Chapter 399 Blood Feast

Bone reel...

The wheels rolled and rolled up puffs of smoke.

Say whether it is far or not, say whether it is close or not.

When Ryan stood on the cliff of the Acropolis, northwest of Athens, a big city was bustling with people.

The main gate of the city was wide open, and a line of carriages passed through it. On both sides of the convoy, heavily armed soldiers were waiting.

The sounds of collision and friction between the gaps in the armor were dull and rhythmic, and the uniform sound of horse hooves hitting the ground seemed to prove the eliteness of these knights.

On both sides of the central avenue of the city, a large number of people cast various glances at this.

Fear, disgust, admiration, indifference...this is a sight they rarely see in their lives. Each of the fully armed knights could pay one for a hundred, and ordinary people could not afford a helmet with all their savings.

Under their protection, no one can collide with this luxurious motorcade. Of course, everyone onlookers also knew that these cavalrymen who seemed to be protecting the carriage were just decorations.

Although the person they were protecting was in the car, he actually didn't need their protection at all.

After all, that was the king from Athens, the most powerful mortal known to all the nations on earth today. Even if not everyone agrees with this statement, no one has been able to break the opponent's actual record so far.

Theseus, king of Athens. Today, he came here with his future heirs to personally participate in the celebration of this city-state.

Not everyone likes him, but on this day, people in this city are more or less proud of it.

Because the other party's name is so heavy, and the name of his successor to the throne is so familiar.

Demophon was the same name as the ancient prince. The king of Athens gave his heir such a name, and today he brought him here again. The meaning is self-evident.

Because this is Eleusis, the holy city of the goddess of agriculture on earth.

…

"Why, are you a little nervous?"

In the semi-enclosed space, the noise from the outside world was cut off.

Under simple and formal attire, Theseus sat upright.

Looking at his son in front of him, the middle-aged king spoke in a gentle tone.

Demophon, who has the same name as the ancient prince who was killed by the Eleusinian Mystery in ancient mythology, is also the unforgettable name of this large city located northwest of Athens.

It's not that they keep hatred in mind, on the contrary, it was from the death of that prince that the great goddess of agriculture took care of the city.

In that era before Athens was born, this small city near the East China Sea was already on the edge of the human world. But from that day on, the reputation of this place for its prosperous and sophisticated farming techniques spread throughout the world.

The small town became a big city, and the penniless became famous all over the world. The pain that the mortal king suffered in the past has long been forgotten by people. They will only remember the great achievements of Triptolemus, another son of that king and the first pope of the Agricultural Church.

As for Demophon... the reason why people remember him is actually because his death brought the attention of the goddess and the various legends brought about by the mysterious Eleusinian Mysteries.

Some people say that it was the death of this prince that completed this powerful ritual. Anyone who can withstand the test of this ritual can gain eternal life and a body that is indestructible to the gods.

Some people also say that this is actually a sacrificial ceremony to the goddess of agriculture, and no one can succeed - its only function is to attract the attention of the goddess, and calm her anger when she is angry, so that she will not vent her anger on mortals. .

There are various rumors, but no matter which one it is, it is indeed widely circulated among the people. Even before this trip, Demophon personally asked Theseus whether this mystery really existed.

The explanation given by Theseus is that 'it is possible in theory, but in practice we don't know'.

After all, he didn't have an in-depth understanding of this so-called ritual. He only learned a few words from ancient books.

In this case, Theseus had no choice but to 'believe in God's authority, but not in God's power'.

Theoretically, Her Majesty Hestia and Demeter's authority should be able to do this, but Theseus has never heard of a successful example in all these years.

"...Father, I'm not nervous, I'm just a little worried."

The low voice called the king's attention, and the young prince's body was also straight.

In the original history, Demophon was also the successor of Theseus and the king of Athens during the Trojan War. But this time, he probably won't have the chance to form an Athenian coalition and implement the Trojan horse strategy to conquer the enemy city.

"Actually...Father, I am worried about domestic affairs. Many people think your decision is too hasty."

"The unification of the Athenian states, the promotion of alchemy, the expansion of sea routes, the popularization of new farming, the research and development of forging technology... It takes a hundred years to complete one piece, and you will be able to leave your name in the annals of history. Complete half of it in your long life, and thousands of years later, people will still sing about your virtuous name.”

"The descendants of future generations will use 'Theseus' as the representative name of the sage monarch, and the system you left behind will be passed down for eternity... But now, not only the western countries of the mainland, but also the people who oppose you within the kingdom also occupy a considerable proportion. part of it.”

"Now you are in Eleusis again."

Stopping the conversation, Demophon knew that his father understood what he wanted to say.

Before, although Theseus' behavior was very radical, he still had some scruples. But in recent years, his behavior has become more urgent.

Take the production of fertilizers by alchemists as an example. The by-products discovered during the study of material transformation can be produced on a large scale without the intervention of any professional.

But considering that Athens' current food supply was already sufficient to be self-sufficient, Theseus never promoted it forcefully on a large scale.

Until recent years, even though the Agrarian Church protested several times, believing that this was a blasphemous and evil creation and a symbol of the alchemist's violation of the authority of the Agricultural Goddess, the King of Athens still went his own way.

As a result, dissatisfaction from Eleusis grew, and his people began to reject Athenian rule.

You know, hundreds of years ago, this city near Athens no longer called itself a kingdom.

It became part of the Panathenaic states, so for the stability of the kingdom, Theseus had to come here and stabilize its situation.

No matter whether the stabilization method he chooses is the promise of peace or the threat of force.

"hehe……"

Smiling gently, Theseus didn't look like a hero who often fought against gods and humans.

Just like an ordinary middle-aged man, he just shook his head slightly after hearing Demophon's words.

"I know your doubts, son, and I also know that too many people have told you how wrong they think my behavior is."

"But I hope you understand that the reason why I was able to take back the rights of the Athenian states in the past was not because of how clever my plan was, but just because they couldn't defeat me."

"The reason why I was able to open sea routes was not because of how proficient I was in navigation. In the final analysis, it was because I defeated the masters there one by one."

"I speed up my pace, not because of anything else, but if a new battle is destined to come, then I will ensure that the winner this time is still Athens."

"If you win, you're right. If you lose - no one will speak for you."

"...So you came to Eleusis not for negotiation?"

After a moment of silence, Demophon asked.

"Of course, but just negotiate the way I ask for it. If they don't accept it - remember your name?"

"So, they'll accept it."

Of course Demophon remembered his name, and he also knew what Theseus wanted to say.

There are two mainstream folk rumors about the Eleusinian mysteries of the goddess of agriculture. In the first story, it was a gift from God to Demophon, but it was interrupted by the foolish royal family, resulting in failure. In the second story, it was a sacrificial ceremony. Demophon's life was their sacrifice to the goddess, and they eventually received glory and respect.

So Theseus's meaning is very clear. If you are not stupid and are willing to accept my kindness, then the 'Demophon' you brought is a gift.

But if you are not willing, then Eleusis will be the first sacrifice in this war.

but……

‘No matter what, you are just a mortal with a limited lifespan. ’

'You can defeat one god, how can you defeat all gods...'

‘Even if you can, you will eventually grow old one day. When you leave this world, will everything built on your toughness still be able to continue? ’

Demophon didn't know the answer, and perhaps finding a way to eternal life could circumvent the problem.

But Theseus had no chance to obtain eternal life by relying on God's gift, because the 'divine nature' that belonged to him was not given by God at the beginning.

God can give his power to make a mortal object immortal, but that mortal object will also be affected by it. Because of his previous contact with the power of God, he will no longer be able to climb to the top of the human world by himself.

On the other hand, although those beings who ascend to the level of demigods on their own are more powerful and have power comparable to the incarnations of gods in the human world, they can no longer accept God's gift and obtain long and eternal life.

This is also a choice. After all, the former is infected by the power of God and is destined to be unable to go further on his own. But in this age where mortals cannot become gods, no one cares about this.

And this is why we have never heard of immortal heroes in the world, because at least so far, this is an unsolvable problem.

'You will grow old, and I... will be crowned king. ’

'But when the day comes, the burden you can carry, can I? ’

Bone reel...

The carriage continued forward, and not far away was the former palace of Eleusis.

The chatter in the carriage continued, but Demophon's heart became heavier.

…

Jingle bell bell…

In the bustling palace, the crisp bell rang. The maid brought the dishes to the banquet from both sides with a fragrant breeze, and the sound of the clinking of cups and plates was pleasant to the ear.

The distance from Athens to Eleusis is neither close nor far. If Theseus was alone, it would naturally not take long.

However, it was naturally impossible for only one person to come for such a formal visit, so after more than a day's journey, when Theseus took Demophon into the Eleusinian Palace, it was already late.

So brighter lights lit up in the kingdom. In order to welcome the King of Athens who came from afar, the contemporary Grand Duke of Eleusis held a grand banquet to welcome his arrival.

"Demophon, what do you think of their attitude?"

After a brief speech, the guests and hosts took their seats.

Theseus briefly exchanged opinions with the nobles of Eleusis one by one, and Demophon followed him and listened.

As the future heir to the throne of Athens, he was not only brought here because of his special name, Theseus was also cultivating his abilities.

So when another noble who came to greet him withdrew, Theseus couldn't help but test him while the next person didn't come forward.

"... Looks very enthusiastic, but there are needles hidden in cotton."

After a moment of silence, Demophon's tone was a little difficult.

He seemed to be thinking carefully, and the people around him couldn't help but stop for a while when they saw the conversation between father and son.

"Most of the nobles of Eleusis gathered here, but none of the high-ranking priests of the goddess of agriculture came."

"According to them, these priests are busy holding a grand ceremony. It is said that it was on this day a long time ago that the prince of Eleusis died in the mystery. The goddess summoned Triptolemus and established the first agricultural church."

"This day has since become a festival to celebrate the goddess's arrival. It seems very reasonable for them to choose to avoid her."

"Go on."

Nodding, Theseus smiled even more and motioned Demophon to continue.

In the past, he always felt that as his successor, although Demophon was doing well on the path of a professional, he was not very responsive in many places, but he didn't expect that he would notice these things today.

It seems that it is right to bring him here to see things in person. The more he is exposed to things, the more he will think about them. Such a result is really good.

"...So, they are expressing different meanings."

The voice became slower, and Demophon's eyes swept across the hall.

"The arrival of the nobles indicates their obedience to Athens in a secular sense, while the attitude of the clergy proves their spiritual dissatisfaction."

"This also shows that they have gods to rely on."

"Although they are secular nobles, since the first generation of the Pope of the Agricultural Church came from the royal family of Eleusis, the relationship between the nobles and the church of this ancient city-state has been close and inseparable."

"So they may hope that you can retreat when you encounter difficulties, or to gain bargaining chips for subsequent negotiations."

Papapapa---

Clap your hands gently, cheering for Demophon's progress.

Theseus really didn't expect that he could give himself such a surprise this time.

In this way, if the war breaks out in the future, he can try to hand over the political affairs to him, so he doesn't know how much trouble he can save.

However, too much is as bad as too little. Although he was very happy, Theseus still spoke to correct a mistake.

"That's a good point, but you missed a point."

"For example, the ceremonies held by the clergy are not for celebrating any festival."

Theseus said calmly, "To intimidate, you need to see the real thing."

"If you want others to be afraid of your sword, you don't have to chop it out, but at least you have to dare to draw it out."

"So it's not a festival ceremony, but a ceremony of the gods descending. Her Highness Demeter may come today, and she will stay here even before I leave."

"What?"

When--

The cup collided with the table, and Demophon's heartbeat slowed down.

Take a deep breath, the gods descend... His father actually mentioned the gods descending?

"Father, if there is really a gods descending, then we are in danger, after all, except you..."

"It doesn't matter, the goddess of agriculture's fighting ability is not as strong as you think, she can't do anything."

Shaking his head slightly, looking at Demophon whose face changed slightly, Theseus couldn't help but comfort him.

He can be regarded as a person who has dealt with many gods and spirits, and has some experience.

The goddess of agriculture who is in charge of the growth of all things is probably not very powerful. Compared with other gods, she is probably not a little bit inferior.

"You will be fine. In fact, we may not fight... Oh? Do you feel it? It's much earlier than I thought. They have already started."

Before the voice fell, a vague fluctuation of divine power came from the sky.

And almost in an instant, Theseus recognized the source of this power.

This is the God's Descent Ceremony, which will bring some divine power of the gods, which is not allowed to exist in the world today.

So the moment it appeared, it began to degrade.

Degraded to the level allowed by the world, to a state that can be used, but this also means that if the control is not detailed enough, the divine power will spread.

Therefore, the God's Descent is almost impossible to cover up. As long as the existence reaches a certain level, this fluctuation can be discovered at close range.

The God's Descent officially began, and Theseus didn't care so much. He noticed the slightly changing faces of the people in the field. It seems that not everyone knows about this matter.

The most senior people in Eleusis had left at some point, apparently fearing that he would attack directly in a rage.

But there was no need to worry, he would not do that...

Buzz——

"Hmm?"

With a slight change of expression, Theseus keenly discovered that the fluctuations of the gods' descent overlapped.

Not just Demeter? This dark force is... the god of the underworld.

It is said that the daughter of the goddess of agriculture is the queen of the underworld, and now it seems to be true.

But it doesn't matter, he had made such preparations before coming. His trip would not be smooth, but if it was just this, it would not be enough to make him give in.

Time passed by minute by minute, and the movement in the sky seemed to be coming to an end.

The five gods' incarnations, even though they were not good at fighting, made Theseus serious.

In any case, the power of the gods is actually the pinnacle of the world. What really affects their strength is that they cannot exert 100% or even 120% of the power.

Fortunately, this is the limit. There are only five of them. Theseus asked himself if he could handle it...

Buzz——

"Crack——"

Subconsciously crushing the cup, Theseus' eyes were cold.

"Father..."

"Get ready to leave."

Speaking lightly, although aware of the problem, Theseus still did not panic.

The gods continued to descend, and several more breaths followed. But he didn't know why the other party did this, after all, it was completely unnecessary.

Coming for him? But this is not logical. You must know that the reason why Theseus was not surrounded and killed after defeating the incarnation of the gods before was naturally not because of the mercy of the gods.

The descent of the gods requires a carrier, and the time of the descent is limited, so in theory, the heroes of the world can use delaying and fighting to solve the problem.

So since Theseus is still willing to fight in such a fair and just battle formation, instead of being like an assassin, it is to limit the intensity of the battle to a certain extent.

"Don't worry, although their number is much larger, the descent of the gods cannot be too far away from the ceremony. And once the real body is dead... they are afraid that they may not be able to return to Olympus."

The breaths came one after another, but Theseus didn't think they could keep him in his prime. After all, he wouldn't really wait for them all to come, and the five of them now couldn't stop him.

But if he could leave, those knights he brought might have no chance... Since you did this first, don't blame me.

"The gods of Olympus are like this."

"But I still have hundreds of years to live."

Holding the long sword at his waist, Theseus said calmly: "Since you can do this, I can do better."

"I will make sure that the gods will not enter the human world for hundreds of years."

The sword passed, staining the ground red with blood.

Since the Eleusinians are unwilling to talk to him, then please let them all die.

Then let him personally experience the power of the gods joining forces.