Mariana

Chapter 9

Friends may be foes while foes may be friends

IX - Test

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Mariana and her brothers went out after eating. Just like what Poseidon said on their meal, they will undergo the test of strength. Mariana seriously looked at the whole area of the arena. There are a lot of people there. It's more than 20 people in there, not counting the knights standing, encircling the whole arena. The arena is huge since it's the training ground of Poseidon's children.

Mariana leaned to Pegasus and said, "Are these people his children?"

Pegasus nodded. "Except for those guards, yes."

Mariana regained her posture and they walked to the center of the arena. The children notices them and eventually throw some dagger-like stare.

"Fear not everyone. These three are your siblings. They are here to undergo the test of strength." Poseidon said that made everyone at ease.

"Father, I have a question." A woman said. She's one of Amphitrite's children. "How will you test them?"

"The sea abyss," Atlas answered instead of Poseidon. Poseidon nodded in response as well as the woman who asked.

Chrysaor and Pegasus hated the fact that they know how dangerous the sea abyss is. Thousands of sea monsters are in there, in short, it is their lair. A lot of sea people already died in there. Even some sea hunters aren't guaranteed survival when they go there. There's only small chances of survival there.

"Is he trying to kill us?" asked Chrysaor in a low voice enough for Mariana and Pegasus to hear.

Mariana's eyebrows creased, she's wondering why Chrysaor would say that. "Is there something wrong with the sea abyss?"

Pegasus heaved a sigh. "The survival in the sea abyss is impossible. It's either he's trying to kill us or he is testing your abilities to it's extent."

"To put it bluntly, this test is for me. Am I right?" Mariana said. "Well, I hope that it's really for me though."

Mariana is quite excited for the test. Not because sea abyss is new to her but because this test might be her chance to make a deal with her father. A deal that will benefit her the most.

The other children are grinning, flashing their excitement.

"This test is just for you Mariana," Poseidon said. This is what Mariana's hoping for. "Listen everyone, as Mariana possess the ability to control the waters, she will be the first in line for my throne."

Everyone gasped loudly. They were surprised by what Poseidon just said. It's like the declaration of war, Mariana versus her half-siblings.

"Wait," Mariana stepped up. "I wasn't aware of this set-up. I'm fine with me alone for the test but with the throne thing, reconsider it. I don't want your throne nor anything in your kingdom. Give it to your eldest, old man."

"What the--No, I won't even imagine. Father told that you are first in line, then you should be first in line." Atlas answered. Although everyone can feel the remorse in Atlas's voice but he's done a good job keeping it in.