Chapter 2: The Calm Before the Storm

Five winters had passed since Leonidas first opened his eyes in this world — and not a day went by that he didn't think of what was to come.

He sat by the hearth, watching the fire burn low, quietly sharpening a small blade in steady, practiced motions.

Behind him, Faye moved about the house, humming softly to herself, while Kratos sat near the door, sharpening the Leviathan Axe in deep silence.

To anyone, it was a simple, quiet family night.

But inside? Leonidas was always thinking. Always planning.

"God of War, huh? What a world to be thrown into..."

He glanced at Kratos out of the corner of his eye.

"Father... Ghost of Sparta, slayer of gods... and mother, Faye — last of the Giants. Both legendary in their own right."

A quiet smile tugged at his lips.

"And yet they live like this, in peace. For now."

His heart warmed a bit watching them. They were his family — the only ones he truly trusted in this dangerous world.

"I won't let anything happen to them. That's a promise."

He flexed his fingers slightly, and golden sigils faintly glowed along his palm for a moment before he willed them to vanish.

His power — Solomon's power — was growing steadily.

And yet, unlike Goetia, there was no struggle. The demons of the Ars Goetia bowed to him in absolute loyalty. They were his to command — no strings attached.

"Master, say the word. We are ready."

The whispers were always there, quiet and respectful.

"Not yet," he would think back, and they would fall silent, waiting.

But tonight, as the wind howled stronger and snow battered the windows, his magic stirred more violently than ever before — signaling that his integration was accelerating.

A sharp pulse ran through his chest — not weakness, but sheer raw power syncing with his body.

He winced slightly, setting the blade down.

"Leonidas?" Faye's soft but sharp voice reached him immediately, already at his side.

She pressed her hand to his forehead, worry flashing in her golden eyes.

"You're burning up again," she whispered.

"I'm okay, Mother," he said gently, offering a small smile. "Really."

She didn't look convinced.

Kratos, ever watchful, turned his gaze on Leonidas — sharp and calculating.

"Boy." His deep voice filled the room. "Explain."

Leonidas met his father's gaze calmly.

"I feel... stronger. Like something is waking up inside me," he said honestly, but carefully choosing his words.

It wasn't a lie. Just... not the full truth.

Kratos' eyes narrowed slightly. "What kind of strength?"

Leonidas hesitated for a moment.

"Like... something ancient. Powerful. But I can control it."

He kept his voice steady, his eyes never leaving Kratos'.

Kratos stared at him for a long moment before nodding slowly. "If you have strength... you must learn to use it properly. Tomorrow, we train harder."

Leonidas smiled softly. "Understood, Father."

Faye touched his cheek gently, her eyes filled with concern. "You'll tell us if it gets worse, won't you?"

"I will, Mother," he promised quietly.

And he meant it.

"I won't hide anything from them when it matters. But I need to be ready first."

Later that night, after Atreus had been tucked into bed and Faye and Kratos sat quietly together, Leonidas sat by the dying fire, watching the embers glow.

Finally, alone, he let his hand stretch out — and the magic surged forth like a living flame.

Golden rings and glyphs spiraled around his arm, perfect and sharp.

"Paimon. Come forth."

In the shadows, a faint outline appeared — a tall, regal figure kneeling with one hand over his chest in absolute loyalty.

"My King, I await your will."

Leonidas watched him quietly, his expression calm but thoughtful.

"I have no orders tonight, Paimon," Leonidas said softly. "I only wanted to see if you are still ready."

"Always, my King."

The figure faded like mist, leaving only silence.

Leonidas leaned back, watching the ceiling.

"If Odin knew what power was growing right under his nose..."

But even as he thought of gods and monsters, his mind always returned to his family.

"Mother. Father. Atreus. I'll protect you all. Even if I have to burn Asgard to the ground to do it."

His eyes softened as he listened to the soft breathing of Atreus sleeping.

"I am Solomon, King of Magic, and I will make sure my family survives what's coming."

As he closed his eyes, the fire died down to soft embers, and outside, Kratos watched the night sky — a warrior's gaze fixed on the dark forests, unaware that the son he had raised was already something beyond human.

But Leonidas knew this peace wouldn't last.

Soon, the gods would come.

And when they did... the King of Magic would be ready.