Chapter 38: The Weight of the Sea
The group stood at the edge of the Dead Sea, its still, lifeless waters stretching out before them. The salty air clung to their skin as they prepared for the final charge of the dagger. The ancient landscape around them felt desolate, cursed, and yet there was an undeniable hum of energy buried deep beneath the salt-crusted earth.
Azaymos held the dagger aloft, feeling its pulse growing stronger. "This is it," he said quietly. "The last push."
Mara, her eyes flicking between the water and the horizon, nodded. "Once we finish here, there's no turning back."
Nox shifted her weight, the tension in her body evident as she fought to control her hunger. "Good. I'm getting tired of being hunted by the entire world."
Rex, ever the optimist, grinned. "Tired? You kidding? This is the most fun I've had in years. Besides, if things get dicey, I'm sure I'll get another chance to do my whole 'god' speech." He flexed his arms, smirking at the distant memory of the reporter's reaction.
Nox rolled her eyes. "One speech was more than enough, thanks."
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POV Shift: Global Media Frenzy
Breaking News—Mystery at the Dead Sea
The camera zoomed in on a shaky phone video taken from a distance, showing the figures of Azaymos, Nox, Rex, and Mara standing on the shore of the Dead Sea. The world was watching, captivated by every move this mysterious group of beings made. Social media was flooded with theories and speculation about who—or what—they were.
The footage cut to a reporter standing at the edge of the site, his face serious. "We're standing here near the Dead Sea, where eyewitnesses claim to have seen the group of so-called 'gods' once again. It's unclear what they're doing, but authorities are urging people to stay away from the area. The world remains on high alert as governments scramble to respond to the growing threat."
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As the group prepared to begin the ritual to charge the dagger, Rex couldn't resist another jab. "You know," he said, looking out over the eerie calm of the sea, "if we keep this up, people are going to start building temples to us. I'll finally get that worshipping crowd I've always dreamed of."
Azaymos shot him a sideways glance. "Worshipping you would be the worst mistake humanity ever made."
Rex shrugged, unbothered. "Hey, I'm just giving the people what they want."
Mara, who had been quietly inspecting the Chains of Ankhura, raised an eyebrow. "I'm sure the world is just dying to build a shrine for you, Rex. They'll probably put a statue of you howling at the moon right next to the pyramids."
Rex grinned, clearly enjoying himself. "Now that's a legacy I can get behind."
Ahmose's dry voice echoed in Azaymos's mind, dripping with sarcasm. "Ah yes, let them build their statues. It'll give them something to weep over when it all comes crashing down."
Azaymos sighed. "Can we focus?"
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Azaymos stood at the water's edge, holding the dagger out before him. The runes along the blade flared to life as it absorbed the ancient energy surrounding the Dead Sea. The power was palpable, and the air seemed to thicken as the dagger drew in the last of what it needed.
Mara stood back, watching closely. "It's almost done."
Nox could feel the pull of the magic, the dark energy resonating with her own powers. She watched the waves ripple unnaturally, the water responding to the immense power gathering in the dagger.
Rex, clearly feeling the weight of the moment, stayed uncharacteristically quiet. For all his bravado, even he could sense the significance of what was happening. The world was watching, waiting for whatever came next.
The dagger pulsed one final time before the glow settled into a steady hum, the runes burning brightly against the dim light of the horizon.
"It's done," Azaymos said, lowering the blade.
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POV Shift: News Response
World News—Breaking: Mysterious Energy Surge at Dead Sea
The camera footage cut to a panoramic view of the Dead Sea, where an eerie glow seemed to hover over the shoreline. Reports were coming in from all over the world, and experts were scrambling to explain what had happened.
A scientist appeared on screen, clearly flustered. "The energy levels detected near the Dead Sea are unlike anything we've ever recorded. It's... it's almost as if the area has been supercharged with some kind of unknown force."
The camera shifted to a government official, his face grim. "We are monitoring the situation closely. At this time, we advise all civilians to avoid the area until we understand more about what we're dealing with."
The world held its breath, waiting for the next move.
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Back to the Group
Rex stretched, a cocky grin spreading across his face. "Well, that was anticlimactic. I thought we'd get some more action after charging the dagger. Maybe the army will show up again, just so I can give another speech."
Nox gave him a withering look. "Please don't."
Rex shrugged. "Hey, people need something to believe in."
Azaymos sheathed the dagger, turning to face the others. "We have what we need. The dagger is fully charged. Now we need to figure out our next move."
Mara nodded, her expression serious. "Whatever happens next, we'll be ready for it."
Rex, ever the optimist, smirked. "You think they'll let me host a press conference? I've got a few more godly proclamations ready to go."
Ahmose's voice drifted through Azaymos's mind again, dark and amused. "Let him. It'll be entertaining to watch them bow before him, just before they tear him down."
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The World Watches (POV Shift)
International Response—The Gods Among Us
The footage from the Dead Sea had already made its way to every corner of the internet, with people dissecting every frame. Theories ranged from divine intervention to alien visitations. Across social media, hashtags like #GodsOnEarth and #DeadSeaMystery were trending worldwide.
In the aftermath of the energy surge, people were left wondering: What was the group's endgame? Were they truly gods? Or was something far more sinister at play?
Governments across the globe were racing to contain the spread of panic, but the public's fascination with the group only seemed to grow. Across the internet, new forums popped up dedicated to finding and following the group, with users posting sightings and updates as they tracked their every move.
For now, the world watched, waiting for the group's next appearance.
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End of Chapter 38