Chapter 37: gods among us
The streets were still, save for the distant wail of sirens and the low murmur of voices as people emerged from their homes, trying to make sense of the destruction left in the group's wake. The air was thick with tension, but the group knew they couldn't stay in one place for too long.
Azaymos glanced at the dagger, the faint glow of its runes pulsing like a heartbeat. "We're not done yet. There's one more place we need to go."
Nox, standing by the alley's entrance, clenched her fists. "Where?"
"Jerusalem isn't enough," Azaymos said, his voice steady. "The energy here has been absorbed, but it's not the final charge. The dagger still needs more power."
Rex, who had finally begun to shrink back into his human form, wiped the sweat from his brow. His muscles still ached from the transformation, but the adrenaline was keeping him alert. "One more place, huh? Do we even have time for that?"
Azaymos's eyes narrowed. "We don't have a choice."
Mara, who had been keeping watch, spoke quietly. "We need to keep moving. The world isn't going to ignore what happened tonight."
---
Global Reaction (POV Shift)
World News Special—Aftermath in Jerusalem
The camera zoomed in on the wreckage left behind in the streets of Jerusalem. Soldiers were moving through the area, gathering weapons and helping the injured. Civilians huddled in groups, their faces pale and fearful as reporters swarmed to capture the story that had already spread across every corner of the internet.
"This is what remains after the battle," the anchor said, his voice filled with shock. "The Israeli Defense Forces were unable to contain the group of beings who have now declared themselves gods. Eyewitnesses report that one of the figures, a werewolf, spoke to a journalist, claiming that they have come to observe humanity and offer immortality to a chosen few."
The screen cut to footage of the group's battle, Rex in his monstrous form tearing through the soldiers as Nox's shadows danced in the background. Azaymos's glowing dagger cut through the air, and the group's power was undeniable. The world was watching.
"In the hours since the footage went viral," the anchor continued, "there have been reports of widespread panic in several countries. Governments are holding emergency meetings, and there is growing concern over the implications of these 'gods' walking among us."
The camera shifted to an interview with a government official, who spoke with barely concealed fear. "We don't know who—or what—these beings are. But they clearly possess powers beyond anything we've ever encountered. We urge the public to remain calm, but rest assured, we are taking steps to address this... threat."
The word lingered in the air, and the world braced for what would come next.
---
Back in the darkened alley, the group pressed forward, their destination clear.
"We need to reach one more source of power," Azaymos said, leading the way. "There's a location in the desert, near the Dead Sea. It's an ancient temple, hidden for centuries. The energy there will be enough to fully charge the dagger."
Mara nodded. "And then?"
Azaymos's expression hardened. "Then we'll be ready for whatever comes next."
Ahmose's voice echoed in his mind, laced with dark humor. "Ah, the Dead Sea... fitting, isn't it? The last vestiges of life in a place that's been cursed for millennia. You'll find what you seek, Azaymos, but don't fool yourself into thinking that power comes without cost."
Azaymos didn't respond, but the weight of Ahmose's words settled heavily on his shoulders.
---
As they made their way through the streets, Rex turned to Nox, a grin spreading across his face despite the tension. "So, did you see the look on that reporter's face when I told him we were gods? Priceless."
Nox shook her head, her eyes narrowing. "You're lucky we didn't get torn apart. That little stunt might have made us famous, but now every government in the world is going to be hunting us down."
Rex shrugged. "Let them. They'll never stop us now."
Azaymos's grip on the dagger tightened. "We need to be smart about this. The world isn't going to give us time to rest."
Mara glanced at the horizon. "Then we better move fast. The Dead Sea isn't far, but we're going to have to cross through dangerous territory."
---
The World Watches (POV Shift)
International Response
The camera footage shifted again, this time to a meeting room filled with world leaders. The air was thick with tension as they discussed the events unfolding in Jerusalem. A stern-faced representative from the United Nations addressed the camera.
"These beings, whoever they are, pose a significant risk to global security. We cannot allow them to continue unchecked. Measures are being taken to ensure the safety of the world's population."
But even as the world's governments plotted their response, a wave of fascination had begun to spread among the public. Online forums buzzed with discussions of the "gods" and whether Rex's offer of immortality could be real. Some even speculated on how to become his "student," while others warned of the dangers these beings represented.
In one particular thread, a user posted a video clip of Rex's transformation, captioned simply: "Proof of the divine?"
The world was split, torn between fear and wonder, and as the group made their way to their final destination, the eyes of humanity were upon them.
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End of Chapter 37