The training hall of the Mars Castle was filled with the echoes of clashing. The boy who had once struggled to hold a training spear in his past life had now moved with growing confidence, his muscles leaner, his spirit hardened by constant training.
Those around Adonis had watched the boy's quiet transformation over the years. The child's once-small frame had grown slightly taller, his shoulders beginning to broaden slightly and show signs of slight definition. The first signs of a Spartan warrior beginning to take shape blessings or not.
Time had passed. An entire year to be exact and Adonis had used every day wisely. Strengthening both his mind and body.
Adonis stepped forward with a quick thrust of his spear, it's tip darting toward Seris's shoulder who was opposing him. He was still smaller in height and size compared to her, but his movements and reactions were fast, while his attacks were extremely precise for someone his age.
Seris blocked the strike with her large round shield.
A hard clack could be heard, as the force vibrated through Adonis's arms. Then Seris immediately countered, her spear snapping forward toward his ribs.
Adonis pivoted just in time, as the strike grazed past him as he angled his shield inward and deflected the shaft away from him.
Another clack sounded.
"Still too slow, the counter needs to be immediate, no hesitation " Seris said calmly.
Adonis pushed forward again. Faint translucent aura was closely covering and radiating off his body and weapons, as sweat dripped from his hair as he thrust low toward her thigh. Seris slightly shifted her stance and deflected the thrust easily.
Then she surged forward. Her translucent aura surrounded her like a second skin. She went shield first.
The heavy Spartan shield surrounded by aura slammed into Adonis's defense with a boom. Then Adonis skidded backward across the stone floor. His boots scraped against the ground as he struggled to hold his footing, but his shield was still held up in a strong defensive position.
Damn it, that hurt more then usual. With her natural strength she's already powerful enough to send me flying back. But when she uses aura to augment her shield strikes, I feel like I'm being attacked by a giant bull. Adonis thought.
Seris smirked and pressed forward relentlessly. She came in with another shield charge.
Adonis braced himself and focused his battle aura into certain parts of his body. His feet for stability. Along with his back for support, and his shield and his arm holding his shield.
Then just as Adonis had prepared himself...
Boom.
Seris's shield connected with his. Adonis braced and this time he absorbed the impact with his shield and slid sideways instead of backward. This time ready for a immediate counter, he turned his block into a parry and prepared for a immediate counterstrike.
But Seris's spear was already darting toward his shoulder. Adonis adjusted his movements and twisted his body and deflected it.
Clack.
He countered immediately sending three rapid thrusts, aiming for the chest, neck, and left thigh. But Seris immediately blocked each one with calm efficiency.
She was quite surprised at what she was seeing. Despite her superior strength and experience, Adonis was managing to hold his ground and even make decent attempts to get some strikes in.
Compared to his older siblings, she definitely considers him one of the interesting ones.
The rhythm of their spar continued.
Seris met Adonis's strike with one of her own. Adonis then block another of Seris's powerful strike, and deflected a second one as she came in with a second one in quick succession. Adonis surged forward with his shield as Seris stood strong and defended with her own.
The shield's impacted. Sending out a small shockwave of air as their aura's collided. Adonis's breathing began to grow heavier as he pushed against Seris. Sweat soaked his face as his body suit absorbed the rest, but he did not stop or let up his force.
Seris saw him beginning to struggle as she remained completely unrelenting. She pushed him again causing his boots to start skidding against the stone floor.
She broke their shield lock and their next exchange began.
Adonis pressed his spear strikes harder then before, each one was faster then the last. She surged at him with another shield charge slammed into him.
Then...Boom. Adonis's defense was broken, causing him to stagger back but he managed to recovered quickly. But Seris was already rushing forward with a spear thrust.
Adonis didn't try to defend, he knew his shield arm would not make it in time to defend from the strike. The only answer was to counter with his spear. Adonis's mind focused as his sense's sharpened in that moment.
In the split of a millisecond Adonis adjust his grip on his spear, and leaned forward planning to meet Seris attack head on.
Before he could counter a calm voice echoed across the hall.
"That's time. Stop." Both Adonis and Seris spears stopped inches from each other.
Adonis blinked and after a moment lowered his weapon and exhaled hard. While Seris stepped back looking like she had barely warmed up.
Atreus stood to the side with his arms crossed. " It's been thirty minutes. Let's call it here," he said.
Adonis wiped sweat from his face and nodded. "Yes, Captain."
Seris lowered her spear and rested the shield against her side. "You improved alot young Lord. You will definitely give your older siblings a run for their money." she admitted.
Adonis smiled faintly despite his exhaustion. That's good, considering I spent the last year pushing myself ever since I had that sparring session with Jason. Adonis thought.
Adonis looked at his slightly rough callused hand. Between the blessing of the river Styx's, and the gifts my older siblings gave me, I'm definitely stronger then the version of Adonis I was, when I first woke up in the world.
It's sad to say a nearly seven year old child was stronger then his old teenage self. I think I can even give me adult version of me toward the end of that past life a run for my money. Even if that version of me had all of his weapons.
My mana reserves are definitely two times larger then that version of me, and my rudimentary magic proficiency has made it from the low to mid level and is solidly in the low mid level proficiency.
To a novice something like that sounds like I'm saying I went from a novice to barely average. Which would be half wrong of a statement. What my teacher taught me is that the difference between each proficiency level differs greatly the higher you go.
Low level proficiency means one can barely cast a spell let alone control their mana. Mid level means the spells a stable enough to use and improve the overall versatility of a spell. High level means one has master or even improve the spell itself.
But what most don't understand the difference between each level because rudimentary magic has a large category of magics that make it truly hard to measure one's skill level. Especially since mages and even the most common spell users can mix spells that can amplify each other or cause unforeseen effects. Making it hard to tell who is weak or strong.
The only consistent way one can truly measure someone's strength is from their mana reserves and their level of control. While a low level rudimentary user can barely use one spell right. A mid level who can use one spell well with the right mana reserves can spam that spell nearly endlessly.
And if they have a high level of mana control, then they could spam that spell, but it would be alot stronger and possibly on the same level as a high level spell. While a high level spell will be unimaginably stronger.
Adonis knew his mana reserves was large then the average adult mage, and will only grow large if he continues to properly train while he is a child, compared to if he was an adult. That cause it's extremely hard for adults to grow their mana reserves compared to children. That's why magic schools exist to get children with potential while they are young to grow their reserves and control.
Unless your just blessed with a large mana reserve from birth, but those children have a curse. Unless they can control their mana by adult hood their bodies would be destroyed by the large mana reserves in their body.
In some cases some babies in the womb are born stillborn because of this, others are born with weak constitutions or develop disease because the mana is causing degradation in the body. There are some lucky cases with people unconsciously using mana, and having a natural affinity for magic like augmentation or healing magic.
But in normal cases adults with decent mana reserve or low reserves that want to learn how to use magic. They are told to focus on their mana control instead. Because unless they use a highly dangerous way to increase their mana reserves from rituals or drinking certain potions, which normally lead to death seven out of ten times.
My old self focused on mana control which thanks to my teachers help I was able to be a strong mage. Even if my mana reserves and spell selection was small. It was because of that fact that I didn't really try Thaumaturgy magic.
But my current self mana level control is close to my old version. Even with my past life memories my control level doesn't comeback automatically. It's like a muscle, I have to ensure my mind and body are in sync just like how it took me so long to get use to my child body. Which I'm still trying to do, but compared to my past life's body. I am picking it up quickly.
I should fully surpass my old adult self by the time I am fifteen in this life. The only problem is how am I gonna practice my magic while in the Agoge. Pretty much all my time will be spent training and learning for the first four years.
But I know if I can proof my high level of skill early, to get into the elite class. I might be able to gain some free time. But then I will be in the direct sight of my siblings considering some of them are in the higher years of the elite class.
But I will deal with that when I get there. I'm sure I can gain some allies, and even get the instructors to help me considering some of them are my family members.
Adonis then noticed near the entrance of the training hall, Harmonia waited patiently with Arionna resting beside her. She stepped forward with a towel and a metal water container.
"Good job as always, young lord."
Adonis accepted the water gratefully. "Thank you, Harmonia."
He drank deeply. The cold water felt refreshing after the brutal training.
Then Atreus stepped closer. " You will be leaving tonight with Harmonia for New Sparta young Lord."
Adonis looked up.
"I know. Mother wants me to spend the week before I turn seven with her to prepare me for The Agoge, which also happens to begin in one week."
I had been thinking about it constantly. My last time in the Agoge was a nightmare all the way to the end. The fact that I'm about to do it all again and from the beginning. I be lying if I said I wasn't anxious.
But I know this time will be different then the last, I'm not held back by a curse. And several people in the family acknowledge me in their own way, not to mention I'm alot stronger then before. I just need need to become a reserve officer in the next eight years, and I will be able to leave the planet and the galaxy. But first I need to get through the first four years of basic training.
Tomorrow I would turn seven and I know the Matriarch will do something for my birthday. Rumor is she summons every Blud child back on their seventh from the Mars castle. Then she throws a celebration and going away party all at once.
The part I found weird was, the Blud estate is on New Sparta, and is literally where the Agoge take place for the most part. apart from the rest of the planet. But from what I understood, unless your an elite Agoge recruit you would never see the Matriarch or Patriarch, unless something really good or bad happens.
In my previous life. The only few times I saw them during my Agoge training is when someone in the main house got married, died or had a great achievement. From being made official Elite Spartan officers, Otrera conquering several dungeons and towers and receiving artifacts and blessings.
I guess I should be a little happier. I'm about to be able to fully use the training system that forged the Empire's and galaxies greatest warriors. And this time I will be able to fully benefit from it.
Seris and Atreus then stepped forward. Both raised their arms in the traditional Spartan salute. "It has been an honor watching you grow over these past few years, young lord," Atreus said.
Seris nodded. " I am proud to say you have come far. And I hope one day to be serving on the front lines with you."
Adonis returned the salute. "The honor was mine. Thank you for raising and taking care of me." He turned towards Harmonia. "And thank you."
Harmonia blinked in surprise. She started to blush slightly. "I am honored, young lord. But I was simply fulfilling my duties as a daughter of the House of Aphrodite who is your Nanny."
Adonis smiled. "Even so. I appreciate everything you've done. and I hope to still have you with me in the future."
Harmonia grabbed her skirt and curtsied. " I hope for that as well young Lord."
For a moment, silence filled the hall. Adonis glanced around the room of the training hall. The stone walls. The weapons. The place where he had spent the past years growing and training.
It felt strange. He was leaving the place he had called home. And part of him realized. He was happy to leave but he knew he would miss it. But part of him was ready to gain the freedom to see the universe and the friends he made from his past life. there was nothing he could do about that.
Later that night.
Adonis stood by the crystal window in his room. Outside, Mars II stretched endlessly beneath the snow-covered sky. The white plains reflected the faint sunlight that occasionally pierced through the thick clouds.
The sight was cold, quiet and beautiful.
Adonis exhaled softly. "Well." He looked down at Arionna. "Let's get going." The Nemean feline stretched lazily. Adonis gathered his belongings and placed everything into his storage ring attached to the silver chain around his neck.
The ring absorbed the items one by one. His clothes, the books and items he found in the library storage room.
When everything was packed, he left the room. Harmonia waited for him in the corridor.
"The ship is ready, young lord."
"Okay let's go."
As they walked together toward the hangar bay. The residents of the castle waited for them and said in unison. "It was a honor to have you with us young lord Adonis. Pleas come back in the future. Servants and Spartan warriors said as they did a Spartan salute.
I saluted back. "Thank you everyone for taking such good care of me over the years. The honor was truly mine."
Several staff members began to shed tears but held their composure, waiting for the young lord to depart with his Nanny.
Within minutes they boarded a small cruiser, and the engines roared to life. Then the ship lifted and left the castle departing from Mars II.
Soon the planet shrank beneath them as they entered space. Adonis sat quietly in the cockpit. Then he blinked.
Harmonia was sitting in the pilot seat.
"Wait you're flying?"
Harmonia nodded calmly. "Children raised within the House of Aphrodite are trained in many service skills. Piloting happens to be one of them."
Adonis watched her operate the controls smoothly. Something tells me piloting is the beginning of her skills I haven't seen yet.
Her movements were confident and precise, normally it takes only about two hours to get from New Sparta to Mars II so this should be a easy ride. It would take less time if this ship had a warp engine in it, but those are expensive to produce and are saved for the rich and elite Spartan military officers.
A ship like this can make it in about two and a half to three hours. Then suddenly the console flashed. Communication and multiple ships incoming alert.
Then a holo-image appeared. A rough looking woman with sharp canine teeth appeared on the screen. Behind her were several men laughing.
"Well now," the woman said. "Look what we have here."
Her grin widened. "A maid and her ward all alone in the deep darkness of space." She glanced behind her. "That tip was right. If we waited in this sector we'd find something interesting."
Adonis narrowed his eyes. A tip. Did Someone tell them that I was leaving Mars. But only the Blud house and certain officers would know about that. But I bet this group of pirates wouldn't attack this ship if they knew I was a child of the main Blud house.
That's mostly due to this ship looking pristine. Definitely belong to a demigod house member of the Ares galaxy, but no markings indicating its part of the Blud Clan which is on purpose for when traveling around in secret.
I wonder who told her about my departure?
Then the pirate leaned closer to the camera. "Listen here, lady. Hand over the brat. And maybe I'll let you live without hurting you."
She grinned cruelly. " But if you resist and I'll let the boys have some fun with you first. And they been pent up for months. And I will definitely have some fun with your cute little ward over there but, I will keep him alive to sell him back to his family." Several laughs could be heard in the background.
Adonis looked at Harmonia and he noticed something he never saw before. Her expression was completely cold.
" So I take it your all pirates," she said calmly.
The woman chuckled. "Oh you're cute and smart. Yeah and what if we are?"
Harmonia sighed slightly. "So you are pirates. And foolish enough to try this in the Ares Galaxy, and In the same system as the capital of all places."
The pirate yawned. " Yeah so what? It's not like the Spartans can be everywhere."
Harmonia's eyes became colder. "True. But there are two things you didn't consider. One. Pirates do not survive long in this galaxy unless their associated with the Hermes Privateer Guild. They are the only ones allowed to work throughout the Ares galaxy doing anything close to Pirate activities. And secondly I am not a maid."
Her voice sharpened. "I am a nanny."
Then Harmonia cut the transmission. "Hold on, young lord. I will take care of this trash shortly." The ship then suddenly accelerated.
Adonis barely grabbed the seat as the cruiser shot forward like a missile. As behind them fifteen pirate ships closed in.
Laser fire then erupted. But Harmonia moved and reacted faster. Their cruiser ship twisted and rolled through space with impossible speed and maneuverability. Then Harmonia turned off one of her engines allowing her to turn quickly before doing a quick drift before sending several rounds of laser fire.
Three ships exploded in succession.
Adonis stared in shock. That was incredible how the Hades did she do that?
Harmonia maneuvered the cruiser like a fighter craft.
"Missile incoming. young lord" The ship flipped sideways and the missile missed. She then moved as two more ships collided with each other.
The pirate captain shouted through the comm channel. "What the hell are you guys doing?!"
Then cruiser dropped toward asteroid field. Several ships followed firing away. But Harmonia dodged their fire while maneuvering around the asteroids.
"Watch your fire!" the captain shouted. "We don't get paid if there's no body!"
Adonis continued to watch Harmonia's pilot circles around they would be pirates. She destroyed ships with terrifying accuracy.
He blinked. She's incredible, then Adonis leaned forward after realizing something. "Harmonia."
"Yes, young lord?"
"Leave their captain and some of them alive."
"I want to question them."
"Understood young lord it will be my pleasure."
Arionna just sat calmly beside him. The feline seemed completely unbothered by the violent maneuvering of the ship. She looked like she was about to take a nap. I wonder what it would actually take to scare that creature.
Soon only six pirate ships remained, but Instead of destroying them. Harmonia began targeting their engines.
Then with almost impossible precision strikes. One by one. The ships stopped moving and lost power, and not one had exploded.
Harmonia had disabled every ship perfectly.
Adonis stared. Harmonia activated the comm channel.
Harmonia's hologram appeared on their screens.
"Just so you know the Spartan Empire's patrol unit was notified, before I began. So I want you to understand your lives are now forfeit to Adonis Blud of House Blud. Thirteenth child of Leonidas Blud."
Silence followed.
Then the pirate captain shouted. "No way! We were told he was just some clan brat worth money!" The pirate captain frowned. Why was one of the heirs to the empire traveling alone with just a nanny in a regular noble class cruiser?"
Harmonia answered calmly. "Because I am all the protection he requires as you can see from the state of your former companions."
Large warships arrived. Several Spartan vessels surrounded the pirates.
The pirate captain stared around then back at Harmonia. Then slowly smiled. "I call for a Right of the Blood Glove."
Harmonia paused looked toward Adonis.
"My lord. How should I proceed?"
Adonis thought for a moment.
The Right of the Blood Glove. It's ancient tradition in the Ares galaxy. Since the demi god houses and clans outnumber the regular humans or half breed's. For the odds are ten to three. Meaning for every 10 people in a group majority of them are demigods and the rest are humans. the ratio is even less for half breeds.
A a certain point in history the gods and demi gods were abusing their power against the average person. Several powerful beings and gods of order and justice create the tenants of oaths. Each pantheon galaxy has their own. From fighting other pantheons, and how the regular humans can seek justice against the gods themselves and the demigods.
In the Ares Galaxy one of them is called the Right of the blood glove. Its basically a trial by combat. If a regular human with little to no godly ancestry. Meaning a quarter blood or none at all has felt wronged by god or demi god. The right allows them to fight for the right to receive justice or freedom from a wrong doing against a demigod family.
Once the right has been spoken it must either be accepted or their will be dire consequences. And if the human won the fight, and is hurt by the family of the demigod a even greater disaster will fall upon the family as a whole.
I then nodded.
"Go ahead Harmonia. You already know the rules."
Harmonia nodded. "Yes young lord. She then looked back at the pirate captain's hologram. Her eyes were cold.
"I accept your challenge of the right. Make peace with your gods should you believe in them."
The screen then went dark.