Chapter 60: Chapter 56 Medusa, You've Been Promoted
Knossos City, a petite figure in purple darted through the chaotic streets, urgently directing the bewildered residents to find refuge.
"Granny, lock the doors and windows!"
"Grandpa Constantine, leave the things on the stall, get inside first!"
"Sister Beatrice, hide yourself, I will take care of these herbs for you!"
"..."
Little Medusa tried her best to settle the nearby panicked residents, but being too young and taken lightly, her frantic efforts only managed to convince a few familiar neighbors.
Moreover, as the cool clanking of metal armor approached, a century of soldiers tasked with maintaining order in the City of Knossos also noticed the tiny figure running amok on the street.
"Little girl, whose child are you? Go home! It's dangerous outside now!"
The middle-aged officer leading the charge, wearing an ancient Greek helmet with Cretan bull motifs on the sides and a bronze sword at his waist, frowned and chastised Little Medusa as she rushed about.
The cold reflection from the armor and the chilling gleam of the weapon reminded Little Medusa of past chases, subconsciously making her nervous. Her right hand instinctively reached up to her chest, grabbing the bronze snake-embossed emblem, readying for defense.
Seeing the girl remain silent, the middle-aged officer was about to send her away when three priestesses accompanying the army caught sight of the emblem in Little Medusa's hand, their pupils shrank, and they hastily stepped forward to greet her reverently.
"Divine Envoy, my lord!"
"Divine Envoy?"
The middle-aged officer was momentarily stunned and a bit perplexed.
"Yes, that's the Goddess's emblem, only those recognized by the Goddess are worthy of carrying it!"
The approximately forty-year-old priestess nodded earnestly, her gaze steadfast, while the two accompanying priestesses also nodded in affirmation.
Backed by the three divine officials, the middle-aged officer who had spoken somewhat harshly moments before now nervously lowered his stance, asking in a deep voice.
"Divine Envoy, may I ask for your instructions?"
"I…"
As hundreds of eyes focused on her, Little Medusa, still somewhat shy by nature, suddenly felt at a loss.
"Notify everyone outside to leave the coastline immediately and gather them inside the city!"
Just as Little Medusa found herself at a loss for words, a steady and clear voice came from behind.
In the surprised gaze of the city defense forces and the priestesses, the Divine Envoy chosen by the Goddess looked toward the voice and, as if finding her backbone, joyfully rushed into the embrace of a silver-haired man.
"Luo En, you've arrived!"
"Mm…"
Luo En nodded slightly, then turned his gaze to the still-bewildered soldiers and priestesses, frowning slightly as he reminded them.
"Listen to me:
First, the wave might not be the last, so the city defense forces should organize to guide the coastal population into the city and maintain order within, ensuring that everyone stays in their homes and firmly secures their doors and windows."
Second, I remember that the temples have spells to communicate with each other. I ask of you, priestesses, to relay this message to the other city-states to prepare for the impending impact.
Third, the storm at sea is beyond human control. The port, coastal villages, and merchant ships and fishing vessels that went out earlier might all suffer to some extent. You need to set up warning lines along the coast according to the situation and prepare emergency relief personnel and supplies."
In the same way, the people in the city should also be ready with sufficient food and water to last a few days. The Harvest Festival just ended not long ago, and food should be plentiful. As long as unnecessary outings are prohibited, there won't be chaos inside the city…"
Listening to a silver-haired young man enumerate clear and effective measures for disaster prevention, control, and relief, the middle-aged officer and the leading priestess nodded subconsciously.
However, once they came to their senses, they couldn't help but turn their attention back to the Divine Envoy, whose status and position were even higher.
Once again the focal point, Little Medusa, gripping Luo En's hand, became unexpectedly calm and decisively lifted the emblem at her chest, speaking earnestly.
"Do as he says, quickly!"
The slightly belated Hestia, who arrived at his side, also nodded in agreement.
"Yes, it's the Goddess's order!"
"I shall heed your divine guidance."
With clear instructions given, the middle-aged military officer and the priestess paid no heed to two people of unknown status, merely nodding solemnly to Little Medusa before arranging for their people to carry out the orders.
But while the temple was still manageable, the city defense force faced some trouble.
Due to the suddenness of the events, there were limited personnel nearby, and the city needed to retain a sufficient garrison of soldiers, leaving the middle-aged officer facing the long stretch of Crete Island's coast feeling somewhat challenged.
But before the other party could voice his concerns, Luo En understood them and instructed with a grave tone.
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"You maintain order within the city, allocate thirty people, and come with us to guide and defend the coastline, once the situation stabilizes or your King orders, then withdraw more troops to rendezvous with us."
This plan not only alleviated the burden of the middle-aged officer but also effectively avoided any subsequent accountability for him.
With no further concerns, he readily agreed, leaving thirty individuals to follow the commands of the Divine Envoy before decisively departing.
At this moment, having just received the authority to command, Little Medusa eagerly summoned everyone, rushing outside the city.
"It's urgent, follow me quickly!"
"Understood, Divine Envoy!"
The thirty soldiers responded solemnly and quickly followed suit.
Luo En watched Little Medusa disappear at the city gate, opened his mouth, and could only let out a deep, helpless sigh.
Now with so many witnesses, whether she was a priestess of Athena or not, she was definitely a priestess of Athena now.
Alas, one after another, why must they all be so worrisome...
Seeing the situation was now irreversible, Luo En sighed, glanced at Hestia standing beside him.
"Let's go as well."
The Goddess of the Hearth nodded slightly, lifted her foot, and walked alongside Luo En.
Meanwhile, above the Sea of Okeanos.
Howling gales tore through the clouds in all directions, with dozens of spiraling wind columns rising to meet the sky, plunging into the sea, stirring up waves upon waves, as if awakening dragons lying dormant beneath the deep sea.
Roaring and bellowing, they raised monstrous waves, attempting to extinguish life on land.
However, just as they bared their fangs and approached the coast, a golden thunderbolt shot forth, instantly spanning hundreds of miles of sea surface.
"Whoomm!!!"
With a strong, arcane rumble, an immense flow of divinity surged out, and wave after wave connecting heavens to earth crumbled and shattered, turning into countless scattered droplets, falling back into the sea.
The wild winds ceased, the overcast sky cleared, revealing the brilliant sunlight that had been hidden by dark clouds.
The warm light shone on the vast sea, through the misty water vapor, weaving a dazzlingly beautiful rainbow of seven colors.
Yet, such beauty came at a great cost for the Minosians who often had to take to the sea.
Athena looked down at the white foam and the vaguely visible wreckage of ships and tattered clothing, her gaze dark, biting down on her silvery teeth, squeezing out cold words.
"—Poseidon!"