Things belong to others, lives belong to oneself

The atmosphere in the sacred garden was unusually solemn. Two figures sat facing each other, creating a tense atmosphere.

Samael shook the last stone slab he had carved and smoothed, the one with the image engraved on it, glanced at the claws covering the other's hand, and a smile played on his lips.

Six days have passed since Medusa entered the earth fortress created by the Golden Apple Tree and comprehended the divine power of the earth god.

During this time, all the atmosphere was obscured and concealed by the earthy yellow light patterns and the drooping branches of the Golden Apple Tree.

Samael had no idea what was going on inside.

He could only vaguely sense, through his biological instincts, that Medusa was undergoing a tremendous transformation, which subtly increased the sense of oppression he felt.

In the process of comprehending the Divine Authority of Earth, no news is the best news.

As for the Golden Apple, I have three on hand. They're not going anywhere, and I can eat them anytime. My priority is to ensure Medusa's safety during this period.

Samael gradually calmed down and began to find some entertainment to pass the time.

It's fine to play by myself for a day or two, but I get a bit bored after three days.

Out of sheer boredom, the ancient snake decided to trick Ladon into playing a game of drawing jokers together.

As Dragon Kind deity, and with the added stats from Mages, this Hundred-Headed Dragon always prefers to lie down rather than stand up; sleeping and counting money are its favorite daily routines.

However, even the most resolute dragon cannot resist the allure of gems and precious metals.

After Samael smiled and showed off a few exquisite Sumer gold coins, Radon promptly abandoned his sleepiness and started playing games with the ancient snake to pass the time.

After several days of intense exchanges, both sides had their share of victories and defeats.

Whenever the ancient serpent took the gem it was clutching from Ladon's arms, the creature's expression was as if it were being torn apart; its hundred or so heads trembled together, and its opening and closing Serpent Eyes stared sinisterly at the evil hand.

Samael suspected that if this guy hadn't been "taught a proper lesson" by him, the Dragon Kind in front of him might have had a high blood pressure and bit off a hundred or so heads, possibly even killing his master on the spot.

As for the process of getting students to listen attentively, it's naturally to beat them into submission first, and then reason with them.

Do you really think that the title of "Black Demon" is just for show, that these unruly gods and monsters can be so obedient?

Tch, a spell to cover up and conceal one's aura on a card? Interesting.

Let me show you what it means to be someone's teacher after all...

"They're here!"

Suddenly, the ancient Serpent Eyes contracted sharply, its gaze fixed ahead, and it abruptly stood up.

Ladon's eyes sharpened, and he subconsciously turned his head.

Tsk, you fell for it so easily? Your brain is probably smaller than a walnut, and you still want to play with me?

The ancient serpent, having succeeded in its wicked scheme, smirked coldly. Just as it stretched out its head, ready to check the position of the Joker in Ladon's claws...

However, in an instant, the sight of dozens of peering eyes around him, and the heads hanging down from all directions, froze Samael's slightly forward-leaning body in mid-air, his smile awkward.

"Why do you have so many heads? And you even have an invisibility spell on you. That's too much."

The ancient serpent, which had been reaching for Ladon's claws, raised its paws high, then gently lowered them, landing on the delicate, silvery scales of the serpent's head, which was elegant and beautifully sculpted, with a sullen expression.

"Roar!"

As Ladon gradually became familiar with the Rules, he expressionlessly stretched out his head, which was always responsible for monitoring some bad guy, while pushing his hand forward, signaling this guy not to dawdle and to hurry up.

Casinos don't have master-apprentice relationships. Although Samael taught him the game, this True Magic dragon, who was clearly tricked into developing high intelligence, is already showing signs of surpassing its master.

Surrounded by dozens of heads and caught red-handed, even with his thick skin, Samael couldn't withstand the contemptuous gazes.

Left with no other choice, the ancient snake randomly drew a card, only to find upon flipping it over that it was the Joker.

Tsk, I've never had any luck with myself.

Samael muttered to himself, then after shuffling the cards slightly, he recklessly shoved his hand in front of Radon.

Without hesitation, the Hundred-Headed Dragon extended its claws and precisely selected the card with the suit, winning the game perfectly.

"That's all, I'm out of money."

But when faced with Ladon's demands for repayment, Samael simply shrugged.

You have no money? Then where did you hide the jewels you stole from me?

You have no money and you still want me to hang out with you?! Do you even know I haven't slept for four days?!

The Hundred-Headed Dragon was instantly enraged, its teeth itching with hatred at the sight of such an unscrupulous teacher.

"Fine, take this to pay off the debt."

Samael seemed a little guilty under the stares of a hundred or so heads, and casually tossed a golden object to Ladon on the other side.

Golden Apple?

The Hundred-Headed Dragon stared in astonishment at the oval fruit that had fallen into its claws.

"I'm not playing anymore, it's no fun."

Then, the ancient snake stretched and got up from the ground listlessly, stretching its limbs.

After Samael had moved around for a while, he turned around and saw Ladon still holding the Golden Apple, with a hundred or so heads staring at each other with troubled expressions. He immediately gave a light snort of annoyance.

"The three daughters of the Night God will be here in a day or two. Are you stupid to still keep the stolen goods?"

"Hurry up and eat! This isn't for collecting."

Just as Ladon was still hesitating, the ancient serpent impatiently raised its hand and snatched the Golden Apple, its fingers tightening, and instantly crushed it.

Samael casually stuffed a dark golden mist containing immortality into the mouth of the Hundred-Headed Dragon.

Immediately, a massive life force exploded within Ladon's body, and its immortality surged into its muscle core. The Hundred-Headed Dragon was forced to droop its head and concentrate on absorbing the divine power bestowed by the Golden Apple.

Under the sunlight, this Dragon Kind creature with its silvery scales and graceful figure resembled a large salted fish being dried in the sun, exuding a kind of languidness that made people sleepy.

Samael glanced at it a few times and couldn't help but chuckle.

However, as the fingers reached into his robes and pulled out a few glittering gems, the ancient snake regained some consciousness and casually tossed and tapped them in his palm.

After glancing at Ladon behind him, Samael shook his head and muttered to himself.

Still lost money...

Since Ladon was a fully formed deity, its digestive ability was stronger than Medusa's, so the Hundred-Headed Dragon woke up leisurely after only half a day.

As this Typhon's Offspring regained consciousness, he instinctively observed his surroundings and was shocked to discover that he was surrounded by a layer of chaotic and obscure divine power, like a tough membrane separating the mortal realm.

"Smack!"

"Look where you're looking, and listen carefully!"

Samael, who was sitting on the side of the rock, raised his hand and slapped Ladon on the head, giving a cold snort in annoyance.

"Remember this: you're just guarding the sacred garden. The things belong to others, but your life is your own."

"You're all just working for someone else. Learn from Yagami's three daughters. Do what they do, and if something goes wrong, take the blame with them."

"You are, after all, the guardian appointed by Gaia, the goddess of the earth, so Olympus won't do anything to you."

Then, the ancient serpent frowned and looked at the vast mountains outside the sacred garden, as well as the clouds and waves hanging down from the western sky, its gaze deep and mysterious.

"Also, be especially careful of a big guy named Heracles, and that Titan over there called Atlas."

"If they come for the Golden Apple, just go through the motions. Tsk, it's all Zeus's petty squabbles, don't get involved..."

Samael patted Ladon on the head and gave him earnest advice.

"Forget it, you should just run if you run into them. Two idiots plus a berserker with cheat codes, your Mages body probably can't take it."