What did Godhood bring? An unthinkable amount of power? Immortality? Enlightenment?

Whatever the answer was, the First-Flame received what felt like an eternity without growth. Like the other Gods who were desperate to capture Ira, the feeling of stagnation began to gnaw at it. As a higher being, greed or desperation shouldn’t have been on its mind but it was. Godhood didn’t provide an answer for the First Flame as it thought only more questions. Was there a higher plane to reach after entering the Divine Realm?

In the beginning, the First Flame attempted to reach a level beyond a God. It mistakenly thought itself to be wise, assuming that one could embody a part the Origin Force and reach a perfect state where they were a true God. When the First Flame found out that the Origin Storm wasn't the last step beyond divinity, it was left it in a state of devastation.

The First Flame desired more power and although Gods could cut themselves off from mortal desires and enter a state of tranquility, that was not a solution in its eyes. So the First Flame toiled for more years than it could count, seeking to become fire itself. It proved to be a fruitless task and eventually, the First Flame entered a passive state. Only watching events unfold in the Divine Realm from afar. That was until Indras ran amok within the Divine Realm, killing hundreds of Gods before fleeing into the Origin Storm where he was thought to have died.

It moved to action once more when the Gods found out that the Indras appeared to have survived and left behind an Avarus in the Mortal Realm. Because of that, some Gods tried to brave the Origin Storm but died almost as soon as they touched it. The First Flame was among the ones to survive with injuries and no matter how much effort it made, it couldn’t break through the Origin Storm.

The realization came that only Indras would be able to perform such a feat and that Godhood had a peak. The First Flame accepted that as the truth, understanding there was nothing left to be gained. So when Ira appeared, the First Flame saw it as an opportunity to die and live on in a different way compared to jumping into the Origin Storm. The latter would completely erase all traces of it whereas Ira would absorb it bringing it into an everlasting state.

…

Ira listened to the explanation the First Flame gave and nodded in understanding. The Wolf was the same as it held little attachment to anything. He even knew of the entity who maintained a balance between the two realms wouldn’t want any beings that could throw the balance off to exist. Unfortunately, that meant those who wanted to find some sort of “truth” would be left to despair.

“Well, should we get it over with now?” Ira asked, clearly eager to gain more power.

“If you wish,” The First Flame replied.

“You want to die? Just like that?” Kara interrupted.

Ira narrowed his eyes at her meaningfully. If she convinced the First Flame to change its mind then he would lose out on a great opportunity. Had she been anyone else he might’ve already attacked her for interfering.

“I do not see it as truly dying, as I’ve already stated, but living on in a different way and in a different form. Just as a mortal may pass, becoming nourishment for the life within the soil.”

Thankfully, the First Flame’s mind was made up and as being that had lived for a long time it wouldn’t reverse its decision so easily. As the First Dragon to ever live and an ancient being, death wasn't something it was scared of. The thought of never reaching a conclusion, however, plagued its mind.

“But...” Kara seemed reluctant to let the issue go.

“I have lived for ages and have seen nothing beyond where I am. Allow me to go through with my choice.”

At the First Flame’s insistence, Kara could only silently step back. She didn’t want to obstruct Ira but the fact that such a powerful being was seeking to die because it couldn’t grow anymore bothered her. Maybe it was due to the fact that she sought death in the Mortal Realm and instead ended up ascending. Because of that, she wanted to believe there wasn’t a wall awaiting her in the future.

“Avarus...No, Ira, I am ready...I want to thank you for this opportunity.” The First Flame condensed even into an even smaller form and approached Ira’s outstretched hand.

“I should be the one saying that,” Ira replied respectfully as he held the essence of the First Flame.

“Whatever comes next, I wish you the best in your endeavors, Ira...” The First Flame’s voice, aged and wise, faded away as his essence became even smaller.

A pale orange marble-sized flame rested in Ira’s palm, emitting a radiant light. It held a purity and history that was truly one of a kind and that may never be seen again. Most Gods would be envious of Ira, especially those with fire-related divinities. And those without it would still be jealous that they weren’t recognized by such a grand being.

Ira looked at the fire in his hand, hoping that he would never feel the same as the First Flame but thankful that the latter chose to give his life over to him. Without delaying anymore, he tossed the flame into his mouth and swallowed it whole.

The immediate effect was the warming of his entire body but not much else.

“Are you ok?” Kara asked cautiously.

Ira turned to her and when he went to answer, his body suddenly ignited, a black flame covering him completely.

Kara reflexively moved back but found there was no heat coming from him. Still, all the objects near him turned into puffs of ash making her take even more distance from him.

“Take your time and adjust to your new power...I’ll keep watch,” Kara said.

She couldn’t tell really because of the black flame covering his body but assumed that he understood as he sat on the ground and became motionless.

Kara exited the cave and stood outside, crossing her arms and closing her eyes.

It wasn’t until three days had passed did Ira show signs of coming out of his ignited state but there was still a little time left until it happened. Kara had all the patience of a Goddess and waited without complaint.

“Kara, you chose to assist the Avarus while knowing the danger he poses. Now you must suffer the consequences of that decision.” A low voice rumbled through the air and made Kara become attentive. It was the voice of Xandes and it was clear his intent was anything but peaceful.

She summoned her weapons and didn’t respond to the provocation, choosing instead to search for her enemy.

“To think that you, a Goddess, would be so lustful as to elope with the husband of one of your descendants.” The beautiful male God who had shown caution toward Kara so many times insulted her brazenly, showing that everything before was merely an act.

“Kyridian,” Xandes called out, indicating that he wanted him to be more respectful.

“Did I say anything that doesn’t appear to be true?” Kyridian appeared in the sky with a smile but didn’t make any more harsh statements toward her. “If you truly respected her so much you would be here.”

“You know what my task is,” Xandes replied with hints of anger in his voice. “Don’t worry about petty issues and capture the Avarus.”

“I know, I know.” Kyridian turned his gaze to Kara. “That’s why you sent all of us, isn’t it?”

As he finished speaking, more Gods appeared in the sky next to him. Kara quietly counted all of them and was a little surprised to see that a total of twelve Gods gathered to capture Ira and presumably kill her. They weren’t even low-ranked Gods, half would be classified as mid-ranked and the other half would be high-ranked. Kyridian was the only who didn’t fit into either classification as he was the closest to Xandes in power but still far from rivaling him. As one of the few remaining Gods who participated in the annihilation of the Avarus and survived, it was safe to say he was anything but weak.

Kara smiled confidently as her silver wings spread out behind her.

“I hope I didn’t overestimate you, Ira,” She whispered under her breath before rising into the air.

“You’re mistaken if you think I’ll die so easily, coward.” Kara’s expression became vicious as she looked at Kyridian.

“I would be disappointed if you did,” Kyridian replied in a carefree manner, confident in his victory.

Meanwhile, inside the cave, the flames that seemed to be burning Ira’s entire body began to subside, losing their intensity. It appeared he would only need a few moments more before he was finally finished consuming it.