Chapter 8: The First Hunt

The morning sun struggled to break through the gray clouds covering Midgard. Mist coiled between the trees, and the chill of early winter hung in the air.

Leonidas adjusted the strap on his shoulder, the heavy black longsword resting on his back, its sharp edges gleaming faintly under the pale light. He stood at the cabin's edge, watching as Kratos finished preparing his axe.

Today was not just another hunt.

Today, Kratos would see for himself what Leonidas had become.

Atreus watched from the doorway, clutching a small wooden toy bow Faye had carved for him. His young eyes gleamed with excitement, yet there was a hint of worry too — he knew his brother was about to be tested.

Kratos grunted, throwing the last strap of his armor over his shoulder before looking at Leonidas.

"Ready?"

Leonidas gave a sharp nod, adjusting his grip on the sword hilt.

"Always."

Kratos narrowed his eyes at the response but said nothing. With that, they set off into the woods, the snow crunching beneath their boots.

Into the Woods

They walked for a while in silence, the only sound being the wind through the trees and the distant caw of ravens.

Kratos led the way, Leviathan Axe resting across his back, glancing back occasionally to watch Leonidas' steps.

Finally, Kratos stopped in a small clearing where the trees thinned out and animal tracks crossed the snowy ground.

"This is far enough," Kratos said gruffly, turning to face Leonidas. "Show me."

Leonidas raised a brow, tilting his head.

"Show you?"

Kratos' gaze hardened.

"Your strength. Your skill. Whatever it is you've been hiding."

Leonidas gave a small smirk but quickly wiped it away, realizing this was serious.

"Very well."

Leonidas reached back and unsheathed the black longsword, its jagged edge gleaming. Holding it in both hands, he took a deep breath, entering a battle stance — knees slightly bent, shoulders squared.

Suddenly, a rustling sounded from the trees ahead.

Kratos tensed but said nothing, merely observing.

Three Draugr emerged from the shadows — their rotting bodies covered in ice and their eyes glowing faintly with blue magic.

Leonidas didn't wait for orders.

He dashed forward, feet kicking up snow, sword gleaming.

The first Draugr lunged at him with a sword, but Leonidas sidestepped fluidly, bringing his blade up in a vicious arc. The black sword carved through the Draugr's side, ice and flesh breaking apart as it howled in pain.

The second Draugr came from behind, but Leonidas twisted and blocked, his sword catching the blow and throwing it off. With a brutal thrust, he impaled the creature straight through the chest, lifting it and hurling it to the side.

Kratos' eyes narrowed — he hadn't taught him that throw.

The third Draugr raised an axe — but Leonidas didn't move.

Instead, a faint golden circle of magic appeared in his hand, and with a whispered word, the circle burst outward, sending a pulse of energy that blasted the Draugr back into a tree, splintering wood from the impact.

Kratos' lips pressed into a thin line, watching intently.

Leonidas stepped over the fallen Draugr, then turned to Kratos.

"Is that enough?" he asked, panting slightly, though his grip was steady.

Kratos said nothing. He walked forward and pointed to the edge of the clearing.

More growling echoed from the trees — wolves, drawn by the scent of battle.

Kratos glanced at Leonidas.

"Magic. Show me."

Leonidas blinked, but nodded, concentrating.

Slowly, his hand rose, and golden runes began to swirl around his arm. They glowed faintly, whispering in an ancient tongue.

As the first wolf lunged, Leonidas thrust his hand forward —

"Begone."

— and a massive glowing sigil burst to life in front of him, like a sun-shaped barrier. The wolf slammed into it and was thrown back, yelping in pain, before collapsing to the ground unconscious.

The other wolves circled warily, but Leonidas took a step forward, eyes glowing faintly gold.

Behind him, Kratos could feel the faint ripple of power in the air — something unnatural, ancient, and far beyond a boy's magic.

Once the wolves scattered, Leonidas lowered his hand, the magic fading.

He turned to Kratos, panting slightly but standing tall.

Kratos approached slowly, eyes sharp.

"You control it better than I thought," Kratos said, voice low. "But it is still dangerous."

Leonidas sheathed his sword, meeting his father's gaze.

"I know. But I won't let it control me."

Kratos grunted.

"Magic always comes with a cost. Do not forget that."

Leonidas gave a small nod.

"I won't, Father."

Kratos stared at him a moment longer before turning back toward the woods.

"Come. There are more things out here than wolves and Draugr. You'll need more than tricks and swords to survive."

Leonidas smirked faintly.

"Then let's find them."

Kratos gave a quiet grunt of approval — not quite praise, but close enough for now.

[Template Integration Update]

[Integration: 27%]

Physical Strength: Enhanced (able to clash evenly with larger beasts)

Swordsmanship: Advanced for age

Magic: Controlled Minor Spells (barriers, force waves)

Ars Goetia Control: Latent (still not used in full, but stable when touched)

Bond Update: Kratos (+15)

"Respect earned. Wariness remains."

As the sun climbed higher, the two warriors — father and son — continued deeper into the forest, one watching the other with a sharp eye, and the other walking a path few would dare follow.

But they both understood one thing — their blood was not that of ordinary men.

And Midgard was watching.