Chapter 3: Into the Depths

As dawn broke over the horizon, casting pale light across the rugged landscape, Ares stood with the original group of delinquents at the foot of a towering mountain. Mount Weather loomed in the distance, a dark silhouette against the golden sky, shrouded in mystery and danger. This was the moment they would venture into the unknown, a world far removed from the confines of the Ark.

"Listen up!" Clarke's voice rang out, commanding attention as she stepped to the forefront. "We need to stick together as we head toward Mount Weather. We have no idea what's waiting for us there, and I don't want to lose anyone else. We're all we have now!"

Ares glanced around at the familiar faces of his companions: Clarke, resourceful and determined; Monty, the tech-savvy strategist; Jasper, full of energy and bravado; Octavia, brave and curious; and Finn, whose natural charisma often drew people in. Ares could feel the weight of their collective anxieties pressing in, but he also sensed a budding camaraderie—one he intended to nurture.

A Walk in the Wild

As they ventured further into the wilderness, Ares felt the thrill of the unknown coursing through him. He knew this terrain was rife with dangers—beasts lurking in the underbrush, perhaps even other humans with less noble intentions. His senses heightened, he scanned the surroundings, ready to protect the group.

"Stay close," Ares warned, noticing that Octavia had a spark of adventure in her eyes, barely containing her excitement.

The group walked for a while in relative silence, the rustling leaves and distant bird calls their only companions. But Ares' instincts told him something was off; the air felt heavy, thick with an unspoken tension.

Just as they reached a clearing near a small stream, Ares caught Octavia's gaze as she tilted her head playfully toward the water. Her lips curved into a mischievous smile.

Without warning, she began to slip off her jacket. "You guys can stay dry and boring," Octavia teased, her voice a playful sing-song. "I'm going for a swim."

Clarke frowned. "Octavia, this isn't the Ark—there could be anything in there."

Octavia shrugged, already dipping her toes into the water. "Come on, Clarke. Live a little."

Ares watched with a mixture of amusement and caution as Octavia waded into the water, the sunlight shimmering off her skin. She splashed water playfully in their direction, her eyes lingering on Ares longer than necessary.

"Careful, O," Ares said with a half-smile. "We have no idea what's in there."

"Worried about me?" she asked, her voice teasing as she floated on her back, letting the current carry her lazily downstream. "Don't be, Ares. I can handle myself."

Her flirtatious tone didn't go unnoticed, and Ares found himself more alert, watching her movements closely. There was something dangerous about this place, and even though Octavia was exuding confidence, he knew better.

A Sudden Threat

Just as Octavia began to swim further away, her playful laughter filled the air, but something stirred beneath the surface of the water. Ares' eyes narrowed. It's coming.

Then he saw it—a shadow moving beneath the water, swift and predatory. His instincts kicked in immediately. "Octavia!" he shouted, his voice sharp with urgency. "Get out of the water!"

But before she could react, the creature struck. A long, serpentine figure emerged from the depths, its scales glistening in the sunlight as it wrapped itself around Octavia's leg, pulling her under with terrifying speed.

Octavia's scream was muffled by the splash as she disappeared beneath the surface.

"Octavia!" Clarke cried out, horror flashing across her face.

Without hesitating, Ares bolted toward the water, diving in after her. The cold shock of the water was nothing compared to the surge of adrenaline coursing through him. His vision was clear, focused entirely on reaching Octavia before the creature could drag her any deeper.

Fight for Survival

Under the water, Ares saw it—a massive, eel-like creature with sharp, jagged teeth. Its coils wrapped tighter around Octavia as she struggled, bubbles rising from her mouth as she fought to hold her breath. Panic was etched across her features, but Ares wasn't about to let her drown.

Drawing on his heightened strength, Ares swam toward them, reaching out to grab the creature by its slick, muscular body. It thrashed wildly, sensing a new threat, but Ares was stronger. His Body of Steel ability kicked in, giving him the resilience to endure the creature's powerful strikes as it lashed at him with its tail.

With a swift, precise motion, Ares wrapped one arm around the beast and, with his free hand, plunged a sharpened rock into its side. The creature recoiled in pain, its grip on Octavia loosening just enough for Ares to pull her free.

Octavia gasped for air as she surfaced, her eyes wide with terror but also awe. "Ares!" she sputtered, clinging to him as he held her above the water.

"I've got you," he said, his voice steady despite the chaos around them.

The creature wasn't done yet. It surged toward them once more, mouth wide as it prepared to strike again. But Ares was ready. Using every ounce of strength, he brought the rock down again, slamming it into the creature's head with a forceful blow.

The water turned red as the creature let out a final, dying hiss before it sank into the depths, defeated.

System Notification

As Ares pulled Octavia to the shore, a familiar feeling washed over him—one of satisfaction and growth.

Suddenly, a screen flickered into his vision, the familiar System Panel he had grown accustomed to since his reincarnation.

System Notification

You have successfully slain an Earth Serpent.

Gained 300 XP.

You have leveled up.

His heart quickened with anticipation. Levelling up meant not only increased stats but also the chance to grow stronger, more capable. The thrill of it never got old. With the level-up came a feeling of renewed vitality, and though the battle had drained him, his body now hummed with energy.

Ares - Status Panel

Level 2

Strength: 15

Agility: 15

Intelligence: 15

Constitution: 15

Charm: 20

Skills:

Healing Factor: Level 1Body of Steel: Level 1

The system flashed another notification.

You have earned 2 skill points.

Would you like to allocate them now?

Ares quickly glanced over his options. He could enhance his Healing Factor to increase his body's ability to regenerate faster, or he could improve Body of Steel to withstand more physical damage. Both were crucial in a world as dangerous as this. But something inside him urged patience—he knew there would be bigger threats ahead.

"I'll hold on to the skill points," Ares muttered to himself. He wasn't sure if the others could see his interface or hear his internal conversation, but it didn't matter. He'd decide how to use them when the moment called for it.

With his level increase, he felt the subtle shift in his strength and constitution. He was growing, evolving.

Victory and Aftermath

Panting heavily, Ares pulled Octavia to the shore, his grip firm but gentle. She collapsed onto the ground beside him, coughing and catching her breath. Clarke and the others rushed over, concern etched into their faces.

"Are you okay?" Clarke asked, kneeling beside Octavia, checking her for injuries.

Octavia nodded, her breathing still ragged, but a grin spread across her face as she looked up at Ares. "You saved me," she said, her voice filled with both relief and admiration. "Guess I owe you one, huh?"

Ares, still dripping wet and adrenaline pumping through his veins, gave her a wry smile. "Maybe don't make a habit of nearly getting yourself killed," he teased, though the seriousness of the moment wasn't lost on him.

Clarke shook her head, exasperated but relieved. "You're lucky Ares was there. That thing could've killed you."

Octavia, still breathing heavily, reached out and placed a hand on Ares's arm, her touch lingering a moment longer than necessary. "Thanks, hero," she said with a flirtatious glint in her eyes. "Maybe I should stick closer to you from now on."

Ares smirked but didn't respond, his thoughts already shifting to the dangers that still awaited them.

Monty stepped forward, his expression a mix of admiration and relief. "That was incredible, Ares. You really risked everything to save her."

"It's what anyone would have done," Ares replied, though inside he felt a swell of pride. He was beginning to understand the delicate balance of power and loyalty in this new world.

Jasper, who had been watching from the sidelines, clapped Ares on the back with a grin. "Looks like we have our own hero now. What's next? A celebration?"

"Just don't let it get to your head," Finn added with a playful smirk, though Ares could see the flicker of respect in his eyes.

A Private Moment

As the group began to gather their things to continue their journey, Clarke approached Ares, her expression thoughtful. "Hey, Ares," she said, her voice low enough for only him to hear. "I know things have been chaotic, but you seem to have a knack for handling tough situations."

Ares raised an eyebrow, intrigued by where this was going. "Thanks, I guess. It's just instinct, really."

"I was wondering if you'd want to walk with me for a bit," she continued, her gaze earnest. "I could use your perspective on what we might encounter. You seem to have a better understanding of this world than the rest of us."

"Sure," Ares replied, a slight smile tugging at his lips. "I'd like that."

As they moved a bit away from the others, Ares could feel the weight of their survival resting on his shoulders. But with Clarke by his side, and the group starting to bond, he knew that he could turn this chaotic world into something more, something in which he would thrive.

A New Beginning

As the group gathered their gear and prepared to move out, Ares couldn't shake the feeling that this was a turning point. With Clarke by his side and Octavia's grateful eyes on him, he knew this was just the beginning of his journey. He wasn't just surviving—he was leading. And he was only getting stronger.