Chapter 41: Me, the Template for the New Humanity?

Oh well. Whoever that petite goddess behind Athena was, Eros didn't really care, at least, not right now. Nothing could be more important than the goddess standing right in front of him: Athena.

Eros refocused his gaze.

"Ahem… Honorable Goddess Athena, what brings you to someone as weak, pitiful, and helpless as myself?"

He might admire her, but Eros had no intention of throwing himself at her feet like some slavish fanboy.

He desired the goddess's body, not to become her lapdog.

Okay, maybe he wanted her legs too, but that's not the point. What he didn't want was to become her lackey.

Was this the sacred, wise Athena? Or a cunning manipulator with a saintly mask? He hadn't figured that out yet.

"Don't worry," Athena replied warmly, her clear eyes calmly scanning him. "This isn't anything difficult."

She did, however, find the way Eros looked at her… oddly intense.

But considering he was a prophet, perhaps he'd glimpsed parts of the future. That would explain it.

"After my father destroyed the Silver Age," Athena began, "plans to usher in a new era have begun. The most crucial part, creating new humanity, has been entrusted to me."

Her tone was gentle, yet carried divine weight. Though no visible light surrounded her, Eros couldn't shake the feeling that she glowed with some holy radiance.

So dazzling. So divine. Was this what made her the most beloved goddess in all of Greece, always leading popularity polls in mythology-themed anime and games?

"As for how these new humans should be created… I haven't found the right answer."

Athena's brows furrowed slightly.

As a chaste virgin goddess, she knew the theory behind creating life, but lacked all practical experience.

There were standards to meet. Humans couldn't just be slapped together. Do it wrong, and another divine purge might be necessary.

That's what troubled her.

"My father once told me that if I encountered difficulties, I could seek your guidance," she added, her voice calm.

Of course, Athena understood what Zeus really meant.

He clearly favored this prophet and wanted her to use him as the blueprint for humanity's next iteration.

Still, she wanted to judge Eros for herself before making that decision.

"I—I'm flattered, but I'm just an ordinary human," Eros said, shaking his head repeatedly. "How could I possibly help with something that important?"

Athena made a mental note.

Father prefers clever, cunning types. This one's dodging too quickly.

"Relax," she said gently. "I'm not asking anything demanding. I just want to hear your story, learn more about you. For instance, what was your previous life like? How did you come to know my father?"

Eros's face darkened instantly.

What do you mean, "come to know"?! Nothing happened between me and Zeus, okay?! Nothing at all! Don't just throw that around!

His entire expression radiated resistance.

It's not that he couldn't talk about his past, but seriously, shouldn't they offer something in return first?

At that moment, the petite goddess behind Athena spoke up:

"Assistance should go both ways. If you're helping us, of course we'll offer something in return."

In an instant, Eros's entire demeanor did a complete 180.

"Aha! Well, why didn't you say so earlier? Of course, I'd be happy to talk! Anything you want!"

Seeing his sudden grin, Athena silently took another mental note.

New humanity must possess strong desires and an innate sense of greed.

"Ahem… let's get to the main point then," Eros said, now fully energized.

Athena's thigh… whoever clung to it was blessed by fate.

"Alright then," Athena said with a smile. "Let's start from your birth, shall we?"

"…?"

Eros blinked.

Isn't that a bit much? Are you drafting a biography or something?

He looked behind her and saw the petite goddess already pulling out a scroll, ready to write. He grumbled inwardly.

Still, storytelling was one of his strengths.

Clearing his throat, Eros began to narrate, of course, through a very flattering lens.

"From the moment I was born, I knew I was different…"

Naturally, all the awkward or embarrassing moments were left out.

What mattered was painting himself as upright, wise, and courageous, and he leaned into that narrative with gusto.

With his many verbal talents, Eros launched into a smooth and eloquent recounting of his life.

Unbeknownst to him, the goddess behind Athena was dutifully recording every word.

And in the distant future, this story would become the very first epic poem of Greece, penned personally by Prometheus himself.

It would be known as the Chronicles of Eros, the origin of mankind.

Despite how long ten-plus years might sound, the story moved quickly. When laid out, it turned out there weren't actually that many key events.

Athena was an ideal listener, always offering thoughtful feedback and encouraging nods.

As she listened intently, Eros concluded his tale.

"And so, here I am now, stepping into a brand-new life, continuing my journey across this vast world."

Compared to his previous decade, the past two months had been exhilarating. Farming couldn't compare to thrilling encounters and real battle.

"Thank you so much," Athena said softly, bowing slightly. "I've learned a great deal from you."

"Oh no, don't thank me yet. After all, you two are helping me now, aren't you?" Eros grinned, completely sincere.

He was definitely holding onto Athena's thigh. Not even Zeus himself could pry him off.

"Of course," Athena replied, exchanging a glance with the petite goddess. "Though we can't stop Hera's wrath, if you're cursed by her or fall into misfortune, we'll help however we can."

In Greece, the gods were notoriously self-interested. Olympus had never been known for unity.

Athena knew better than to think they could talk Hera down.

"No no no, Hera's not the issue right now," Eros quickly clarified.

"My request is this, could you two escort me to the Silver Whirlpool and shield me from Poseidon?"

They still had several days of travel ahead. Running into Poseidon was more likely than not.

But with Athena as his guard, Eros could at least breathe easier.

Definitely not because he wanted to spend more time near her. Definitely not because he wanted a chance to hold those long, shapely white legs.

"Huh? Poseidon?" Athena blinked in surprise, then a mischievous smirk tugged at her lips.

"You actually don't need to worry about her. She probably doesn't have time to bother you right now."

"After the cleansing of the Silver Age, Poseidon seriously angered the primordial mother goddess, Gaia. She's likely on her way to apologize or grovel for forgiveness."

"Who knows what sacrifices she'll have to make this time to calm Gaia's fury?"

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