The fortress of Ares crumbled with a deafening roar, its rough stone walls cracking and collapsing into a heap of debris. Eros stood outside, the Blades of Chaos still strapped to his belt, their black metal glinting under the fading sunlight. The blood of Pan and the guards stained his Spartan toga, now more red than black, but he didn't care. The thrill of the fight lingered, but the weight of his mission pressed harder.
Eros moved away from the ruins, stopping in a clearing at the forest's edge. The adrenaline from the battle was fading, replaced by a dull fatigue, amplified by the Blades of Chaos' drain. He placed a hand on one blade, feeling its energy pulse, and muttered, "System, who are the other four generals?"
The holographic interface flickered, projecting glowing lines into the dusty air.
[System Information]
Ares' four remaining generals are his most powerful servants, the pillars of his influence in this world. They are:
- Kyos, the Scourge of War: A divine berserker, master of heavy weapons, with raw strength rivaling Hercules.
- Eris, the Incarnation of Discord: A minor goddess of strife, a manipulative illusionist capable of sowing chaos in minds.
- Phobos, the Shadow of Fear: Ares' son, the embodiment of terror, whose powers paralyze enemies.
- Deimos, the Soulbreaker: Phobos' brother, master of infernal chains, able to shatter his foes' will.
These generals uphold Ares' power by maintaining his strategic bases. Eliminate them to weaken the god of war.
Eros whistled, impressed despite himself. "Kyos, Eris, Phobos, Deimos… damn, that's a heavy lineup," he muttered, a smirk tugging at his lips. "And how do I find these assholes?"
The interface flickered again.
[Directive]
Each general resides in a specific hidden base across the world. To locate the next one, head to Athena's sacred village, where rumors circulate about Ares' activities. Seek clues from the villagers or the temple priests.
Eros chuckled, sheathing the blades at his belt. "Athena, huh? This'll be fun." He stretched, his muscles protesting after the fight. "Alright, let's go." He took off, his divine body covering miles at supernatural speed. The forest blurred past, trees a smear of green and brown. The Blades of Chaos clinked softly against his hips, their energy humming in rhythm with his steps.
After hours of running, he reached a village nestled at the foot of a hill, surrounded by towering statues of Athena, goddess of wisdom and war. White marble columns rose toward the sky, and banners adorned with owls fluttered in the breeze. The villagers, clad in white tunics, went about their tasks, but a tension hung in the air, as if they sensed an intruder. Eros slowed to a casual stroll, his blood-stained Spartan toga drawing stares, but he ignored them, scanning for a place to rest.
He spotted a stone building with an owl-shaped sign, its entrance lit by golden lanterns. Pushing the door open, a heavy silence fell over the room. The patrons merchants, warriors, and a few of Athena's priests shot him wary glances before looking away, as if afraid to meet his eyes. Eros smirked inwardly. "Bunch of cowards," he thought, striding to the counter.
The innkeeper, a stout man with a bushy beard, paled at the sight of him. "Uh… w-what do you want?" he stammered, his eyes darting from Eros's bloodied toga to the Blades of Chaos.
"A room," Eros replied, his voice deep and commanding. "And make it quick, I don't have all day."
The innkeeper swallowed hard, disappearing into the back. Eros felt the patrons' eyes on him but stood unfazed, leaning against the counter, arms crossed. Minutes later, the innkeeper returned, trembling, and handed him an iron key. "R-Room 7, upstairs," he mumbled, avoiding eye contact.
Eros took the key without a word, climbing the creaking wooden stairs. Whispers resumed in the room below, but he ignored them. Reaching the room a simple space with a wooden bed, a table, and a window overlooking the village he locked the door and collapsed onto the mattress. Fatigue washed over him, his muscles sore from the fight and the journey. The Blades of Chaos, propped against the wall, seemed to glow faintly, as if watching over him. "Fuck, what a day," he muttered, closing his eyes.
The Absorption skill had restored some energy, but the blades' drain still lingered, a subtle weight on his body.
The interface flickered, displaying his updated status:
[Status]
Rank: Fallen God (Level 4)
Divine Status: 60
Powers: Divine Charm (20%), Seductive Aura (40%), Erotic Strike (enhanced), Divine Touch (enhanced), Absorption (new).
Weapon: Blades of Chaos (Amplified Fury).
Charisma Points: 750/1000.
Note: You have destroyed one of Ares' bases (1/5). Seek clues in Athena's village to locate the next.
Eros settled more comfortably, letting exhaustion take over. He knew Athena's village wouldn't be friendly. The villagers, devoted to the goddess, might betray him if they suspected his identity. But he needed information, and he'd get it through charm, threats, or both. "Tomorrow," he murmured, eyes closing. "Tomorrow, I find the next general."