This'll be my last chapter for awhile since I've neglected my other story a little bit. I'll try and alternate between the two from here on out, but I have a habit of getting sucked into certain things so if an event I really want to write is coming close that may not happen.

This chapter, I really don't know what to say about it. Hell I don't even know how I'm going to write it yet. But I'm sure I'll think of something so I can get back to what I have somewhat planned.

I'll be using the anime for a reference a little while longer, but I'm going with the light novel plot in the long run. So, sorry. No Metis. There will be gods of my own creation when I can fit them in though.

"Speech"

"Thoughts"

"Spells/Incantations"

"Demonic telepathy thing/Theron is the only one that hears this basically"

Chapter 4 - Undefeated Juggernaut

Theron Safir - Point of view

I came to after... Well I don't actually know how long. My eyes felt like lead and there was a girl's voice saying something about sacrificing gods and conditions being met.

After a few moments I managed to force my eyes open. I was expecting fire and brimstone and demons with pitchforks. You know, the usual stuff guys like me are stuck with in the afterlife.

Instead, there was a whole load of nothing. Just white everywhere. I couldn't even see the floor, the only reason I knew it was there was because I was lying on it.

I felt a light tap on the top of my head, "hey, are you listening?" Oh yes, and a small pink haired girl in a white dress. Can't forget the little things can we?

"This is a really crappy afterlife." Though I muttered that aloud I wasn't actually convinced this was the afterlife. It was far too peaceful for me.

"Ehhhh. You weren't listening. And you're still not!" That last comment was accompanied by a stronger blow on the head.

"Alright, alright! I'm listening now! Who are you anyway?"

Satisfied that she had my attention she nodded and continued the explanation I hadn't been listening to. "I am the all-giving women, Pandora. And you will reborn as a Campione, is what I'd like to say. Your body is weird, so some changes didn't work. I'm sure you'll be fine though."

Okay, so I'm not dead. I'm a little conflicted on that. On one hand, not dead. On the other, I now have to deal with politics. I half wish she'd put me out of my misery before it begins.

"So, Pandora."

"Call me Mama."

"No."

"They always say that. What's wrong with calling your adopted mother Mama?"

"It sounds childish, I'll stick with Mom."

"That's no... wait You're really going to call me Mom?"

"Why not, you've apparently already claimed me as a son."

I didn't get a verbal response but the bone cracking hug was enough. When she let go she started speaking again, "well if you're going to call me Mom then I don't think I can stay angry at you for hurting one of your siblings." "Wait siblings? Oh. Voban. I think I'd rather die than be related to him."

"Er? Thanks?"

"You're not allowed to do it again though. Or Mama will be very unhappy with you."

I was about to respond when everything started getting kind of... staticy. I don't really think there's a word for it. "Oh, it looks like times up. Bye, bye Theron. Come back soon!" She was giving me an exaggerated wave as everything started going fuzzy.

"Wait, how does she know my name?" I was about to voice my question when everything completely disappeared.

The next moment my vision was entirely black. I'm rather embarrassed to admit it took me a moment to figure out my eyes were closed. And there was a strange pressure on my chest. Like someone had set down a warm melon on me.

I opened my eyes to look around, and found a familiar head of silver hair on my chest. I also found that I was back in the bronze-black cross Naples chapter infirmary, again. It looked like Liliana had been sitting on a chair next to my bed and fallen asleep.

Thankfully I wasn't in any pain and I didn't feel numb, so I was probably fine. My throat was dry as a dessert, but there was a glass of water on the table next to my bed to fix that. After drinking my water I felt a little better, it had taken a couple of tries to actually pick up the water since my muscles hadn't been used in god knows how long, but I managed.

While I as at it I noticed that for some reason I was fully clothed. In actual clothing rather than a hospital robe thing. I was very glad when I realised that, but also had to wonder who dressed me. Then I forcibly shut down that part of my brain deciding it was better not knowing.

As I looked more closely around me I noticed my sword was in its scabbard on the opposite side of my bed that Liliana was sleeping on. Next to it was Salvatore's sword. It appears as though he hasn't been back yet.

Bored with the silence I started playing with Liliana's hair... Of course I would kill anyone that saw me doing so. I had a reputation as a lazy, badass, god-slaying warrior to protect. Any that learn I like soft fluffy things must die. End of discussion.

Unfortunately the peace didn't last long. Because Liliana woke up. As soon as she stirred I pulled my hand away from her with speed that would impress a Viper.

"Theron Safir!" She yelled in what I think was joy, practically right in my ear might I add.

"Hey there, Liliana. Sleep well?"

"This isn't the time to be asking stupid questions! I thought Perseus had killed you and left, but then you started healing and now you're back like you'd never even died." By the end of that short rant she looked like she was tearing up.

"You shouldn't be so reckless when fighting." "Wait, reckless? I could have sworn she was unconscious when the fight finished."

"Er, LIliana. What exactly is the last thing you remember?" "I really hope she was talking about the end of the fight."

"Perseus had evaded your strike and ended up behind you. Then I was waking up on the floor with a concussion." "Dammit, I might have hit her a little too hard."

"You're fine now right?"

"Yes, I had my injury healed when I brought you back here." "Great, do I tell her she stabbed me in the back or not?"

"But, how did you defeat Perseus after sustaining such a fatal wound?" "Oh, right. I gained the upper hand after the part she remembers."

"Actually, I didn't receive any wounds from that. In fact, I managed to take Perseus right arm then." "Please don't ask anything else."

"Then how were you injured? When I saw you fighting you were both at a stalemate until then. How could he inflict such an injury with only one arm?"

"Perseus had an authority which tipped the scales of the battle in his favour for a moment. It's actually the reason you ended up with a concussion." "Alright, if she asks anything else I'll tell her. If not, I'll leave it be."

"What kind of authority would knock me out but inflict wounds upon you?" "goddamnit"

"The kind of authority which controls the actions of others. I don't know the specifics."

As soon as I told her I realised it was a mistake. It only took a moment for her to realise that she had struck me in the back. I could tell by the expression on her face. It started confused then morphed into realisation before twisting into horror. For a knight, it must be terrible to unwillingly strike a comrade in the back.

It was pretty damn painful for me too.

After a moment horror turned into what I believe was fear. But I sincerely hope I was wrong. There was just something unforgivable about scaring someone like Liliana.

She shot away from my side and kneeled at the foot of my bed, "I'm terribly sorry for the injuries I inflicted upon you my King. If it will allay your anger, please do with me as you like."

"Eh? Anger? Why? What'd you do that I should be angry about? It was my fault for not keeping an eye on you."

"No, the fault is mine for being manipulated by Perseus. A knight should always protect their King. I suppose the proper thing to do is a traditional Japanese bow." And as she said so she did. It was slightly amusing to see her blowing this so out of proportion. But it was also annoying to be ignored.

"You really don't have to y'know."

Her face paled, "Th-Then, ritual suicide?"

My face met my palm. "Yes, because I really enjoy watching people kill themselves for no good reason." Sarcasm dripped from my words.

Regardless, Liliana looked scared and queasy but nonetheless drew her sword Il Maestro. "I didn't mean it moron!"

Thankfully Karen walked in at that moment, it appeared as though this mess would soon be cleared up.

"That's correct Liliana. It's good to see you awake, my King."

"Would you not call me that. please."

"Liliana has watched over you since you were injured. Three days ago."

"Eh? Really? That long? Thanks Liliana."

"I-I merely did what was expected of a Knight!"

While we were having this little discussion. I saw out of the corner of my eye a terrifying smile on Karen's face. "Anyway, Liliana. I believe King Safir"

"Seriously, stop that."

"Is seeking something different from you." "I am?"

"You see, my close friend Arianna has told me that King Safir has a very close relationship with King Kusanagi. Who has gathered not only Erica Blandelli, but also Mariya Yuri and Lucrezia Zora as his mistresses."

"Yeah, that Godou is certainly a depraved person." I was smiling inwardly even as I had a serious face on. It was fun spreading these rumours about Godou.

"It wouldn't be unusual for King Safir to follow in King Kusanagi's footsteps would it? Especially since he has no other role models."

"Eh? I don't like where this is going."

"How depraved! I had no idea King Safir was attracted to such people. Together they will dountlessly gather all the beautiful women in the world and have their way with the in a bath of champaigne! How hedonistic..."

"Wait! how does Godou being a depraved womaniser translate over to me!? I'm innocent! Stop making insane accusations!"

"So what do you think someone with such depraved comrades would want?" Her smile somehow managed to turn more sinister as my blood ran cold. "I think you already know."

The next thing I knew Liliana was removing her clothes. So I ended the situation in the calmest and most reasonable manner I could think of.

I jumped out of the window to escape the insanity. In hindsight it may have been better to open the window first. And to check to see what floor I was on.

The result? I crashed through a third floor window and plummeted to the ground surrounded by falling glass. I'm beginning to think this place is cursed.

While I was lying on the floor contemplating just when thing started to get painful I had an unexpected visit from a friend.

"Thou appears to be fully recovered from the injuries inflicted by the steel god."

I didn't even need to turn my head from my spot on the floor to know who it was. I still did, just to be polite.

"Indeed Athena. Though I think I may have some new ones now. What brings you here? I doubt you just wanted to chat."

For some reason Athena looked nervous. That made me really nervous.

"This one may have made a miscalculation when attempting to influence another god. Therefore, thou may encounter a strong god of steel soon." Miscalculation? Strong god? This sounds bothersome.

I rubbed the bridge of my nose as I responded. "How does your miscalculation lead to me fighting a god?"

"This one was attempting to incite a god to attack Kusanagi Godou. Yet, when this god heard of Perseus' fall he made haste towards this place." She looked me straight in the eye before continuing. "This is not a foe thou can face alone. This one suggests retreat."

Before I could respond, she had already left.

A moment later Liliana was running towards me from the nearest exit from the building.

I didn't bother standing, I had too many things to thin about, like why Athena apparently wanted to attack Godou indirectly. And why the hell all of this had to happen during my vacation of all times.

"Liliana, I need to use your phone."

Timeskip - Later that day - Because nothing interesting happened until sundown

The sun was setting. I had decided not to leave yet. Chances were, the god Athena mentioned was after me. Which meant that if I stayed here I could keep it from going anywhere else until Godou arrived. Of course, first we had to get through to him. There was no way to communicate the island Godou was visiting for some reason.

This would be much easier if Athena had given me the god's name. Then I could plan out an actual battle strategy. All I can do now is just sit here watching the sun set and wait for one of the bronze-black cross knights to find it.

"Come out God-slayer! Come out and face me!"

Or I could wait for him to find me. That works too.

I walked through the halls of the bronze-black cross chapter at a leisurely pace, listening to the god trying to goad me out. Guess he was the impatient type.

When I walked out the front door I was greeted by quite a sight. The god was an imposing man around six and a half feet tall, clad in dull grey armour on his chest, forearms and shins. His helmet was also protected by a grey helmet with what I can only describe as a blue mohawk, since I don't have a clue what the real name is. He was wielding a large circular shield and a long sword which was about three-quarters the length of Clarent, also there were four throwing spears on the inside of his shield.

All in all, he reminded me of a spartan in grey armour. But the details in the armour were different from what I had seen before, for example the shield was the wrong shape and bearing a lion. The armour was grey suggesting iron as opposed to bronze as well as being thicker.

That wasn't the worst part though. Flanking the god on either sides were around fifty troops bearing what looked like light leather armour and similar armaments to the god. I could probably take them, but I don't think I can afford the distraction while fighting the god.

Moments after I completed my brief analyses, Liliana appeared beside me. She had avoided me for a while now, or she was busy with knight duties I don't know, but I was glad she was here. My knowledge of myths and legends only includes Leonidas, Aries, Athena, Perseus, Hercules and Odysseus. I know it's pathetic, you try learning mythology in three years when juggling work and trying to figure out all these electronic things. I had to prioritize.

"There you are God-slayer! Have you made peace with whatever being it is you pray to? For tonight you fight Achilles, undefeated warrior of Greece!" I raised an eyebrow and shook my head slightly.

"It makes my job so much easier when they introduce themselves. Well, for the sake of being polite. My name is Theron, slayer of the god Perseus and the god-slayer Voban." I turned over to Liliana. and whispered in her ear, "who the hell is this guy?"

For a moment Liliana looked at me as though I had miraculously grown another head. She then whispered back, "how can you not know one of the most famous warriors of Greece? His legend has spread all across the world."

"Yeah, I'm not from around here. Should I be worried about this guy?"

Liliana sighed but whispered some relevant information to me. "He was said to be an undefeated warrior with an invincible body that was never defeated in battle, he was killed in an ambush were he was shot in the heel with an arrow."

"So go for the heel?"

"Yes, go for the heel."

I nodded and turned back to the now named Achilles. "Sorry for the wait, just wanted to clear up a few things. Is there any way we can not do this? I'm trying really hard to have a vacation but it's just not gonna happen at this rate."

Achilles just replied with an incredulous look and some spirited words. "What kind of warrior would decline the opportunity to face the mighty Achilles? The glory that would be achieved if you were to be victorious would be unparalleled!"

I gave him by best disinterested look, which wasn't too hard. "Well you see, I don't consider myself a warrior. And I don't fight without a good reason."

Achilles didn't look happy, not at all. That didn't bode well for my hopes of not getting in a fight. "Then if you will not fight I shall sate my lust for battle upon this city and all those that inhabit it."

It could be a bluff. I mean the guy's supposed to be hero right?

But then again so was Perseus. And he was still going to do something which would endanger the region.

I sighed again. It seemed to be a common occurrence recently. "Guess I don't have a choice."

Unsheathing Clarent I walked forward at a steady pace.

Achilles pulled a spear from the inside of his shield.

I began to pick up speed, building to a full sprint.

Achilles pulled his arm back.

I closed to around fifteen feet.

Achilles hurled his spear. A thunderous crack echoed around our chosen battlefield.

I dodged the throw by inches, but was still thrown back by the shockwaves.

The spear continued on. demolishing everything in its path. Including a number of reinforced walls.

That maniac had broken the sound barrier with a spear.

I barely had chance to get back on my feet before he was in my face, sword heading for my neck. He was a damn juggernaut, and he was a fast one.

I did the only thing I could, I ducked under the swing while putting my blade up to protect my head.

That earned me a kick to the face which almost certainly broke my nose and rattled my teeth. Sending me to the floor a good five feet back.

I rolled with the landing, ending up on my feet much faster this time. I actually had chance to see him swing the blade before it was almost killing me, coming from my left aimed again for my neck.

I did my best to parry the blow, but that insane strength threw my balance completely off. I ended up in a near perfect position for him to cut me clean in half at the waste, and he would've done so if I hadn't thrown myself over the incoming blade.

This was insane, his strength alone meant I couldn't parry or block.

Getting back to my feet once more I decided to speed things up. To that end I leapt back while chanting a familiar incantation,

"I offer up this contract to bear the wicked spirit beast that dwells within the atmosphere!"

As the familiar red rings fell down around me and I felt my body become lighter I used my newfound speed to keep Achilles back so I could come up with some kind of plan.

After running through a number of different scenarios that ended with me missing rather important body parts I settled on one that didn't end up with me missing something, hopefully.

I started casting once more, the movement was the same as for my enhancement spell, but the chant was different.

"I offer up this contract to unleash the magic beast of light which dances through the skies!"

Instead of my body lighting up, three wolves made of light were launched at Achilles. Of course I wasn't stupid enough to attack him directly, I was aiming around him. When the wolves arrived were they were supposed to be, they detonated.

Moments before the wolves detonated, I used every bit of speed I had to close the distance between us. I would only have a split second where Achilles was blinded. When the dust and dirt was thrown into the air I made my move.

I moved to the right and swung low with Clarent

If I was certain he wasn't invincible I would've gone for the heart or head, but since Liliana said he had an immortal body I decided to go for the only thing I was certain was his weak spot. I couldn't afford to waste this chance after all.

For a moment I felt resistance as my blade collided with Achilles' skin, and for a moment I thought that I had missed, the next moment though my blade slid through skin, flesh and finally through the tendons in his heel. I had hoped to take his entire foot of, but cutting the tendons works just as well. Hopefully.

For a second Achilles was completely silent. Then, I was airborne. I don't really remember what had happened in between, which is probably a testament to how hard he hit me, but apparently he had let loose an almighty roar as he smashed me aside with his shield.

I landed painfully on my left arm, it took me a moment to realise why it was so painful. He had hit me hard enough to shatter the bones in my left arm, a few ribs were probably broken as well. Even with all of my unnatural strength and whatever benefits a Campione is given. I really did underestimate this guy.

I couldn't afford to stay down though, so I grit my teeth and stood up, I could deal with my arm later. When I saw Achilles I chuckled inwardly, he was having trouble standing with one working foot. Guess that evened the playing field a bit.

When I managed to get up to my feet and saw the look of utter hatred on Achilles' face, a stray thought crossed my mind. I don't know whether I was simply delirious from the pain or something else, but I couldn't help but laugh out loud.

If possible, the look on Achilles' face became even more enraged, as he growled out a response to my laughter. "Do you find my injury amusing god-slayer? I'll be sure to return it tenfold."

I shook my head as my laughter died down. "I'm laughing at this entire situation. Neither of us have anything to gain yet we're both bleeding over nothing. What's the point?"

"Nothing to gain!? Is the glory that will belong to the victor not enough? Is the fact that our names will continue on in legends not enough?"

"Glory? Is that all that matters to you? I would rather be a forgotten hero than an infamous butcher. That is what you are Achilles, just another butcher that needs to be put down."

I was done talking, he wasn't going to back down so I wasn't going to waste my breath.

The distance between myself and Achilles was rather short, not enough time for him to throw a spear but enough time to grab one. Which is what he did. And man did he know how to use it.

Using only a single arm I couldn't effectively use the reach of my sword to attack him. But because of Achilles' injury he couldn't keep up with my speed. It ended in a sort of stalemate, I couldn't get past his shield and spear and he couldn't pin me down long enough to deliver a blow. One of us would have to tire though, and since my strategy relied on staying mobile it would certainly be me.

I could see why Achilles was undefeated. But he wasn't undefeatable.

I waited just outside of his comfortable range, maneuvering so I could stay just outside whenever I needed to. Until, finally. He overextended with a thrust. To be fair, he almost got me with that anyway. If I hadn't been waiting for that exact move, he would have pierced straight through my chest.

Since I was expecting it, I narrowly avoided the tip of the spear, staying between it and his shield, spun around so I was facing his spear arm, and brought down my sword on it.

It almost connected, but at the last moment he dropped the spear and pulled his arm back.

I wasn't finished though, I slowed the swing and twisted the sword sideways, it was now headed straight for his chest, between the sixth and seventh ribs. Even going so far as to unleash Clarent for an extra boost. Nothing had ever survived a slash like this before, so it was inevitable that Achilles would be cut in two.

Is what I was thinking before I heard a *ping*. Not only did I not cleave him in two, my sword pinged off his armor. Even through the growing bloodlust in my mind I was stunned for a second. I could cut down castle walls with this sword.

I didn't have any time to think though, because Achilles was now swinging his sword at my throat. I didn't have time for anything actually, I was completely open. There was absolutely no way I was dodging this. It didn't mean I shouldn't try though, so I still brought up my sword and tried to duck my head down.

I felt as though everything was going in slow motion, unfortunately I still wasn't moving any faster than that accursed blade. Then out of nowhere, a silver blur flew past my vision before being engulfed by a crimson spray.

Whatever it was caused Achilles to slow and his grip on his blade to slacken, allowing me to knock it out of his hand with my own before his now empty hand collided with the side of my face.

There was nowhere near the amount of force he had in his kicks or shield bash, so instead of being crippled I was just thrown back a few feet with a throbbing headache.

With that brief distraction I was able to identify what had just saved my life, and was somewhat surprised to find an arrow in Achilles' elbow. I couldn't afford to search for the archer though, because it seemed as though Achilles was a bit upset.

"Who dares? Who dares interrupt a duel between warriors!?" He looked at a spot behind me. "You! This will not stand! Myrmidons, to me!"

Before his last words had even registered in my brain his fifty warriors were in action. It really wasn't looking all that good. I stood in their path, apparently they were after the archer. And it was common courtesy to not let enemies kill people who save your life. So I stood my ground.

Even with a single arm, the myrmidons individually were little challenge. I suppose they were the level of knights but I had fought gods with my innate abilities alone and magic sword and come out on top. These pawns were nothing, my sword could easily cleave through both shield and sword. Together though, the fifty myrmidons were swiftly wearing me down. I probably would have been overwhelmed if the archer hadn't been providing support.

It wasn't long before the few remaining myrmidons fell back to Achilles, who hadn't participated in the attack. Probably not confident in his victory with both a foot and an arm effectively out of commission.

"If you wish to fight with allies god-slayer, then I shall be happy to accommodate. Next time you won't catch me off guard."

Before I could retort that I hadn't asked for assistance he had already left. Giving me a chance to see who my saviour was.

And unsurprisingly I saw Liliana, holding a silver bow. I don't think I had ever been happier to see her. But I really needed to sit down, so I made myself over to the nearest wall before promptly collapsing against it.

Liliana of course came running over to see whether or not I was dead. I don't know whether or not I'm actually dead, but I'm sure as hell not far off.

Taking a moment to count my injuries, at least the ones I could feel, I found out I had pulverized my left arm, broken three ribs on my left side, cracked the rest on the left and a couple on the right, sustained uncountable numbers of small nicks and cuts from rolling around on the floor and near misses, probably had a slight concussion from the blow to the head and was most definitely going to be feeling like crap tomorrow. Which would be an improvement over how I feel now.

Liliana just reached me with a worried expression. "Thanks for the save Liliana, I'd probably be a head shorter if you hadn't been here." I tried to smile and reassure her, it probably came out as more of a grimace if her worsening expression was anything to go by. Either that or she didn't appreciate my sense of humour. But that's impossible because I'm hilarious.

She looked over my injuries for a moment, and almost looked ike she was going to cry for some reason. Which isn't really fair, I'm the one in pain here and I'm not crying. "We need to get you back in the infirmary, again, Theron."

I grimaced when she said that, I really didn't want to move. "Any way we can just stay here? Everything kinda hurts at the moment."

"I can do some basic healing here, but we should get you back to bed as soon as possible. I doubt Achilles will be back soon." Saying that, she kneeled down as her hands started glowing green. It of course, didn't help. I was still absorbing the magic from her spell, so I was healing faster because of it, but it was all internal stuff so there was no obvious sign of it.

I would've told her that, but it was rather painful to speak. So I just let her reach her own conclusions. I heard her say something about a Campione's magic resistance and having to apply the magic internally, I wasn't really listening though. Of course I regretted that when she was suddenly kissing me.

I'm almost certain I felt every cell in my brain stop working for a moment. And my heart definitely stopped for a few moments. The last time I had been this close to anyone they had stabbed me in the kidney with my knife. Long story, no time for it now. I was so out of it I almost missed the feeling of my body absorbing foreign magic.

I would really like to describe exactly how that kiss felt, how Liliana tasted and everything. But I was too shocked to pay any attention to any of that. By the time the kiss ended I must have glowed red, hell I wouldn't be surprised if I spontaneously combusted. For a moment, I was too shocked to form any coherent speech whatsoever. Liliana didn't look too much better, but there was a touch of confusion to her face.

"It's still not working." Those words snapped me out of my daze. "What's not working?" I actually felt a little better, probably that magical boost to my healing sorting out the pain.

"The healing spell I just tried when I, k-kissed you." I blinked once, then I blinked again, then I realised exactly what she was trying to do. "Oh, I should have probably mentioned my magic resistance is different from a normal Campione's. Any magic whatsoever in or out will be absorbed instead of nullified. The extra magic helped my healing though so it kinda worked."

"Then applying it from the outside..."

"works just as well, yes."

For some strange reason she looked a little disappointed, doesn't that make her job easier? And isn't kissing someone you don't like normally a big deal? I'll never understand people. It's why I try to avoid dealing with them.

"T-Then, I'll continue the treatment." With her face still burning red she resumed trying to heal me with glowing green hands. I wasn't really comfortable with the close proximity, but I'll bear with it since it's Liliana

My eyes started to drift shut as the adrenaline finally started to wear off. And I couldn't help but wonder if I was wrong to always fight alone.

End Chapter 4

Right, I'll admit it. I kinda lost my inspiration halfway through this chapter. I hope it still turned out okay though. I'll be putting more effort into the next chapter, because that one is more important for me. So until then, see you around.