บท 47: Chapter 47: The Hunt (2)
"Let me get this straight. When you said your life will be mine if I win, and mine will be yours if you win…
You mean in the marriage sense or the killing sense?" I asked, recalling the old adage that strength determines the victor.
For a moment, she seemed puzzled, then her expression shifted into a chuckle.
"Of course, marriage! Why would I kill someone who can build things like that?" She questioned, looking at me with genuine confusion.
This was a conversation between two people from entirely different times and professions.
"(Sigh)"
My energy wings flared, and with a sonic boom, I vanished from her sight.
Hippolyta glanced around frantically, a borderline manic look flashing across her face—one that reminded me of those thrill-seekers who lived for the fight.
Pity. I don't do fights…
I reappeared behind her, rifle in hand, and pulled the trigger. A bolt of lightning surged through the air, striking her from behind.
"Heh...I-I lost...very well… I a-a-accept this...fate…" she stammered as she collapsed to the ground.
Silly woman… I thought, shaking my head. I didn't accept your deal... I have no interest in marriage… I'm not even thirty yet...
As I looked around, an idea struck. After a brief moment of consideration, I decided—yes, I could take some samples from these women.
I approached Hippolyta, retracted my rifle, and withdrew a combat knife. Carefully, I cut several strands of her hair, sealing them in a small container.
Next, I moved toward where Atalanta and Artemis were.
Atalanta was knocked out, her face contorted in frustration. Her hair caught my attention—it was unlike anything I'd ever seen before: a mix of green and blonde, rare in any world, but especially so here in this anime-like realm.
I approached her, then, feeling a strange compulsion, I slowly removed my glove and did the unthinkable: I patted her head and stroked her ears.
(Heh… even though it looks rough, your hair is quite soft.) I mused softly, enjoying the texture of her hair.
Purring.
My eyes widened at the sound, and an evil grin crept across my face.
(Aurora, why don't you record this purring for me?)
[As you wish.]
The notification appeared, and I brushed it aside mentally, continuing to stroke her hair and record the purring. How many others could say they made the Chaste Huntress purr? This was, without a doubt, one of my greatest achievements.
After savoring the moment, I gently snipped a few locks of her hair and left her be.
Finally, I turned my attention to the Moon Goddess herself.
(Hoh?) I murmured, noticing her slowly rising from the ground.
"You… you won't get away with this!" Artemis declared, struggling to regain her composure.
"Attacking one of the Olympians like this!" she continued, finally standing tall, beads of sweat forming on her brow.
(Truly? I wonder what your fellow gods would think of the Moon Goddess herself—the mighty Artemis—losing to a mere sixteen-year-old human teenager?) I said, shaking my head theatrically. My arms were crossed in mock disappointment.
"You… must be joking!" she exclaimed, her wide blue eyes filled with disbelief.
Now that I could see her more clearly, I had to admit, Artemis was breathtakingly beautiful. Her silver hair, almost glowing, was tied back in a simple ponytail with a leather strap.
(Why would I joke with you? I have no reason to.) I replied, walking closer.
By now, she had realized she couldn't access her magic, nor could she use her bow. Most impressively, she had survived an ultimate-class level kick—no easy feat without divine empowerment. I was genuinely impressed by her resilience.
"Lies… it has to be lies!" Artemis shouted in denial. "No human can achieve this without help from a deity!"
I frowned slightly. This was starting to get tiresome. Wait… I know!
I reached up and disconnected my helmet. In moments, Artemis could see my face clearly.
The chill of the air hit my skin as I removed the helmet. The cold was palpable, and I couldn't help but acknowledge it.
"You… You're a teenage human male! No-no, way!" Artemis stammered, her disbelief intensifying.
"Indeed. Now, I know gods can tell when mortals are lying, right? Tell me, can you do that? Or do you need my assistance?" I asked with a smug smile, knowing she had no access to her divine energy.
"You… YOU! No human male dares to speak to me like this!" she growled, her shoulders trembling with fury.
"And what are you going to do about it?" I asked, genuinely curious, my tone dripping with amusement.
I couldn't help but wonder: What would gods do without their powers? It's a natural curiosity. Humans are born powerless, so we build ourselves up. But gods... what happens to them when they lose their divine abilities.
Before I could reflect on this thought further, Artemis lunged at me with a burst of anger.
"You… YOU… YOU!" she screamed, attempting to punch me.
The thing was, my Freedom Scale Mail made me unusually tall—nearly three meters. So, naturally, I caught her with ease.
She struggled, trying to push me back, but her efforts were futile. To move me, she would need an immense amount of force, but at this moment, her strength was no more than that of an average human.
"If you're going to keep this up, just don't," I said, sighing with a bored and disappointed tone. I guess I expected too much.
"Grrr… I will make you pay!" she snarled.
"I'll spank you for being naughty, you know?" I said, sounding both bored and mildly amused. It was hard to resist. She was a natural man-hater, and I had this strange urge to push her buttons.
"What!? You dare?" she gasped, wide-eyed and incredulous.
"You want to test this theory?" I asked with a raised eyebrow, casually lifting her by the wrist.
"I am an Olympian Goddess! You can't do this!" she protested, her voice tinged with embarrassment.
"You wanted to kill me less than five minutes ago," I countered. "Not only was I assaulted by a whole group of feminists, but two of them were bona fide Goddesses. So tell me, what should I do? Oh, I know… I should wrap you all up and send you as a parcel to Olympus. I wonder how your council will react?" I said with a gleam in my eye.
"...You... Do you want an apology?" she asked, her eyes wide as realization dawned on her.
"Hmmm… I want something else," I said, inspecting her closely, giving her some wrong ideas in the process.
She paled.
"I will kill myself if you dare take my body!" she shouted fiercely.
"Your body?" I chuckled. "Oh, you're quite the pervert if you're already thinking in that direction. But no. While you are beautiful, I have no interest in you." I shook my head. "I already have Serafall and Grayfia. Adding another silver-haired beauty would be… interesting, especially in a maid uniform…"
Artemis blushed crimson, clearly flustered and unsure where to look. Normally, I imagined she would either kill the one responsible or turn them into an animal.
"T-Then what do you want?" she asked after an uncomfortable silence, especially as she hung suspended in the air.
I took my other hand and moved it toward her face. She looked up, eyes widening as she realized what I was doing.
As I pulled a few strands of her hair free, Artemis wore an odd expression. She had no idea how to respond.
After gathering some of her hair, I lowered her back to the ground.
"You... What are you going to do with my hair?" she asked, her voice tinged with worry.
"Since I already know a bit about Greek gods' energy, I want to see more," I said, stowing her hair away and putting my helmet back on.
"Whereas you're a huntress, I'm an engineer and an inventor. I make things. Maybe I'll create something interesting by unlocking things from your hair."
I smiled to myself. "Besides, it's a nice souvenir. I beat Artemis and her hunt in less than five minutes."
"...You…" she growled, her fury building. "I will get you back for this! I won't stop until you're beneath my foot!"
"Sure…" I said casually, though the challenge seemed more amusing than threatening.
I gave her nose a quick, teasing squeeze.
"Next time, maybe you should bring the whole Pantheon with you," I mused aloud. "That way, I'll at least have more loot to collect."
She tried desperately to push my hand away, but it was no use.
Finally, I pulled my hand back myself.
"This—"
"You'll get me back for it. I get it," I said, my tone light. "Maybe I should just seal your power permanently and keep you as a maid?"
Artemis fell silent, her only response a furious glare as she stroked her nose, still processing my words.
"Anyways… I'll see you later, Artemis," I said, wings glowing as I took off.
BOOM
I heard her scream in rage, the sound echoing behind me. The night sky seemed to brighten slightly, the moon showing off her domain.
Well, she's pissed. I thought, suppressing a sigh. It was hard to resist the temptation to keep messing with her. I could've had a lot more fun, but there will be a second and third time. She won't stop just because her power's sealed...
I shrugged, already wondering what Serafall's reaction to this would be.
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