***
Goosebumps surged throughout Leonidas' body.
'The shop was never there?' He turned back to the vacant space. 'But it felt so… real. Could I have been daydreaming?'
Questions flooded Leonidas' mind, like a migraine that seemed impossible to ignore. He had an inkling something was wrong– no, he knew something was off. It only amplified the sense of unease within him that he would never obtain the answers he so desperately sought.
At first, he thought this domain wasn't too different from his past; except for a few aspects. But now… it was unrecognizable. As if reality hit like a truck, and he understood: he didn't belong here.
A sour taste rose in his mouth, as he tried to comprehend his reality. 'What is going on? What does it all mean?' Anxiety, mixed with confusion rippled throughout his body, as questions choked up in his throat.
The mysterious woman's words left his thoughts tangled in a web of puzzlement. He couldn't remember much, but he knew a prophecy was uttered.
As a demigod, prophecies were commonplace in the divine world. They usually came with devastation, although, if fulfilled, they could grant one the opportunity to become a hero. Due to his lineage, Leonidas enjoyed fighting, but prophecies; they scared him witless. They were too perplexing, even a child of Athena would struggle decoding the puzzle-like phrases within.
He thought he bid farewell to aspects such as those in his former life, yet somehow it followed him. A prophecy and one obviously intended for himself arrived without warning. And he wasn't pleased about it.
'What can I do?'
He released a protracted sigh, tightly shutting his eyes in an attempt to find clarity amidst the chaos. Stuck in place for what felt like an eternity, he grappled with a maelstrom of emotions—grief, fear, bewilderment—or perhaps none. Leonidas didn't know.
After a quarter of an hour of brooding, a duo of hands clasped around his back. He jumped up, startled. His battle senses kicked in, as he evaded backwards, and entered a battle stance. Before him stood Azazoras. His nose was wrinkled as if amused.
"Your transportation has arrived," Azazoras declared, pointing towards the rear.
Leonidas stood in awe; his troubled thoughts momentarily set aside by the magnificent sight before him. A mile distant, a carriage stood, bathed in a radiant golden luminescence. The glow cast an ethereal light against the now darkened sky, capturing Leonidas' attention like a flickering flame.
"It has been a pleasure," said Leonidas, turning back, and meeting Azazoras' gaze. "Has there been anyone who passed the Empire's criteria?"
Azazoras shook his head. "There was only one candidate, apart from you, who passed in the East. He is a–" he coughed. "A nobleman. And will be accompanying you."
"I see." Leonidas replied. Eager to step into the carriage, he placed two fingers over his heart, and intoned: "Glory be to Skygard; Glory be to the King."
Azazoras concluded with a faint smile, "Glory be to the human race. Next time, do not forget to say: 'Glory be to the Maleficars.'"
Flustered, Leonidas scratched his head sheepishly. "Understood."
And with that, he set off toward the carriage in haste, leaving Azazoras behind.
As Leonidas drew nearer, the carriage seemed to glow brighter and brighter. An alluring aura of golden luminescence gave way to pastel waves of energy that seemed to wrap around it like an enchanted shield. Three beautiful silver horses were guided by a strong, short man who gave Leonidas an inviting smile. Yet despite the friendly gesture, something deep in Leonidas's gut filled him with unease.
Leonidas shook his head, pushing back the thought from his mind as he took in the magnitude of this carriage. He couldn't help but be severely taken aback by its sheer beauty and grandeur. It looked somber yet regal, like something that Apollo himself would journey in. Every inch of its exterior was painted with elegants designs and motifs; it seemed almost too perfect for words.
He quickly hurried up the stairs and entered the carriage. Inside was lavishly decorated with marble statues, ornate rugs, and grand furniture fit for an royalty. To his left, a luscious, velvet-colored, long bed stood; multiple beds stood behind it, like a never-ending maze. To his right, stood a thin window, where the coachman sat outside, reigning the horses.
As he sat down, a sense of comfort washed over him. He sighed in relief. It had been a while since he truly felt relaxed.
"Prepare yourself, lads," the coachman announced, before setting off.
'Lads?' Leonidas questioned. Realization surged within, and he remembered Azazoras' words. There is a nobleman accompanying him.
As if corresponding with his revelation, a body descended from the darkness, and jumped onto an empty space on the bed Leonidas' sat in. Leonidas jumped up, evidently surprised, and backed away.
A boy, one who seemed to be the same age, sat before him, honing a mischievous grin. His skin was olive and his eyes were dark. His brown hair fell to his shoulders like an untamed lion's mane. A luxurious, blank robe draped his body.
"Pleasure to meet you, the name is Leo Al'Gustus!" The boy said eagerly, outstretching his hand. "I'm a blacksmith, and you?"
Leonidas blinked, abruptly surprised by Leo's arrival. "The name is Leonidas," he bluntly replied, embracing Leo's handshake.
"Strange name, cool, but strange." Leo flashed another grin. "You ready for the Recruitment? I can't wait! I'm so stoked!"
"Recruitment?" Leonidas asked; he arched his eyebrow at Leo's actions, but chose not to comment on it.
"Yup," said Leo, popping the 'p.' "The Recruitment! That's where we get examined by the Matrixum, and we see which one of the gods has blessed us! Assuming a god has blessed us…" His voice trailed off, but he continued: "After doing so, we are able to enlist into an Academy!"
"Ah, yes, the Recruitment," Leonidas repeated, attempting to act as if he knew all along what it was. "So, gods are in this world— I mean, what gods are there?"
"A lot," said Leo; oblivious to Leonidas' unnatural behavior. "The main ones are Jupiter, Pluto, Neptune. Duh, those are the obvious ones, though they haven't blessed anyone in a millennia. Anyways, the rest are: Juno, Minerva, Vulcan, Ceres, Juno, Mercury, Diana, and," he lifted his hand, and set it on his chin. "Oh! Mars! Those are all I can remember!"
Leonidas almost choked on his saliva. "D-did you say Mars?"
He remembered the strange woman's words, and Mars was the main one rebounding in his consciousness.
"Yup, Mars!" Leo confirmed cheerfully. "Y'know, the god of war; though, he hasn't blessed anyone in a long time. No idea why."
Leonidas nodded. Questions swirled in his head like an unyielding storm. 'Mars? Wouldn't that be this realm's version of Ares? Then why did that lady… why did she call me Mars? I'm a demigod, not an actual god!'
"What god do you think blessed you, Leo? Hey, do you mind if I call you Leo? We're basically like twins right? Except I'm more attractive, though, don't feel discouraged, not many ladies can resist this," Leo pointed at himself, a confident smile on his face. "Yup, the Sexy Fire King: Leo!"
Leonidas sweat-dropped. His mind was a blur of insatiable curiosity. And this boy, Leo, wasn't helping. He reminded him of the children of Hermes; trouble-making, social kids, who always cracked jokes. Though, for a strange reason, Leonidas couldn't help but form a thin smile.
"What god do you think blessed you?" Leo continued. "I think I know who blessed me; well my father says I've been blessed by Vulcan! I surely hope I am! It would be embarrassing to be… never-mind. But, anyways—"
His words were cut off sharply as the carriage was jolted to the left, violently shaking and shuddering. Leonidas looked to the front window, but the coachman had vanished from sight. Suddenly, there came another bump more forceful than before. He felt himself being thrust forward, and the carriage slowed down to a halt. Adrenaline started pumping through his veins, he couldn't help but think something was wrong.
Without warning, the door to their right flew open, plunging the carriage into darkness. Outside stood a tall, slender figure, his bronze sword held high and gleaming in the low light of night. A sinister smile stretched across his face, revealing an intimidating set of razor sharp teeth. His voice was deep and maniacal as he declared:
"By command of Ja Arz'o, the notorious Bounty Hunter: both of you, surrender your valuables or risk forfeiting your lives!"
***