Chapter 42: The Hunter

Reeling from Typhon acid, Kharon staggers out of the arena and collapses into Hades’s arms, only to be seized by Zeus and dragged to catacombs beneath the coliseum. Chained among skulls, Kharon is questioned about Medusa. Zeus doles out pain, salve, and a new healing tonic as leverage, demanding her location.

Beaten and barely conscious, Kharon insists he doesn’t know. Zeus brings in Patro to test the truth under threat to Achilles. Patro questions Kharon and confirms he’s telling the truth. Ordered to remove him, Patro quietly helps Kharon through the tunnels. They share a fragile moment of regret and care, but Kharon admits he can’t forgive yet because he loves Alexis.

Back in their room, Kharon finds Augustus shielding a sleeping Alexis, wracked by aftershocks of Kharon’s torture. Augustus reveals Alexis now feels their pain. Kharon panics, then apologizes as Alexis insists they face everything together. The three reaffirm their bond—family—trading tender confessions and musical endearments before sleeping entwined.

The next morning, guards summon them to the arena. In the stands, Kharon clings to Alexis, still raw. Augustus enters unarmored with Poco, and Zeus announces two rounds and six labors. Four Minotaurs charge; Augustus unleashes Chthonic command, ordering them to kneel and die, killing them instantly. When two colossal Minotaurs follow, he calmly fells them as well.

By ending the fight immediately, Augustus spares himself injury—and thus spares Alexis shared pain—revealing the full extent of his power. The crowd’s awe turns wary, leaders grow tense, and Zeus scowls. Kharon explains to Alexis that Augustus chose fear and exposure over her suffering, reaffirming that her safety is all that matters to them.