Leon POV
"Ay, Ref, you got a healing potion or something, that guy is about to die." I shouted to which the ref threw me a small thin vial.
"He should live with that." he responded, "But it won't fully heal him, buy him a proper one at the shop."
I then headed to Mike and made him drink it. I uncorked the vial and held it to his lips. He hesitated for a moment before gulping it down. The potion seemed to work quickly. His breathing steadied, and some of the color returned to his face, but he was still far from fully healed
Afterward, I saw the 2 gods leaving their spots as 2 more skeletal guards approached, motioning for me to follow them. So there was no more testing after this...I guess they'll just have everyone prepare for the next fight as we leave. The crowd's cheers were still ringing in my ears, but it was time to go back to my cell. Without a word, I started walking, Mike limping along beside me. We stopped at the armory where we put our equipment down, and another skeleton came to retrieve them.
As we made our way back, Mike, still wincing from his injuries, looked at me curiously.
"Why'd you even bother with the guns and knives if you're this strong? I mean, you didn't even need them." he asked curiously.
"Didn't want to take any chances, and besides...Based on the reaction of the crowd and how the guards barely flinched when I pulled out the pistol, it was clear that they were bulletproof to a certain extent...it was a test, and I wanted to know what they could or couldn't handle...and you on the other hand, you're going to need to be less rash if we want to escape alive."
"Are you also a demigod?"
"Some goddess said so, but I don't have any proof of that yet, so as far as I'm concerned, I'm just an innocent mutant."
"What are your powers?"
"I can heal, I'm a bit strong, I'm fireproof, my senses are slightly better...and a few others, but it's not that great. Like if I were to lose a hand, it would take me 2 weeks to have healed completely."
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Lux POV
We are now walking back to the judges' chamber after that fight, we got what we wanted. As we entered the chamber, the three judges looked up from their desks.
"Your papers have been submitted," Minos said, "But based on what we saw today, both Leon and Michael will most probably remain in the safe group. Demotion requests are typically rejected unless the individuals have been here for a significant amount of time and have a record of causing trouble."
I nodded, already expecting this outcome. It wasn't what we'd hoped for, but it wasn't a total loss either. I glanced at Runil, who was smiling faintly. Runil had managed to get what he wanted, to be able to apply for a spot for Michael on a watch list, meaning that he doesn't have to rack up too much trouble for him to be demoted. His name would be flagged, and the guards would keep a closer eye on him. One wrong move, and he'd be immediately demoted into the risk group, so it shouldn't take a long time, considering Michael's rash behavior.
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As for me, I had my own victory. I'd successfully pushed through the paperwork to expedite the testing of Leon's lineage.
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Leon POV
"Kid, I heard you thrashed two security guards yesterday," John said as we stood by the shop counter, waiting for Mike to get his healing potion.
We had some extra coins from the win, and I was carefully considering what to buy. There was a healing pouch I had my eye on—a spatial storage thing for herbs and potions. It was going for 1,000 coins, and I wasn't sure if I had enough yet. Most of the fights here involve those skeletal guards, so I might not need it as much, but I figured it wouldn't hurt to save up for something that might come in handy later since the goddess might set me up with stronger guards.
"Did I?" I replied, turning to John with a shrug, "I'm not too sure."
As I continued to browse the shop for useful items, a shadow loomed over me. I looked up to see a towering, bulky figure of a translucent hippo man. His broad frame and the way he carried himself made it clear he wasn't here for a casual chat. He also had letters that spelled out 'risk' on his uniform.
"I saw you fought the guards yesterday." the hippo man said
"Did I?"
"Then I challenge you to a battle to the death."
"Are you a demigod?"
"Damn right I am," he growled before puffing out his chest, "Son of Ares."
"Man...I thought demigods were rare, and yet, here I am."
Internally, I rolled my eyes. Another one of these? The Greek gods really had a thing for questionable offspring. If I ever find out I'm a demigod, I seriously hope it's not one of their kids. I mean, what's the deal with these guys? Like...a hippo? Really?
"They are." John chimed in, "I'm not one. And most of the people next to our cells aren't."
"Look, unless you're putting down a payment of 10,000 coins, I'm not interested," I said as I waved the hippo man off.
"What?! That's insane! No fight is worth that much!" the hippo-man yelled in outrage, grabbing everyone's attention.
"Well, considering you're already dead and souls here just rise back up again after your 'deaths', I've got a lot more to lose since I'm alive. So if I'm gonna risk my life, it's gotta be worth my while. 10,000 or no deal."
"You're lucky that I'm rich." the hippo-man snarled, "Fine, but if I win, I will not only get it back, but when you return as a soul, you will have to work and pay me back twofold."
"Sure...Deal. I could use a good reduction of my sentence."
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Lux POV
I sat at my desk typing away as I was working on the latest batch of reports. My realm was quiet as usual since I'm the only one here, and I decided not to put music on as I don't usually have this much free time, the next batch to be summoned was scheduled to be in 3 days. But the quiet was interrupted by a notification, I saw that it was my email.
I glanced at the subject line, and my heart skipped a beat. Request for Lineage Completion. I stared at the screen, shocked. I had expected the results to come in a week or so, not this soon. The speed of the response was quick, even if the process was expedited. I quickly clicked on the email and scanned the words, taking in the details. The report was straightforward and simple like usual, but what it revealed was anything but simple.
Lineage cannot be determined.
The implications of those words hit me like a ton of bricks. Even among the gods, this was rare. For a lineage to be obscured meant someone powerful was pulling the strings, keeping the truth hidden. And it had to belong to a god of high status...But that wasn't all. My eyes moved further down the email, and what I saw next sent a chill down my spine.
Known blood relative detected: 1 Sibling.
My breath caught in my throat as I read the next line. Lux, the goddess of light.
He was my brother.