Protection

The arena's thunderous applause faded into a tense silence as a golden light began to shimmer around Leonidas, gradually illuminating his form.

"Whoa! What... is that?" Akio asked, eyes widening.

"That... is his psyche awakening," Valen replied, his tone measured. "It's what happens when someone's perspective shifts profoundly, often allowing their tears to have new and more powerful manifestations. This new view is often subconsciously 'locked,' either out of fear or resistance. I'd bet his psyche started shifting the moment he stepped into the Shattered Veil." 

"... It's rare.." Valen added "but not entirely impossible," Valen narrowed his eyes.

Akio was fascinated by the transformation, wondering if he, too, would one day experience an awakening of his own.

---

Simo took a step back, his usual confidence flickering as he studied the Spartan King. The man before him wasn't merely a spartan warrior, he was a force conceived from centuries of unwavering loyalty and strength. Absolutely zero hesitation and doubt in his actions. 

"You're not the first to try breaking me, nor will you be the last," Leonidas' voice ranged through the arena, calmer than his original demeaner. "But I no longer fight for glory or honor. I fight for those who depend on me. Even if it means to die a miserable and sad death, I will protect my kingdom!"

Simo felt a thrill of a challenge he hadn't felt in ages. "Alright, spartan. Let's see what that new glow of yours can handle!"

Simo flicked his sniper, precision lacing each movement, and fired four shots toward Leonidas. He imbued a tear with fear once more, causing an unsettling energy that rippled through the air and settled heavily over the arena.

Leonidas merely chuckled, unfazed, as he looked down the line of sight at Simo. "Fear... It seems to be your closest companion," he taunted. "Allow me to show you a taste of mine."

With each step he took, Leonidas summoned a terrifying presence, manifesting his own "Fear." The force of it radiated out like invisible waves, blanketing the battlefield. The ground shuddered, tremors rippling through the earth with each footfall. Even the very air itself quivered, vibrating in rhythm to the dark resonance of his power. Simo felt it too, a chill reaching his core as the sniper in his hand vibrated uncontrollably.

"Hm," Valen remarked from the sidelines, his eyes gleaming with interest as he observed Leonidas's potent aura. "That tear of his… It's a raw manifestation of fear itself. It touches everything—living or not—and makes them tremble without end. Powerful enough to simulate an earthquake. Fascinating, and problematic."

"Wait a second," Akio interjected, glancing at Valen, concern flashing across his face. "Isn't he risking collapsing the entire arena? We're standing right here too!"

Valen smirked, his gaze steady on the battlefield. "If we were still bound by Earth's limitations, this arena would indeed be in ruins, along with anyone standing in it. Perhaps even the whole world. But this arena was prepared with barriers woven to contain and concentrate any destruction within its bounds. So no, not exactly."

Despite Valen's reassurance, the arena felt as if it might shatter at any moment, cracks forming in the stonework beneath Leonidas's feet. The crowd was silent, captivated and terrified, as Leonidas took another step forward. Each impact resounded like thunder, pressing down on Simo and making his every nerve writhe in dread.

Simo steadied himself, lifting his sniper once more and tightening his grip. "So that's the kind of game we're playing…" he muttered to himself, eyes narrowing as he began to plan his next move.

Simo steadied his breath, letting his mind slip into a state of hyper-focus. His instincts took over, calculating distances, speeds, and potential weaknesses in Leonidas's form. Despite the oppressive fear emanating from the Spartan, he smirked. "A king who wields fear as his weapon… I have to admit, it's been a while since I felt this much pressure."

As Simo raised his sniper, he activated a second tear embedded in his weapon, a tear infused with "precision." This tear sharpened his vision, creating an eerie clarity that let him see every subtle movement Leonidas made—the twitch of a muscle, the shift in stance, the exact moment his center of gravity changed. It was as though time slowed, each second stretching into eternity as Simo honed in on his target.

The Spartan King, undeterred, strode forward, his gaze locked onto Simo with an intensity that matched the golden glow enveloping his form. The ground trembled, the cracks beneath his feet spreading like spiderwebs across the arena floor.

"Come, warrior," Leonidas said, his voice carrying a weight that seemed to press down on the arena. "Let's see how much of your resolve remains when faced with a true protector."

Simo scoffed, his confidence sparking back to life. "A protector, you say? Then tell me, Spartan, who protects you?"

He pulled the trigger. The crack of the sniper echoed as three rounds tore through the air, each one augmented by his precision tear. They whistled towards Leonidas, perfectly aimed to exploit every vulnerable angle—his shoulder, his right knee, and a direct hit to his heart. A lesser warrior would've been overwhelmed.

But Leonidas was no lesser warrior.

With fluid, almost inhuman reflexes, Leonidas raised his shield, the golden aura around him intensifying to deflect each bullet with pinpoint accuracy. The shots ricocheted off his shield in rapid succession, each impact accompanied by a flash of light. He didn't falter, didn't slow; his steps remained steady, unyielding.

"Impressive aim," Leonidas remarked, his tone almost respectful. "But your resolve alone won't be enough to stop me."

Simo gritted his teeth, frustration flashing in his eyes. This wasn't how it was supposed to go. He'd faced countless opponents, but this—this was different. Leonidas's power was relentless, an unwavering tide that threatened to drown him if he faltered for even a second.

 Simo unleashed another barrage of bullets, each one imbued with a different tear. They exploded mid-air, dispersing into a haze of smoke and light, an attempt to blind and disorient Leonidas. But the Spartan King merely narrowed his eyes, his golden aura pulsing as he took a deep breath.

In a move that left the entire arena breathless, Leonidas exhaled sharply, and the golden aura around him expanded, dispelling the haze in an instant. The crowd gasped, astonished by the sheer magnitude of his power.

Leonidas smiled grimly, his voice low and calm. "I have faced death on the battlefield countless times. I have stood at the brink and returned, not for myself but for my people. You think fear and smoke will stop me, mercenary?"

Simo's expression wavered, the weight of Leonidas's conviction cutting through his usual bravado. But he shook it off, determined not to be intimidated. "Talk all you want, king. In the end, everyone breaks."

Leonidas tilted his head, his gaze sharpening. "Then let's see if you're prepared to face what lies beyond your own breaking point."

With a final surge of power, Leonidas slammed his sword into the ground, releasing a wave of energy that radiated outwards, lifting debris and dust into the air. The ground shook violently, cracks widening and threatening to swallow Simo where he stood.

Simo leaped back, dodging the fissures with skill, but his breath came quicker, his movements less calculated as fatigue crept in. His fingers tightened around his sniper, the weight of the weapon reminding him of the gravity of the situation.

And as he stood there, breathing heavily, his gaze locked onto Leonidas, a flicker of doubt crossed his mind.

Maybe this time, something would be able to escape the hands of death.