Harry Potter: The Bard of Hogwarts

The Temple of Athena is considered one of the most magnificent and exquisite among the many temples in Greece.

Upon entering the temple, silence enveloped the surroundings.

The girl who had led the way quietly turned and left, as if her mission had been accomplished.

In the center of the temple stood a towering statue of the goddess, primarily crafted from gold and ivory, adorned with various gemstones. Under the flickering candlelight, it reflected a dawn-like radiance.

However, for some reason, upon seeing the statue, Ino was reminded of the commoners he had seen in the market.

These were people living outside the city of Athens, leading impoverished lives, wearing clothes washed to the point of fading, yet still offering everything they had to their goddess.

The array of dazzling tributes and luxurious items around him—any one of which could sustain dozens of families for years.

Does Athena really like humans that much?

Ino looked at the statue and shook his head slightly, uncertain of the answer.

But as a passerby, he abided by the code of a visitor.

A guest is still a guest; being presumptuous is frowned upon everywhere.

"For believers, they have many choices: harvest, light, love, healing..."

The whisper behind him made Ino turn around quickly. Burgundy shoulder-length hair, a white silk gown intricately embroidered, and bare, crystalline feet on the marble floor.

With just a glimpse, he withdrew his gaze. Staring at the goddess's feet might be even more disrespectful than looking directly at her face.

"...They choose, and I choose too. Only sincere believers will be protected. Besides, I have been merciful to them. Only the people of Athens are not toys for the gods."

Athena gently lifted her skirt and sat on the main seat of the temple.

Ino had already silently agreed with this sentiment. Compared to other places, the citizens of Athens were quite fortunate during the age of the gods, at least not treated as disposable entertainment.

"Look up now, it's time to discuss our matters." The voice from the main seat was cool and firm.

Ino calmly raised his head, without pretense.

This was his first time seeing the true form of Athena. She sat on the main seat, emanating a faint, holy glow.

However, this soft, sacred light caused his eyes to sting. But soon, his internal magic seemed to react, a cool sensation merging into his eyes, and the earlier discomfort disappeared.

Athena's visage came fully into view.

Her face was noble and beautiful, but what stood out most were her silver eyes, deep and penetrating, as if they could see through flesh and reach the soul.

Silver-grey and amber, their gazes met.

In that brief moment, the temperature in the temple dropped sharply, even a layer of frost silently formed on the polished marble floor.

The frost spread across the floor but could not get close to those crystal-clear feet.

"Fide!" Without hesitation, Ino called into the air.

A blue streak flashed, and a phoenix landed on his left shoulder.

Sensing his master's mood, Fide glared around with eyes full of extreme hatred and curses.

"Your Grace, I don't want to cause trouble! I never intended to do anything. If you find the house in the Hymettus Valley an eyesore, I can destroy it right now, it's easy."

Despite being angered by the intrusion into his mind, he kept his emotions in check, maintaining the necessary politeness and respect in his words.

"Is that anger I sense?" Athena's voice was light, with a hint of teasing: "You can demolish the temple, but what about the god's favored one?"

Hearing Athena's casual remark, Ino felt true anger for the first time.

From being born in London to experiencing numerous fantastic adventures, even in the magical world, he had always maintained a detached attitude.

He was like a dragonfly skimming the surface, never delving deeply. He could be a catalyst for stories, but never sought to steal the protagonist's spotlight.

But this time, the matter with Helena was different. It wasn't just because she resembled him, but because he had practically crafted this entire story.

If it ended in tragedy... he couldn't accept it.

One must take responsibility for their actions.

"Then try it! Use Helena's life to exchange for the city of Athens and all its allied city-states. These places will no longer have life; they will be eternally frozen."

Ino took a deep breath, raising his head to meet Athena's gaze again.

However, this time his eyes had changed from amber to a deep blue, devoid of emotion, life, and as desolate as the sky.

"Hahaha, you say you're not angry?" The sound of silver bells rang out from the main seat. But after a brief laugh, Athena's smile disappeared.

"I never intended to harm her. From the moment she fled to Athens, I knew. Moreover, I've been protecting her. It was you who exposed her. My uncle, who rules the seas..."

As Athena spoke, Ino gradually regretted his earlier recklessness.

Helena bore the bloodline of the primordial sea god Pontus but lacked the corresponding divine status.

As the primordial god of the sea, Pontus was considered the sea itself, one of the oldest and most legitimate deities.

For a descendant of Pontus without divine status, facing Poseidon, who now held dominion over the seas, was a serious predicament.

It was also a subtle threat, albeit a minor one.

...

When he first met Helena, he sensed her unusual heritage but didn't pay much attention.

After all, everyone had their secrets. He too had secrets when he first arrived, yet he wasn't turned away by Teacher Hans.

However, what he thought was a minor secret turned out to be connected to Poseidon, one of the three major gods. Greek gods were notoriously petty, and Helena's fate was doomed to be harsh.

But fortunately, Athena had conditions and solutions to offer, given she brought it up openly now.

"Name your terms, and I'll do my best." Ino said directly.

...

In the tranquil temple.

Athena's chanting voice echoed once again.

"In reality, we're not as complicated as you think. I protected her simply to irritate someone."

"You must know about Medusa. Although it's in the past, it doesn't mean I can forget it..."

Ino listened quietly. There were many versions of Medusa's legend.

But the one he was hearing now was truly disheartening.

As a beautiful priestess of Athena's temple, Medusa caught the attention of the sea god and was forced into desecration within the temple.

Poseidon faced no consequences, while Medusa became the scapegoat.

...

Sorry for not uploading a chapter yesterday; I was busy with my exams. To make up for it, I've uploaded two chapters today.