Chapter 93: Game is game
Antares had already been claimed by Thetis, and she wouldn't let him out. Whenever Antares brought it up, Thetis would discipline him.
(The poor kid was often beaten by Thetis.)
Though Antares wasn't in a hurry, he was curious about how his mother would react. Still, he was starting to get bored since there was nothing to do during this time. Occasionally, Thetis would tell him stories about heroes and their legends.
After all, in this era, heroes were like idols—everyone loved and respected them.
At one point, Antares had even told Thetis that he wanted to be a hero.
His mother started to worry about him; she had developed a strong bond with this child and didn't want to lose him. Every time Antares brought up the topic of becoming a hero, she would change the subject.
At this moment, Antares was controlling his power and noticed that he was continuing to grow stronger.
The other gods were aware of it, too, and they knew Theo wasn't human. However, since Thetis was by his side, they didn't want to disturb him.
Some gods still visited Antares. For example, Apollo had recently come by and had a nice conversation with Antares.
Flashback
Antares had gifted his mother a song, which made her very happy. But the other gods decided to keep a close eye on Antares, and they were all waiting for a chance to secretly talk to him.
One day, while Antares was bathing alone in a lake, Apollo suddenly appeared, startling him. Antares picked up a rock and threw it.
Antares: "Hey, can't you gods leave me alone while I'm bathing? No offense, Apollo, but this is so gay. I'm straight, so stay at least 10 meters away from me."
Apollo, in a slightly irritated voice: "Hey kid, have you lost all respect for the gods? Do you want divine punishment?"
Antares: "Are you threatening a child? Should I call my mom?"
Just as Antares was about to shout, Apollo appeared in front of him, stopping him. Antares pushed him away, and Apollo backed off.
Apollo: "Sorry, Antares. I shouldn't have been so harsh."
Antares: "Fuck off!!! MOOOOOOOM, help me!!! A kidnapper is offering me candy!"
As soon as Apollo heard this, he turned into light and disappeared. At that moment, Thetis emerged from under the water.
Antares, surprised: "Mom, what are you doing? Why did you come out of the lake like that?"
Thetis, holding Theo: "Where is that scum? Whoever wants to touch Antares, I'll feed them to the sea dragons!"
Theo suddenly felt a chill run down his spine.
Antares: "Mom, it's over. Someone came and tried to trick me, but I did as you said and called you."
Thetis once again buried Antares' head into her chest.
Thetis: "That's my smart boy. Do what I tell you, and we'll live a happy life."
Antares wasn't sure if it was an illusion, but his mother's eyes turned dark.
Thetis: "From now on, you're not allowed to bathe alone. If you want, you can bathe with the other nymphs."
Antares: "Mom, no way! They scrub my body, and it makes me uncomfortable."
Then Thetis lifted Antares and gave him a smack on the butt.
Antares, in a soft voice: "Alright, I won't bathe alone anymore."
Thetis: "Good boy. You're so smart."
Antares didn't say anything because he knew his mother was only thinking of his well-being.
Flashback ends
Today, the god visiting was Hephaestus, who occasionally visited Thetis and had conversations with her whenever work allowed it. Sometimes, she even played with little Antares.
Today, Hephaestus saw Theo sitting alone and sat down beside him.
Hephaestus: "What's wrong today, little Antares? Why do you look so sad?"
Antares: "I'm just bored. I want to see the outside world and become a hero, but my mom won't let me, and I understand her."
Hephaestus, knowing Antares was always a smart kid, wasn't surprised to hear this:
"You're a good boy, Antares. If you ever become a hero one day, I promise to make your weapon."
Antares, surprised, hugged Hephaestus: "Thanks, sis. You're the best."
Hephaestus smiled and patted Antares' head.
Hephaestus: "Good job, Antares. But until the time comes, wait patiently and don't upset your mother. Be a good kid."
Antares gave a sunny smile: "Alright."
Then Hephaestus returned to the mountain, entered her workshop, and continued working. While working, she occasionally thought of Antares, the child who always made him happy and complimented her appearance, even though Hephaestus struggled with self-esteem and inferiority. Antares gave her confidence.
Four years later, Antares had grown up.
Ever since the day Apollo had visited, he had been bathing with his mother and the nymphs. Now that Antares had grown, the nymphs found it difficult not to attack him (sexually).
Though Antares had been cute as a child, Antares had developed significantly over the past four years.
His body was now strong, and the ether and magic inside him continued to grow as if it would never stop. When Antares thought about his current level, he might even be compared to heroes.
He hadn't been idle during these four years either; he had learned dragon magic. It was a rather strange magic that allowed him to control things through words.
However, the stronger the target, the more energy it took. His energy absorption was always active, and since his mother occasionally beat him, his body grew stronger.
This year, when Chiron visited him, Antares was going to go with him, and he'd probably beat Chiron badly, but who cares? Guess what? Not Antares.
Among all the nymphs, Antares had developed an immunity to beauty because they often tried to trick Theo. But every time, his mother appeared and showed them just how terrifying an angry goddess could be. Yet the nymphs never gave up.
They should count their blessings, though, because Antares was about to leave, and they were about to lose their chance.
(guys, just send some power stones, and don't forget to comment and pls leave a good review)