MTLNOVEL Chapter 5: Chapter 5: The Weight of Strength
The cold morning air bit at Athenor's skin as he stepped outside the cabin. His breath came out in visible puffs, but he barely noticed. His mind was still reeling from the system's latest notification.
[New Item Acquired: The Labrys of the Berserker]Description: A massive, double-headed war club wielded by Hercules in his berserker state. Designed to withstand and amplify devastating blows, this weapon thrives in the hands of those with monstrous strength.
Athenor gripped the weapon, feeling its immense weight settle in his hands. It was a hulking piece of metal, more akin to a battering ram than a traditional war club. The sheer density alone would shatter bones with a single well-placed strike.
The system had granted him a tool befitting his growing strength, but this wasn't just about power. He knew that brute force alone wasn't enough. He had to refine his technique, to understand the flow of battle—not just smash his way through it.
He exhaled, steadying himself. "Time to see what this can really do."
The forest was eerily silent. Snow crunched underfoot as Athenor moved cautiously through the dense trees, weapon at the ready. The Draugr had been increasing in numbers lately, something both Faye and Kratos had noticed.
Athenor had taken it upon himself to deal with them. His last hunts had gone well, but there was a problem—his system integration had slowed.
[Progress Update: Integration now requires five Draugr kills for +2%]
It was an expected hurdle, but a frustrating one. He would have to push himself harder, face stronger opponents if he wanted to progress faster.
The stench of rotting flesh alerted him before the growls did. Three Draugr emerged from behind a rock, their lifeless eyes glowing with an unnatural blue light. They moved toward him with jerky, unnatural movements, their rusted weapons raised.
Athenor tightened his grip on his war club and shifted his stance. His past fights had been reckless, relying too much on sheer strength. But after training with Kratos and sparring with Atreus, he had started to understand the importance of positioning.
The first Draugr lunged. Athenor twisted his body, dodging the strike just enough to avoid the jagged blade. His counterattack was immediate—his war club swung upward, catching the creature under its chin.
CRACK!
The impact sent the Draugr flying backward, its head twisted unnaturally. The second Draugr rushed in, swinging a rusted axe. Athenor raised his weapon in a defensive block, feeling the vibration rattle up his arms.
He countered swiftly, pivoting on his back foot and driving the club into the Draugr's side. The force crushed its ribs instantly, sending it crashing into a tree.
The third Draugr hesitated, as if recognizing the difference in Athenor's movements. That was new. He smirked. "You're learning?"
It roared in response, charging with reckless abandon. Athenor let it come. At the last second, he sidestepped, spinning his war club in a tight arc. The momentum carried through, and the weapon collided with the Draugr's skull.
BOOM!
The force sent bits of bone and rotten flesh scattering across the snow.
[Three Draugr Defeated]
He exhaled, lowering his weapon. His grip had been tighter this time, his footwork sharper. He wasn't just swinging blindly anymore—he was controlling the battlefield.
But this wasn't enough. He needed more.
He continued his hunt, tracking down two more Draugr over the next few hours. His movements became smoother with each fight. He learned to bait attacks, to exploit openings. The weight of his war club, once unwieldy, now felt like an extension of his body.
By the time the sun began to set, he had reached his goal.
[Five Draugr Defeated – +2% Integration][Current Template Integration: 12%]
Athenor flexed his fingers, feeling the subtle difference in his body. His strikes were heavier. His endurance was improving. But the biggest change wasn't physical—it was in his mindset.
He was no longer just reacting in battle. He was thinking, adapting.
And this was only the beginning.