Alex rolled his shoulders lightly.
"Send me to their next point of attack."
A faint grin tugged at his lips.
"My weapon is in need of learning some proper manners. How dare she disrespect this wonderful owner of hers?"
Hephaestus snorted faintly. "Of course I will. Don't worry."
He paused.
"But before that… there are some things you must know."
Alex tilted his head. "And what would that be?"
Hephaestus looked straight into Alex's eyes. His gaze sharpened.
"I take it… you are here in pursuit of godhood."
Alex went quiet for a moment. Then he shrugged slightly.
"To be honest, in the past I wasn't very interested in attaining godhood or whatever you call it. I just wanted strength—strength to protect the things that mattered to me."
Hephaestus studied him carefully. "Then I take it your circumstances have changed."
Alex paused. His expression lost its playful edge.
"Yes. They have. I need to reach it as soon as possible."
His voice hardened.
