Overview:

Oppa Rockstar (James) journeys back to the woodworking village of Sta. Jovita in search of Love Fey (Allison). In the nearby town of Victorino, he encounters the Sphinx and agrees to solve her riddle for spending a day in Thebes. Meanwhile, Princess Ruana (Roanne) reveals her powers—control over the gentle waters—to Captain McKinley (Benjamin). ROBO3000 theorizes that Greek monsters’ signals might evade detection if the electromagnetic disturbance is too weak.

As Rockstar navigate the Mediterranean in the mission to rescue Sir Cerulean Arlentis (Topher), he find himself trapped in the lair of the Nemean Lion. Upholding his brother Spartan’s (Michael) will, the K-pop idol is determined to slay the beast, refusing to back down from the legendary challenge.

On the fourth day, The Riddler of Thebes.

— The Seven Days Prophecy

A typical day unfolded in the village as James strolled along the roadside. He passed Tito Bobi’s Woodworking Shop, a bustling hub filled with wooden furniture, handicrafts, kitchenware, sculptures, chessboards, sungkas (Southeast Asian mancala), and various art pieces. The workers were busy hammering nails, carving wood, sanding surfaces, and applying varnish, as the air filled with the scent of sawdust and freshly molded clay.

As James continued, he crossed paths with two middle-aged women, Aling Greta and Aling Sari. Greta had short, wavy hair, while Sari wore her long, straight hair tied back.

“Good day, Ma’ams. May I ask you something?” James asked politely, stopping to face them.

“Of course, Iho (lad),” Greta replied with a hint of playfulness. “Anything for a handsome gentleman.”

“Watch your words, Greta,” Sari scolded her kumare (close friend). “That young man is probably the same age as your panganay (eldest son).”

“I’m just having a harmless crush,” Greta shrugged, then quickly asked, “What’s your question, Iho?”

James pulled out two photos. “Have you seen these girls around here?” he asked, showing pictures of Roanne and Allison.

“Oh my, it’s the two sisters we saw before, right, Sari? They look nothing alike. The older one, the morena (tan-skinned), was dressed like an old maid,” Greta remarked, though she and Sari wore similar blouses and long skirts as Roanne.

“The other one was the bunso (younger sister),” Greta added. “The kikay (girly girl) with a sharp tongue—the mestiza (fair-skinned) one.”

“Yes, they were here in Santa Jovita, our village,” Sari confirmed. “We make a living from the forest’s wood, just like what you see at Tito Bobi’s Shop. It’s one of the largest woodworking workshops in our bayan (municipality).”

“What nearby towns are there?” James inquired further.

“The closest one is Victorino,” Sari explained. “They’re known for wine-making, and there’s a big construction project underway—a shopping mall, approved by the mayor.”

“Thank you very much, Aling Sari. You’ve been a great help,” James expressed gratefully.

“You’re welcome, Iho,” Sari replied humbly.

“What about me, the beautiful Greta?” Greta teased, playfully pretending to flick her non-existent long hair.

James, trying to maintain his composure, added, “Thanks too, po (polite expression).”

“Anything for such a charming young man,” Greta said, taking the chance to lightly caress James’ cheek. He awkwardly smiled as she let out a hearty laugh.

Sari gently pulled Greta’s hand away. “We’ll be going now, Iho. Good luck finding your friends,” she said as they turned to leave.

“Have some shame. Your husband’s still alive, and you have children,” Sari scolded Greta.

“It’s just a crush,” Greta retorted dismissively.

James shook his head as they walked away. “That Aling Greta… too forward and a bit much.”

He then glanced down at his sleek white tablet. The screen displayed coordinates indicating an electromagnetic disturbance in the town of Victorino, not far from Santa Jovita.

“My hunch was right,” he thought aloud. “Could another Greek monster be lurking near Medusa’s last sighting? Maybe I’ll find Allison and bring her back to headquarters.”

The screen abruptly flashed: “FOURTH WAVE.”

TOWN OF VICTORINO

The construction site of a future shopping mall bustled with activity. Workers moved swiftly, guided by the foreman and civil engineer, while tractors rumbled and tools clanked amid piles of hollow blocks, sacks of cement, shovels, and wooden planks.

Suddenly, a man’s voice rang out, filled with alarm.

“What is that?!” he exclaimed, pointing upward. “It looks like a giant bird!”

A massive shadow swept across the site, drawing the attention of everyone present. The workers squinted as it circled above, then gasped when it descended rapidly, its landing stirring fierce gusts of wind and shaking the ground beneath their feet. Emerging from the dust was a being beyond belief—a Sphinx: a mythical creature with the face of a woman, the wings of a bird, and the body of a lion.

“Mortals,” the Sphinx announced with an unsettling grin, “are you building a temple for the gods, perhaps?” Her voice, both commanding and eerie, echoed across the construction site.

The workers, momentarily awestruck by her appearance, were unsure whether to run or remain still.

“I see you’ve been laboring quite hard,” the Sphinx mused. “Would you care for a game of riddles?” Her voice, smooth yet mocking, reverberated among the unfinished walls.

“So, shall we begin?” she asked, her tone suddenly laced with excitement.

Without warning, colossal stone walls materialized around the site, causing the ground to quake again and sending thick clouds of dust billowing into the air.

Moments later, the Sphinx’s tone turned harsh. “And that is the last of you—wrong!” she declared, her eyes flashing with impatience. “All twelve of you have failed. And for that, you shall be devoured.”

Fear gripped the remaining workers. The Sphinx opened her wide mouth, revealing a swirling black void within. An immense force of suction followed, pulling in several screaming men.

“Aaaahhh!” The men scrambled, desperately trying to escape.

Panicked workers fled in all directions, some retreating to the unfinished building and scrambling to its upper levels. But the structure stood isolated at the center, with no bridges connecting to the newly formed walls. A few daring souls attempted to scale the twelve-story walls; they managed to climb the first six levels, thanks to protruding bricks that provided handholds. Beyond that point, however, the smooth, flat masonry was unclimbable.

The Sphinx’s voice, cold and condescending, resounded once more.

“The northern gate of your so-called temple is guarded by me. You may only pass through if you solve my riddle,” she announced smugly.

“Now, where is the next batch of challengers?” she inquired, scanning the remaining workers. “Are there any brave and wise enough to accept my challenge?”

Her gaze fell upon another group of construction men.

A wave of neon-orange musical staff extended from the sky, arching downward and outward to bridge the octagonal enclosure. Both the Sphinx and the construction workers turned to look. Riding down the vibrant wave was Oppa Rockstar, an eccentric K-pop idol clad in a matching white-grey outfit, complete with an electric guitar. Cyan, magenta, and yellow musical notes trailed behind him, hopping and popping with cheerful, upbeat tunes. The idol landed gracefully in front of the Sphinx and the stunned workers.

“I will take your challenge—alone,” Oppa Rockstar declared boldly. “Spare these men and let them pass through your gate.”

The towering Sphinx peered down at him, intrigued.

“Your courage is commendable, young man. These workers’ attire is peculiar, but yours is extraordinary. You even ride on music itself,” she mused. “You are certainly worth more than the lowly lives of those behind you. I shall grant your request.” The Sphinx’s lips curled into a grin.

The Sphinx stepped aside, allowing an opening at the lone gate of her walls. The construction workers, grateful for the chance to escape, hurried out of the octagonal formation.

“I don’t know who or even what you are, but thank you, lad. We owe you our lives. May God protect you from that monster,” an elderly worker said with heartfelt gratitude.

“Now, musician, you shall come with me to my city,” the Sphinx commanded.

Without warning, she lunged forward, grabbing Rockstar in her massive claws. The two soared high above the construction site, breaking through thick clouds that veiled the sky. The Sphinx navigated easily, while Rockstar struggled to see through the dense mist. As the clouds dissipated, an ancient city unfolded below them—Thebes.

The Sphinx landed swiftly at the city’s entrance, causing the ground to tremble and dust to rise in swirling clouds. She released Rockstar, allowing him to stand and regain his balance.

“Here is my offer,” she began. “I shall present you with a single riddle. If you fail to solve it, I shall not devour you, for your life holds more worth than those mere laborers. Instead, you will become my prisoner, my servant, for the rest of your days. But if you succeed, I will allow you to pass and return to your world.”

“Fair enough,” Oppa Rockstar replied with a carefree smile. “We can start whenever you’re ready, my Lady.”

“May your courage and charm match the sharpness of your mind,” the Sphinx remarked. “Here is my riddle: ‘What walks on four feet in the morning, two feet at noon, and three in the evening?’ Observe the dawn, for the game begins once the sun rises. I’ll give you until tomorrow morning to discern the answer, with clues hidden within Thebes. We shall meet again at this city’s entrance, and you will reveal your answer then.”

“Understood, ma’am,” Rockstar replied with a nod.

The Sphinx stepped aside, and Oppa Rockstar entered Thebes, the ancient city nestled in the heart of Greece, just as dawn broke.

Inside Thebes, it was like stepping back in time to the days of classical antiquity. Ancient architecture filled the city, with orderly columns lining the streets, but the area was eerily deserted—no people in sight. Oppa Rockstar (James) walked down the lonely road, his footsteps echoing in the silence. However, everything changed with the first rays of the rising sun, just as the Sphinx had foretold. As daylight illuminated Thebes, the city sprang to life, transforming into a bustling hub full of Ancient Greeks going about their daily activities.

“What am I wearing?!” Oppa Rockstar exclaimed as he noticed his clothes had transformed to match the era, now resembling authentic Greek attire.

“This feels like I’m in a school play about Greek myths,” he quipped to himself, amused by the sudden wardrobe change.

After some time, he found himself in the agora, the marketplace, surrounded by crowds of Greeks. The lively chatter filled the air as merchants bartered and citizens conversed. Amid the activity, the K-pop idol spotted a mother struggling with an infant and a load of groceries.

“May I help you, Ma’am? If you don’t mind, I’m a good person, I promise,” Rockstar offered, maintaining his gentlemanly demeanor.

“Adonis?! You’re here, truly a grace from the gods! Of course, please take these baskets,” Myrrha, the mother, responded gratefully, handing over the groceries.

“You called me Adonis? Do I know you?” Rockstar asked, genuinely confused.

“Why wouldn’t you know me? I’m your mother’s closest friend, Kassandra,” Myrrha replied, puzzled by Adonis’s (James’s) behavior.

“Ah, yes, forgive me, Myrrha. I was just joking. Of course, I remember!” Adonis (James) quickly covered up his confusion.

Baby Euclid giggled at Adonis’s antics.

“Oh, hey there, little fellow,” Adonis greeted the infant with a warm smile.

When they reached Myrrha’s home, she welcomed him warmly.

“Welcome to our humble oikos (home),” she said as they entered.

Adonis set the groceries down on a round, single-legged table. His natural social skills made the small talk between him and Myrrha flow pleasantly. Meanwhile, baby Euclid managed to sneak out of his cradle and began crawling on the floor.

“Euclid is on the floor!” Adonis called out.

“Euclid, you naughty one,” Myrrha chided gently, picking him up and placing him back in his cradle.

Left alone for a moment, Adonis stood up and surveyed the room. He noticed a polished copper mirror mounted on the wall and caught a faint glimpse of his reflection.

“Even my appearance has changed. Black hair and sea-green eyes… not bad. Is this what they call the Mediterranean look?” Adonis mused aloud.

“I see someone admiring himself,” Myrrha teased.

“I just wanted to see that handsome man in the copper,” Adonis joked back.

“Careful now, or you might end up like Narcissus,” Myrrha warned playfully.

Adonis grinned, glancing around. What a warm home, he thought to himself.

By noon, the sun blazed at its zenith over the open pankration ring. Spectators filled the descending rows of benches, their eyes fixed on the small arena in the center. Adonis (James) joined the crowd, slipping discreetly into a seat beside three young men.

“Ladies and gentlemen, let’s welcome Kleonike, our all-time champion!” the announcer boomed, prompting a surge of cheers and applause.

“And now, for his challenger, a first-timer, Laodice,” the announcer continued, drawing a sudden hush from the Greeks.

“I’m certain Kleonike will win again,” Melanthios declared confidently.

As soon as the match began, Kleonike charged at Laodice, launching a series of punches. Laodice held his ground, using his forearms to block the strikes.

“Kleonike is powerful, no doubt. But Laodice has a solid defense, I’ll give him that,” Neilos remarked, impressed.

Kleonike then shifted tactics, unleashing swift kicks. Laodice dodged them with surprising agility.

“Laodice isn’t half bad for a beginner,” Onesimus admitted.

For the final move, Kleonike went for a chokehold, bringing Laodice to the ground. The referee started the countdown, and Laodice, unable to break free, ultimately conceded defeat. The announcer stepped back into the ring and raised Kleonike’s arm, announcing him as the victor. Thunderous cheers erupted from the crowd.

“I told you so, didn’t I?” Melanthios said smugly.

“Kleonike has a strong shot at representing Thebes in the upcoming Olympics,” Neilos added.

“I wish we were as sure of victory in the other events: chariot racing, discus throwing, and running,” Onesimus mused wistfully.

“True. The other city-states will send their best athletes to compete. It’s a tough challenge,” Melanthios said somberly.

Meanwhile, Adonis observed the match intently, his attention divided between the fighters and the three friends beside him.

Adonis (James) wandered the streets aimlessly throughout the night, unsure of where to go. As he passed a house, he noticed an old man leaning on a walking cane.

“Adonis, it’s your grandfather, Hippolytos. What are you still doing out here?” the old man called out.

Lady Luck must have smiled on me this time, Adonis thought, feeling a surge of relief. “Yes, Grandpa, I’m coming.”

“Have you eaten dinner?” Hippolytos asked, his voice full of concern.

“Uh, not yet,” Adonis admitted sincerely.

“Then come inside—I’ve made a meal for us to share. I’ve been waiting for you,” Hippolytos said warmly.

Adonis watched as Hippolytos moved slowly with the help of his cane.

“Do you need help, Grandpa? I can lend a hand,” Adonis offered gently.

“I’m glad you said that,” Hippolytos replied with a smile, grateful as Adonis stepped forward to assist him.

After dinner, the two sat outside, gazing at the starry night sky.

“If only I could wish for your parents to have lived long enough to see you grow up,” Hippolytos said wistfully.

“It’s okay, Grandpa. I know Mom and Dad are happy, knowing you raised me with love,” Adonis reassured him.

Later that night, Adonis tucked Hippolytos into bed. As the old man drifted off to sleep, Adonis lay beside him.

This Thebes feels like a memory, a past brought to life, Adonis thought as he watched Hippolytos sleep. But these Greeks are so real to me—they breathe, move, and feel genuine emotions. When the Sphinx’s game ends tomorrow morning, this Thebes will likely fade away.

The following morning, the sun rose over Thebes once more. James awoke to find that Hippolytos was no longer by his side. He sat up, adjusted the bedding, and stood, a subtle transformation in his demeanor. No longer was he Adonis, the young Greek of Thebes; he was back to being Oppa Rockstar.

Leaving the small house behind, Rockstar paused at the doorway, glancing back one last time. A fleeting mirage of Hippolytos appeared, and with a wave of farewell, Rockstar turned to leave. The mirage soon faded into the morning light.

Rockstar approached the city’s entrance, where the Sphinx awaited him.

“It’s time to answer my riddle: What walks on four legs in the morning, two at noon, and three in the evening?” the Sphinx prompted.

“A man,” Rockstar replied without hesitation.

“Yesterday, in your Thebes, I experienced this journey firsthand. In the morning, I met a mother and her infant son at the marketplace. The child, Euclid, crawled on all fours,” Rockstar began.

“At noon, I watched a pankration match, where Kleonike, a young man, stood victorious on two legs,” he continued.

“Then came the night. As I wandered aimlessly, Hippolytos, my ‘grandfather,’ offered me shelter. In his old age, he needed a third leg—his cane,” Rockstar elaborated.

“My Lady, you weren’t referring to a literal day, but rather to the stages of human life: morning as infancy, noon as adulthood, and night as old age. The day is a metaphor for life itself,” Rockstar concluded.

“Well reasoned. You’ve exceeded my expectations. You’re free now,” the Sphinx declared, stepping aside to clear his path.

As Rockstar prepared to leave, he glanced back and asked, “What about you? What will you do now?”

“That’s another riddle for you to solve,” the Sphinx replied with a hint of amusement.

Rockstar gave a knowing smile before stepping out of Thebes. The world around him warped, returning him to the construction site in Victorino, with the walls of the Sphinx still towering nearby.

Meanwhile, the Sphinx began a solitary walk through the silent streets of Thebes. She passed the empty houses and the still pankration ring, making her way to the central temple. She settled among the columns, tucking her wings close.

The musician is clever, even cunning. I lost in my own game—a rarity. He understood that a day is like a man’s life, and a man’s life mirrors a day, she reflected. What puzzles me still is how men choose to live, knowing that night is inevitable. As reason itself, the Sphinx recognized her defeat. With a final, serene smile, she closed her eyes.

The buildings of Thebes—its columns, its temple—began to crumble one by one, and the ancient city fell to ruins.