Back at the palace, Diomedes made his way to the training grounds. The training grounds of Argos were alive with the morning buzz of warriors preparing for the day.The area was already alive with the sounds of soldiers sparring and practicing drills. He found an unoccupied corner and began his daily routine, which had become second nature to him now.
He completed his quests for the day:
Drinking 2 liters of water.
Performing 100 sit-ups and push-ups.
Finishing a 10-kilometer jog.
As he finished his jog, his mind wandered. His system, as helpful as it was, seemed almost stubborn in its simplicity. The quests had not changed since he arrived in this world. He wondered if it lacked intelligence or if he simply hadn't unlocked a higher tier of challenges.
After completing the routine, he accessed the system panel to allocate his points. He had amassed 0.1 points from his efforts, and he added them to Agility.
His stats now read:
Strength: 10
Agility: 9.7
Physique: 10
Stamina: 8
Spirit: 6
Satisfied with his progress, Diomedes took a moment to observe the bustling training ground around him. Soldiers sparred and practiced diligently, their movements precise and disciplined. For a brief moment, he allowed himself to feel a sense of accomplishment.
Diomedes stretched his body and warmed up with general exercises. He rolled his shoulders, stretched his legs, and performed a series of movements to loosen his muscles.
As the sun climbed higher, more soldiers began to arrive, taking note of him. Diomedes ignored their stares, picked up his spear, and began practicing.
His style was peculiar, unlike the rigid and structured Greek formations these warriors were accustomed to. It was fluid, almost like a dance, influenced by martial arts from his previous world and adapted with the power and precision of Greek combat techniques. He spun the spear with grace, shifting stances with a smoothness that seemed alien yet mesmerizing.
Whispers broke out among the soldiers. Some were intrigued; others were critical. One man, in particular, stepped forwarded.
The man was Theron, a brute of a soldier with a body like a wrestler's, broad and muscular. Known as one of the strongest men in Argos, he was both feared and respected among the ranks.
"What is this?" Theron sneered, his voice carrying across the training ground. "You call that spearmanship? It's a mockery of real combat."
Diomedes paused mid-spin, turning to face the man. His gaze was calm, though a flicker of irritation crossed his mind.
"Do you have a problem, soldier?" Diomedes asked evenly.
"Aye, I do!" Theron bellowed. "That prancing of yours may look good to women and poets, but it won't save you in a real fight. Let me show you how a true Argos warrior handles a spear!"
Theron picked up his own spear and pointed it at Diomedes, his challenge clear. The soldiers around them began to form a circle, murmurs of anticipation spreading like wildfire.
Draco stood among the spectators, arms crossed, observing the scene. He didn't intervene. He had fought alongside Diomedes and knew the man's skill.
Theron lunged first, his movements powerful but lacking finesse. Diomedes sidestepped easily, spinning his spear to deflect the attack. He moved with such precision and speed that it left the crowd momentarily stunned.
The duel was swift and decisive. Theron, relying on brute strength, couldn't keep up with Diomedes' agility and technique. Every thrust and swing he attempted was countered with a graceful parry or a well-timed dodge.
In a final move, Diomedes spun his spear in a rapid arc, disarming Theron and pinning the tip of his spear just inches from the man's throat. The entire spar had lasted mere moments, but to the onlookers, it was like watching a master craftsman at work.
Diomedes stepped back, lowering his weapon. "Yield," he said simply, his voice devoid of malice.
Theron, humiliated but not wanting to escalate further, clenched his fists and muttered, "I yield." He stormed away, the crowd parting to let him through.
As the murmurs of admiration and shock spread, Draco stepped forward, his face neutral but his intent clear.
"Impressive," Draco said, drawing his sword with his one remaining arm. "But let's see how you fare against someone like me."
Diomedes nodded, a small smile tugging at his lips. "As you wish, Commander."
The crowd, still reeling from the first spar, eagerly made room for the second.
Draco moved with ferocity despite his handicap. His strikes were precise and relentless, forcing Diomedes to rely solely on skill rather than his enhanced strength. Diomedes deliberately held back, fighting as an ordinary man would, wanting to test his techniques without the crutch of his unnatural abilities.
The clash of steel echoed across the training ground as the two warriors engaged. Draco's movements were calculated, and though he only had one arm, his attacks came with a speed and ferocity that demanded respect.
Diomedes countered each move with fluid precision, his spear dancing in his hands as he deflected and parried. The fight was a test of endurance and tactics, each man pushing the other to their limits.
Finally, after a series of exchanges, Diomedes managed to knock Draco's sword from his hand. He pointed the blunt end of his spear at Draco's chest and stepped back.
"You fight with the heart of a lion, Commander," Diomedes said, his voice respectful.
Draco picked up his sword and sheathed it, nodding. "And you fight like no man I've ever seen."
The crowd erupted into cheers, acknowledging the skill of both men. Diomedes and Draco exchanged a firm handshake, mutual respect evident in their eyes.
After leaving the training ground, Diomedes made his way to the general bathhouse. The warm water soothed his muscles as he scrubbed away the sweat and grime from his morning training. The bathhouse was a communal space, filled with soldiers chatting and joking, but Diomedes kept to himself, his mind focused on the tasks ahead.
Once refreshed, he headed to the soldier's barracks where the commission office was located. There, he was handed a finely crafted bronze token marking his new rank as Head of the Princess's Guard, along with a set of ceremonial armor—ornate but functional, fit for someone entrusted with protecting royalty.
Draco had mentioned this earlier during training, but the weight of the responsibility only truly hit him now.
"You've been assigned to Princess Andromeda," the quartermaster explained. "You'll oversee her safety during her excursions. She's requested a hunting trip today, so you're to report to her immediately."
Suppressing a groan, Diomedes thanked the man and made his way to the palace.
In the palace courtyard, Princess Andromeda awaited with a small group of guards. She was dressed in light hunting attire, her demeanor cheerful and relaxed.
Diomedes approached, bowing slightly. "Princess, I am here to serve as your guard."
Andromeda laughed softly. "No need to be so formal, Diomedes. We're going hunting, not attending a royal council."
Reluctantly, Diomedes straightened. He found the princess's demeanor disarming, though he reminded himself to remain vigilant.
The group rode out of the city and into the lush forests of Argos. The hunt was fruitful; they managed to bring down several birds and even a deer, which Andromeda declared would be a gift for her father.
"Father will be so pleased," she said, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
Diomedes rode alongside her, offering the occasional word of advice or caution. Though he remained distant, he couldn't help but admire her enthusiasm and determination.
On the way back, the group stopped by a crystal-clear stream to water the horses. The princess, captivated by the cool waters, decided she wanted to swim.
"Stay close, but give me some privacy," she instructed.
Diomedes surveyed the area carefully, ensuring there were no immediate threats. Satisfied, he and the guards retreated to a distance, remaining within earshot.
The princess waded into the stream, her laughter echoing through the trees. The men stood awkwardly, avoiding any untoward glances, and Diomedes kept his gaze fixed on the surrounding woods.
After a while, Andromeda returned to the bank, drying herself and beginning to dress. It was then that a low growl broke the peace.
Andromeda froze as a massive bear emerged from the undergrowth, its eyes fixed on her. The beast crouched, preparing to pounce. She screamed and instinctively darted aside as the bear lunged, its claws swiping at the air where she had just stood.
Diomedes reacted instantly. He sprinted back toward the stream, shouting, "Get the princess to safety!"
He drew his sword, charging at the bear. The beast turned to face him, roaring with primal fury. Diomedes swung his blade, landing a solid strike on its side, but the bear retaliated with a swipe of its massive paw, sending the sword flying from his grasp.
Unarmed but undeterred, Diomedes launched himself at the bear barehanded. He grappled with the creature, his enhanced strength allowing him to hold his ground, though the bear's sheer size and power made the fight brutal.