightly, the young man asked, “Count Ilos, I've heard you excel in debates?”

“A little.”

Responding cautiously, Iapetus wondered what the other was getting at.

“That'll do; I don't care if you understand a little, but the task I entrust to you is just that.”

“Use your strength to win me a debate, consider it rent for staying here.”

“No problem, which one are you referring to, and who is the opponent?”

After a brief consideration, Iapetus glanced at Gaia in the distance, decisively agreeing.

If it's only a debate, that's not much for him. But aside from this conference, are there other debates recently?

“Obviously, Mr. Ilos, haven't you already guessed?”

The young man pointed ahead, still smiling.

“I'm talking about this one, and your opponent is on the stage.”

Whew–

Taking several deep breaths, Andrea sat in the seat designated for contestants.

Thanks to the previous game, she used her “wisdom” to defeat everyone in town who considered themselves smart, with no one breaking the game's secret to this day.

She thus skipped preceding trials and secured a spot in the finals.

Seated next to her were all Greece's renowned figures, while she, a twelve-year-old girl, was about to compete with them on the same stage. She had no clue how to win; she could only strive to lose less humiliatingly.

After all, she had already won the 'wisdom' round, and as long as she achieves a decent result in the 'justice' debate, she should be able to reach championship status.

“Miss Leah, I must say, your game is indeed profound and unfathomable.”

“These days, I have spent quite a bit of time studying it, but unfortunately, once the difficulty reaches the five elements, I can no longer find a likely winning strategy.”

With a sigh, Odysseus, seated beside her, chatted with Andrea while observing the topic selection vote in the field.

He was quite enthusiastic, but the tense Little Princess wasn't in the mood to engage with him. She only found this Prince of Ithaca annoying, like a mosquito buzzing incessantly by her ear.

“That's normal, after all, it's a riddle only the clever ones can solve.”

Her voice was flat as Andrea resolutely ended the conversation.

Odysseus remained silent, the corners of his mouth twitching slightly, then pretended he hadn't heard the exchange.

He noticed that the mysterious Miss Leah didn't seem to want to engage with him at the moment. Though somewhat regretful, he didn't persist.

Maybe she was calming her mind for the upcoming competition; he really looked forward to facing her once more, as defeating her outright might make her recognize his presence… Enthralled in this thought, the young prince didn't know that indeed the “Leah” at that moment was preparing for the competition, but her preparation differed from his imaginings.

Entering a shallow meditative state, Andrea used her spiritual power to sketch a peculiar, ever-changing rune. Concentrating her mind, the Little Princess softly called out.

“Hey, can you hear me, Aiven, can you hear me?”

“I feel like I'm not a match at all; please think of something!”

Initially, there was no response, until after a long while, the rune in Andrea's heart trembled slightly, and a voice came through.

“…Cough, cough, I hear you, don't be anxious. You are the Princess of Athens; you must possess the composure to stand unblinkingly before divine mountains crumbling, or remain unfazed as demons pass by. Ancient heroes were this way; you should learn from them.”

“I am not; I'm only twelve and not a great hero. You can't expect an unadult Princess to have such abilities!”

Gritting her silver teeth, Andrea felt vexed by this casually spectating attitude of Aiven. Sensing the numerous looks of admiration, discontent, and anticipation directed towards her as the “wise one,” she felt she shouldn't have attended this competition.

Now, she faced only big loss or minor loss as options.

“Ahem, alright, there's a saying that 'ambitions aren't with age.'… But anyway, don't rush; having agreed to your participation, obviously, there's a way to win.”

The voice continued, sounding partially unreliable, but hearing this, Andrea felt relieved.

Though Aiven often enjoyed her mishaps, his promises were consistently fulfilled.

“So, what's your plan?”

“Simple, when ordinary game play isn't enough, the most direct method is to enable cheats. If you can't ace a test, find someone else to take it for you.”

“But since it was my idea to have you participate, there's no need to find someone else for you. I've already found the person, and I assure you it's currently the most reliable one in Chaos.”

Passing the words through the ethereal connection, Aiven thought it'd be alright. After all, they were dealing with a god, surely not lacking competence, right?

Glancing at Iapetus beside him, he wasn't entirely certain, but presumably, the other had some skills.

Chapter end

Report