At last, I found myself standing in the same place where I had first met Jason. When Achilles saw him, he immediately threw an arm around the young hero, greeting him like an old friend.
Jason, for his part, was overjoyed to see Achilles. He couldn't stop smiling. After all, Achilles was the first to volunteer for the quest to find the Golden Fleece—a journey Jason had been struggling to find even a single crew member for.
The disappearance of so many background characters had become a serious problem for Jason. I overheard the two of them talking: Jason had been standing in the square since yesterday, but not a single brave soul had stepped forward to join his expedition. The extras who did show up were children, elderly folks, women, and the disabled—none of whom could possibly accompany him on a deadly journey.
If he took them, he'd probably die before even reaching the Golden Fleece.
Worse still, if things kept going this way, the story of Jason successfully retrieving the fleece would vanish from mythology altogether, replaced by a new tale: Jason dies en route to the Golden Fleece.
But what could he do? Nearly all the male background characters were still stuck in the Moirai's fate arena, and at this rate, it could be ages—or never—before they got out. Especially since I was holding the only golden needle that could assign their destinies.
Still, Jason kept on calling out, fulfilling the role assigned to him. I couldn't help but pity him. His body was soaked with sweat, every inch of him glistening. He was like a desperate salesman trying to pitch a product that no one wanted to buy.
Jason seemed so naive. His eyes still sparkled with hope—hope that someone, anyone, would join him. Did he not realize that if no one did, his legend would end? His very existence would vanish from the mythological world?
If only he hadn't gotten drunk at the feast King Pelias had thrown. If he'd been in his right mind, maybe he wouldn't have made such a reckless promise. (He had his throne back! And then just... gave it up?) Classic case of digging your own grave with your mouth.
You might wonder: did Jason have to go? Couldn't he just say no?
Technically, yes. But no hero ever does.
Another rule of being a hero: keep your oath. It's the highest honor. Breaking a promise makes you a coward, a disgrace, a dishonor to your name.
Heroes always keep their word. Even if it kills them.
Being a hero sounds exhausting.
I kept my hands over my ears the entire time Jason spoke, trying not to fall under his persuasive spell. I slowly backed away from the square, inching farther from him.
But before I could get far, Achilles grabbed me and pulled me back. I flinched and my hands dropped from my ears.
"Thanks... for helping me," Achilles said, peering into my face. "But I swear... I've seen you before."
Why now, of all times?
The moment my ears were uncovered, Jason's voice slipped in.
My mind began to sway. A powerful urge rose within me: I needed to become one of Jason's crew.
Fortunately, I was still far enough away that his influence wasn't overwhelming yet. I managed to slap myself hard enough to regain focus and covered my ears again.
But Achilles wouldn't stop. He pulled my hands away.
Jason's voice slipped in again. Damn it.
I tried to cover my ears once more, but Achilles held my arms firmly.
"What's wrong? You keep covering your ears... are you hurt?" he asked, sounding genuinely concerned.
I'm fine, I wanted to say. Please—just let me be.
"An ear injury, perhaps? There's a healer aboard Jason's ship—one of his first recruits. Maybe you should let him take a look? It could help."
I get that you're worried about me, but this is not the time.
I tried to say no, but I couldn't. Jason's voice had me entranced again. And now Achilles' voice was working its magic too.
Double persuasion.
Just one of them was hard enough to resist.
Let me say this again: the power of a main character's voice is terrifying to an extra like me. They can sway us to live or die on a whim.
My mind was losing its grip. Two thoughts began to spiral:
One, I should board the ship and see the healer. Two, I should join Jason's crew.
Either way, I'd be on that cursed ship.
No... I couldn't let that happen.
I had to resist. I had to fight it. I would not be led to my death.
But I couldn't resist.
What do I do?
That's right... the needle. I still had the golden needle.
"O Needle of Lachesis... please, get me out of here. Now."
I pleaded with it, desperate to escape before I was completely swallowed by the voices of those two heroes.
And it worked.
The clear skies of Iolcus darkened. The bright blue faded to inky black. Thunder roared. Lightning cracked across the heavens.
The extras who had gathered in the square screamed and ran for shelter.
"What in the gods' name is happening?!" Jason shouted. He'd never seen a sky so apocalyptic.
Even Achilles looked shaken.
A powerful wind swept through the square and lifted me into the air. I flew away from the two heroes at incredible speed, the wind slapping my face raw. My mouth flapped open from the force, and if anyone saw me, they'd probably die laughing.
"WAAAH!!" I screamed.
This... may have worked a little too well.