Chapter 3: You Are Zeus's Lover!
The night sky was cloudless, adorned with brilliant stars.
Zeus, in the guise of a white-haired maiden, had already departed, leaving Eros alone by the stream, contemplating life.
From Zeus's words, Eros fully understood his current situation.
This was indeed Greece, but not the Greece he remembered.
He was now in what was called the Silver Age, shortly after Zeus had overthrown his father, Cronus, and ascended to power.
Although not as idyllic as the Golden Age, the abundant resources still allowed the people of this era to live carefree lives upon the earth.
However, this era would not last long; the humans of the Silver Age lacked reverence for the gods.
The gods were already preparing to destroy this era of humanity and usher in the next age.
That's why Hera had spared him so readily, because it wouldn't be long before Eros would perish along with this era.
Of course, before leaving, Zeus had assured Eros that she would ensure his safety before that happened.
Damn it! It's one thing to live off a rich woman, but to live off Zeus?!
Any other goddess, Eros would have agreed to, but this was Zeus!
Although he had also agreed to Zeus's arrangement.
Not because of her white hair, but because survival was important.
If it were before, Eros would have accepted death in his dazed state, but not now.
Just the thought of being in Greece, with so many goddesses and princesses, stirred Eros's lonely, old heart.
First, set a small goal: find a normal goddess or girl to talk about life and ideals on a beautiful night.
Come on, being a virgin until death is really lame.
But then again, how should he go about it?
Should he really just wait at home for Zeus's arrangement?
Forget it, let's not mention whether this would annoy Zeus; just based on legends.
Zeus basically never managed to protect a lover who caught Hera's attention, at most just one child.
Although Zeus could single-handedly support all the gods and Olympus, he really couldn't be relied on for this kind of thing.
Sigh, without a background or even a demigod status from the previous world, it's really hard for him to handle.
Just as Eros was worrying about it, a voice as melodious as a heavenly melody sounded in his ears.
[Di~Achievement system activated due to the host's increased fame.]
Damn it! My system! You finally came online!
Let me see, after being late for so many years, how high can you fly?
[Generating suitable achievements for the host, please wait.]
[Congratulations on achieving: Zeus's Secret Lover.]
[Even among the many lovers of this godly king, you seem to be the most special, which makes her willing to share a little of her power with you.]
[Your fame has increased slightly, and your name begins to circulate within a small circle of Olympus gods.]
[The hatred value from Hera will increase significantly. She will occasionally spy on you and be very willing to cause you trouble.]
[You have gained a little authority from Zeus, which can increase through status elevation.]
After reading the system's prompts, Eros's eyes went dark.
Oh no! This reputation is really bad! He really didn't want this kind of achievement!
Just the thought of dealing with other goddesses in the future, and their first reaction would be: You're Zeus's little lover, aren't you?
Eros felt like his glorious life hadn't even begun, but it was already over.
However, the system's voice hadn't finished yet.
[Congratulations on achieving: Shepherd of Love and Beauty.]
[Your eyes and black hair are as tranquil as the quiet night, your body shines brightly, and even the goddess of love and beauty would marvel at it.]
[Your fame has increased slightly, and countless gods and mortals are curious about the extent of your charm, which can move Zeus.]
[Your charm value has increased significantly, and others' goodwill towards you has doubled, and this effect can critical hit non-human races.]
Hmm?
Praise his handsomeness if you want, but this description is a bit off?
And what does it mean by critical hit on non-human races? He's just a regular shepherd, not a freak!
But after thinking about it, Eros felt relieved.
In the aesthetics of ancient Greece, the concept of handsome men wasn't the same as in later generations, with their effeminate looks.
In the era that worshipped physical beauty, the essence of handsome men also included a sense of strength.
Although Eros wasn't a muscular giant who could lift horses with his arms, he could still be considered slim with clothes on and muscular without.
It seemed that this achievement was quite genuine, much better than the one above.
The achievement of being Zeus's lover, besides attracting Hera's hatred, was useless.
Eros also tried out the authority of the sky bestowed by Zeus, which could barely cosplay as a thunder god.
It was useless in front of Hera, who could share authority with Zeus, unless one day Eros could kick her out and take her place. Cough cough.
But at least now, there was a glimmer of hope.
Eros calmed his mood, returned to his small wooden house, and got up early the next day.
He changed into his finest clothes, washed his body with olive-scented ointment, and picked up his shepherd's crook.
After locking the sheep pen, he put on his woven sandals and adorned his wrist with an agate bracelet.
After putting in some effort to spruce himself up, Eros finally stepped out.
The place he lived wasn't large, probably just one of the islands in the Aegean Sea.
A few years ago, Eros had already explored the entire island.
Naturally, he was aware that other humans lived on the other side of the island, leading primitive lives.
Anyone who has played games knows about achievement systems.
The first death, first kill, even the first friend added, they all count as achievements, and they're itching to give you an achievement for every little thing you do.
Since even being handsome enough could trigger achievements, Eros decided to try his best.
If he could truly civilize those people of the Silver Age, could he unlock an achievement?
Forget about being a sage or the dawn of human civilization, even being called a fire thief would do, right?