YAZE22

Every thousand years, the gods descend to Earth for the Ascension Royale, a high-stakes competition broadcasted across the heavens. The rules are simple: each god is randomly assigned a human host. For one year, they must keep their mortal alive as monsters ravage the world. The last god standing wins divine glory—but for Luis Mendoza, a broke college accounting student, his assigned deity is Zyx, the God of Misfortune, a cosmic joke even among the divine.

Now, with monsters emerging worldwide and rival hosts hunting each other for power, Luis must survive a year of chaos—despite his own god’s unlucky influence.

THE GOD OF MISFORTUNE

Luis stepped out of his cottage, stretching under the morning sun. Icon followed silently, its new Bleeding Talons glinting.

"Hey, Luis!" Rico jogged over, grinning. "How was your—" He froze mid-step, staring at Icon. "Uh. What the hell is that?"

Luis smirked. "This is Icon. My… uh, assistant."

Icon tilted its head. "I LIKE BIRDS."

Rico blinked. "Okay? And I like not getting stabbed by weird metal guys. Is it safe?"

"SAFETY IS RELATIVE," Icon replied. "BUT I DO NOT STAB MASTER. ONLY MONSTERS. AND BIRDS ARE NICE."

Rico turned to Luis. "Is your robot high?"

Zyx materialized, cackling. "Oh, this never gets old. Yes, Rico. It's very high. On birds."

Luis sighed. "Just ignore him. You said you wanted me to meet the other Hosts?"

Rico nodded, still eyeing Icon warily. "Yeah, come on. They're gonna love your murder toaster."

The village square was bustling. Ten figures stood in a loose circle—each bearing the faint glow of a patron god. Rico cleared his throat.

"Alright, idiots! Meet Luis, the city boy who somehow survived a week without dying!"

A chorus of greetings followed. Luis scanned the group as they introduced themselves:

Stormfist (Active): Punches with lightning, chaining to nearby foes.

Rain's Blessing (Passive): Heals 1% HP per second in rain.

God: Hekate (Greek Goddess of Witchcraft)

Witchfire Cut (Active): Blades burn with cursed flames (DoT).

Veilwalk (Passive): +30% movement speed in darkness.

God: Aegir (Norse Giant of the Sea)

Tidal Guard (Active): Summons a water barrier that blocks projectiles.

Anchor Soul (Passive): Immune to pulls/grapples.

God: Raijin (Japanese God of Thunder)

Drum of Thunder (Active): AOE stun (2s).

Stormborn (Passive): +15% damage during storms.

God: Anansi (West African Trickster Spider-God)

Web of Lies (Active): Roots enemies in silk for 3s.

Storyteller (Passive): Gains buffs when lying convincingly.

God: Cernunnos (Celtic Horned God)

Wildshape (Active): Turns into a stag for 10s (+speed).

Thornblood (Passive): Bleeds attackers who hit him.

Class: Plague Doctor (Healer/Support)

God: Ek Chuaj (Mayan God of Merchants)

Blackmarket Blessing (Active): Tosses a healing potion (scavenged from "questionable sources") that restores 30% HP to an ally.

God: Saraswati (Hindu Goddess of Knowledge)

Mantra of Clarity (Active): Cleanses debuffs for allies.

Harmony (Passive): Nearby allies gain +5% crit chance.

God: Perun (Slavic God of Thunder)

Skycleave (Active): Lightning-infused axe strike (AOE).

Rage of the Heavens (Passive): Gains attack speed when wounded.

(CH18)THE TALONS OF WAR