Atlas and Hyperion exchanged glances before breaking into deep, rumbling laughter that echoed like distant thunder through the corridor.Hyperion spoke first, his voice laced with ancient arrogance. "Why should we explain anything to you? The matters of gods are far too exalted for mortals to grasp. You overstep your place."Leonard realized in that moment that he needed to uncover the secret. This entire contest felt like a trap designed to ensnare him.He raised his eyes defiantly and, with one hand, pointed toward the side of the arena. Boom! A violent earthquake suddenly shook the area, sending ripples through the ground and causing a wave of noise and confusion among the nearby spectators who cried out in surprise and stumbled against one another in a mix of fear and excitement.Atlas looked genuinely confused, his brow furrowing as the tremors subsided. "How do you have my power? That strength was sealed away long ago."Leonard grinned, the expression sharp with purpose as he me

Agamemnon's voice boomed across the arena with a playful edge, drawing chuckles and murmurs from the stands as he addressed the crowd with a knowing grin."It seems our mortals and immortals have been having quite the clever talk in those secret corridors. Has a secret deal been struck between them? Only they know what truly transpired away from prying eyes."The host then shifted to a more serious tone, as the crowd quieted. "The stakes have never been higher in these games. We have witnessed two brutal fights that have tested the limits of strength, cunning, and divine power.""The Titans fell to the Aphrodites in a surprising turn after a hard-fought battle, and the family of Prometheus emerged victorious against the mighty Heraclids through sheer will and unexpected reversals.""Now, the two finalist families stand before us. It is time for the ultimate clash—Leonard Gambinus of Prometheus against Selene of the Aphrodites."A shimmering light enveloped the arena as Selene appeared

Aquilla and Iris stared at Leonard in stunned silence for a moment before the words truly registered. Iris's face twisted with sudden alarm. "One year!" she snapped, her voice cracking as she took a step towards him. "Is my mother still alive? Who attacked us while we were gone?"Tears welled in her eyes and spilled over before she could stop them. She wiped at her face angrily, but the dam had broken. The usually composed and battle-hardened warrior princess was crying openly now, her shoulders shaking as the weight of everything hit her at once.Even Aquilla, who had seen Iris face down the gods without flinching, had never seen her like this, and the sight made her own chest tighten with pain. The warrior who had once stood against demigods was now just a daughter terrified for her mother.Aquilla's hands tightened on the side of the chariot, her knuckles white. Her thoughts raced to the people they had left behind. Sophia, Valery, Abigail — were they even still alive after a full

Hippolyta giggled, the sound light and unexpected in the echoing cave. "This is very romantic, dear husband, but we are standing on rock. Is this where you want to make love to your wife?"Leonard shook his head, a small smile playing on his lips. "Of course not."He clapped his hands once, the sharp sound reverberating through the chamber. Immediately, ancient-looking Greek slaves and servants materialized from the shadows, carrying robes, body washes, oils, and other grooming items.They moved with efficiency, their forms solid yet somehow ethereal. The cave seemed to come alive with their arrival as if it were a busy palace in ancient times.Hippolyta exclaimed in surprise as several slave girls gently took her by the arms and led her toward one corner of the natural pool that had formed at the base of the waterfall inside the cave.Warm steam rose from the water, carrying the scent of herbs and flowers, and the girls began washing her with soft cloths and fragrant oils.The male s

Leonard and Hippolyta stayed on the bedrock for hours after their union, wrapped in each other's arms, sleeping in short stretches, kissing softly when they woke, and whispering words.For a while, the war felt very far away, and the only world that existed was the one they had created in this hidden place.Hippolyta stirred against his chest and said quietly, "I can feel it. I can already feel that I have conceived. It wouldn't be possible so soon, not in any normal way."Leonard ran his fingers gently through her hair. "With the holy grail involved, anything is possible."She lifted her head to look at him, her eyes soft. "Thank you. You fulfilled your promise."Leonard nodded. Hippolyta let out a small laugh, the sound warm in the stillness. "It is the first time a couple has had a threesome with a cup," she joked, then grew more serious. "But why did you include the holy grail in our lovemaking? What does it have to do with the ongoing war?"Leonard didn't want to tell her everyth