Maximus always doubted how could the trial from Nyx and Gauri be so simple as a spar, considering both goddess's knew the siblings relationship – but after hearing Agnus's proposal, everything became clear.

The trial was never between the siblings, it was between them vs everyone else.

"Well played, Agnus. Very well played." Maximus said, his eyes shining in a dangerous light.

Agnus heard his murmur, but chose to ignore it. He was already aware of every feather his words would ruffle.

[Let your kids go, Maximus. It's already too late to back out. Plus I think there's a way you can turn this around in your favor.]

"..."

Maximus heard Indra's wish, and nodded at Rebecca and Alfred, giving them his permission.

—

Kendrik heard the announcement and couldn't help but glance at Alfred standing far away.

(So he was right.) He thought, and nodded as their eyes met. A cruel smile lingering on both their faces.

—

On the other hand,

The younglings from the various elite families, nobles, the representatives of the different races, sects, school, and churches - everyone was shook for a moment after hearing Agnus's proposal.

But there was one person, who heard the offer, laughed loudly, and jumped onto the newly formed arena without a moment's waste.

"Hehehe, this is it." Zirrix said arrogantly, before pulling the magic stick from his pocket and swinging it around provocatively. "I'm finally getting a chance to whoop his ass."

"Watch closely, Wukong. Today's the day, I prove you wrong." He muttered arrogantly to his god, who just shook his head.

Too bored to pay any attention.

His carefree attitude only making Zirrix more angry.

(Humph, damn monkey.) He cursed, and couldn't help but smile as he thought something in his mind.

But before his twisted thought could fully form, a sneering voice sounded out.

"Don't be happy too soon, Zirrix. Everyone at Zenith knows that you like losing. You're practically a masochistic sucker for pain." Rio said, mocking the avatar, reminding him of how he challenged Leon everyday for a month, and lost every damn time.

Becoming a running joke in their class.

"Humph, maybe I'll lose again." Zirrix ignored and spoke with a sneer, "But I'm not alone today, am I?"

"Half the people you challenged are beyond your realm. They have more age, more experience, and even more arrogance."

"Few of them are even your old classmates and enemies from other academies. People who couldn't hit you while you were protected by Zenith's rules. Who'll save you now?"

Zirrix's words and actions caused everyone to step out of their thoughts, and following his call, many of them jumped over too.

Maybe one on one, some of them would've been losing. But with this many people joining in___ heh, even if everyone just landed one hit each, the siblings would be slaughtered.

"Heh, father was right, Blake's really are blind bulls. This kind of arrogance…Humph, let's see what your expression is after being slapped on the face."

"Just cause it's your party, doesn't mean, we'll give you face and go easy, Rio."

"Dima, don't hold back. Kill him if you can. Avenge your sister."

"Y'all can have the angel, but Amy's mine. The reward of gods can only be claimed by me."

"This is the best party ever."

"Now we're talking. Let's get this show started."

"Rio, come face me."

"Get out, you vamping idiot. I alone am enough."

"If you lose, you can forget the saint child's position."

"I don't care what you do, force them to use their trump cards."

"They both have control issues. One's a PTSD freak, and the other's a chaos puppet. Remember, accidents can happen during a fight, and crowds don't get punished."

"This will be their biggest mistake."

"Try and find out what legacy Rio received. The sooner we know, the better your brother can prepare."

The parents and guardians each gave some suggestions to their children, while some simply ignored everything and walked away.

Hundreds of Gods were watching the arena, and anyone who stepped onto it, could hear dozens of "You are being watched" notifications every second. Divine light flashed across the sky, as everyone could feel the presence of their eyes.

Even the clouds and winds stopped flowing.

Every God who had their followers or avatars participating in fight couldn't help but bet amongst themselves, and threaten their fellows to not ruin their reputation.

Instantly the simple spar turned into a stage where losing didn't just mean shattered confidence, but came with real consequences.

Every genius, no matter how talented, needed the support of their family, friends, and gods to grow - and in a way, now all of that was on line.

At a public display for the whole world to witness, enjoy, and converse about.

Agnus had long removed the restrictions on the press and media - giving them free access to broadcast everything live.

Giving people little time to think about.

—

"You're sure he can win, right?" Artemis asked.

"Ofcourse. Don't you even know whose son he is?"

"...Mine."

"Cough cough." Agnus coughed to hide his embarrassment, before replying confidently.

"He'll win. Easily."

—

Though Zirrix itched to start the fight, Rio didn't entertain his enthusiasm.

He didn't want someone shamelessly saying Blake's were sneaky.

Soon nearly 50 to 60 girls and around a hundred boys started surrounding the siblings. The numbers only showing a slight trend to increase.

The originally empty arena was getting crowded, at some places people even pushing and pulling each other for a better position.

Alfred looked at the unruly crowd and wanted to step up as a leader. To better finish his plan, by controlling the pieces by himself.

"Everyone, I know what everyone is here for. Why all of you are so excited? But to give the gods, Arcadia's audience, and our guardians, a match worth their precious time, we shouldn't charge like a mad herd of sheep, or bulls blinded by instincts..."

"Get to the point already."

Alfred was speaking when a sharp voice interrupted his speech.

Alfred turned his head, only to stare at some noble kid from the Sunshine academy. Someone he defeated last year to win academy tournaments.

"Why do you always like to ramble riddles trying to sound smart and fancy?" Yuvii said, scratching his ears with an annoyed expression.

"If you want something, just say it."

Alfred tried hard to control his expressions, hiding the urge to bury this barbarian 6 feet under, while forcing a smile and stepping up.

"Fine. We'll do as you say. Straight was it?" Alfred said, clapping his hands as a motion for grabbing everyone's attention, " I'm the strongest here. And I think I should be your leader."

"And why would we do that?" Yuvii asked while blocking Alfred.

"Beacuse I don't think anyone here wants to lose to the two of them."

"You think we'll lose?" Yuvii questioned, feeling a little curious seeing his rival being 'scared'.

"No, I will win regardless of what you or anyone else does." Alfred said in correction. "But I'm just feeling generous, and don't want to let you all suffer."

"And besides uncle Agnus asked us to teach their kids a lesson, it'll only work better if we make them despair, don't you think?"

As soon as these words were spoken, half the crowd which wasn't interested in this politics, or power games immediately felt their faces light up.

Despair – wasn't that what's aligning with their goals too

So immediately most of the crowd started murmuring and agreed to Alfred's intentions. Accepting his role as their leader.

Some people were still silent while some proposed conditions to co-operate, but with Alfred's smooth tongue, and his minions 'lickspittle' behavior, peer pressure win.

Alfred looked at Kendrick and saw him nod his head. Signaling how his preparations were finished. He was about to issue orders, sending pawns forward in a strategic and planned motion to face Rio and Amelia – when again, a voice interrupted his commands.

But this time it wasn't Yuvii, or Zirrix, or The Blake siblings enjoying his performance with popcorn, but his own father.

The king

And his words, now they were something which ruined most of his efforts.