The truth

Field work.

The sun stood tall across the sky over a rich jungle with green foliage. Artemis walked through the palm trees and exotic bushes, his hands set on his back as his bicolor eyes explored the area.

'Tell me, Artemis, what do you plan to do when we see Goliat?' Kuro inquired within his mind. 'He is not one to listen to your kind.'

"Of course, he isn't. He was born among mortals." Artemis passed through the wet grass and rocks that adorned the ground. "But no one can discuss the results. You know that very well."

'Hmmm..." the dragon mumbled.

"Besides, that is not something we should be worrying about yet." He looked around, continuing ahead in the wilderness, a device embedded in his hand setting a projected path. "The supreme leader of this realm may have perished, but that wouldn't stop the gods from getting their avaricious hands on the fundamental beast."

"Meaning they must have sent someone to get control of the Lion," He added while glancing ahead.

'And do you expect them to have succeeded?'

"Not in the slightest," he snickered and glanced around the trees as he continued to advance. "The gods do not care about this realm enough to send their best subjects to this world. Their ignorant asshats probably brought some blisters around here. Regardless, we must not drop our guard."

Eventually, he reached a clearing. In there, he could see a temple in the distance. It appeared to be a giant statue. "We are close." His eyes were set forward. He noticed that the jungle seemed to be distorted. He reached his hand to it and felt a solid, invisible wall on it, causing a minor burn on his palm.

"Ah, barrier." He waved the pain off his hand. "Of course," he opened his other hand, demonic energy forming on his hand while he pointed his fingers at the forcefield. A small mass of deep red light was created between his fingers; it shaped into a sharp, arrow-like head form. "Pierce," he released the spell, destroying the wall as soon as it made contact.

"top-notch security here." He mumbled sarcastically and dusted himself off as he walked through.

'They must have something else prepared. I doubt they settled with putting up a barrier,' Kuro told him.

"I know." Artemis tilted his head as he felt the air changing after his first step. The atmosphere was heavier as if there was an overwhelming presence in the area. He hummed and rubbed his chin. "If I had to guess, I'd say they'd send..."

Suddenly, a group of blades fell from the sky. Artemis jumped out of the way and covered his face from the rubble; a shape blinked into sight within the cloud of smoke. "One of their 'heroes.' Right on cue." He stood back normally, then squinted his eyes.

The cloud dissipated to reveal an older man with grey eyes. The top of his head was completely bald, and long, jagged grey locks rotted on the sides and back, and a thin mustache on his head. He was dressed in pearly samurai armor, and countless swords rested on his back.

"Legendary swordsmith Muramasa Sengo." He dusted himself off and looked at him.

'This is one of their heroes? That's just sad.' Kuro sneered.

'Let us not judge appearances,' Artemis scolded him.

"don't get past this point, demon child. The Behemot Lion is under my protection." Muramasa stood and pointed his sword at him.

"Right you are, sir." Artemis smiled and tilted his head with his hands on his pack. "However, I am in need of the beast's cooperation, so if we could discuss this in a civilized manner, I assure you we can come to a mutually beneficial agreement." He offered with a welcoming tone.