Fairy Tale: With Sin Of Pride

In the divine hierarchy, gods often choose champions to help expand their dominion. But don't mistake it for charity; it's a mutually beneficial transaction.

For gods who have surpassed the need for faith to fuel their power, the only path forward is to broaden the scope of their priesthood—essentially, the domains they govern.

Take the God of Darkness, for instance. His original priesthood encompassed only eternal night and darkness. However, as chosen champions ascended to godhood, his domains expanded to include moonlight, silence, and other compatible aspects.

When the primary god grows stronger, subordinate gods gain opportunities to rise, creating a win-win situation. Hence, it's no surprise that many powerful gods actively cultivate new deities, especially demigods possessing potent, rule-defying powers.

If a demigod aligns perfectly with a vacant priesthood, they stand a high chance of inheriting it upon ascending to godhood. However, conflicting domains—like darkness and light—can't coexist within a single entity without weakening their divine power.

This was likely why the God of Darkness sought out Rhodes. The demonic energy Rhodes unleashed when defeating one of his avatars screamed compatibility: darkness, evil, destruction. These forces resonated with the God of Darkness's priesthood.

Becoming his chosen champion would allow Rhodes to ascend as a god in his own right, amplifying the God of Darkness's domains in the process. A perfect, symbiotic relationship.

But Rhodes wasn't interested in symbiosis.

"I refuse!"

The God of Darkness's ethereal eyes widened, disbelief breaking his eternal calm.

Rhodes shoved his hands into his pockets, a cocky grin tugging at his lips. "I'd rather forge my own path than follow someone else's rules."

The god's offer felt like surrender. An enticing trap, certainly, but a trap nonetheless. His pride wouldn't allow him to kneel to anyone, not even a god.

"Instead of being your chosen, why don't you follow me?" Rhodes extended a hand toward the God of Darkness, his tone dripping with audacity. "I could use a queen by my side. With your status, you'd be a decent pick. Think about it. Maybe under me, you'd go even further."

For a fleeting moment, he imagined the novelty of marrying a god. It might be entertaining.

The God of Darkness didn't react with fury. Instead, he shook his head faintly, his expression calm.

"No matter how powerful you are, a demigod's life is fleeting. Mortals cannot escape death."

He wasn't angry. How could he be, when Rhodes had proven himself worthy of standing as an equal? A demigod who could slay gods deserved at least that much respect.

However, respect didn't mean acceptance.

"Until you become a god, your words are nothing more than arrogance."

Rhodes stroked his chin thoughtfully. "Then I'll pay you a visit in your Kingdom of God one day. Maybe you'll change your mind by then."

His demonic wings spread wide, blotting out the sun as they cast a vast, oppressive shadow. The sheer power emanating from him warped the surrounding space.

The God of Darkness's gaze remained tranquil. "I'll be waiting."

In her divine kingdom, the power of faith fortified her existence. Even if her divine body was destroyed a thousand times, as long as her kingdom endured, she could not truly perish. To defeat her there, one would need strength surpassing that of a supreme god.

The God of Darkness's form dissolved into the shadows, merging seamlessly with the surrounding darkness. She left as suddenly as she had appeared, her purpose unmet but her dignity intact.

As Rhodes watched her depart, jealousy flickered in his eyes.

"The power of gods…" he muttered.

Godhood wasn't just about immortality. It was about the authority of the priesthood—power derived from the very rules of the world. A god governing darkness, for instance, could command every shadow, every void. Their power was absolute, almost akin to rewriting reality with mere words.

And yet, priesthood was exclusive to gods. Even the most formidable demigods couldn't touch that authority. It was a privilege of the divine.

"No matter. There's always another way," Rhodes said, his tone unwavering.

The ancient gods who defied faith had their own means of attaining power. He'd uncover their secrets in time.

For now, though, there were more pressing matters. His gaze shifted to the imposing castle before him—a structure brimming with ominous energy.

Before the God of Darkness left, she had revealed the whereabouts of Pecula, the vampire lord who had dared to challenge him.

"So, she's using me as her pawn, huh?" Rhodes muttered, though he wasn't too bothered. Pecula had it coming anyway.

The castle loomed like a sleeping beast, its grandeur overshadowed by an air of malevolence.

Yulia, his companion, spoke up, her tone uncharacteristically grave. "This place… it's known as Dracula's Castle. Once home to a duke, it's been abandoned for centuries."

Rhodes raised an eyebrow. "Dracula? Pecula? Those names are suspiciously similar. Coincidence?"

"It's no ordinary abandonment," Yulia said. "This castle is cursed. An evil spirit haunts it."

Rhodes smirked. "Cursed, huh? Sounds like fun."

He stepped forward, his confidence unwavering as the shadows of the cursed castle seemed to beckon him inside.