Athena's Wisdom

"The first thing you need to do to become independent of your summons is to build your body. You're a twig, Leo."

Faced with this harsh reality, Leonard lowered his head in embarrassment. It wasn't normal for him to act this way, but Athena never hesitated to hit him with the truth.

Leonard already knew this about himself. These weren't things he had overlooked on purpose. In fact, he had a plan in mind to address them and work on his physical fitness.

But something unexpected about Athena was her persistence in turning him into a stronger version of himself, almost like an overzealous tutor. It made him question whether summoning her had been a wise choice. If this continued, he might be forced to stray from the path of a summoner.

Becoming a warrior was hard, and he had never liked the idea. It wasn't a particularly exciting concept for him. Back on Earth, warriors existed, not as a profession but in their characteristics. Fighting was a sport, so it wasn't something new to him. The idea of being a warrior didn't feel as fantastical as he hoped.

For a more magical life, he could've chosen to be a mage. But given the restrictions, he had no other choice but to become a summoner. His goal was to summon powerful creatures to help him and grant him various <Skills >.

"Isn't there an easier path for this?" Leonard asked.

"There is," Athena replied.

"Then why are you suggesting I train my body? That's useless."

Athena fell silent. His words were harsh to her. Even though she was born with natural strength, she never ignored the importance of training.

"You're not the God of Training," Leonard grunted, and Athena grew even quieter.

Adapting to the norms of this world wasn't impossible. If Leonard didn't want to be a warrior, there were still options for him to become a fighter, even as a summoner. Battle mages were an option... but Zeus had no interest in that. Battle mages were just tool-users—they wielded maces like they were staves.

"There is indeed a way to become strong. We can grant you a <Skill > from our powers. As gods, we have the ability to bestow blessings."

"What?!"

His eyes widened, lips parting slightly as if words had been stolen from him. For a moment, he stood frozen, unable to comprehend what he had just heard. His brows furrowed, and he blinked several times, waiting for the reality to shift, for someone to tell him it was all a joke.

"Are you saying that I was capable of becoming the summoner who attacked us, but you just didn't make me one? Are you telling me that?" Leonard's shock was directed at Zeus, who had just casually dropped this bombshell.

Shrugging, Zeus answered in a calm voice, "I never said that. He was different from you, so I didn't mention that I could do something like that."

Leonard instinctively slapped his forehead, a mix of disbelief and frustration clear on his face. He never imagined Zeus would so abruptly snatch away this moment of hope.

Athena stepped back slightly, watching as Leonard and Zeus exchanged words in what seemed like a heated conversation—or perhaps just a serious one. Leonard had a few veins bulging from his neck and forehead, and she wasn't sure if he was angry.

"You're making this more difficult than it is. Or did you think I'd just let you have power effortlessly?" Zeus raised an eyebrow, questioning Leonard, who looked visibly strained. "Did you expect to become overpowered in an instant? That's not the person I thought you were, Leonard."

Leonard exhaled a heavy sigh. "Because I never thought it was possible. You told me my stats were holding me back from becoming naturally strong. You misled me."

"Nuh-uh. I didn't mislead you. You just assumed, kiddo. But how about this? I'll explain how that summoner was different from you. Will you listen?"

For a moment, Leonard was silent, considering Zeus's offer but still filled with skepticism. Zeus had just shattered his hope of being more than just a summoner. The despair of being limited to that role gnawed at him, even though he'd worked hard to master it.

"Alright, I'll listen. But if you deceive me again, I'll need Athena to verify everything you say."

Zeus glanced at Athena, who was watching with a sharp, almost scornful intent. 'I shouldn't have suggested summoning her,' he thought.

"Okay, I understand. But before I explain, Athena can probably do a better job. She's more familiar with blessing people with powers, considering she's done it more often."

Leonard turned to Athena, his eyes wide. "Is that true?"

Athena nodded. "Mortals were always pestering me for power to use in their wars. Since they insisted on using it for destruction, I gave them what they asked for—but with limitations."

"So… does that mean you gods can bless humans with power? I know it's common knowledge, but I just want to confirm it."

Once again, Athena nodded, her eyes soft and calm. "Yes, each blessing differs and is based on the god's specific powers. However, using those powers isn't simple. Utilizing them requires mastery. So, even if we bless you, you'd most likely need to dedicate yourself to mastering them, especially if you're starting from a place of weakness."

Leonard absorbed her words, feeling a slight embarrassment as he stole a glance at Zeus, who stood with arms crossed. He still couldn't reconcile this serious Zeus with the clownish one he had first met. But strangely, he found that he didn't dislike this more paternal version of the god.

When Zeus was first summoned into Leonard's world, he had acted like a goofball. Now, however, he seemed to have returned to what might be his true nature—something more fatherly, more dignified.

'What's going on with him?'

Athena continued, her voice steady. "This might be why Father Zeus hasn't given you anything—because his powers are formidable and likely difficult to master. But I can offer you something more suited to a mortal, something you'll be able to use and eventually master."

Leonard listened carefully, the suspicion that Zeus had withheld information still lurking in his mind. But as Athena spoke, he began to let go of that thought, trusting her words.

"Alright... So, what will you bless me with?" he asked.

"I will…"

[Your Summon, 'Athena,' has blessed you with a growth skill called Body Wisdom.]

[Skill: Body Wisdom (C Rank) Acquired.]

[New Mission!]

[Nomad Mission: Godly Summoner Attributes Activated! Acquire 5 Summoning Scrolls from the Player Academy.]

[Rewards: C – Rank Summoning Scroll, 10 Stat Points Provider]

[Duration: 60 Days]

'Shit!'