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- Alkaios POV -
I felt exhausted.
I don't think I've ever been this exhausted. Even when I battled the Stymphalian birds, I wasn't this tired. Facing the Athenian soldiers only wore me down when Zeus intervened. But Chiron's training? That left my whole body aching.
As I'd promised Chiron, I wouldn't use my Divine Protections. I aimed to push my natural strength to its absolute limit. Chiron's words held weight; there were creatures in this world capable of severing my connection to Od Lagna's blessings. I knew that beings like the Old Man of the Mountain or Musashi were prime examples.
For the first time, I focused directly on my connection to Od Lagna and sincerely requested a Divine Protection. Initially, nothing happened, but then I felt it. My body thrummed with a new divine protection within my soul. I could sense this one had a switch, so I could turn it on or off.
Divine Protection of the Closed Circuit
My new Divine Protection gave me new control over my Divine Protections. I could now cut off the flow of Od Lagna's blessings on me, turning off my own Divine Protections. The change was immediate and drastic. When I exerted this control, my body weakened. The familiar hum of power, the subtle enhancements to my strength and senses–all gone. For the first time in ages, I felt normal. It was a strange and unsettling feeling, this return to basic human frailty. My limbs felt heavier, the world seemed a little duller, and a forgotten vulnerability washed over me. This new ability, though powerful, also brought a sobering truth: I could now, at least for a while, be normal again.
Today, Chiron had me train with Pollux in hand-to-hand after I admitted I did not know what I was doing. Chiron's expression informed me I wouldn't relish what followed. Now here I was learning to box from her.
I won't lie; I felt my face drain of color. I remembered the myth about Pollux, who killed someone with a single blow to the arm. Though I knew myths weren't reality, in this world, I couldn't rule out some truth to the tale.
I can confirm the truth of those myths, having trained with Pollux. Each block sent tremors through my arms, and though she wasn't as strong as Heracles, she was no pushover. If Pollux is this powerful already, I can only imagine her future strength.
I tilted my head, dodging the dainty fist that left a cut on my face. My right hand lashed out, but Pollux countered it with her left and retaliated with her right. I caught her fist, and I could have sworn I heard something crack.
I was thankful that my gate was absorbing the ambient magic, which was strengthening me. My hand would have broken if I hadn't been more robust than the average person right now. But with the True Ether-infused magical energy filling the air, I felt like I wouldn't run out of energy. I knew it wasn't enough, which is why I was training so hard.
From what I learned, Pollux was the most skilled boxer in the camp. Even more so than Heracles, that said for Pankration, which went to Heracles with only Chiron as his equal. I wasn't that surprised, considering Pankration included wrestling. I knew I would not surpass Heracles in Pankration right now. Maybe when I can jump from the moon and back to Earth like Reinhard, I would consider beating Heracles in a contest of strength.
I dodged a fist that would have, no doubt, sent my teeth flying and snapped me out of my daze. I refocused on Pollux, who was now pouting at me. "Alkaios, you're distracted," she stated.
"Sorry, Pollux, I space out sometimes," I replied, focusing on her and shifting my weight. She grabbed my left hand and landed a punch on my right side. I grunted. I needed to be more careful on that side.
A loud clap stopped Pollux and me, interrupting me before I could counter. "Alkaios, I see you have a talent for swords, but everyone needs to master Pankration, which means we start with boxing." He went on, "Now that we're done here, we'll move on to swordsmanship. Alkaios, I've seen your skill; you can help me guide the lesson." I nodded in agreement, acknowledging his words.
My face twisted in displeasure. Ever since I'd deactivated the Sword Saint's Divine Protection, I couldn't draw Reid. It felt wrong not to use it. Even though I'd only had the sword for less than a year, I felt like Reid and I shared a bond.
The only thing I was truly glad about was the consistent training I'd done in Astrea's family swordplay over the past three months. Without Reid, I wasn't totally useless. I had complete confidence that my skill with a blade hadn't lessened. Perhaps I was arrogant, but I believed I was the most skilled here. However, it wouldn't be enough. By the time I left Chiron, I wouldn't be happy unless I could start cutting concepts, like friction.
Pollux and I followed Chiron to meet the others, and she immediately turned to me with a question. "What's that sword you brought with you?" she asked.
"It's called the Dragon Sword Reid. From what I know, an unknown god made it. I'm blessed I have it and will be forever grateful." I said, from the look Pollux was giving me, she was interested in Reid. Not that I blamed her, Reid looked amazing despite how plain the blade itself looked.
Before I could continue, a scream echoed throughout the field. "Heracles!!" Was that Jason? I could see in the distance running from furious Castor.
I glanced at Pollux, but she seemed completely unbothered, as if this happened every day. "Should I say something?" I asked, but all I got was an amused smile in response.
I watched Jason sprint past us, fear etched on his face, as he headed towards Heracles. When our eyes met, I could see the envy clear as day. I stifled a sigh; I already knew Jason envied my strength. You could argue we were similar. Two boys favored by a Goddess, both with mortal blood. The only difference was Jason's divine ancestry, while he possessed none of my strength.
Before I could really think, Pollux jabbed me in the stomach. I turned to her, confused. "I can see it on your face, Alkaios—don't feel bad for Jason," she said. "If he wants to be king, he has to earn it. That means facing his weaknesses. Jason's envy will be his downfall; he needs to learn to control it. Pity won't do him any good. Now, come on. Let's go meet Chiron. I want to test your blade myself." With that, Pollux started walking ahead of me.
I could only snort in response as I trailed after Pollux. I didn't need Divine Protection to feel the eyes fixed on me from behind me.
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-Jason POV-
I could only clench my fists in envy as I watched Alkaios. Why him? Why was he gifted with such incredible strength? I still remember the sparring match between Heracles and Alkaios. The way their weapons met… Alkaios's arms should have shattered on that first blow.
Alkaios, however, not only stood his ground but even injured Heracles. I could never do that. If I tried, I'd hurt myself long before I could harm Heracles. All I could do was clench my fist in envy.
Why is Alkaios so fortunate? I clearly saw how similar we were. The Goddess chose both of us. Hera blessed me, and Astraea, Alkaios. We're both mortal, with no divine parents. However, I have divine ancestry, with Lord Hermes as an ancestor. Yet, I still couldn't measure up to Alkaios, who was entirely mortal.
I thought I could win using the blessings we both wielded. I received armor blessed by Lady Hera herself. Then I saw Alkaios, gifted a veil by Lady Astraea, which he'd made into a cloak. I believed I was winning until I saw his sword.
I wasn't a blacksmith, but I knew quality when I saw it. When Alkaios's sword shattered Heracles's club, envy consumed me. I knew this envy would be my downfall; Chiron himself had warned me. Yet, I couldn't stop these poisonous thoughts from intruding.
A fist slammed into my stomach, and I crumpled to the ground, gasping in pain. I looked up to see Castor's face contorted in disgust. "Jason, if you want to beat Alkaios, then get up! How can you call yourself a king if you can't even handle training? Envying Alkaios won't get you anywhere. When you actually want to be worth a damn, I'll be training with Pollux and Alkaios," Castor said, then turned and walked away.
I could only stare at Castor, confused. 'Was he trying to... motivate me?' I wondered with a pang of dread. Before I could process anything, a hand grabbed and lifted me by my tunic.
"Castor is right," Heracles said to me. "If you just sit there envying Alkaios, you'll never beat him, my friend." I stared at my massive friend, thoughts racing through my mind. "The one thing I believe you *can* do is lead, Jason. When Chiron has all of us spar with him, your plans help us win. Take pride in that, Jason, and keep getting stronger." Heracles then set me down.
"There were so many things I wanted to say to Heracles, but I could only reply the way I knew how. Who do you think I am, my friend? I am Jason, the future King of Iolcus. Come, Heracles, Chiron is waiting for us." I said, and then I directed Heracles to meet Chiron.
Heracles and I journeyed to meet Chiron. We could hear the clang of swords in the distance. When we arrived, Alkaios and Castor were sparring. It felt strange; despite my earlier envy of Alkaios, I didn't feel it anymore. Was it because of what Castor had said before? Or maybe what Heracles had said to me? Or perhaps I was finally growing up! I watched as Alkaios disarmed Castor, sending him sprawling to the ground. Ah, turns out watching Castor clutch his stomach in pain was the reason.
Truly, Lady Nemesis was fair and just.
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-Alkaios POV-
I had to say sparring with Castor was an experience, though not necessarily a pleasant one. I could tell that while he knew how to use a sword, his proficiency with it was lacking. His movements were stiff, his parries predictable, and his attacks lacked the fluidity and precision I expected from a seasoned swordsman. It was abundantly clear that Castor favored his discus over the sword; his form, when we briefly practiced throwing, was far more natural, and his throws possessed a power his swordplay lacked. Honestly, I found it odd, even somewhat frustrating, why Pollux, his sister, seemed to be so much more skilled. From what I knew and had witnessed, she was the better boxer, a more formidable swordswoman, and, frankly, easier to talk to, her strategies and tactics in a duel displaying a level of understanding that surpassed her brother's.
I couldn't let myths warp reality, but surely Castor had *something* on Pollux, right? As we fought, I couldn't help but let the Divine Protection of Training take hold. Most myths said Castor died in a boar hunt, and despite our rocky beginning, I didn't want him to go that way. If I could change his fate, why wouldn't I? Everyone deserved a chance.
I could only smile as Castor and I fought, the clash of our blades echoing in the training yard. His stance, once a little sloppy, had cleared up considerably. He gave fewer openings now, his movements becoming more economical and his attacks harder to predict. The change was remarkable, and I grinned, a genuine thrill coursing through me. Castor nearly disarmed me with a particularly well-timed parry, and for a moment, I saw the flash of victory in his eyes. Finally, this was what I wanted, what I had been craving. Perhaps I was growing into a battle junkie. But this was more than just a desire to win; it was the intoxicating dance of skill and strategy, the adrenaline-fueled exhilaration of the fight. The thrill I experienced while battling Heracles, the raw power and determination that had pushed me to my limits—that was something I yearned to feel again. This sparring match with Castor, while enjoyable, couldn't quite reach those heights, but it was a step in the right direction, a sharpening of my skills to prepare for a greater challenge. The scent of sweat and steel filled my lungs, and the clang of our swords continued its rhythmic symphony, a testament to our enduring battle.
With a grunt, I pushed Castor backward, the weight of his broad shoulders momentarily shifting as I angled my blade. The polished steel gleamed in the dim light of the training yard, reflecting my grimace. I pointed the tip of my practice sword at his stomach, the familiar metallic tang filling my nostrils. Everything was silent for a breath, the only sound the ragged rasp of Castor's breathing. Then, unexpectedly, Pollux started clapping, her hands echoing sharply in the stillness. I lowered my guard slightly, glancing to my right to see her face. The sheer happiness and pride in her eyes as she stared at Castor was undeniable. His normally stoic features were breaking into a grin, relief flooding his features. The friendly combat was over. With a smile, I allowed Pollux to pass me as she praised Castor, her voice brimming with admiration for the man she clearly held in high regard. It was a good day.
I let the Divine Protection of Training fade, the warm, comforting glow receding as I locked it back up. The familiar sensation of the mana coursing through my veins, now restrained, felt oddly empty. I turned, feeling the familiar ache in my muscles from the rigorous training, and met Chiron's approving gaze. A firm clap landed on my shoulder, the weight of his hand a familiar comfort. "That was well done, Alkaios; you are truly skilled with the blade." His voice boomed with pride, the sound echoing slightly in the training grounds. Then, as quickly as it had come, his jovial tone shifted. His voice lowered, becoming a hushed whisper, barely audible over the light breeze rustling through the leaves of the nearby trees. "I do not know what you did, but I must thank you for helping Castor." He whispered. I gave only Chiron a secretive smile.
As the day continued, I soon came to appreciate Chiron. I could understand just why Achilles and Jason had nothing bad to say about him in the future. He was a patient, albeit demanding, teacher. That said, I could also understand exactly why teachers were terrifying in ancient times. My arms ached as Chiron had instructed me to carry boulders up hills. Apparently, since I could withstand Heracles's blows, that meant I could do Heracles's weight training. The first few trips were manageable, the sun beating down on my back as I struggled under the weight. Each ascent was a battle, my muscles screaming in protest. But with each successful climb, Chiron would offer a small nod of approval, a silent acknowledgment that spurred me on. He would then, without a moment of rest, simply point me to an even larger boulder. By the tenth trip, my legs and arms were numb from the second boulder. Sweat and exertion made the air grow thick. The view from the top of the hill was stunning, and there was a strange satisfaction in knowing I had endured. When the day finally ended, I collapsed, utterly exhausted, my body screaming for respite. However, as I lay there, gasping for breath, I also felt a sense of accomplishment. I had pushed myself, and I had survived.
The feeling of triumph vanished in an instant as an arrow whistled past my ear, missing by a hair. I snatched up my boulder and scrambled down the hill. I'd forgotten how terrifying arrows were when they materialized from nowhere, and I didn't have Divine Protection to deflect them.
As I hurried down the hill, a giggle bubbled up, the sound bouncing off the cold air. Even with all the trouble I'd faced since I'd inexplicably landed in this strange time, pure joy surged through me. I wouldn't change a thing, not a single moment of it. The wind stung my hair, carrying the scent of pine and wet earth, the very smells of this new life — and I loved it. My heart felt lighter than it had in ages. The tough climbs, the near misses, the close calls — they were all just steps along the way. Each challenge I beat strengthened me. I felt that familiar thrill, that electric buzz of purpose. Finally, after all the struggles and doubts, I could see it-my goal, my destiny, the life I wanted—getting closer. Being a hero wasn't just a dream; it was a real possibility, getting closer with every breath. The world, with all its dangers, felt less scary and more like an amazing adventure.
I wouldn't know until far in the future, but each of my actions was slowly making the future turn cloudy and unfamiliar for ancient Greece. The ripples of my decisions, seemingly insignificant in the moment, were expanding outwards like waves in a vast, silent sea.
Chapter 12: Brand New Day End
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Author's Note: I know you've all been waiting, so here's the chapter! Thanks for your support, and I hope you have a Happy New Year. This the starting chapter for the next arc. Things will start to pick up next chapter.
It's been a long year. My advice for everyone is JUST DO YOUR BEST. Do your best in school, or at work, or trying to get fit. That's my goal at least. Whatever you pick JUST DO YOUR BEST. That's all I have to say. So once again Happy New Year.