As the Olympian System's energy dissipated, the trio was bathed in an eerie silence. Suddenly, a figure emerged from the shadows, their presence commanding attention.
The figure stepped forward, revealing a towering man with a chiseled physique and an unmistakable aura of strength. His eyes gleamed with a fierce intensity, and his hair was a wild tangle of golden locks.
Theo's eyes widened as he took in the stranger's appearance. There was something familiar about him, something that tugged at his memories.
The stranger's gaze locked onto Theo, and a hint of a smile played on his lips. "Little brother," he said, his voice deep and resonant.
Theo's eyes snapped wide as realization dawned. "Hercules?" he whispered, his voice barely audible.
Hercules nodded, his smile broadening. "The one and only. And I see you've gotten yourself into quite the predicament."
Zack and Alex exchanged curious glances, unsure of what to make of this sudden revelation.
Hercules's expression turned serious. "We don't have time for introductions. The Archons won't wait, and you, Theo, have a lot to learn. Your training begins now."
Theo's eyes sparkled with determination. "I'm ready. Let's do this."
Hercules chuckled, a deep rumbling sound. "We'll see about that. First, we need to get out of here. This place is compromised."
With that, Hercules turned and strode away, expecting the trio to follow. Theo, Zack, and Alex exchanged nervous glances before falling into step behind Hercules, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.
Hercules led the trio through the winding ruins of Olympus, navigating treacherous paths and hidden passages with ease. They finally arrived at a large, intricately carved stone door, adorned with symbols of the gods.
Hercules gestured to the door. "Welcome to the Treasury of Olympus. This place holds the secrets and treasures of the gods, hidden away for safekeeping."
With a mighty push, Hercules slid the door open, revealing a vast chamber filled with glittering treasures and mysterious artifacts. The room shimmered with a soft, ethereal light, as if the gods' own essence still lingered.
Theo's eyes widened as he took in the wonders before him. "This is incredible!"
Zack and Alex exchanged awestruck glances, their faces reflecting their amazement.
Hercules smiled, his eyes twinkling. "This is where we'll be training, and where you'll learn to harness the power of the Olympian System."
The chamber was filled with rows of shelves, each laden with ancient tomes, glowing orbs, and mysterious devices. At the far end of the room, a pedestal supported a large, leather-bound book, adorned with golden filigree.
Hercules approached the pedestal, his eyes fixed on the book. "This is the Tome of the Gods, containing the secrets of Olympus and the keys to unlocking the Olympian System's true potential."
Theo's curiosity was piqued. "What secrets does it hold?"
Hercules's expression turned serious. "The Tome holds the knowledge of the gods, including the weaknesses of the Archons. But it's encrypted, and only those with the right key can unlock its secrets."
Zack spoke up, "And what key is that?"
Hercules's gaze locked onto Theo. "The key is within you, Theo. The Olympian System holds the answer. But we need to unlock it, and that's where your training begins."
Hercules gestured to a nearby crate, adorned with intricate carvings of the gods' symbols. "Before we begin your training, I have a few gifts to help you on your journey."
With a flourish, Hercules lifted the crate's lid, revealing a collection of extraordinary weapons and armor crafted by the god of the forge.
"Theo, these were made specifically for you," Hercules said, his eyes gleaming with excitement. "But, as it turns out, you aren't quite ready to wield them all... yet."
Theo's eyes widened as he scanned the contents: a dual sword, a spear resembling Poseidon's Trident, a scythe gifted from Hades, Achilles' shield and armor, and a set of boots from Hermes.
Hercules continued, "The god of the forge Hephaestus. He crafted these with your name on them, but at the time, you lacked the strength to wield them. So, the System will take them in, locking them away until you're ready."
Theo's fingers trembled with excitement and still sad he wasn't able to use all the gear tho as he reached for the dual sword, the only weapon not locked away. As he grasped the hilt, he felt an instant connection to the blade.
Hercules nodded in approval. "The dual sword is a good starting point. The rest will be unlocked as you grow stronger, Theo. For now, let us begin your training, and may the gods guide us on this path."
As Theo was swinging the dual sword trying to get used to the feeling, he felt a strange, pulsating energy coursing through his veins. The sensation was unfamiliar, yet exhilarating.
Hercules noticed Theo's reaction and nodded knowingly. "You're feeling the celestial energy, aren't you?"
Theo's eyes widened in wonder. "What is this?"
Hercules explained, "Celestial energy is the power of the gods, wielded by us to perform feats beyond mortal capabilities. It's what allows us to tap into the fundamental forces of the universe."
Theo's eyes sparkled with curiosity. "But how am I feeling it ?"
Hercules's expression turned serious. "That's the thing, Theo. As a demigod, you shouldn't be able to use celestial energy. Your mortal heritage should limit your access to this power."
Theo's brow furrowed in confusion. "But I'm feeling it, so that means...?"
Hercules's eyes locked onto Theo's. "It means that your connection to the System is stronger than we thought. Your demigod heritage is allowing you to tap into celestial energy, but it's also a double-edged sword. You'll need to learn to control it, before it consumes you."
With a determined glint in his eye, Hercules continued, "Let's push your limits, Theo. Let's see how far you can take this, and what it means for your future as a demigod."