The golden-horned deer-drawn chariot sped across the sea, and Artemis hurriedly jumped off the chariot, rushing straight towards her lover. She grabbed his arm and anxiously checked him over.
"Luo En, are you alright?!"
Luo En shook his head subconsciously, indicating he was unharmed.
However, only after she had confirmed over and over again that her lover had not actually been injured did the Hunting Goddess finally breathe a sigh of relief, her face filled with a sense of shame.
"I didn't expect that arrow to accidentally fly towards you. Sorry, it was my fault."
Despite saying so, the corner of Artemis's eye darkly glanced back at Athena, who was rapidly approaching in her chariot, and protectively pulled Luo En behind her.
"It's okay, such oversights are inevitable on the battlefield; it was just an accident."
Luo En smiled, unconcerned, and stepped forward to pull the Spear of Victory, along with the pierced divine core, out of Phorcys's skull, handing them back to Athena, who had been crowned the hunting champion.
Meanwhile, he stood between them, easing the somewhat delicate atmosphere, and pointed to the sunset about to dip below the horizon on the sea surface, kindly reminding them.
"It's getting late, we should head back, or Lady Hestia will become impatient."
"Alright, I'll take you back!"
As soon as Luo En finished speaking, Athena took the opportunity to respond and, during the exchange of the Spear of Victory, immediately pulled him onto the chariot.
At the same time, without need for the Goddess of Wisdom to remind them, the Gorgon Sisters resolutely shook the reins and, steering Pegasus, turned around and headed toward Sicily.
Seeing Athena speed away in a daze with her two "trophies," Artemis, who was a beat behind, came to her senses and waved her hand in indignation.
"Let's go, we'll chase them!"
The golden-horned deer raised its head and neighed in response to its master's mood. It immediately began running, pulling the golden chariot, chasing toward the target. The twenty nymph maidens who had arrived late also turned to follow the chariot, rolling mightily toward the distant Sicily.
Seeing Artemis leaving a trail of dust, Apollo also shouted lowly, summoned The Nine Muses around him, turned his chariot, and followed closely behind, his expression solemn as he covered for his sister.
However, as he glanced behind him, the God of Light's eyes surveyed the remains of Phorcys slowly disintegrating on the sea surface, a subtle shadow passed over his handsome face.
Meanwhile, atop the swiftly moving chariot of the Goddess of Wisdom.
Amidst a calm voice, Luo En tossed the crack-ridden divine core of Phorcys into Little Medusa's arms.
Feeling the resonance of their shared divinity, the Gorgon Sisters couldn't help but drop the reins, squatting in a corner, collectively drawing in the Divine Power that leaked from the core.
Their contented expressions were as if they were high.
Even the sharp-tongued Stheno and Euryale softened their gaze toward Luo En, satisfied with his generous gift.
At that moment, hearing Luo En's casual reply, Athena, who was contemplating her next explanation, turned her head to look at him, her eyes showing surprise.
"Such a crude method isn't like your style." Luo En said with a smile, stating his natural assumption, "If you were to do the same thing, I probably wouldn't even know how I died."
"While I appreciate your high opinion of me…" Athena paused, her gaze toward Luo En growing deeper. "But I have the feeling you're insulting me."
However, immediately after that, her tense face blossomed with a faint smile, and she generously waved her hand.
"Never mind, I forgive you this time."
Hearing the magnanimous tone of the Goddess of Wisdom, Luo En couldn't help but find it a tad amusing and exasperating.
Still claiming you're not petty?
To those unaware, they might think you were the victim, right?
Accompanying Luo En's inner mocking, Athena, who calmed her mind, knit her brows and her face gradually took on a stern look.
"This was my oversight; I didn't expect him to be bold enough to use his own sister."
Luo En shook his head, his gaze serene.
Perhaps it was a mismatch of dispositions, and through the deconstruction of mythology, he'd come to know the darker side of the God of Light.
So, from the very first encounter, Luo En had anticipated that this younger brother-in-law would likely make a move against him.
In one version of the Greek myths, Orion, who had won Artemis's heart with the power of the God of Love, thought he was home free only to be schemed against by Apollo, his younger brother-in-law and ultimately shot to death by an unsuspecting Artemis.
Now that Luo En had taken Orion's place, he was naturally the target of that younger brother-in-law's schemes.
Moreover, compared to Orion, he had an additional quality that made him intolerable to Apollo—a "Path to Death" Apollo had coveted but could never obtain.
—Lady Hestia, whom the God of Light desired but could never have, also had a close relationship with Luo En.
Thus, whether it was jealousy for Hestia's exclusive favor or hatred for Artemis's intimacy with him, this ostensibly charming but inherently arrogant and conceited God of Light had every reason to want him dead.
He just hadn't expected the God of Light to lose his patience so quickly.
To think he'd seize the opportunity of a sea hunt and a feud between two goddesses to interfere and secretly take out a bothersome rival.
He believed his actions were flawless, yet playing such conspiratorial tricks in front of two even more deceitful deities was tantamount to showing off one's skill with the axe at the door of Lu Ban.
Probably only Artemis at the scene would believe her helpful brother was just "careless" and instead suspect Athena, her rival, as the true culprit.
Of course, Luo En and Athena had considered blowing the whistle on this matter.
Yet, without conclusive evidence, such a move might not only prove fruitless but also alert the enemy.
Athena recalled the perilous scene at sea, pursed her lips, and whispered in a low voice.
"When we reach the island, I will find an excuse to send them away..."
However, Luo En, the victim of the plot, shook his head in refusal.
"If we let them go so easily, wouldn't I have taken that arrow for nothing?"
Moreover, now was a critical time for a joint scheme against Poseidon, and letting Apollo off the hook so easily seemed rather counterproductive.
At least, they ought to make use of him before settling scores afterwards.
Seeing the malicious glint in Luo En's eyes, Athena clearly understood someone's true intentions.
After a brief moment of hesitation, the Goddess of Wisdom made up her mind and turned to inquire.
"What about Artemis? With this incident, the key is what she thinks..."
"Don't worry, I will explain it to her on your behalf tonight!"
Facing such a daunting task, Luo En naturally volunteered, puffing out his chest and stepping forward.
"Good, I'll keep Apollo and Aunt Hestia occupied for you..."
Athena displayed a posture of complete trust, solemnly assuring as she looked at Luo En with eyes filled with tenderness, her voice warmer than usual.
"Once we're done with this, I'll prepare a divine gift for your ascension."
Upon hearing there was an unexpected joy to come, Luo En couldn't help but be filled with anticipation.
Indeed, whether in glory or in blame, Sister Athena would never let him down!
However, as Luo En started to fantasize about the rewards that awaited him, he did not notice the deepening gaze in Athena's eyes, nor the hand held behind her, cracking ominously.
Yes, once we're done with this matter, I will definitely reward you properly...
The smile on the Goddess of Wisdom's face grew more radiant and gentle, her silver teeth grinding silently behind her cherry lips.