Chapter 2: The legacy

Suddenly, a shadow fell over the clearing, and a monstrous roar echoed through the air. The dragon had found him. With a flick of its powerful tail, it knocked him to the ground, and he could feel the heat of its breath on his skin.

Using every ounce of strength he had, Markus scrambled to his feet and swung the Sword of the Gods at the dragon. It connected with a resounding clang, and the dragon reeled back, snarling. But it was only a momentary setback, and the dragon soon regained its footing.

The dragon swiped at him with its massive claws, and he just barely managed to duck out of the way. His heart was pounding in his chest, and he knew he had to find a way to defeat the beast before it was too late. Suddenly, he had an idea. He closed his eyes and concentrated, focusing all of his energy on his senses.

He could hear the dragon's every breath, feel the wind as its wings flapped, smell the acrid stench of its scales. It was overwhelming, but he forced himself to keep his focus.

Markus's eyes flew open. He had never expected the dragon to recognize him, let alone show him any respect. "That's right," he said, his voice stronger than it had been before. "And I am here to claim what is mine."

The dragon lowered its head, and a golden chest appeared at its feet. Inside were piles of gold and jewels, more than Markus had ever seen in his life.

...

As Markus hurried through the forest, he could feel the weight of his task pressing down on him. His mother was still in danger, and he had to find a way to save her. He raced through the trees, his mind racing as he tried to figure out what to do.

Then, just as he was about to give up hope, he saw it - a light shining in the distance. It was the city, and it was his only chance to save his mother. He redoubled his efforts, sprinting towards the light with all of his strength.

...

Mrs. Blackwood sat in her study, the fire crackling in the hearth. The servants had told her that Markus had left without taking the bribe, and her mind raced with possibilities. Could he have still cared for her daughter, despite everything? Or was it simply a matter of pride, and he had refused the money out of spite?

Whatever the case, she knew that she had to act quickly. She called for her daughter, Celeste, and told her that it was time to start planning the wedding.

"Mother, please!" pleaded Celeste, her voice shaking with emotion. "I love Markus, and I believe that he still loves me. He wouldn't just leave without a reason. We have to give him a chance to explain himself."

Mrs. Blackwood's expression was cold and unmoving. "I'm sorry, Celeste, but we can't wait any longer. Your father and I have made our decision, and you must accept it."

Celeste looked at her mother in disbelief. "But what about my happiness?" she asked, her eyes filling with tears.

,"Your happiness is not my concern," Mrs. Blackwood said, her tone harsh and unforgiving. "Your duty to this family is what matters. And your duty is to marry Bradford and bring honor to our name."

Celeste's heart sank, and she turned away from her mother, unable to look at her any longer. She knew that she had to find a way to contact Markus, to make him understand what was happening. She had to save their love, before it was too late.

...

Markus walked through the streets of the city, his feet heavy with fatigue. He had worked long and hard to earn the money he needed, but he still felt empty and unsatisfied. He had lost the woman he loved, and it seemed like nothing else could fill the void in his heart. He stopped for a moment to catch his breath, and he checked his status screen to see how far he had come.

**Current Stats:**

- Strength: 40/100

- Agility: 50/100

- Intelligence: 60/100

- Luck: 30/100

- Fame: 5/100

"Markus, my dear boy," said Nora, her voice weak but full of emotion. "I'm so sorry for everything that you've been through. I never wanted you to suffer, to live in poverty and humiliation. I was only trying to protect you."

Markus took his mother's hand and held it gently. "I know, Mother. And I forgive you. I know that you did what you thought was best for me."

"But the Ironclad family bloodline depends on you, Markus," said Nora, her eyes pleading.

"What do you mean, Mother?" asked Markus, confused by her words.

"The Ironclad family bloodline has always been tied to the god of war," said Nora, her voice trembling. "Without you, without a worthy heir, our family will be forgotten. The legacy of our name will fade into obscurity. I have to know that you will carry on the tradition."

Markus looked into his mother's eyes, and he could see the fear and worry there. "I promise you, Mother," he said, his voice strong and sure.

"My son," began Nora, her voice weak but full of love. "I must tell you about your father. He was a man of honor and bravery, and he died protecting me and you when you were born. Though he is gone, his spirit lives on in you. You have his strength and courage, and I know that you will make him proud."

Tears streamed down Markus's face as he listened to his mother's words. He had never known his father, but now he felt a connection to him that he had never felt before.

"Your father died a hero, Markus," said Cedric, his eyes shining with tears. "He kept the god killers at bay while your mother was in labor, and gave his life so that she could be safe. He was a brave and honorable man, and he will always be remembered for his sacrifice."

Markus's heart ached at the thought of his father's death. He had never known his father, but he felt a sense of pride at what he had done. "I am honored to be his son," he said, his voice breaking.

Markus looked at his mother, lying weak and frail in her bed, and he was filled with gratitude. Despite the challenges they had faced, his mother had always been there for him, providing strength and guidance when he needed it most. He knew that his father had been lucky to have such a wise and loving woman by his side.

Though the empire had fallen, Markus knew that he had done all he could to save those who had been left behind. He had taken them to safety, and they were now rebuilding their lives in a new land.

Nora knew that her son was destined for greatness, even if the world did not know it yet. The enemy would not suspect that the god of war was hiding in plain sight, helping his mother and living a simple life. But she could see the strength and power within him, and she knew that he would soon have to take his rightful place in the world.

And so, Markus began his training. He spent hours honing his skills, learning to fight with sword and shield, and practicing the art of battle.

...

"Celeste, I know this is difficult, but you must understand that this is the only way to save our family's honor," said Lady Blackwood, her face stern and unyielding. "You must do your duty and marry Bradford."

Celeste clenched her fists, her frustration boiling over. "Mother, I cannot marry Bradford. I do not love him, and I never will. My heart belongs to another."

Lady Blackwood's eyes narrowed, and her voice was like steel. "Your heart is of no consequence.

Celeste dialed the number, her fingers trembling. She had no idea if Markus would answer, or if he even had his phone with him. She waited, each ring of the phone making her heart pound faster. Finally, after what felt like an eternity, she heard the sound of his voice.

"Hello?" said Markus, his voice sounding distant and faint.

"Markus!" exclaimed Celeste, relief flooding through her. "I need to talk to you."