Crete mountain range.
The reins tightened, and the two long-horned deer galloping beneath came to a halt.
Feathers drifted down as a group of owls transformed into human form.
"Speak——"
"——how shall wepete?"
Each Goddess holding a weapon, one a spear and the other a bow, they gazed at each other from a distance, taking turns to ask with a smile. Their eyes, almost striking lightning and sparks in the air, focused toward the center.
And at this moment, the newly appointed judge caught between them couldn''t help but sweat profusely, feeling like a small boat swaying left and right between two giant waves.
Seeing how they were experienced in this routine, he now understood that these two seemingly amiable maiden Goddesses probably epted no superiority from the other, and had engaged in many a visible and invisible contest before.
As the tension between the two Goddesses grew thicker, steadily approaching him.
Fearing a fight might break out and he would be the unfortunate coteral damage, Luo En had no choice but to stiffen his neck, raise his right hand, and take on the reluctant role of the Judge, carefully beginning to inquire.
"How about this, since it is a hunt, shall we see who captures the most prey?"
"That''s eptable," Athena nodded with calm acknowledgement.
"No problem!" Artemis dered with confidence.
Having obtained the Goddesses'' approval, Luo En gradually mustered more courage, cleared his throat with a light cough, and pondered solemnly.
"However, due to the variations in the types and numbers of game during hunting, a preciseparison is difficult. Therefore, the final result will be based on the total weight of the prey captured. Whoever''s total haul is heaviest will be the victor!"
The two Goddesses, who were "looking affectionately" at each other across the clearing, were slightly startled upon hearing the additional condition, and both turned their gazes toward the judge as he read further rules.
Judging by weight?
Interesting...
Artemis raised her eyebrows in mildly unexpected interest.
Meanwhile, Athena seemed contemtive, ncing yfully at the Spear of Victory in her hand.
Seeing that the Goddesses had no objections to the newpetition rules, Luo En could not help but exhale with relief.
All the way from Knossos City to the Crete mountains, he had been pondering how to break through this unfavorable situation.
After much careful consideration, the newly appointed divine judge reached a final conclusion.
——Fairness, fairness, still TM fairness!
Firstly, this was not like the matter of the Golden Apple, which involved a dangerous subjective question like "which of the three Goddesses is the fairest?"
The oue of a hunting contest is more objective, clear cut – it works or it doesn''t, with victory or defeat almost self-evident.
As long as he maintains justice and neither contestant can find fault, and if the Goddesses have any integrity, he should be able to pass through smoothly.
Yet before that, he needed to establish rtively fair game rules.
Having confirmed his overall n once more, Luo En took a deep breath and announced the details solemnly.
"During the hunt, please heed the following:
Firstly, territory-wise, let the highest point of the Crete mountain be the boundary, one to the south and the other to the north. Prey captured beyond this range will be deemed invalid, and the hunting grounds will be decided by drawing lots.
Secondly, time-wise, at sunset, thepetition will officially end. Both parties must stop all hunting activities, and I will be responsible for weighing all the prey and announcing the final oue.
Thirdly, thispetition is about skill, divine power is prohibited. Any game obtained through divine power will not be included for evaluation..."
As rule after rule was announced, the Goddesses listened and nodded slightly.
Though borate, these rules undoubtedly made the game fairer and more just, with virtually no loopholes to exploit.
If the contest proceeded ording to the rules, whether it was the judge himself, a farmer, or even Zeus in person adjudicating, the oue would be the same.
When everything was ready, Luo En, still feeling insecure, added a precautionary statement.
"Those are the main rules. Do either of you have any objections before thepetition begins?"
"None."
"It''s fair."
Artemis and Athena nodded consecutively, unanimously approving the procedure.
However, seeing the cold gleam of tasselled war spears and golden bows and arrows in the hands of the Goddesses, Luo En still couldn''t help but twitch, cautiously suggesting.
"I think, for fairness'' sake, the one who sets the rules and the one who judges should be separate. Therefore, I rmend King Minos, known for his reputation for impartiality and strict enforcement of thew..."
Although pushing the old man to take the brunt and alleviate his own pressure was somewhat unkind,
he had made merits for Crete, he had shed blood for the Minosians!
Even as a reciprocal gesture, the elder shoulde forward to help.
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But just as Luo En was internally justifying his dishonorable act of throwing his teammate under the bus, both Goddesses shook their heads in unison.
"No need——"
"——you''ll do just fine."
Seeing that he couldn''t avoid the task at hand, Luo En grudgingly epted his fate and pulled out two prepared wooden sticks for the Goddesses to draw at random.
As a result, Athena headed south and Artemis north.
Each Goddess, one with a spear and the other with a bow, stood at their respective starting points, poised to begin.
Sensing the subtly escting tension between the two, Luo En swallowed hard and reminded them in a low voice.
"Ladies, remember, friendship first,petition second..."
However, this advice was met with the Goddesses'' profound gazes.
Knowing that the situation was no longer within his control, Luo En resigned himself to fulfilling the duties of a judge, tossing a piece of Zeus''s Gold gently into the air.