Athena strode confidently down the marble corridor of the temple, her sandals clicking softly on the polished floor. Eros followed, his eyes shamelessly tracing the curves of her divine projection. Even knowing it was just an avatar, the sight of Athena her auburn hair cascading over her shoulders, her white robe hugging a perfect figure stirred a familiar heat in him.
"Can you stop ogling my ass?" Athena snapped without turning, her voice sharp.
Eros chuckled, a predatory grin on his lips. "Not my fault your avatar's stacked," he shot back, his voice deep and teasing. "Gotta say, you didn't skimp on the details."
Athena's face tightened, a look of disgust settling in. "You men, it's all you ever think about," she muttered, quickening her pace.
"What can I say?" Eros retorted, shrugging. "A virgin like you wouldn't get it."
Athena froze, head bowed, her hands clenching her robe. Eros raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "What's up?" he asked.
When she turned, her gray eyes blazed with fury, a murderous glint in them. Eros let out a silent laugh, his grin widening. "Oh, fuck, I hit a nerve," he murmured, savoring her reaction.
Athena gritted her teeth, her cheeks faintly flushed. "Fine," she said, her voice icy. "If that's how it is, I guess you don't need my help." She spun on her heel, storming back the way they came.
"W-wait!" Eros stammered, raising his hands in mock surrender. "You're not gonna ditch me like that, are you?"
"You and I were never friends," she replied without looking back. "Why should I help you?"
Eros sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "Alright, alright… I'm sorry," he muttered, faking contrition. After a tense silence, Athena resumed walking, her pace more measured. Eros followed, a smirk tugging at his lips, pleased to have regained control.
The rest of the walk was silent, neither speaking. They finally reached a private chamber, adorned with tapestries of battles and owls. A low table was set with tea and silver cups. Athena sat gracefully, gesturing for Eros to take the seat across from her. "So," she said, sipping her tea, "what exactly do you want to know?"
Eros settled in. "First off, why'd you agree to help me?" he asked.
Athena set her cup down, her piercing gaze steady. "No particular reason," she replied calmly. "I just don't want you turning my city into a bloodbath. Besides, with your current divine power, I doubt you can beat Ares. You might take his generals, but that's where it ends."
Eros nodded, keeping a smile to himself. "Got it," he said, his tone neutral. "I want the locations of Ares' generals."
Athena stared at him for a long moment, as if hoping he'd abandon his crusade. With a sigh, she answered, "Go to Mount Parnassus. You'll find Kyos there."
"Alright," Eros said, a wide grin spreading across his face. "Thanks, virgin."
The cup in Athena's hand shattered, tea splashing across the table. "Haha, you lose it every time someone calls you virgin," Eros laughed, standing. "Anyway, I'm out." He headed for the door, but as he reached it, Athena muttered, her lips pouting, "It's not like I want to be a virgin… I just… I haven't found the right person yet." Her face flushed red, her eyes avoiding his.
A smile crept across Eros's lips. He leaned against the doorframe, turning back. "After I take down Ares, I'll swing by to celebrate my victory," he said, his voice thick with innuendo.
[ DING ]
The interface flickered, projecting glowing lines into the air.
[ Quest Completed: Gather Intel on the Generals ]
Reward : Location of Kyos (Mount Parnassus).
[ New Bond Established: Athena, Goddess of Wisdom ]
Bond Level : Weak.
Secondary Objective : Grow closer to Athena and turn her into a sex-obsessed devotee.
[ New Quest: Defeat Ares' Generals and Earn Athena's Respect ]
Objective : Eliminate Kyos and impress Athena.
Reward : +200 charisma points, Seductive Aura enhancement.
Penalty : Loss of Athena's trust.
Eros read the messages, raising an eyebrow. "No direct reward this time," he muttered, disappointed. He left the temple without looking back, bypassing the inn. Outside, villagers parted as he passed. Reaching a hill at the village's edge, he glanced back. Far off, Athena stood before the temple, her gaze fixed on him. Eros smiled, murmuring, "See ya, virgin." He took off at full speed, leaving Athena's murderous aura in his wake.
---
Mount Parnassus, three days later
Eros stood at the base of Mount Parnassus, a jagged peak shrouded in thick mist. The air was heavy with oppressive energy, Kyos's aura the Scourge of War saturating the atmosphere. Rocks were etched with warrior symbols, and broken weapon husks littered the ground. Eros rested a hand on the Blades of Chaos, their black metal pulsing in response. "Today's your lucky day," he murmured to the blades, a savage grin on his lips. "You get to unleash chaos."
The interface flickered:
[ Quest: Defeat Kyos, the Scourge of War ]
Objective : Eliminate Kyos to weaken Ares (2/5).
Reward : +200 charisma points, Absorption enhancement.
Penalty : Death.