The surface of the sea was calm, shimmering under the sun as fish leapt playfully from the water.
Several orcas, their teeth clamped around silver reins, sped across the surface, pulling a majestic chariot behind them.
It was the divine carriage of a Sea Goddess. Even the most ferocious sea monsters dared not approach.
In these vast waters, Oceanus was the unquestioned ruler.
Whether in the distant past or the present day, not even Poseidon would challenge the boundless dominion of Oceanus head-on.
Inside the smoothly gliding carriage, Eros sat with the three goddesses, casually chatting while admiring the breathtaking scenery.
He still knew too little about this world, only fragments from myths and legends he'd once read.
But myths were, at best, unreliable stories. To truly understand the world, he had to experience it himself.
So Eros took this rare moment of leisure to fish for information, gently probing, weaving questions into conversation.
Back when he was with Apollo, he'd avoided deep conversation for fear of getting too close.
But now, in the company of three pure-blooded goddesses, there were far fewer concerns.
They chatted idly, occasionally drifting off-topic into playful teasing. Aside from Styx's frequent scolding interruptions, the other two were completely wrapped around Eros's finger.
Perseis, in particular, had nearly been set ablaze by his flirtation more than once.
Moments like that made Eros secretly regret not insisting on her being his sole guide.
A passionate woman, neglected by her husband? That was the kind of scenario gift-wrapped by fate.
If Greece had any, ahem, specialized industries, Perseis would definitely be a top client.
But it wasn't too regrettable. He had a feeling there would be plenty more opportunities.
He couldn't help but feel like one of those classic yellow-haired anime side characters, shameless and bold, while Perseis was the hot, neglected neighbor's wife, riddled with openings.
She was like a swordswoman who'd used her ultimate move, leaving herself wide open, just waiting for Eros to land the final blow.
Styx, on the other hand, was a much tougher nut to crack.
Though Eros could sense she didn't entirely reject his advances, she still held fast to rules, boundaries, and dignity, never giving even the faintest hint that would allow him to go further.
And as for Amphitrite? She wasn't even in the same league. The poor girl blushed furiously at even a mildly suggestive joke.
After running through all this in his mind, Eros suddenly snapped out of it.
Wait… what the hell was he thinking?
Had he already been corrupted by this land? Was this the seductive pull of Greek culture?
How was he any different from Zuesidon now? He wasn't one of those lecherous creeps—he was the Messenger of Love.
His concern for Perseis and Styx wasn't about narrow waists or long legs. It was about mending their lonely hearts.
"…Is something wrong? You went quiet all of a sudden."
Perseis looked at him with concern, her neckline dangerously low, less protective against gentlemen than it was against rogues.
Eros quietly appreciated the view without calling her out on her little act of seduction.
"Ah, it's nothing. What were we talking about just now?"
"About the ocean," Amphitrite whispered softly.
Eros was still in the middle of learning how this mythological Greek world differed from the one he thought he knew.
For instance, he had assumed this place was just the gentle Aegean Sea, but it was far more complex.
This wasn't the Mediterranean, a body of water encircled by continents.
This was the Ocean of Oceanus, a vast, ring-shaped river that circled the entire world, connected end to end.
All rivers flowed into this boundless sea. Each was named after one of Oceanus's many children.
Even the rivers of the Underworld were included—hence, Styx, the goddess of oaths by the River of the Dead.
In other words, nearly every river or oceanic myth in Greek lore could be traced back to the shadow of Oceanus.
Eros also learned that this world had its own independent stars and celestial bodies, unlike the cosmos he was familiar with.
Here, nothing was permanent. Everything could be shaped, redefined, even rewritten by the gods.
Which reminded him of the bold, naive things he'd once said to Zeus. He wondered now how she'd managed to keep a straight face.
So that's it, huh? She just let it slide because she was distracted by a pretty face?
Fine. He mentally added a grudge to his Zeus ledger.
Next time, he'd make her pay—with interest.
But as Eros was trying to understand this world through conversation, Styx was also observing him closely.
Though she'd heard rumors and met Eros in person, character couldn't be judged on first impressions alone.
After all, she couldn't just stand by and watch her sisters fall headfirst into a honey trap.
Perseis? Lost cause. But Amphitrite might still be salvageable.
Styx glanced at her youngest sister—so naïve, still doted on by their father—and saw her eyes fixed on Eros, full of starry-eyed wonder.
Yep. Another one down.
A celestial pretty boy was just too lethal a weapon for an innocent girl like her.
Oh well, Styx sighed inwardly. No use worrying. Let Father decide.
If their father approved, he could simply grant Eros a divine title, like River God.
"Ah! We're almost there!"
Amphitrite suddenly called out, breaking their conversation.
Up ahead, the ocean appeared to collapse like a waterfall. A massive whirlpool churned under some unseen force.
The orcas let out sharp cries and dove headfirst into the vortex, pulling the chariot with them.
Like a winding mountain road, the swirling waterway spiraled downward, deeper into the sea.
As they descended, Eros began to see the forms of other aquatic races swimming through the watery corridors.
And then, rising from the ocean floor, the City of the Abyss revealed itself to him at last.
It was a breathtaking wonder, a miracle that could only be built through supernatural power.
In the lightless depths, the ocean parted. Sunlight streamed through, illuminating a magnificent, crystalline city carved from the deep blue abyss.
Constructed from crystal, orichalcum, and molten seastone, the sprawling metropolis sparkled like a divine gem in the sea's core.
Eros couldn't help but feel his trip had already been worth it.
Even without the company of goddesses, this stunning mythological marvel would have made the journey worthwhile.
They followed the water-filled canals that wound through the city like roads, heading straight toward the city's center.
Gates built tall enough for giants stood wide open, but Amphitrite's carriage could only go as far as the entrance.
"Isn't there usually someone around here?"
Eros glanced around the enormous yet eerily empty hall. It felt oddly quiet, especially after the vibrant world outside.
"This is the space before the throne room," Styx said flatly. "Silence is expected, isn't it?"
A voice interrupted from behind the corner, crisp and elegant.
"You've arrived. I've been waiting."
Footsteps echoed across the grand marble floor.
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