MTLNOVEL Chapter 3: Chapter 3: Foundations of Family
The morning air carried the crisp scent of pine and the faint smokiness of last night's fire. Athenor sat by the edge of the home, his small hands tracing lines in the dirt as he watched his brother run about the clearing. Atreus had been especially lively this morning, laughing as he chased a small rabbit between the trees.
Faye stood nearby, sharpening her knife with practiced ease. She occasionally lifted her gaze to observe her sons, a gentle smile forming when Atreus stumbled and quickly pushed himself up, undeterred.
"You could join him, my little raven," she said, her voice carrying warmth.
Athenor looked up at his mother, tilting his head slightly. "I like watching," he admitted.
Faye chuckled. "A hunter observes before striking, but even a wolf must run with its pack."
Athenor hesitated, glancing at Atreus. He could join him—but something in him resisted. It wasn't laziness. It was…awareness. Even as a child, he felt different, as if his body held power waiting to be realized. And it was growing. Slowly, yes, but undeniably.
Before he could respond, heavy footsteps approached. Kratos emerged from the trees, carrying a freshly caught deer over his shoulder. His presence was as commanding as ever, though Athenor had long since learned to see beyond the stoic exterior.
Atreus immediately ran up to him, his eyes lighting up. "Father! Can I help skin it?"
Kratos gave a small nod before glancing at Athenor. "And you?"
Athenor met his father's gaze, then stood up. "I'll help."
Kratos did not offer praise, nor did he dismiss him. Athenor understood. Words were unnecessary.
The three of them set to work, Atreus eagerly asking questions while Athenor focused on learning through observation. His brother had always been more outwardly excited about their lessons, while Athenor absorbed them in quiet determination.
"Good," Kratos murmured after Athenor made his first clean cut. "Precision is key."
Athenor nodded, though he already knew. His hands moved with greater steadiness than before, his grip feeling stronger, more assured. It wasn't just experience—it was his body itself, changing, adapting.
He was getting stronger.
The days passed in a rhythm familiar and comforting. Mornings were spent with Faye, who taught them the ways of the land—the meaning behind old stories, the movement of the stars, and the way to track prey without disturbing the forest. Afternoons were with Kratos, learning discipline through combat drills and endurance exercises.
Atreus often complained about the exercises, but Athenor endured them in quiet determination. He knew these lessons mattered, but they weren't enough. His growth was tied to something far greater.
And then, his third birthday came.
[System Update]
[+1% Template Integration]
[Current Integration: 9%]
The notification appeared briefly before fading, unnoticed by anyone but Athenor. He exhaled slowly. The change was subtle, but it was there. His grip felt just a little firmer. His movements were a little steadier.
That night, Faye prepared a special stew, one infused with herbs and spices she claimed would make them stronger.
"Did you do this for Father too?" Atreus asked between bites.
Faye chuckled. "Your father never asked for such things, but I made them anyway."
Kratos grunted but said nothing.
Athenor sat quietly, savoring the warmth of the meal and the presence of his family. These moments were simple, a peace that he knew would not last forever.
But for now, it was enough.
By the time his fourth birthday arrived, the twins had grown more independent. Atreus had developed a habit of climbing trees, often getting stuck and needing Athenor's help. Athenor, meanwhile, spent more time with Kratos, who had started pushing him further in training.
One evening, as they sparred, Kratos raised an eyebrow at Athenor's stance. "You are stronger than before."
Athenor nodded. "I've been practicing."
Kratos studied him for a moment before stepping back. "Again."
Athenor tightened his grip on his wooden training sword and charged.
The clash of wood against wood echoed in the clearing, and for the first time, Kratos did not immediately overpower him. He still lost—of course, he did. But Kratos' expression shifted, if only slightly.
Athenor knew what that meant. His father was beginning to notice.
[System Update]
[+1% Template Integration]
[Current Integration: 10%]
By the time his fifth birthday arrived, Athenor had begun to feel it—the faint, growing strength within him. It was subtle, a slow but steady build. He didn't yet possess the might of a true warrior, but the foundation was forming.
One morning, Kratos had him carry a heavy bucket of water from the river. Atreus struggled with his own, grunting as he tried to lift it.
"Need help?" Athenor asked.
Atreus scowled. "No!"
Athenor said nothing, only watching as his brother tried again. Atreus would not accept pity, and Athenor knew better than to offer it.
Kratos watched the exchange, his gaze lingering on Athenor longer than usual. His father was noticing the differences now.
At night, as the fire crackled and the cold wind howled beyond the walls of their home, Athenor lay awake. His family was safe, together. But something in his chest felt heavy.
A feeling. A whisper.
This peace would not last.
He didn't know how he knew. But he did.
And so, he would continue to grow.
Because when the time came, he would be ready.