Chapter - 10
Athena cleared her throat softly, yet it carried through the room with an authority that immediately silenced any chatter as everyone's attention snapped to the front of the hall.
"Welcome," she began, her voice clear and steady, with a tone that was both regal and direct. "To the Olympian Academy, where your journey as students begins."
She then continued, "Let me introduce myself. I am Athena, goddess of wisdom and war, and one of your instructors here at the Olympian Academy."
Her stormy gray eyes swept across the room, making sure every student felt the weight of her words. "You stand at the threshold of an opportunity many dream of, but few achieve. This academy will test your strength, your resolve, and your spirit. Only those with true potential will thrive. This will be your first year here, but do not mistake that for simplicity. Challenges lie ahead."
She paused for a moment, allowing the gravity of her statement to sink in, before continuing, "We are here to guide you, but make no mistake—you alone are responsible for your growth."
As Athena finished speaking, the heavy doors of the hall swung open once more as two figures strode into the room.
The first was a tall, powerfully built man with broad shoulders and a muscular frame that radiated strength. His tanned skin contrasted with the blackened bronze armor he wore, accented with streaks of crimson. His red, shoulder-length hair fell in thick, wild waves around his strong, chiseled face, and his jaw was square, radiating an aura of dominance. Deep, intimidating red eyes surveyed the room with barely-contained intensity, and a heavy crimson cloak draped over his shoulders, swaying with each step. His heavy boots echoed on the stone floor with a weight that matched his presence.
Beside him walked a beautiful woman, whose presence was just as commanding, but in an entirely different way. She had a tall, slender figure with subtle yet defined curves, her narrow waist accentuating the graceful lines of her body, while her hips were softly rounded. Her pale, porcelain skin was a stark contrast to the jet-black hair that cascaded in loose waves down her back. Her eyes were a piercing, intense shade of silver, glowing faintly, and her sharp, high cheekbones framed her narrow face, which was crowned by thin, arched eyebrows.
Athena gestured toward them as they came to a stop beside her. "Allow me to introduce two of your other instructors."
She nodded toward the towering man first. "This is Ares, god of war. He will be overseeing your combat training. You will learn from one of the greatest warriors to ever walk the realms."
Then, she turned to the elegant woman. "And this is Hecate, goddess of magic and sorcery. She will be your instructor for all matters of magic and iridium power."
The two gods stood silently, their presence alone commanding both awe and reverence from the students.
"In addition to my role as one of your instructors, I will also be in charge of overseeing your first year at the academy as a whole. Your progress, discipline, and growth will fall under my watch. Throughout the first year, you will have three main classes. One will be with me, where we will focus on strategy, knowledge, and tactics. You will learn how to think, not just fight, for a true warrior must be as sharp in mind as they are in body."
Athena then gestured toward Hecate. "The other will be with Hecate. She will instruct you in the intricacies of Iridium—the divine energy that flows through humans. You will learn how to harness magic, unlock your skills, and truly understand the depths of your power."
Finally, she motioned toward Ares. "Your last class will be a combat lesson with Ares. Under his guidance, you will hone your physical skills and learn the art of battle. It will be grueling, but the strength you gain will be unmatched."
Athena's gaze swept over the room once more. "Remember, this academy exists to push you beyond your limits, to transform you into the strongest version of yourself. Only those who give their all will succeed. The rest will just become a meal for the monsters in the Celestial Gate to devour." Her words hung heavy in the air, a stark reminder of the stakes that lay ahead.