Second day in the Outskirts Early Morning

Leon had eaten his fill last night of the Basilisk he'd slain that tried to eat him. *A fitting turn on the beast* he thought to himself, *Surprised how good it tasted even without any seasoning*. A first time in his life he had hunted and eaten something, so use to getting stuff from the groceries he now saw how much it was a luxury.

"Finally awake after your slumber my child?"

Looking up from his bed he saw Gaia the primordial of the Greek pantheon. She still wore the same dress as of yesterday and still looked like a walking supermodel that loves nature.

"Yes, after that fight yesterday it was good to get a food and a comfy bed." Leon stretched his arm getting the blood pumping.

"I'm pleased to hear. Once your fully awake come outside for there is much to discuss."

With those final words and a bright smile she walked out of the room through vines that acted like curtains.

The whole house he slept in was entirely made out of plants from the walls, to floor, and the ceiling all made of exotic looking plants done by Gaia herself. At first he was apprehensive to sleep on bed made of plants but to his surprise it was comfier then any bed he had slept. No doubt in his mind Gaia had the ability to make plants either soft as a pillow to sleep on or hard a steel to cut through anything.

"Never in a million years did I think I would be staying and sleeping in a plant house, I certainly can add that to new experiences."

The young man got up doing some stretches to get the muscles working for whatever laid ahead.

"Or have a plant sleeping outfit either."

Gaia was even kind enough to make him an outfit made out of vines that were as comfy as the toga he'd worn before. At this point he couldn't tell if this was made naturally by her or magical powers, or possibly just both in general. Either way he was grateful for how kind she was, still this couldn't be wasted as he needed to train his body and mind to face the hulking muscle Heracles.

Seeing Gaia was outside he used this time of privacy to change out of his plant outfit and into the armor he was allowed to wear. Making sure everything was everything, even his arm gauntlet that made a shield was wrapped around his arm he walked outside.

"I see your awake and determined, good, that will be needed."

she ushered him to come sit down in front of her. While he was changing she had produced a large plant that looked like a dandelion the size of a couch. Just like everything else she made the dandelion was super soft to the touch, even comfortable to sit on you could stay here for hours relaxing.

"Now I'm sure you have many questions about the sacred gear. While I have not seen it before I can give words of wisdom that should help you better understand your power my child."

"With your years of experience I have no doubt Gaia. Still wouldn't your wisdom technically be helping me?"

A chuckle escaped the primordial mouth "Words of wisdom can only do so much my child. I can tell you how such a power can operate but you alone must have strength and will to bring it out. Therefore I'm not being hands on do not worry."

To Leon it almost seemed like this was helping a bit but at the same time he remembers she's technically here to make sure he doesn't die or get seriously injured. If he was to get stronger he needs to listen carefully for he only has a few days left.

"That makes sense haha." Leon said chuckling, a little embarrassed he didn't think too deeply about it.

Gaia while not saying it found him adorable going with the flow and making sure to understand.

"Indeed. Now summon your sacred gear for my child."

He didn't need to be told twice and did as she asked. Light shining up for a brief second before dying down showcasing his gauntlet along with the sword.

"Still quite fascinating."

Gaia held it and the sword looked intently at it. The energy was that of a sacred gear, from the time the first one was made she had sensed each one. But her eyes narrowed a bit, turning the weapon over from side to side it was clear something popped into her mind.

"They say it's a sacred gear yet they also say it feels different. Even though it had to be made from the god of the bible they should be similar right?" Leon had to narrow his eyebrows looking at it just as much as Gaia.

"This energy I sense within your sacred gear, it is, no is something inside. Something that is...alive."

"A-Alive!!?"

She nodded her head confirming a yes to Leon. Her being the oldest in the Greek pantheon she could sense a decipher stuff the Olympian gods of today would struggle to do. She could tell something was alive in there but what it was was still a mystery.

"Tell me my child, did you ever feel something inside of you that felt weird?"

"Honestly no, though when I slept and when I first summoned my sacred gear I heard voices, they were low so I couldn't make out what it was saying but I felt like it was voices trying to talk to me."

That was more proof to Gaia that something was alive inside of Leon. She wished she could get hands on to help uncover what it was but the rules of trial were still in motion. Nothing could be done but hope during his stay she would get to witness this thing inside of him coming out.

"M-I mean Gaia, it's really impressive how you were able to tell something alive lives inside this sacred gear."

Hearing that made the primordial deity smile, one with pride she hadn't done in many generations.

"You flatter me child. When you get to my age you learn to pick up a thing or two regardless if you're the embodiment of the earth."

"With power too. I mean yesterday you came up from behind me without my notice. I guess being that powerful will do that to you." Leon smiled striking up a conversation. He couldn't deny how impressed he was of her, true most gods could do the same but having it be done by one that's far older was something else.

"Well even after relinquishing most of my powers I still have some tricks up my sleeve child."

Leon couldn't help but be taken back by what he was told. Throughout the myths he's learned even at the school Hera allowed him to attend never such information was told to him.

"Relinquished? I don't remember hearing from the books you did such a thing Gaia."

She looked at him smirking, rubbing the top of his head allowing the color red of embarrassment to wash over his cheeks.

"My, I wondered when you would ask such a thing. An age old secret I kept and only allowed people I find interesting to hold. A kind and adorable young man such as yourself can be indulged, though promise this woman you can keep a secret."

Nodding his head in agreement understanding this had to be an important secret. Even though Leon grew by himself and his grandfather before passing he made sure to honor someone's privacy no differently if he asked to keep a secret.

"Many of the Legends you hear are true children. Though one in particular is only known by a few." Gaia summoned a cup made out of what appeared to be bamboo filled with clean water. She made two passing one to Leon while she drank hers and continued to speak. "In truth the barrier that protects the realm you now call home, I relinquished many of my powers to keep this place safe. In doing so I'm not exactly in my peak prime any longer."

Truly she seemed like such a benevolent goddess to give up so much power now no longer being as strong as she used to be. Given how big this realm one could only imagine how much power a primordial gave away to keep it safe. On one hand the idea that she should still be incredibly strong given she's a primordial being so much power could be left over. On the other hand she is ancient, her powers are something mankind, not even the gods could completely understand.

Leon deep in thought spoke out loud "I remember how you weren't entirely on Zeus and the other gods side but you still helped them. So after Zeus proved he could rule the realm of Olympus you made the barrier to help keep it safe?"

"Haha you learn fast my child. Yes, I knew after he proved he could rule my time being in the open I felt it was up. But not without a parting gift, the barrier I helped to decide who can come in and who to keep out. Of course Zeus and the other gods created such a barrier along with the flames of Olympus to keep this realm stable."

With such a generous gift Leon couldn't help but wonder why she kept this a secret. Either way it was clear despite just meeting she had taken a liking to him and thought information like this was okay to tell, and he made sure to promise not to tell anyone.

"Very good my child. Now with that out of the way I believe it is time for you to train."

"Of course Gaia!"

Standing up and stretching his legs Leon waited for what she would tell him.

"Having watched your battle yesterday I can confirm you have been trained well. You watch your opponent for when they strike while staying on guard."

Both the Chimera and Basilisk had Leon mostly on the defensive side, only striking when he saw an opening. Thanks to Achillia's teachings of watching your opponent carefully he could say it's saved his life more than once.

"But you tend to stay on guard for a far too long child. While you wait the enemy could already be seeing your flaws and openings and when you go to strike they'll have the edge to take you down fast."

Gaia's voice changed into a somewhat intimidating tone like she wanted to frighten him. That was not the case however, she simply tells Leon the hard truth about what he needed to improve on.

"You must also strengthen your arms and legs for greater use of your sword swings, carrying your shield for greater defense, and to move about for greater agility."

"Yes ma'am!"

She liked what she heard, a simple yes to a task without a hundred questions. Satisfied Gaia turns towards the jungle clapping her hands together, the sound echoing around the area until trees start to move apart revealing the depths of the jungle that seem to go on for miles.

"On your way now my child. Fret not I will be watching to make sure you do not die, but it is up to you to hone your skills."

Giving a head not with a face of determination he responded "I understand." No need for any delay he walked through the path.

Gaia clapped her hands once more closing the trees that were pushed apart. Closing her eyes her entire form turned into a humanoid plant like being that almost looked like her, then she sank into the ground traversing her way through the plant life to keep watch on Leon's progress.

Back in Olympus City

"Stupid Heracles and his stupid arrogance and..."

Elais was mumbling while reading his textbook under his family tree. He thought that studying could get his mind off his friends trial but that did little, that was until Cora pulled his ear bringing him back to here and now.

"Ow ow ow ow!!!"

"You really need to learn not to mumble so loudly, I can practically almost hear you from inside." Cora said before letting go of his ear that it was now a shade of red.

"Jeez was I that loud? Sorry"

He rubs his ear with a slight tear in his eyes from the pinch. He could only wonder if she was really pissed off his entire ear would be gone by now, not even the gods could potentially fix that mess.

"You're fine, I know how you feel Elais. I don't exactly like what's happening to our friend but being grumpy about won't change a thing."

Elais sighed in defeat because he knew she was right. Complaining was a waste of time where you could be doing something better than that.

"You're right, always have been right about a lot of things Cora haha."

"Naturally, what you would do without me I can only imagine." She said with a stoic attitude pushing up her glasses, though with a slight small smile. He'd point it out but another ear pulling would be something he didn't want to happen again.

"If I had to guess he'd probably find another smart girl to watch out for."

A voice from somewhere answered Cora's question. Both looked around trying to see who said that, even when looking at his family tree he saw nothing.

"Uuuuuh...Who said that?"

"Just me"

Both jumped up startled from the voice right behind them. Coming from the shadows was none other than Bennia, the same girl who opened a portal to the outskirts for their friend Leon.

"Son of b...wait, you're that girl from yesterday."

Cora quickly fixed her glasses and hair looking at Bennie with a furn brow.

"Jeez phantom girl you could've given us a heart attack." Elais said catching his breath from the multiple times his heart beated.

"Sorry I couldn't resist hehe." Bennia floated over them upside down giving a cheeky smirk "The one and only who helped your pal."

"Do the gods need something from us?"

Cora asked thinking since Bennia works for Hades the idea of them being needed was the first thing that popped into her mind.

"Naw, those gods and goddesses are busy preparing that combat trial. I finished my work so I thought why not visit those two who are friends with Leon."

She would've loved to even add in Hades loathed the idea of helping with the trial but didn't want to seem spiteful. He already never bothered to pay attention to her so she couldn't care less what went on in his mind.

"I'm a bit surprised you didn't talk to Achillia, she's also dealing with this crap also." Elais said watching her float around the two of them.

"Eh I would but she's pretty grumpy, plus she's busy talking to her best friend soooo I came here."

"To make sure we get heart attacks?"

Cora said with a sturn look of annoyance, still not getting over the fact Bennia got the jump on them.

"Oh come on you I got you good haha. Plus not just that but I have an idea that can help your friend, one where you can show your full support."

Elais liked the sound of that, being able to do something rather than nothing was his style. Cora peeked at that, an interest in the idea but she wasn't about to tell Bennia, at least not until she fully gets to know her more.

"All right me and Cora are gained just tell us what to do!"

"I'll listen to see if this is a good idea." Cora said pushing up her glasses and folding her arms.

Bennia with a cheeky grin clapped her hands together full of pumped up energy.

"Excellent! Now we first need some large amounts of paper." She pulled out a long list that dropped to the floor, clearly she had thought hard on this for a while.

Half constructed Olympia Stadium near Mount Olympus

Many workers paced back and forth building up the arena for the upcoming trial by combat. It had been centuries since its last use now needing a much deserved upgrade to house more people for many were going to attend.

Hera stood at the top looking down at the men and some women team working from one side to the next. They were the ones blessed with having more strength and stamina so they could keep at for hours without any rest. As much as the queen of the gods was impressed by their speed the idea of what it was being used for made her sigh.

"You're not angry at me?"

The voice of Zeus said beside her wondering how his queen was holding up. He knew her well and could tell what she was feeling, it was all a matter of how to approach the situation. She looked at his with her arms crossed.

"We had this discussion already dear."

"Ah, so you are angry."

"Back at the trial, a bit yes. Now I feel it has somewhat settled down."

Indeed back then when he had Leon walk in with handcuffs she was not happy at all, but at the same time she knew with the situation it was just him carrying out the law in this realm. Still, to see the young man she had been watching be put through this irked her heart. She did not believe Leon would do such a thing, but with so much that was seen many people would have second guesses, thus she would be outvoted if she said otherwise.

"You have faith in that boy, one of the reasons I made sure Gaia watches over him to make sure nothing bad happens."

Hera couldn't help but smile a little at the kindness her husband did.

"You truly have changed a lot over these centuries husband."

Zeus couldn't help but chuckle at that remark. "I've learned to settle down my temper, it has allowed us to thrive these thousands of years."

"Indeed husband. The same can be said with my jealousy. Ah, those days I wonder if we're two different people, past and now present."

Hera back then like the legends say she was jealous of Zeus having many lovers. Even when they got married he still had his tendencies to be attracted to other women. Fortunately over the years and with many learnings both had become more calm, stoic, and happier. The past remains in the past though some stuff doesn't go away so easily with Zeus being around Odin they both liked to look at beautiful women. But that was mostly it for both never went far to actually try to sleep with them. Admiring was all it was, their wives were the loves of their lives and nothing would change that.

"A weakness we had back then but now strength and kindness for the glory of our realm my love."

Zeus held Hers from behind wanting to be ever closer to his queen. She loved this side of him being a caring husband, though she couldn't deny him being serious as a king had its perks as well.

"Shall we step back inside my queen?"

Turning around she hugged him back "No, I prefer to be here while watching the sunset. Grant this wife of yours some peace for the days to come."

The king of gods nodded kissing her forehead and looking out towards the skies. Hera could only hope things could go smoothly. Should the worse happen whatever was in her power she would try to find a solution.

Manor of Achilles Descendants

In a huge land that stretched for miles was a manor that was home to some of the descendants of Achilles. A few that still believed and worshipped the Greek gods over many generations within the family live here.

Many of his blood lines diverged over the years going into other continents but from such a long time ago many of the details have been lost in the realm of man. Fortunately for the gods picking out which one had the blood of their descendant Achilles was no hassle and offered few to join, those who did not weren't pressured and respected their wishes to stay on earth.

Sitting in a huge steaming hot bath was Achillia fully naked, her breast poking halfway out of the water from leaning on the stone floor she was relaxing after a long training session. This was not the only bath in the manor, the family owned enough for each individual to have their own, whether they wished to bathe together was their own choice.

"Aaaah, this was definitely much needed both physically and mentally."

Her entire day was spent with Hecuba her childhood friend sparring with one another to push out any feelings that needed to be open and not bottled up. Admittedly she went a bit overboard but it wasn't something her friend couldn't handle, they both practically knew each other's moves so going all out was nothing serious.

Thinking in her head Achillia listened to the words Athena gave her. *You envy the circumstances, *You sometimes cannot control how others will act but you can respond to act, adapt, and learn*. It seemed like simple words but coming from a goddess of wisdom it was like something important is there but you couldn't figure it out.

"Enviously, respond to how to act, it should seem simple..."

"Not too simple when you think like that"

Hecuba called out walking towards the bath in a long white towel up to her breast and down towards her legs. Her hair that was normally in a ponytail was let down to fully wash it in the baths. If one saw her for the first time like this she'd almost be mistaken for a fit model rather than the leader of her own army.

"Any other person would be cut and dry, but from a god you know it's never that simple." Achillia responded back with a chuckle while washing her hair and keeping it from covering her entire face.

"True it is never so simple." Taking off her towel she sinks into the hot bath feeling the warmth all over her skin. "But it's pretty good learning if you take into account what they're trying to do."

Smart gods words like Athena always had a meaning to it, they wouldn't say it from the start because there would be no learning, just hearing a few words and now done thinking you've learned something.

"I can't deny that it's just...I feel like I should know it. All my life I've learned what it means to be a warrior. To be just as good as my ancestor in battle along with the wisdom of the gods blood that flows through mine and my family's veins."

Hecuba could understand how she could have a lot on her mind. Her family blood line were descendants of the Thetis the sea nymph/goddess who gave birth to Achilles. Throughout generations many have tried to awaken that god like power their great ancestor warrior had but to no avail.

"I get the fact your family can have high expectations but you gotta go at your own pace." Hecuba moved closer to her childhood friend putting a hand on her shoulder. "Big wisdom and what not ain't gonna just pop up because you did something for years. Gonna have to take longer than that, maybe with a few grey hairs."

Achillia laughed at that end of the sentence joke, her old friend had a way of brightening the mode with her jokes.

"Hopefully before I'm too old to even lift up my spear red head haha."

"Oh nice one there Achillia. Maybe you should add jokes to one of your strengths as well."

The young spear wielding warrior shook her head no at that, smirking at the idea that she could be some kind of comedian. As much as her friend would love to see that she wouldn't push something that made someone uncomfortable.

"Thanks Hecuba, guess a laugh was needed to clear my mind a bit. Right now I'm just worried about how Leon will make it through this."

"Hey the kid has guts and has that sacred gear. Plus learning a few tricks from you definitely will help. Honestly, I feel like he'll show Heracles some humility, gods know he needs it badly."

On that Achillia couldn't agree more, she tolerated him because the gods brought him here since he held the spirit of the original Heracles. Sadly his arrogance on wanting to be the strongest, to prove he's stronger than the original left little to desire. She couldn't deny he was strong that was a fact, however if he somehow got killed because of his attitude her and Hecuba wouldn't be surprised.

"I hope to see that because I can't stand him. But enough about that, let's enjoy this bath before our fingers start to get marks on them." Achillia looked up at her fingers just to make sure they still looked smooth.

"Hahaha, agreed Achillia." Said Hecuba, now washing her hair.

New ideas and learning begin to form for many people. Leon must learn to seek out his weaknesses and overcome them if he is ready to face Heracles. Meanwhile his friends find ways to help or cope with how all this could end. More to come in the next chapter.