"Marius, stop!" said Filo, being drowned by Marius's loving kisses.

"I can't. My love for you have grown." said Marius, while he embraced Filo.

"You're like a big baby."

"Will you take care of me then?" Marius grinned.

They both leaned in and their lips collided. Then they heard a knock on the door. Their lips parted and Marius went to the door and opened it. Outside, Taniko stood with little Gaelion standing beside her.

"Yes?" said Marius.

"Masked Hero. I would like to talk to you." Gaelion.

"Can't you see that I am busy?"

"This will not take long."

"Very well."

"Please stay here and wait, Wyndia."

Taniko nodded.

Gaelion entered they room and Marius closed the door.

"Hey you! Give me back my experience!" said Filo.

"You do know this whole predicament happened because you ate part of my core? You have only yourself to blame." said Gaelion.

"Give me back my experience!"

"It is mine now. You will have to gain it back gradually." the Gaelion inhaled deeply and spit out a candy-ball mass. "Lick this, and you will gain your experience bit by bit. Now if will excuse me, I would like to talk to your mate."

"What do you want to ask?" said Marius.

"First, I would to say I am sorry for causing you much distress. The whole thing must have been difficult for you."

"It was. Apologies accepted. Anything else?"

"Regarding the flames you carried, and the spear." Gaelion turned his head towards the spear on Marius's weapon rack. "Both possessed foreign powers."

"What do you mean?"

"Tell me, where did you get the flames?"

"From the Dragon Hourglass. Atleast, that's what I think."

"I knew the flames felt very familiar."

"So it was from the hourglass?"

"Yes... Yet, the origins of the hourglass was unknown, even to me. But I felt a godly presence in the flames, including the spear. Where did you get that spear?"

"Queen Fitoria gave it to me."

"Queen Fitoria. Have not heard that name for a longtime. I assume you are Filo's praetorian."

"Yes."

"Well, the origin of the spear is unknown to me, just like the hourglass. But if I were you, I would upgrade the flames so it would not drain you stamina everytime you finished using it."

"How?"

"By the hourglass, of course."

"And how would I do that?"

"Place your hands on the hourglass, and let it do its work."

Marius looked at his hand, the vision from the hourglass played in his mind, "How do you know all this?"

"Kyuu." the little Gaelion tried to climb on Marius's armor rack but fell and rolled away.

Marius grabbed Gaelion by the tail then he opened the door, "Here's your lizard."

"Don't hold him like that!" Taniko took Gaelion from Mariu's hand, "And he's not a lizard!"

"Right." Marius closed the door on Taniko. He picked up the candy-ball and wiped the saliva off with his napkin, "Here."

Filo took the candy from Marius's hand.

"If what he said is true, then I must go to the Four Heroes Church."

"For what?"

"To upgrade the flames. Perhaps I could benefit from it more. Would you like to come?"

Filo nodded excitedly.

Marius leaned in and kissed Filo's forehead, "Now go to your room and sleep. We'll leave by morning."

"Let me sleep with you... Can I?"

"Very well. Now sleep." Marius laid on his bed.

Filo laid on top of him and he put his arms around her.

"Good night, Marius." said Filo, before falling asleep.

"Good night, my love."

The next morning, Marius and Filo was about to leave for the capital.

"You two going somewhere?" said Sadina in her human form.

"Sadina. I have something important to do in the capital, and I'm bringing Filo along." said Marius.

"I see. How are you feeling now, Filo?"

"Filo is fine now. I had a good night sleep last night." said Filo.

"I hope so. Safe travels, you two." Sadina waved at the two.

"We'll see each other again, Sadina." said Marius.

"Bye, big sister Sadina!" Filo then sprinted away on the road.

Marius and Filo stood before the Dragon Hourglass. Marius crouched down and put his hands on Filo's shoulders.

"Listen, and listen well. If something bad would happen to me, leave and tell the others what happened." said Marius.

"But I don't want to leave you."

Marius smiled then kissed her on the forehead. He got up and walked towards the hourglass. After few seconds of hesitation, he slowly reached for the hourglass with his both hands. And in one quick move he placed his hands on the and he felt the same burning sensation. The sound of war quickly filled his ears and the flames emerged from the hourglass as it burnt and spreaded all over his body.

Marius groaned in pain but he kept his hands on the hourglass. The painful burns grew and grew stronger, Marius could feel his armor melted on his body causing more pain. Then, the pain stopped. Marius opened his eyes and saw a painting of the Blackstone Legion fighting knights, vikings and samurai alike. On the center of it was a centurion on horseback.

"Quite a masterpiece, isn't it?" said a male voice.

Marius quickly turned and saw a man in a crimson sharp suit and a cane on his hand, "Who are you?"

"Me? I'm the one you prayed to when you go to war."

"Ares?"

"Clever boy."

Marius stared at the god of war in confusion.

"Did you expect a naked man with a shield and spear?"

Marius nodded.

Ares chuckled, "Well, we olympians are alot more modern now. Come, let's talk somewhere more appropriate."

Ares walked pass Marius and ushered him to follow. As they walked through the hallway Marius saw more paintings, all depicted wars from different eras. Some were familiar to Marius, but most were strange to him, with weapons, soldiers and war machinesMarius never saw before.

"What are these?"

"War. From different eras and different worlds." Ares pointed at the painting of Apollyon, "I assumed you know who this is?"

Marius glanced at the painting, "Yes, I know her."

Ares opened a door to a large room with different war relics from the ancient era to the modern age.

"Like what you see? Mankind created many weapons to wage war at each other. From bows to guns. Catapults to long-range missiles. Horses to tanks. But one thing still remains."

"Soldiers dies, on both sides."

"Good boy. Sit with me. Would you prefer Alexios or Marius?"

"... Which ever you prefer?"

"How about Marius? I prefer that one. It reminded me of the name the Romans gave me. Mars." Ares sat on a single couch facing a fireplace, "Please, take a sit."

Marius sat at another single couch beside Ares.

"Thirsty?" Ares presented a cup of tea to Marius. "We don't have wine here. I'm not Dionysus."

Marius took the cup and drank from it. It tasted just like any tea he drank.

"Now... What brings you here, my child?"

"The flames inside me."

"Ah yes, the flames of war. Or the flames of Ares, whichever you prefer."

"I was told that I could upgrade it with the hourglass."

"And who told you that?"

"... A dragon."

"Well, by the world that you live in I'm not surprised. You only got half of the flames, so it will make sense that you should get the whole thing. Let's get to upgrading."

"Wait, there is another thing I like to ask."

"Hmmm... A curious one. It's a waste telling you but I haven't had any company for awhile so I guess I can answer your questions. Tell me, what you want to know?"

"The Dragon Hourglass... Who made them?"

Ares pulled a miniature Dragon Hourglass from thin air, "How kind of them to name it for us. We just call them hourglasses and never bothered about names."

My brother Hephaestus forged them using my flames, without my permission. It gave mortals of that world to modify their abilities and even class-ups. Fitting for a world that functioned like an RPG video game."

"What?"

"I forgot, you're from a world that's stuck in the medieval era."

"My world?"

"Incase you haven't realized it already, there were more than one world that only we gods knew."

"Why created the hourglass?"

"We hoped the hourglass would help in dealing with Medea."

"Who?"

"You don't need to worry about that. Now let's get you upgraded." Ares got up and walked to a entrance that wasn't there before.

Marius got up and followed Ares. Inside of the new room looked much like an ancient greek temple, with greek tapestry on every wall. In the center was a fountain of flames that lighted up the interior.

Ares took a cup from thin air and dipped it in the flames. The fire turned into a red water in the cup and Ares presented to Marius, "Drink this, and the flames will be full."

Marius took the cup and stared at it, "This is not a trick, is it?"

"Why would I trick you? You are the best warrior you world as ever produced. You could have been my champion but Zeus, my father, as forbid us from getting into mortal affairs... Now drink before I changed my mind."

Marius slowly drank the water, emptying the whole cup. Then, Marius felt the flames inside him pulsated violently. Marius groaned in pain and he collapsed. Ares stood beside him with both of his hands on his cane, then he spoke to Marius in a strange language that he doesn't understand.

His vision went dark, and slowly he heard Filo calling his name. He opened his eyes and saw Filo crying to him.

"Marius, wake up!" Filo shook Marius's body.

Marius got up and looked around. He's still in the chamber where the Dragon Hourglass was held."

"Marius, what happened?"

"I... Don't know... I don't remember."

"But, did it work?"

"I don't know." Marius got up on his feet and placed his hand on the hourglass again but nothing happened. "Maybe it does."

"How do we know that?"

"We'll see." Marius turned and extended his hand to Filo, "Let's go. I think we're done here."

Filo grabbed his hand and both of them walked to the exit.

3 days later...

Marius was summoned by Naofumi. He entered the manor and saw the hooded woman and Naofumi waiting for him.

"You summoned me, Naofumi?" said Marius.

"Yes, I did. Tell him." said Naofumi.

"Good news, Masked Hero. I've found the Black Prior's hideout." said the hooded woman.

"But did you find the mines?" said Marius.

"No, just this one. And I even found the Sword Hero amongs them."

"The Swordsman? What is he doing with the Black Prior?"

"I guess we'll find out once we apprehend him. I'll take care of Ren. Meanwhile, you and your legions will take care of the Black Prior." said Naofumi

"Very well. When do we move?" said Marius

"Now would be great. If we're lucky, they might still be there." said the hooded woman.

Naofumi and Marius hid behind a bush, spying on the Black Prior guards near a cave entrance. Then, they saw Ren walking towards the cave with some Black Prior men following him. The Sword Hero wore a different gear but it was low on quality, and he wore a facemask similar to the Black Prior.

"You think being a hero they would give you a better gear." said Naofumi.

"The Swordsman is here, but I don't see Vortiger around." said Marius.

"He's probably inside. I hope you brought enough men for this."

"They are well trained, and I think I brought enough."

"Good. Let's head back."

The two retreated back into the forest and walked back to their camps. There, Rishia, Atla, Eclair and Taniko with Gaelion in her care, and Marius's legion waiting for their centurion's orders.

"So, what's the plan?" said Eclair.

"Sending the legions in will cause Ren to teleport out of nowhere, or causing more casualties. We'll have to draw him out first." said Naofumi.

"How?"

Naofumi turned his head to Gaelion, "If Ren still thinks he's a hero, then maybe he'll try to slay a dragon again."

The Black Prior guard stood vigilant, scanning the surroundings for potential intruders. Then, something large flew above them. Then a large dragon landed infront of them and roared. Ren heard the dragon and ran outside.

"I'll handle this." said Ren, brandishing his sword.

Gaelion roared back at him then drew Ren further from the cave entrance.

"Good luck, Marius." said Naofumi. Then he and his companions moved out to deal with Ren.

"Wait for the signal." said Marius to his legions.

Distracted by the dragon, the two guards didn't see the hooded woman hanging above them. With bladed weapons on both of her hands, she dropped and stabbed the two guards, killing them instantly. She got up and waved at the Shield Legion's position.

"That's the signal. Legionaries! Charged!" Marius commanded, then he and his legions emerged from the bushes and charged at the cave.

Leading the raid, Marius led the legions into the cave. The unprepared Black Prior were quickly massacred by the legion with the help of the hooded woman. They reached the very end of the cave and saw Vortiger with the Jormungandr holding a warhammer and the Hitokiri with her masakari axe.

The Jormungandr lifted his hammer and unleashed a powerful lighting at the cave ceiling. It exploded and rubbles started raining down at the legion. The legion saw the incoming rubble and separated themselves, and Marius and half of the soldiers were trapped inside. Then, more of Vortiger's men started appearing out of the darkness of the cave and attacked them in every direction, breaking their formation.

"Kill the centurion." said Vortiger to the Hitokiri.

The Hitokiri started killing every Shield Legions as she approached Marius, who was busy fighting off the Black Priors. She hasten her speed and as she got close enough, the Hitokiri braced her weapon and swung it towards Marius.

Marius saw the incoming attack and quickly blocked it with his shield. He raised his spear and thrusted his spear at the warrior, and she backflipped away from him. The Black Prior and the Shield Legions ceased their fighting, and began watching the duel.

"What are you?" said Marius.

"Ware wa shinigami." said the Hitokiri.

"Alright... I'll give a chance to surrender... These men don't need to die..."

The Hitokiri let out a terrifying laugh.

"Fine." Marius stuck hi spear on the groun and drew his gladius.

The Hitokiri went into combat stance, and the two charged at each other and started their fight. The Hitokiri swung her weapon from above and scrapped at Marius's shield before hitting the ground. Marius slashed her abdomen with his gladius. The Hitokiri tried to elbow strike at Marius but he stepped away and swung his gladius from above. She blocked the attack with the axe handle, then she swung her weapon from below.

Marius blocked the attack and spun around to slashed at her. The Hitokiri dodged the attack and retaliated. Marius caught the axe with the edge of his shield then stabbed the Hitokiri's chest. Marius pulled his gladius and as the Hitokiri fell on her knees, Marius cut her head off then kicked her away.

Seeing the defeat of the Hitokiri, the rest of the Black Prior dropped their weapons and surrendered. Marius ran towards the path where Vortiger took. It led Marius to the outside, and on the ground he saw the hooded woman holding on her abdomen as she bled.

Marius quickly ran towards her, "Are you okay?"

"No... I got stabbed." said the hooded woman.

"I can see that. Where's Vortiger?"

"He got away. Should think twice before going against him."

"Then be grateful you are alive."

"Aren't you going to get him?"

Marius looked at the horse footprints, "He'll be gone by now, and I don't have any means to chase him."

The hooded woman healed herself with a bottle of potion. She slowly got up as her wound heals, "So, what did I missed?"

"Not much. But we do got prisoners." Marius returned to the cave.

The slain soldiers were put on the ground by their comrades. Though Marius expected it, he couldn't help but to feel guilty for their deaths.

"They fought well." said the hooded woman.

"They did... But that couldn't saved them from death." said Marius.

"Lady Ingrid was right. You did changed."

"So you knew as well."

"Who doesn't?"

"Centurion." said one of the praefectus, "We've rounded up the prisoners."

"Are they ready to talk?" said Marius.

"Yes."

Marius turned then walked towards the prisoners that were on their knees.

"I will not execute you." said Marius, "But you will tell me what I need to know. Where are the mines?"

"They never told us about the mines. We're just hired swords." said one of the Black Prior.

"I know you are lying to protect yourself."

"I'm telling the truth, we don't know anything about the mines!"

"Then who knew about the mines?"

"Only people close to Vortiger knows."

"Is the Swordsman one of them?"

"Who?"

"... The Hero of The Sword."

"Yes, he's one of them."

"That's all I need to know."

After they successfully captured Ren, Naofumi and the others went back to the cave.

"Did you get him?" said Naofumi.

"No. But did you get the Swordsman?" said Marius.

Naofumi turned his head to Ren being held by Eclair, "Yeah, we did."

"Let me talk to him?"

"Why?"

"Cause he knows where their mines are."

"Go ahead." Naofumi stepped aside.

Marius approached Ren, "I know you worked with Vortiger."

Ren nodded.

"How?"

All his possession was taken, and he only has his sword by his side. Broken and lost, betrayed by the Bitch, Ren thought of a way to regain his wealth back. He set up an ambush on the road, using the cover of the night. Then he saw hooded men with wagons carrying cargo. Ren attacked the hooded men and defeated all of them.

"I'll give you two options." Ren brandished his sword, "Work with me, or die."

Ren heard footsteps coming from behind him. As he turned, he was hit by a blunt attack that sent him flying. Ren got up and saw Jormungandr with a warhammer. He raised his hammer to crush Ren, but he rolled away and stood up.

Ren readied his sword then dashed at the warrior, but was stopped by the electric attack from the warhammer. The pain brought Ren to his knees and his sword fell from his hand. Jormungandr approached Ren then kicked his sword away. He position his warhammer on Ren's head and was prepared to execute him.

"Stop!" said Vortiger.

The Jormungandr shouldered his weapon and stepped away. Vortiger picked Ren's sword up.

"Hero of The Sword. It is an honor to finally meet you." Vortuger ran his hands on the blade.

"You're gonna kill me? Cause that's not gonna bring any good." said Ren.

"Why should I? And what are your reasons to attack us?"

"I going to rob you... I wanted to take your wealth."

"My wealth?" Vortiger snickered, "What use am I for wealth? But if it's wealth that you want, then maybe I have use for you."

"... I had no choice but accept his deal." said Ren.

"Working with an evil man for wealth. I will teach you a lesson for that." said Eclair.

"Do you know where the mines are?" said Marius.

Ren nodded. He took out a map and gave it to Marius.

"You should put him somewhere secure, incase they would try to find him." said Marius.

"I already have that planned. So, what are you gonna do now?" said Naofumi.

"I'll take my legion and go find the mines."

"You're not going home?"

"I rather have this dealt with as soon as possible. Tell Filo I love her."

"Alright. See you soon."

"To you as well."

"I wish you luck, Marius." said Eclair.

"Thank you." and with that, Marius returned to his legion, "Legionaries!"

The legion turned their attention to their centurion.

"We bury our fallen brothers here, and then we rest. But soon we will march to the south." said Marius.

"Yes, centurion. But what about the prisoners?" said the praefectus.

Marius then walked towards the prisoners, "I will give you two choices. We'll leave you here to die. Or you join my legion."

"... What's in it for us?" said one of the prisoners.

"In exchanged for your allience, I will make sure your crimes are pardoned. What say you?"

"Fine... We'll fight with you." said the prisoners. Soon, all of them agreed to join Mariu's legion.

"Untied them." Marius commanded his soldiers.

They untied the prisoners and they got up on their feet. Then they took off their mask, revealing a group of humans and demi-humans.

"Welcome to the Shield Legion." said Marius.