XP Calls to Me 2/2
"You can transform into a magical beast, so you're a follower of the Orphic Cult?"
The next day, Samael, who was being fed by the perpetrators, paused for a moment when he heard the female hunter's question. He recalled his miscellaneous memories and nodded with feigned helplessness.
Orphic Cult is a religious sect founded in human society by Orpheus, the son of Apollo, God of Light, and Calliope, Muse Goddess.
Believers advocate abstinence, believing that by upholding faith and rituals, they can gain more divinity and rid themselves of demonic nature.
In contrast to Samael's previous situation, the doctrine of Orphic Cult holds that consuming demonic beasts allows one to absorb divine bodies, increase divinity, and thus gain a new form.
After learning the truth, the huntress was extremely embarrassed and apologized repeatedly.
Samael was very magnanimous in response, even defending the Huntress's actions and praising her courage in rescuing the weak.
Speaking of which, it's really bad luck for Gu She to have this kind of thing happen.
At that time, the Circe the Witch just committed a crime and was being hung up by Samael to reflect on her actions in the cold wind.
Unfortunately, the Huntress happened to be passing by the coast when she saw a ferocious Wyvern carrying a trembling little girl as it swept across the sky.
This naturally aroused the indignation of the female hunter, who resolutely refused to act righteously.
Even so, the huntress sincerely took responsibility, promised to ensure the safety of both victims until they recovered, and was willing to make some compensation for the offense.
Furthermore, her emerald eyes, which were looking at the victim, revealed a hint of appreciation and gratitude, and she took the initiative to introduce herself.
"Atalanta, a hunter who worships the Artemis, Goddess of Hunting, came from Arcadia..."
"I am a follower of Hecate, Goddess of the Dark Moon, Circe the Witch of Ayu Island!"
A pink-haired little girl, 147cm tall, leaped out waving a tin staff and solemnly declared her faith.
The huntress chuckled and nodded, stroking the little girl's head affectionately.
As for how much she believed, Samael, who had witnessed it all, said that Circe's permanent loli-like figure was probably not convincing at all.
"Arcadia? What a coincidence, my hometown is also in the Peloponnese Peninsula."
The ancient serpent showed some surprise, its eyes burning with desire, and it couldn't help but pull the Huntress into a conversation.
Out of guilt for hurting her, Atalanta could only sit by the bedside and act as a good listener and conversationalist.
Gradually, from Samael's narration, which had a touch of reminiscence, the Huntress became familiar with the identity of the man before her.
He was once a native of the Peloponnese, but in order to seek the true meaning of life and explore the mysteries of the world, he set sail as Orphic Cult.
Later, after encountering hardships such as storms, sirens, monsters, and strange occurrences, he drifted to Ayu Island, where he met a little Witch and lived there for a while.
Ultimately, his long years of wandering made him miss his hometown, so he took his little Witch, who wanted to see the world, and embarked on a journey home through hardships and dangers.
As time went by, Atalanta had initially compromised only to appease the wounded, unknowingly began to lift her chin and listen attentively.
She was completely captivated by the bizarre and fantastical scenery described by the traveler, as well as the thrilling adventures, and even felt a longing to experience them.
Of course, as a skilled hunter, Atalanta would not easily trust others.
However, this wounded man was very familiar with the mountains, cities, and customs of the Peloponnese Peninsula, and his memories were somewhat dated, so it's not surprising that he was from the same hometown.
As dusk fell, Atalanta finally snapped out of the lingering reverie of the adventure story. She licked her dry lips, suppressing her lingering reverie, and offered a heartfelt sigh of admiration.
"With so many wonderful experiences, you will surely become a great lyric poet like Homer and Orpheus."
Orpheus, the founder of the sect to which Samael belonged, possessed the blood of the Muses. He was not only a hero but also an outstanding lyricist.
This praise is undoubtedly a very high compliment.
The ancient serpent expressed its gratitude reservedly, and the atmosphere between it and Atalanta became even more harmonious.
At this moment, a rich aroma of wheat wafted into the cave entrance, and the attentive little Witch brought two bowls of wheat porridge to the bedside.
"Lie down, I'll do it!"
Atalanta's gaze fell on the bandage wrapped around the wounded man's shoulder blade. With an unquestionable tone, she pressed Samael, who was trying to get up, down, took the porridge, and patiently fed it to the ancient serpent spoonful by spoonful.
Although there was an element of guilt involved in the accidental injury, the fact that this huntress, who has a natural psychological aversion to men, would act so considerately clearly shows that Atalanta has developed a certain degree of affection for this unfortunate soul.
The ancient snake withdrew its fingers without leaving a trace and obediently lay down against the headboard.
Feeding him is a rare experience, especially now that he's being fed by the famous Greek heroine. Of course, he should lie back and enjoy it.
Cat ears and animal tails are so cute, I'd love to be able to touch them.
Samael glanced at the top and back of the "keeper's" head, his hands itching slightly, but his eyes were clear.
Atalanta was the daughter of King Iasos, king of Arcadia, and Clymene, the ocean goddess.
However, King Iasos wanted a son, so when Atalanta was born, he abandoned his daughter Atalanta on a mountain.
The Artemis, Goddess of Hunting, took pity on the child's plight and sent a bear to nurse and care for Atalanta.
Perhaps due to the blessing of the forest and the mutation of divinity, Atalanta acquired the animalistic features of cat ears and a long tail, and possessed extraordinary speed and strength.
Later, she followed the bear and the hunters who ventured into the dense forest, learning to hunt and fight, and eventually grew into the likeness of a bear.
However, due to being abandoned by her father and the two centaurs who wanted to humiliate her, the huntress had a deep aversion to men and was very wary of them.
Samael estimated that if he hadn't used his status as an injured person to arouse Atalanta's guilt, he probably wouldn't have been able to get close to the huntress at all.
Of course, the ancient serpent had its own legitimate purpose in approaching Atalanta.
In addition, there are also illegitimate purposes.
After dinner, it seemed that it was Samael and his party who first revealed their origins and past, Atalanta also lowered her guard a little and talked about the purpose of her journey from Arcadia.
Samael listened attentively, occasionally asking appropriate questions or expressing surprise, showing a natural talent for acting.
Meanwhile, the ancient serpent seemed to be deep in thought, and as more and more information was revealed, he became increasingly certain of his conclusion.
Sure enough, Calydonian Hunt!
Atalanta's journey was undertaken in response to a divine oracle, to complete this trial.
Several years ago, King Oeneus of Calydon, during a sacrifice for the gods, forgot to prepare offerings for Artemis.
Feeling insulted, the Goddess of Hunting, in her anger, summoned a magical boar that could destroy the land, people, and livestock, and also prevent planting.
Mortals are no match for a superhuman monster blessed by the gods. Therefore, Meleager, the son of King Calydon, summoned the heroes of Greece, hoping to hunt this monster together.
"The Calydonian Hunt? This noble cause of slaying magical beasts is our bounden duty!"
After hearing Atalanta's story, Samael spoke with righteous indignation and earnestly requested to join.
Given his fellow countryman's previous adventures, his ability to transform into magical beasts (which is not uncommon in the Orphic Cult), and his status as Divine Kin, he should be more than capable of protecting himself.
After a moment's consideration, the Huntress finally agreed to go with the two men.
However, for safety reasons, she must wait until Samael has fully recovered before setting off.
In response, the ancient serpent smiled and looked at Atalanta, who was making arrangements with a tense expression. It stared at the cold-faced but warm-hearted Huntress until she blushed slightly, then wisely looked away.
Watching the female hunter, who had taken the night watch, leap and disappear from sight, Samael casually tapped his wound, a smile playing on his lips.
Historically, the heroes who participated in this hunt were a great number of talented individuals, including Jason, captain of the Argos; Hercules; Theseus, King of Athens; Telamon, father of Ajax the Great in the Trojan War Peleus, father of Achilles, the Achilles hero, among others.
Therefore, this trip is the best entry point for Samael if he wants to unfold his next plan.