The silence between Leonidas and me lingered, the atmosphere in the room was thick and heavy, broken only by the slow crackle of the hearth behind me. The fire casted long shadows across the chamber, dancing over stone and iron, as if the room itself were listening.
Leonidas was the first to speak. His golden-amber eyes were sharp but did not show hostility. When he spoke again, his voice was calm, measured, almost curious.
"Adonis," he said, "my son… what is it that you want?"
The question struck deeper than any accusation ever could. I felt my brow tighten instinctively. Of all the things I expected him to ask, about if I wanted power, my loyalty to the clan or house, or even the empire, If I was worried about the succession for the throne, or my ambitions. But I didn't understand his question.
"Excuse me, sir," I said carefully. "I don't understand the question. Could you add context or elaborate your meaning?"
Leonidas studied me for a long moment, then exhaled softly through his nose.
"Adonis. You said you would use mana for your ambitions and dreams," he replied. "So I am asking you plainly. What do you want to be when you grow up?"
Then, to my surprise, Leonidas knelt. The man known as a true demigod who stood six foot five, an elite Spartan warrior whose presence made enemies, and empires alike kneel, lowered himself to one knee so we were nearly eye level.
The weight of this gesture hit harder than any battle aura. Right now he was not the Patriarch, a Spartan warrior, or even a demigod. He was acting as Adonis's father.
I froze from surprise. Not expecting this gesture or even the question. No one had ever asked me that before. Not my instructors in my first life. Not my superiors or teammates as a mercenary. Not even myself, truly. I just wanted to go home. But my main concern for the day was to survive.
It has been so long I haven't even thought about that myself. But I knew deep down what my answer was. My instinctive answer was simple a little to simple: to get stronger. To find my uncle. And to go home.
But as the thought formed, something in me hesitated. It's been seventeen years. That's how long I had already been gone from Earth. Even if I returned… what would I return to? Everyone would be older. Everyone would have moved on. There would be nothing and no one waiting for me.
And yet—No. Stop thinking like that Jonathan. I can't give up. That wasn't an option. Ever. I refused to accept it. If I gave up on going home now, then everything I had suffered for would have meant nothing. I will go home no matter what. But in order to do that, I can't be dragged into this world's problems. Especially this families succession war.
I steadied myself, drew a slow breath, and answered honestly. "Sir," I said my eyes now gazing deeply at his, "I want to be free."
Leonidas's eyes narrowed, not in anger, but with more curiosity.
"Explain."
" Sir. I want to live my life for myself," I continued. "To see the universe. To choose my own path. To do what makes me happy."
He nodded once. "And what about the family? The clan? The Empire? Do you not wish to be Patriarch? To lead the empire after I step down or die?"
I shook my head without hesitation. "No, sir." That answer I didn't need to hesitate to give. "I don't want to rule the House, Clan or the Empire. I don't want to fight a war for succession against my brother's and sister's, or sit on a throne built on blood. I don't want power for authority."
I paused, then I continued making sure to allow some of my mana to flare. Not threateningly, but to show my conviction.
"But I do need power."
Leonidas remained silent. He felt the mana surge forth from Adonis.
"I need enough power so that no one can take my freedom from me," I said. "Enough that no one can hurt the people I care about. And if I have to stay here, train here, and bleed here to gain that strength, then I will."
Leonidas then rose slowly to his feet, towering over Adonis again. "So," he said, "you intend to take the knowledge of the House of Blud and the Spartan Empire… and leave when it suits you."
"Yes sir," I replied calmly but confidently. "My life is mine. I refuse to live it for someone else." I didn't flinch as I added, "And if you try to take that freedom from me… I will cut even you down one day."
The words burned as they left my mouth, not with hatred, but conviction. I knew just by saying that I could make the entire Blud clan...no the entire Spartan empire, my enemy. But I didn't care. I remembered what Seris said to me. Speak only the truth, even if it is harsh or selfish. Leonidas will respect that over a lie.
Leonidas stared at me, his golden eyes shined intensely in the light of the fire. Then he turned his back to me and walked towards the door.
"You had better stay true to those words, youngest," he said.
As he reached for the door, his hand rested on the door handle. Before opening it, he turned his head slightly.
"One last question, Adonis."
I still stood in a parade rest, my mind still alert. "Yes, sir."
"If you would cut me down, should I try to take your freedom" Leonidas asked quietly, "would you also cut down your siblings and mother for doing the same?"
I didn't hesitate. Only the truth could be spoken and I intended to speak it.
"Sir. Anyone who tries to steal my freedom will bleed by my hand," I said coldly. "It would not be out of hate, but because that is who I am. Even my siblings, parent's or future lover's, if they try to drag me into the succession war. Or steal my freedom. I will show no mercy."
Leonidas didn't reply. His gaze on Adonis only narrowed from contemplation of his son's words. But he only smirked faintly… and left.
The door opened. And moments later, Harmonia re-entered, bowing deeply as Leonidas left. "Goodbye, Lord Leonidas," she said softly.
She carried a large, ornate box in her arms.
"What is that Harmonia?" I asked.
"Young Lord. Lady Otrera handed me this while you were talking to the Patriarch," Harmonia said, setting it on my desk. "She said it is an investment. And that you'd better grow up big and strong. For her sake as much as yours."
I didn't like the sound of that, but I knew Otrera was not one for petty tricks or sabotaging. The Blud children are forbidden from poisoning or sabotaging each other. Not that they won't try, but when and not if, but when they are caught by the Matriarch the punishment will be swift and fierce.
I opened the box, and my breath caught as my eyes widened. Inside was a massive glass bottle filled with pearlescent white liquid.
"Young Lord. Do you know what this is!" Harmonia said in excitement.
I nodded. "It's Samodiva's Milk."
Samodiva hale from Bulgarian folklore, Samodivas are seen as the personified form of nature. They are protectors of it, and are often juxtaposed with the ways humans live their lives. They are knowledgeable about herbs and plants, so they are associated with many plants with medicinal qualities.
Another name they go by is a Vila. In Serbian mythology, Vila or fairies are beautiful, supernatural woman similar to nymphs. They are usually described as young women with long hair, often dressed in white, and they can have wings. It is assumed that they are nature guardians and that they live in forests, mountains and near rivers.
In some stories they hunt with a bow and arrow like Artemis; in other tales, they are great warrior women, much like the Valkyries of Norse mythology.
When they give their milk, it is seen as a precious ingredient so rare it was usually only mentioned in bestiaries and mythology monster cookbooks. It is said to grant enhanced strength, beauty, charm, and even weather affinity depending on it's preparation.
And beneath the bottle— Was a silver chain necklace.
Harmonia's expression grew more surprised. "This chain is from the Sect of Selene."
My mind stirred. Selene. She is the Titaness of the Moon. In the original book's lore, her followers were secretive, deeply tied to night-creatures and lunar rituals around the universe. Her sect was said to have many followers in it.
Alot about them wasn't known, but they were considered the good guys. They had eyes and ears everywhere, and if you see people brandishing her symbol, then you could trust them. I saw them alot in my past life, sometimes on missions or on worlds in pubs. If you got recruited by them you were guaranteed a hard life but, all the people I met were a cut above the rest. And devoted to their mission.
But none of them were like her. My first love in this world.
"The chain is blessed," Harmonia continued. Stopping Jonathan's mind as he remembered fondly of the past. "If it rattles, a powerful curse or source of corruption is nearby. If it breaks, it has just saved your life. It also repels cursed lycanthropes and other evil night-kin."
That's great I need something like this. I then had Harmonia fasten it around my neck.
"Otrera really wants me to survive," I muttered. Or she want's me to grow up strong and give her a good fight.
Then I looked back at the milk. "Does this castle have a bestiaries cookbook?"
Harmonia blinked, then smiled. " Yes of course, young lord. How would you like it prepared?"
I thought for a moment. This is alot of milk, it will take a while for my body to absorb all it's properties. But I should make it something simple that doesn't change it to much.
"Can you turn some of it into ice cream?" I asked.
Her smile widened. "Yes, young lord. Just give me some time."
Afterthat she left, and I headed to the training hall. Atreus was already there.
He bowed. "Young Lord."
"Captain Atreus," I said. "Can we begin today's training?"
He hesitated. "Do you not wish to spend time with your family?"
I picked up a weighted wooden spear. "I have better uses for my time than bonding with people I'll likely fight someday."
Atreus studied me, then nodded. "Very well. Come."
For the next two hours, Atreus drilled me relentlessly in Spartan spear fundamentals and hand to hand combat. Things I learned before, but with my body now smaller, but a little stronger, faster, more responsive than it ever had been. I needed to relearn how to fight again from the ground up.
It's good there is no curse affecting me this time, and my foundation has improved thanks to the river Styx's blessing, and having access to mana, along with my past memories.
The Spartan empire does not have any set fighting styles or techniques. It takes the techniques, fundamentals, principles, and more from the past and hybridizes them for maximum proficiency.
The Agoge teaches these to all it's student's. The Hand to hand combat is a mixture of military CQC, and MCMAP. Then other fighting styles are taught in order to show the proper way to handle ones self in a fight.
CQC stands for Close Quarters Combat. It is a high-intensity, short-range, and rapid-decision-making combat style used by the military for confined space combat, for high-risk environments like buildings or urban settings. Often used interchangeably with Close Quarters Battle (CQB), but CQC focuses on, but is not limited to, hand-to-hand, knife, and firearm techniques to neutralize threats within seconds.
MCMAP stands for, Marine Corps Martial Arts Program. Its comprehensive, combat-focused system integrating hand-to-hand combat, weapon techniques, and warrior ethos training for all Marines. It uses a belt system, tan, gray, green, brown, black, to advance skills, requiring Marines to master techniques from armed/unarmed, ground, and close-quarter scenarios.
The two are very similar. While CQC refers to the overall, high-stakes tactical action. Which often combined with CQB/Close Quarters Battle for room-clearing). MCMAP is a specific, standardized, and authorized fighting curriculum designed to teach those skills. MCAMP adds more intensity to the style and a three-discipline focus on mental development, character, and martial arts.
Over the centuries the Spartan empire has evolved it so that their are new ways to break and kill an opponent in any environment, while staying in control of the fight an ones self. That way no one is lost to their bloodlust and the fog of war.
All forms of Boxing, Muay Thai, Krav Maga are taught, and are a basic requirement for all Spartan warriors to learn, and achieve a high proficiency in while in the Agoge.
Now their is no set standardized sword style taught in the empire and Agoge. This is because each Spartan warrior can range from a short sword user which is mainly taught. Or a Saber/Broadsword. A Rapier/ Smallswords (Rarely anyone used these. Minus a few women who were demons with them). Then their is the Longsword. Executioner's Sword/ Axe Sword. And Scimitar's.
Everyone was encouraged to find their own blade styles in their free time, but while training learn the basics of the short sword.
Shield fighting was also another main style learned. The Spartan shield learning did not fade away but for training purposes. When you enlist in a the Agoge, all trainees are given a shield to carry, and Are's or whatever god you believe help you if you lost it or got it taken.
The Shield fighting styles were a little more simple but wide. They in corporated Viking Shield combat tactics. Which focuses on using the shield as an active, mobile tool for protection while entering range, often with a central boss grip for maneuverability. Using Indian Martial Arts like Kalaripayattu, and Mardani Khel as inspirations. Which is shields in combination with swords, daggers, and spears, often focusing on close-quarters, with intense, and, in some cases, defensive movements.
Then came spear techniques. Which comprised of Xingyiquan, and Sojutsu. This list goes on for more styles but for some reason the Spartan empire decided to make these two part the fundamentals of the spear technique taught.
Apparently some one from a very long time ago in the empire, combined these styles and principles to create the Agoge frighting styles and practices.
"You have a natural affinity for the spear, some might call it talent." Atreus said.
"I don't want talent, I have a understanding" I replied. " But I want absolute supremacy in my spear techniques."
He nodded in approval.
"Now young lord. You will be sparring with me instead of the post. This will teach you how to react to your techniques being countered. And Understand this I know more then what is normally taught in the empire. So you will see things you won't understand, and I have been forbidden by the Matriarch and Patriarch from teaching the children these things."
I nodded. "But if I learn on my own and steal them, then they can't say anything.?"
Atreus nodded, "exactly."
Later after our sparring had come to a close, Harmonia arrived with a silver tray. "Here you go young lord. Vanilla-cinnamon Samodiva ice cream. And I made hot cocoa made from the milk as well."
"Thank you Harmonia. And you can share the rest of the remaining milk with the rest of the staff and warriors."
Harmonia eyes widened. "Are you sure about that young lord? It was a precious gift given to you."
I nodded ." Of course I am. You and everyone here takes such good care of me and my family. I cannot pay you yet the same way the Matriarch or Patriarch does. But I can share my successes from time to time. I know you and the other ladies would love something like this. The men don't really care about their looks but if it helps them grow stronger why not.
Harmonia smiled brightly. "Yes young Lord I will share it amongst the staff and warriors. Thank you."
I ate the Ice cream and drink the hot coco. The coolness of the ice cream calmed my muscles. The hot coco's warmth flooded my body, rejuvenating me instantly. I felt my body recover quickly and a slight surge of energy flood through my nerves.
Over the months Caius kept his distance during the day. Which was good but during training, I would beat him mercilessly. It got to the point he began to not even look at me in the eyes. I didn't like to bully children, but I hate little shits and he was one. Plus I know in the future he will be worse so I didn't feel so guilty.
Over the next year, I trained relentlessly. Throughout that year, I would continue my mana meditation, and slowly increase my mana reserves, and improve my rudimentary magic proficiency. I managed to achieve a low to mid level proficiency with augmentation, healing, and elemental magic. But I wasn't happy with my current level considering what I've seen in my past life and what real magic users and high level demigod were like. That year would be my sixth birthday.
Harmonia would make me a cake which I decided to share with the whole castle. I had plenty of birthdays in my past life. So I decide to go to castles library. I remember hearing in my past life looters who made it past the cold or heat made their way to the Mars 2 Castle.
Apparently during the clans civil war. Some idiots got ballsy and raided the place for something worth top coin and points. And from what I heard they succeeded. In this universe the currency is either coins like gold coins of the galaxy your in. To make things easier no matter which god's house is in power no one is allowed to mess with the physical currency from that galaxy.
The Greek Pantheon's was known as the. The Olympian Drachma. With Mount Olympus at the top of the coin, a sun shinning past its cloud. A forest at the bottom, and a ocean to the other side of that coin. On the other side should the ground with depictions of skeletons and riches.
The Norse Pantheon has the. The Allfather's Gold. It was depicted with the world tree Yggdrasil. from it's branches hanged several items. The Valknut, Mjolnir, a Spinning wheel, a bow, a wig/ hair, a cloak, and at the tree's base was a serpent. Which some people say is a dragon.
The Egyptian Pantheon had the. Coin of the Gods. Which was the simplest design, with the Eye of Horus (Wadjet).
The Celtic Pantheon used the. Celtic Triple Spiral (Triskele). An ancient symbol featuring three interlocking, swirling lines.
The Hindu Pantheon currency was the. Lakshmi Coin which had the symbol of a lotus flower.
The Aztec Pantheon had the. Sun Stone Coin. Which had a symbol of Tonatiuh (The Sun God).
The Eden Pantheon had the. Garden of Eden Coin. The symbol of a apple tree surrounded by a lush and beautiful garden.
These currency's are not one to one equal. Depending on how each pantheons galaxy are doing. Some galaxies have star systems where you can only get certain things, and services. The currency exchange rate could be more or less. But the currency has more physical coins.
The Copper chip coin (Chip), which is the lowest form of currency. Then the silver moon coin(Crescent). With the Gold coin (Gol) from each pantheon normally being the highest.
But the Eden Galaxy created and shared the Platinum note (PN). This is the final form of the physical currency. It allows someone to pay for a large quality without needing a ungodly amount of coins. And no these notes are not made of platinum, but their is a special platinum ink used to create them. Which only the Eden Galaxy knows how to create.
Then there is the digital currency known as pantheon points (PP), the only universally accepted digital currency across all pantheons.
The reason this exist is because some people rather not carry coins around with them. But the bigger reason is because. Some items like rare monster ingredients or artifacts cost more coins or notes that are currently in circulation. Which is hard to think of but before the gods left. The gods of money and currency alike.
Lakshmi and Kubera, Plutus, Njǫrd, Cernunnos, and Daikokuten and Benzaiten. Who worked with the wises god's. Such as Athena, Ganesha, Mimir. With the Archangel Uriel. Created this currency system along with humans. Which is mostly led by Uriel and several demigods from the houses of those same gods.
A certain amount of each coins and notes was made with the only exception being notes and points. Coins were made to help those who, wanted to have a physical object to their currency was real. Points were more of a way of paying for things with large tag prices. And a way to deter people from driving up the prices of items. Lost artifacts from the golden age of the gods have an unlimited value.
And some can only be used fully by the said god or their scions. So houses and clans will pay almost anything for them.
The currency system is called the Standardized Core System:
Copper Chip (Chips): The Lowest unit. 1 to 5 Chips is the average price of a loaf of bread.
Silver Moon (Crescent's): 1 Silver Crescent equals 10 Copper Chips.
Golden Coin (Gol): 1 Golden Coin equals 10 Silver Crescents or 100 Chips.
Platinum Note (PN): 1 Platinum equals 10 Gold Coins (100 Crescents/ 1,000 Chips).
Platinum Points (PP): Digital currency used only for high-value transactions. Standard Conversion:
1 Point = 1 Golden Coin. 10 Points = 10 Golden Coins or 1 Platinum Note.
Somehow the universe has managed to keep moving with this type of system. But some people exchange rare or expensive items and ingredients with a mix of coins or points, considering how priceless somethings will be to which ever person, Clan or house, covets them.
I went searching in the storage area of the library to find something of value. I didn't know what I was looking for, but if looters can find something of value, then so can I. It's weird to think. Trying to find books on any powerful Blud family items, techniques or secrets in a library of all places.
I would have expected them in a tomb, dungeon, or tower instead. Especially for the descendants of Ares. Maybe the Athena house left something here.
After searching around for a few minutes I found something I didn't expect to find. In a large chest I found something truly rare. It was a book called :The Fangs of Cerberus – Volume 1. And with it were volume two to four.
I opened it just to make sure and there on the first page said it. Property of the House of Hades. This was the real deal, but why were these hear? This was a book off sword forms based of the fangs of the three headed dog that guarded the underworld Hades.
I would have to read these later. From what I hear the house of Hades has a secretive house, but the warriors of this sword style are monsters, and are well known in the same circles as the Spartan warriors.
I also found a small red gem… and a sealed blood-red envelope bearing the Blud crest. Before I could open it, A servant called me saying my Nanny Harmonia was requesting my presence in my room.
I placed the items back and left the storage area.
When I entered my chamber I froze. A black cat sat calmly on my bed, and Beside it… was a letter.