The city never truly rested, but dawn carried a strange stillness over the streets. Nova walked among the early risers, the hum of neon signs fading against the quieter rhythm of morning traffic. His mind replayed yesterday's events—the first human believer, the sparks that had danced across his fingers, the feeling of being watched. Each step down the sidewalk carried a hum, a subtle thrum of the Divine Spark still alive inside him. He flexed his fingers, sparks leaping across them like miniature lightning arcs, unseen by the hurried passersby.
The air smelled faintly of wet asphalt and electricity, and for a moment, Nova felt it—a ripple of unnatural energy threading through the city. It was subtle, almost imperceptible, but enough to make his chest tighten. His instincts, honed by the spark of divinity, told him something was wrong.
And then it appeared.
From the shadows of a crumbling alley, a figure emerged—not human. It moved unnaturally, sinews twisting and glowing with a pale, greenish light. Its eyes were pits of void, and the air around it shimmered with latent energy. Passersby screamed as it leapt toward a street vendor, its claws cutting through the metal stall effortlessly.
Nova's heart pounded. He could not ignore it.
Sparks leapt from his fingertips instinctively. He raised his hands, forming a protective barrier around himself and the civilians frozen in panic. The creature recoiled slightly, its glowing eyes narrowing as it studied him.
[System Notification] Minor Threat Detected: Supernatural Entity
Threat Level: Moderate
Recommended Response: Engage
Belief Points: +0
Power: 2.8%
The notification faded, leaving only the pulse of energy in his veins. Nova focused, letting the Divine Spark guide him. Lightning arcs danced across his palms, coalescing into concentrated streaks that he hurled at the creature. The light hit it squarely, and for the first time, Nova heard a scream that was not human—a shriek of pure unnatural fury.
The crowd watched, eyes wide. Some fled, some froze, and a few brave souls pulled out phones, capturing every moment. Sparks crackled across the street, illuminating the creature as it lunged again. Nova leapt forward, instinctively weaving his energy to shield nearby civilians, deflecting the blows with arcs of blue-white light.
[System Notification] Minor Ability Activated: Sparks Shaping
Belief Points: +5 (Witnessed Miracle)
Power: 3.2%
Minor Authority: Enhanced Sparks Control
The creature paused, hissing, realizing its attacks were being absorbed, redirected, or neutralized by a force it had not anticipated. Nova's confidence surged. Each spark he wielded, each life he saved, fed the system. The Divine Spark inside him thrummed with each Belief Point gained.
From the shadows above, a figure watched—human in shape but radiating power. Nova felt a familiar pressure, a shadow of intent that chilled him even as his body burned with energy.
[System Alert] Rival Candidate Detected
Location: Nearby Rooftop
Threat Level: Moderate
Recommendation: Caution
Nova's eyes narrowed. Another candidate. Someone chosen, like him, moving unseen among the chaos. He could feel their intent, a careful probe at his defenses, and a silent test of strength. He didn't have time to engage; the creature before him demanded immediate action.
He focused again, weaving sparks into a concentrated sphere, letting it fly straight at the entity. The impact created a shockwave that sent debris scattering. The creature shrieked, staggered, and recoiled into a narrow alley, temporarily defeated but not destroyed.
The crowd erupted into awe and fear. Phones captured the spectacle, and the energy of belief coursed toward him. The system pulsed in response:
[System Notification] Belief Points +8 (Multiple Witnesses)
Power: 3.8%
Minor Authority: Sparks Shaping Level 3
Followers: 1 confirmed
Observers Noted: 4
Nova exhaled, sparks flickering softly around his hands as the adrenaline receded. The threat had been neutralized for the moment, but the city was no longer silent. Rumors would spread, believers would form, and his presence had been confirmed to the world.
Above, the Rival Candidate watched, their form still obscured by shadow. Nova could sense their intent, and though the immediate threat was gone, he knew they would return.
[System Alert] Rival Candidate Activity Logged
Potential Engagement Probability: 45%
Recommendation: Increase Vigilance
Nova felt a surge of pride and fear. Power without control could kill, and faith without strategy could lead to disaster. He flexed his hands, sparks dancing like fireflies. The city lay below, a maze of potential believers and threats. Each life saved was fuel; each witnessed miracle was a step closer to divinity—but also a step closer to being hunted.
The creature stirred again, retreating into the shadows, a reminder that this was only the beginning. Nova turned his gaze to the skyline, feeling the pulse of the system and the hum of divine potential within him.
[Quest Update] Supernatural Threat Neutralized: 1/1
Belief Points Gained: +13
Power Increased: 4.5%
Minor Authority: Sparks Shaping Level 4
Nova's jaw tightened. The morning had started quietly, but by its end, the city had seen him. The sparks had danced, faith had been ignited, and unseen rivals had taken note.
He whispered to the wind, letting the hum of the Divine Spark echo through him:
> "Let them see. Let them believe. Let them watch. I… I will become more than a man."
Above the rooftops, golden eyes glinted. The first stirrings of ancient gods had awakened, sensing the surge of divine energy and faith. Nova's trial in the streets was over, but the true tests—the rivals, the gods, and the weight of belief itself—were only beginning.
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