Somewhere in different galaxy, there was planetary system with a single star surrounded by six planet but of these six only one world was inhabitable by living beings. This was Medini, second planet from the sun having atmosphere similar to that of the Earth.

What differentiates these two planets was the presence of mana particles which in abundance in Medini's atmosphere as compared to that of Earth, that have now become negligible.

Due to mana rich environment, living beings have gained the ability to control the mana inside their body as well the mana present outside in nature.

This enabled them to have command over magic spells. These magic spells ranged from directly using mana enforced elemental attacks to those that enabled them to even enhance their physical body to another level.

The residents of this world were magical beasts and beings that were always in conflict with each other to show their dominion over the other.

The world of Medini was further divided in five major territories and several minor territories.

The human governed territory covered the most area and was further divided in Kingdoms ruled by Kings and Queens.

Baimum Kingdom, was one of these Human kingdom which held the position of the most powerful kingdom governed by Theocracy who were the believers of Ashaanti, 'the lord of peace'. They had the largest human population and was headed by a religious head, claimed to be directly appointed by The God himself.

In Baimum castle which was situated in the capital city of Hidel, a meeting was being held with all the ministers and generals present. This meeting was headed by Nastik , the Prophet of lord Ashaanti who also acted as the head of Baimum kingdom.

"This might be last major settlement of the believers of false gods" said one of the person with serious expression while pointing on the map.

" So if we take out this settlement all other believers of the false gods will loose hope and will join our ranks as the follower of one true God, Lord Ashaanti" said one of the generals which earned everyone's nod in affirmation.

" So how's preparations going on for the crusade?" asked the head of the meeting.

"Sire, five battalions are on their way to the settlement. Within a week's time this settlement will be nothing more than a graveyard" said one of the general with reverence.

Everyone nodded and lightly patted on the desk to show their appreciation.

"Well done, the lord had spoken to me earlier and let me tell you, he was pleased with your dedication and faith in him. He shall reward everyone and will grant everyone a position in his paradise" said the prophet.

Everyone gasped at this news. They were excited that the God himself has agreed to grant them a place in his paradise and nothing could've made them any more happier.

The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

"Let light of lord Ashaanti shine upon this realm" shouted everyone in unison.

The prophet looked at them with mixed expressions. He never hated these gods against whom they have initiated this crusade except few.

The campaign of killing these many innocent people in the name of crusade made him feel guilty. For the actions of few beings many had been erased by this ethnic cleansing.

His only regret was that, if only things would have worked out differently, if only so many could have been saved from being massacred.

--------------------------

Satvik came out of the portal and saw Pinaki sitting in Lotus position with all eyes shut.

Satvik looked at him and a smiled without even knowing himself. When Pinaki was sitting with eyes shut the aura he released was so calm and peaceful which was quite ironical to his title as the Destroyer.

While Satvik was observing Pinaki, the snake that used to stay garlanded around the deity came towards Satvik and bit his left wrist. Satvik shook up and with wide eyes stared at Serpent God sliding back towards his lord without giving any explanation for the bite whatsoever.

When the serpent coiled around his neck, Pinaki opened his 2 eyes and said with a smile, "it seems you've gained the blessing of my friend."

Satvik wanted to protest that there were many other ways to give blessings that didn't involve biting but he choose to keep his mouth shut. Gods always choose to do things in mysterious ways rather than a straight forward one.

The serpent simply shook his head up and down as if nodding or at least that's what it looked like to Satvik.

Then another portal opened up and Tharun came with his wives following just behind him. When Tharun looked at Satvik he had a naughty smile and said, " look A-Pot-.. "

But he was immediately stopped by Satvik in mid sentence. Satvik laid down before Tharun with both his hands joined and begged, " please ! for the love of Gods stop with that title, I beg you."

Tharun looked at him while laughing and said, "wow you're already went beyond bending just to beg and plead before someone. I must say, your grandfather would not have liked that."

Satvik looked at him with astonishment and thought, 'how can a God act like him.'

The two wives of Tharun came to his rescue and the first said while pleading, "My lord you should not mess with him too much. Just look at him, this is not good for his heart. He already look quite dejected."

"Exactly! the entire pantheon now know about this title and now none are going to take him seriously "the other wife chimed in further.

Satvik looked at both the goddesses in surprise. "To think the goddesses of wealth would finally cover for me. After living most of his teenage years in financial crises" thought Satvik, which made both the goddesses roll their eyes while shaking their heads.

"I don't know why you mortals are so materialistic. The more you have the more you want. There's no end to your greed is there?" said the first wife, Sridevi.

"That's right! Have you ever slept with empty stomach or had to live without roof on year head?" further questioned Bhudevi, the second wife.

After realizing that it was true, Satvik just turned around and looked at the horizon ignoring both the goddesses which earned him a fowl stare from both of them.

"Woah! go easy on him you two. You already know that mortals are beings full of desire. And this is nothing new to you two right, everyone only pray to you with materialistic desires right?" asked Gauri with melodious voice and gentle smile adorned her face.

"You know that's exactly the issue here" said Sridevi.

"Whenever someone prays to us, they only demand for wealth. There are hardly any people who thank us for what they already have. Look even this guy's the same" completed Bhudevi.

"ha ha ha.." Satvik could only laugh awkwardly while averting their gaze.

"Well you guys don't know how to enjoy life" Tharun said while sulking. Then he looked at Pinaki and continued, "where's everyone? they should have been here by now?"

"I guess they might be on their way, let's wait for a bit" said Pinaki while looking at the horizon too.

Satvik could not help but ask, "Why and for whom are we waiting?"

"Well we have to bake a hero, Right?" asked Tharun while winking at him.

'huh!! baking?' was the only thing Satvik could mutter under his breath.