Chapter 39: The Blood of Gods
The air still hummed with the faint, residual energy from the ritual as the group stood at the edge of the Dead Sea. In the distance, the faint sound of helicopters and the growing murmur of crowds reminded them that their every move was being watched.
Azaymos slipped the dagger into its sheath, the glow of its runes fading now that the power it had absorbed was complete. "We're done here," he said, his voice low but commanding. "It's time to leave."
But before they could move, Rex's attention was drawn to a familiar figure standing nearby—a reporter, camera in hand, staring at them with wide eyes. The man looked nervous, but there was a spark of curiosity in his gaze.
Rex grinned, baring his fangs in a playful, almost menacing way. "Ah, you again." He stepped forward, looming over the trembling reporter. "You still rolling?"
The reporter swallowed hard, nodding quickly. "Y-Yes... always."
Rex clapped the man on the shoulder, his voice booming with exaggerated cheer. "Good, good! You're going to want to catch this next part. Tell the world what you've seen here today."
The reporter's eyes darted between Rex and the others, uncertainty written all over his face. "W-What do I say?"
Rex leaned in, his voice dropping to a low, theatrical tone. "Tell them... the gods are leaving. But before we go, we're leaving a gift. For those worthy enough to use it."
The reporter's breath hitched, and his hands shook as he fumbled with the camera. "W-What kind of gift?"
Rex's grin widened. "Immortality, of course."
---
As the group prepared to leave, Rex reached into his coat, producing a small, ornate vial filled with a dark, swirling liquid—his own blood. "Here," he said, tossing it casually to the reporter, who caught it with shaking hands. "This... is a piece of me. Study it, experiment with it. Maybe, just maybe, you'll unlock the secret of my power."
Nox, standing off to the side, watched the exchange with a mix of amusement and skepticism. She too reached into her cloak, pulling out a similar vial, this one filled with her own blood. "Here's mine," she said, her voice quiet but sharp. "But be careful. You might not like what you become."
The reporter stared at the two vials, his mind clearly racing as he realized the gravity of what he was holding. "Y-You're giving this... to us? Why?"
Rex winked. "Because we're generous gods. And besides... who doesn't want a little chaos in the future?"
Azaymos stepped forward, his eyes dark and unreadable. "Enough. We're done here."
---
With a final glance at the reporter and the growing crowd of onlookers, Azaymos raised the dagger. The air around them began to hum with energy as the blade flared to life, the runes glowing bright once more. The world seemed to hold its breath as the power of the dagger twisted the very fabric of reality.
In an instant, the group vanished, disappearing into the ether, leaving behind only the faintest trace of their presence. The reporter, still clutching the vials of blood, stared in disbelief at the empty space where they had stood.
The world had just witnessed the impossible.
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POV Shift: Global Reaction
World News Breaking: Gods Disappear from Dead Sea
The footage of the group's sudden disappearance spread like wildfire across the globe. News anchors struggled to keep up with the barrage of updates, their faces pale with shock as they relayed the latest developments.
"Moments ago, the group of so-called 'gods' vanished from the Dead Sea in what can only be described as a supernatural event," the anchor said, his voice shaking slightly. "Eyewitnesses report seeing a flash of light before the group disappeared entirely. Authorities have no explanation for what happened, and the world is left grappling with the implications of their departure."
The camera cut to the reporter, still standing at the scene, holding the two vials of blood in his trembling hands. "They left these behind," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. "Their blood. They said it holds the key to immortality."
The camera zoomed in on the vials, and the world watched in awe as the blood of gods—Rex and Nox—was revealed to the public.
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The Birth of a New Faith
In the days that followed, the world began to change.
Across the internet, forums and social media platforms exploded with discussions about the gods' gift. Some people believed that the blood could unlock the secrets of eternal life, while others warned of the dangers of tampering with such power. Scientists and governments scrambled to obtain samples of the blood, eager to begin their research.
But it wasn't just curiosity that spread. For some, the disappearance of Rex, Nox, Azaymos, and Mara marked the beginning of something far more profound.
In cities across the globe, small groups of followers began to gather. They spoke of the gods who had walked among them, sharing stories of the battle at the Dead Sea and the gifts of immortality that had been left behind. Shrines were erected in honor of Rex and Nox, with their blood vials becoming sacred relics for those who believed in their divinity.
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POV Shift: The Cult of Blood
A young man knelt before a small altar, his eyes fixed on a vial of blood that glowed faintly in the candlelight. Around him, others whispered prayers, their voices filled with awe and reverence.
"They were gods," the young man whispered, his hands trembling as he reached out toward the vial. "They gave us their blood... so that we might be saved."
Another voice, low and fervent, spoke from the shadows. "Rex promised immortality. We will become like them immortal, untouchable."
Across the world, similar scenes were unfolding. People, desperate for hope or power, flocked to the places where Rex and Nox had been. The vials of blood became symbols of a new faith, a belief that the gods had left behind a gift for humanity one that would change the world forever.
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Back to the Group
As the group reappeared in a new, unfamiliar world, Rex couldn't help but laugh. "You think they'll actually figure out what to do with our blood?"
Nox gave him a sidelong glance. "They'll try. But I doubt they'll be ready for what comes next."
Mara, her expression unreadable, spoke quietly. "They'll worship you now. But you know how quickly that can turn."
Azaymos remained silent, his mind already focused on the challenges that awaited them in this new world. But as he glanced back at his companions, he couldn't help but feel a faint sense of unease. The gift they had left behind would change the course of human history but for better or worse remained to be seen.
---
The world had changed. Centuries had passed since the day Rex and Nox vanished from the Dead Sea, leaving behind their vials of blood. What had begun as a gift to humanity had become the foundation of a new era—an era defined by three distinct races.
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POV Shift: A Future Divided
The year was 2473. The Earth, once a world of humans alone, was now a planet divided. In the grand city of New Lycaon, towering spires reached toward the sky, and the streets below buzzed with life. But it wasn't just human life. The city was shared by three races humans, werewolves, and vampires each coexisting, but not without tension.
A young Lycan warrior stood on a cliff overlooking the city, the wind whipping through his fur. His golden eyes glowed faintly in the dim light of the fading sun as he listened to the distant hum of the city below. Beside him, a group of fellow Lycans howled in unison, their eyes fixed on the great statue of Rex, which stood at the heart of the city.
"Rex, the Great Alpha," the warrior murmured, his voice reverent. "The one who gave us strength. His blood flows in all of us."
Further in the distance, the ancient temple of Nox cast long shadows over the vampire quarter. A Vampire Elder, her eyes a deep crimson, gazed up at the towering effigy of Nox. The temple was bathed in the light of the artificial moon, and vampires from every corner of the city gathered to offer their prayers.
"Nox, the Eternal Night," the Elder whispered, her voice soft and melodic. "Her blood gave us immortality. We are her children, her chosen."
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The Splitting of Humanity
It hadn't taken long for humanity to change once Rex and Nox left their blood behind. At first, it was seen as nothing more than a curiosity something to be studied in secret laboratories. But the more scientists experimented with it, the more they realized the potential locked inside. The blood of gods wasn't just a gift; it was the key to unlocking new forms of existence.
In time, the first generation of Vampires emerged humans who had infused themselves with Nox's blood, gaining immortality and the ability to control shadows. Their bodies became cold, their need for sustenance driving them to feed on human blood. But they were powerful, nearly unstoppable, and quickly began to form their own societies, worshipping Nox as their eternal queen.
Not long after, the Werewolves followed. Those who experimented with Rex's blood found themselves transformed, gaining strength, speed, and an unbreakable bond with the full moon. Unlike the vampires, the werewolves could shift between human and beast, becoming Lycans at will. They revered Rex as the Alpha of Alphas, the god who had given them their power.
Humanity, now the minority, struggled to maintain its place in the new world. But rather than fade away, the three races learned to coexist, their worship of Rex and Nox the common thread that tied them together.
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The Temples of the Gods
In the city's grandest square, two towering statues stood side by side the stone effigies of Rex and Nox, their eyes forever watching over the city. Beneath their feet, an endless line of pilgrims moved toward the Temples of Blood, where the ancient vials of Rex and Nox's blood were enshrined.
A human priest, his face lined with age, knelt before the statues, his hands raised in supplication. "We give thanks to the gods, Rex and Nox, who have blessed us with their power," he intoned, his voice echoing through the temple halls. "May we continue to walk in their light, and may their blood guide us into eternity."
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The Council of Elders
Deep within the city's council chamber, leaders from each race gathered to discuss the future. A Human Chancellor, a Vampire Elder, and a Lycan Alpha sat around the great stone table, their faces solemn as they spoke of the challenges ahead.
"The world has changed," the Chancellor said, her voice weary. "We were once the rulers of this planet, but now... now we are the minority. We must adapt."
The Lycan Alpha growled softly, his eyes narrowing. "We owe everything to Rex. It was his blood that made us strong. But we must ensure that our kind continues to thrive. The humans are fragile, and the vampires... well, we know how they are."
The Vampire Elder smiled, her fangs gleaming in the dim light. "Nox gave us the gift of immortality. We are eternal, and we are patient. But the blood of our gods... it ties us together. We must remember that."
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The Legends of Rex and Nox
Across the world, in cities and villages, the names of Rex and Nox were spoken with reverence. Their disappearance had become legend, the story passed down through the generations as a testament to their power.
Some believed that Rex and Nox would one day return, walking the Earth once more to bring about a new age. Others claimed that their blood still held secrets powers yet to be unlocked by future generations.
But one thing was certain: the world had been forever changed by the gods who had once walked among them, and their legacy would live on for all eternity.
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End of Chapter 39