The tip of the Magic Wand pierced through the thin fabric, icy cold spreading along the bone marrow, almost freezing the woman's thoughts.
Athena's muscles tightened to the limit in an instant, as if she were petrified by Medusa's gaze. William's appearance was completely without warning, though she had already guessed that he probably "controlled" them, but this completely flawless invisibility Charm...
Hera covered her mouth in terror, forcing a scream back down her throat as she curled up in the corner like a frightened little animal.
"I..."
Athena's voice was terribly dry; she forced herself to swallow hard before continuing, "Mr. Richard, I've come to clearly realize that in the face of power, my struggles are futile and ridiculous. My previous choices stemmed from ignorance and..." She paused, struggling to speak, "...and arrogance."
"And now?"
William's voice held a hint of amusement, like a seasoned hunter enjoying the prey's final cries.
"Now, I beg for your forgiveness."
Athena closed her eyes, her long eyelashes trembling violently. "Not in the name of the Gods, but as a... prisoner who recognizes the times and perhaps still holds some value to you... Hera as well. We're willing to pay any price, just for the chance to survive, even if..."
As she spoke, she reached towards her waist...
A cave, the dim surroundings, one man, two women... if such were set in paradise, the plot development would have already begun to move "on track."
Wait, which kind of paradise are you talking about?!
But evidently, William wasn't one to be controlled by his desires. He simply chuckled, stepping to the side, "Put away your thoughts." Then, he stowed his Magic Wand, "Go ahead, tell me then, besides sturdy puppet bodies and those few not-so-exclusive Olympus secrets, what else can you offer?
"To exchange for your lives."
He tilted his head, his gaze sweeping over Hera in the corner, who lowered her head like she had been shocked, daring not to meet his eyes.
Is this the Celestial Empress?
William couldn't help but harbor some doubts. After all, her character was far different from the strong-handed yet jealous goddess of myth...
"Zeus's resting place."
After brief contemplation, Athena replied, and her previously trembling voice became more assured, "And, a true vessel, not a 'puppet,' but closer to real flesh and blood, yet able to perfectly accommodate an independent soul. It was a body Zeus prepared for himself, and only Hera and I know its location—"
"Oh?"
William's interest seemed piqued; he raised an eyebrow.
"We can help you find it and assist you in controlling it."
Seeing William's interest grow, Athena hurriedly pressed her advantage, "You surely understand that a body which you can fully control, could even allow you to plan to possess a 'Divine King' captive..." Her voice sounded seductive.
"Don't try using your lousy Magic to affect my judgment."
"...Yes."
Athena lowered her head as William stroked his chin as if considering seriously.
Then, the cave was engulfed in a brief silence, only the crackling sounds of the torches burning filled the air.
"Sounds like a good offer."
After a while, William finally spoke, casually twirling his Magic Wand, "But you've previously displeased me, so there will be punishment." He looked between Athena and Hera, a wicked smile forming on his lips, "Only one of you two can remain."
"What?"
Both women nearly cried out simultaneously.
"Ah, did I not make myself clear?"
William's tone was as relaxed as discussing dinner plans, his smile chilling like an icy breeze, "Between you, only one can walk out alive and gain the opportunity to serve me; the other..." He chuckled but didn't continue, the meaning was clear.
"No, you can't do this!"
Hera cried out in a breakdown, nearly overwhelmed, tears streaming, "Pallas! We..."
"Of course, the choice is yours."
William interrupted her, leisurely stepping back half a step, leaving all the space to this pair of "sister flowers," "I'll give you thirty seconds, whether to fight for that one spot or to let me turn both of you into mindless decorations... Oh, just like him—"
As he spoke, William pulled from his pocket a zombie-like Ashwinder minion and set it on the ground—this thing was meant to be taken back for research.
Then, William raised his hand to check the non-existent watch on his wrist.
"Now, the countdown begins."
The pressure at this moment peaked.
Hera looked at Athena for help, her eyes filled with desperation and plea, while Athena stared intently at William, trying to find any trace of jest on his face, but she obviously failed—those eyes held only indifferent amusement; he didn't see them as human, Athena understood this clearly.
...Then, sorry, Hera.
Twenty seconds...
Hera began to sob quietly, her body shaking like a sieve.
Fifteen seconds...
Athena's fingertips dug deeply into her palm, fingers nearly embedding into it.
Ten seconds...
Hera's gaze gradually shifted from pleading to a fierce, trapped animal-like determination. She gripped her Magic Wand tightly—
Five seconds...
"Sorry, Hera." Athena suddenly spoke, her voice low and hoarse, "for the continuation of Olympus..."
Thus, Hera's face twisted, a mix of shock and venomous resentment flashing across, "You..."
One second!
"Avada Kedavra!"
The deadly green beam tore through the air but was intercepted by a dim golden barrier—this Killing Curse was instinctively cast by Hera in despair and fear, aimed at Athena, but evidently, it didn't achieve the intended effect.
William nodded, looking at Athena, whose head was bowed, completely concealing her expression, "You're a clever person... your dirty moves were not bad either." William realized, Hera's breakdown shouldn't have been so swift, and he hadn't manipulated this aspect, so then...
Hera remained frozen, a fierce and stunned expression lingering from casting the curse.
His Magic Wand flicked again.
"Crucio!"
The gruesome-colored Charm instantly seized Hera's figure; she let out an almost inhuman shriek, curling on the ground, convulsing violently, as if every nerve was being burnt and torn.