The draconic race was still unknown to the humans of this timeline, they were what I knew of as Dinosaurs, and just as those big guys, they were extinct in this world as well. Merlin didn't elaborate much on the motives, but he did explain they were an extremely powerful race that used Archana like a child's play. He also told me that weapons made with their remains would be extremely destructive, but not many blacksmiths would be able to work with them.
Since nothing could be done immediately, we changed subjects and the rest of the day was spent with me getting used to Archana in spell casting, manipulating the elements and coating my spear.
"You really do need a new spear, you know right?"
"Give me one then."
"You bastard, you know I only use sword and magic."
"I know, I'm also aware of the terrible state this spear is, it's just… the material is so good, the weight is just right and the balance is perfect."
"That bastard boar does have good weapons, even if abused. So what you gonna do?"
"I'm not sure, maybe stick to only magic and martial arts until I can find a replacement?"
Merlin stayed pensive for sometimes, then told me to take out the branch of the world tree.
"You've been having trouble with your wood manipulation, make that branch into a spear."
"What?! I don't want to use the world tree as a weapon!"
"It's just a sturdy branch now Dimitris, can't you feel the will of the world tree has already left?"
I was still uncertain, I would have rather kept the branch as a heirloom before turning it into a spear, it wasn't about what it was, but what it represented.
Maybe sensing my inner turmoil, or just realising I was not going to comply, Merlin just shrugged and pointed me to follow him into the garden where he plucked a leaf from a bush and gave me the same order.
"Train hard, this will be extremely difficult compared to using a branch, but with enough effort you can do it. Now scram or your captain will think I'm holding you hostage."
Not even saying my goodbyes, I took the leaf and started focusing on my Archana to change it into a spear. I was so focused I didn't even acknowledge my men trying to strike a conversation with me, nor Hali questioning what I had been up to and just continued to walk towards my cabin.
I stopped in front of the door and didn't even try to knock, I was just trying my best to will the change in the leaf.
Odysseus opened the door and noticing my focus said nothing, he just let me in.
Sitting at foot of the bed nothing could distrupt me and after god knows how much time, a change occurred, the leaf grew a small branch.
It was insignificant for a change, but it showed it was possible.
"FUCKING FINALLY!"
"Oh you made a branch! Is wood manipulation that hard? I saw what you can do with fire…"
Finally noticing where I was, clarity hit me hard.
"The fuck? When did I come here?"
"Hahahaha you were that focused uh? You scared everyone, people were following you when you arrived, telling me there was something wrong with you. I sent them away."
"Damn, well… good job."
I stroked his hair and then put the branch away in my inner space.
"Dimitris, what happened to your eyes?"
Observant bastard.
"Oh right, before that!"
I took out the potions, the chain and pushed everything on him.
"These potions recover mana, while this chain…"
As I explained everything, Odysseus grew more and more curious. Asking where I found them and what actually happened into the time fissure. I didn't see a reason to deny his request so I just spit out everything.
The more I explained, the more he was blushing until I couldn't suffer it anymore.
"Why the fuck are you blushing while I'm telling how I brutally killed some psycho rapists ?"
"It's not that… I keep thinking of what you did when you woke up."
"Odysseus, I told you not to think of it, it was a reward you asked."
"I know, I know… so… what happened to your eyes? Why are you giving me all these gifts you could use for yourself?"
"I was about to tell you."
I explained everything I knew about Archana, and how I could use simple mana no more, advising him on what to do when he finally created his 10th circle.
"It'll take a long time to get there, don't worry."
"What are you talking about, how long have you been stuck at your 9th circle?"
"Thankfully Merlin didn't tell you, I wanted to be the one to inform you myself."
"Odysseus you're scaring me, what's going on?"
Blush crept on his face again, and this time he just followed his instincts, hugged me tightly and stamped a kiss on me.
Flowery disperse.
"I may be worried, but that doesn't give you a reason to assault me."
"I'm sorry… please come back here."
"Keep your mouth to yourself."
"Of course. But can I at least hug you?"
I thought long about how to smack some sense into this overpowered captain of mine, but at the end of the day I just gave in, he did look scared after all.
"Fine, but you know what will happen if you try-"
"Of course, you'll get away again."
"So, what's so scary?"
Odysseus started to narrate how from the moment of my amnesia, his patron had been nothing but rude, always demanding more and more even dissing me and saying I got what I deserved when I was pulled into the time fissure.
"Well I don't think she can afford to do that anymore, can she?"
"That's not the point Dimitris… you were right. They demand and demand and if you don't comply they threaten to take back the powers they gave you. This is wrong. I don't want to be subjected to this treatment anymore."
"Odysseus, you do remember I lost EVERYTHING when breaking the contract with that stupid boar. Right? You can't afford to go back to 0 circles in our situation."
"I know, I've been consulting with Merlin this whole time and we are sure that she will take back her 2 stigmas and 4 circles… at least that's what Merlin said…"
"But what if…"
"Stop, Dimitris. I've made my decision, I'll be weaker, but we can grow strong together and Merlin assured that in case of emergency he will personally save us. I want to be free."
Freedom.
I knew fucking well how important freedom was, it was something primordial. Everyone needed it.
"How can I help you?"
"A kiss?"
I immediately casted [fire lilies of destruction] and made them rotate at his neck ready to cut it off.
"I'm kidding hahahahaha! Just, stand by my side tomorrow, Merlin will also take me as a disciple!"
"Wait… what if instead of 4 circles you offer 5? Maybe keeping the Aegis stigma?"
"Why? That stigma is not worth an extra circle… you want me even weaker?"
"No you fucker! Listen to me: what happens when you create your territory at the 5th circle?"
"Your elements merge."
"You may need to create a new territory, but since you've already done so, there's a possibility it'll come to you instantly, but what if you were at the 4th circle?"
"Your territory will be locked regardless and all elements will stay separated."
"Come on, you're smart! Don't make me say it!"
Odysseus stayed silent for sometimes starring into my now greenish eyes when the idea bloomed into his brain.
"Spirit formulas. I can get stronger then now!"
"Hahahaha I knew you'd get it!"
"Dimitris… can I…"
This spoiled brat.
I cupped his face and gave him what he so desperately wanted.
I'm weak. Fuck this shit.
"Now stop your antics let's go eat something and then straight to sleep, tomorrow will be a long day, and I'm not skipping morning workout."
_________________________
Morning came and so did my training. This time, after stretching I didn't waste time and immediately paralysed my self, it was hard but necessary and since this time everyone was working out with me, I willed a fire message above my head. Continuously manipulating fire while working on my regime put another layer of difficulty on my shoulders, but I welcomed it gladly.
No one approached me and I was able to even run a little before my body started to get unresponsive again.
When that was done it was time to practice my new cultivation technique until breakfast.
The blood of GodKing was anything but an easy practice to put up with.
My Archana needed to circulate to every fiber of my body, but while maintaining a steady flow I needed to simulate the movement of lightning and hit my pressure points with a violent stream of Archana.
It was fucking painful.
Every time my pressure points were hit with even the slightest stream of energy I felt like dying.
But if Father went through this himself there was no reason I couldn't.
I gritted my teeth and increased the strength behind my energy flows.
At some point blood mixed with waste started oozing out of my eyes ears and nose, but I steadily continued until a system notification woke me up.
[understanding and performing of the Archana cultivation: blood of the GodKing. Successful.]
[increasing proficiency.]
Good.
I tried to stand up, but my legs gave out and I fell on my ass.
"Dimitris!"
Hali rushed to my side with Eurylochus and the others following when they noticed the state I was in.
"Why would you push yourself to such extremes? It isn't worth it if you die in the process!"
Hali was clearly distressed, but as soon as my men realised the state I was in, they immediately calmed down.
After all there was nothing new in me reaching the brink of death during training.
I told Eurylochus to take a step forward while I casted my healing garden.
"Eurylochus, tell this young lady what is the body of a Damocles made for."
"YES SECOND COMMANDER! THE BODY OF A DAMOCLES IS MEANT TO BE DESTROYED AND REBUILD CONTINUOUSLY."
"And what about death during training?"
"THERE'S NO SUCH A THING COMMANDER, IF YOU DON'T KNOW WHEN TO STOP, YOU ARE NOT A DAMOCLES."
"Damn right Eurylochus, keep going and you'll become my brother in no time."
Eurylochus face became completely red and everyone else was congratulating him for the praise he received.
These men are really crazy.
"Well, since the situation is clear and I'm all healed up, I'll leave before. Remember I won't be able to heal you, take that in consideration when training. There will also be no sparring later, I'm busy with the captain."
"YES SECOND COMMANDER!"
Damn, this really feels like the military. Fuck am I unwillingly creating the house of Damocles?
"What are you going to do with the captain?"
I looked at Hali who didn't really know how to mind her own business. I was not blind nor stupid. I knew how she looked at me, and it was better to cut off those feelings before they became a burden.
"Sex."
I saw how her world crumbled in a single word, but it was necessary, I didn't need a nosy girl who thought of loving me while it was only gratitude for saving her life following me around.
"Hali I thought it was clear. Dys and I do share a bed every night after all."
I even called his nickname to make it more believable, but the effect I wanted didn't really come from Hali, it came from my men who were spying poorly.
"THE SECOND COMMANDER AND THE CAPTAIN HAVE MADE PEACE!!!"
I really got angry at that, not for the rumors spreading, but the poor spying skills.
"HOW DARE YOU SHOW SUCH POOR STEALTH SKILL IN MY FACE AND THEN HAVE THE GALLS TO ANNOUNCE YOUR PRESENCE."
Fire lilies of destruction.
30 bright red flowers flew at sonic speed and hit Menelaus in his back making him fly away faster then he was running.
"TOMORROW I WILL CHECK YOUR PROGRESS ON STEALTH. IF I FIND YOU LACKING GET READY. IT'S BEEN MORE THEN 2 WEEKS SINCE I TOUGHT YOU. YOUR HEART SHOULD BE ABLE TO RESIST BY BEATING NO MORE THEN 20 TIMES A MINUTE."
"…"
Everyone just silently stopped their current workout and started practicing the stealth technique.
"Good."
I then turned and left, there was nothing left for me to do and I really needed to eat and get back my energy. As I reached the dispensary, Odysseus was waiting with a smug smile on his stupid face.
"So we're finally doing it again?"
"Odysseus I swear I will impale you with my spear."
"You know I like it."
"For fuck sake, let's just eat, I have 0 energy to keep up with your foolishness."
______________________
Inside the greenhouse Merlin and I were standing above a clearly fatigued and distressed Odysseus.
"To think that bastard brainiac bitch of a constellation would make him a 3rd circle but leave all her stigmas… damn I will make her pay from Avalon. Disgusting bitch."
"Merlin, I don't give a fuck about that! Why is he reacting this way?!"
"He lost to much mana all at once, his body is suffering from mana deficiency, it'll take some time for him to recover."
[The Eternal Owl says such is the price for offending me and demanding freedom.]
At that moment I knew, and I could feel Merlin was thinking the same as me.
I will kill that bitch.
[prepare yourself Athena. You will pay greater suffering then him.]