The Loneliest Soul

Maxi stormed off to the outdoor training grounds, his frustration burning hot in his chest.

He grabbed a bow and started firing at a dummy from a distance, his shots erratic and rushed.

Angelina stood nearby, silently watching as he vented his anger through each arrow.

At first, his shots were wild, his emotions guiding his hand more than his mind.

But after a few minutes, his breathing steadied.

His movements became calculated.

Each arrow struck closer to the target's center, his rage giving way to focus.

I can't waste my energy being angry, Maxi thought. What I need to focus on is how I'm going to defeat—or at least outlast—my sibling in this test.

The problem was, he didn't even know who he'd be facing yet.

Nor which gods had blessed them.

Except for one.

The Blood God.

Every one of his siblings, except for him, had been blessed by that god.

Well… except for Mother, but she wasn't supposed to be part of the family to begin with.

Maxi shook his head.

Even if I can't make a perfect plan, I need a solid foundation.

No matter who his opponent was, he needed a universal strategy—one that would work against any blessing unless they had an ability that let them predict the future.

Hopefully not.

For two hours, Maxi fired arrows while his mind raced through every possible scenario.

Every now and then, he felt a faint presence—a smile from one of his gods.

The God of Secretive Planning.

It was faint, but unmistakable.

Then, a voice called out.

"Well, you're here early. Good to see you hard at work."

Maxi turned.

Standing there, clad in a black and gold training outfit, was Techxin.

Maxi nodded. "Hey, big brother. How are you?"

Techxin flashed a sharp-toothed grin. "I'm doing good. How was your journey to the maze book?"

Maxi sighed. "You mean the library?"

Techxin shrugged. "Same thing."

Maxi shook his head.

Techxin chuckled. "Anyway, since you're early, want to do some warm-ups before your workout?"

Maxi hesitated but eventually nodded.

Techxin led him through a series of basic exercises to loosen up his muscles.

Then, he clapped his hands together. "Alright. Now for the sparring match."

Maxi sighed, stepping over to the weapon rack. He picked up two daggers:

A stiletto-thin, sharp, made for piercing.

An alehouse dagger-wider, better for slashing and parrying.

Then, he dropped into a low stance.

Techxin, on the other hand, grabbed two axes:

A roofing axe-light but deadly.

A fire axe-heavier, meant for breaking defenses

Both weapons bore the Bloodheart insignia—a heart pierced by a dagger, its blood dripping down to form a half-completed crown.

Techxin grinned wildly.

Then, without a word, they both dashed forward.

Techxin swung first.

His fire axe came crashing down, aiming to split Maxi in two.

Maxi dodged left.

Then lunged.

Techxin, expecting it, dodged forward.

Maxi flicked his wrist, sending his stiletto dagger flying at Techxin.

Mid-dodge, Techxin swung his roofing axe, deflecting the dagger.

The blade ricocheted back at Maxi.

Mid-air.

Maxi twisted—his body spinning and in the same motion as if he were grabbing a book from the main castle library he grabbed the dagger mid-motion.

Then, he tucked and rolled, landing gracefully.

He locked eyes with Techxin, his breath steady, his body tense.

Techxin's grin widened.

The fight was only beginning.