Depths of the Outskirts

Six days have passed since Leon entered the outskirts of the Olympus Realm to prepare for his trial by combat. As per the agreement the primordial being Gaia watched over him to make sure he wasn't seriously hurt or killed, but she could not be hands on with the young man's training. As such Leon had to make sure he instilled her words in his mind to improve both his strength and skill.

Through the days he had been pushed to his limits again and again fighting off many of the mythological beasts and the harsh elements such as the humid jungle and mountain terrains. His moves and speed became sharper and faster making quick work to monsters that would see him as their next meal. On this particular day one was pushing Leon to survive.

"Aaaaaahhhhh!!!!"

The young warrior yelled out being pushed from the trees and onto a boulder. In a split second he opened out his shield to cushion the blow along with shattering half the boulder form, the weapon made from a god was such a life saver.

He wasted no time getting on his feet while bringing up his shield. Learning to be quick he instilled in his mind to be quick with the shield, allowing for greater defense in fast moments.

It would prove not needed at this moment from the sight of a huge tree from above falling towards him. Jumping up with sword in hand he cut through it like you would cut butter with ease. Both fell to the ground kicking up dust everywhere with how big they were despite being half the size.

"Okay you two, it's time I got a bit serious!"

Stepping out of between the trees and onto a bare land of nothing but dirt two full grown Minotaurs walked out. Like in the myths they were half man half bull, head and legs of a bull, torso and arms of a man. Their strength couldn't be questioned with how muscular they are, it seemed like they could give Heracles a run for his money but such thoughts weren't needed right now.

The hulking beast on the right slammed his fist on the ground cracking it and spewing dirt in the air. It belowed a mighty roar that was a cross between bull and man one that would make someone not skilled at fighting turn tail and run.

"Let's see how you handle this."

Holding his sword up in the air it began to transform into a bright glow of light. When dimming down it's appearance was none other than the power he got when it was lodged inside the chimera and soaked in its blood.

In the outskirts many monsters inhabited the area so a chimera would be no different. The one he fought here was stronger than the one he fought during his right of passage.

"Now let's see how much power I can use till time up."

Roaring and charging the minotaur from the right clenched its fist ready to throw a bone shattering punch. Leon dashed at it with great speed keeping both his defense and offense up for balance.

With a mighty swing downward its mighty fist aimed for Leon's head to crush it. It may have had brute strength but its speed was lacking and he knew it. A quick dash was all he needed to evade the fist as it crashed down into the ground violently making a hole.

"Too slow, now's my chance!"

Swiftly his blade slashed deep into the minotaurs thighs lighting it on fire. It roared in pain getting on both its knees desperately trying to put it out.

Sliding under the beast Leon looked back to see the damage, it wasn't getting up and moving anytime soon. Now with one crippled he focused on the second one. Suddenly a huge boulder came crashing down onto him, eager to improve his defense mixed with offense he opened up his shield and with a hard bash the entire boulder broke apart into smaller pieces.

"My turn." Leon ran towards the other minotaur who kept chucking boulder after boulder but the young warrior either kept on bashing them to pieces or dodging them.

Far too close now it pounded its chest with its fist and roared out in a fit of rage. Its head lowered, first clenched, and steam coming out of its nostrils charged at Leon full speed.

"Haaaaaaah!!!!"

The sound of a loud clang echoed throughout the land. Keeping the front knee bent while the other halfway bent Leon holds his ground while the beast horns hit his shield. Almost in a tug of war fashion both pushed one another back and forth.

"Grrrr!" the young man grit his teeth trying to push it back more and more but this bull had lots of strength to bear. "Guess I still need some work on this, oh well."

On a dime he jumped out the way of an oncoming charge from none other than the minotaur. The flames had been put out but it also was now in a fit of rage, thinking with Leon's back turned it'd get a clean shot at stabbing it with its horns. Those horns were now lodged inside the other minotaurs shoulders drawing blood.

"Now's my chance, one slash should be enough for you both!"

The two struggled to get free stomping back and forth in pain mixed with frustration. It was too late for them however, with the fire coating the sword one swing from in between cut deep into the chest and straight towards the heart. Both became consumed in the burning flames before collapsing onto the ground now lifeless.

"Phew! Good thing they didn't have high level intelligence, I can only imagine how difficult that'd be."

The sound of clapping came from behind him, he knew full well it was none other than Gaia who'd been keeping watch. "Well done Leon, you certainly have grown to think more while in battle and keep up that power of yours."

She was correct on Leon being able to use the powers of his sword a few minutes longer than just powering down after a few seconds.

"The mythical creatures definitely force me to think and act without much delay. And a plus I can use this power more and more." Leon swung his sword around.

Gaia chuckled watching his powerful yet smooth swings "That and your other sword as well."

Two days ago

"Huff...huff... Don't know...how much more...I can take..."

Leon sweated bullets down all of his face, his eyes barely opened from the liquid it made his sight extremely low.

Staring him down was a nemean Lion, huge and well built to pounce and kill a full grown adult. This wasn't the nemean Lion that the original Heracles faced so it wasn't on the same level but it was far from weak, in terms of power it was way stronger then the chimera and Basilisk the young reincarnated Leon had faced and killed pushing him way past his limits.

Gaia stood from afar watching closely for any signs she would have to intervene if he was about to die. He needed to be pushed further in order to get stronger and a nemean Lion was just the right one. By pure luck he had run into one since even in the outskirts they were rare and when one was spotted escape without help would be nearly impossible.

"Come on! Haaaaah!!!"

Charging at the beast with what strength he had left the blade of the sacred materialized. He had already used up the power up from the blood of another Basilisk hours earlier yet it barely cut through the Lions skin. Small scratches could happen but that was it with no sign of serious damage.

The Lion roared charging at him and when at close enough range swiped its paw that was the size of his head.

"Uuugggghhh!"

Deploying his shield just in time the strike was blocked but with such strength he was tossed away. Not without getting at least a shot in he raised his free hand firing off an ice spell of shards aimed at its face. This however proved futile, a single swipe from its other paw swatted the shards breaking them easily.

"Damn! If only his skin wasn't so thick. There has to be a way...just maybe..."

Mind in hot gear Leon remembered something about big cats and that was their belly is their most vulnerable spot because of all the organs there. This may be a mythological beast but it still can be considered a big cat by some extent he believed.

"This is a gamble but I gotta try."

Clang Clang* Was the sound coming from Leon banging his blade onto his shield edging the Lion to come at him.

Its load roar echoed all the way to him, it would respond in kind showing its razor sharp teeth. If it got a clean hit on Leon he knew Gaia would have to step in but he didn't want that, far determined to push himself and show he can do it.

The closer it got the more the ground shook from its force. One could think of running away but to outrun a Lion is pointless, so no other choice was given but to stand your ground.

Finally it jumped forward both paws stretched outward ready to pounce on its prey. It was now or never, he had to strike now at its weak spot. But that never came as within mid strike his heart sank at the sight of its own paw pulling back and swatting at him on the shoulders. Again being swatted with such force he was tossed to the side but not with his sword.

"N-No..."

His own blade was now underneath the Lion he was near on defenseless. Even with a shield it didn't matter if he couldn't defend himself.

"Oh dear" Gaia muttered at the failed attempt for a decisive victory.

Roaring to the skies the Lion did as if it achieved victory. Seeing the blade no longer a threat it inched its way towards the exhausted Leon.

Gaia had seen enough and stepped forward at least a few inches but stopped in her tracks. Eyes wide open she saw Leon slowly getting up, he may be tired but still retained some willpower to keep going.

"No Gaia, I need...to be able to get stronger. To show Hera... Elais...Cora...Athena...and Achillia how much... I've grown"

No doubt on the primordial face she was proud of him. The will to keep going no matter how difficult the going got was not an easy feat, but he still did it because of the people that were waiting for him back home he wanted to impress and be proud of him.

"I understand," She said keeping her distance.

Leon took a deep breath in and out to calm his nerves and get any small amount of stamina back. In those breaths a tingly sensation felt around his body. His sacred gear shined, he drew up as much power as he could within it. Then all of a sudden he heard whispers, the same one he heard in his dreams.

"Dr...aw...mo...re...Your...al...most...the...re.."

"That same voice! I wish I could ask who you are but I gotta take care of this Lion for good."

The light began to swirl a majestic bluish white color all around his sacred gear as if it was dancing around. One final deep breath allowed him to hold out his gauntlet fitted around his hands.

"I can feel another one, if you did this for me then thank you." He final words said watching another sword materialize in his hand. Same color as his first one with marking on it yet also he could feel they both could absorb powers from soaking in blood.

"Well now what a turn of events. I wonder what you'll do with this supposed second chance Leon." Said Gaia in her mind practically eyes glued on the scene before her.

meanwhile the Nemean Lion wasn't fazed at all, why should it when it had easily swatted away one sword. Whether by confidence or just eager to kill its prey it lunged at him, Leon responding in kind.

The difference now was he didn't have his shield on him because he wanted the speed to match his attacker.

"You won't get me a second time!"

"ROOOOAAAAARRRRRR!!!"

Both shouted and jumped at each other full force, and with a mighty swing Leon aimed for the Lions stomach. Fate seemed to have the last outcome repeated here and now but no such thing happened. With a spin in the air he tricked the Lion that tried swatting away his blade, taking this advantage with all his might he plunged the blade as deep as he could into its stomach.

"Haha...I...got you..."

He crashed onto the ground hardy we spent on his energy. The Lion however fell harder, right onto its back gushing out blood from not only the mouth but from the blade as well.

"Right in the lungs, well done my child well done."

She knew the fight was now over walking up towards an exhausted Leon huffing and puffing on the ground.

"Did...did I...get it?"

"You did Leon, you said you would push through and you did. Now rest my child."

An offering he couldn't pass up the exhausted reincarnated Greek closed his eyes fast asleep. He would be asleep for a long while after this fight and would get a nice hot meal and bathe back at her house.

Before that her arms transformed into vines taking hold of his blade laying deep inside the lifeless Nemeans Lion's stomachs. Like all the other times it began to glow and transform. Steel now the color of gold and the top of the hilt in the shape of a Lion's head exuded great power.

"I assumed different types of weapons would be made but it seems to be just swords. Could this be another version of the sacred gears that create swords? Only time will tell."

Back in the present

Leon nodding dematerialized his still powered up sword and materialized his kept nemean Lion like blade.

"I can wield the powers a lot longer but they still dematerialize. I can use no powered sword to test the waters but if things get too hairy I can use this stronger blade as a trump card."

She couldn't agree more nodding her head. Growing ever more proud on how he's learning despite a short time. Part of her wishes she could get hands on but to break the rules of the trial wasn't going to happen.

"I also wonder about Leon. Have you been hearing any of the voices in your head today?"

He sadly shook his head no, last time being when he got another sword yet he barely could make out the words.

"That is unfortunate but you are still young and growing, given time it should reveal itself unless you push it out."

Now that he thought about the idea of trying to push whatever was inside of him never came to mind. Assuming it would reveal itself that was the number one idea.

"Maybe, but for now I made really good progress! I don't know exactly how strong Heracles is but I feel like I got a good chance."

Leon at this point had every right to be confident, still he always remembered from Athena to never get over confident unless it would be his end.

Gaia smiled patting his head "Good, keep up that spirit and you will do great things. Now how about we have my vegetable stew you like so much."

On special nights Gaia made her special vegetable stew that somehow had a combination of sweet yet sour. It practically melted in his mouth and he loved the taste almost as much as eating cooked meat.

"Your stew is the best I've ever tasted Gaia! After a good fight it tastes even better."

She chuckled and held one hand on her cheeks "My, you flatter me my child. I can make as much as you like for all your hard work."

Olympus City

Over the past few days Elais, Cora, and Bennia gathered large amounts of materials for the upcoming trial by combat. This was a secret to keep from the others to surprise both Leon and anyone else who were to watch.

"You know I could just create a portal and send the stuff to your house." Said a floating Bennia beside Elais.

"Don't try it he's stubborn." Cora responded by pushing up her glasses.

Elais felt carrying the heavy materials was his responsibility then having the women carry it. Despite how Cora could be even she couldn't change his mind on this.

"Eh I got it, plus it's good work for this future Spartan."

"Wow you're really set on this goal Elais, hope you'll be ready to deal with those intense drill instructors."

To be a Spartan didn't just require you to be strong, you needed to have good listening and strong discipline to follow orders. It matters if you came from a family of Spartans because you yourself still needed these qualities with no exceptions.

"That's why Spartans are highly respected they do what they gotta do for this realm. Being a part of something big like that is an honor." Elais held out a fist grinning ear to ear.

"Keep in mind you can't fail your classes unless you want to be held back dummy." Cora's words made him grow knowing how much he wanted to get classes out of the way.

"He's got a stoic girl to look out for him too, I say Elais is preeeeetttty lucky right now."

Bennia floated besides Cora grinning and nudging her shoulders. Cora turned away hiding a small blush across her cheeks and pushing Bennia by the face in such a comical fashion.

"W-Well someone has to keep this stubborn boy in line, how else do you think he's passing math?"

"Hehehehe." Bennia chuckled floating around Cora.

Elais meanwhile could only wonder why those two come to blows so often thinking it's probably a woman thing.

"Girls are strange sometimes..." He muttered watching them both go back and forth.

Elais House

Arriving back at home Elais put down the materials in the living room. His home appeared vacant but that was natural given that his mother and being in the Spartan military was away for long periods of time. That's what it seemed like until a voice rang out from the bedroom.

"I was wondering when you'd get back, having your mother wait while off duty."

The voice came from none other than his mother, still wearing the traditional Spartan armor after coming home from duty.

"You know me mother, I need to move around haha."

"Long time no see Mrs. Lydia." Cora spoke his mother's name in a respectful way.

"Ah Cora long time no see, hope my boy hasn't given you too much trouble?" Lydia spoke patting hard on her son's back making him stumble a bit.

Cora couldn't help say how stubborn and head fast he was but he still kept up his grades thanks to her.

"That's what I like to hear. And who is your petite looking friend?" She looked at Bennia.

"Heyo names Bennia I work under old skeleton Hades."

One big hardy laugh came from Elais mother from that little joke. "Old skeleton? I can agree with that."

Bennia laughed as well from her own joke thinking *Maybe I could make a killing at being a part time comedian*.

The son of Lydia finally wiggled his way out of his mother's grasp like he got a good gasp of air. "Good your back for a while mom, in fact we got something planned."

"Oh? Nothing crazy I hope, you remember last time what happened when your crazy plan bore fruit child?"

This had Bennia's interest peak, what sort of crazy idea did Elais get up to before she came around? But he wasn't about to spill the beans on that one.

"T-That's in the past mother! What I mean now is this." Pointing at the materials of paper, clothes, and tape.

"Now what in tartarus do you kids need all these for?"

Lydia picked each material one by one to examine it. Despite not being on the battlefield her mind raced for ideas on all of this, *a surprise party, a big project?" She wondered till Cora stepped in.

"It's for our friend Leon, when he comes back we're gonna be there for him for his trial."

She remembered hearing about someone who broke into the vault and stole the scythe of Kronos, at first she couldn't believe it until everyone was waiting for the upcoming trial by combat.

"Ah yes that incident. Your friends with this Leon?" Both Cora and her son nodded simultaneously "Hmmm, being in this situation is trouble enough. I don't like the idea of you kids getting involved but I see the determination in your eyes, be careful though I would hate to have to explain to your parents if you get into heat Cora."

She waved off the worries but appreciated it, nonetheless what ever happened they needed to show their support because doing nothing was completely out of the question.

The young reaper floated beside Lydia with a bright smile "Don't worry them being spectators won't affect them. Besides Leon their friend's got this in the bag, Heracles may be a walking lump of muscle but he's stupid."

Laughing couldn't be contained by Elais and his mother, even Lydia had to smirk at that. She never personally met him one on one but heard how arrogant he could be and was glad she didn't have to fight alongside him.

"If you three have faith in your friend then I should as well. Sadly I won't be able to watch but if you meet Leon give him my regards to being a great warrior. And who knows maybe he'll surpass my own son."

"Oh hah hah mother," Elais said giving a love tap to his mother's shoulders. He knew she was joking and had complete faith in her own flesh and blood abilities, being comically with her son was just their way of doing a mother son bonding.

Lydia's hands on her hips looked down on the supplies "I got time, show me what you kids are planning."

Queen of Olympus Office

If one wasn't a hard worker signing papers to either confirm reports and approval needed you'd wonder how someone could work with a mountain of paper. For hera this was as natural as breathing, being a queen she had to sign papers from many districts in the Olympus city, but for today it was one of those days she wasn't feeling it.

Athena standing by watching over her queen picked up on this, rather than stay she spoke her concern.

"My Queen Hera you are usually faster with these signings. I assume it is the last day before the trial you are anxious?"

Smart from the get go Athena was but anyone who kept up with the news would know. A deep sigh escaped Hera's mouth, she put her pen down and leaned back in her chair.

"So much is going on right now at Athena." She got up from her chair and stared out the window "Between this trial, the only surviving guard in this trial, and the plans me and Freyja had made centuries ago things it's set back."

Whatever the plan Hera made with Freyja she kept it between her and her husband Zeus. It was a fickle one that if it failed another chance may not arise.

"I understand your worries Queen Hera. So much has been going on, Leon is at the top of your mind and you worry greatly for the boy."

Hera had faith Leon would prevail but felt bad what he was now in for. She wanted to give this young man a new home and purpose in life but now it felt all that was gonna be taken away.

"I permit you to speak freely Athena," now turning to look at her "Should I have done things differently so he would be safe?"

To say Athena was stunned was an understatement for she hasn't seen hera in over a millennium. Now wasn't the time to be cordial so speaking her mind she shall do.

"Thank you Hera, and honestly I see no right or wrong way to go about this. You did the best you could and I was there to witness it. I've watched him grow and I have no doubt his potential will be unleashed as time goes on. He can, no I feel he can win this and we must believe he can."

Even though the queen of Olympus had asked the goddess of wisdom to speak her mind sje was a little taken back by her non stoic speech coming straight from the heart.

"Hahaha thank you Athena and your right we must believe he can prevail. I wonder about that child, I may not have known him for a long time like others but he has a way, like his presence can make me feel happy and at peace." Hera smiled looking at the bright blue sky.

"If I had to say maybe he has that about him to bring out the best in people. He may not have had the chance when he was mortal but here that can now shine." Athena walked up beside her queen talking from the heart once more.

As both smiled at one another a knock came at the door and Hera wasted no time telling whoever it was to come in.

"I hope I am not intruding on women's talks I hope?" said Hermes jokingly walking in.

"No no just small talk to clear the mind, what is it you need Hermes? I hope it is important." Hera sat back down on her chair.

Bowing down with his hands pointed towards the door as if he was making a grand entrance he spoke.

"I introduce none other than the Queen of the Valkyries, goddess of love and war, wife to the all father Odin, Lady Frejya herself."

Walking through the door was none other than Freyja herself. A brunette with two long braided ponytails all the way down to her hips, a beautiful white gold lined dress of fine silk for a goddess. But what definitely stood out on her was the many gold decorations all over her body and a raven cloak around her shoulder and back, a fitting style for a queen herself.

"Hera it has been too long!"

"Frejya!? Did not expect you to be here so soon."

Both women gave each other a hug, even centuries later they remained on good terms and close friends.

"You may thank your husband for that. I heard about the vault situation and that young man Leon I can only imagine what you're going through." Frejya finally ended the hug looking at Hera straight in the eyes.

"Your words are kind but we shall prevail over this, I have faith Leon will make it through this and everything can get right back on track." Hera's words made her Athena who stood back smile at her optimism.

"This seems like a conversation for you ladies so I shall take my leave now." Hermes bowed and gently closed the door behind them.

Now with Hermes gone Athena pulled out a chair for Frejya to sit for the long conversation they would have. Thanking her she took a seat on the comfy chair fit for a goddess to be comfortable with.

"A setback definitely but I haven't lost faith in what we talked about centuries ago my friend." The goddess of love and war set her cloak on the back of the chair and stretched while sitting.

"Nor have I my friend, though I feel something more is going on here than we know but without any further leads it's a stalemate."

Hera poured a cup of tea offering it to Frejya which she gladly took. Not too hot yet not too warm was just how both women liked it.

"I don't doubt Hera for your vault is as secure as ours. Someone would have to be quite strong to take out the guards and break open a highly sealed vault. This young man Leon you mentioned though he has a sacred gear I've seen the men you stationed there, at the time then he shouldn't have been able to take down even one." Frejya spoke her mind I'm between while sipping her tea.

Hera nodded looking down at her drink "I agree, when the scythe was stolen we made many possibilities of who it could be but when Leon was spotted with it and the surviving guard saying he saw him all evidence pointed out that he was the culprit."

"It still doesn't make sense to my my queen," Athena added her own thoughts "Leon may have a sacred gear but he is still new to its power having not scratched the surface of it."

Hera couldn't agree more, it wasn't downsizing Leon but knowing where his strength was at. Even frejya despite having not met Leon yet felt the conviction in their words this all didn't make sense and that something more was going on. But without any evidence to prove otherwise the trial but combat was inevitable.

The Norse goddess took a sip of her tea answering "We simply will have to see how this goes. I am also looking forward to meeting this young man you've taken a liking to Hera."

A small chuckle escaped the queen of Olympus mouth "He is a good boy polite and well mannered. And a hard worker, I suspect when Leon returns we will see how strong he has become."

Final Day in the Outskirts in the Morning

Seven days had finally passed, it was now a countdown for the trial to begin. Leon pushed himself well beyond his limits, now it was time to show his progress and prove his innocence.

One last time before he left he had one of Gaia's special vegetable stew for breakfast to fill him up. One day he hoped to return here as he'd taken a liking to the kind primordial being and if possible have hands on training with her.

"You have done well my child, learning and growing in this short amount of time I sensed so much potential in you."

Smiling at his overseer Leon then bowed his head "It's been an honor Gaia, and thanks for watching over me during this difficult time."

She patted his head causing a slight blush to form over his cheeks. He was glad he could hide it but she knew it was there finding it adorable.

"Good luck on your trial my child, and should you return I'd be most eager to see your growth."

Leon looked up with a smirk nodding that he would be back in due time. For now his friends back home were waiting for him.

As if right on que an azure colored portal opened in front of them signaling the arrival of Bennia.

"Hey Leon time to take you home."

"Ah what an adorable grim reaper this one is."

Bennia looked puzzled at the sight of Gaia since she hadn't met her before but put two and two together.

"Ooooh your the contact Zeus was talking about. Must say the old man has some good taste."

Leon cleared his throat looking sternly at the reaper "Right you never had a chance to meet, bennia this Gaia, Gaia this is Bennia."

She looked back at Leon then at Gaia twice before realizing what she said sounded pretty strange in front of a primordial being. Almost like a spit take she retorted what she said "The Gaia!? uuuuuh..."

No harm seemed to be done to gaia herself as she laughed out loud "Do not worry yourself child, that old man zeus did after all not tell who I was him and his secrets."

That was a huge sigh of relief for the young reaper, pissing off primordial being Gaia was not on her to do list.

"R-Right haha well it was definitely a pleasure Mrs Gaia but I gotta take Leon back now."

He walked straight towards the portal giving one final look at his overseer and waved "I hope we can meet again."

She waved back with a smile "As do I my child, safe travels fortune you."

Both simultaneously jumped into the portal with it in turn closing behind them.

"Real smooth bennia..."

"Hey how was I supposed to know!? Old man Zeus didn't tell me Jack squat."

Olympia Break room

Now finally arriving at the Olympia Stadium Bennia as told was to transport Leon to the break room to get prepared. He couldn't help but take a deep breath, he knew this would happen but being here now was a totally different experience the nervousness kicked in.

"So this is it Leon, guessing you're nervous as hell right now?" She floated next towards him but this time without the comical talk, no she was genuinely concerned how worried he must be.

"This is what I've been preparing for after all haha." Leon was nervous but knew there was no turning back and even if he did that would just make the most of the people of Olympus think he's guilty.

Suddenly the door swung open and in came a Hera with a surprised yet worried look on her face staring directly at Leon. "Leon!" She rushed over to him and hugged him tightly like a mother who hasn't seen her child in years. His head resting on her breast made him embarrassed his cheeks blushed a bright red.

"L-Long...time...no...see...Mrs Hera..."

He muttered as best he could while in her motherly hug though tried not to consider where his face was at the moment. Finally after a few seconds she let go holding both hands on his cheeks looking him over.

"Are you quite alright? I can only imagine how tough the outskirts were!" Hera said a loud looking him all over.

"I'm fine, really there were challenges but I got a lot stronger." Flashing his sacred gear he showed both swords, one with the held the power of the chimera and the other with the nemean Lion. "Looks like I can summon more swords."

"Impressive!" She looked it over with shock yet proud of his growth. Even Bennia had to eye up the swords whistling at how strong yet somewhat beautiful they look to them.

"Leon!"

His head turned towards the door watching a running Elais come through, Cora right behind somewhat jogging towards him like they haven't seen their friend in years.

"Hey you guys!" He got up walking towards the two greetings with open arms. "Feels like it's been forever even though it's been a week."

"You could say that again. Huh? Are these your swords?" Elais picked up one of the weapons struggling a bit at the weight. "Jeez it's pretty heavy."

Eyeing up the blades Cora touched them both amazed and astonished at how smooth and crafted they were. She didn't need to be told what powers they had from the symbols she saw on his blades. "A chimera and a nemean Lion you sure had your work cut out for you."

"Hah you could say that since it wasn't easy."

"I don't doubt it."

The next voice was none other than Achillia along with her childhood friend Hecuba behind her.

"Achillia." Leon said with a smile happy to see her.

She in turn smiled back at the reincarnated person she had trained "You look stronger and sharper Leon, the outskirts definitely couldn't put you down."

"You could say that, I did manage to acquire some powers." Holding up the two blades towards Achillia they shined in the light with some power flaring up.

Achillia took hold of one eyeing it up in awe "No kidding, so this is the potential of your sacred. I can only imagine what else this baby can do."

"Agreed, hard to believe you started out from the bottom to know this. Leon you definitely have surprises up your sleeves." Hecuba took a hold of one of them as well.

It was hard not to smile or grin from the praise of everyone he trusted over the weeks. All the hard ships and near death from the outskirts to now felt like it paid off, still he now had to use them against Heracles.

"I would love to test your skills but first your fight is about to begin." Achillia said while she and Hecuba handed the swords back.

"Agreed." Suddenly it hit him he never once asked about the rules of the trial by combat. "Wait! I just realized the rules have never been said what happens in the fight and after!"

Athena who was the last to walk in didn't waste time in explaining his questions.

"You not being told wasn't anything malicious Leon, the rules are there to test your resolve. Being told at the last minute would have had people see how strong your conviction is."

Everyone except the gods was astonished by this, Elais not so much as he shouted "Huh!!? Just tell him at the last minute instead of at the beginning of the trial that doesn't seem fair?"

Cora for once had to agree and she would have told her opinion if not for Athena holding up her hand. "I understand how you feel but as I've said it is to test your conviction." She then turns to Leon "The rules are quite simple you fight until one is either defeated or killed."

Killing, the idea of killing a person never ranges in Leon's head before. He was always taught by his grandfather to be kind to others, never to go out and hurt someone, though this didn't mean he never could not defend himself and if said attacker died in the process it was not his fault. Still, killing someone didn't sit too well with the young reincarnated man.

"If I'm lucky I can just knock him out without having to go that far. But...if I lose what would happen to me?" Leon looked at Athena then noticed Hera with a sad look.

Athena looked him straight in the eye not holding back what she had to say "If you are defeated, you would be banished from the Olympus Realm."

Everyone besides the goddesses was in shock at this reveal of banishment. They had faith that Leon was innocent but the cruelty that without any evidence to show he wasn't the culprit weighed heavy on them especially Leon himself.

Looking down but back up in a split second Leon with a brave face looked at Athena then everyone else before saying "I'll win, I'll win this trial by combat and return to you guys, to my new home."

Hera, Achillia, Cora, Elais, and Athena all nodded with smiles on their faces. Even Bennia gave a two thumbs up for her support. Right now wasn't a time to be sad, they needed to give their faith to Leon for him to succeed and come back home.

"Alright I gotta go, Athena led the way."

With those final words he followed her through the hallways and gave a smile to everyone behind.

Achillia held one hand to her chest thinking to herself "Survive this Leon, survive and come back to us."

The Trial by Combat is about to begin and the date of Leon will be decided. Can he win and prove his innocence? Or will he either die or be banished from the real he has now called his new home? More to come in the next Chapter.