At the edge of the world, there lies a small island.
This island is called the Shapeless Isle.
On this small island, there is only a desolate temple and the endless sound of tides rising and falling.
Dense forests, animals, lavish offerings—none of these can be hoped for.
And this is the place where the three Gorgon sisters live.
A year has already passed.
This afternoon, an exquisitely beautiful woman arrived at the edge of the island, carrying out her daily hunt to prepare food for the night.
She had striking purple hair that reached past her knees and a pair of eerie purple eyes. Those beautiful purple eyes were, in fact, the most infamous Mystic Eyes in Greek mythology.
The Eyes of Medusa that could turn people to stone!
Yes, this tall and stunningly beautiful woman was none other than one of the most famous monsters in ancient Greek myth, the Gorgon—Medusa!
More than a year had passed since the goddess she hated most, the Goddess of Wisdom Athena, revived her using the revival potion of the future God of Medicine, Asclepius.
Medusa and her three sisters had gradually grown accustomed to life here. In truth, there was nothing to grow accustomed to.
After all, this place had always been their "home."
Though it was barren and empty, Medusa did not dislike the quiet. To live in peace was the greatest happiness.
Moreover, while this revival had been carried out by the goddess she despised most, and still with the intent of toying with them, it was not entirely bad news.
At least the thieves who occasionally came, proclaiming themselves "heroes," no longer appeared because of their revival.
She no longer had to waste time fighting them and turning them into stone statues.
Now, she only needed to wait for one person.
The true owner of the revival potion that had brought the three sisters back to life.
The terrifying hero who had even brought the Goddess of Wisdom herself to her knees.
"Neigh neigh!"
As Medusa patrolled the island's edge in search of prey, the sound of a horse's whinny from nearby made her stop in her tracks.
She instinctively lifted her head toward the source of the sound.
Even though she could see nothing.
Her Mystic Eyes were completely covered by something like a blindfold, so she could only perceive the outside world through hearing, touch, smell, and magical detection.
Yet because of that, Medusa's senses were extraordinarily sharp.
Though she could not see with her eyes, she could still "see."
She saw a figure brimming with terrifying divine power, riding a winged horse that descended before her.
Medusa was stunned for a moment.
Then a faint, helpless smile appeared on her face.
She knew he had finally come.
The great hero who would end this brief period of happiness—Jason.
Medusa stood quietly, "watching" as he approached.
"May I ask if you are Medusa?"
Hearing his voice, Medusa took a deep breath, quietly rested her hand on the chain coiled around her waist, and gave a faint nod.
So the next step would be a fierce battle. Everything would finally come to an end.
That was what Medusa thought.
She was already prepared to remove her blindfold and unleash her Mystic Eyes.
But what she never expected was this.
"Neigh neigh!"
What greeted her was not the destined battle in which the monster would be slain by the hero, but the excited embrace of the Pegasus.
Medusa's cheeks were licked twice by the overjoyed winged horse.
The familiar sensation gradually brought her back to her senses.
"Could it be... Pegasus?!"
In her surprise, Medusa called out its name the moment she realized.
Yes, the name of the winged horse—the "Horse Brother"—was indeed Pegasus.
Pegasus was one of the most famous fantastical creatures in Greek mythology.
It had once accompanied Medusa and shared a deep bond with her. In some versions of the myths, it was even said to be Medusa's child.
"It is an honor to meet you, Medusa. My name is Jason. Horse Brother has spoken of you many times.
So today, I am truly honored to meet you."
Just as Medusa was reeling from the realization that this was Pegasus and feeling joy at their reunion, Jason's voice gently sounded beside her once more.
Hearing such courteous words, Medusa could not help turning her attention toward Jason again. He harbored no hostility.
At least not now.
Though she could not see, she could still see clearly. Medusa understood this perfectly.
"I have always been deeply cared for by Horse Brother, so although this gift is not particularly valuable, I hope Lady Medusa will accept it."
Before Medusa could fully process the situation, Jason extended his hand and offered her something.
Medusa, who had steeled herself for a deadly fight, was momentarily bewildered. Then Pegasus's urging neigh reached her ears.
Sensing the goodwill radiating from Jason and the trust and encouragement Pegasus showed toward him, Medusa almost instinctively reached out and accepted the small object.
Once it was in her hands, Jason's gentle voice sounded again.
"Before coming here, I asked Teacher Hephaestus to forge this divine artifact. It will block your Mystic Eyes so you can see the world clearly. Its name is... glasses."
...
...
Soon, urged on by Pegasus's neighs, Medusa—now wearing the glasses—approached Jason.
As their eyes met, both of them froze for a moment.
Jason was struck by the refined beauty of Medusa's face, while Medusa, gazing at the Jason before her, could not help but stare in a slight daze.
So this is what he looks like.
Medusa could hardly claim she had not been curious about Jason.
After all, this was the man who had caused the Goddess of Wisdom herself to fall from divine grace.
And it was for his sake that Athena had awakened Medusa.
"Lady Medusa is indeed as beautiful as the rumors say."
Recovering first, Jason offered the compliment.
"The rumors... According to the rumors, should I not be an utterly hideous monster?"
With a self-mocking smile, Medusa replied faintly.
Jason gave a light smile and did not pursue that topic. Looking at the bespectacled Medusa before him, he asked, "Do you like this meeting gift?"
At the question, Medusa touched the glasses lightly, then looked around at the world she so rarely got to experience.
After a long moment, she spoke softly. "I can only say that, for me, it feels almost too extravagant."
"Then it seems you like it very much." Jason smiled. "Good. This way, Horse Brother will not hold it against me."
Medusa looked at the man before her and could not help asking, "Why bring a tribute? Did Athena not send you to kill us?"
"Kill you?" Jason blinked in slight surprise. "Goddess Athena gave me no such oracle."
"Hm?" This time Medusa was genuinely stunned.
Jason thought for a moment, then explained. "A year ago, Goddess Athena may indeed have intended for me to come here, defeat you, and take another step on the path of heroism. But now... she no longer has such thoughts."
As he spoke, under Medusa's faintly astonished gaze, Jason walked over to Pegasus, stroked its mane, and continued. "The reason I came to see you this time, apart from Goddess Athena's involvement, is mainly because of Horse Brother.
Ever since it learned you had returned, it has been tugging at me to come visit you.
Horse Brother has helped me immensely since I was young. So, Lady Medusa, you may rest assured.
I will never raise a hand against you."
Medusa frowned, studying Jason, who did not seem to be lying. After thinking for a moment, she said, "Athena has abandoned the idea of sending you to kill us? How could that be... Wait.
Is it because she fell in love with you?
Yes, if I remember correctly, you even rejected her feelings?"
At those words, Jason fell silent.
Pegasus also fell silent.
Man and horse both looked at Medusa with a hint of speechlessness.
Under their combined gaze, Medusa felt uncomfortably awkward all over.
"The revival potion was mine to begin with. Goddess Athena took it from me, so she is the one in the wrong. Therefore, she cannot force me in this matter."
Jason smoothly skipped over the previous topic and continued. "If Lady Medusa still doubts me, I am willing to swear an oath upon the River Styx.
I, Jason, will never harm you."
At that, even if Medusa wished to doubt him, she could no longer do so.
After all, an oath upon the River Styx was something not even the gods could break.
"In that case, why have you come here?"
Medusa asked, still somewhat dazed.
"Goddess Athena set this trap for me, so I have no choice but to come and dismantle it. As for how I dismantle it... that is my concern."
Jason smiled. "I already stated my purpose from the beginning.
Horse Brother has always looked after me. It wanted to see you and missed you greatly, so naturally I should grant that wish."
Pegasus neighed twice beside them.
It nuzzled against Medusa.
Confirming to her that Jason spoke the truth.
Medusa fell silent.
Without question, this was a development she had never once imagined.
In the year since her revival, she had long prepared herself to await the arrival of a hero and to be defeated once more.
She could not claim to harbor no resentment about that fate.
But what good would resentment do?
The one who had awakened her was the Goddess of Wisdom Athena, the most radiant jewel among the Olympian gods.
What could they possibly do to resist?
Yet now...
"I think I suddenly understand."
Medusa spoke, and she smiled.
From the moment Jason had appeared, she had been cold and guarded, her words edged with thorns. But now, as if the ice had melted, she revealed a smile so radiant that even Jason was momentarily stunned.
"You truly are different, just as Athena said. You are completely unlike any hero I have ever known."