Beginnings Pt 2

Cassius Pov

"Uncle? Who?" Cassius said still struggling to breathe.

Suddenly there was a flash of lightning, that filled the room with light. When I regained my bearings and my eyes cleared, I looked up to see the imposing figure radiating an ominous presence towards my direction. I instantly fell to my knee's as an invisible pressure started crushing the life out of me. As I stared at the giant man, My vision fell to the visible smirk he sported as he ridiculed my weakness. A surge of anger overcame me, no one and I mean no one laughs at me and walks away unscathed. I slowly picked myself up to my feet, though it feels like multiple bones have broken. As I reached the giant I summoned my remaining energy to punch him as hard as I could.

Then as if it had never existed, the pressure dispersed and I fell towards to floor.

"HaHaHa, I'm surprised dear sister. Your son has more fight in him then I had thought possible" The large man bellowed.

"Zeus, don't you think that kind of test was a little extreme" My mother said calmly, though I could see her hands were balled into a fist and her knuckles were white.

"Nonsense, if he is to survive the trials he must be able to handle at least this much. He has impressed me today, I agree to your terms ill look forward to see what kind of God he will grow into. My boy Cassius, sorry to test and run but I'm a busy man. Let's have a manly heart to heart at a later time, hmm." He said as the white flash appeared again and he was gone.

Mother rushed to me and quickly started checking for any injury, until she suddenly stopped and raised her eyebrows.

"Oh you have discovered this skill this is rare even for gods" I looked at her strangely "ku ku kuh, my little savior haven't you wondered why you aren't in pain?"

'Hmm that thought had crossed my mind, but hadn't registered completely yet.'

"Well you've been through a lot, today let's get you something to eat shall we" I nod noticing my satiety levels have dropped pretty low.

After eating mother gourmet food, I decided to check my notifications that had been blinking for a while, ever since I put it on silent the last time I used it.

"Show Notifications"

Refusal to bow against much stronger foe, +20 Will Power

Belief in your victory in an impossible situation +10 Faith

New Skill:

Killing Intent(Active)

From resisting a large amount of killing intent you have gained the ability to emit this pressure to others

'Nice, this can be very useful later if I need to intimidate anyone'

Pressure raises and becomes more sinister as skill level rises

New Skill:

Mindless Determination(Passive)

The entire world melts away, and you can only see your goal

Increase Agi, Str, Int, Wis, and Endurance by 15% for duration of the skill

Unknown

Unknown

*Breaking your concentrating will cause -10hp per second while skill is active

'Whoa, this skill is more like a double edged sword than an advantage, got to remind myself to stay extra focused when it's on'

New skill:

Focus Energy(Active)

Condense Mana or Faith into your body to strengthen yourself or your weapons

Mana: Can use elements to increase the effects of focus energy, more understanding of the element will lead to better effects

Faith: Allows you to pass your limits by the amount of faith you condense, current limit 0/50, will increase as skill grows

Unknown

"Wah!!" Cassius could hardly control himself, this skill had so much potential, he was surprised that someone of his level could possess it. I will have to check

New Skill:

God's Aura(Active)

Cost:50mp per

Heal 10hp per second, further advancement in skill will increase amount of hp gained

Unknown

Unknown

Unknown

Unknown

'A highly mysterious skill that I can only use for 10 secs, as of right now it's useless but I might as well save it in case I need an emergency heal

"Wow these skills are amazing, but I don't know why I keep receiving powerful skills so early."

"That's parts of a god mentality sweetheart. There are two types of ways gods gain skills, they either gain thousands of skill that do the same thing and strengthen each other or highly advanced skills that grow as they do." Mother explained " Your probably the latter, and since we don't have teachers to instruct us in new skills we continuously manifest them once the requirements are set, the growing period usually has the most increase. Your rapid skills increase is normal, but the quality is what surprises me"

Cassius took the news in stride. 'I have to think of ways to utilize these skills, increase my battle potential'

"Well since your uncle has agreed to my proposal, we have work to do. First we have to train your body to maintain your battle potential."

"Um, mother what did Zeus mean by trials" I questioned my curiosity peaking

"As curious as always I see, in due time my little savior" Mother said while giving me a wry smile and waving her hands.

Instantly we were transported to a metal room, decorated with blood red paint and hanging weapons.

"Ares, I know your here the continent is peaceful, so I know you're here sulking." Mother called out

A man that looked like a hardcore commando materialized with an explosion, "Sulking is such an ugly word dear aunt, I would refer to it as contemplating better days"

"Interesting, well no matter. I believe we have an agreement, you have promised to train my son"

"Ah, I'm afraid that's impossible"

"Are you breaking your word?" My mother asked menacingly, warmth leaving the room with each word, if I didn't know better, I would swear that the weapons on the wall all where pointing towards Ares. I felt a shiver down my spine, and Ares looked pale.

"No no, you misunderstand I said that I would train him if he was worthy, and he has yet to prove that" Ares said quickly

"A child that has earned Zeus favor is not worthy" My mother asked once again and know it unquestioned that the atmosphere in the room had changed. I could see ice forming at the corners of the room and the weapons on the wall where literally floating towards Ares slowly.

"Aunt please, it was a slip of the tongue. What I meant is that he may not be ready for my training for him. To prove it lets have a little training exercise. I will reduce my power to his level and only block and dodge his attacks." Ares pleaded

"Hmm, well I guess that's fair. I have full confidence in my little Cassius" Mother said proudly heat finally returning to the room, and the weapons levitating back to the walls. Both I and Ares breathed a sigh of relief, I only then realized how scary my mother could be.

"But how can he fight he's still a toddler" My Mother questioned suspiciously

"Simple for this spar I will just, grant a blessing of growth for the duration of the battle" Ares explained

"Cousin Ares, before we start can I have a minute to think of a battle plan" I asked, raising my voice for the first time in this conversation.

"Hmm? Oh...yes, yes. Take all the time you need." He replied smiling. He clearly didn't think this was going to be a challenge. Cassius struggled to keep himself from smacking that smug smile off his face. Go an entire lifetime without being looked down on and this is what I have to deal with on my second day here. I'll be surprised if he keeps that smile by the end of this spar, but first off let's check what I have to deal with.

"Show stat"

NameCassiusClassKothori IncarnateHealth500Mana500Level1Fame1000Infamy0Strength20(+5)Agility20(+5)Wisdom20(+5)Intelligence20(+5)StaminaInfiniteVitality20(+5)Followers0Karma10(+5)Faith10(+5)Will Power20(+5)

'I have much more to work with than an average newbie I have to use all my advantages to win this fight'

"Show Inventory"

Inventory:

• Barley Bread x10

• Newbie clothing set

• 10 copper

• Golden Death- type recurve bow, rarity: God

"Show Golden Death"

Golden Death

"The glassy waters that lay in peace, Lined by tree's that border its mirror, and through the glass they reach for the sky.."

A true weapon does not disturb nature and instead melds with it, the golden death arrows do not fly through all obstacles, I destroys its existence completely. To maintain balance, to erase its enemies.

A bow create and soul bound to the God Cassius, attempted theft of weapon will incur the wrath of the gods, fate, and balance itself -1000 karma.

This bow works by converting thoughts into arrow

You must have total understanding of the arrow you wish to create.

Special Skill: Shards of Fate- create an arrow that will destroy anything in creation for 10 levels, and your life. Gods will even quiver in front of this arrow, this is not death. Death does not mean anything to an immortal, this is obliteration.

'This weapon is amazing, but the special skill is a bit like overkill. 10 whole levels the cost is too much, but I do like the fact that I have an unstoppable weapon. Well let's move on to skills, and work on a battle plan after that.

"Show Skills"

Skill's WindowCalm Brook(Passive)Beginner lvl 1(0.0%)Home is where the hearth is(Active)Beginner lvl 1(0.0%)God's Aura(Active)Beginner lvl 2(14.1%)Mindless Determination(Passive)Beginner lvl 1(81.2%)Focus Energy(Active)Beginner lvl 1(1.4%)Killing Intent(Active)Beginner lvl 1(15.6%)Archery MasteryBeginner lvl 1(0.0%)Ancient Runes(Active/Passive)Beginner lvl 3(0.0%)

'Hmm I haven't seen Ancient runes yet, wonder what it does'

"Show Ancient Runes"

Ancient Runes

They say the ancients left many memories of the past in there runes. Only the gods and powerful creatures can still remember how to decipher them, but most if not all have forgotten.

Unknown

Unknown

Unknown

'Hmm no information huh, I'll leave it then. I'll make a mental note to ask mother later.'

Contemplating his battle plan, he worked out the specifics until he found it plausible.

"Cousin Ares, what are the rules?" I asked after completing my battle plan.

"Thought you'd never ask" He beamed after waiting patiently " It's simple. You can uses anything and everything to attack me, and I won't attack back just dodge and block. If you can land a clean hit then ill train you. We'll start after you make your first attack. Understand?" He explained while casting the before mentioned blessing.

Stretching my regular body again I selected one out of the thousands of plan I had formulated.

"Sounds easy enough." I reply calmly picking up golden death. I have experience with bows and arrows. I had taken up and interest in archery until he could hit a target 150 meters away on the bulls eye 99% of the time. It's all just math. Distance, Height, Power, Speed, and Air Resistance. He was good enough to be considered an Olympic athlete. 'Let's get

into battle mode'

I closed my eyes and thought about what I needed to do.

'I need to block all of his exits, I have a long range weapon. I have to use that to my advantage' victory...

'I don't know his battle capabilities, I have to study him while we spar' victory...

'I have infinite stamina, I can draw this fight out as long as I need too. He didn't give me a time limit' victory...

'He's underestimating me, he's more prone to making mistakes' Victory!

'I have an unlimited amount of ammo, since it doesn't cost anything to fire' Victory!!

'He doesn't know my abilities either, I can surprise him' Victory! Victory!

'I will be the winner, I will emerge the champion, there is no different scenario ,I will grasp' victory!!!!!!

Victory!, Victory!, Victory!!!!

I quickly open my eyes, it seems that mindless determination has been activated already. The only thing I see is Ares flashing his smug smile, waiting patiently. I ready golden death and materialized the iron tipped arrow that I am already well accustomed to.

I fire three shot simultaneously. Ares quickly dodges the first two but has to deflect the Third. He looks back up to my position but I am already gone. Casting Focus Energy on my legs the minute the last arrow was fired. I instantly appear behind Ares and fire two arrows to both his head and his heart. He instinctively sidesteps the both of them and looks for my position, but again I'm nowhere to be seen.

Ares Pov

I'm currently being forced to fight against Hestia's brat. It should be a quick fight, where the brat throws some weak punches, maybe some kicks if he's brave. After getting nowhere he'll probably give up and I will be free to dwell in my anguish in peace.

I watch as the boy picked up the bow and examines it for any irregularities. I stand patiently while the boy mumbled something under his breath. I recognize something peculiar about the boys aura. At first it felt cool, calm, collected. Now it's completely changed, it was sinister and dark. I have a strange feeling that it was directed wholeheartedly at me. I'm not scared however, I the god of war am the most battle hardened god in all of Mount Olympus, this boy isn't strong enough to scare him but it did make him uneasy.

Suddenly the brat opens his eyes but instead of the heartwarming almond he saw before, they had transformed into a harsh gold that hurt to look at, his tattoos on his arms glowed silver. Yet Ares didn't have any time to be shocked because immediately two arrows were shot at him almost simultaneously. They were good shots but at his level, it was child's play to dodge them. What saved him, from losing was his instincts, his hand managed to swat away an arrow that seemed to appear out of nowhere. He looked up so as to watch the kid's movement more clearly, but he was gone. Again his instincts from years of battle saved him. He felt a slight disruption in the air and managed to sidestep a second before two arrows flew through where he was standing just a few seconds ago. He quickly looked back to find out where his enemy was, but only found air once more.

'What am I fighting?' Ares asked himself in awe.

Cassius Pov

Cassius had jumped into the air after firing two arrows, and went an amazing height thanks to the condensed mana.

'Yes, it seems like guerrilla warfare managed to throw him off balance, but it won't work forever.' Time seemed to slow down as Cassius picked another plan he had created in the mere lapse of a second.

'Let's try this' I fire eight arrows two where he is currently standing and six, two each at his plausible escape routes. He dodges the first two, and it looks like his about to fall into my trap arrows, when he suddenly fazes through them. I'm shocked, but put it aside and activate step 2 of my plan as he locks on to my position as I land. I throw my bow at him, and condense the last of my mana into my legs and right arm. As I flit at supersonic speed to his blind spot, I materialize an arrow into my right hand and use to condensed mana to throw it at him with force.

'The description never said the arrow I materialize has to appear on the bow,...that it it's about to hit, I win!' Suddenly an invisible wall smashes into my arrow and throws it off course.

I'm shocked how could it be, but I have no time to dwell on it. 'I have to come up with a plan that involves unarmed combat with a success ratio of 50% or higher quickly!'

Suddenly Ares appears before me, and I ready myself in a defensive stance. Until he puts his hand on my shoulder and says "Congratulations, you passed!"

'Wah?'

Ares Pov

'Where is he?' I search frantically but I cant zone in on him. I feel a disruption from above and cleanly dodge two incoming arrows, I think I'm in the clear until I spot another arrow heading towards me and get ready to dodge it. My battle sense says something is strange about this arrow, so I perform an advanced footwork technique. A little dirty considering to nature of the match but necessary to avoid a annoying loss. I look back. ' Two arrows' I'm stunned, this boy is advanced enough to fire an arrow behind another one in the same trajectory and speed as to hide the second, and talented enough to think of it on the fly and have it work against a god as his opponent!'

'This just got, very interesting Cassius huh?'

I finally found the boy, he had jumped into the air. Genius was the only word he could use to describe it. The boy throws his weapon in his direction and I cleanly dodge.

'Has he given up' Ares thought dejectedly, sad that his fun would end there and then.

In the corner of his eyes he sees Cassius, throwing an arrow and watches as it travel at the same speed as the ones he fired with his bow. I'm in the middle of a dodge, I can't step away.

'Amazing, guess I got to admit this is my loss.' I blow the arrow away with a magic barrier. Collecting myself I teleport over to Cassius congratulate him on his victory'

"Congratulations, you passed!"

I look over to Hestia who was watching the entire spar wide eyed "Aunt, I agree to train him. We'll have so much fun" I said smiling evilly

Whats up guys

Don't you hate having to wait until like the 5-7 chapter for a battle scene? Me too.

Tell me if my action scenes are up to par

I will do my best to rise to your expectations

The skills he portrays are only the first part hell gain some after physical and magic training

I know that overhauling skills is unsophisticated so i promise after the growing period he wont be getting any for a while

This chapter is a little longer than my last two sorry for being so wordy :)

PS: sorry about the edits i suck at proofreading so i really skim over a chapter before sending it, so i have to edit a lot srry