The two clashed with ferocity, crashing through trees and bushes. The bear's claws tore into Diomedes' arm, drawing blood, but he refused to let go. He tightened his grip around the bear's throat, using every ounce of his strength to choke the life out of the beast.
Finally, with a final, desperate surge, Diomedes twisted the bear's neck. The creature let out one last guttural growl before collapsing to the ground, lifeless.
By now, the other guards had arrived, weapons drawn, but they stopped in their tracks at the sight before them. Diomedes stood over the slain bear, his body scratched and bleeding, his chest heaving with exertion.
The princess, now clothed and safe, stared at him in shock and awe. "You... you killed it with your bare hands," she whispered.
Diomedes glanced at her, wiping sweat and blood from his brow. "It was that or let it eat you," he said with a wry smile.
The guards approached cautiously, their expressions a mix of respect and disbelief. One of them muttered, "I've never seen anything like it..."
"Are you hurt, Princess?" Diomedes asked, ignoring the attention.
"No," Andromeda replied, her voice still trembling. "Thanks to you."
Diomedes nodded, retrieving his sword from where it had landed. "Let's return to the city. It's been an eventful day."
As they rode back, the soldiers whispered among themselves about the spectacle they had witnessed, while the princess stole occasional glances at Diomedes, her expression unreadable.
That happened over a month ago,the king had personal thanked him, observing Diomedes, the gloominess on the king's face over being refused by Perseus had faded. The fit of wrestling with a bear, although below that of killing the kraken was still extraordinary, at least no one he knew could strangle a bear barehanded.
"Thank the gods,he had listened to Draco, and had employed Diomedes in his service or else, he would have missed an excellent soldier," the king thought.
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A month passed quickly in the bustling halls of Argos. The story of Diomedes wrestling a bear had spread far and wide, taking on a life of its own. In the markets, storytellers exaggerated his feat, claiming he had crushed the beast with one hand. Children pointed at him in awe, and soldiers whispered about his godlike strength. Some speculated he was a demigod, touched by the divine.
Diomedes, however, took the attention in stride. Though his life had grown more complex, he found a rhythm to it: mornings began with his training regimen and quests, afternoons were spent fulfilling his duties as head of Princess Andromeda's guard, and evenings were dedicated to either overseeing palace security or honing his skills.
Princess Andromeda, once formal and distant, had grown comfortable in his presence. Their bond had deepened—not as lovers but as confidants. She often shared her worries about Argos, her father, and her uncertainty about her future. Diomedes listened without judgment, offering practical advice where he could.
"I sometimes feel like a piece on a board," Andromeda admitted one evening as they walked the palace gardens. "Father wants what's best for Argos, but I wonder if he sees me or just the alliances I can bring."
Diomedes remained silent for a moment before replying, "A kingdom's weight can make people forget individuals. But you're more than a piece on a board, Princess. You have the power to shape your destiny, even within the confines of duty."
She smiled faintly, appreciating his words.
For over a month, Diomedes had diligently saved the points he earned from his quests. His panel now displayed:
Name: Diomedes
Age: 23/210
Strength: 10
Agility: 10
Constitution: 10
Stamina: 10
Spirit: 6.8
With 3.1 points saved, he decided it was time to allocate them. He added 0.3 to Agility, bringing it to 10, ensuring his movements remained fluid and fast. Then, he invested 2 points in Stamina, reaching 10, ensuring he could endure prolonged battles and physical strain. Lastly, he added 0.8 to Spirit, bringing it to 6.8, bolstering his mental fortitude and resistance to supernatural forces.
As he surveyed the updated panel, he felt a sense of satisfaction. Though this world was dangerous, his steady growth gave him confidence.
Perseus, the hero of Argos, had flown off with Io over a month ago on Pegasus, leaving no word of his destination. Argos felt his absence keenly. Statues and songs commemorated his victory, but life in the city went on.
For Diomedes, Perseus' departure left him as one of the few celebrated figures remaining in Argos. He bore the weight of expectation quietly, focusing on his role. Protecting the princess and maintaining the peace kept him occupied, but he couldn't ignore the sense of unease that occasionally gnawed at him.
"Perseus may have been the hero Argos needed," Diomedes thought, "but this world isn't done testing us. I need to be ready for whatever comes next."
As dawn broke, Diomedes stood in the training yard, watching the first rays of sunlight spill over the city walls. The world was quiet for now, but he knew it was only a matter of time before chaos returned.
Taking a deep breath, he tightened his grip on his spear and began another day.
________________________________________
The temple of Delphi, ancient and revered, buzzed with an energy it had not felt in centuries. The Oracle of Delphi, her voice echoing with divine authority, proclaimed a prophecy that would ripple across the Greek world:
"The time of the gods has come. Argos, a city touched by the divine, stands as the focal point of their gaze. Whoever controls and inherits Argos shall gain the favor of the gods."
The prophecy spread like wildfire, carried by merchants, sailors, and wandering poets. It reached the courts of powerful kings and rulers, from the mountain fortresses of Macedonia to the sprawling cities of Athens and Sparta. The message was clear: the gods were not just myths; they were real, and Argos was their chosen city.
In Macedonia, King Archelaus II, a cunning and ambitious ruler, gathered his advisors. "The favor of the gods," he mused. "If Macedonia were to gain such favor, none could challenge our supremacy. Prepare a delegation. We will offer wealth, land, and an alliance unmatched."
In Sparta, King Cleomenes III, a warrior to his core, stood in the training grounds. "Argos has been touched by the gods," he declared to his generals. "Andromeda's hand in marriage would bind Sparta to the divine. We will send an envoy of strength and honor. Let them see the power of Sparta."
In Athens, the philosopher-king Democritus weighed the prophecy carefully. "The gods," he said to his court, "are forces of chaos and order. Argos must be guided wisely. Prepare gifts of intellect and culture to woo their favor."
From Thrace, Thebes, and Crete, delegations were prepared, each laden with gifts, soldiers, and promises of alliances.
In the grand throne room of Argos, King Cepheus sat listening to the whispers of his advisors. The news of the prophecy had reached his ears that morning, and he could hardly contain his pride.
"The gods themselves favor Argos," Cepheus said, his voice tinged with triumph. "Let it be known that our city is the jewel of Greece, and Andromeda is its crown."
An advisor stepped forward and added, "Your Majesty, delegations from Macedonia, Sparta, Athens, and other kingdoms are already on their way to request the princess's hand in marriage. Their gifts will undoubtedly be grand, and their alliances powerful."
King Cepheus nodded, his mind racing with possibilities. This was an opportunity to solidify Argos's power and extend its influence. He raised his hand, silencing the room.
"Send word to the palace staff and the city," he ordered. "Prepare Argos for a celebration unlike any other. The streets must shine, the halls of the palace must be adorned with splendor, and the feast must be fit for kings. We will welcome these delegates with open arms and ensure they see the greatness of Argos."
The courtiers and servants bowed and hurried off to carry out his commands.
Over the following days, Argos was transformed. The streets were swept clean, banners bearing the crest of Argos were hung, and merchants displayed their finest wares. The palace itself became a hub of activity, with servants polishing marble floors, chefs preparing extravagant meals, and musicians practicing melodies to entertain the arriving dignitaries.
Andromeda, seated in her chambers, watched the preparations with mixed emotions. She understood her father's ambitions, but the thought of being married off to a man she did not know weighed heavily on her heart. She confided her concerns to Diomedes, who stood guard outside her door.
"You think too much, Princess," Diomedes said bluntly. "Let them come, and let your father play his games. At the end of the day, you're more than a pawn. You're stronger than that."
She smiled faintly at his words. "And what about you, Diomedes? What do you think of all this?"
"I'm just a soldier," he replied with a shrug. "But if any of these kings try to harm you or you need me, ask."
It had been a month since then, a month Diomedes spent enhancing his strength.
As he spun his spear, he noticed the princess maid Demetria. She came to Diomedes and whispered into his ear. Diomedes nodded as she watched as she departed. He continued spinning his spear, thinking.
________________________________________
As the first delegation arrived—a procession of Macedonian soldiers, diplomats, and noblemen—Argos braced itself for what was to come. Each delegation would bring its own promises, demands, and ambitions, but King Cepheus was determined, his ambition stirred, while a demigod would had been a perfect son in law, the son of Zeus being the best, Man propose but god dispose, it was not meant to be. He now set his eyes on kingdom of greece, any one of this kingdom could advance his power, he was doing this because, he didn't want to feel helpless again.
Argos was now the center of Greece, a city blessed by the gods. And he would ensure its future shone as brightly as the prophecies foretold.