Simulate the universe, starting with speedrunning Greek.

Odysseus, who had always been the darling of the gods, was not favored by the gods he loved most.

At this moment, Odysseus finally understood how others viewed him.

In this terrible mood, he still had a lot of domestic affairs to deal with. Just as he was having a headache, a melodious piano tune came from outside and calmed his mind.

Under the influence of the music, all the negative emotions in his heart disappeared without him realizing it, and Odysseus, feeling extremely refreshed and clear-headed, calmed down.

He looked surprised—"What is that voice?"

The entire Greek coalition was made up of roughnecks; very few of them knew how to play music.

By this time, Odysseus had already guessed who was playing the music.

The song could be heard even in the most remote areas of the allied forces. Achilles awoke from his grief, and upon hearing the song, the gloom in his heart vanished, and his mood improved considerably.

He closed his eyes slightly and listened intently, immersing himself in the song.

at the same time--

In a dark, locked room, a twin girl who looked somewhat like Chrysei looked at the small skylight with a sad expression in her eyes.

Just then, a melodious song drifted over, its cheerful tune like a refreshing breeze that swept away the despair in the girl's heart. The free-spirited singing made the girl's eyes reveal a look of longing and yearning.

'If only I could be like that song, transforming into a gentle breeze or a bird, soaring freely through the sky.'

She longed to transform into a bird, escape this cage, breathe fresh air freely, and no longer be a plaything manipulated by any hero. She wanted to grow wings so she could fly back to her sister and parents.

Thinking about her current situation, the girl, whose mood had just improved because of the singing, started crying again.

She is Briceth...

That was also the target of Ye's rescue operation.

Just as Briceth was feeling sorrow for his fate, the song in his ears changed again, gradually becoming more ethereal and expansive.

It was as if she had truly grown a pair of wings called 'hope'.

At this moment, she suddenly calmed down, stared blankly out the window, and then couldn't help but stretch out her slender, lotus-root-like hand.

Just listen quietly, motionless, until the song completely ends.

Then--

As if she heard something in the song, she was no longer so sad, but her gaze became firm, and she regained her desire to live.

at the same time--

On the other side, many heroes also heard the song.

For most ordinary people, this song simply inspires them to face each new day with a more positive and optimistic attitude.

For many heroes, it's just a product of pleasant sounds and a sense of joy.

But it is those who are lost and despondent who truly appreciate the beauty of this piece.

That magical power that seems to heal the soul.

Those who are most disheartened can deeply appreciate that magic, and even vaguely sense the emotions and messages that the song wants to convey.

Achilles and Brices were the most deeply affected.

When the music ended, the night stopped.

"Hopefully it can be passed on..." he murmured.

The music that just started was not only because I was in a good mood that morning, but also to comfort Briceth, who didn't know where he was still being held.

That night, he mobilized the power within him to the maximum extent, and even in distant Troy, he could faintly hear bursts of singing.

The powerful blessing of music allows him to pass on hope.

The music can evoke positive emotions within a person, preventing them from giving up hope of survival.

For those trapped in a cage, the most terrifying thing is not the process of being tortured and abused, but the gradual numbness, institutionalization, and even the loss of the desire to escape from the outside world.

Just like a line from The Shawshank Redemption.

These walls are interesting. When you first go to prison, you hate the high walls around you, but slowly you get used to living in them; eventually you find yourself having to depend on them to survive. That's institutionalization.

When you get used to despair and begin to adapt to and depend on your current life.

When someone is suddenly given freedom again, the feeling of being lost and helpless, not knowing where to go or where to settle down in this vast world, can easily break down a person's mental defenses.

The same applies to the PTSD effect...

Ultimately, it can even lead victims to develop affection and sympathy for their abusers, and in turn, help and protect the person who once harmed them so severely.

Although Night hasn't found Brices yet, he has already begun trying to help the girl in his own way...

Maintaining a positive and optimistic attitude until rescue is achieved is extremely important for the rescue effort.

Otherwise, Ye Zhen was worried that before he could rescue the person, the other person might have already broken down or had suicidal thoughts, which would be terrible.

He had promised Hector and Chrysei that he would definitely rescue their sister.

At this moment, the music of the night was even more effective than expected.

It not only redeemed Brices, but also subtly awakened the spirit of Achilles, who had been mired in the mire.

Although it's just a piece of music, a very simple harp tune.

But for two people trapped in despair, if they had to describe what it felt like...

It is a special, yet very important, remedy that is best suited for both of them right now.

If I had to describe it in two sentences, it would be: 'In this world, some things cannot be carved from stone; in our hearts, there is a place that cannot be locked away—that place is called hope.'

'Some birds shouldn't be caged, because their feathers are too lush. When they fly away, you'll genuinely rejoice at their newfound freedom.'

Chapter Fifty: The Sun God Who Couldn't Help But Curse, Yet Honestly Offered Secret Help

When each feather shines with the light of freedom and transforms into an invisible bird, it flies into the blue sky accompanied by song.

It reached Troy, where Chryseis, who was praying for the night in her room, heard it and was suddenly filled with an indescribable sense of peace and an urge to be moved to tears.

"Is that you, Hero?"

It then traveled to the heavens and finally reached the ears of the gods.

Even Zeus, the king of the gods, closed his eyes slightly and enjoyed the beautiful sound.

He suddenly felt a surge of curiosity about the owner of the voice.

Music of this caliber is rare even in the heavens, comparable to that of the Muses and their son Apollo.

Zeus suddenly felt a sense of appreciation for the performer's talent.

If possible, it would be nice to catch it and let it fly up to the sky to play music for me every day.

Ahem, it is the sound of a harp played for the gods.

Of course, the first thing to consider is the performer's appearance; if they're too unattractive, then forget it.

As a typical member of the "appearance-obsessed" group, especially Zeus who is indiscriminate in his attraction to both men and women, although he values ​​others' talents, he actually values ​​their appearance even more.

Otherwise, given the God of Forging's powerful ability to create all sorts of divine artifacts, he wouldn't still be disliked and looked down upon by his father, Zeus.

If Zeus at this point only had a slight idea but had not yet taken action...

Meanwhile, among the other gods, three who knew who was playing music in the mortal realm were particularly concerned.

They are Apollo, Artemis, and Athena.

Just how terrifying was the effect of the full-power musical blessing? Even Zeus, the king of the gods who was used to enjoying and listening to beautiful songs, felt that the music was comparable to that of the Muses and Apollo.

Who are the Muses? They are nine goddesses who govern music. In the popular anime world, the nine girls led by Kaguya in Love Live! are named after the Muses.

Apollo, on the other hand, is the god of talent and art, and holds a superior divine position among the Muses.

It can rival the music of the gods who are in charge of music.

That was music capable of shaking the very foundations of power—

If used for seduction, no woman (ordinary person) in the mortal world could resist it; they would all be attracted by the beautiful music and become madly infatuated with the person who played it.

Apollo expressed great admiration for Night's all-out attack, feeling a sense of pride as if his own carefully raised child had finally delivered a perfect performance in front of others.

Artemis, who had been feeling unsettled lately, was finally regaining her composure and adjusting her mindset when she heard that free voice, which perfectly matched her image as the goddess of the hunt, as if it were music that touched her very soul.

He understands me...

Artemis, who had this inexplicable feeling, initially just listened to the music silently, but the more she listened, the more immersed she became, and she was drawn in by the emotions in the song.

It is not usually difficult for a god to be distracted by a piece of music.

However, because the free spirit in this piece was so perfect for Artemis, the very fond Artemis unconsciously opened her heart and actively immersed herself in it.

If Apollo were to witness this scene, his radiant smile would vanish instantly, and he would inwardly cry out—

Oh no, our base has been raided again!

Before, Artemis stole the hero she had chosen; now, the hero she had chosen has stolen the heart of her beloved sister.

Good heavens! He's unwittingly started flirting with the goddess again!

The goddesses who were charmed this time weren't just Artemis; many other goddesses were also intrigued by it, and even the gods were drawn to it—

While it's not uncommon for gods to become interested in a mortal in the lower realm because of a piece of music, these are still just seeds sprouting, not yet blossoming and bearing fruit.

So, another goddess of wisdom, Athena, was also greatly affected by the special attack at this time, just like Artemis.

At this moment, Athena, dressed in a white, slit dress and without armor, resembled a gentle, pitiful young girl, more like a goddess of wisdom than a goddess of war.

A person's clothing can also reflect their current personality and mood.

She, who is more inclined towards her talents, happened to hear a beautiful song on such a refreshing morning.

Athena, who had a high appreciation for art and had even sculpted many beautiful statues herself, soon became immersed in the music.

Only those who understand music can truly appreciate how extraordinary this talent is; even Athena's eyes were filled with admiration.

Night's performance in the previous battle had shown her the hero's courage and strength, as well as his unwavering love (?) and faith in the goddess.

Now we are truly seeing his incredibly strong talent.

Although she knew that Night was a musician and had performed at the banquet the previous night, the music, though beautiful, was not enough to attract Athena's attention.

This thoughtful performance, which conveyed heartfelt sentiments through song, truly surprised Athena.