Chapter 7: The Spartan's Gaze

The skies of Midgard hung heavy with thick gray clouds, promising snow before dusk. In the clearing just beyond the cabin, the steady sound of blades slicing through the air echoed across the frozen woods.

Leonidas stood alone, sword in hand, working through his stances with surgical precision. The long, black blade — his chosen weapon, forged under Kratos' watchful eye — moved like an extension of his arm, its jagged edges catching the pale light as it danced through the air.

From a distance, Kratos stood silently, arms crossed, his stern gaze following Leonidas' every move. Though he said nothing, his furrowed brow and narrowed eyes spoke volumes.

Leonidas was improving — too quickly.

His footwork was flawless, his strikes sharp and controlled, and worst of all, there was something else, something Kratos could sense in the air — a whisper of magic, faint golden runes glimmering after each swing, fading before the eye could fully catch them.

Kratos' grip on his forearms tightened slightly. This was beyond natural talent.

As Leonidas finished a final sweep of his sword, ending in a perfect low guard, Kratos finally stepped forward. His heavy boots crunched in the snow, making Leonidas pause and glance at him.

"Again," Kratos ordered firmly, his voice cutting through the cold air like a blade.

Leonidas blinked, but quickly reset his stance, unfazed.

"Yes, Father."

With a deep breath, he began again, moving gracefully, each motion clean and deadly.

When he was done, Kratos approached, standing a few paces away.

"You move well," Kratos said, his tone neutral. "Too well."

Leonidas tilted his head slightly, a hint of amusement in his eyes.

"I thought you wanted me to improve."

Kratos' eyes narrowed, sharp as daggers.

"I did. But not like this."

Leonidas slowly lowered his sword, now fully attentive.

"I have watched you, boy," Kratos continued, his voice low but tense. "I know what effort looks like. I know what discipline earns. What you are doing... is something else."

Leonidas remained silent, golden eyes meeting Kratos' gaze without flinching.

"You are strong beyond your years. Faster. More precise. And that magic... it clings to you. What are you hiding?"

Leonidas exhaled slowly, resting the sword tip gently into the snow.

"...You are not wrong to be suspicious," he admitted, voice calm but serious.

Kratos said nothing, simply watching, waiting.

Leonidas looked away for a moment, as though weighing his words carefully.

"There are things I can't yet explain," he said quietly. "Things I was given... before I came to be your son."

Kratos' eyes flashed, sharp and cold.

"What things?"

Leonidas' gaze softened slightly.

"Power. Knowledge. A... legacy. One I never asked for, but one I cannot refuse."

Kratos stepped forward, looming over him like a mountain, though his eyes now glimmered with something more complex — concern.

"Are you cursed?"

Leonidas looked up at him firmly.

"No. But I am... changed. Different."

Kratos' gaze darkened, lips pressing into a thin line.

"Magic is not to be trusted. I have seen what it does to men. To gods."

Leonidas nodded slowly.

"I understand. But I swear to you, Father... I would never use it against this family. Against you. Or Atreus. Or Mother."

Kratos studied him long and hard, his expression unreadable.

"And if it grows beyond your control?"

Leonidas' eyes sharpened a fire lighting within them.

"Then I will be the first to cut it down. I will not let it threaten the ones I love."

A long, heavy silence fell between them, only the wind whispering through the trees.

Finally, Kratos gave a slight nod.

"Good." His voice was softer now, though still carrying the weight of a warning. "Because if you fail... I will stop you."

Leonidas smiled faintly — not with arrogance, but with respect.

"I would expect nothing less, Father."

Kratos looked him over once more, exhaling slowly through his nose.

"Tomorrow, we hunt. Together. I want to see for myself how you handle this... power."

Leonidas straightened, a glimmer of determination in his eyes.

"I'll be ready."

At that moment, a smaller figure came running up from the woods — Atreus, breathless and wide-eyed, holding a little wooden bow too big for him.

"Leon! Father!" he called out. "Are you done? Can I practice with you now?"

Leonidas grinned, kneeling to ruffle Atreus' hair.

"Of course, little wolf. I'll show you a new stance."

Atreus beamed.

Kratos watched them quietly, his expression softening for just a moment.

As Leonidas rose to his feet, Kratos placed a heavy hand on his shoulder, gripping firmly.

"Remember what I said."

Leonidas looked at him and gave a respectful nod.

"I won't forget."

[Template Integration: 23%]

Physical Reinforcement: Advanced (capable of briefly overwhelming lower-level monsters) Magic Control: Intermediate (basic rune magic and weapon enhancements) Ars Goetia Authority: Minor summons (basic spirit manifestation)

Bond Strengthening: Kratos (+10)

"Cautious acceptance. A silent pact to guide and watch over his son."

As the last light of day faded over the horizon, Kratos stood watching his two sons, arms crossed, thoughts heavy.

Leonidas, for all his power, was still his boy. And Kratos would see to it that his strength would never become a curse.

"You carry a heavy burden, my son. Let us see if you are strong enough to bear it."