GOD OF WAR: In God of War with Hercules Template

The cold wind carried the scent of pine and the distant sound of rustling leaves as Athenor made his way back toward the cabin. His body ached from the battle with the Ogre, but he pushed through the exhaustion, his mind still replaying the fight. The sheer force of the creature had been unlike anything he had faced before. He had won, but it had not been easy.

As he approached the familiar surroundings of his home, he sensed something different—an unsettling stillness. He slowed his pace, his eyes scanning the area cautiously. A familiar figure stood by the entrance, arms crossed.

Kratos.

His father's expression was unreadable, but his presence alone was enough to signal that this was no ordinary encounter. Just behind him, Faye stood near the trees, her piercing gaze focused on him as if she already knew everything.

Athenor felt his heartbeat quicken. He had been careful, ensuring no one followed him. But it was foolish to think he could hide his actions from them indefinitely—especially from her.

Faye was more connected to these woods than anyone. She knew the land as if it were a part of her soul. The moment he had stepped beyond his usual hunting grounds, she must have noticed.

And Kratos… His father might not have the same mystical connection, but he was a warrior. He noticed changes. He saw strength when it grew, and he recognized when someone had tested their limits.

Athenor stopped a few feet away, standing tall despite the fatigue in his muscles.

Kratos narrowed his eyes. "Where have you been?"

Athenor met his gaze. "Hunting."

A heavy silence followed. The air between them felt thick as if Kratos was waiting for him to say more. When he did not, his father's expression hardened.

"You are strong," Kratos acknowledged. "Stronger than before. What did you fight?"

Athenor hesitated. There was no point in lying. "An Ogre."

Faye's sharp intake of breath was the only reaction she gave, but her expression remained unreadable.

Kratos studied him carefully, his piercing gaze seeming to weigh every word. "And how did you feel?"

Athenor took a moment before answering. "It was difficult," he admitted. "Stronger than any Draugr I have faced. But I managed."

His father continued staring, but there was something different in his eyes now—something beyond mere curiosity. It was as if he was searching for something within Athenor, a deeper understanding of what his son was becoming.

"And your strength," Kratos continued, "where does it come from?"

Athenor knew this question was dangerous. He could not reveal the truth—not about his past life, nor the system that granted him his power.

He chose his words carefully. "I don't know," he said simply.

Kratos did not react immediately, but the air grew heavier. Athenor could feel his father's scrutiny as if he were testing the truth of his words.

"You do not know," Kratos repeated, his voice low.

Athenor shook his head. "No. I just... grow stronger. With every battle. With every challenge."

It was not a lie. Not entirely.

Kratos studied him for a long moment, then finally nodded.

"Very well."

Athenor exhaled, though he kept his posture straight. His father was not fully satisfied, but for now, it seemed he would not press further.

Faye, however, stepped forward, her voice calm yet firm. "You know these woods are dangerous, Athenor."

"I do," he replied.

She held his gaze. "And yet you wandered beyond where you normally go."

He did not deny it. "I wanted to test myself."

Faye sighed, her expression softening ever so slightly. "We cannot protect you from everything," she murmured, more to herself than to him.

Kratos grunted. "He does not need protection."

Faye shot him a sharp look, but Kratos remained firm. "He is strong. He has proven that much. There is no undoing that."

Athenor said nothing. He could sense the shift in their perception of him. They knew now. Perhaps they had known for a while but had chosen not to say anything until now.

Kratos placed a heavy hand on his shoulder. "You will continue training."

It was not a request.

Athenor met his gaze and nodded. "Yes, Father."

Kratos gave a short nod in return before turning toward the cabin. Faye lingered a moment longer, watching Athenor closely before following after Kratos.

Athenor remained standing, watching their retreating figures.

They knew.

And now, everything was different.

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