That was a name YuWon had heard of before. Not in much detail, but he knew someone named Chiron, who had taught and trained many heroes in Greek lore. Not only that, he was known to be proficient in medicine and warfare.
At first, YuWon wondered what that was about. But if something like a Hydra could exist, it won't be strange for Chiron to exist.
"But, we don't know--!" the elder opened his mouth again, only to be cut off by the angel.
"It's an order. Do as I say, or the werewolves will be the last thing you'd be worried about."
With that, the angel disappeared, leaving behind the confused centaurs. It was true Chiron was a centaur. But meeting him wasn't easy. The elder centaur needed the angel's help to locate him. But she thought he was making excuses and didn't listen to him.
"So where is he?" YuWon asked, stretching his muscles.
"We don't know," the elder shook his head. "Chiron has always been... different from us. That's why they don't live with us commoners."
"They? There is more than one Chiron?"
The elder nodded. "Chiron isn't an individual, but a position. A revered one at that. Not anyone can become a Chiron."
The elder kept talking about it. The Chiron was like a clan of gifted individuals. It was said they possessed all the knowledge that an entire species of centaurs couldn't possibly achieve.
Before a curse befell their race, people worshipped the Chirons as messengers of the gods. But when the gods cursed Lycaon, he went after them first. He wanted a cure for the curse and knew the Chirons could offer it.
However, the Chirons didn't help him. Whether they didn't want to go against the gods, or because their knowledge failed, was anyone's guess. Either way, they were the first clan that Lycaon struck.
The werewolves killed many of them. But they were also the only clan who managed to chase Lycaon away. Ever since then, no one had heard about them. The Chiron went into hiding and even Lycaon didn't dare to pursue them.
The centaurs tried looking for them to learn how they defeated Lycaon. But they found no trace of them. It was like they had disappeared into the air.
"It's impossible to find the Chiron," the elder sighed.
But YuWon remained unconvinced. If it had been truly impossible, the angel wouldn't have given them the task. Besides, she was an angel, and she obviously knew what happened between Lycaon and the Chiron.
There has to be something...
YuWon looked far deeper into the forest. If the centaurs didn't know shit, then there was only one person who could guide them.
"Hm... time to wake Soo-Ah."
***
Sometime later...
YuWon crouched beside the unconscious Soo-Ah, holding a small bowl of water. Without hesitation, he splashed it over her face. She gasped, blinking rapidly, adjusting to the rude awakening.
"Wh-what?!" she asked, frantically looking around.
However, she relaxed immediately when she noticed Yeji before her. To her, Yeji was no ordinary person; she was the vessel for the goddess Sekhmet, whom Soo-Ah worshiped.
The prey had taken the bait. Yeji wanted to smile, but her expression remained serious.
"When the Goddess was about to leave me, she told me of someone who could help strengthen my body. Someone named Chiron. They have abilities that will make me strong enough to bear Sekhmet's full power."
Yeji saw Soo-Ah's eyes light up when she paused. So she continued.
"After talking with the centaurs, I realized the Chiron was not a person but a clan. However, they don't know where the Chiron clan is. But Lycaon might."
"So, that's why you want me to bring Lycaon back, even if it's just as a skeleton soldier. He'll lead us to the Chiron."
"Exactly. As long as I can find the Chiron, we can have goddess return to us."
Soo-Ah considered this for a long moment, then glanced at Yeji with suspicion. The Yeji she knew was devoted to YuWon. It was unlikely she would plot against him. After all, that's what it would mean to bring Sekhmet back to the mortal world.
"Does YuWon know about this?"
"Not entirely. He knows about Chiron and the body enhancements, but I lied to him and said having the enhancement would prevent the goddess's possession."
She continued, "He is overprotective of me, so he agreed. But even he has suspicions about my motives. Since I woke up knowing about Chiron. But he trusts me... but I need your trust more than his."
Soo-Ah's gaze softened. She had experienced the enlightenment firsthand. Hence, she knew Yeji could believe in Sekhmet when she woke up. She needed to have a plan in place. Just in case Yeji was playing with her.
"Very well. I'll do it, but only on one condition."
"What is it?" Yeji asked.
"I will accompany you," Soo-Ah said. "That is not up for negotiations."
"Of course, Soo-Ah. I wouldn't have it any other way," Yeji smiled, holding her hand. "Goddess Sekhmet will remember your devotion. Thank you sincerely."
Hearing Sekhmet's name spoken with such reverence brought a glimmer of pride to Soo-Ah's eyes. The goddess herself would remember her loyalty; that was enough to make Soo-Ah agree wholeheartedly.
"But for now, you'll have to stay here," Yeji informed her, saddened by the fact. "YuWon suspects me already. If I ask him to free you, he might not take it kindly."
"I understand," Soo-Ah nodded. "Fret not, it would take more than this to break me and my devotion to the goddess. But be careful. I don't trust that traitor."
With a last smile, Yeji left the room, only to find YuWon waiting outside. As soon as she saw him, she gave him a thumbs-up, along with a triumphant smile.
"Told you it'd work," YuWon said, ruffling her hair.
"Isn't that what I should say?" Yeji grinned. "But she'll resurrect Lycaon and help us find the Chiron. Mission accomplished."
"Good. That will make things a lot easier."
"But we have to be careful. Soo-Ah is still loyal to Sekhmet. If she finds out the truth, we could be in serious trouble."
"Don't worry. I'll deal with her distracted if it comes to that."