As the Eleven Proxies walked into the Trial grounds, they were met with a cool breeze on their face.

"Woah! I'm always so excited to come here. It feels so refreshing!" Hari said while smiling as she hugged Olivia.

"Hari! Please don't tackle Olivia like that!" Alceres exclaimed anxiously, watching as Olivia laughed, finding the sudden hug from Hari endearing.

Meanwhile, Abraxas and Randolph were walking a bit back from the rest of the group.

"Do you not find this cute?" Abraxas asked suddenly, his lips curled up in a smile as he finds the laughter of the Proxies in front of them cute.

"Uhmm.. Am I even allowed to say No here?" Randolph asked worryingly.

"You can't say 'No'."

Abraxas's reply made Randolph tense up as even if he was just joking, it was still a group he endeared and he certainly wouldn't receive it well if Randolph spoke what he was thinking.

"Anyways.. you hate your predecessor, right?" Abraxas asked with a calm tone.

"Yes, I do."

"Well, he was killed by my disciple. If you wish, I could arrange whatever remains she has of him."

"Thanks for the offer but no. I don't want anything that is of my bastard grandfather."

"Understandable. Forget I ever asked."

Randolph nodded at Abraxas's kind words. The fact that he even asked him was more than the kindness he is used to.

And this fact makes him wonder even more, just what kind of person Abraxas is. Olivia mentioned that Abraxas fought and survived against Obrax himself, and he was the founder of this group, yet he was so physically weak that even a young Berserker is leagues above him.

To him, Abraxas was a mystery.

Just then, Xavia, who was laughing with the group ahead, walked a little slower to walk beside Abraxas and Randolph.

She was dressed in a white and gold hooded Gown famous among the nuns of Maryiasm, the Worshippers of Mary, Goddess of Marriage and Loyalty. Despite the relatively simple clothes, her beauty could not be denied as she was perfect, from the way she walked to the way she talked.

"Abraxas, long time no see.. I'm no longer the youngest member of the Council," Xavia said with a proud look on her face, even puffing up her chest to show how proud she was.

Randolph, on the other hand, was flabbergasted as to how casual everyone here was. He was not used to people talking to him casually ever since he earned the status of 'Berserker King' and Proxy.

But this group here, though separated hierarchically, was still on friendly terms. Most of the credit goes to Olivia but everyone here is here because their God chose them as a representative and because there was a group where they could gather.

"Yeah, congratulations," Abraxas replied with a smile.

"You are hiding something, aren't you?" spoke 'Seeker', who had also slowed down to join them.

"Nothing gets past you, does it?" Abraxas said with a small laugh, followed by Seeker and Xavia's.

"Don't beat up our newest member too much. I still have a bit of an ache from our last sparring session," Seeker spoke, inducing a bit of fear in Randolph's mind.

"Don't make it seem like I'm a barbarian. You quite literally asked me to fight you without holding back. You were using your authority too." Abraxas spoke as he patted her back and Seeker just chuckled, refusing to elaborate further.

After a while, they all walked into the Trial Grounds. There was an intense pressure on Randolph as soon as he walked in.

He was at peace, but it was forced on his mind. Even without knowing, he knew that it was Olivia's Authority. That does not allow for violence or even the thought of it to occur in a person's head.

And then everyone, except Abraxas and Randolph sat down on the seats and then Olivia stood up and spoke. "You can use your authorities but you may not kill."

Just as Olivia sat down, the intense feeling that was covering everyone weakened, lowering down to a level similar to the rest of the Palace.

Randolph sighed in relief as most of the weight on his shoulder seemed to have lifted. It was still present but it wasn't at a level that will hinder him in a duel.

"You know, every tile in the Palace of Xarbo was blessed by Olivia." Abraxas's words broke Randolph's silence.

He was immediately taken aback by the sheer absurdity of Abraxas's statement. The Palace of Xarbo was about a kilometre high and was covered in a white tiles from head to toe, other than being carved out of a single stone in the middle of the Southern Ocean.

If Olivia blessed each tile individually, it was a task that would have taken her a few centuries at the very least.

It was so mind boggling that Randolph turned his head to look at Olivia, who was blushing as if Abraxas's words were putting too much focus on her majesty.

Lilly, Voice, Seeker and Hari just nodded calmly, since it was true. Olivia built this place to show her devotion for Xarbo and it was a gift from her to the God she represented. This was also the symbol of the unification of the Mermors under one banner.

Then Abraxas tapped his feet on the large sand concrete tiles that formed the trial grounds. "This place not only serves as the meeting ground for the Proxies but the gods too. And would you like to guess who is here.. at this very moment?"

Abraxas chuckled as he spoke but before Randolph could speak, laughs echoed in the ground.

It was not just Obrax that was present there, but Knarp and Lyra as well. They were present in a Spirit Space that overlooked the Trial Grounds, smiling at Abraxas pointing out their presence to the Young Proxy.

Randolph couldn't believe that there were multiple gods witnessing their duel and just then he spoke. "But I don't have an aut-"

But before he could finish his sentence, Obrax spoke. "This won't be much of a battle if you don't possess an Authority."

And just like that, all three authorities of Obrax, War, Plague and Flame appeared inside Randolph. Only moments ago, he didn't have one but now he did.

"It's only temporary, Randolph. Entertain me!" Obrax said with a laugh before falling silent.

"How does it feel?" Abraxas asked Randolph, who was completely taken aback by this development.

Even though the three authorities inside him were temporary, every single one was something he could possess completely in the future. This was like a trial test of all of them. It was a chance.

"It feels.. somewhat freeing." Randolph spoke with a smile, tightening his fist and relaxing it.

He could feel the Authority of War, strengthening his body to an impossible degree. If he were to compare it with his previous strength, the difference would be astronomical. He could level entire hills before, but now causing Earthquakes and tsunamis strong enough to drown a continent wasn't entirely out of the question.

Meanwhile, the Authority of Plague, was pushing his mental and spiritual strength to the maximum. Its effects were so strong that he was sure he wouldn't feel it, even if a mountain was thrown at him. At the same time, the Authority was corrupting Abraxas's mental state to weaken him.

And lastly, the Authority of Flame, was enchanting his existence with the power of the Primordial Flame, allowing him to regenerate while burning his opponent.

These three authorities combined made him not just strong but leagues ahead of what he was just moments ago. The effects of the authorities so potent that it forced the other proxies to use their authorities to counteract it, except for Olivia, Lilly, and Voice, who were unaffected.

"Wow, is this what it means to have multiple Authorities?" Hari asked, smiling as she was using her authority as a barrier to protect from the storm of Flame and War.

"Pretty much, but it is not permanent. It's possible that he might never be this strong again," Olivia spoke with a nod as the constant barrage of the three authorities wasn't affecting her at all.

Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

The three authorities were actually putting force on the protective barriers of the Trial Grounds but it was reinforced by Olivia, Lilly, and Seeker.

"..."

"..."

Randolph and Abraxas just looked at each other. While Randolph was confident of his powers, Abraxas was.. unimpressed.

"Start. What are you waiting for?" Abraxas spoke as the Sword of Darkness manifested in his hand along with a few blood weapons behind him.

"You will not use your authority?" Randolph asked, feeling wronged by how Abraxas was not using his authority.

But before either could speak again, Randolph lunged forward. With a single step, he closed the distance between himself and Abraxas, aiming his fist at Abraxas's face.

His fist, enhanced by War, Flame, and Plague, was strong enough to easily tear apart a continent. It's destructive capabilities matched the Obsidian Super Volcano of the Void Villages, easily destroying the Blood swords.

But the authorities disappeared as soon as his fist clashed with the Sword of Darkness.

Abraxas smiled, unfazed by the punch, not moving an inch, while Randolph stood in shock.

Randolph quickly stepped back to regain his strength, struggling to comprehend what had just happened. However, Abraxas gave him no chance to create distance, lunging forward and swinging his sword. The strike landed on Randolph’s torso, sending him flying like a ragdoll.

"Oh, that was reactive of me, wasn't it? I won't nullify the authorities again," Abraxas said with a smile as Randolph wasn't hurt and was running at him like a cannonball.

The Trial Grounds echoed with the sound of bones breaking, the earth trembling, and, at times, the very fabric of space warping under the immense pressure.

"Hey, do you think that Justifia's Proxy can survive this?" Lyra asked to Obrax, who was seeing the fight with interest. He didn't even blink his eyes, not wanting to miss a single action.

"Yes, that child bears my name for a reason." Obrax said with a laugh while Randolph and Abraxas were clashing.

Since Abraxas was no longer using his Divine Art to nullify the Authorities in Randolph's body, he was beaten on every front.

Before gaining his Authorities, Abraxas had already been overshadowed by Randolph in terms of speed, strength, and durability. But now, the gap was even more glaring. And yet, despite this, he was winning the fight.

Abraxas was feeling pain from every hit of Randolph, barely being able to block one in every four attacks despite using his Divine Art to bend the Spatial Fabric, while Randolph only had minor scratches all over his body—and that too was occasional.

'Tsk. That blade is hard to deal with. It absorbs any and all blows so I have to fight around it but his defense is so strong that I can't land a decisive blow.. But I'm still hitting so why is the gap between us not closing.'

"Curious, right?" Abraxas said before being hit in the stomach and flying back before being hit again, barely blocking the second hit while managing to scratch his skin with his Sword once more.

"Hmm.. I wonder what Abel is doing. He is just getting hit," Alceres spoke, unable to comprehend Abraxas's fighting style.

"And that's one reason why you are not a fighter," Lilly said while chuckling, her smile was more akin to a War God's than a Maiden's.

"Indeed, In my opinion Abraxas is winning." Lyra said with a nod, followed by Olivia, who also nodded.

"B-but Randolph clearly has the edge against Abraxas in every way. Especially if he doesn't use his Authority.. And he hasn't used the Authority Nullification either," Xavia said with a concerned look since Abraxas had at least four fractured ribs and multiple hairline fractures all over his body, which despite his regenerative factor, should hurt. Not to mention, the Flames and Plague were putting a lot of strain on him.

"But Abraxas is the one who is ready for it," Lilly added, before she ran her hand over her neck.

"For what?" Seeker asked. Since this 'it' by Lilly was something she didn't know about, making her very curious about it.

"Oh, you will know one day.. Only if you are ready for it though," Olivia said before everyone focused on the duel again.

"Weird.. Why are you not falling? I'm obviously stronger," Randolph asked, unable to comprehend how he, who is superior in every physical way in this fight, was not winning. Even the other Proxies were divided between him and Abraxas.

"It's hard to explain," Abraxas said while smiling, just as Randolph's fist connected with his chest.

By now, Abraxas's body was engulfed in flames, blood streaming from his eyes, mouth, and nose, yet he remained unwavering, his form steadfast and unyielding.

"Well, that's about it. Your body is in critical condition; you shouldn't be fighting," Randolph said, fully aware that if not for the three Authorities he possessed—or the fact that Abraxas had stopped nullifying them—it would be him in this dire state instead.

"Is that so?" Abraxas said with a chuckle. "Tell me, do you really think those minor scratches are for nothing?"

As Abraxas spoke, the thousands of cuts on Randolph's body—impervious to the Authority of Flame's regeneration due to the tiny fragments of darkness clinging to his skin—suddenly burst open. Each cut widened into a wound, and those wounds deepened into devastating, lethal blows.

If not for the Authority of Flame, Randolph would have perished instantly. Instead, he collapsed to the ground, utterly immobile.

And seeing his young Proxy in such a state, Obrax laughed. "Oh I didn't know his Divine Art was capable of this!?"

His laugh echoed in the Spirit Space, only to be interrupted by Lyra. "Well, Divine Arts are very complex to understand.. Most mortals can't even comprehend the potential of a Blessing, let alone something that transcends it."

"Randolph. You have lost," Olivia declared as Randolph was unable to move, currently being healed by the Authority of Flame.

Randolph, shocked by how quickly the tide of the duel had turned, simply nodded as he was carried out of the Trial Grounds by the other Proxies.

He was in a much severe condition barely being kept alive by the Authority of Flame. As for Abraxas, he was beaten quite badly but his inherent regeneration was keeping him alive.

....

Olivia used her authority to remake the area, prohibiting violence in the area, then she turned to look at Lilly, Voice and Abraxas who stayed behind the group.

"You are ready for it, aren't you?" Lilly said with a chuckle, her demeanor was much more maiden-like as compared to her sadistic smile just moments ago.

"Maybe.. That's for you three to decide, isn't it?" Abraxas said with a smile as the flames that were burning his body have been extinguished and the unknown Plague was filtered out by his Divine Art.

The four of them just chuckled at the humourous remark.

"You could've taken the duel more seriously, you know. At least try to use your Authority," Lilly commented, patting Abraxas's back for winning the duel. "Next time, have a spar with me."

"Oh please, I don't have a deathwish," Abraxas replied back as the Sword of Darkness disappeared into thin air. "And please don't hit me too hard."

Hearing Abraxas's sly remark, Lilly began hitting his back even harder. "Oh come on, a young man like you can surely take more."

"Now, now, Lilly. Don't tease him too much," Voice said with a chuckle before joining Lilly in patting Abraxas's back as he sat down.

"I agree. He could definitely take more.." Olivia added with a smile. "But I think it's about time I ask. What are you hiding?"

"THEY have arrived," Abraxas spoke with a serious look in his eyes.

Upon hearing this, Lilly and Voice stopped and asked. "Is it really beginning now?" Lilly asked.

"Who was it?" Voice added, concerned about the future.

"Humans.. Techonia. Though I'm unaware if any other species were involved," Abraxas said with a disappointed look. "That's why I need it now."

Among the Eleven Proxies, the four of them stood out the most because of their strength.

Olivia, Lilly, and Voice were the only Proxies that had the 'Seed of Divinity'. It's an extension of the authority that they possess, the symbol that they have surpassed the limits of the title 'Proxy'.

And now, Abraxas was at that stage too. He was being held back by the title of 'Proxy'.

"Alright, alright.. Let's get this over with," Olivia said with a smile, as she walked closer to Abraxas, putting her hand on his head.

"Close your eyes and focus.. This might hurt." Olivia spoke while Lilly and Voice created a barrier that isolated them.

The 'Seed of Divinity' though sounds similar to the 'Seed of Doom' is much different. Since it's an extension to a Proxy unlike the Doom, which is another ability in itself.

The 'Seed of Divinity' allows for a Proxy to not be bound by restrictions that were placed on them. It's a symbol of transcending those restrictions.

Since the dawn of the world, only three Proxies had ever possessed the Seed, but now, the fourth had arrived.

"I hope this gets you closer to your goal, Abraxas.." Olivia said with a smile as a drop of Golden Energy flowed through her veins before entering into Abraxas's body.

As soon as the drop entered his body, another God entered the Spirit Space. A man with blonde hair dressed in a white toga and silver armbands, though upon seeing his fellow gods in that space. His clothes quickly changed into a black formal attire.

"Forgive me, I didn't realise there were others here," The Man in black, Justifia spoke, as he looked down at his Proxy before smiling.

"We weren't expecting the God of Justice either. You can stay dressed in whatever you want though.." Lyra replied first followed by Knarp's chuckles, hiding his masked face behind yet another mask.

As for Obrax, he was even more delighted, seeing the bearer of his name transcending yet another limit.

"I still wonder why you decide to take that child as your Proxy, Justifia." Obrax asked, and Justifia just smiled as he sat down beside the Gods.

"It was not an easy decision by any means. As you might know, I didn't have any desire to take in a Proxy or a High Priest." Justifia admitted, to not having any intentions to take a Proxy.

"But the stars were aligned.. A mortal existence that not only transcended his limits but also took a path that no one else would.. To deliver justice to THEM."

Justifia smiled as he watched the Golden Energy from Olivia seep into his Proxy and settle down in his heart. The limits that the title of Justifia's Proxy brought had now been lifted.

"It's so relieving," Abraxas said as he opened his eyes. The weight of the restrictions had been lifted, and he could now do things that were previously beyond his reach.

"I know, right!" Lilly said with a smile, remembering the days when she first awakened the Seed.

"Well, the Seed inside you is stable.. But you should still rest. Don't overexert yourself," Olivia said with a worried look, as she hugged Abraxas. His head nuzzled against her stomach as she caressed the back of his head. "Don't die, alright.."

Abraxas nodded, before Lilly and Voice were suddenly reminded of something.

"Wait, Abraxas, were you there at the Site of Regression? I vaguely remember days in a cycle.." Lilly asked.

"Yes, I experienced something similar too. It happened to me too.. I lived the same day 14,000 times," Voice added.

"Now that you mention it.. I do remember seeing the same dream tens of thousands of times.." Olivia said as she is reminded of it.

"We can discuss all that and more tomorrow, can't we? The Meeting is for two days.." Abraxas said calmly before he slowly stood up and looked at the sky.

"Lord Justifia... I know you are there, and I ask for your forgiveness, but there are more important matters than meeting you," Abraxas mumbled to himself. Yet, Justifia heard him and smiled softly.

"Well, we do need to discuss a lot tomorrow.. I'm sure you will reveal the information of Evil Gods to the other Proxies too.." Olivia said calmly as the four of them began walking back to the residence that had been prepared for them in the Palace.

"So what games are we playing tonight?" Voice asked.

"Definitely not singing.. The rest of us will be fighting for third place, behind you and Olivia." Abraxas replied back with a smirk.

Olivia blushed before replying. "I-I don't sing that well. It's just a hobby!" She was barely able to talk straight, since she wasn't used to compliments.

"Well, Abraxas is most definitely speaking the truth. We've all heard you.." Lilly spoke teasingly before they left the trial grounds, laughing like old friends while the Gods watching eventually leaving the Spirit Space.