“Have you got fire in your belly? Flames in your soul? Heat in your head? Then maybe you might be the next Fireheart King! Once again, the Overflame is calling for fire deities to step forward and enter the Contest of Flames, to prove their power and resolve, and perhaps claim the title of Fireheart King, bathing themselves in fire and riches beyond the likes anyone has ever seen! So are you up to the challenge? Step forth and prove yourself now!”
Retvik’s eyes scanned the flyer, which was singed on the edges and covered in holographic stickers, all giving it a shimmering look.
“You cannot be serious.”
Behind Retvik, Galyn stood tall, smiling just a little.
“You are a fire god, yes?”
“In theory, yes, but this sounds… I do not know. Weird. Unnatural. And I have never actually acted as a god of fire. I just have fire powers.”
Galyn shrugged, looking Retvik up and down. “You certainly look like you could be a fire god. Fancy armour, ferocious look, flames running up and down your body. A strong aura of confidence. Really, the only thing you lack is a fiery temper.”
“Are you really suggesting I go and take part in this contest?” Retvik asked. “I do not even know where it is or what actually happens. Is it a set of trials? Am I going to have to fight somevok? It all seems a bit… Well, almost like an infomercial, or some kind of elaborate scam.”
The elder Decay Lord simply shrugged some more. “It is normally a set of challenges, with a handful of battles between deities. I think it would be a great learning experience for you.”
Retvik sighed. “It is not the learning experience I am looking for though. I am quite content with my level of mastery.”
“Even more of a reason why you should take part. Prove your mastery and your skill in the best way possible. After all, no one else here is a fire god. You have no one to compare yourself to.”
Annoyingly, Galyn’s words made a lot of sense to Retvik. It was true, he had never fought a fellow bearer of the flame. The closest he had come to was a brief battle against an icy warrior, and Retvik mostly won that fight through sheer brute force.
“Maybe I should… do some training or something.”
“You can do that at the tournament. Practice against other fire gods.”
“You really think I should go to this thing?” Retvik grumbled. “You are pushing it a bit.”
“I do think it would be good for you, Retvik. A chance to really sharpen yourself. If you want, take Phovos with you and go on a bit of a holiday while you are at it.”
“I do not know how Phovos would react…”
“I am sure she would find it a pleasant change. Plus, you can have someone behind the scenes to cheer you on.”
“I… I will consider it…” Retvik muttered after a brief silence.
“Be quick though, the sign-ups fill up fast!” Galyn beamed.
“Yeah…” Retvik paused, then shrugged. “It might be fun.”
“Exactly!”
“Alright…” Retvik quickly re-read the flyer, then turned to Galyn. “I think I will take part. What is the worst that could happen?”