Nobody knows how to be a villain better than me.

"But at the same time, this means that they should also be aware of this. They may not be able to do what they did last time, preside over the Great Sacrifice, and use the name of the Mother Goddess Gaia to restrain Olympus. We will have to face all the problems alone."

In the era after the Twelve Titans disappeared, the power of the Twelve Olympian Gods, enhanced by faith, was undeniable. Even if they formed a new pantheon of gods and humans by ruling the 88 constellations under the zodiac, maintaining the basic operation of the world might not be difficult. However, dealing with the Twelve Olympian Gods simultaneously, while also guarding against the Old Gods like the Twelve Titans, would likely be far more complex.

Upon hearing this, Samael nodded slightly, gaining a deeper understanding of the situation of the Greek gods.

Gods also have an end, and their authority cannot be infinitely divided. The rise of new gods will inevitably lead to the decline and silence of old gods.

In the future "Orestes avenges his father by killing his mother," Athena's decision to side with patriarchy and cast the crucial vote is likely a rational choice made in response to the decline of the matriarchal old gods.

On the other hand, one must be strong to succeed. If one wants to challenge the Greek gods and replace them, simply relying on the 88 Star Cloths that can amplify power and resonate with the stars is not enough.

But Samael had already come up with a brilliant idea. Once his thoughts settled, the snake on the chessboard grinned, its gaze deep and unfathomable.

"Since Orphic mythology created two origin gods and three goddesses who perpetuate authority, why not include the 88 constellations in the system as well? To elevate the status of the Cloth users?"

Themis looked astonished, and an answer that had been vague in her mind suddenly became clear, and she blurted it out.

"You mean—the Investiture of the Gods!"

Samael nodded seriously, his expression solemn.

"Athena and Medusa possess the four great powers of the world: the sky, the earth, the sea, and the abyss. Combined with the order you have established, they are more qualified than Olympus to absorb human faith and create gods among men!"

Medusa bit her lip lightly and murmured softly.

"Is such a massive project feasible?"

Athena immediately patted her chest, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

"I am familiar with the stories of the 88 constellations. Moreover, the alternation of day and night in the sky, the cycle of the four seasons on earth, long-distance voyages on the ocean, and the growth and decay of life are all closely related to the movement of the stars. We can easily incorporate these into the doctrines of Orphism, allowing them to absorb divinity from the four theological powers of the sky, earth, sea, and abyss, as well as from human faith!"

Samael nodded in agreement, and recalling what he had seen and felt in Arcadia, he pondered for a moment and gave Athena new advice.

“Don’t limit yourself to the city-state of Athens. The brilliance of the 88 constellations should illuminate the whole of Greece. I think we can start with Asclepius, the constellation Ophiuchus. Since he has the healing power to save the world, let’s hang the Bell of Calamity in the temples of more city-states. Once a large-scale epidemic or infectious disease occurs, believers can ring the bell of calamity to summon this god of healing from the stars to eliminate the disease!”

Establish one or two exemplary cases, then bundle them together and sell them across all 88 zodiac signs—brilliant!

This time, not only Athena, who was keen on taking unconventional approaches, but even the relatively conservative Medusa and Themis couldn't help but be moved.

This is indeed beneficial and harmless to humanity and the world order, and there is a great deal of room for maneuver in it.

Maybe it will work!

At this moment, Themis, who had been unknowingly persuaded and was completely absorbed in the conversation, couldn't help but ponder and sigh.

"It's time for a change. The old pantheon, nurtured by the power of nature, will eventually crumble. The gods of humanity, representing the will of humankind, will set sail to conquer the stars and the sea, ushering in a new era..."

"Calling them gods seems too deliberate and creates a sense of distance. Let's call them—Star Pioneers!"

As he pondered, Samael's gaze drifted into the distance, and a meaningful smile gradually spread across his face.

"Using humanity as our vessel, we shine among the stars; with our human bodies, we stand shoulder to shoulder with the gods!"

Let's strive to do it! When we can transform "Athens of the Greeks" into "Greece of the Athenians," then the world will be entirely in our grasp!

To turn Athens, once the Greeks' Athens, into Greece, once the Athenians' Greece?

The three goddesses murmured in awe, their hearts surging with emotion. The longing for the future in their eyes broke through the shackles of reason, bursting forth with a romantic and dreamlike beauty.

The light shone on Samael, giving his figure a captivating and awe-inspiring quality.

This is their god! Their king!

Deserving of it! Without a doubt!

"Alright, let's conclude today's meeting here. Currently, Mount Ares has three tasks: first, to attract Zeus's attention and prepare for me to excavate Paradise Island; second, to properly arrange the alliance with Poseidon and Hera and wait for the right opportunity; and finally, to find suitable candidates for the authority of the 88 stars. If we don't have enough heroes, this expedition will gather the 50 most outstanding heroes in all of Greece, from whom we can examine and select."

Near the end, Samael made the final decision, reiterating the key points of the meeting.

Then, the ancient serpent glanced at the fog-shrouded horizon, hesitated for a moment, and then quietly whispered another reassuring reassurance.

"Furthermore, there's no need to worry too much about the Old Gods causing trouble. You guys haven't been idle, and neither have I. We have our trump cards here too!"

"That…"

"What are you thinking! Unless it's absolutely necessary, that card should never be used recklessly!"

Hearing someone's irritating snort, Athena, unable to suppress her curiosity, rolled her eyes in boredom and lay down on the chessboard like a dried-up salted fish, seemingly uninterested in anything.

"You're so stingy, not letting us know this or that."

"Alright, stop complaining. I'll bring you a small gift later to make up for what I missed last time. Are you satisfied now?"

Samael smiled mysteriously. The new condition he proposed immediately roused Athena, who had been holding a grudge against him, and filled her with anticipation.

Get it!

The ancient snake severed the connection, its consciousness returning to its body. Upon opening its eyes, it discovered that the carriage had already stopped in an open space. Lifting the curtain, it saw the night outside the window. The people who had gotten out of the carriage were either setting up camp or cooking ingredients, and everything seemed to be in good order.

Samael glanced down at the blanket covering him, a hint of warmth appearing in his eyes. Then, taking advantage of the absence of others, he summoned the golden apple from the magic circle and, using his finger as a pen, inscribed an interesting passage from his memory onto its golden surface with divine power.

"For the most beautiful goddess!"

Isn't this gift a pleasant surprise?

In an instant, the ancient snake, with a wicked grin on its face, raised its hand and handed the golden apple to the little traitor who had been following it all along.

The snow-white owl blinked its golden eyes, pecked at Samael's palm, then obediently picked up the golden apple, flew through the curtains, and soared into the night sky.

Chapter 183 Beastly Parents

"You're awake? Come out and get something to eat."

Atalanta heard the slight movement inside the carriage, lifted the curtain, and extended an invitation.

"Hmm, I am actually a little hungry."

Samael rubbed his rumbling belly and obediently followed the big sister to sit down by the fire.

The female hunter then pulled out a spear and offered the meat she had roasted.

It must be said that, since Atalanta has lived in the wilderness since childhood and had to take care of most of her own food, clothing, and daily life, her skills in grilling meat are quite good.

This small, rabbit-like monster bursts with oil and releases a fragrant aroma. Its golden-brown crust is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, and it's also seasoned with a savory blend of herbs and sea salt.

Moreover, the artistically gifted bard Orpheus, when the mood struck him, would pick up his harp and play a tune for his teammates to cheer them up.

He sang that ancient and rhythmic epic in a richly emotional tone, and the divine power that resonated in the air made people feel as if they were there, and it was like a massage that relieved muscle fatigue and soothed the spirit.

Even the arrogant and sharp-tongued God of Healing and the proud and grumpy Katniss couldn't help but feel cheerful, drinking and eating in rhythm with the music, while tapping their knuckles in front of their knees.

Artemis, Atalanta, Circe, and Heracles were quickly captivated, their eyes filled with admiration.

In such a harmonious atmosphere, the meal of Samael was extremely enjoyable.

After the meal, Caenis and Circe became the first watchmen. When they heard it was time to sleep, Artemis couldn't wait to grab the teddy bear that was trying to slip away from her arms and excitedly crawled into the tent.

"Here you are, here you are, darling is just as cute tonight."

"Don't come any closer! Can't I rest for a day?"

"Seriously, darling, are you having an affair?"

"There is absolutely none!"

"Aha, I knew my darling wouldn't betray me, I'll love you forever!"

"Don't keep using the word 'forever,' it's subtly creepy."

"Creak...crack..."

"Pause! Ouch! Stop strangling my neck! My neck... my neck... it's going to break... it's going to break..."

Under the flickering lamplight, two lively figures, one big and one small, chased and entangled inside the tent, their twisted laughter and groans constantly emanating from them.

Judging from the composed demeanor of Asclepius, the god of medicine, and Orpheus, the genius singer, these two sons of Apollo, it is clear that the two nephews are unaware that the sickly woman in the tent, using the alias "Diana," is their aunt, Artemis.

With so many interesting people joining the expedition, the Argonautical Expedition shouldn't be too boring.

Samael looked around, gently swirled the wine, raised his glass with Hercules, and smiled slightly, unconsciously feeling a sense of novelty and joy from hiking and adventuring with his friends.

But in an instant, he suppressed his lightheartedness, and a hint of solemnity appeared in his eyes.

After all, this Argonautical Expedition was completely different in nature from the previous two events.

In reality, both the Calydon hunt and the Arcadia race were, for Samael, games to lighten the mood of his journey.

He possesses overwhelming strength; if he so desires, he can become someone who breaks the rules and rewrites them at any time.

Therefore, whether he infiltrated the Calydon hunting party or let Hippolyta unexpectedly win the race, it wouldn't matter much. He was absolutely confident, or had dozens of strategies, to turn the outcome into the answer he wanted.

On the contrary, those little accidents can become a nice diversion.

But now, the Argonauts' expedition has not yet been formed, yet it has already gathered the two chief gods, Artemis and Zeus, and is involved in the deep secrets of Zeus, and even indirectly affects the theocratic structure of the whole of Greece.

Along the way, they will likely encounter many formidable opponents of similar strength.

Therefore, just to be on the safe side, he should tone down his entertainment-oriented mindset and consider things more carefully.

As night deepened and the campfire flickered, most people went into their tents to rest, preparing to recharge for tomorrow's journey.

Samael, who was also planning to stay put, had just gotten up when he saw Atalanta sitting on the earthen slope behind the tree, staring blankly at the silver moon. He couldn't help but quietly walk over and sit down.

"What are you thinking about?"

"I wonder what the children born in the Amazon will be like..."

The female hunter glanced at the vast mountains, lowered her eyes, and sighed softly.

"Don't worry, with the attention and takeover from Mount Ares, Hippolyta will definitely treat those newborn babies well if she wants to change the current situation in the Amazon. She is a smart person."

Samael raised his hand and took Atalanta's soft hand in his palm, dispelling the chill of the night wind, and smiled as he gently comforted her.

Immediately, the ancient serpent sensed the hunter's subtle thoughts, seemingly triggered by the surrounding environment, and couldn't help but tentatively ask her.

"here it is?"

“Yes, the mountainous border of the Kingdom of Arcadia, the place where my father… no… King Iasos abandoned me.”

Atalanta glanced back at the Arcadian capital hidden in the night, responding calmly, her eyes now devoid of any remaining resentment or longing.

The calmness with which she openly discussed her wound was enough to prove that the huntress had completely let go of the fact that she had been abandoned by her parents.

"Oh, by the way, come with me!"

After chatting for a while, Atalanta looked around, as if she remembered something, and immediately got up, grabbed Samael without saying a word, and they leaped and slid into the depths of the dense forest.

When the hunter arrived at a lush, verdant mountain hollow with a babbling brook, she immediately leaped onto a nearby boulder, cupped her hands in front of her lips and teeth, took a deep breath, and roared at the top of her lungs.

"Ow!"

Upon hearing that fierce yet endearing tone, Samael couldn't help but let his facial muscles twitch slightly.

As a sinister gaze glared at it, the ancient snake immediately shrank its neck and wisely raised its hand to cover its lips and teeth, but the expression on its face still couldn't help but twist and change.

Fortunately, the awkward situation didn't last long, as another muffled roar came from deep within the mountain valley.

Atalanta was delighted and immediately responded with low growls of varying lengths, and the two voices drew closer and closer to each other.

rustle…

A few breaths later, amidst the rustling of branches and leaves, a female brown bear, about two meters tall, walking upright like a human, with brown fur resembling a large plush toy, emerged from the darkness.

Atalanta, like a fledgling nestled in its mother's arms, excitedly rushed into her embrace, gently rubbing her cheek against her soft, warm fur, her expression one of contentment and joy.

It seems that this is the sacred beast that Artemis appointed to raise Atalanta to adulthood.

After all, Orion, who had been made into a teddy bear, was still in Artemis's arms, which clearly shows that this goddess of the hunt had long had this taste and love for fluffy things.

"You, come here! My foster mother wants to see you!"

Just as Samael's thoughts were wandering, Atalanta turned her face and hummed a beckoning hum.

Taking a few steps forward, the mother bear raised her paw, which could shatter rocks and break trees with a single blow, and gently stroked Samael's head, her eyes full of human-like agility and warmth.

Then, Atalanta took her foster mother's hand and murmured softly, like a child saying goodbye to her mother and leaving home.

"Mother, I have to go on a long trip. Please take good care of yourself here."

"Woo..."

"Worried about me? There's nothing to worry about, I don't get hurt easily!"

"Don't worry, I'll protect Big Sister too..."

At the same time, Samael placed his hand on one of the mother bear's paws, opened his lips in contemplation, and solemnly made his promise.