King of Underworld

Chapter 62

The Story of Perseus - Part 4

"Yes, and the second option is..."

Medusa’s eyes focused intently on my lips, waiting for my next words.

"I will grant you the right to choose your own fate."

"What do you mean by that...?"

"If you wish to remain in the Underworld without reincarnating, I will ensure you have the highest comfort. If you desire reincarnation, you will be able to choose all aspects of your new identity."

If she wishes, I could even adjust the blessing of forgetfulness. But this is not the end. The most significant option remains...

"Finally... if you so desire, you could become a minor goddess of the Underworld."

...!!!

Medusa’s eyes widened in shock. But this offer shouldn’t be too surprising; she is already a demi-goddess, and her sisters are already deities. I judged this level of compensation to be the most appropriate for her.

The Minos brothers beside me, who had been briefed and consulted beforehand, showed no reaction, but Thanatos, who had brought her here, seemed deeply astonished.

"Why are you offering this to me?"

Medusa looked at me with a dazed expression, her eyes filled with confusion.

"No matter how merciful you are, turning a monster slain by a hero into a goddess..."

"You are not a monster. You are merely a victim of fate."

I interrupted her to respond.

"There are many reasons. Although your death was destined, I was also involved in it, and as the god who rules the Underworld, the final destination of all mortals, I have a responsibility to you..."

To grant peace to those who suffered misfortune in life. To punish those who committed excessive sins.

This is the responsibility of the ruler of the Underworld, which maintains the world’s balance and order. And also...

"But the main reason is that I have never seen anyone suffer as much as you have at the hands of the gods."

"...?!"

Because of her beauty, she was raped by Poseidon, an unstoppable calamity. Losing her purity was tragic enough, but she was then abandoned by the goddess she served, Athena, and turned into a monster. She tried to live quietly on a small island with her sisters, causing no harm to others, but was used as a stepping stone for a hero’s glory.

In my personal judgment... even when considering figures like Phaethon, Oedipus, Cadmus, and countless others, no one has suffered more at the hands of the gods than her.

"The Underworld is separate from Olympus... I may not be Zeus, but I have the authority to elevate at least one minor deity."

"Ah... You truly are a merciful god."

I found being called a "merciful god" somewhat distasteful. How many other gods must be so cruel that merely returning what was taken earns me the title of merciful?

But if hearing this brings her some comfort and peace, then perhaps I can accept being a merciful god for a moment.

Like finding a ray of light in a dark cave... hope and expectation filled Medusa’s eyes.

"If I become a goddess, will I be able to reunite with my sisters someday?"

"You won’t be able to live in the mortal world, but I’ll allow you to visit them occasionally."

Her head tilted slightly as she heard my words.

"If I can see my sisters again... Yes, please make me a goddess."

As Medusa nodded, I waved my hand. Black divine power surged toward her.

Ssshhh—

A power that transcends mortal comprehension forcibly expanded her being. Her demi-goddess soul was enveloped in black flames, and as they burned, a light burst forth as if blessing her transformation into a new entity.

Whoosh—@@@@

I could sense the entire Underworld welcoming the birth of a new minor goddess. Since Medusa was already a demi-goddess with the bloodline of the Titans, her ascension was not difficult.

The black flames that enveloped her mortal body vanished, revealing her new form, now one of the many deities of the Underworld.

"Alright, then start with mint tea and mint-infused dishes for humans..."

"Hehehe... Yes... Hehehe..."

I forcibly averted my gaze from Menthe, whose eyes seemed to be getting stickier by the moment. Ahem. Ahem. Please stop looking at me like that.

Now that Perseus has slain Medusa, it’s time for the Helm of Darkness to be returned to me. And sure enough, Hermes, the messenger god of Olympus, arrived in the Underworld.

"Uncle Hades, it’s me, Hermes, I’ve returned!"

"Do you have the Helm?"

"Ah, here it is. By the way, Perseus was quite courteous."

Courteous? Did he express his gratitude for borrowing the sacred weapons? I accepted the Helm of Darkness from Hermes and placed it beside my throne.

"Since I was returning the sacred weapons, I also presented Medusa’s head to Aunt Athena."

"Hmm. Bring it to the Underworld."

"Pardon?"

Hermes looked at me with a confused expression.

"Uh... if you request it, I’m sure Aunt Athena will give it to you. But why do you need it...?"

"Medusa is now a goddess of the Underworld. Her mortal body must be reclaimed."

"A goddess?!"

The messenger god froze, stuttering as he looked at me.

"Uncle...? Did you make the monster that Perseus slew a goddess...?"

"She wasn’t a monster; she was a poor woman who was raped by Poseidon and punished by Athena."

"But my father and Aunt Athena might object..."

"And what do you want me to do about that? Just bring me Medusa’s head. If they don’t return it, tell them I’ll come for it myself."

"Y-Yes, sir..."

Hermes, bowing deeply, left with a troubled expression to return to Olympus.

Later, Medusa’s head, as it was when she was alive, was returned to its rightful owner.

The head of the monster, with its countless serpentine locks, lay before her, its eyes closed. When I handed it to Medusa, she lowered her head with a somewhat conflicted expression.

"...In any case, I have returned your head to you."

"Thank you. Truly..."

"Your head... well, since it was your mortal body, do with it as you wish."

As I was about to turn away, I felt a tug on my robe.

"Hmm?"

When I looked back, she hesitated for a moment before meeting my gaze directly.

"The grace you’ve shown me by making a monster into a goddess... with your permission, I would like to spread this story to the mortals."

"...You may do as you wish. But even so, I too..."

I bear responsibility for her death. If I hadn’t lent Perseus the Helm of Darkness, he might have died instead of Medusa.

"But unlike the other gods, you apologized."

"......"

"And you even made me a goddess, giving me a new life... I wish to spread the word of your grace."

Has she abandoned the goddess she once served, turning to me for her new faith? It feels less like a faith born of grace and more like a crutch to cover the wounds of her heart.

"...I understand."

Even so, I couldn’t bring myself to refuse her.