Humans, Demi-humans, and Deities

Nodding, Bil continued, "Do you remember what year it is?"

"Yeah.. It's 384 PD," replied Nelphy.

"Good job, and do you both know what PD means?" After seeing them both shake their heads, Bil explained, "PD stands for Post Divinity. And all years before then are marked as BD, or Before Divinity. Three hundred and eighty-four years ago was when the first god and devil rose to power, when two humans became a god and a devil."

"... Are you following?"

Blown away, Jash and Nelphy were speechless but they nodded slowly.

"You're still kids, so I'll try not to get too complicated. But the short version of the story is this." Sighing, Bil glanced up at the sky. "It was almost four hundred years ago that two new religions were created. They were the first religions to worship a living being instead of a deity living beyond humanity's view."

"We.. used to worship unknown gods?" questioned Nelphy, startled.

"Mhmm. That was the norm back then," answered Bil. "But that changed after the first god and devil rose to power."

"Why? Why did it change?" asked Jash, reeled into the story.

Shrugging, Bil stated, "Because if you can see the deity you worship and get direct help from them, wouldn't that make faith pointless?"

"..." Both kids were stumped.

"What is faith? Is faith following an oppressive being that can directly punish you for failure?" Bil questioned with a shrug. "Or is faith believing in something we can't prove? Is faith believing that a living god is strong enough to conquer a town? Or is faith believing that the town will never lose against that impervious god?

"... I believe it's the latter. Faith has nothing to do with what we can see or what is simply a fact. Having faith is to believe something we can't see, something we can't physically touch or prove in the moment.

"It was the original gods and devils that warped the meaning of faith and forcefully uprooted every other religion in existence," explained Bil. "That's why the calendar records time based on humanity's rise to divinity. Because it changed the world forever…"

Noticing a hidden rage building up in Bil's cheeks, Nelphy asked, "Then, what's the difference between humans and gods?"

"And devils?!" Jash added, not wanting to miss a thing.

Bil took a moment to quell his anger before it became obvious. ".. The difference became religion."

Nelphy and Jash both looked back at Bil, repeating, "Religion?"

"Religion has always existed, but they twisted religion into a cheat to gain power," Bil clarified. "Form a pact with a god or devil, and you gain power in exchange for power. They'll grant you powerful light or dark veita in exchange for your own. However, the more you use the gifted energy, the quicker you become a demi-human, also known as angels or demons."

"It's easy to become an angel?!" Jash was amazed. "I can become a demon–"

"NEVER!"

Silence hung in the air as Bil calmed himself again. "You should never want to be an angel or a demon. They have no will of their own. They've become consumed with their gifted power and have forsaken their own natural strength, offering it fully to their deity along with their willpower.

"The only hope to regain willpower is to ascend and become a deity. And it's harder for angels and demons to achieve that strength than for regular humans." Bil exclaimed, "Long story short, gods and devils are former humans that gave up their humanity, and are now abusing humanity to gain power. Angels and demons are powerful followers without any will of their own. And humans can gain strength equivalent to deities if they put in the time and effort necessary, and have a lot of luck.

"... Also, Jash, the god that attacked Emor wasn't even a god."

"WHAT?!?" Jash's mouth hung open. "Then how–"

"That's how powerful high angels are," stated Bil, unfazed. "The god had only half ascended. If a true god had attacked Emor, even the weakest ones, they could've conquered the town before it was set on fire. That's if they knew how to strategize, but you get my point."

Hugging them tightly, Bil added, "To protect everyone, you have to be stronger than everyone. And that includes the gods and devils. That's why I choose to just protect you two."

"..." Shaken and overwhelmed, Jash's mind was racing in all directions.

Nelphy blinked over and over, also overwhelmed.

"Sorry. I didn't mean to say so much," sighed Bil. Scarfing down the last of his meal, Bil got up and patted their heads. "Jash, Nelphy, should you ever choose to, I'll teach you about veita, the energy we use to live and fight."

"REALLY!!?" Jumping to his feet, Jash threw his arms around Bil. "THANKS, BIL! I LOVE YOU!"

Chuckling and enjoying the embrace, Bil hugged back. "I love you too! But don't think I'll let you fight while you're so young. I'll be teaching you the basics until you've completely mastered them. So be ready to get mad with me, cause I won't let up!"

"Yes, sir!" Jash shouted. ".. Um, Bil? How do I salute?"

"Ah, do what I do." Bil again closed his right fist and placed his arm across his chest, resting the fist over his heart.

Copying Bil, Jash saluted and repeated, "Yes, sir!"

Nelphy laughed and joined the group hug. "I don't know about fighting, but I want to learn about vita too."

"It's veita, dear. And of course, I'll teach you too."

After relishing in the moment, Bil chuckled, "Alright, it's time to pack up and go. Ready?"

"READY!" Jash yelled as he bolted into the cave.

Nelphy nodded, "I'm ready."

"Then let's get going." Bil took Nelphy's hand, letting her guide him back. "The sooner we get to the next town, the sooner we can bathe and relax!"