The War Goddess of Aries

A hush fell over the training grounds.

Leon's golden eyes met the sharp, fiery gaze of the woman standing at the edge of the courtyard.

Selene Vermillion.

Her crimson hair swayed gently in the morning breeze, cascading over the gleaming red-and-black armor that clung to her athletic frame. The design of her armor was unmistakable—crafted for both mobility and raw power, its surface adorned with runes that shimmered faintly under the sunlight. A long, curved greatsword rested against her back, its hilt wrapped in worn leather, a clear sign that it was a weapon forged through war, not ornamentation.

She looked exactly as Leon remembered.

Yet at the same time, this was their first meeting.

For a brief moment, memories of their past lives clashed in his mind.

He had fought her. He had bled because of her. And in one timeline… she had died because of him.

But in this life, she was a stranger once more.

Selene smirked, her golden eyes gleaming with curiosity. "That was an interesting display, Young Master Vaelcrest."

Leon wiped the sweat from his brow, maintaining a calm expression. "Was it?"

Her smirk widened as she stepped onto the training grounds, moving with the practiced ease of a seasoned warrior. "The way you fought… it wasn't the style of an aristocrat." She tilted her head. "You fight like someone who's used to killing."

The knights around them exchanged wary glances. Some shifted uncomfortably, while others stole glances at Leon, as if seeing him in a new light.

Leon chuckled. Sharp as ever, Selene.

"I merely exploited weaknesses," he replied smoothly. "That's the essence of combat, is it not?"

Selene crossed her arms, studying him. "Perhaps."

Then, without warning, she lunged forward.

Leon reacted instantly, his body moving on pure instinct. He sidestepped, his footwork precise, his breath steady. Too late.

Selene's fingers snatched his wrist.

She twisted sharply, applying pressure—not enough to injure, but enough to remind him that she was the stronger one here.

Her strength was monstrous. Even in this timeline, where she was still young, her grip was like iron.

Leon didn't resist. Instead, he met her gaze calmly, his golden eyes unwavering.

Selene's smirk returned. "You didn't even flinch."

"I didn't need to."

They stood like that for a second longer before she finally released his wrist. She took a step back, folding her arms once more.

"You have talent," she admitted. "But there's a difference between knowing how to fight and knowing how to survive."

Leon tilted his head. "Is that an invitation to spar?"

A low chuckle escaped her lips. "If I were challenging you, you'd already be on the ground."

The knights around them visibly tensed. Some even took a step back.

Leon, however, merely smiled. Ah, right. She was always like this.

Selene Vermillion didn't do half-measures. If she fought, she fought to win. If she killed, she killed without hesitation.

"I'll keep that in mind," Leon said.

Selene studied him for a moment longer before exhaling. "The Duke requested that I observe the Vaelcrest heir's progress. I expected a spoiled noble brat." Her eyes gleamed. "But you're… interesting."

Leon raised an eyebrow. "Should I be honored?"

"Not yet."

She turned, her long hair swaying with the movement.

"Let's see if you survive long enough to impress me."

And with that, she strode away, leaving a stunned silence in her wake.

Leon chuckled softly. Some things never change.

But this time, he would make sure she didn't meet the same fate as before.

Selene Vermillion had always been a force of nature—a warrior who fought without hesitation, a soldier who never questioned the battlefield, and a woman whose loyalty ran deeper than blood. In another life, she had stood against him. In yet another, she had fought by his side until the bitter end.

And in one timeline…

She had died because of his choices.

Leon watched her retreating figure, her crimson hair catching the sunlight, a striking contrast against her dark red armor. Even from a distance, she carried herself with the confidence of a seasoned fighter.

She's still young in this timeline. The Selene he remembered had been a war veteran, hardened by countless battles, her body marked by scars that told stories of survival. But this version of her was still untested, unshaped by war's cruelty.

For now.

"Leon."

A voice pulled him back to the present.

Gerald stood a few paces away, watching him with that ever-composed expression. But there was something else—a hint of scrutiny behind those aged eyes.

"You handled yourself well today," the butler said.

Leon smirked. "You sound surprised."

Gerald didn't answer immediately. Instead, he glanced toward the training grounds, where several knights were still murmuring among themselves. Some stole uneasy glances at Leon, as if seeing him for the first time.

Leon understood why. In this timeline, he was still just a noble heir, not a seasoned warrior. His display earlier had been… unnatural for someone his age.

Gerald turned back to him, his gaze unreadable. "The Duke has requested your presence again."

Leon exhaled. Twice in one morning? That was unusual.

"Did he say why?"

"He will explain when you arrive."

Of course. His father wasn't one to waste words.

Leon cast one last glance at Selene—who was now speaking with one of the senior knights—before nodding. "Let's go."

Vaelcrest Manor – The Duke's Study

The heavy oak doors loomed before him once more. This time, he stepped in without hesitation.

Duke Aldric Vaelcrest sat at his desk, flipping through a collection of parchment documents. Military reports.

Leon took a silent breath. His father hadn't changed. The man's entire life revolved around warfare and politics—and he had been raised under that very mindset.

Aldric didn't look up immediately, but Leon knew better than to mistake it for distraction. His father was always aware of his surroundings.

Finally, the Duke set the papers down and fixed his cold blue eyes on him.

"You met Selene Vermillion."

Leon didn't react outwardly, though he noted the way his father worded it as a statement, not a question.

"She introduced herself," he replied evenly.

Aldric leaned back in his chair. "And? What do you think of her?"

Leon tilted his head slightly. Was this a test?

"She's capable," he said simply. "And sharp."

The Duke's gaze lingered on him, as if measuring something. Then he exhaled.

"Good."

Leon remained silent, waiting. He knew his father well enough to know that he wasn't asking for his opinion just to be polite.

Aldric tapped his fingers against the desk. "Selene is one of the Empire's most promising warriors. She was sent here not only to observe you, but to determine if you are worthy of your inheritance."

Leon's expression remained unreadable. "Worthy?"

Aldric nodded. "Your name carries weight, Leon. But a name alone is meaningless without strength to uphold it."

Leon almost laughed. I wonder if you'd say the same if you knew how many lifetimes I've fought through.

He knew better than to say that aloud.

Instead, he leaned forward slightly. "Then let me ask you something, Father."

Aldric arched an eyebrow.

Leon's golden eyes gleamed. "What happens if I fail this test?"

The silence stretched between them.

Then, Aldric smirked. "You won't."

Leon chuckled. That's your answer?

But in a way, it was fitting. His father wasn't the type to entertain the thought of failure.

"Very well," Leon said, rising from his seat. "Then I'll make sure she sees what she's looking for."

Aldric gave him a slow nod. "See that you do."

As Leon stepped out of the study, he felt a familiar thrill course through him.

So this was how the game would begin in this timeline.

The Empire was watching. Selene was watching.

Good.

Because this time, he would be the one in control.