Let it Grow

I was stunned for a moment. 'A domain? I suppose that makes sense, but I was not prepared. Are the domains just the damage types? Or is it more like a creature type? What is the system here?' Before I could calmly panic any further, the HUD decided to help out.

High Proficiency with "Growth" Domain Detected

The "Growth" Domain is in charge of the expansion of all things. Priests and entities within it have much higher physical capabilities than most other domains. They also are greatly skilled in healing spells and buff spells, while their abilities assist in permanent or temporary enhancement of themselves or others.

That was... quite good. I thought it over more to be absolutely certain. I didn't know what kinds of domains were actually available, meaning I didn't know where this one would place on a tier list. However, my choices up to this point did agree with it immensely, and it complimented my abilities and spells I already had. I decided to put my faith in the HUD and agree to choose the "Growth" Domain.

I immediately felt an influx of power. My mana surged with a new strength, and I felt my class magic awaken. I could feel my veins surge with my new Divine Power, and my core began to radiate it as well. I took some heavy breaths as I came down from the exhilarating feeling of awakening my divine power, and took a quick look at the skills I unlocked.

Holy Shield (Class) (divine): Creates a barrier using the mana of the caster, infused with the divine power of their god. The barrier will have Health equal to (Magic Attack*Mana Spent). The shield is immune to the damage type covered by the god's divine power (life), but takes double damage from its counter (****).

Mark of Divine (Class) (active): Allows for the creation of the Divine Mark of the user's god. This mark will increase the power of people or objects associated with this god when it is placed upon them, allows for the god to perceive the areas around them, and can serve as a beacon or core for magic power or rituals. A god can only sustain an amount of Divine Marks equal to their Divine Power.

These were both quite useful, I made good choices. Mark of Divine did indeed synergize will with Divine Talisman, as they both allowed for the creation of artifacts and buffs for my future followers. Holy Shield also gave me the much-needed defense I craved, allowing me to rely on more than Regeneration to keep me alive. Reading its description, a thought occurred to me. 'So, **** defeats life, huh?' The HUD was quick to respond.

The Elements of life and **** have a mutual counter relationship. Unlike Elements like water or fire, where water beats fire and fire is truly weak to water, both life and **** counter each other. This is most comparable to the elements of dark and light.

'Makes sense.' Just after finishing my thought, the wizard called out to me. "Hey! What's going on over there? I felt something weird a second ago."

I decided to return to them now that they seemed done talking. "My god has decided I am worthy of bearing a piece of his divine power. My apologies if the event caused any distress young..." It was at that moment I realized I knew none of their names.

"Natalia," She said with a slightly spaced out expression, before snapping herself back to reality. "Can you please repeat what you just said? I feel like I heard you wrong."

I nodded, "Indeed, Ms. Natalia. My lord Moged-Ruun has decided I am worthy of the honor of bearing a fragment of his own divine power."

Natalia stood still for a moment before falling backwards, apparently passing out. I turned to the others to ask them if she was alright, but they wore expressions of **** surprise as well. "Is something the matter?"

The dwarf was the first to get himself back together. "I'm Grutrod, pleasure to meet yee." He extended his hand, which I shook calmly. "The lass is out because of what yee just said, 'case yu'r worried." Before I had a chance to ask for clarification, he continued. "The gods almost never 'and out their divine power. Only ever 'appens to the most powerful and devoted of them priests."

"Ah, I can see why it was a shock then, my apologies." I gave an apologetic nod. Grutrod let out a slightly concerned chuckle.

"You know," The elf suddenly spoke up, "you might be the first person I have ever heard refer to their god as a male." She stood in a contemplative position before Grutrod gave her an elbow to the hip. "Ah, I'm Silvia." She did not extend her hand, but I gave a slight bow of recognition anyway.

"I did introduce myself to Natalia, though I suppose I did not do so officially to you two, my apologies. I am Mathew Kiegan, and it is a pleasure to meet you." The implications of her statement were quite intriguing. It implied that at least all of the major gods were women. Despite my quite disciplined nature, I couldn't help but fantasize about being served by a harem of goddesses.

Before I could get too lost in my fantasies, the door to the courtyard burst open, and a figure stepped out into the field.