Nobody knows how to be a villain better than me.

Aphrodite cradled her handsome lover's head as he nuzzled around, giggling, a hint of smugness and pride gleaming in her eyes.

When war is overshadowed by love and lust, casualties decrease, the human population multiplies and increases, and the age of gods declines more rapidly.

Zeus, I will never forget the insults you and Hera have inflicted upon me!

Just wait and see, one day I will take away what you care about most with my own hands!

The goddess of love and beauty glanced at the exquisite objects and beautiful faces within the palace, a vengeful pleasure appearing on her face.

However, as the conflict intensified, Aphrodite couldn't help but hug the little wolfhound she had tamed, murmuring dreamily as her thoughts drifted away in pleasure.

Chapter 168 What to do when you're too popular? (2/5)

The second round of lovemaking completely drained Ares's boundless energy. The god of war kissed his lover's blushing, beautiful cheeks, whispered some sweet nothings, and then left, completely satisfied.

Having thoroughly enjoyed herself with the strong and vigorous young wolfhound, Aphrodite lay languidly on the bed, her mind drifting back to the past.

Zeus brought her back to Olympus and, with her power, conquered many goddesses, achieving a decisive victory in the war between the old and new gods.

However, even so, the man was still not satisfied and harassed her repeatedly, even trying to force her to submit.

Furthermore, the faint anger and hostility emanating from Hera behind Zeus also chilled her to the bone.

By relying on her divine authority and vigilance, she repeatedly evaded Zeus's pursuit and preserved herself, but at the same time, she nearly exhausted the patience of this god-king.

Moreover, the jealous empress also began to see her as a thorn in her side and a threat to her power, making her situation extremely difficult.

Soon after, Hephaestus, the child abandoned by Hera, came to her door. In his anger, he used the golden throne he had created to imprison the queen of the gods.

In order to escape her predicament, Hera actually promised to marry her to her ugly, lame son!

That bastard Zeus actually went along with it, using himself as a bargaining chip to quell the unrest on Olympus.

She held love in her hands, yet in the end, she didn't enter into marriage because of love—a truly ironic situation.

But you have insulted love, and you will pay the price for it!

At that time, Aphrodite secretly vowed to take revenge on Zeus and Hera.

Therefore, she cursed the couple by inheriting the power of Eros, the god of lust, from the five original gods, and the blood of Uranus, the god of the sky.

The great god-king Zeus, though incredibly powerful, constantly pursued lust, incurring a series of sins and ultimately digging his own grave!

Hera, who persecutes her out of jealousy, will also be driven by jealousy, needing to keep a close eye on her unfaithful husband, and will never find peace in her marriage!

Years later, whenever Aphrodite recalls the chaotic scene on Mount Olympus, she feels a surge of pleasure and a sense of vengeful satisfaction.

But that's not enough!

Aphrodite's previous experience of being caught and humiliated by Hephaestus, Zeus, and other gods after having an affair with Ares instilled in her a strong sense of crisis.

Only by standing at the highest point can one avoid the humiliation of the past.

Since men conquer women by conquering the world, then women should take control of the world and their own destiny by conquering men!

The goddess of love and beauty tapped rhythmically on the headboard with her right hand, her fingers like jade shoots, while her left hand lovingly caressed her exquisite cheek, lost in thought.

Although he had tamed the little wolf with his charm, his foundation was still too weak. He needed to make some plans for him, cultivate his power, or further remove obstacles.

By the way, we could make use of that queen of the Amazons.

Just then, Aphrodite's heart skipped a beat, and a mysterious voice entered her mind. She listened intently for a moment, and then a smile bloomed on her face.

It's interesting that a descendant of Poseidon, the god of the sea, is praying to me.

In that case, let's make a deal, little guy.

However, you must remember to pay the interest; the price of love can be very high.

Cupid raised his hand and gestured, and the pink mist condensed into three golden apples, which then turned into streams of light and flew down to a simple altar in the mortal realm.

Ah, golden apples, the power of the earth.

Hera, whatever you want, you can forget about getting it.

After solidifying her powers into the unique form of a golden apple and making a small joke, Aphrodite revealed a wicked smile.

A wave of weariness washed over her, and the goddess, like a cat in the afternoon sun, lay comfortably on the bed, her body still flushed, taking a nap.

Meanwhile, in the capital of Arcadia, Hercules, standing on the stands, glanced at the bustling crowds on the street, mostly young men, and the long queue in front of a certain door, and couldn't help but shake his head.

"You rushed all the way to Arcadia just for this, a ridiculous marriage proposal that's a life-or-death gamble?"

"I'll just take a look..."

Samael, his thoughts exposed, coughed dryly and his eyes darted around.

Hercules raised his hand and stroked his chin, pondering for a moment, then surprisingly showed a hint of eagerness.

"Then why not go to Sparta? I remember Helen and the others invited you. That girl seems to have a crush on you. If you're interested, I can help you find a match."

Samael hurriedly shook his head, made up an excuse, and refused his "cousin's" kindness.

If Hercules were to take this seriously, given the hero's prestige and connections in Sparta, his marriage to Helen would be virtually guaranteed.

"Oh, so you don't like the frail type. Then this girl next to you is fine too. She's good-looking, healthy, and can have children. Why don't you consider her?"

Hercules pointed to Hippolyta beside him, and the unabashed discussion made the Amazon queen stiffen and feel uncomfortable.

Since resolving some of his inner conflicts, Hercules has lost his former melancholy. He is now more carefree and relaxed in his interactions with Samael, and can't help but offer well-intentioned advice in the tone of someone who has been through it all.

“Those who cannot outrun others should be executed. This princess clearly does not want to get married and hopes to scare away suitors. Why do you have to get involved in Arcadia’s mess?”

Faced with Hercules's questioning, Samael was both amused and exasperated, and had no choice but to tell the whole truth.

"The leader of the women who participated in the Calydon hunt was the daughter that the King of Arcadia had found. She had sworn to serve the goddess Artemis with her pure body, so naturally she was unwilling to get married."

I'm here to win the competition and give her the freedom to choose.

Hercules, upon hearing this, suddenly understood, but before he could speak, Hippolyta, standing beside him, solemnly patted Samael on the shoulder, her expression approving and quite interested.

“Well done, Theseus. You are a hero who respects us women. I have a feeling you will get along well with the Amazons, so how about coming back to the tribe with me?”

"Thank you for the compliment, but I must decline!"

Samael rolled his eyes and snorted, then asked weakly in return.

"By the way, why are you still here?"

Given his and Hercules' strength, the tails of the Amazons following behind them had long been exposed.

Even their connection with Hippolyta was deliberately orchestrated by Samael and Hippolyta.

However, after the exchange, this Amazonian queen actually stayed there and refused to leave.

"There are still many things I don't understand about the breeding plan, and I need to ask you for advice."

Hippolyta answered methodically, then habitually pulled out a parchment to ask further questions.

"Big sister, please spare me. There's plenty of time later. Can you please stop following me now?"

Samael was on the verge of tears and begged for mercy repeatedly.

"why?"

Hippolyta tilted her head and asked, her face full of confusion.

"Because I'm looking for a husband, you understand?! Taking you there would be like slapping the Arcadian royal family in the face! Win or lose, the boss will kill me!"

Samael complained with a melancholy expression, feeling quite helpless about this tail that insisted on sticking to him.

Chapter 169 Night Raid on the Tower Cat (3/5)

Night falls at the Arcadia Palace.

Atalanta tossed and turned in bed, unable to fall asleep. Finally, she put on her clothes, got up restlessly, and paced around the room.

However, although the palace was spacious, it felt as closed off as a prison; the soft silk robes, though light as a feather, clung to the skin, creating an uncomfortable stickiness; and the jingling of the jeweled necklaces and hair ornaments, meant to display nobility, was utterly foolish…

All of this annoyed her.

Is this the home she has dreamed of a thousand times? Is this the life she has never had and therefore constantly yearns for?

That's really... boring and superficial...

The muscular lioness, locked in a magnificent cage, raised her eyebrows in self-mockery, immediately pulled down a glittering ornament from the shelf, threw it into a drawer, and casually tore off her cumbersome silk robe, preparing to change into loose hunting attire.

However, after searching left and right and opening the empty cabinet, Atalanta's breath hitched and her brow furrowed.

In order to please her "father," she had long ago discarded those things that represented her lowly status.

After standing there for a moment, Atalanta's face showed an indescribable confusion and loss, and her restless gaze, following the habits of a hunter, wandered unconsciously around the room, when she was suddenly attracted by something that had been left untouched on the shelf.

The cleaned beast hide, secured to the wall with wedges, still seemed lifelike, but the rich aroma of spices completely erased any remaining ferocity.

Unexpectedly, after the death of the Caludon Boar, which had caused the deaths of countless heroes, its fur became a decorative item to adorn this room.

But aren't I the same way?

Atalanta opened the window, letting the night breeze flood the room, bringing fresh air and a sense of tranquility. Her emerald pupils reflected the gradually forming grandstands and racetracks on the edge of the royal city, and a strange sense of unease settled in her chest.

A longing to break free from this cage and run freely in the mountains and fields filled my heart.

The moment Atalanta stepped onto the window frame and peeked out, a figure that slithered along the outer wall like a gecko leaped up, squeezed into the open window, and landed in front of her with its back to the moonlight, its gaze strange and blank.

As the breeze blew, the strands of blue hair that fell on her skin tingled slightly. The hunter, who had been quickly retreating, came to her senses and realized that she hadn't found suitable clothes yet.

"Hey, boss, what a coincidence..."

"boom!"

Atalanta's cheeks flushed instantly. She immediately covered her chest with her left hand and grabbed an ornament from the table with her right hand, then threw it at the figure.

"Get out!"

Suddenly, a series of muffled thuds echoed from inside the room. Someone covered his head and ran away in panic. Then, the lights came on, and two maids hurried across the corridor and knocked on the door.

"Your Highness, what's wrong?"

"No, nothing... there are rats..."

"Mice? We cleaned it very thoroughly..."

"Rat are common in summer, what's so strange about one running up here!"

Atalanta blushed, glanced at the guy squeezed in the corner, and covered the guy's half-open lips with her outstretched right arm. Her cold gaze was full of warning and threat.

"Oh, I didn't mean to question you. Would you like to go in and clean it up?"

"No need! It's already resolved! I'm tired, let's go back. We can talk about it tomorrow."

As the footsteps at the door faded into the distance and the flickering light went out, Atalanta slowly released her grip, her teeth clenched, her face clouded with rage.

However, before the huntress could make a move, the mythical beast-patterned fur coat that had been taken from the wall was tactfully handed to her by someone.

"Turn around!"

Atalanta let out a soft groan of shame and indignation. Samael glanced longingly at the cascading spring light, then obediently turned his back to her.

Meanwhile, amidst the rustling sounds of dressing, Atalanta asked in a muffled voice.

"What are you doing here!"

"Of course, I'm going to participate in the matchmaking event."

Samael's offhand answer made the huntress behind him catch her breath, her face darken, and her eyes become more somber.

"What, you also want to become Princess Arcadia's husband? You want to inherit my father's throne?"

Hearing the sound of dressing stop, Samael turned around and stared with a smile at the female hunter who had become somewhat agitated and on guard.

"Haha, just kidding. I came here because I saw the message you left, Boss, and came here specifically to help."

"Help? What do I need your help with? I left that address just because I was worried you wouldn't be able to make a living and would have nowhere to go."

Atalanta's expression softened slightly. She hummed softly and turned her head to the side, the corners of her lips unconsciously curving upwards in the darkness as she spoke.

A certain indescribable joy and pleasure permeated the unease in my heart.

"So, I came here specifically to seek refuge with you?"

Samael muttered to himself, a mischievous glint in his eyes.

"To put it bluntly, you're also participating in a race tomorrow?"