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.

in her mind. Who owned that

both her and Zeus

up, everyone! Form

at the temple gates wasted no time. They rushed forward and

was

near their limit. If they waited, the window would close, and there’d be no stopping

eyes across the

nobodies like you trying to take us down?

summon his internal energy. His

soon as

“Charge!”

Formation as their base,

after that, their staff struck together in a loud clatter. Countless strikes swept in from every direction with overwhelming force. It was so dense

flinch. He stood there, motionless, as the hail of attacks

bent out of shape or snapped in

vanished the moment the strikes closed

“What?”

warped and splintered staff. They had attacked with everything they

any energy to defend. He just stood there and let their blows land. Even so,

devastating blow to them. They had hoped to find an opening while Zeus was weak, but it turned out to be nothing

strong as the