Depths in a Cavern

Piles and piles of rubble littered the floor. Every boulder, stalagmite, or stone wall was shattered to pieces by none other then Heracles in his anger.

"Damn those gods! All the evidence right there and they choose this route!?"

The outcome of the trials was not to his liking even though he was getting a chance to win the benefits of being under Hera. Still he wanted this to be swift and over with, waiting a week for someone so hothead wasn't the best thing.

"My my you rage like this? Instead of thinking this should be swift think of the very benefits you'll get should you be victorious."

Heracles stopped his fist inches from the next boulder looking back at his accomplice. The same mysterious woman who covered her face with a clay mask and a robe around her entire body.

"Don't try and butter this up you! The plan should've gone pitch perfect."

"My my and you thought it would go so smoothly?"

If he could stop and think more thoroughly he'd realize even if a plan is made carefully it can still go south. The logical thing to do was to figure out a new one, fortunately for Heracles that plan was straight ahead even if he disliked it.

"Sure your plan didn't go exactly as suppose to, but you have the opportunity should you beat that young man Leon you will be enriched with the benefits and glory under your queen Hera. Am I wrong?"

He couldn't deny that no matter how much he wished differently. What's done is done, anger did not allow him to lose confidence. Even though Leon had a sacred gear he was still at best a novice to it's power while also in combat. Heracles on the other hand had years of experience gaining strength from being the spirit of the original Heracles.

"Besides, did you really think gods such as Athena with such intelligence and wisdom wouldn't think something was fishy?'

"Hmph! Maybe so but even she doesn't have the evidence to prove that weakling is innocent." He said cracking his bloody knuckles.

She walked over healing his injuries like she had done it a hundred times. It was amusing for her to heal a hothead brute, he could say he didn't need it but couldn't, no he wouldn't deny being healed to keep fighting again and again.

Turning her back to him she walked back towards the shadow part of the cave "Be well Heracles, try not let that temper cost you your win now." With those last remarks she disappeared without a trace leaving him alone.

"I'll win, I'll show those gods I can surpass the original Heracles, and I'll enjoy beating that little newcomer to a bloody pulp hehe." He clenched his fist grinning like a maniac. Determined he got back to training his body for the up coming fight.

Outskirts

Bennia's portal did it's job getting Leon to the Outskirts to meet Zeus's contact. It was massive, far bigger then the training area or where he did his trial ten times. Mountains almost as high as mount Olympus, tree's so tall you could say they were over centuries old, and looking as far as the eye can see many other areas such as a volcano spewing black smoke.

"Welcome to the outskirts Leon." Bennia helped Leon out of the portal and with an arm outstretched presented the view.

"Wow! It's so massive it makes where I held my trial look like child's play."

Leon couldn't deny he was curious to explore it despite how much, much more dangerous it was here.

"I'll be back in week to get you. Try to get to side track with the view you have a habit of doing that."

"Yeah I...wait what?" Leon caught off guard by bennia's knowledge on him turns around seeing already in her portal waving goodbye while spitting her tongue out in a playful manner.

"Seeya!"

"H-Hey!"

Just like that the portal closed leaving Leon alone by himself. He may have just met that reaper hybrid girl but could tell in the future she would somehow be a handful with how silly and carefree she could act.

Nothing to do about that now, here he had to traverse through the outskirts to meet the king of Olympus contact. He said through his blessings this person would keep him safe here, if that were the case gis presence shpuld be known by now yet there wasn't a person in sight.

"Okay, whoever it is has be here somewhere. Though why not appear here and now?"

Left and right he saw no one. Even looking down the hill there was nothing but dense jungle and thr sound of animals all around.

"Maybe I gotta do a test? Has to be the logical conclusion...huh?"

The sound of trees being pushed aside came from behind him. All to well Leon knew something was coming to kill or eat him, in a place like this with his size no doubt he could be seen as easy prey.

"Already!? Can't be helped." Gritting his teeth he gets into his battle stance.

He was lucky to have been allowed to pick armor but he couldn't get the special thus the one he wore now wasn't as durable.

"HIIIIISSSSSS" A sound heard through the trees inched it's way closer and closer. Right of the bat it had to be the sound of a snake, a very large one for it to be that lound. To make matters more tense it's hissing seemed to vibrate the air making the skin crawl.

"Closer...closer...TAKE THIS!"

Raising his right hand he summoned a fire spell. Truthfully this was the first time Leon had ever used a spell despite being taught how to use it. Being so focused on his sacred gear he felt more inclined to learn more about it because he felt if he could get a grasp on it then using spells with his sacred would be easy. Here and now it was the perfect time to see how well he could do.

The fire spell hit in-between two trees causing a fiery explosion medium in size. But the sound of the hissing only came closer, he knew it would not be that easy.

"Show your face beast!"

As if on command pushing down the burnned tree a Basilisk reared it head as if it had been summoned through a portal from hell.

"HISSSSS!" The Beast revealed it's long fangs, saliva dripping down onto the ground that burned on contact. A mental note was taken to avoid it's saliva at all cost.

With a fast twirl of its entire body it swung at Leon, even with the big scales covering it's body it still had the speed and flexibility to strike quick. This however wasn't enough to faze the young Greek as he dodged out of the way jumping to the side. The tail slamming into the ground was powerful enough to send debris into the air.

"I was right to not try and take that on. Even with this incredible shield I still need strength in my left arm to withstand the blow and I'm not quite there yet, but..."

Taking the opportunity with the tail still laying on the ground he dashed forward along side the serpents long body. Responding in kind the basilisk charged at him mouth wide open to snatch up it's prey. Within striking rang the might jaws snapped at Leon who had ducked just in time below it's chin. "Haaaaah!!!". His yell became loud with his shield now out and with a powerful bash slammed the mighty basilisk right on it's under jaw.

Hephaestus was not kidding on how durable this shield was. While it was heavy that was one of it's many perks, the weight while being pushed could add more damage to any unlucky enough to be in its way. Leon was very thankful with all the training Achillia did for him as back then he wouldn't have been able to run with such a weapon.

With a mighty thud the basilisk landed upside down on the ground hard causing more and more debris to fly in the air.

"It's exposed underbelly...just maybe..," Leon started to dash at his attacker sword gripped tightly in his hand. He had mere seconds before the beast could flip over again and begin striking. "Got it!" Half way from flipping over he managed to stab his sword into where a snakes stomach would be. This was enough to cause it to roar in pain thrashing about.

Unlucky to be close by the young Greek was bashed away by it's scales, even worse the force of the impact was enough to forcefully let him go of his sacred gear sword. "Ack, dammit!"

Bloodshot eyes showed on the now injured basilisk. It seemed to now be in a sort of rage almost the same as when the chimera back at the trial area.

"Gonna have to find some way to get back and hope it does what it did last time."

Raising his shield over he stared it down watching it rush at him. As expected those scales are tough, it headbutted the shield with such force Leon was pushed back. To keep himself from falling over his bronze boots had to be digged into the ground almost knee deep.

"Come on come on!!!" Gritting his teeth he used as much strength as he could to slow down as best he could. The one upside to the situation was that his shield was more durable then the shield he was givin during his trial, no doubt it wouldn't survive a bash from this legendary beast of legends.

Even though it was only seconds trying to hold his ground almost felt like an eternity. Sweat dripped down from his brow to his chin. So much energy had to be used to not be crushed or eaten. His luck would finally come up, with the speed now down enough Leon pulled his feet from the ground and moved to the side.

The sound of jaws clamping shut was heard behind him. Just enough in time he avoided both it's fangs and corrosive saliva.

"Grrr...got ya!"

Stretching out his right hand he seized his sword from the soft underbelly side of the serpent. The whole metal piece of the sword was covered in dark red blood with a bit a black spots on it. Even though it wasn't it's saliva he made sure not to touch not knowing if it's poisonous.

Like back then his sword began to shine brightly from absorbing the blood. It's entire shape began to change, growing a bit longer in both metal size and hilt. As the light faded it's transformation was completed. The blade was darkish blue like scales of the basilisk, the etchings on it white like it's fangs, and the whole hilt seemed to fill covered in scales.

"I was right. So soaking in a beast blood seems to allow it to transform." After his close encounter with a chimera he pondered that the reason the sword transformed was from soaking in it's blood. This led to him theorizing that if he did it to any other creature the same thing would happen, now he knew he was correct. "Now to test out how this blade works."

He turned toward the basilisk watching it start to twirl it's body in a circle read to slam it's tail on the ground again. Holding out the fully transformed blade Leon held his ground ready for it. In one fell swoop the tail as fast speeds some right for the young Greek's torso, but it was in vain.

"Ghiiiiisssssss!!!" It roared out towards the sky in sheer pain. The tail used as a weapon was severed from the body, blood splattered everywhere drenching the ground in a crimson color.

With one fell swoop Leon had managed to cut off it's tail seemingly with ease. Though this was half true, while the sword did give him a bit of boost in power to cut through tough scales like that more muscle had to be used.

"No surprise I had to use more strength, still this battle is now decided."

Not wasting any more time he charged at the serpent ready to strike the finishing blow. Even while loosing blood it was not gonna go out with fight and charged right at him in a last ditch effort to kill him.

With so much blood loss it's movements were slower then ever not like it wasn't in it's prime from old age. Taking advantage of the state Leon spin'd his body out of the way from it's mouth knowing with how corrosive it's saliva is an assault from the front was unwise.

"I'll end your suffering here and now basilisk!" Stopping at it's side and jumping on top of it's head he slammed it straight into the head. Even when squirming the blade stayed firmly inside allowing Leon to hold on tightly.

A final hiss echoed throughout the jungle before the mighty beast fell to the ground now lifeless. This now made two creatures the young Greek boy had killed all on his own, both could have killed him without the training from Achillia and the wisdom from Athena.

He pulled the blade out the dead basilisk's head looking over his blade with awe. But such was short lived, like before with a shine the blade turned back into normal. He knew this was a could happen again but hoped just maybe it would stay in the form for good.

"I figured it would happen again. I can't tell if this is how it is or...!"

The clapping of hands came from behind Leon, far closer then he imagined. Whoever or whatever was doing it was clearly right behind Leon at close enough distance to possibly strike at any moment.

Without at second thought Leon put distance between himself and his unknown supposed opponent while getting into a battle stance. Staring with serious eyes he saw what appeared to be a woman.

The skin on this woman was the same color as Hera smooth like she kept it washed daily. Her hair was light green as the fresh grass that hadn't been destroyed during the battle. Her outfit was that of robe that barely covered all of her body leaving her ample cleavage, and both legs that were exposed. Some jewelry adorned her body such as the earrings in the shape of a full blossom flower. Even some were holding her robes together nicely showing off every curves top to bottom. Lastly she was barefoot but on her ankles along with her arms and head were branches that seemed to have rose's sprouting from them.

"Wow...I mean who are you!!?" Any young man seeing a beautiful woman that looked to be the personification of nature would naturally be awe struck.

"My my so jumpy. I figured you'd be too exhausted from that fight you had but your still full of energy, I'm glad to see the training has paid off Leon."

This mysterious woman caught him off guard, she knew his name like she was expecting him. A short lived moment for the young Greek as he soon put two and two together this could be who Zeus said his contact was.

"Wait a minute, you wouldn't happen to be the person Z-I mean Olympian King Zeus was talking about would you?"

She let out a small laugh covering her mouth still finding Leon amusing. "Smart thinker too I like that. But as to answer your question your correct young man. Though from your action I can tell that man hasn't told you who you'd be seeing."

Zeus had indeed only said to meet up with his contact, he never did say who this contact was. Whether he did it on purpose or not didn't matter at the moment.

"Well...yeah he didn't. But I assume he had good reasons, still since you clearly know my name may I have yours Mrs..."

"And good manners too we should get along just fine. Ah but let me not roll off topic, my name is Gaia the personification of the earth, or mother of the earth which either you fancy."

Gaia a primordial being known to be the first being in Greek mythology. From her she bore the first titans, the one eyed cyclopes, hundred arms and hundred heads hecatonchires, and from the Legends was the reason humanity was able to be born.

"T-The Gaia!?.I mean primordial...I mean..." He stuttered over his words almost like a fan would from meeting his or her number one idol.

"Hahaha Leon no need for formalities. Just Gaia would be most exceptable." She couldn't help but find him adorable trying to show respect to someone as ancient as her. Not in a bad but more of as seeing a youngling still new to world.

"R-Right Gaia. So your the one who's suppose to be watching me, I must say it's an honor."

"I should be the one hear saying it's an honor. I've seen many things in my time, a variety of sacred gears wielded by kings and commoners. Yours however is new to me."

Leon couldn't help but look over his sacred gear now realizing even someone as old as Gaia had never seen it before. Even though she had zero knowledge on it with her experience maybe she could tell how to fully operate, though remembering she can't exactly train him because of the restriction rules from the trial.

"I know you can't exactly fully train me but any insight on how I can use this would be most appreciated." The need to bow was there but remembered Gaia didn't want him to do such courtesy.

"Indeed, I have been informed of what limits you have on you and what I can do. To keep you alive is my main priority. But while I can not actively get involved in your preparations I can give my insights one what this sacred gear may truly be. Though you only will have to find a way to bring out your strength from the knowledge." She said while looking at his sacred gear.

One could wonder what strength you could gain from training under a primordial being. The wish to know what that's like was up there but it could not be helped now.

"I understand Ga..." His sentence stopped midway from the grumble of his stomach. Hours had to pass by and from that fighting naturally anyone would be starving.

A small laugh escaped the primordials mouth "First things first we need to have a growing boy such as you a hot meal. We shall carry that basilisk back at my home, it shall be your dinner. And do not worry it's blood is not poisonous."

Carrying something this big would have been torture for Leon especially while very hungry. He lifter the head up while Gaia lifted the rest of the body with her magic with ease. No doubt if she wanted to her bare hands would be strong enough to carry alone. Still two helping rather then one showed a good level of kindness as both moved through the jungle.

Training room back in Olympus City

Achillia had trained for a few hours with her spear that was made for her family. Doing so allowed her to push out negative thoughts and remain in focus. A much needed stress relief after the ordeal with the trials that decided Leon's fate, the young man she had trained and gotten to know over the weeks.

Still, try as she might this situation stuck into her mind. She couldn't shake off the feeling of what would happen should he fail in the Olympia Arena.

"I thought being in this room would help, dammit no matter how much I try to think positive I just..."

"To much for a clouded mind."

She spun around in surprise to see Athena behind her. Wiping away some sweat from her brow she put her spear, sighing to ease her frustration.

"Yes Goddess Athena, this whole situation has my mind so clouded training has become lacking for me."

The goddess chuckled, this was not to laugh at her but get her full attention. She knew for her mind to become more open something needed to be done. So Athena picked up a bronze sword and stood in the center of the room.

"Come Achillia. We must let all emotions out through sparring."

Achillia was hesitant at first to spar with Athena. This was the first time she had ever done so, her wisdom had been enough to help her learn and grow. Still she could not deny she wanted to test her strength against the goddess of war and wisdom whether win or lose.

"Yes Goddess Athena!"

Spear in hand she twirled it around fluently before pointing it at her sparring partner. Athena responded in kind pointing her weapon at her, without a word she signalled her hand for her to attack.

Achillia rushed forward thrusting her spear at Athena's chest plate. No surprise from a goddess with experience she parries it with her bronze sword. One hand armed only she pushes it away causing the descendant of Achilles to stagger.

"Come now you could've easily followed up with a swing from the other end of your weapon Achilles. Again!"

Not one to back down so easily Achillia rushed forward again swinging the spear aimed at her side. Once again with one hand the goddess parries again but now follows up with her leg aiming to kick her right on the jaw.

"I don't think so!" Achillia shifted her staff up around her head, blocking the kick though she could feel the power behind it.

"Good your senses are staying sharp. You will need it if you plan to keep being around Leon now."

Eyebrows lifted up at the mention of Leon at a time like this. Sure she was worried how he'd handle his trail but right now she wanted to train to clear her mind.

"I have no doubt Leon will keep learning under me my goddess."

Achillia shifted to Athena's side this time thrusting the point of her spear at her shoulder. Despite the quickness Athena had no trouble responding to such speed and grabs the metal tip of the weapon stopping it in place. Achillia surprised yet not surprised her weapon could be stopped by the likes of her grit her teeth in response.

"You say that yet there is more to your words then meets the eye Achillia."

If a question mark could appear a top Achillia's head it would do so at this very moment. The words directed at her was confusing, her words seemed just since there wasn't much to hide.

"Goddess Athena I don't quite understand?" She looking her straight in eyes.

A simple "Hmph!" came from the goddess pushing her back with ease. "I do not doubt on having faith on him. But throughout my time I have studied you just as much, you envy the circumstances."

Achillia was taken back by this. Being envious of Leon who was orphaned at a young age, got adopted but became and orphan again after his grandfather died, was killed in a major accident, and is now on trial that could cost him his life how could she be envious of his situation?

"Maybe I'm missing something but I fail to see how I could be envious. I feel sorry that he is put into this situation, Ha!" She dashed at the goddess striking with a flurry of blows, left and right trying to at get one hit in.

This time without her weapon Athena simply dodged over and over again. Her movements were more fluent then Achillia's, stepping side to side without losing the eye contact.

"Do not think on your sorrows young warrior. Think only on how things can be done even in the heat of the moment!"

With that final word of wisdom she duct down dodging her staff and kicked the young warrior off her feet falling on her behind. Achillia winced a bit in pain the landing wasn't smooth. Looking towards her spear on the ground she went to grab it, but was a failed attempt as Athena had her bronze training weapon point right at her throat as if she would deal the finishing blow.

"Achillia, you sometimes cannot control how others or something's will respond but you can decide how to act, learn, and adapt. In the end that's what matters most doesn't it?"

She couldn't deny the wisdom coming from Athena even if she tried, more likely she wouldn't deny it all and try to decipher it as best as possible.

Athena pulled her sword away and helped Achillia up. Her serious expression now gone with a now more stoic yet calm face, one could only imagine how she would look in her rage.

"I understand Goddess Athena. It's still confusing but...I will keep learning and keep my faith and hope strong that Leon will prevail!" She said before bowing her head in respect.

Athena put her hands on her shoulders causing the warrior to look up. She was met with a smile, one she hadn't seen the goddess of war worn for many years.

"I know you will, your young and still learning after all. For now best you spend time with others of your age, wouldn't say Mrs. Hecuba?"

"Haha was I that obvious peeking or is her goddess that good at spotting people?" Hecuba came out from the curtains into the room smiling at the two.

Achillia wanted to feel embarrassed right now, anyone who got defeated by a god it shouldn't be a surprised as gods are vastly stronger. The one thing that felt more embarrassing was getting dropped on her ass in what some could consider a comedic fashion, Hecuba being one of them though she wouldn't outright say it.

Athena slightly chuckled "Call it having years of experience knowing your surroundings. You two have fun now, I must be off." Walking past Hecuba in such a goddess like fashion one would almost think she wasn't a warrior.

"I guess you saw what happened?" Achillia said while dusting off her toga.

"Half of it. You did good Achillia, most people especially some of my soldiers wouldn't have been able to last that long against the goddess or war and wisdom."

Hecuba's soldiers under her were definitely skilled in the art of combat. Many had years of experience yet despite that she while being young displayed incredible strength, skill, and tactician. It's what allowed her to go up the ranks fast. Back in the very oast such a thig would be impossible let alone for a woman to join the army, but now things were different and everyone who joined were to treat one another as brothers and sisters.

"Ha! Does falling on ones ass count as a final conclusion?" Achillia joked, it was a much needed one after what she was told.

"More or less for humility." Hecuba smiled at her childhood friend.

Seeing some sparks left in the descendent of Achilles Hecuba walked over and picked up the bronze sword Athena had left behind. Turning in a three sixty motion she pointed it at Achillia.

"I still got time, wanna go a few rounds old friend?"

"Heh gladly Mrs, redhead." Achillia said picking up her staff amd spining it before pointing it at her childhood friend.

Leon has survived another encounter with a beast of legend, now he comes face to face with the primordial being Gaia. Still he must find a way to draw out more of his power for the coming trial by combat if he wishes to be victorious. Can he manage to do it in such a short time? More to come in the next chapter.