"Hahaha I won. Give me my bet, you loser."

"How dare you bet against the angel."

"I mean Amelia was equally good, right? She held on for so long."

"True. And that final trick with portals. She's phenomenal."

"Don't forget how she controlled chaos so well. Didn't the rumors said she'll lose her sanity and whatnot? I guess we can't trust the news too much nowadays."

"Heh, you're a fool if you think that. The only reason Amy even lasted that long was because Rio went easy."

"Need I remind you he didn't even pick a sword in the beginning. And we all know how good he is with them."

"Yeah, I was hoping he'd show us his original art. It's been years, and there's still not a fight where he performed it to full potential."

"I heard he used that to face off against that God in Eisjer dungeon."

"All the more reasons. I still can't believe he killed a god."

"Technically that God was already dead."

"What do you think he got through that legacy?"

"Well, most dying gods either leave their talents, treasury, or their trophies. So I bet it must be some skill, or artifact or something like that."

"Dude's a real son of a luck I tell you. Like imagine, being born a Blake, pampered by the primordial, managed to survive a dungeon crash, and pick dead gods in wild and steal their treasures – I mean, who else can compare to this?"

"Makes me want to gut him even more? Fucking Blake's got everything."

Artemis heard the chatter of audience all around her. Taking in their praise, envy, and admiration for her children and couldn't help but feel proud.

[You seeing this?] Indra spoke to his avatar. Making Maximus face look grim as he understood Blake's intentions all too well.

Not just this spar, this whole damned event was to show their power.

If they hid, cowered, hesitated, or even declared war _ some people might think that they were somewhat afraid. Giving them different ideas. Making them prone to choose sides or born bad intentions.

But by presenting this display of not caring, of not taking any threat seriously as if they could take on the whole world and everyone else were just ants in their eyes.

[They're trying to establish their authority. Their arrogance. Their _rule.]

[I told you ages ago, that the only dog worth keeping, is someone whose leash you hold tight. Not the one who's just walking beside you.]

[Your friendship with Agnus had allowed this. So stop the games, and take this more seriously.]

[Or the throne of Schilla might really change seats pretty soon.]

"...." Maximus heard the reprimand from his god and for the first time, he didn't question back.

Maybe Indra's right. I really have been soft.

Maximus thought, a dangerous glint in his eyes, as one of his pupils caught the scene of Alfred and Ken standing in lonely corners.

While on the other hand, Bernhardt laughing and chatting with Rio and a bunch of popular girls.

His mind subconsciously going back to the rumors of unrest he's heard in his court recently.

A malicious plan slowly taking shape in his mind.

…

On the other end, in an inconspicuous corner, away from the lively hustle and bustle of the audience, two figures leaned closer and talked in whispers.

"Are you sure this is going to work?" Kendrick asked slowly. His face filled with doubts.

After all, what Alfred just explained clearly included some secrets of house Blake, and even goddess Kali. How could he just believe that blindly?

"Don't you trust me now?" Alfred asked instead of explaining anything.

"But how do you … was it because of ..? " Ken said with some apprehension, before shifting his gaze doubtfully towards the king. Someone known for peeping on people's secrets.

But instead of answering directly, Alfred shook his head in response.

"You don't need to care about how I know what I know." He spoke, "Just tell me if you can do it?"

Though curious, Kendrick didn't pressure his friend any further, as taking revenge on Rio was much more important.

He glanced at Rio drinking and laughing, enjoying the feast to fullest, and couldn't help but recall his own condition.

"Don't worry. If what you said is indeed true, then by the end of this party, he'll be tasting his tears, and holding corpses in his hands."

Ken said gripping tightly over his cane, trying to suppress the anger, and the impatient urge to smile if everything went smoothly.

Getting a positive answer, Alfred just patted his partner's shoulder and left the place.

(If Alfred's right, then Rio's not the only one who's gonna suffer.) Kendrick thought, staring at his sister, surrounded by famous people, looking 'uncomfortable' hearing them flatter her and couldn't help but sneer.

(But it's better that way. Two of my worst enemies suffering together at once. Truly the best day of my decade.)

…

Unaware of the surging undercurrents, Rio left Bernhardt, who after hours of conversations, finally chose to meet Dahlia's mother. Hoping to sort out any misunderstandings.

Because as Rio said, this was his only chance to apologize, since he was publicly banned from entering fairy forests.

Rio prayed for him nd walked towards his sister, who also dropped her act and regained her 'consciousness'.

...

'Clearly I was just a little bit short.' Amy thought to herself, staring blankly at the sky.

[....a little bit?] Gauri asked instantly.

'Fine. I know he held back a little, but at least I lasted longer than last time, didn't I?' Amy said, correcting herself. Giving in to goddess. Only to be insulted again.

[....held just a little back?]

Amy heard her goddess constantly contradict her, and simply gave up.

'Whatever. He should just praise my efforts, not rub salt and spit insults like a sore loser.'

[.... whatever floats your boat, mortal.]

Amy was about to flare up again, when Rio's teasing words reached her ears.

"Shouldn't eat so many sweets, sister. See how you're getting so breathless even now."

"You…" Amy was about to punch his face when Agnus interrupted her 'storm' , placing his arms over Rio's shoulders.

"Hahaha, that's my boy. You're just a little bit worse than me back when I was your age." Agnus proudly chuckled for a moment, before shutting up seeing Amy's glare, and changing his words. "But Amy's performance also deserves praise."

"Even though she lost, it's only because she's younger than him. If they were the same age, she would've surely defeated him easily."

"Father, … shut up, please." Amy muttered, forcing a smile, that was not a smile.

What does those words even mean? Was he comforting her or rubbing salt on her wounds?

She can't defeat him cause she's younger… she'll always be younger than him? Doesn't that mean, she'll never win? What sort of consolation speech was this?

Agnus also seemed to realize his slip up, and simply coughed to hide his embarrassment. He really didn't do it knowingly.

… .

Before the audience could come out of their previous shock and disperse completely. Agnus waved his hands once again, and stopped them.

"Everyone. Before this party ends, and you all leave. I'd like to hold a little bit of competition here."

"You see my wife, she's way too prideful of my children, always telling me how her genes did all the magic."

"And even this duo (placing hands on both his children) thinks they're better than everyone else in their generation."

"So why don't y'all join together, and teach them a lesson."

Silence

That's what it was.

Hearing the extremely arrogant, shameless, and blatantly mocking yet disrespectful remarks - everyone else just remained silent.

They all stared at Agnus, hoping he was joking, only to see him smirk proudly, as if inviting 'What? You aren't convinced? Then come and prove it.'

That damned look, especially in the eyes of the younger generation, was a bigger blow than anything else. Rio or Amy being better wasn't worse. Maybe they were. Maybe not.

But to be so shameless to gather everyone under one roof, broadcast the challenge to the whole world, _ practically forcing them to either 'bow down' or accept this match - was so fucking taunting.

Not to mention, he called everyone together, not even one by one, _ if the crowd won that's fine, but if they somehow lost, just what kind of respect would they have left?

Won't that be equal to a public death.

Not just the younger generation, even their guards, guardians, teachers, parents, and whoever else present - they all showed displeased and angry expressions after hearing Agnus's extremely bold words.

(Damn Blake's. So this is what they wanted.)

(To use us as stepping stones to deter their enemies.)

They all cursed. Maybe younglings didn't properly understand, and that's why some fools even shouted and jumped onto the arena directly.

But oldies like them, how could they not notice the intention hidden behind.

(Agnus… since when did you start listening to your son, my friend?) Maximus muttered under his breath, shaking off whatever half assed 'friendship' he still held dear.

Since you want my lineage to be your son's wheatstone, then don't blame me for being cruel.