An Understated Dominance (Dustin Rhys)

Explosions echoed nonstop outside the ancient temple. The golden steeple that shielded it was already veined with dozens of hairline cracks.

With every strike from Zeus and Hera, the fractures deepened. In less than half an hour, the entire structure was reduced to splinters from top to bottom.

“Break it down!”

With a thunderous cry, Zeus and Hera unleashed everything they had and struck the steeple in perfect sync.

The impact shook the ground. The golden steeple, which had stood strong all night, finally shattered. Countless shards of divine light rained down like broken glass.

In the backyard of the ancient temple, Grace staggered as she coughed up blood.

“Your Highness!”

Several female guards rushed to catch her. Forming a wall in front of her, they braced for what was coming. They knew if they couldn’t convince Grace to leave, they would have to fight tooth and nail to protect her.

Outside, Zeus burst out laughing. “It’s cracked! We finally did it!”

He was exhausted, but the thrill outweighed the cost. A royal god’s might had to be taken seriously. If he couldn’t even destroy a small steeple, how could he face anyone later?

“That was exhausting,” Hera muttered, exhaling a long breath.

They’d broken through at last, but the effort left a sour taste in her mouth. It took an entire night and the combined efforts of two royal gods to bring it down. However she looked at it, there was nothing glorious about it.

lingered in her mind.

both her and Zeus

everyone!

crashing down, the monks stationed at the temple gates wasted no time.

this was their only

steeple, Zeus and Hera had to be near their limit. If they waited, the window would close,

his eyes across the monks and

this will work? A bunch of nobodies like you trying to take us down? Dream

his internal energy. His physical strength alone was enough to crush

as the formation locked into place, he shouted the signal

“Charge!”

Luminary Formation as

swept in from every direction with overwhelming force. It was so dense that

there, motionless, as the hail of attacks crashed down on

bent out of shape or snapped in half. Not a single blow

the moment the strikes closed in, and

“What?”

warped and splintered staff.

dodged nor used any energy to defend. He just stood there and let their blows

had hoped to find an opening while Zeus was weak, but it turned out

strong as the