As the world expanded and the status system was implemented, more mortals started to believe the gods with all their hearth. No longer they fear the gods, instead the miss them. Temples rose, shrines were built, and churches dedicated to the gods spread across the lands like veins in a growing body.
Kingdoms dedicated to certain gods were being born and conflicts between mortals were growing.
At first, the gods merely observed. The concept of faith had always existed, but its power had been passive—a simple acknowledgment of their divinity. But then something changed.
The more mortals prayed, the stronger the gods felt. It was subtle at first. A small surge of energy when a prayer was uttered. A flicker of strength when offerings were given. But as churches spread and believers increased, so did their influence.
It was Hestia, the goddess of the hearth, who noticed it first.
In her grand temple, Hestia watched the flickering flames of the sacred hearth. The warmth of devotion filled her, but this time, it felt different. Stronger.
She closed her eyes, feeling the threads of faith weaving into her very being. Every time a mortal gave thanks before a meal, her power swelled. Every whispered prayer, every candle lit in her name, strengthened her essence.
"This… is new," she murmured.
Taking a deep breath, she focused, reaching out beyond her own domain. And then she sensed it—the same thing was happening to the others.
She had to tell them.
---
Olympus was abuzz with divine energy. The gods had all felt it by now. Zeus called for a meeting, and nearly every god attended, eager to understand what was happening.
"It is undeniable," Poseidon said, arms crossed. "Faith is fueling us. My power in the sea has grown with every temple erected on the shores."
Hades, who rarely came to Olympus, said "Even the underworld feels the change. The belief in the afterlife strengthens the walls of the underworld, making it more stable. The rivers flow stronger, and my dominion over souls has never been firmer."
Hera tapped her fingers against the arm of her chair. "Marriage vows taken before my priests now bind with a strength beyond mere oaths. A broken vow weakens them, but a kept promise feeds me."
Apollo and Artemis exchanged glances.
Apollo spoke first. "The stars… the constellations grow brighter. The faith of mortals allows me to grant clearer visions through prophecy."
Artemis added, "And my huntresses feel my presence more than ever. Every offering given under the moon empowers me."
Then, all eyes turned to Ares. He leaned forward, a dangerous grin on his face. "And war…" He clenched his fists, feeling the raw power surging through him. "Every battlefield is now a temple in its own right. When warriors call my name before battle, I feel their rage. Their thirst for blood fuels me like never before."
Athena's expression remained unreadable. "War is not only rage, Ares. I feel it too. Every strategy used in my name sharpens my presence."
Tension crackled between them. Zeus raised a hand, silencing them.
"This power is real," he said. "Faith has become the lifeblood of divinity. The mortals empower us, but we must be careful. If faith gives us power… what happens if we lose it?"
A heavy silence filled the hall.
It was Hephaestus who finally spoke. Unlike the others, his voice was calm, analytical.
"We now have something that connects us to mortals in a way we never had before," he said. "But faith is not infinite. If mortals turn away, our strength will fade. We must ensure that faith remains."
The gods exchanged glances, realizing the deeper implications.
For the first time in history, their power was no longer absolute. It was tied to the belief of mortals.
And that meant it could be taken away.
As the gods left the meeting, a new thought took root in their minds. Faith was now a resource. A currency of divine power.
Some, like Hera and Hestia, sought to nurture it, ensuring the faith of their believers grew steadily.
Others, like Ares, saw it as something to be taken, something to be fought over.
And somewhere, deep in his forge, Hephaestus pondered what this meant for the future.