Chapter 394 Sphinx_2
In that place, a familiar aura suddenly revealed itself, along with a strange yet somewhat intimate presence.
The Great Hero did not know what the latter was, but he seemed to have just met the former not long ago.
Zephyrus, his original guide in the trials.
As the Principal God of Olympus, Heracles had always respected the other's strength and status.
Yet, an accidental encounter in the city had shattered the Great Hero's mental filter... Hesitating for a moment, he still turned around and said,
"I'm sorry, but I'm afraid you all might have to wait a little longer."
"The trials arranged by the God of West Wind may not be over yet."
The other party did not come over directly, perhaps also realizing that he was not alone. It was uncertain if the God of West Wind, as the Principal God of Olympus, had discovered Prometheus's identity.
Heracles felt probably not, but he couldn't be sure.
Regardless of whether he needed to continue with the Deity Race's trials, the Great Hero thought he should meet him at least once.
In a secluded forest outside Silver Moon City, Zephyrus finally materialized and fluttered his wings behind him.
At the end of his sight, Zephyrus saw Heracles approaching him once again.
Different from their last meeting of 'meeting but not recognizing,' this time, in his original form, the God of West Wind could earnestly examine this Great Hero who he hadn't seen for a long time.
He had grown taller, and his youthful face bore a few more traces of harsh weather.
Compared to before, there was also a subtle addition of an unspoken oppressiveness around Heracles.
Vaguely, Zephyrus thought he saw around him the roaring Giant Lion, the screaming Divine Eagle, and the humanoid fish-tailed demons...
Their shadows circled the Great Hero, angrily cursing him yet daring not to come any closer.
The next moment, the illusion dispersed and the God of West Wind woke up from his haze.
There were no shadows in front of him, just the imposing form of the Great Hero.
"Heracles, it has been a long time."
"I haven't had the chance to congratulate you on beheading the Hydra, once again preserving the peace of the Mortal Realm."
His voice was composed and authoritative; in front of the Great Hero, Zephyrus still seemed to be that noble and approachable deity of Olympus.
However, what the God of West Wind did not know was that at this moment, Heracles only felt a bit amused.
The majestic figure before him and that sparrow seemed to merge into one at this moment; the Great Hero simply couldn't muster feelings of awe or respect.
Without saying anything, Heracles stayed silent, wanting to hear what the other would say.
While suspended in midair, Zephyrus took it as composure.
Just like the previous time he had defeated the Giant Lion, the Son of the God-King did not boast about his achievement.
And such a crushing gemstone needed to be polished to shine even more brilliantly.
"From now on, the mortals of the southern lands no longer need to worry about the threat of Hydra. Heracles, you have done well."
"Yet, young hero, even though you have eradicated the demons of both the south and north, demons abound in this world, and there is no shortage of those who do not wish to submit to the All Gods."
"I gave you time to rest, and you did not waste it."
"I can see the results of your efforts to hone your strengths... and now, it's time for you to show them."
The third task was completed, though there were many problems along the way, but the outcome eventually returned to the right path.
Looking at the Great Hero before him, Zephyrus made another request.
"Go west."
"Heracles, cross thousands of mountains and rivers, and head west."
"At the ends of the Earth, beneath the fractured Heavenly Pillar, there dwells a sinful creature lurking around."
"It is the Sphinx, the wisest offspring of the King of All Monsters."
"It knows many secrets of this world and poses its own questions to everyone who attempts to cross its path."
"Answer its riddles to pass by; if you cannot decipher its schemes, then even the greatest strength will be suppressed by its order."
"Young hero, this is your fourth challenge."
"I hope you understand that in this world, sheer strength alone achieves not everything, and wisdom is an indispensable trait for the strong."
The Sphinx, the offspring of the King of All Monsters, Heracles had heard of this name and knew of its deeds.
Compared to the cruelty of the Giant Lion and Hydra, the Sphinx posed riddles that tested wisdom, such that it did not leave behind a terrifying reputation in the Mortal Realm, instead attracting many to challenge it.
Although they all failed, losing all their lifelong knowledge to it, this only enhanced the Sphinx's renown.
After all, it never invaded human territories, and as long as no one bothered it, it rarely sought out trouble with others.
Strictly speaking, the Great Hero did not need to undertake this task. Now, when his gaze turned to Hera's orchard, completing the trials of the All Gods seemed meaningless.
Yet when the God of West Wind mentioned the location of the Sphinx, Heracles hesitated again.
The center of the Earth, the collapsed Heavenly Pillar, he remembered this place.
Originally, he had planned to go there to look for some traces of old days.
"...I understand."
Speaking faintly, without refusal or acceptance, the Great Hero merely indicated that he was aware of this matter.
However, hearing his response, Zephyrus nodded in satisfaction.
He did not regard it as a vague magnanimity; the God of West Wind simply felt that the Great Hero had agreed.
With that, he had only one last thing to do today.
Once done, he would no longer need to worry about finding him again.
"Very well."
"Then, Heracles, before that, I have found you an assistant."
"His name is Dionysus... I believe you will get along well."