The Labor Camp Inmate Who Toyed with the Gods 1/3
In the desolate wilderness filled with Death Qi, a rugged and steep peak stands tall in the gray mist, soaring into the clouds.
On the rugged mountain path, a figure wearing Runic Shackles, as small as an ant, pushes a dark boulder toward the summit.
However, just as the boulder was about to reach the summit, the heavy object, under the influence of some kind of Rules, uncontrollably rolled down the mountainside, accompanied by a thunderous roar, as if mocking the overconfident prisoner.
The figure, half-lying on the mountain path, looked wearily at the boulder that had fallen to the foot of the mountain. He was just about to lie down on one side and take a short break when the invisible force of the Rules resonated and vibrated. The pain from his soul caused the prisoner's facial muscles to twitch slightly. He habitually cursed a few times and had no choice but to return to the starting point with a gloomy face to begin a new round of hard labor.
Clearly, the strange noise just now came from here.
At the starting point at the foot of Mount E, a prison guard in a black cloak was holding a jar of wine, watching with great interest this labor reform exercise for criminals.
Furthermore, the relationship between the prison guards and the inmates seemed to be quite harmonious. After the man who had been pushing the stone rolled down the mountain with a gloomy expression, Ju Tong, who had peeked out from under his cloak, even handed him a glass of wine as a token of appreciation.
Just as the labor camp inmates were happily drinking their wine and preparing to complete their daily goal of 100 round trips, the pervasive mist began to rise, and a man with long black hair and scarlet vertical pupils walked over, clapping his hands and smiling.
Tsk, if I'm not mistaken, this should be the famous scene from Greek Mythology, Sisyphus being punished by having to push a boulder. Interesting.
This guy was the founder and King of Corinth. He once kidnapped God of Death, making death a thing of the past; he sold Zeus's secret to the river god Isopus, exchanging it for a sacred spring that flowed year-round in Corinth; after being captured and taken to Hades, he deceived King of the Underworld, using sweet words to ask for three days to settle his affairs, and promised to sacrifice himself for Hades. But as soon as he returned to the world of the living, he immediately reneged and refused to leave... He truly outmaneuvered several of the great Greek gods.
However, this debt must eventually be repaid.
After Sisyphus was arrested, the gods, in order to punish this cunning and wicked impious creature, demanded that he push a giant boulder up a mountain. However, the boulder would roll back down the mountain each time it failed to reach the top, rendering his efforts futile. Thus, he had to repeat this task endlessly until his soul and will were worn away by this tedious and painful punishment.
In a way, this fellow and Samael, the disguised Theseus, were both incredibly audacious and had committed numerous sins against the gods.
The ancient snake could smell a scent on the other person that made it feel a sense of kinship just by taking a breath from afar.
Hmm, a strong, pure smell of scum.
"It's quite exciting that my deeds and reputation have spread so widely."
However, my friend, I don't mind watching the show; it'll give me a chance to rest a bit more.
The prisoner, with his tousled blond hair and delicate, feminine features, narcissistically touched the single gold gemstone earring hanging from his left earlobe. He leaned against the boulder with a smile, blinked his fox-like eyes, and pointed playfully to the side.
Those who are just watching the show should be careful not to become part of the show themselves...
Is this... advice? Interesting...
Samael's lips curled up, his gaze following Sisyphus's furtive pointing finger, landing on the overseer clad in a black cloak.
"I'd like to linger here for a while, wait for my friend, and ask for directions. The man next to me seems quite welcoming, and I imagine you wouldn't mind, Your Excellency Thanatos?"
The middle-aged man, whose face was cold and whose temperament was gloomy and calm, twitched his eyelids and nodded stiffly.
With just this simple movement, the deathly mist around him began to boil and vibrate, and his bones and muscles emitted a creaking, grinding sound like rusty gears.
After receiving a "friendly" reply, Samael's Cross Star Pupils, gradually returned to normal, and he nodded with a satisfied smile.
Yes, the spirit of the Netherworld is simple and honest. Even the mighty Grim God of Death treats outsiders with great courtesy and is very sensible!
Good heavens, a truly remarkable person has arrived.
Sisyphus glanced at Thanatos, God of Death, who dared not make a move beside him, his eyes flashing, and his smile became even brighter and more sincere.
"Are you asking for directions? I know the area well. Where do you want to go? I'll take you there."
With your mouth full of nonsense, I don't believe a damn thing!
Samael, who had a long history of swindling, secretly scoffed at Sisyphus's politeness and didn't respond. Instead, he waited for his teammates to pass the time and asked questions with great interest.
"Why would a mere mortal dare to mock the gods? With your wisdom, you should know the consequences of such disrespect."
"How can this be called disrespectful! I am the most devout person!"
Sisyphus was indignant upon hearing this, his face full of grievance.
"Look, I simply took advantage of the deception and cunning that the gods have given to mankind. The more successful I am, the more it proves how excellent their creation is."
The more outstanding we are, the greater the achievements of the gods, and the more sublime their existence!
So, I'm just expressing my deepest respect to the great creators of Olympus in a special way.
It's one thing for them to be unhappy, but Ju Yun even threw me into hell as punishment. They're so petty!
Samael looked at the eloquent fraudster with interest, patted the dark boulder at his feet, and gave him a meaningful look.
"Do you regret being tormented by this meaningless labor day after day?"
Sisyphus's sophistry came to an abrupt halt, and a smile blossomed on his face.
"Is it really meaningless? On the contrary, I feel very fulfilled and proud. As long as I am here, there will always be something to do."
In my view, what I have moved is not merely a massive boulder, but a monument to humanity's breakthrough of constraints and its mockery of the gods—this is the greatest achievement of my life!
Samael was taken aback by what he heard. He stared at Sisyphus for a long time before bursting into hearty laughter.
"Interesting, very interesting. Come on, show me your monument one last time, and after that, I'd like to invite you to join my team and become my guide!"
As the ancient serpent pondered, it raised its hand and patted Sisyphus's shoulder. Golden ripples, shimmering with wedge-shaped symbols, spread out, and the shackles on the prisoner's feet snapped. A silver chain wrapped around his soul also disintegrated and collapsed.
Has the curse of fate been broken?
Sisyphus stretched his wrists, his expression slightly surprised. He looked thoughtfully at God of Death, who remained silent beside him, and nodded with a smile.
"As you wish, my dear employer."
The convict took a deep breath and, once again and for the last time, pushed the boulder toward the summit. He moved with unusual slowness and seriousness, a look of emotion and a smile on his face, seemingly enjoying himself.
Sisyphus, is there a possibility that humanity can surpass the gods? Mount of Ares needs such an interesting member.
Well, the 88 constellations are still short of people, so we can train them properly later. However, forget about getting the Sagittarius Sacred Garments, which is exclusive to the goddess's personal guards.
Samael, at the starting point, stroked his chin and muttered to himself with a wicked grin.
At that moment, a deathly fog surged across the wilderness, and Heracles, Atalanta, and their companions arrived to join them.