The Greece Antagonist

"Admetos, you go back first. I have private matters to discuss!"
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Seeing his friend stop him with a stern tone once more, the hospitable and enthusiastic King Thessaly's expression stiffened, then he nodded lightly, maintaining a faint smile as usual.

"Alright, you two chat first. I'll go to the city and prepare some wine and dishes to entertain the guests."

Saying so, he casually led a warhorse that was grazing under the shade of the trees, swiftly mounted it, and then, grabbing the reins, he galloped towards the distant Royal City of Thessaly.

Luo En watched the other's gesture of unconsciously gripping the bronze sword at his waist during the ride and couldn't help but smile wryly.

Was this preparing wine and dishes to entertain? It clearly seemed more like running back to call someone to chop him up, right?

However, shortly after, he looked toward the figure riding like the wind, speeding back to call for reinforcements, and a hint of admiration flashed in his eyes.

Knowing the danger yet daring to stand up for a friend showed quite a bit of loyalty, a character trait rare in the Age of Greek Gods. It was no wonder someone as proud as Apollo held him in such high esteem, willing to lower himself for him.

If he remembered correctly, it was also because of this "anthropomorphic" character trait that King Admetos of Thessaly, who later participated in the epic quests of the [Argonaut Expedition] and the [Calydonian Hunt], became one of the few Greek heroes who met a good end. Moreover, because of his deep friendship with the hero Hercules, he indirectly saved both his own life and that of his beloved wife.

—At the time, Apollo, having completed his service, regained his divine status. Using the Authority of the God of Prophecy, he foresaw the upcoming death of his friend Admetos. Hence, he proceeded to the Temple of Fate, making a great effort to persuade The Three Fates to extend his life; however, the condition was that someone else must willingly die in his place. His wife, Alcestis, volunteered to sacrifice herself, taking her husband's place in death.

—While preparing the funeral for his beloved wife, Hercules happened to visit. Not wishing to neglect his friend, Admetos still opened his home and thoughtfully entertained the hero.

—Hercules initially knew nothing of this until he saw all the servants in the Royal Palace looking sad; after inquiring, he understood that his friend was entertaining him amidst grief.

—To repay this, Hercules took it upon himself to go to the Netherworld, fought with the God of Death, Thanatos, and ultimately brought Queen Alcestis back from the brink of death to her husband.

This legend became the subject of many ancient Western literary and artistic works. Luo En remembered seeing quite a few related prints, reliefs, scripts, and oil paintings.

Meanwhile, after ensuring his friend's safe departure, Apollo on the grass visibly heaved a sigh of relief and coldly faced the unwelcome visitor to inquire,

"Alright, he's gone. What are your conditions for letting him go?"

Looking at his disdainful and resentful brother-in-law, Luo En really wanted to say something at that moment.

—Apollo, you wouldn't want Admetos to have an accident, right?

It was evident that the God of Light should be willing to ensure the safety of his good friend.

Previously, Artemis seemed to have noticed this and keenly understood her brother's character, choosing an unworthy pretext to use Admetos to manipulate her overly proud brother, forcing him to agree to maintain superficial harmony with the Nine Muses, refraining from extremes, and not causing a disastrous fight between his lovers and the antagonistic Nine Muses.

As the Goddess of the Hunt had expected, even if Apollo was extremely reluctant, he still conceded, even voluntarily writing to the Goddess of Memory, his mother among the Muses, to mend his relationships.

After clarifying the whole situation, Luo En also considered the reason why Artemis didn't immediately inform Apollo about the Medicine God's death.

Artemis had just reprimanded her brother Apollo for his manner toward her lover, still using her status as an elder sister to press Apollo to bow his head.

Even though the Goddess of the Hunt considered the bigger picture and her brother's well-being, it was an undeniable fact that she had damaged Apollo's face and pride, and she somewhat felt a debt in her heart.

Now that her great-nephew Asclepius, whom she was entrusted with, met with misfortune under her supervision, Artemis had no face to meet Apollo, who was serving his sentence, nor dared to use this bad news to agitate her brother, lest the relationship between the siblings truly became irreparable.

Tsk, tsk, coming here not only meant carrying the blame for her little Moon at home but also helped mend her relationship with her brother, which seemed a bit of a loss for her.

—So, Lady Artemis, what do you plan to do to compensate me?

As fanciful scenarios briefly passed through his mind, Luo En instantly became serious, his face showing a trace of sorrow as he slowly spoke to his brother-in-law.

"Actually, I came here not with any other intention but to bring unfortunate news."

"What tricks are you trying to play now? Don't think that having my sister..."

"Asclepius is dead."

"!"

The sudden news shocked Apollo, leaving him utterly astonished.

"What did you say?!"

"Your son Asclepius, he's dead," Luo En answered gravely, then sighed deeply and added somberly, "He was killed by Lord Zeus himself during your detention..."

Thereafter, Luo En outlined how Asclepius had developed the Elixir of Immortality and was consequently struck down by the Divine King Zeus with a Thunderbolt.

"Zeus!!!"

Apollo's chilling voice emerged word by word through his clenched teeth, his handsome face gradually distorting with uncontrollable rage.