Before Chiron could react, a cold whisper snaked through the air, sending a shiver down Odysseus''s spine.

    "It''s time to die. "

    Nathan''s gaze locked onto Odysseus, cold and unyielding. Since the war''s inception, Odysseus had been a thorn in his side, an incessant nuisance. He lacked the raw strength of the other Greek warriors, but his cunning more than made up for it. Odysseus was the glue holding the fractious Greek kings together, the one ensuring their united front. Nathan knew that if Odysseus were to fall, the tenuous alliance would crumble. The kings, driven by ambition and ego, would inevitably turn on each other, and chaos would reign.

    Moreover, it was Odysseus who had orchestrated Chiron''s arrival, tipping the scales of battle further against Nathan''s side. That alone made him a priority target.

    Odysseus''s sharp instincts betrayed him this time. He didn''t anticipate Nathan''s sudden approach, his cold presence practically materializing in front of him. The Greek hero barely had a moment to react as Nathan drew his black blade, its surface absorbing the faint light around it, and swung with lethal intent.

    The attack was merciless, aimed directly at Odysseus''s neck to sever his head in one fluid motion.

    BADAM!

    The air itself seemed to crack under the force of Nathan''s strike. A shockwave rippled outward from the impact, blasting through the ranks of Odysseus''s men. The unfortunate soldiers closest to the epicenter were thrown backward like ragdolls, some rendered unconscious while others fell lifeless to the ground.

    Yet, to Nathan''s irritation, Odysseus remained unharmed. A faint shimmer surrounded the Greek tactician—a barrier that had absorbed the brunt of Nathan''s attack without so much as a scratch. The protective aura flickered momentarily before fading into invisibility, but its purpose was clear.

    Nathan''s expression darkened, his mind quickly deducing the truth.

    "It''s not his power," he murmured, his voice a low growl. "Athena."

    The goddess had bestowed her blessing upon her favored prote?ge?. Odysseus was too vital to her plans for her to leave him unprotected. She understood his importance in the war, and this divine intervention ensured his continued survival.

    Nathan''s grip on his sword tightened as his fury grew. "Let''s see how long your blessing lasts," he hissed, his tone seething with menace.

    The murderous intent radiating from Nathan was palpable, a suffocating aura that sent chills down Odysseus''s spine. For all his famed composure, even he couldn''t suppress the unease gnawing at him. Nathan''s killing intent was unlike anything he had encountered before—it was as if death itself had fixed its gaze on him.

    "You are quite the enigma," a calm yet commanding voice interrupted.

    Chiron, ever vigilant, had already drawn his massive bow. In one swift motion, he nocked an arrow, the tip glowing faintly with divine energy. At such close range, even Nathan couldn''t escape unscathed.

    But Nathan wasn''t alone.

    BOOM!

    A deafening explosion shattered the tension as Hector launched himself into the fray. His powerful frame moved with blinding speed, closing the distance between himself and Chiron in an instant. His fist, encased in a golden glow, lashed out with tremendous force aimed directly at the centaur.

    Chiron, sensing the imminent danger, raised his arms in defense. Your next read is at empire

    BADAM!

    The impact was catastrophic. Chiron managed to absorb the blow, but the sheer force sent him skidding back several meters. His hooves scraped against the ground, carving deep grooves as he struggled to regain his balance.

    Nathan wasted no time, seizing the opportunity created by Hector''s intervention. His black sword, radiating a cold malevolence, was raised high, and he pointed it directly at Odysseus.

    "Celestial-rank Ice Magic."

    The incantation echoed ominously, and an icy vortex swirled from the blade. Frost bloomed in the air, coalescing into a massive, gleaming lance of ice—its form jagged and deadly, its edges razor-sharp. The air around Nathan grew colder as the lance hovered for a moment, a harbinger of death.

    The clash of their weapons sent a deafening shockwave through the battlefield. The sheer force of Chiron''s strike was monstrous, but this time, Nathan held his ground. His knees buckled slightly, his muscles straining against the titanic power behind Chiron''s blow. For a moment, Nathan resisted the centaur''s might, his dark blade shimmering with magic.

    But even Nathan knew he couldn''t hold for long.

    Fortunately, Hector arrived like a storm, his golden sword slashing downward at Chiron. The centaur was forced to disengage, turning his attention to Hector. Their swords met with a resounding crash, and the impact propelled both combatants away, their hooves and feet digging into the ground as they skidded to a halt.

    Nathan exhaled sharply, using the opening to refocus his attention on Odysseus. The tactician was just within reach, retreating through the chaos. Nathan''s grip tightened on his sword, his determination flaring.

    "Just a few more seconds..." Nathan muttered to himself.

    Dark magic began to gather around him, swirling like an ominous storm. He channeled its energy into his blade, preparing to shatter Athena''s barrier once and for all. This time, Odysseus would have no escape.

    But just as Nathan surged forward, a figure materialized in his path.

    Diomedes.

    The warrior''s stance was unyielding, his blade poised to block Nathan''s advance. "I can''t let you go through," Diomedes said, his voice steady and resolute.

    Nathan growled, raising his sword to strike. But before he could move, a hand descended on Diomedes'' shoulder.

    It was Poseidon.

    The sea god''s presence radiated divine power, his gaze cold and condescending as he looked past Diomedes toward Nathan. With a casual gesture, Poseidon imbued Diomedes with his blessing.

    Nathan''s heart sank. "Fuck..."

    Diomedes, now bolstered by the god''s power, became a blur of motion. In the blink of an eye, he was upon Nathan, moving with unnatural speed. Nathan barely had time to react before Diomedes'' sword pierced his shoulder, the blade sinking deep.

    Pain flared through Nathan''s body, but he gritted his teeth, shifting his stance. With a desperate burst of strength, he drove his foot into Diomedes'' side. The kick connected with brutal force, sending the warrior staggering slightly.

    But Diomedes barely wavered, the divine blessing rendering him nearly impervious.

    "Celestial rank magic," Diomedes intoned, his voice ringing with power as he began to channel an attack.

    Nathan''s eyes widened in alarm. With Poseidon''s blessing, Diomedes wasn''t just powerful—he was now capable of unleashing a flawless Celestial-rank spell. At this range, the consequences would be catastrophic.

    Nathan tried to dodge, but before he could move, tendrils of water shot out from the ground, wrapping around his legs and arms. The liquid coiled tightly, freezing him in place.

    Nathan didn''t need to look to know who was responsible.

    Poseidon stood nearby, his smirk filled with mockery and satisfaction.

    "Goodbye."

    Nathan struggled, but the water was unyielding, its grip reinforced by Poseidon''s divine will.

    "Kingly Sword!" Diomedes shouted as he brought his weapon down in a deadly arc.

    Nathan could do nothing but brace himself. The blade tore through his armor with ease, and blood erupted from the deep gash across his chest.