More than a mortal

Rufus woke up in a bed full of bandages. He could barely move and felt like he was about to puke.

"Don't try to push yourself too much," The queen said as she stepped inside," You have a fever because of all the wounds and bites the insects gave you."

Rufus closed his eyes and patiently just lay on the bed.

"So, you think you have become stronger?" she asked.

Rufus then formed divine spheres around him by just using his mind.

"I don't know how you did it, but I have never seen such an impressive rate of progress, even in the pit. Can you explain to me what you did?" she asked.

Rufus then made the divine spheres in the air vanish and thought for a moment.

"I can't really understand it myself, but it feels like I have lived through many lives, and I got stronger and stronger during those many lives. I remember the pain, suffering, and humiliation, but no idea how I got stronger. I'm sorry if I can't explain it myself," Rufus explained, trying his best to remember.

Rufus then looked around and thought something was weird.

"Where are Haley, Edward, Doreen, and the rest? I must have been out for days because I am almost completely healed," Rufus pondered.

"Well, actually, you only have been out for about an hour, and your wounds have already healed immensely during that time. If you continue to heal at this rate, you will be fully healed in a couple of hours."

Rufus lifted his hand from under the blanket and saw how the wounds on his hand were slowly but visibly healing and closing.

"You are becoming something more than just a man and a mortal. You are evolving, and soon you will also realize that when others grow old, you will age slower and be young and beautiful. It is a blessing, and to some, it's a curse," the queen said.

Rufus then sat on the side of the bed.

"I guess you already are more than an average mortal?" Rufus asked.

"I have lived for over two hundred years, and all the friends, the people I thought of as a family, have changed over the years. Because their lives had come to their conclusion, but mine hadn't. As you grow stronger, you will then realize many people will try to be your friends, not because they care for you, but wish you'd bless them with gifts and power. Others will hate you since you have something they don't."

Rufus got up from the bed.

"I guess that is the curse of people whom people look up to for guidance," Rufus answered.

"Hahaha. You have matured and grown wiser, but not wise enough. People can grow stronger because they want to lift people up, but some want to grow stronger just to watch and burn the world down."

"I know actually someone who is just like that...."

~~

Doreen was by herself in her room, flipping through the pages of her newfound book. She had thrown everyone out so she could be alone with the book.

"I can't believe how much you are helping me. You are telling me everything I have ever wanted to know, from the adventure of Iskander to the war against the demigods," Doreen spoke to the book.

"It is my pleasure to help you. I promise you that I will help you to the best of my abilities," a large mouth said that appeared between the pages of the book.

"Oh, your abilities are enough!" Doreen said back, not caring that the book talked back at her.

"Well, thank you, and I truly hope your abilities are also enough," the book said as it was fusing together with Doreen like it was trying to eat her.

Slowly, the book was corrupting Doreen and eating away at her divinity. The book formed hands that caressed Doreen, absorbing her divine energy and making the book grow stronger every second.