Chapter 205 - 2.82 Diana’s Visual Prowess
Xander continued to fight off enemy after enemy and realized they were getting stronger. He bit his lip as he absorbed a blow from a centaur, turned and screamed, "Lockheart Barrage!" unleashing several fireballs from his sword. The centaur, which looked so real, evaporated away like it never existed.
He used his right hand to heal his cut on his ribs and laughed.
'I guess I am getting kind of strong. I didn't realize how nice of a six pack of abs I had. Pride's training is really paying off. Now I have to be close, I can see Nexus… the question is, how the heck do I find the realm?'
Diana was relaxing, reading a book on their porch while thinking about what they would do when Xander got back. Life in Paradise was so much different and something she could never have anticipated. She enjoyed it, despite being lonely, and loved that she had unlimited use of her powers above. Diana was wondering about Limbo and the Underworld when Athena finally appeared.
"Athena! How are you, your majesty?" Diana said with a polite bow.
"I'm doing well, how are you? I must say, I am quite impressed with your patience. You have done an excellent job staying occupied, training and reading about various subjects so I've decided to give you a little reward," She clapped with a smile.
"I don't need a reward, Athena, just being here and existing as a goddess is good enough for me! Oh, and of course being blessed by Xander's grandmother. That was very nice. I'm glad I don't remember our future together. I want it to form naturally, ya know?"
"I do and completely understand. You cannot say no to my gift, however." She said as she presented Diana with a beautiful pink trunk-sized case.
'What could possibly be in something this large? Why isn't it heavy?'
"Thank you Athena, I really appreciate it. What is it?"
"Well open it silly!" She laughed.
Diana opened the box and couldn't believe her eyes. It was a full set of armor with complete leggings, arm pieces, a chest plate, boots and gauntlets. They were an angelic white with pink highlights throughout the arms and legs, on the knuckles of the gauntlets, and had a heart shaped design on her chest plate.
"This is… amazing." She muttered, mesmerized by everything.
"You are welcome! But you are missing one," Athena said while holding both of her hands out.
"Woah, is that sword mine?"
"Yes, it was personally crafted for you. Do you like it?"
"Like it? I love it! It's a katana right? Like what Brie uses?"
"Very good, it is! I know your favorite color is pink and I thought the white would be a nice color choice for you. It's a SSS rank set. The Lockheart family, well, aside from the twins of course, all have customized SSS gear. Go on, try it on and let me know how it feels!"
"Are you trying to say I'm a Lockheart now?" Diana blushed.
"Well, isn't that what you want when you are older: to spend all of eternity with Xander?"
"Yes of course, it just seems so weird to think of it as a Lockheart thing and not a me thing, if that makes sense?"
"Yes, I understand, but quick, try it on! I want to see how it looks on you." Athena encouraged her.
Diana was shocked at how easily and naturally every piece fit. She was wearing a t-shirt and a pair of shorts, and her armored leggings pulled up like a pair of pants. She put her armor on, then her arm guards, which also fit on simply, like sliding on an eloquent pair of gloves, just without anything on the hands.
'I'm starting to feel more powerful already…' She thought as she put one boot on.
She put the next boot on and then got the first gauntlet on easily. She thought about the easiest way to get the second gauntlet on, and decided just setting it down on the ground and putting her hand in it would be the best option.
"My dear, please take that gauntlet off and let me show you how to properly put it on. You can't just go setting armor of that quality down anywhere! Who knows who might try to sneak up and steal it." Athena said with a grin.
"I'm pretty sure Xander would kick their butt!" Diana laughed. "But ok yes, help would be good. I don't know why I didn't just ask in the first place."
Athena showed her how to properly hold it with her other gauntlet, and Diana realized that it didn't feel like she was wearing a pair of heavy duty, magically resistant gauntlets. She felt like she was wearing a winter glove. She easily held the gauntlet and was able to place her left hand into it, stretching out each finger as she did.
"Woah," She muttered, stumbling a bit.
"And last but not least, here is your sword my dear." Athena said while handing it over to her politely.
As soon as she grabbed the sword, she felt a strange tingling sensation flow throughout her entire body. She felt calm, powerful, and quickly had a vision.
She was on the battlefield with Xander and they were slicing through werewolves who attacked Sorbella. It was always weird watching herself in third person, but she realized how just the two of them were effortlessly dealing with a massive horde of werewolves that were attacking the city. She saw other members of the party teleporting in to help, and no one was hurt. The vision stopped right as Ox squared off to face his father, Fenrir.
"That vision felt so much more… alive? Real? I'm not sure what the right word is your majesty. I also feel like I'm powered up or something. Is that normal?"
"So, because this set was crafted specifically for you by Cyrus, he is a master forger. Because it is SSS, it will provide you more clear visions when you are completely equipped, you will be faster, more agile and will not suffer any side effects of your visions. Your magic will be more powerful, as well as your ability to support those around you." Athena explained calmly.
"Thank you so much! Why did I get such a wonderful gift, though?"
"Because you haven't tried to leave once and we need to ensure your safety in the upcoming war. You're a goddess now, and when Xander gets back your next trial will begin."
"Next trial?! What's that!"
Athena grinned. "You will learn what it truly means to be a goddess."