Reborn in Record of Ragnarok/SNV (w Powers)

From the heavens above, the gods continued to watch Lucius Aelius Varro with growing unease.

His mind and body had surpassed the limits of humanity, his tactics reshaped history, and now, as war loomed once again, his advancements propelled Rome into an era of unimaginable power.

Zeus, the King of the Gods, sighed. "If this boy continues, he may shift the very balance of history."Odin, with his ever-knowing gaze, watched silently, his thoughts hidden.Poseidon, ruler of the seas, scoffed. "This child thinks he can master naval warfare? Let's see if he can tame my domain."Brunhilde, ever the schemer, smirked. "Lucius… You may be the key to the future."

But one god, in particular, could not sit still any longer.

Ares, the God of War, clenched his fists, his blood boiling with excitement.

"Enough watching! If this boy is as strong as you claim, I will go see for myself."

Zeus shot him a warning look. "Be careful, Ares. This child is no ordinary mortal."

Ares grinned.

"That's what makes it fun."

And with that, he descended.

Lucius was relentless.

With the First Punic War approaching, he had pushed Rome into an era centuries ahead of its time.

Here's what he had accomplished:

1. Naval SupremacyShip Advancements: Lucius designed reinforced hulls, using better wood treatment techniques to prevent decay and enhance durability.Artillery at Sea: He introduced primitive cannons, using his knowledge of gunpowder, making Rome's fleet the deadliest in the world.Tactical Formations: He studied Carthaginian weaknesses, introducing superior maneuvering strategies to counter their famed navy.Roman Corvus Mk.II: He redesigned the boarding ramp, allowing faster deployment for hand-to-hand combat at sea.

Rome would not fear Carthage's fleet. Rome would dominate it.

2. Military RevolutionBetter Armor & Weapons: Lucius developed hardened steel for stronger swords and shields, making the Roman legions deadlier than ever.Training Reforms: He introduced intensive military drills, inspired by modern warfare techniques, ensuring that Roman soldiers were disciplined, adaptable, and ruthless.Gunpowder Deployment: While guns were still too early, he perfected the use of explosives, creating grenades, signal flares, and siege weapon modifications.Spies & Intelligence: Rome now had an advanced network of informants, using coded messages, misinformation campaigns, and early encryption methods to outmaneuver enemies before battles even began.

Rome would not just fight wars—it would win them before they even started.

3. Civil AdvancementsEngineering Marvels: Lucius introduced stronger concrete mixtures, enabling bigger, longer-lasting structures.Medicine & Hygiene: He established public baths, sanitation systems, and early hospitals, reducing disease and improving life expectancy.Education: Basic schooling was now widespread, creating a more literate and skilled Roman population.Printing Prototypes: Using early machinery, he created a primitive printing press, making knowledge more accessible than ever before.

Rome was no longer just a city-state.

It was a superpower.

And it was just getting started.

Lucius stood on a Roman warship, overlooking the vast Mediterranean. The wind rippled through his crimson cloak, his golden eyes sharp as ever.

The war was coming.

He could feel it in his bones.

And then—he felt something else.

A pulse of divine power. A presence far beyond mortal comprehension.

The air shifted, heavy with a presence he recognized immediately.

A tall figure, clad in blackened bronze armor, stood before him. His eyes burned with battle lust, his lips curled in an arrogant grin.

Ares, the God of War.

Lucius didn't even flinch.

Ares chuckled. "You're not surprised to see me?"

Lucius smirked. "I was wondering when one of you would stop hiding."

Ares grinned. "I like you, kid. You've got guts. I've been watching you—your wars, your battles. It's been a long time since a mortal made my blood boil like this."

Lucius raised an eyebrow. "And? What do you want?"

Ares took a step forward, his divine presence pressing down like an avalanche.

"I came to see if you're worthy."

Lucius tilted his head. "Worthy of what?"

Ares' grin widened. "Worthy of standing in my domain. I don't care how smart you are—war is about blood, not books. You're a tactician, but are you a warrior?"

Lucius felt his muscles tighten. His instincts screamed danger.

This wasn't just a conversation.

It was a test.

Ares lunged—his movements explosively fast.

Lucius barely had time to react. He dodged, but Ares' fist grazed his ribs, sending a shockwave through his body.

So fast…!

Lucius landed, his breath steady. His eyes glowed, processing Ares' movements.

Ares grinned. "You're good, kid. But let's see if you can keep up."

He came again. Faster. Stronger.

Lucius' eyes burned—the Eyes of Adam and Qin Shi Huang working at full capacity.

He dodged. Countered. Struck.

Fist met fist. Power shook the battlefield.

Ares was a god of war—but Lucius had lived and studied thousands of battles across time.

And he was learning his opponent in real time.

The battle raged. Ares laughed—excited.

But then…

Lucius moved faster than Ares could react.

His foot dug into the god's stomach, sending him crashing backward, shattering the ground.

Ares groaned, pulling himself up. His eyes flickered.

Lucius stood calmly, rolling his shoulders. "Had enough?"

For the first time, Ares was quiet.

He stared at the boy… and then he grinned.

"Damn."

The god burst into laughter, clapping his hands. "Alright, I admit it. You're something else."

He stood, stretching. "Fine. You win this round, kid."

Lucius exhaled. He wasn't tired—but he was cautious.

Ares turned to leave, but then paused. "…One last thing, boy."

Lucius raised an eyebrow.

Ares smirked. "War is coming. If you live long enough, we'll meet again."

And with that—he vanished.

Lucius stood in silence.

Then he smiled.

"War, huh? Let's see who wins."