The next day was pretty normal--I spent the day working and reading, picking up knowledge of different races and such. It surprised me to learn that humans were not the strongest creatures; instead, they were far from it. Unlike many other species, humans had a very difficult time learning magic, and, even when they did, they had no hopes of competing with stronger beings.

That confused me a little, because I was a human, and so was every other sentient being on my world. The humans here were incredibly weak--even the warrior or uncommon mage I’d seen barely had any detectable magic. Even commoners back home would give them a run for their money. I was no magic philosopher, but the fact that the same species would have such a huge disparity in power potential was strange.

Elves, like the ones I’d seen being sold into slavery, were most notably known for their incredible elemental magic. They were the ‘purest’ beings, and seemed to have descended from a powerful god. Meanwhile, beastkin, such as the one I’d seen before, were all different in appearance and power. Still, their most impressive characteristic was strength.

Apparently, humans were still alive only because of their massive population and their pantheon’s patronage. The information about deities became weirder and weirder, so I decided to talk to Marie. The conversation was a little awkward, because I didn’t want to show my complete absence of knowledge, but it seemed to be common knowledge that gods and goddesses were corporeal beings.

At first, I had thought that the gods were just stronger humans, but with more information, it seemed less likely. If these beings truly lived for hundreds of years, they could be another race altogether. Considering the multitude of other species on this planet already, I wouldn’t be surprised if that were the case.

I decided to visit a church once I’d finished my job. Marie directed me to the most popular temple in the city, a huge building in the middle of the city.

Everything was pristine. No beggars, vendors, or even poor-looking individual was around, and the multitude of guards made sure it stayed that way. The temple was the biggest, most ornate building I’d seen, and built in an arch.

People went in and out constantly, so I didn’t need to try to lessen my presence. The tiled floor opened up into a massive, crowded room. Huge stone statues were placed along the walls, each giving off a regal aura.

They were gods and goddesses. Dozens of people crouched below each of them, making offerings or kowtowing. Towards the middle were three statues that were much larger than the rest. A beautiful woman, whose arms were spread out in a kind gesture; a muscular, shirtless man, holding a massive axe; and a tall, robed figure with a huge staff in hand.

I had read of them--they were the three strongest deities in the humans’ pantheon. The woman, Myenta, embodied fertility, love, and health; the man, Dyktia, represented strength and resilience; and the robed being, Olmera, encompassed human intelligence and mentality.

While I was still thinking, silence filled the room. I looked up and saw a white light coming from Olmera’s statue. Everyone around it had stopped what they were doing and knelt.

The light continued to grow in intensity, and I had to shield my eyes.Then it vanished, and a man stood in its place. Tall, handsome, and dressed in a robe, he gave off the feeling of perfection. Greater than that, though, was his aura. His magical energy was massive, similar in quantity to my own. It filled the air around him in an arrogant manner, like a noble would.

I was caught by such surprise that I forgot about my own magic. I had let it roam around cautiously, thinking that nobody would detect it.

The man’s aura paused when it reached mine--I was too slow in reeling it in. He turned and stared at me. Eventually, he frowned and looked away, directing his attention towards the people kneeling in front of him.

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“Olmera is grateful for your dedication. I must travel to the capital.” He took a step forward, then paused. “War looms on the horizon. I suggest you prepare.” Then, he vanished.

The room erupted into movement again. Excited conversations sparked up, and many people hurried to leave. I moved to follow, but was intercepted by two guards.

The first looked furious. “You didn’t kneel in front of His Supremacy Nolan! What were you thinking?”

Oh, shit. I guess I didn’t. I tried to answer, but the second guard interrupted me. “We could throw you in a cell for a week. Pray tell, what was going on in your mind? The demi-god of Justice appears, and you disrespect our entire city?”

“I’m so sorry.” I tipped my head downward and feigned regret. “I couldn’t react, I was surprised. I meant no disrespect.”

The first guard still looked like he wanted to kill me, but the second one seemed more understanding. “Make sure you don’t do it again.” He caught the first one’s eyes and shook his head.

I thanked both of them, then hurried out of the building. The demi-god had definitely seen my magic, but didn’t seem hostile. Either way, I needed to be more careful. Although, wouldn’t that work for me? I wanted to figure out what these gods or goddesses knew of my situation--I needed to think about it.

The sky was darkening, and I still needed to deal with the sword I had modified. It didn’t take much work to find a blacksmithy near the center of the city.

There were no customers inside, but I heard banging coming from the back room. I unslung the sword I was holding and rung the bell on the counter. The sounds from the back stopped immediately, and an older, muscular man emerged.

“Hello there,” he greeted me warmly. “What can I do for you?”

I placed the sword down. “I’d like this appraised and sold. It doesn’t look like much, but the weapon itself is powerful.”

He nodded, wiping his hands and lifting up the sword. “The blade looks dull. Give me a minute here, and I’ll see about testing its strength.” Taking out a large rock, he ran the sword up and down the edge.

After a few seconds, his eyes widened. “Well, you were certainly right about its power. If you don’t mind my asking, what material is this blade made out of?”

I’d suspected the question. “Well, that’s a secret. I could get more of them, though.” His head shot up. We both knew what that meant. If he didn’t buy them from me, I’d go to other blacksmithies, his competitors. And if they could sell them for a cheaper price, his business would be hurt.

“You want to make a deal with me then?” he asked hopefully.

“I do. Forty coppers for each weapon I bring to you. Call it a discount.” I’d looked around his shop while waiting and figured that a sword of the same quality was around 80 coppers. The price meant that he’d resell the weapons at a lower price and still make a profit. Hopefully, it’d become popular, and I’d be able to sell him more.

He nodded after a few seconds. Only a fool would reject the deal, and we both knew it. “It’s a deal then. The name’s Doug, by the way. Doug Donnelly.”

I smiled. “Damien Krell.” We shook hands, and I walked away with 40 coppers. The arrangement was a relatively safe and efficient way to make money, but there was the issue of time. I’d have to go around and find cheap swords to augment. And if people found out I was reselling them, it wouldn’t be good.

Lost in thought, I almost didn’t notice the commotion going on ahead. The sound of a struggle was coming from down an alley. Two men cornered a teenager. I hesitated, but decided not to get involved--I doubted they’d kill the kid. Something stopped me from walking away, though. Curious, I looked back down the alley and realized I knew the kid--he was the one who’d given me directions to the library. It wouldn’t be too bad if I just scared them off, right? I didn’t have to kill them with magic.

...PoV Change...

I glared at the two guys in front me. They were going ballistic over a couple pieces of lost bread. It’s not like they needed it. With the quality of their clothes, I wouldn’t think it’d be worth their time to do anything. I was wrong, of course. What’s better than being able to beat a kid up without repercussions?

“Hey now, what’s with that look?” One of the men thrusted his fist into my stomach. Excruciating pain filled my body, and I slumped to the ground.

“Fuck you,” I breathed out. The man frowned. He lifted me up and punched again. My stomach churned, and I threw up. All over his shirt.

“What the fuck? Do you know how much this costs?” He backhanded me repeatedly. “I’ll make you pay for it.”

My vision started blurring, and the second guy decided to speak up. “Jarrod, I think that’s enough. If you kill him, the guards’ll be all over it, and it’ll cost a lot to pay them off again.”

Jarrod’s face contorted. “I don’t care. This thieving piece of shit deserves to die. I’ll be doing the city a favor.”