Rebirth of the Phoenix_

The moon shone light on the forest clearing as Luis stood in the center with small arcs of lightning crackling around him every few seconds. His father stood by a tree with his arms crossed while his mother stood near his younger siblings smiling while Luis demonstrated his new speed and improved defense from his new blessings. L

Luis glanced at his younger siblings, Kael and Lira, standing opposite him. Both of them had their auras faintly glowing, a mix of determination and mischief in their eyes.

"You have been showing your new blessings but why not give more of a proper demonstration" Noah said his tone calm but challenging.

Luis tilted his head. "What do you mean papa"

Noah smiled. "Practice with Lira and Kael. A sparring match. But no kicks or punches you can't hurt them. You can only grab them or make them tap out. And Lira and Kael can do whatever they want. All of you can use your blessings fully."

Luis glanced at his younger siblings who both looked eager to spar. "That's fine with me"

The finally moved deeper into the forest away from the village. Into a much bigger clearing surrounded by tall trees and soft grass, perfect for a private sparring match.

Kael and Lira stood opposite of Luis 30 meters away. Both channeling their auras to activate their blessings. Luis stood on the opposite side with faint sparks of lightning flickering around him every few seconds, doubling his speed.

"Ready?" Noah called out.

"Ready!" Kael and Lira responded.

Luis gave a small nod, his stance relaxed but focused.

"Go!"

Kael charged forward first, his movements steady and precise. His eyes glowed a faint white hue with the effects of his blessing Undying will. A non elemental Phoenix blessing that helped sharpen his focus and mental clarity in battle. Kael didn't use his other blessing resistance that damped that effects of heat or cold and even mental attacks. These were 2 of the many blessings the Phoenix can give.

Lira stayed back, her hands glowed as she used her first blessings received from the Xoliti clan deity called illusion.

Luis's eyes widened as a veil of darkness rose around him from which 4 Kael's emerged each moving in sync with each other.

"Not bad" Luis spoke as he was genuinely impressed by the illusions and their coordination.

The veil of darkness fell as soon as the 4 Kael's appeared from behind it. They attacked in unison aiming at him from all sides. Luis relied on his reactions and reflexes. Sidestepping the first strike ducking under the next. The speed from his lighting blessing allowed him to quickly dodge all the attacks but he still had to focus and anticipate them.

The coordination of the Kael's made it hard to pinpoint which one was the real one and as Luis could not attack them, he could not do anything to find out which one was the illusion. If he defended the wrong illusion he might get punched by the real one. Additionally Lira could then dispel the illusion and cast a different illusion to distract Luis.

While dodging Luis caught something at the corner of his eye, grass flattening near the tree like. A footstep.

Luis smirked widely. "You should watch your steps, Lira."

With a burst of speed he dashed by the Kael's towards the spot. His blessing doubled his speed and bigger build than Kael didn't let him catch up.

He had caught Lira off guard with his speed. He reached out his hand brushing against something invisible.

Lira yelled as her invisibility from her second blessing given from the Xoliti clan deity dropped. Luis grabbed her wrist gently but firmly.

"Hehe got you" Luis said while grinning. "Dispel the illusions you would have lost in a real fight."

Lira frowned but nodded as she deactivated her blessings. "Fine" she muttered.

Luis turned to face Kael who now stood alone since the illusions dissipated.

Kael stepped forward with determination pointing at Luis with his right hand. "Brother no more tricks stop running away, let's settle this with a test of strength."

Luis raised an eyebrow in surprise. "You sure about that Kael my lighting blessings doesn't raise my strength, but… I'm still pretty strong"

Kael said with determination from his blessing. "It's fine I can win"

The two brothers walked closer locking hands their grips firm both their hands outstretched forwards. With Luis towering over Kael.

Undying will sharpened and bolstered Kael's determination. His muscles tensed as he used all his might to push locking eyes with Luis.

Luis held his ground with a relaxed expression. Luis was impressed with Kael's strength but him being older and more athletic gave him the edge in this test of strength.

Kael gritted his teeth straining his muscles more as he tried to overpower his older brother. "I'm not giving UP!"

Luis chuckled. "I know you won't"

With a controlled push, Luis forced Kael's hands down, his movements deliberate. Kael stumbled and fell slowly backwards on his bottom with a hint of frustration on his face.

Luis helped Kael up and patted him on the shoulder. "That focus of yours is impressive Kael but you can't beat me yet"

Kael sighed and then grinned "I'll win next time"

"We will see next time then"

Noah stepped forward with Elena a smile on their faces "you all did well" said Elena

Noah then spoke "Lira your illusions were convincing and your coordination with each other was very good. And Kael that resolve is impressive and your aura control is also very good I noticed the punches you were throwing with aura when attacking with the illusions."

Lira crossed her arms "You won't see my footsteps next time."

Elena smiled, "and Luis you handled yourself well. You already have a great control over your blessing, it's good to see how much you have improved after your training with Sera when getting the blessings.

The family began the walk back to the village, the forest illuminated by the moonlight. As they walked Luis felt a sense of pride seeing his siblings grow stronger and felt more confidence in himself to grow stronger.