Divinity Detox: Gods Gone Viral

The city pulsed with power.

As they walked through the ever-shifting streets, Kara couldn't shake the feeling that the Crossroads was watching them.

One moment, the buildings looked like ancient Greek temples—the next, they flickered into futuristic skyscrapers. Statues shifted between deities from different mythologies, as if the city itself couldn’t decide what era it belonged to.

Or maybe…

It belonged to all of them.

Ravi, completely unfazed, pointed at a floating pagoda. "Big house!"

Anansi chuckled. "Indeed it is, little one."

Kara tightened her grip on Ravi’s hand. "What is this place, really?"

Anansi gestured around them. "The Crossroads is a city between realms, a sanctuary for gods who have been forgotten, erased, or misplaced. A place for those who no longer have a home in the mortal world."

Tommy frowned. "Like divine retirement?"

Anansi grinned. "More like divine exile."

Erlang’s third eye scanned the streets warily. "This city shouldn't exist. The Jade Emperor erased it from the celestial records."

Anansi twirled his golden-threaded staff, his silver eyes gleaming. "Nothing stays erased, dear lawbringer. Not completely."

As they walked, Kara noticed the people around them.

Some were clearly gods—their forms radiating faint divine energy, their eyes holding the weight of lost legends. Others looked more like spirits, wandering between realities, their shapes shifting like smoke.

But then—

She saw a figure leaning casually against a streetlamp, watching them with mild curiosity.

A man in a leather jacket, sunglasses pushed up onto his head, a long golden staff resting against his shoulder.

And then—he grinned.

Wukong groaned. "Oh, fantastic. Another trickster."

The man pushed off the streetlamp and strolled over.

"Well, well, well," he said smoothly. "What brings the great Monkey King and his merry band of exiles to my corner of the world?"

Tommy muttered under his breath, "Oh, great. Another one."

Anansi sighed. "Kara, meet Hermes—Greek Messenger God, Patron of Thieves, and Professional Interference."

Hermes.

The god of speed, travelers, and commerce. A divine courier who had once moved between Olympus and the mortal world with ease—until the gods had faded, and he had found himself stranded.

Now?

He was smirking at them like he owned the place.

Kara crossed her arms. "Let me guess—you run things here?"

Hermes shrugged. "Let’s just say I… facilitate movement. This city has rules. If you don’t follow them—" He snapped his fingers. "You get lost. Permanently."

Erlang glared. "We’re not staying."

Hermes raised an eyebrow. "Oh? And where exactly were you planning to go?"

Silence.

Because, truthfully?

None of them had any idea where the Codex had sent them—or how to leave.

Ravi, oblivious to the tension, tugged on Kara’s sleeve. "Mommy, I’m hungry."

Hermes snapped his fingers again.

A waiter appeared out of nowhere, holding a tray of ambrosia pastries and nectar-filled goblets.

Kara blinked. "What the—?"

Hermes grinned. "You’re in my city now, love. Consider this hospitality."

Tommy rubbed his temples. "This feels like a bad idea."

Wukong grabbed a pastry. "I, for one, welcome our smug Greek host."

Erlang sighed. "Fine. But we’re getting answers—now."

Hermes smirked. "That depends."

"On what?" Kara asked.

Hermes leaned in, his voice smooth.

"On whether you’re ready to hear the truth."

The city pulsed again, and somewhere in the distance—a bell rang once more.

And this time?

Something was coming.

To be continued…