The next day, Ares stands with his group—Aphrodite and Ignis—within the busy courtyard of Dreadspire Academy. Students move in every direction, voices overlapping, energy thick with ambition. Ignis crosses her arms and begins explaining their plan.
"Today, we take on missions," she says, her tone focused. "Simple ones to start. The academy rewards credits for completion. Those credits are used for food, spell materials, equipment… everything. If we want to grow, we need to earn."
She turns and begins leading them toward a large bulletin board crowded with pinned requests, parchment layered over parchment like scales on some great beast.
As they walk, Aphrodite glances at Ares. "Do you have a roommate?" she asks, curious.
Ares gives a small nod. "I do."
Her eyes widen slightly. "Really? What's he like?"
Ares pauses for a moment, as if searching for the answer… then simply says, "I forgot."
Aphrodite blinks, unsure whether to laugh or worry.
They arrive at the board. Ignis immediately begins scanning the missions, eyes sharp. "With Ares here, we should be able to handle most low to mid-tier requests," she says. "We just need something efficient."
Aphrodite joins her, carefully reading through options.
But Ares… isn't looking at the board.
His gaze is fixed elsewhere.
Across the courtyard stands a man who towers over most students. Broad-shouldered, heavily built, tan skin, and a buzz cut that only makes his presence feel heavier. There is no wasted motion in him. No unnecessary expression.
Hercules.
Ares' eyes narrow. Something inside him stirs—quiet at first, then rising. Not rage. Not yet. But something close.
Blood remembers blood.
Hercules feels it.
He turns.
Their eyes meet.
Without hesitation, Hercules steps forward. Each step is measured, grounded. Ares moves as well, closing the distance until they stand face to face.
Ares summons his ebony war axe. It forms in his hand with a low hum, dark and heavy, as if forged from something deeper than iron.
Hercules lowers himself slightly, taking a wrestler's stance. No weapon. No fear.
Around them, students begin to notice.
"That's Ares…"
"And Hercules…"
"Are they really about to fight?"
"I heard Hercules is unmatched in strength…"
"And Ares fought an entire goblin army alone…"
The air tightens.
Ignis and Aphrodite see it at the same time.
They rush forward, stepping between them.
"Wait—!" Ignis snaps, pushing against Ares' chest. "Not here!"
Aphrodite turns quickly to Hercules. "I'm sorry," she says, her voice urgent but sincere. "There's no need for this."
Two others approach from behind Hercules—Athena and Apollo. Athena's eyes flick between Ares and Hercules, already measuring, already thinking. Apollo looks more annoyed than concerned.
They each take hold of Hercules' arm, though it's clear they're not truly restraining him.
For a moment, no one moves.
Then Ares exhales.
He remembers.
A promise.
The axe in his hand flickers… then disappears.
Hercules watches him for a second longer, then straightens. Without a word, he turns, walking away. Athena and Apollo follow.
The tension dissolves, but not completely. Something remains. Something unfinished.
Aphrodite turns to Ares. "What was that about?" she asks softly.
Ares' eyes follow Hercules' retreating figure.
"That man is strong," he says simply.
Ignis frowns. "So your solution is to fight him immediately?"
Ares looks at her, then lowers his gaze slightly. "…I apologize."
The words are quiet, but real.
Ignis and Aphrodite both pause.
It's small—but it matters.
They exchange a glance. He is changing.
"Come on," Ignis says after a moment. "Let's pick a mission."
They move to the cafeteria shortly after, sitting down to discuss their options more comfortably. Ignis spreads out a few selected requests.
"There's a low-level monster infestation near a mining village," she explains. "The miners can't work with the creatures inside. It's simple, direct, and the reward includes rare metals. Useful for crafting or trade."
Before they can decide—
A shout cuts through the room.
Not far away, a group of larger students have cornered a smaller boy. They shove him roughly, knocking his glasses askew.
"Pathetic," one of them mutters.
Aphrodite is on her feet instantly.
"Hey!" she calls, rushing toward them.
The bullies turn, momentarily stunned by her presence—her beauty catching them off guard.
That hesitation is enough.
"Put him down," she demands.
Something in her voice makes them comply, if only reluctantly. They shove the boy aside and back off with muttered curses.
The boy adjusts his glasses quickly, clearly shaken but trying to maintain composure. "Th-thank you," he says, bowing slightly. "My name is Odyssey."
Aphrodite smiles gently. "You're safe now."
From the table, Ares watches… but does not move.
Odyssey glances past Aphrodite—and sees him.
Recognition flashes across his face.
"Ah—thank you as well," he adds quickly, before hurrying off.
Ignis raises an eyebrow, turning to Ares. "You know him?"
Ares nods once. "My roommate."
Ignis exhales slowly. "Then you should probably help him. Or at least keep an eye on him."
Ares considers that.
"I'll think about it," he replies.
His tone is neutral—but not dismissive.
And for now, that's enough.