As they always have, humanity hunts the gods roaming the world, craving the supernatural power that flows within their veins. Even a drop is zealously guarded, passed from master to student through the ages. It is with this stolen power that the Blooded - those with divine blood coursing through them - grasp beyond mortality and achieve prestige, power, and greatness. Yet, for every fraction of power gained, thousands perish, slain by the gods' supernatural prowess. But everything is beginning to change.

Eight years ago, for the first time in human memory, a god was felled.

Part-time chef and full-time nuisance Orvi wants nothing to do with gods. Living in a backwater city, his only concerns are ensuring his adopted family's restaurant is prosperous and how to best beat the neighbourhood boys in a fight. If he's lucky, he might even snag a date with the farmer's daughter at the market.

But even though he cares nothing for the gods or their blood, the world won't leave him alone forever.

Because to reach godhood, one must first leave their humanity behind.

[participant in the Royal Road Writathon challenge]