An Understated Dominance (Dustin Rhys)

After stalling as long as she could, Grace finally stepped out of the ancient temple with a handwritten book after being urged by Hera.

“You two are so impatient,” she said. “This isn’t the kind of technique you can just scribble down off the top of your head. What if I got something wrong?”

As soon as she stepped out, she wasted no time shifting the blame.

“You’re always so quick with the excuses. Who knows what you’re really doing inside?” Hera scowled.

“I had to recall everything, write it down, and make sure there were no mistakes. You think that’s easy? Can’t you at least try to cut me some slack?” Grace frowned slightly.

“Enough talk. Hand over the technique now,” Zeus snapped impatiently.

“The technique’s right here. See for yourselves.”

Without saying much, Grace tossed the book into the air.

Zeus and Hera locked eyes for a split second before both lunging toward the book with lightning-fast reflexes. Both of them were fully developed ultimate grandmasters, just one step away from breaking through to the next level.

A technique like that-one that could push them past that final barrier-was invaluable to them. If it came down to it, either of them might turn on the other in a heartbeat.

“Hera! How dare you snatch it from me?” Zeus barked.

Hera scoffed. “After everything I’ve done, you think I’m just going to hand it over?”

The two clashed in midair, their figures flashing back and forth in a blur. However, neither dared to go all out. After all, one wrong move and they might destroy the book they both wanted.

exchange of punches and kicks, they both reached for the book at the same time. Each grabbed one side of the book, refusing to

do something you’ll regret,” Zeus said, his expression

four strongest royal gods, he had no doubt he could

You think I’m going

they each had their own agenda. If that book really held the key to breaking through their limits,

through to

to turn on you,” Zeus warned as lightning crackled in

You think I’m scared of

materialized

cheered them on. She hoped they’d start fighting soon, so they’d be too busy to come after

Zeus quickly stopped her. “We don’t even know if this book is real. Starting a fight

at his words. She’d been so focused on getting her hands on the

in. She figured

down and study it together. How much you can understand

Hera replied

neither of them would be shortchanged. Whoever broke through

count of three, we’ll land slowly

“Deal.”

“Three… two… one.”

landed at the same time, neither playing any tricks. They sat

as they read. What Grace had written

back of their hand, and there wasn’t a single word they didn’t recognize. But when those

were stumped. Every word made sense on its own, yet the sentences didn’t add up. Still, neither of them spoke. They kept reading, forcing