Crete mountain range.
The reins tightened, and the two long-horned deer galloping beneath came to a halt.
Feathers drifted down as a group of owls transformed into human form.
"Speak——"
"——how shall we compete?"
Each Goddess holding a weapon, one a spear and the other a bow, they gazed at each other from a distance, taking turns to ask with a smile. Their eyes, almost striking lightning and sparks in the air, focused toward the center.
And at this moment, the newly appointed judge caught between them couldn't help but sweat profusely, feeling like a small boat swaying left and right between two giant waves.
Seeing how they were experienced in this routine, he now understood that these two seemingly amiable maiden Goddesses probably accepted no superiority from the other, and had engaged in many a visible and invisible contest before.
As the tension between the two Goddesses grew thicker, steadily approaching him.
Fearing a fight might break out and he would become the unfortunate collateral damage, Luo En had no choice but to stiffen his neck, raise his right hand, and take on the reluctant role of the Judge, carefully beginning to inquire.
"How about this, since it is a hunt, shall we see who captures the most prey?"
"That's acceptable," Athena nodded with calm acknowledgement.
"No problem!" Artemis declared with confidence.
Having obtained the Goddesses' approval, Luo En gradually mustered more courage, cleared his throat with a light cough, and pondered solemnly.
"However, due to the variations in the types and numbers of game during hunting, a precise comparison is difficult. Therefore, the final result will be based on the total weight of the prey captured. Whoever's total haul is heaviest will be the victor!"
The two Goddesses, who were "looking affectionately" at each other across the clearing, were slightly startled upon hearing the additional condition, and both turned their gazes toward the judge as he read further rules.
Judging by weight?
Interesting...
Artemis raised her eyebrows in mildly unexpected interest.
"None."
"It's fair."
Artemis and Athena nodded consecutively, unanimously approving the procedure.
However, seeing the cold gleam of tasselled war spears and golden bows and arrows in the hands of the Goddesses, Luo En still couldn't help but twitch, cautiously suggesting.
"I think, for fairness' sake, the one who sets the rules and the one who judges should be separate. Therefore, I recommend King Minos, known for his reputation for impartiality and strict enforcement of the law..."
Although pushing the old man to take the brunt and alleviate his own pressure was somewhat unkind,
he had made merits for Crete, he had shed blood for the Minosians!
Even as a reciprocal gesture, the elder should come forward to help.
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But just as Luo En was internally justifying his dishonorable act of throwing his teammate under the bus, both Goddesses shook their heads in unison.
"No need——"
"——you'll do just fine."
Seeing that he couldn't avoid the task at hand, Luo En grudgingly accepted his fate and pulled out two prepared wooden sticks for the Goddesses to draw at random.
As a result, Athena headed south and Artemis north.
Each Goddess, one with a spear and the other with a bow, stood at their respective starting points, poised to begin.
Sensing the subtly escalating tension between the two, Luo En swallowed hard and reminded them in a low voice.
"Ladies, remember, friendship first, competition second..."
However, this advice was met with the Goddesses' profound gazes.
Knowing that the situation was no longer within his control, Luo En resigned himself to fulfilling the duties of a judge, tossing a piece of Zeus's Gold gently into the air.