Chapter 22: Quiet Growth, Hidden Power

The morning sun peeked over the horizon, casting long golden rays across the clearing. Dew clung to the grass, glimmering in the soft light as Leonidas moved with practiced precision, his sword slicing through the air in graceful arcs.

Each movement was fluid, smooth — a dance of sharp strikes and powerful sweeps. But beneath the surface, magic thrummed quietly, concealed beneath layers of well-crafted spells.

As his sword cut through the morning air, thin trails of invisible energy followed the blade, enhancing its sharpness and weight. His control was tight — if anyone had been watching, they wouldn't have noticed a thing.

"Sword and magic, together — hidden, but ready."

Leonidas exhaled slowly, stepping into a final downward strike before holding his stance, letting his breathing steady.

"You're up early again."

Leonidas turned slightly, his sharp gaze softening as Faye approached, her arms crossed and an amused smile on her lips.

"Morning, Mother," he greeted respectfully, straightening up and sheathing his sword.

She tilted her head slightly, giving him a look that mixed affection with quiet scrutiny. "Training hard as always," she observed. "You've never known how to rest, have you?"

Leonidas chuckled softly, rubbing the back of his neck. "I want to be ready. There's too much I don't know about what's out there. I can't afford to be weak."

Faye walked closer, her eyes warm but sharp. "You're not weak, Leonidas. You never have been."

He looked away for a moment, glancing at the sword on his hip. "Maybe. But if something comes for us, I want to be strong enough to stop it."

She stepped close enough to place a hand gently on his shoulder, her expression softening. "You are strong. But don't carry everything alone. You have us — your family."

Leonidas gave a small smile, glancing toward the house where Atreus' excited laughter could be heard. "I know. I just… want to make sure I'm ready. For him. For all of you."

Faye's smile grew as she gave his shoulder a light squeeze. "And we're grateful for that. But don't forget to live too, Leonidas. Life isn't just about preparing for battle."

Leonidas nodded slowly. "I'll try to remember that."

She chuckled softly and began walking back toward the house. "And don't think I haven't noticed you sneaking off into the woods. You think you're subtle, but a mother knows."

He smirked a little, watching her go. "Maybe one day I'll tell you everything."

Later in the day, Leonidas knelt beside Atreus near the river, watching him fiddle with his enchanted bow. The younger boy was frowning in concentration, trying to pull the string back properly.

"Here," Leonidas said, gently reaching over to adjust Atreus' grip. "You're holding it too tight. Loosen your fingers a bit, but keep the tension."

Atreus looked up at him, eyebrows furrowed. "You make it look easy," he grumbled.

Leonidas grinned, nudging him with an elbow. "It's only easy because I've done it a thousand times. You'll get there."

The boy looked determined, trying again — this time better.

"See? Not bad," Leonidas encouraged. "And with that magic in your bow, you've already got an edge. The rest is just practice."

Atreus glanced at him, a bit of a smile breaking through his concentration. "Think I'll ever be as good as you?"

Leonidas laughed softly, ruffling Atreus' hair. "I think you'll be better. You've got the best teacher, after all."

Atreus beamed, straightening his back and raising the bow confidently. "I'll be ready, too. Like you."

Leonidas looked at him quietly for a moment, a flicker of pride in his eyes. "Yeah. You will."

As the sun began to sink toward the horizon, Leonidas stood in the training yard again, this time facing Kratos himself.

The older man stood tall, arms crossed, observing him.

"You've trained hard," Kratos said simply. "Show me."

Leonidas nodded, drawing his sword, eyes sharp and focused.

They circled each other briefly before clashing — the sound of steel ringing out sharply through the clearing.

Kratos pushed him hard, testing his reflexes, strength, and control. Leonidas met each strike, adjusting, parrying, countering. There was no magic in his strikes now — just raw skill, exactly as Kratos had taught him.

"You've improved," Kratos said between blows, his eyes sharp but approving. "You fight like a warrior."

Leonidas grunted, parrying a heavy swing. "Still not as good as you."

Kratos smirked faintly. "No. But close."

They broke apart, both steady in their stance.

Kratos eyed him for a long moment, then gave a short nod. "You've done well."

Leonidas sheathed his blade, bowing his head slightly. "Thank you, Father."

Kratos stepped forward, placing a firm hand on his son's shoulder — a rare gesture of approval.

"Your strength will protect this family. But remember — strength alone is not enough. Control. Discipline. You must master yourself before you can master your enemies."

Leonidas looked him in the eye, nodding firmly. "I understand."

Kratos studied him for another moment before turning away. "Come. Your mother has food ready."

That night, the family sat around the fire, with Atreus animatedly recounting his practice with the bow.

"And then when I shot it — it shot three arrows! Leonidas was right! It worked!" Atreus grinned, practically bouncing in place.

Faye laughed softly, brushing her hand over Atreus' hair. "I'm glad to see you both working together."

Leonidas smirked from where he sat, resting an arm on his knee. "He's a quick learner."

Kratos sat quietly, watching them, but a faint hint of pride flickered in his eyes.

As the fire crackled, Leonidas let himself relax, listening to his family's laughter. For a moment, it was peaceful.

But at the edge of his senses, the vision granted by his growing clairvoyance stirred, faint whispers of distant forces — Odin's ravens, ever circling.

He looked at Atreus and Faye, then at Kratos, a silent vow burning in his chest.

"I will protect them. No matter what."

System Notice (End of Chapter Update):

Template Integration: 90% (Locked)

Abilities Active:

Clairvoyance 

72 Demons Loyalty (Berith active, others dormant)

Sword Enchantments: Active (Sharpness, Unbreakable, Weakness Imitation)

Mission to Unlock 100% Integration: Slay a God (Pending)