Chapter 16: The Judgement of a God of War

Leonidas walked through the trees, the sword resting across his back. The runes pulsed softly, alive but calm — as though satisfied after tasting true battle.

He was calm, but part of him felt a small sense of excitement. Today, they would see what he had done.

As the house came into view, he spotted Faye in the garden, tending to the small plants she had been nurturing. Atreus was sitting nearby, playing with a stick, carving small animals from wood.

Faye looked up first, her eyes catching the faint gold glow of the sword runes as Leonidas walked closer. Her brow lifted in quiet curiosity.

"You're back early," she said gently, wiping her hands on a cloth.

Leonidas stopped a few feet from her, giving a small grin.

"I had a good hunt."

Atreus looked up at his brother, eyes wide. "Did you fight something big?!"

Leonidas chuckled softly but didn't answer right away.

Instead, from the shadows near the house, a heavy footstep echoed — Kratos had arrived, arms crossed as he stared at his son. His eyes narrowed on the sword.

"You did more than hunt," Kratos said flatly.

Leonidas turned slightly to face him.

"I made this." He unsheathed the sword with a smooth motion, holding it out before him. "I forged magic into it. Runes. Not Norse — something older."

Kratos' gaze sharpened.

"And you fought?"

Leonidas nodded. "Three corrupted wolves. Alone."

There was a brief silence. Faye's eyes widened slightly, though she said nothing. Atreus's mouth fell open in awe.

Kratos stepped forward, extending a hand.

"Let me see it."

Leonidas hesitated for a split second — this was his creation, his proof of growth — but he knew better than to refuse.

With both hands, he offered the sword to his father.

Kratos took it carefully, studying the glowing runes. The weapon was heavier than expected — not in weight, but in presence.

His thumb ran along the blade, feeling the pulse of magic woven into the metal. His eyes narrowed at the moving runes that represented "Weakness Imitation."

"You bound the laws of the world to a sword," Kratos muttered, more to himself than anyone.

Leonidas watched carefully, knowing Kratos was an expert in weapons — and would see through anything false.

Without warning, Kratos turned, facing a large tree at the edge of their clearing.

He moved in a blur — the blade cutting cleanly through the entire trunk in a single strike.

The massive tree groaned and fell, splitting cleanly along the cut, the edges smooth like polished glass.

Faye gasped softly, her hand coming to her lips. Atreus stood, stunned.

Kratos stared at the sword in his hand, eyes hard, almost calculating.

"It cuts too easily," he said quietly, handing it back to Leonidas. "Nothing natural would cut like that. Not even Dwarven work."

Leonidas sheathed the sword slowly, his eyes never leaving Kratos.

"And the magic holds perfectly," Kratos added, eyes narrowing. "Even when I struck with full strength."

Leonidas nodded. "It won't break. I bound a rune for that."

Kratos stepped closer, lowering his voice, though it carried weight.

"Power like this is dangerous."

Leonidas stood firm. "I know. But I need it."

Kratos studied him for a long moment.

"You do not understand what it means to carry a weapon like this. What it means to hold the power to cut anything — even things you should not."

Leonidas' jaw tightened.

"I'll learn."

Kratos grunted, turning slightly away, as though considering his words carefully.

"This sword will make others fear you. Envy you. Some may want to take it, to test you."

Leonidas nodded. "Let them."

Kratos turned sharply back to him. "Do not be foolish."

Faye finally stepped forward, her voice calm but firm.

"Leonidas, what you've done is incredible. But your father is right. You must understand the burden of this gift."

Leonidas turned to her, his eyes softening slightly.

"I know. But I won't use it recklessly. It's to protect us. Atreus, you, Father."

Faye smiled gently, placing a hand on his shoulder.

"And yourself, too. Promise me that."

Leonidas hesitated for a breath before nodding.

"I promise."

Kratos watched the exchange quietly, his gaze thoughtful.

Finally, he broke the silence.

"If you are to carry this weapon, you will train with me. Every day. You will learn to control it as you control your own body."

Leonidas smiled faintly. "I expected nothing less."

Kratos stepped forward once more, now standing toe-to-toe with his son.

"And when you are ready," Kratos said, "we will see if you can stand against me with that sword."

Leonidas met his gaze without flinching, a small smirk touching his lips.

"I look forward to that day."

Kratos grunted approvingly.

"Good."

Without another word, he turned and began walking back to the house.

Atreus ran up to Leonidas, eyes wide.

"You're amazing, Leon!"

Leonidas laughed, ruffling his little brother's hair.

"Stick with me, little wolf. You'll get there too."

Atreus beamed, running after their father.

Faye stayed behind for a moment, watching Leonidas with careful eyes.

"You're changing, Leonidas. Faster than I thought."

Leonidas looked at her, a faint shadow passing through his golden eyes.

"I know. But I'll still be me."

Faye smiled softly, reaching up to touch his cheek.

"I hope so, my son. I truly hope so."

As she walked away, Leonidas turned to look at the tree his father had cut down with his sword.

The perfectly smooth cut glistened in the light, and for the first time, Leonidas truly understood what Kratos meant.

"A blade that cuts anything… means no mercy, no second chances."

He gripped the sword's hilt tightly.

"I'll carry it right. I swear it."

The runes on the sword pulsed quietly in response, as though acknowledging his vow.