“I have two questions,” she said, looking directly at Achilles. “First, why would the goddess agree to cooperate with Perseus? It seems to offer her no benefit whatsoever. Shouldn’t she be hoping the other pirates would kill Perseus and gain their freedom? Why would she help the one who imprisoned her?”

Achilles seemed to have anticipated this question, a knowing smile playing on his lips, and immediately replied:

"The answer lies in their audacity. The fact that they dared to openly summon the phantom of the sea god and even impersonate the sea god to issue 'divine pronouncements' itself points to a key point."

"They probably already know for certain, through some means, that the so-called 'offerings to the sea god' is an elaborate lie. Otherwise, they wouldn't dare to so blatantly desecrate and offend the true authority of the sea god."

Achilles took a step forward, his tone more certain: "Since the sacrificial ritual was fake, then Perseus has lost his reason for having to kill the goddess as a sacrifice."

"The goddess's life was no longer a necessity for him to complete the ritual, but rather became an important bargaining chip and hostage."

Achilles' gaze sharpened, and he continued:

"On the other hand, the other pirates were kept in the dark and still fanatically believed that sacrificing to the goddess would bring them the favor of the sea god, so they coveted her life. Under such circumstances, if the goddess fell into the hands of other pirates, she would only face death."

Achilles then draws an obvious conclusion: "Therefore, at that moment, Perseus's interests were forcibly tied to those of the goddess. They were in the same boat. Helping Perseus deter the pirates was helping her own survival."

"That's why the goddess chose to cooperate with Perseus's plan."

Achilles let out a long, meaningful sigh and shook his head:

"Unfortunately, man proposes, God disposes. Perseus probably never dreamed that he would encounter Medusa, his destined nemesis, at such a time and in such a place."

Achilles quickly composed himself and added:

"Of course, I must emphasize that the above are merely my analysis and inferences based on existing clues and the development of events, and there is no direct, irrefutable evidence to prove them. You can take them as a direction for thinking and judge their credibility for yourself."

Ritsuka listened attentively, and when Achilles finished speaking, she nodded slightly, indicating that she understood his analytical framework.

Then, Ritsuka raised her second, and more crucial, question: "So... my second question. Mr. Achilles, how did you come to know such secrets? This is clearly not something you could find out just by hearing rumors, is it? Is... this related to your own motives?"

Achilles' expression instantly became deep and complex. He straightened up, his gaze sweeping over Ritsuka and Miyamoto Musashi beside her, with an undeniable determination.

“You’re right, this does involve my personal purposes.”

He spoke slowly, his voice low and firm:

"Although I was defeated by Medusa in the arena, it does not mean that I will give up pursuing that goal. As for my purpose and sources, I cannot disclose them to you at this time."

His tone carried a hint of apology, but more so an unwavering resolve:

"However, I hereby promise that if I need the help of Chaldea in the future on my path to achieving my goal, I will personally visit you and sincerely request your assistance. At that time, I will naturally tell you everything without reservation."

Ritsuka gazed into Achilles' eyes, which burned with an unwavering flame. After a moment, she exhaled softly, a look of understanding on her face.

"Understood, Mr. Achilles. We respect your will and choice."

After she finished speaking, she turned to Miyamoto Musashi, who had been standing quietly beside her like a guardian, and gestured, "Miss Musashi, let's go."

"Ah, is it finally over?"

Miyamoto Musashi seemed to relax from her alert state all at once. She exaggeratedly rubbed her flat stomach, her face showing undisguised fatigue and hunger.

"My stomach is really growling, Ritsuka-san... I feel like I could eat a whole cow! The fighting energy here is draining my stamina!" Miyamoto Musashi complained as he quickly caught up with Ritsuka.

As Miyamoto Musashi's muttered words, full of everyday life, gradually faded into the distance, Achilles stood rooted to the spot, his gaze following the two figures disappearing at the end of the passage. His eyes flickered uncertainly, and he thought to himself:

"Chaldea...? The Heroic Spirits gathered by this seemingly young Master are truly astonishing. There was Medusa who swiftly slew Perseus, and Miyamoto Musashi who took Hercules' life with a single strike... Each one possesses unique skills and unfathomable strength."

Achilles gently shook his head, letting out a barely audible sigh, tinged with longing and regret:

"Sigh, if I had the chance, I really would like to stand on the same side as them and face the storms of the future together." Putting these complicated thoughts aside for the time being, Achilles turned around, his tall figure disappearing into the dark exit passage of the arena, and silently departed.

Meanwhile, in a secluded corner of the arena, completely shrouded in shadow, a figure silently appeared.

He raised his hand and gracefully removed the mask covering his face, revealing his handsome features.

Immediately afterward, a thick, inky black source stone energy surged from his body, coiling and churning like a living thing, instantly engulfing his form. The next moment, he vanished completely from the spot like a ghost.

When he reappeared, he was already in the command center of his massive and imposing flagship. Soft, slightly cool-toned interior lighting illuminated the sophisticated control panel and comfortable furnishings.

The man had just stopped when he heard a soft rustling of fabric behind him. A figure in a dark cloak stepped forward quietly, deftly lifting the hood to reveal a youthful yet alluring face.

She curtsied gracefully to Wang Chong, her voice soft and respectful: "Your Excellency Wang Chong..."

"How did things go, Medea?" Wang Chong didn't turn around, but stared at the dark sea outside the bridge. His voice was calm and even, yet carried an undeniable authority.

Medea's lips curled into a confident yet bewitching smile, her eyes gleaming with the satisfaction of her scheme succeeding.

"As you instructed, the seed has been successfully planted. Tonight, Jason will surely experience an 'unforgettable' nightmare..."

"After you personally reveal your true form tomorrow and swiftly and decisively eliminate that troublesome Greek hero..."

Medea paused slightly, her smile deepening:

“Jason, who has been terrified by nightmares, will surely be so panicked that he will desperately need to seize the goddess to fulfill that prophecy. At that time, he will definitely stop at nothing to take the goddess... and then he will fall completely into the trap we have laid for him.”

“Very good.” Wang Chong slowly turned around, a satisfied smile on his face. He stepped forward with an irresistible aura and pulled Medea’s slender waist into his arms.

Medea's body stiffened at first, then quickly softened. Instead of resisting, she nestled even closer to Wang Chong's warm chest as if she had found her home, her cheeks flushed with a beautiful blush.

"Tell me, what kind of reward do you want?" Wang Chong asked with a smile.

“This is all Medea should do for you…” She buried her face deep in Wang Chong’s neck, greedily inhaling his unique and reassuring scent, her voice carrying a satisfied sigh, like a cat that had finally found its master.

Chapter 652 The Progression of Relationships

Wang Chong looked down at her affectionate expression, a knowing smile flashing in his eyes, and said, "There's no such thing as 'should' or 'shouldn't.' You've done a good job, so you deserve a reward."

Then, he deliberately dragged out his words, teasingly saying, "If you don't make a request, I'll just go to bed alone tonight, leaving you all alone in your room."

"...Then, then tonight, please..." Medea raised her head abruptly upon hearing this, her eyes filled with a mixture of longing and shyness, eager to make her request.

Before she could finish speaking, Wang Chong's fingers gently yet firmly cupped her burning cheeks. The next moment, an irresistible, passionate kiss sealed her lips.

This sudden and tender scene was witnessed by Artemis, the moon goddess, who was directing her attendants to prepare a lavish banquet.

She stopped what she was doing, cupped her hands to her heart, her beautiful face filled with envy and longing, her eyes practically bubbling with pink bubbles: "Ah~ This is so wonderful! Is this the sweet feeling between lovers? Don't you think so, darling?"

She murmured to herself, lost in reverie, and subconsciously turned her head to seek agreement from her partner beside her: "Darling?...Darling?!"

However, the response Artemis expected did not appear.

She looked around in confusion, only to find that her "darling"—Orion, the fluffy teddy bear—had somehow slipped away to another corner of the cabin and was now huddled around a small table with several burly pirate captains, having started a lively gambling session!

"Listen up, all of you! I, One-Eyed Dragon, bet 10 minutes on tomorrow's fight!" One-Eyed Dragon slammed his fist on the table, spittle flying, overflowing with confidence. "Just 10 minutes! Boss Chong will absolutely take down that Hercules cleanly and efficiently! Every minute longer would be an insult to Boss Chong's strength! Understand?!"

"Hahahaha! One-eyed dragon, I think you really don't understand!" Orion stood on the table, one bear paw on his hip, the other bear paw raised, striking a pose that said, "No one understands Hercules better than me."

"Hercules is, after all, one of the greatest heroes in our Greek mythology! He was incredibly strong and had a body of steel! Didn't you see the spectacle when he was resurrected today? It was absolutely earth-shattering!"

“Even if the boss is exceptionally strong and can win, it’s impossible for him to finish in just 10 minutes! You’re doomed to lose this time! Come on, I’m betting on more than 10 minutes!” He slammed a bunch of coins onto the “more than 10 minutes” area with great fanfare.

"Hahahaha... Just wait and see how obediently you'll send me money tomorrow!" Orion put his hands on his hips, laughed triumphantly, and was completely immersed in the joy of his "accurate prediction".

However, he was completely unaware that a chilling, almost tangible rage was slowly approaching him from behind, accompanied by the clatter of high heels on the deck. The sound grew closer and closer, each step feeling like it was pounding on the hearts of onlookers.

Immediately afterwards, a piercing, ear-piercing scream that echoed across the entire sea suddenly erupted: "Awooo—!!!"

At this moment, Wang Chong and Medea's kiss finally ended. As their lips parted, Medea's eyes were glazed, and she was breathing slightly heavily, as if she was still immersed in the sweetness of the moment, gazing at Wang Chong with a dazed look.

"Alright..." Wang Chong stroked her long hair, his voice gentle, "We should go eat now, replenish our energy and recharge our spirits."

"Hmm..." Medea nodded obediently, her blush still lingering on her cheeks, and followed Wang Chong obediently to the dining table.

The banquet ended in a subtle atmosphere. As night deepened, the sea breeze, carrying a salty and damp scent, swept across the ship.

Wang Chong arrived at Medea's cabin door as promised. He gently pushed the door open and saw that Medea had changed into a light silk nightgown, the soft bedside lamp outlining her graceful figure.

However, instead of greeting him with sweet anticipation as usual, she sat alone on the edge of the bed, unconsciously twisting the hem of her clothes with her hands, staring blankly at the dark sea outside the porthole.

Her delicate eyebrows were slightly furrowed, and she looked preoccupied and absent-minded. She didn't even notice when Wang Chong pushed the door open and came in.

"What are you thinking about? You seem so lost in thought." Wang Chong walked to her side, sat down naturally, reached out and pulled her into his arms, asking in a low voice.

"Ah..." Medea was startled awake by his voice, her body trembling slightly, like a frightened fawn.

She quickly looked up, a fleeting, almost imperceptible panic flashing in her eyes, but she quickly concealed it. She nestled into Wang Chong's arms, her eyes darting around as she quickly found an excuse:

"No, nothing special... I just feel a little strange. Why haven't I seen Auntie (Circe) all day?"

She said softly, tracing circles on Wang Chong's chest with her fingers, "I'm a little worried about her..."

“Circle…” Wang Chong’s tone was nonchalant. As he spoke, he raised his hand and turned off the bedside lamp, leaving only the faint moonlight coming in from the window.

He pulled Medea closer, drawing her to him: "I've assigned her some...special tasks. She should still be somewhere, focused on those matters."

He leaned down, his warm breath brushing against Medea's sensitive earlobes and neck.

“Don’t worry about her…” Wang Chong’s voice had a calming magic, his lips lingering along her graceful neck. “I can clearly sense that her life force is still very active, everything is normal. I estimate that she will be able to complete her mission and return tomorrow.”

His kisses moved downwards, carrying an air of undeniable authority.

“I see…” Medea obediently tilted her head back, responding to his intimacy with a muffled reply, seemingly less concerned about Circe’s safety than her words suggested.

Soon, the room was filled only with the rustling of fabric, suppressed soft breathing, and the blush-inducing, subtle, and lingering sounds of swallowing.

At a certain moment, Medea's body suddenly tensed up, and she let out a short, high-pitched cry, trembling violently as if struck by an electric current.

This intimate and tender moment finally came to a temporary end. Wang Chong's lips left that intoxicating secret garden.

Medea, panting, propped herself up and, in the dim light, groped for a silk handkerchief to carefully wipe away the milk residue from the corners of her mouth.

The moonlight outlined her still-flushed cheeks and her dreamy, contented eyes.

Like a fully satisfied cat, she lay down obediently beside Wang Chong with a lingering languor, nestling herself into his embrace, finding the most comfortable position, letting his strong arms hold her.

Such nights, such intimacy, have been repeated many times during these days at sea.

Although the final veil between them has not yet been completely pierced, and they have not yet reached the point of physical and spiritual union...

But every intimate moment, every kiss, pushed them to that critical point.

Deep within Medea, the desire for that final step had long since burned like wildfire. She could sense Wang Chong's infatuation and possessiveness towards her, but why did he always stop before taking that last step?

This question was like a tiny thorn, pricking her heart. She dared not ask, dared not even think about it deeply. She was afraid, afraid that once she asked, the happiness she had so painstakingly grasped, like a dreamlike bubble, would shatter and vanish in an instant, as if it had never existed.

"But...it can't go on like this forever." Medea curled up tighter in Wang Chong's warm and strong embrace, greedily absorbing his body heat and breath.

However, the more intoxicating this warmth was, the more wildly the vines that sprouted and took root in the dark corners of her heart that could not be illuminated.

She kept her eyes closed, feeling Wang Chong's steady breathing brush against the top of her head, but the determination in her heart was as solid as ice.

"I will never be satisfied with the status quo... Lord Wang Chong belongs to me alone..." she cried silently in her heart.

Having chosen that thorny path, and having resolved to seize that supreme power, she could no longer hesitate or be soft-hearted.

Whether it's the Greek heroes standing in her way, the gods high above Olympus, or even the "beloved" who is now gently embracing her and captivating her...

To fulfill that twisted and enormous desire in her heart, she would stop at nothing. This resolute darkness surged silently beneath her sweet sleeping face.

……

Nothing more was said that night. As the sun rose again from the sea, the surrounding pirate ships sent representatives to the arena.

It can be said that the number of spectators this time far exceeded that of the previous few days.

Because everyone knows that the arena will choose the final winner today.

"What's wrong, Jason? You don't look well."

Theseus looked at Jason, who was bowing his head and had a gloomy expression, and couldn't help but ask.

"I don't need you to worry about me... Today is the last day, and I don't want any other unexpected events in the competition for the goddess!"

When Theseus asked, Jason answered impatiently, then looked at the Greek heroes who had followed him, snorted, and said:

"While that phantom of the sea god is a joke, the goddess is the real deal. We must seize her and bring her to the Ark of the Covenant. To complete the true sacrifice of the gods!"

"Success is the only option; failure is not an option!"

Upon hearing Jason's words, the crowd had different thoughts and did not directly respond to him.

Chiron, in particular, has become somewhat indifferent to Jason's every move since meeting with the mysterious man last night, and no longer says a word.

Jason naturally sensed the strangeness of these people, which made him even more annoyed.

Sure enough, the situation in the dream began to reflect in reality. The Greek heroes around him probably already had rebellious intentions, and none of them wanted to see him obtain that supreme power.

This is why they all performed so poorly in this gladiator incident.

To put it bluntly, if Medea hadn't given him the Holy Grail to control these people, they would have long since disobeyed his orders and even turned against him.

“Others can’t be trusted after all…only Hercules…only Hercules can I trust.” Jason concealed the ruthlessness in his eyes, his mind already calculating other schemes.

Chapter 653 The Finals (Part 1)

A deafening roar echoed through the magnificent arena. As spectators poured in, filling the stands to capacity, an almost boiling sense of anticipation filled the air.

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