Ares stared up at Levi and rubbed his forehead. “Levi, you’re a cool guy. I don’t really know too much about your beings as of yet, but you have some intense and insane powers. I mean that in a good way, though the words I used may not describe that as such…”

Ares then rubbed his head and sighed out as he went into thought. “I feel like I have made a ton of mistakes, even though I’m quickly making a name for myself… I need something else, something that legitimises me…” Ares rubbed his forehead.

Levi and Ares were all along, with Jorgan and the Elder off to one side, looking after Runar. They were far enough away that hearing the pair speaking was difficult, though the water around them that shifted about also made it more difficult.

“Oh.” Ares said as a thought crossed his mind. “Do you have a crown? That would be a good way. If I’m given a crown by Rivea, then I could have the divine right to rule.”

“I am not certain that it would be wise, for other gods may be interested in claiming others as their avatars, or as the heirs of their will.”

Ares remained silent for some time. “Am I not the heir of your will? Was it not you who asked me to help the beastfolk.”

“Yes, but not as my heir, but as my friend.”

Ares flushed in embarrassment but smiled. “Alright, alright. Though… I consider you as my friend, but in order to create legitimacy, as well as a long running claim, it’s a good idea to do something like that. If something happens to me, then there’s still some legitimacy for my heir through the use of a symbol, a crown or something of that sort. It doesn’t have to have a special power, I could make a pilgrimage to get it enchanted as part of the story.” Ares mused aloud, rather excited about what he could do.

They continued to speak for some time, hashing out the details of what he could do in order to help bring the beastfolk under him, until Levi finally decided that a slightly magical crown will do him best, one that would allow him to communicate with creatures of the sea and call for their aid.

‘I should get a trident or something… some cool armour too…’ Ares thought to himself as he continued to try and form the legend in his mind, planning on how he would employ the story for the world to see.

Levi had left for some time and so Ares went to go speak with Elder and Jorgan, letting Runar rest in the woman’s arms. “Well, did it surprise you that I knew Levi?” He asked Jorgan with a smirk on his face.

“I hadn’t expected such a thing. However, it did not surprise me as much as it would have if you were any other.” Jorgan replied back, his voice as neutral as it could be.

Ares let out a laugh and then shook his head. “Well, that’s how it is, isn’t it?” He replied back and then he spoke with Jorgan for some time to make sure he was fine. He had tried to speak with the Elder, but it seemed her vow of silence continued here.

Eventually Levi returned. “I have brought the crown.” Levi said and then a small river of water flowed ahead to carry the crown until it rest upon Ares’ head. It was a perfect fit.

“I crown you King Ares, Master of Waters, Kin of all Riveans.”

‘Riveans!’ Ares had been trying to figure out a name for his people for some time now. It was a good thing Levi was here to fix all his problem. He glanced a look towards Runar and then back up to Levi. He grinned.

“I will definitely repay you, Levi.”

“Indeed, I am certain you will.” Levi bowed their head and then looked towards the others. “You shall be challenged soon enough, I can only pray for you. I have spent some time watching over what you have done, though only when you are near bodies of water. I have noted that you have yet to figure out the powers at your disposal.”

“Well I’ve been training with my feral form for a little while. I’m not sure I was near some water when I did that…”

“Those are not the powers in which I speak of.”

“What?”

“I have given you the title of Master of Waters, for you have such power within you.”

Ares thought about it for a while. His last bout with Peros, he had used the ring to call forth water and shaped it much easier to his will than when he had first done so. “Right? Still… I don’t think I have that much power.”

“Indeed. You do.”

“I do?”

“Indeed.”

Ares stared up at Levi. If Levi said that, then it must be truth. He was surprised though, so he decided he may as well test it out. He reached out a hand to one of the man rivers that swirled around them and then willed the water towards himself. At the thought of it the water swelled and then shot towards him before he then aimed it upward over him, and then it flowed over and then behind him. He cut the water off, leading the tendrils towards another river of water.

Levi watched intently. Ares then looked towards his hand and then to the rivers of water. He stared for a few moments in thought, his mind racing. ‘Holy shit that was cool.’ Ares looked up to Levi. “Since when could I do this?”

“Since we first spoke and we shared the core of the phoenix.”

“Since then?” Ares asked. “Why couldn’t I use the powers before then?”

“You did not believe.”

“I didn’t believe?” He whispered and then he looked down at his hand again. ‘Is this… manifesting belief into powers? Is the power of belief an ability in this world?’ Ares would have to ponder thoroughly onto the thought. However, he had other business to attend to. “Levi. Thanks for everything. Would you like to chat a little more, or shall I take my leave and forge a proper Kingdom? I’ll have Dragon’s Spine as my capital, and I’ll be sure to protect the pond, temple, whatever it’s called.”

“I shall leave you to your business, Ares. You have still much work to do, and I shall not keep you from it.”

“Alright, it was good to see you again.”

“I shall allow yourself and Runar to leave now.” Levi bowed their head and then water began to shift around Runar, who was carried over to Ares’ arms.

“Wait, what? What about Jorgan and the Elder?”

“They cannot leave.”

“What?”