Chapter 19: King of Commanders, First Summon

The cold wind blew through the forest as Leonidas stood alone in the clearing. His sword was sheathed at his side, but today, it was not steel he intended to test.

Today, he would reach into the abyss and pull forth a piece of his heritage.

With a calm breath, he extended his hand, letting the golden magic circle of Solomon take form, etched with runes that shimmered in complex and alien patterns.

But as the magic thrummed under his skin, Leonidas felt it again — the resistance.

"Tch... even now, I can't fully access Solomon's complete might. That damned god made an oversight after all."

Yes, he had all 72 demons bound to his will without question. But the immense magical prowess, wisdom, and ancient kingly strength of Solomon himself? That was still locked behind a wall — a wall that only his growing integration could break.

85% integrated.

Still incomplete. Still growing.

"I can command them... but I can't yet wield what Solomon truly was. Not yet."

His eyes narrowed as he focused on the spell.

Fine. He would work with what he had. And what he had was enough to shake the world.

Raising his hand high, he spoke calmly, like a king issuing a decree.

"Marchosias, to me."

The forest itself seemed to pause. The magic circle burned brighter, a radiant sun in the gloom. Then, with a ripple in space, Marchosias stepped forth from the void, his massive, wolf-like body covered in gold-flecked fur, glowing eyes locked onto Leonidas.

The demon knelt low, reverent.

"My king."

Leonidas gave a slight nod, arms crossed. "You answer as quickly as ever."

Marchosias rumbled, "We exist for you, and only you. Your word is our command."

There it was. That perfect, absolute loyalty. No fear of rebellion, no test of wills—only obedience.

Still, Leonidas' hand flexed slightly, feeling the strain of maintaining the magic. It was not the demon that strained him—it was his own body, still too young, still too incomplete in its integration of Solomon's vast soul and essence.

"I can call them, but until I finish this... I can't be Solomon himself. Just the King of the 72."

But even that title, for now, was enough.

"Marchosias," Leonidas commanded, "I want a test. There's a nest of corrupted beasts deeper in the woods. Burn them out. Show me what you can do, but hold back enough not to level the forest."

Marchosias grinned, his fangs gleaming. "As you wish."

With a snarl and a burst of shadow, the massive beast tore through the trees, vanishing in moments.

Leonidas stood still, listening as the sounds of battle echoed — howls, roars, and the crackle of infernal fire.

Minutes later, Marchosias returned, his fur singed but his eyes gleaming with satisfaction.

"The nest is gone."

Leonidas gave a small nod. "Good work."

But inside, he was reflecting.

"The power is there. And they are mine. But me? I'm still not ready to use everything Solomon was."

With a gesture, he dismissed Marchosias, and the beast vanished in a spiral of light.

Turning, Leonidas made his way back home, quiet thoughts swirling in his mind.

By the time he returned, Kratos and Atreus were training in the yard.

Atreus was loosing arrows with growing precision, his enchanted bow humming as it fired off bursts of magic. Kratos, standing beside him, corrected his stance.

As Leonidas approached, Kratos' sharp eyes turned toward him.

"You've been gone a while," Kratos said, voice low but always direct.

Leonidas smirked faintly. "Had something to handle."

Kratos eyed him for a long moment, his gaze heavy. "Magic."

Leonidas didn't deny it. "Testing what I can handle now."

Kratos grunted. "Pushing limits without knowing if you can hold them?"

Leonidas looked his father dead in the eye. "I can hold them. What I can't yet do is become what I'm supposed to be."

Kratos studied him, then gave a short nod. "Good. You understand. Power without discipline is weakness."

Leonidas let out a small breath. "Yeah. I know."

Atreus glanced between them, confused but not daring to interrupt.

Kratos crossed his arms. "Tomorrow. You and I. A real fight. No demons, no magic. Just blade and strength."

Leonidas smirked. "Looking forward to it."

Kratos turned away, focusing again on Atreus. "And you. Keep practicing. I want that bow ready when it counts."

As Leonidas leaned against a tree, arms crossed, he looked out into the woods, mind racing.

"I may not be Solomon yet. But soon… soon enough, I will be more than even he was."

And with the 72 demons behind him, and his family beside him, there would be nothing in this world to stop him.