Before the Storm

Theos and Sophia walked through the city, and she took the chance to show him every corner of Athens — even the Temple of Athena.They stayed there for a while, watching the beautiful sunset and the breathtaking view from the temple’s height.Then, Theos suddenly remembered someone he hadn’t seen yet — Icarus.
“Sophia, what about Icarus? Wasn’t he here too?”
“I totally forgot to tell you! I was so happy to see you that it slipped my mind. Icarus is in Nemea.”
“Nemea?”
“Yes. That’s where his older brother lives. About a month after we got here, his brother came to visit and took him there. I think it was for training.And you’ll never believe who his brother is…”
“Who?”
“The legendary Hercules. I have to admit, I was terrified when I first saw him. He’s huge, covered in muscles… but he’s actually a really charismatic guy — at least, I thought so.His relationship with Icarus seems to be really good.”
“That’s amazing! But why in that place specifically?”
“Well, I don’t know all the details, but Icarus told me that after Hercules defeated a massive lion that lived there, the people made him kind of the ruler — almost like a king. And apparently, they really admire him.”
“When is he coming back?”
“The tournament starts in two weeks, so I guess he’ll return about three days before it begins.Oh, by the way, did you come here alone?”
“I came with Sir Kael.”
“Kael? I’ve never heard of him. Was he from our village?”
“No. He just appeared out of nowhere — and luckily, right when the village was attacked by a minotaur.With a single swing, he sliced the creature in half.Since then, I’ve been training with him nonstop. I almost died a few times, but it was worth it — because I’m here now.Actually… it was your mother who asked him to come.”
“My mother?”
“Yeah. I don’t know why, but it seems they know each other. Maybe because Sir Kael is the son of Ares.”
“W–wait! He’s Ares’s son?! I didn’t know the god of war even had children!”
“Well, neither did I.It’s getting late — I should go. Kael will worry if I don’t come back soon.”
“Yeah… I should go too. My mother will be angry if I’m late.See you tomorrow, after my training.And, Theos… it was really good to see you again.”
Theos smiled, saying it was great to see her too, and then headed back to the house where he and Kael were staying.
“Where were you?” Kael asked.
“I was with my friend Sophia. It was great seeing her again. She couldn’t believe it when she saw me.”
“That’s good.I have to go out for a while. Don’t know how long I’ll be gone.Don’t open the door for anyone.”
Kael left and walked through the city at night, scanning every corner for anything suspicious.He reached the entrance of Athens and continued toward the coast, where the city’s fleet was docked.He looked around silently — until…
“Found anything?” Athena’s voice came from behind, sudden as ever.
“No… and that’s what worries me.You were right about that bad feeling. Something is going to happen here.On our way here, we found several fishing boats destroyed — and it wasn’t by storms or chance.I don’t know what it is, but… something big is out there.”
“Do you want me to have my guards double the watch?”
“No. That would only cause panic.Let the people think everything’s fine.When the time comes, get everyone out of the city… and leave the rest to me.I alone will be enough.”
“I know… I’ll go then.”
“Athena… no, forget it. Go on.”
“I understand.Don’t worry — he’ll be fine.”
Athena vanished into the night, leaving Kael standing by the dark sea, the wind heavy with tension.

---
The next day, Theos and Sophia met again.By sunset, they were once more at the Temple of Athena, admiring the glowing horizon.Then, a strong wind swept through the city — strange and sudden.
Kael, still at the city’s gate, felt a chill.His warrior’s instinct refused to let him rest.
Moments later, something emerged from the sea, crashing violently onto the ground.The impact shook the earth, leaving a massive crater where it landed.Kael immediately sensed an aura of hatred and fury.
A tall, muscular figure stepped from the smoke — eyes burning like fire, black shoulder-length hair, and an overwhelming presence that made the air itself grow heavy.Yet Kael did not flinch.
The figure walked toward him slowly… then smiled.
“You will die.” said the deep, commanding voice.
In an instant, it leapt forward — Kael barely dodged, as the ground exploded where the blow struck.The figure attacked again, and this time Kael drew his sword.
“Dýnamis… Essence of Ares.”
The divine power inherited from the god of war ignited within him.His muscles tightened, the air around him vibrated, and a crimson heat radiated from his body.His strength, speed, and combat instinct surged beyond human limits.Kael entered a state of pure focus — where his body moved by instinct alone.
The man before him looked surprised.
“I’m impressed you dodged me twice.But it won’t change anything.You’ll die by the hands of Menoetius, the Titan of Wrath.”
Kael’s eyes widened.A Titan…
Now he understood.Athena’s warning had been right.
The city of Athens was in grave danger.And the battle for its fate…was only beginning.