My first thought was to think: ‘That doesn’t sound very responsible.’ However, through hard work and second-guessing myself, I realised that a drink was something I was sorely needed. So I simply nodded to Ares’ suggestion to go to the pub.

“You look like some of the souls from the dead realm,” Ares commented.

“I feel like it,” I muttered.

“Died in battle?” He asks as we career off onto a side road, the buildings are mostly made out of a mixture of stone, wood, and glass. Whoever governs this land is certainly rich if most of the townspeople can display such wealth.

“I wouldn’t really call it a battle, more like a dog's death.” I grimace recalling the blade in my lung and dying in the sewer escape route. Ares sighs and gives whatever subtly he believed he was undertaking up on subtlety trying to gather information.

“I’m a god, you’re a god, there are several tens of thousands of gods each with different and sometimes the same Divinities. Do you know your Divinity?”

I remain silent for a few seconds while I think about it, pushing aside the fact there are thousands of gods in this pock-marked realm this is, and despite the absurdity of what he said, I am inclined to believe him.

“I have a pretty good idea.”

“That’s good, great even. Some gods arrived barely knowing their arse from their dick.”

“Speaking of not knowing anything, how the fuck did I become a god?” I asked with some disbelief in my voice to which Ares gave a sly grin.

“Yeah so, turns out every mortal has an infinitely small amount of Kindling inside them some people call it the Spark. Most never burn bright enough lives to ignite it and even if they do, they might not have enough to launch themselves to godhood like you and me.”

“So, by chance?”

“Indeed, which is why there can be multiple gods of the same concept, idea, and divinity but just different in terms of personality. You’ll also find that you’ve changed from your mortal body, you might resemble your old self a little but.” Ares stopped walking to look at me and emphasized his next words, “Every - little - thing - defines - you.”

“What?” I asked like an idiot.

“Everything from your hair colour, skin tone, voice, nose, freckles. The very manner in which you appear is a link to your Divinity, it’s a hint but it also highlights your minor Divinities everything exists for a reason with us.”

“Like you?”

“Yes like me, my eyes are red, my skin is leathery and weathered. My armour is worn and used, I smell of oil and blood. My minor Divinities are Strategy, Battle, and Metal. Commanders and soldiers alike pray to me for protection and guidance.”

“I see.” I nodded, we continued walking and eventually arrived at the pub Ares wanted to go to, we had passed several on the way to this one and I was curious as to why this one was chosen.

“Two pints of skullfucker!” Ares roared as he sat down, the rest of the vibrant atmosphere in the pub died immediately, only hushed whispers were spoken between companions now.

“Yes My Lord Ares.” The bartender acknowledged the order and immediately set out to deliver them.

This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it

“At least take me out to dinner first.” I sighed, before accepting the drink. I smelled it first, the sharp smell of alcohol wafted into my nose and I immediately knew this was no ale or wine.

“This type of drink is called a spirit.” He grinned and offered out his mug and I said cheers as we hit them together. “You’re meant to finish it all in one go.” He sagely advised before downing the entire cup.

So I raised the mug to my lips and opened my gullet, never before have I had a drink that burned as much as this. My initial reaction was to cough and splutter all over the table, but I continued to drink it until the mug was empty, I smashed the mug down on the table to see Ares’ shit-eating grin on his face.

“This drink is awful,” I paused “Another!” As soon as I said those words a wave of drunkenness washed over me and the warmth of alcohol heated me.

“You know what Levi, you’re all right!” Ares roared with laughter before another two mugs were set in front of us.

“Cheers!” We roared again and set our empty mugs back on the table.

♙

When I awoke, I was surprised at that, I woke with an unfamiliar ceiling above me which jolted me awake. Then the nausea set in and a pounding headache, my stomach felt all shapes of wrong and my mouth felt like I had been chewing cotton plants.

Around me, there were several people passed out and the stink of alcohol, sweat, and piss permeated the entire room.

I guess it wasn’t all a dream.

I stumble back up to the bar and reach around the other side of the counter until I manage to grab a large pitcher, I take it immediately to my lips and give it a quick smell before drinking it. It was just a light ale.

“The sun has only been up for a few moments and you resume?”

“It’s called professional drinking,” I mutter between slurps as Ares booms with laughter once more. “Please don't laugh.” I raise my hand out to stop him and then to cradle my head.

“If you want to feel better then you need to channel your Divinity, it removes minor ailments from your body like disease, scratches, and hangovers.”

“Wait… How?” I asked, trying to process this.

“Just think about what makes you, you.”

I remained silent and thought about it, what made me, me. Was it being an orphan? Being picked up as a squire by a hedge knight? Years of war? Or my dying moment? Or was it…. Was it everything I had to give up?

Around me, the air hummed with power, and dark red energy flickered into existence heavy like a weight sitting on my shoulders, I had never felt so powerful in my life but at the same time, it grounded me once more. Channelling my Divinity through me brought forth the worst experiences I had from my mortal life, every decision I made in which I had to give up or choose one option or the other.

The hangover disappeared, and as I basked in my power in return it cleaned and clothed me in something else. My armour which I had completely forgotten about changed into cloth, a formal outfit coloured, white, brown, and red. Potions and a sword still slung neatly on my waist.

“How was it?” Ares asked.

“Humbling,” I replied suddenly not in the mood to chat.

“Some gods Divinities are like that, they fill you with power but not hope.”

“Was the drinking last night just for training today?”

“Yes and no, you looked like you needed it and it proves it to yourself that you are a god.” He pauses before continuing. “You see, when we first come to terms with our new reality the first reaction is disbelief. We need to prove it to ourselves more than we need to prove it to others, gods are drawn to other gods who share similar traits. I know you are a warrior of how you appeared yesterday, I am a god of War.”

“So you showed up yesterday because we share traits?”

“Yes, but also because our main Divitinties are closely related. Yesterday that was you announcing your presence, in the old days depending on who you were close to, you would be ripped apart and your Divine essence assimilated into the older god. Nowadays though, it’s frowned upon. Rules have been put in place and it’s more of a mentorship, showing the ropes.” He smiled.

“So what now then?”

“This fine afternoon we are…” Ares looked out the window. “... We are having a feast, in celebration of a new god ascending.

“Is a god of Oaths going to be there?”

“They’ve sworn to attend.” Ares gives a smile.