After the initial panic wore off, Jason gave it some thought—and realized that meeting Medea at this stage… wasn't half bad!
After all, right now Medea was just a ten-year-old loli, her mind still immature and malleable—basically at the perfect age for training.
Sure, making her hate him might actually be the best strategy long-term. But with Hecate still around, Jason immediately scrapped that option.
Which left him with Option B: build a good relationship with her—become siblings!
After all, isn't there that vicious old saying? "May all lovers in the world… become siblings in the end."
So, while she was still young and impressionable—and for the sake of his own future—Jason decided it was time for some character-raising. He'd groom Medea into the perfect little sister who'd respect and adore him!
To his surprise, the whole process of "becoming siblings" with Medea went... absurdly smoothly.
To be precise, the moment Medea returned and heard his proposal, her reaction wasn't shock or suspicion—but delight.
She grabbed Jason's hands with both of hers, leaned in close, and said excitedly, "Jason, are you serious? You want to become my brother? But… but I thought you hated me!"
Medea had been looking forward to seeing Jason again.
But after they finally met, she felt a wave of disappointment—like her enthusiasm had been doused with cold water.
It was obvious Jason had been avoiding her.
So she'd been feeling quite down lately.
Off to the side, Hecate watched Medea's face light up with joy, while Jason wore the unmistakable expression of a man thinking "This wasn't in the script."
She couldn't help but laugh out loud.
Not that she planned to interfere. The fact that she'd arranged for the two to spend time together was already a clear enough statement of her stance:
You two—figure it out yourselves.
And that, really, was only possible because Hecate had truly come to view Jason as her student.
It was trust he'd earned through his efforts.
Soon after, both Jason and Medea swore solemnly in front of Hecate: from this day forward, they would love and support each other like true siblings…
"Jason," Medea said sweetly afterward, hugging Jason's arm. Her smile was so radiant it looked like it bloomed right out of spring.
Jason, being a few years older, technically should've called her senior. But Medea, in the end, chose to obediently call him "big brother."
In contrast to Medea's glowing smile, Jason's grin was… rather forced.
Yeah… I feel like I just made a dumb decision.
But what's done is done—and he'd made that oath right in front of Hecate. There was no backing out now. He could only steel himself with a silent vow:
I'll train Medea right. I'll show her what "a big brother is like a father" really means! Big brothers are not to be messed with!
Hecate, watching the two of them go at it, thought it wasn't a bad outcome either. At least they weren't constantly at odds anymore—and a healthy relationship was exactly what she hoped to see.
Some time passed, and then Hecate led the two of them to the Underworld.
To the Phlegethon—the river of unquenchable fire.
From the ever-flowing flames, a nymph emerged and appeared before Jason, who had followed Hecate to this place after leaving the temple.
"Long time no see, Sister Fire Spirit," Jason greeted warmly. She was the nymph who had once looked after him for three months.
"You little rascal, you finally remembered to visit me."
The fire spirit walked up and pinched his cheek. "I thought you'd forgotten all about me… Goddess Hecate, long time no see. And this young lady here is…?"
She turned curiously to look at Medea, dressed in a light lavender gown, radiating innocence and charm.
"She's my other disciple—her name is Medea," Hecate explained simply. After some introductions and brief conversation—
Medea couldn't help asking, "Teacher Hecate, didn't you say you were bringing brother Jason to the palace of the Lord of the Underworld, to meet Lady Persephone?"
"I was going to, but…"
"No need—because I'm already here."
A soft voice rang out just as a hand gently patted Jason's head. Golden hair brushed his shoulders, and a delicate floral scent wafted into his nose.
Golden eyes, golden hair, and a lovely pale yellow gown—Persephone had appeared before them without warning.
And without hesitation, she pulled Jason into her arms with a warm, familiar embrace.
"Long time no see, Hecate… and thank you again, little hero," Persephone said with a smile, patting Jason's head once more.
While Jason laughed nervously in reply—
"You didn't have to come in such a rush," Hecate said, brushing a lock of hair behind her ear. She smiled at Persephone—one of the few beings she truly called a friend. Seeing her again, Hecate was genuinely pleased.
"It's fine. Hades has some things to deal with anyway. Besides, this is about the boy—it couldn't wait."
As Persephone spoke, she once again patted Jason's head.
Hecate nodded, and the two began chatting. Jason took the opportunity to quietly slip away to the side.
"So that's Lady Persephone, huh? …brother Jason, is that thing not a big deal?" Medea asked in a whisper. She'd been observing Persephone curiously but now looked at Jason with concern.
"It's not that it's not a big deal…" Jason began, but was cut off.
The fire spirit leaned in and said quietly, "Since it concerns you, I kept an eye on things. Word is, the land's been slowly withering. Even Queen Hera went to Demeter for help, but nothing worked."
As for Zeus? …He's been busy dodging Demeter like the plague.
Before Jason could respond—
"Don't worry. No matter what happens, I'll make sure Jason is safe." Persephone walked over, smiling gently.
The fire spirit looked visibly awkward now.
After all, Persephone was soon to be her direct boss—the Queen of the Underworld!
"Um… Lady Persephone, may I ask you something?" Jason hesitated, then spoke cautiously.
"Just call me Sister Persephone. No need to be so formal—you're my little hero, after all, and Hecate's student… Medea, you can call me sister too," Persephone said with a gentle smile. It was clear she had a soft spot for Jason, thanks to what happened before.
Just as Medea opened her mouth—clearly horrified at the idea of addressing a goddess so casually—
"Big Sis Persephone!" Jason cut in smoothly, voice sugary sweet.
Even Hecate was momentarily stunned by how fast he adapted.
As for Jason himself, the logic was simple:
Jason's Survival Rulebook—New Edition!
This world wasn't built for heroes.
Saving damsels? Doing the right thing? Divine blessings and plot armor?
Nah. That stuff's reserved for the protagonists with good hair and opening themes.
Life's long. Death's cheap. And when you're out in the wild?
Rule number one: Don't be a hero.
If you can duck—duck.
If you can run—run.
If you can roll under a bush and play dead—Oscar-worthy performance, please.
But!
Life doesn't always follow the script.
Sometimes, you can't hide. Can't run.
Sometimes, fate corner-kicks you straight into a boss battle you didn't sign up for.
And in that case?
End it fast. No hesitation. [T/N: And might as well say, "I am the bone of my sword," and fire anti-divine weapons!]
Resolve the danger or defeat the enemy as fast as possible!
And if you can't?
Then make peace.
Turn the enemy into a friend. [T/N: And might as well say, "People die when they are killed," and fire anti-divine weapons! Again.]
Turn big problems into small ones—and small ones into nothing.
Especially when dealing with gods!
If there's no way to dodge them, then act!
Act cute, act sweet, play dumb!
Do whatever it takes to flatter them.
Do NOT offend even a single god.
Call them sister, call them brother—if push comes to shove, call them dad!
But—if even after all that, the god still dislikes you, if things just keep getting worse, if there's no fixing the relationship, then…