The God of Underworld - Chapter 204

204: Chapter 48 204: Chapter 48 Overworld.

Deep within a mystical forest.

Herios followed Athena silently, his sharp eyes scanning the forest as though every rustle in the leaves might conceal something divine.

The deeper they went, the heavier the air became, filled with the scent of pines, earth, and something far older, something sacred.

He finally broke the silence, his voice calm but edged with curiosity.

“Athena, where exactly are we going?

This isn’t just an ordinary forest, is it?” Athena, walking gracefully ahead of him, didn’t turn as she answered, her tone even.

“We are entering the sacred hunting grounds of Artemis.

I wanted to meet her because there is something I must ask.” Herios nodded once, saying no more.

His instincts told him this was no place for idle chatter.

They soon reached the heart of the forest, where shafts of sunlight pierced the canopy, illuminating an open clearing.

And seated on the high branches of an ancient oak, they saw a striking woman with long green hair that shimmered like leaves in spring.

Her feline ears twitched as her emerald eyes locked onto Athena.

A green tail swayed lazily behind her as she crouched on the branch, her dress flowing like woven forest shadows.

The woman leapt down with the agility of a beast, landing lightly on the mossy ground before dropping to one knee.

Her head lowered as she spoke with reverence, “Goddess Athena, it is an honor.

You grace the hunting grounds with your presence.” Herios’ gaze sharpened as he observed her.

The aura she radiated wasn’t mortal.

It was bright, heavy, tinged with divinity.

He thought to himself, ‘this woman is definitely a god.

A divine spirit perhaps?’ Athena smiled faintly, stepping closer.

“Atalanta.

I did not expect to see you like this.

To think, the famed huntress of ancient times has risen to become a Divine Spirit.

That is quite the transformation.” Atalanta lifted her head, her green eyes proud yet humble as she spoke.

“After the great war, when the Giants and Gaia’s wrath nearly shattered the world, Lady Artemis acknowledged my service.

She granted me godhood so that I may continue to guard her sacred woods and lead her hunters.

It is by her grace that I stand here before you as more than mortal.” Athena inclined her head, her expression thoughtful.

“I say you deserve it.

I have heard you gave up your right for the throne of Arcadia to stay with Artemis.” Atalanta nodded, “I did, lady Athena.

My father called me back and forced me to marry some man I do not know.

I broke off the engagement myself and also declared that I am severing my relationship with them.” Athena hummed, then her tone shifted, firm and direct.

“Atalanta, I came here to seek your mistress.

There are matters I must ask her about.

Take me to her.” Atalanta rose to her feet, placing a hand over her chest in respect.

“Of course, my lady.

I will guide you to her camp.” Yet her sharp gaze drifted toward Herios, lingering on him with a frown.

Her tail flicked in displeasure as she spoke hesitantly, “But… there is an issue.

Lady Artemis forbids the presence of men within her sanctuaries.

No male has ever been allowed to step foot inside her domain.

If I bring him, I risk her wrath.” Herios crossed his arms and raised an eyebrow, waiting silently, letting Athena decide.

Athena simply waved her hand, as if brushing away the concern.

Her voice carried quiet authority.

“He is not just any man.

He is my husband.

I will explain it to Artemis myself.

You have no need to fear reprisal.” The word struck like thunder.

Atalanta froze.

Her catlike ears shot upright, and her eyes widened so far they seemed on the verge of falling from their sockets.

“H-Husband!?” she stammered, her voice cracking as her tail stiffened in shock.

Did she hear correctly!?

The goddess of wisdom… the eternal maiden… married!?

To… to a man!?

Herios, stone-faced, tilted his head slightly toward Athena and whispered, “We are not married.” Athena’s lips curved ever so faintly, the closest she came to a playful smile.

“Not yet.

But it’s only a matter of time.” Herios sighed.

Atalanta stepped back, her mind clearly in turmoil, her voice rising almost in panic.

“B-But even so, Lady Artemis despises man.

If I bring him, even if he is your husband, she might punish me.” Athena’s eyes narrowed slightly, her calm gaze cutting through Atalanta’s panic.

“Do you doubt me, Atalanta?

If Artemis has grievances, let her voice them to me directly.

I will bear the responsibility.

Not you.” Atalanta swallowed hard, her divinity flickering uncertainly around her.

She looked at Herios again, narrowing her eyes as though trying to pierce through his very soul.

Herios met her gaze steadily, and greeted her, his tone flat but resolute.

“Nice to meet you.

I’m Herios.” Atalanta clenched her fists, her tail swishing behind her in agitation.

Then, finally, she exhaled sharply, bowing her head.

“G-Greetings.

My name is Atalanta, a Huntress of Artemis.” She motioned to the path leading to the camp, “Please, follow me.

I will take you to Lady Artemis.” * * * The camp of Artemis was alive with activity, its air heavy with the smell of pine, roasted meat, and the faint metallic tang of sharpened steel.

Dozens upon dozens of Huntresses moved with practiced rhythm.

Some sat on logs and stones, cleaning and stringing their bows.

Others worked their whetstones against spears and daggers, sparks flying as they prepared their weapons.

A handful knelt by the great fire in the center, turning spits where boars, deer, and birds roasted slowly, their fat dripping into the flames.

It was a picture of discipline and wild beauty, a place where no man had ever set foot.

Artemis herself sat atop a carved wooden chair at the head of the fire, her silver bow resting casually against her leg.

She tore a strip of roasted boar with her teeth, her sharp eyes watching her Huntresses with quiet pride.

She was radiant, her long hair tied back, her body wrapped in a tunic of white and green that marked her as both goddess and warrior.

Just then, she looked up from her food as she caught sight of her most cherished companion.

“Atalanta,” Artemis murmured, her smile widening as she set aside her meal.

Rising gracefully to her feet, she prepared to greet her most loyal huntress.

But as Atalanta stepped into the clearing, Artemis noticed something unusual.

Two figures followed close behind her.

One was familiar, unmistakable.

Athena, her sister, walking with her usual poise, her eyes calm, her steps deliberate.

Artemis’ joy flared at seeing her, but the moment her gaze shifted to the figure walking behind Athena, her expression hardened in an instant.

A man.

Tall, broad-shouldered, with golden hair catching the sunlight like fire, his presence was a violation of everything this sacred camp stood for.

Artemis’ smile vanished, her lips tightening as her aura burst forth like a storm.

Her divinity surged outward in a suffocating wave, an oppressive weight that made the air itself heavy and sharp.

All around the camp, Huntresses stiffened in alarm, their hands reaching instinctively for their bows and spears, ready to strike the intruder down at their goddess’s command.

The aura pressed on the blond man, an overwhelming pressure that would make any mortal collapse and any lesser god falter.

Yet to Artemis’ shock, the man stood as though nothing at all weighed on him.

His posture remained steady, his gaze unflinching.

His eyes, calm and sharp, met hers directly.

And when she looked into those eyes, Artemis froze.

For an instant, she was no longer standing in her camp surrounded by her Huntresses.

Instead, buried memories from eons past clawed their way into her mind.

Eyes like that.

Eyes that once burned with defiance.

She remembered the time when a single man stood against the heavens themselves, unyielding even before gods, declaring that at that moment, he, a mortal, have surpassed the divine.

It was impossible.

It should have been impossible.

Yet here, in her camp, she was staring into the same eyes.

Her aura wavered.

She blinked and realized that Athena was standing slightly ahead of the man, her hand lifted in subtle defense, her calm expression unchanged.

That small gesture alone made Artemis grit her teeth.

Her own sister was shielding him.

“Why,” Artemis said, her voice cold, edged like drawn steel, “why have you brought a man into my camp, Athena?

You know full well how I view their kind.

None are allowed to step here, not even gods among them.” Athena’s lips curved into the faintest of smiles, her voice even, unhurried.

“Come now, sister.

Do me a favor this once and let him here.

After all, he is my husband, Herios.” Herios?

The name struck Artemis like an arrow.

Her eyes widened, her breath caught.

She stared at him again, at the golden hair, the piercing eyes, the aura that resisted hers so effortlessly.

Although the name Herios is common, but with Athena taking him as a husband, and also remembering that eyes…

Her lips parted slightly.

“Herios… You mean-” Athena gave a small nod, her tone calm and firm.

“Yes.

The very one you are thinking of.” A stunned silence fell over the Huntresses.

Their eyes landed on Herios with shock and excitement.

It’s like a female Kpop fan meeting the BTS.

If Artemis weren’t here, they would’ve already surrounded him to ask for some handshake.

Even Atalanta, who led them, stared at Herios with eyes widened in shock.

Artemis’ eyes narrowed as she studied Herios again, searching for even the slightest hint of weakness or trickery.

But all she found was the same steady gaze that carried the same weight as it did in her memories.

Slowly, she exhaled, lowering her aura until the suffocating weight lifted from the camp.

“I see,” Artemis finally said, her voice quieter but no less sharp.

“Then this explains much.

Still…” She glanced at Athena, her eyes flashing with irritation.

“Sister, you know my rules.

Even if he is Herios, even if he is your husband, he isn’t allowed here.

You are defying my authority.” Athena’s calm look never wavered.

“I am not here to defy you sister.

But just forgive me this once.” “…” Athena sighed, “Well, whatever.

I’ll make an exception.

My Huntresses seems eager to greet him as well.” She stared at Huntresses who look like they were in heat and couldn’t help but shake her head.

Her gaze landed back to Herios to observe him.

“Thank you,” Athena smiled, before walking towards her, “Actually, sister, I came here because I wanted to ask some questions.” Artemis was silent for a long moment, then finally looked away from Herios, though not without a final flicker of suspicion in her gaze.

She motioned for her Huntresses to calm down and back off.

Reluctantly, they obeyed, though many continued staring at Herios.

Finally, Artemis raised her hand and said, “Very well.

I will hear you out.

But not here, in front of the Huntresses.

This is not a discussion to be overheard.” She pointed at her carriage over at the distance, “Let’s talk there, in my divine carriage.” Athena inclined her head politely.

“That will suffice.” Herios said nothing, but Artemis felt his gaze remain steady upon her, unshaken by her hostility.

It unnerved her more than she cared to admit.

After all, if you are a god, being stared at by a being who once killed gods would certainly make you uncomfortable.