Chapter 13: The Board of Gods

There are moments in history when time itself seems to hold its breath. A place where the present pauses, listening closely to the echoes of what is yet to come. A calm before chaos, a burst of grace before collapse. Civilized societies call these moments celebrations—yet in truth, they celebrate without knowing whether they mark the beginning or the end of a new cycle.

Today, the streets shine with light, people smile, and rooftops are dressed with flags waving beneath a sky that has not yet revealed its true face. The arrival of the gods feels like a grand act, as though reality itself had stepped beyond its bounds to witness those who shaped it.

But not everything that shines comes from the sun.

While some eyes lift toward the majesty of the Throne of God, others remain hidden in the shadows, waiting patiently for the right moment. For every structure that has ruled the world for centuries hides secrets, grudges, and fire beneath its foundations.

And in the midst of it all, a boy watches. Though he cannot fully grasp what unfolds around him, he senses that this celebration will be less of a festival… and more of a declaration. The world of the gods is not as untouchable as it seems—
and soon, it will have to answer for itself.

After all, even gods… must be held accountable.
——————————————————————————————————————————————

The city gleamed brighter than ever before. Floating lanterns lit the air, streets were draped with golden cloths fluttering in the wind, and the façades of buildings glittered with the glow of the setting sun. A constant murmur rippled through every corner of GODS: the expectant hum of an event that had not taken place in half a century.

—You can already feel the festive air, —Shu remarked, hands in his pockets as he watched the bustling crowd.

Edén nodded silently, a faint smile tugging at his lips. He had never thought he’d experience something so alive again—so full of collective emotion.

—Fifty years without the Council coming to GODS? —he asked, breaking from his wonder.

—Yes, —Shu replied calmly—. The Council of Gods was founded after the Great War, nearly a thousand years ago. This city has hosted them only a handful of times. Today is a great day.

Afrodita emerged from the crowd with an elegance as natural as it was commanding. Her gaze lingered over the decorations with a faint approval.

—The city is looking quite splendid, —she said, pausing before the boys.

Edén lifted his eyes to the banners strung across the sky.

—Everyone’s helping… —he murmured, almost to himself.

—Of course. They want to make a good impression on the Council, —Afrodita explained—. This isn’t just a ceremony. A good impression can mean support, investments, visibility… power.

—Just how important are they, really? —Edén asked.

—Far more than you imagine. They are the direct extension of the King. And when they turn their eyes on you… the whole world falls in line. —She gave them a small wave of dismissal—. You may go now. Rest. There are still a few hours left, and I want you ready when the time comes.

—Yes, of course, —Edén and Shu answered in unison.

Minutes later, back in the residence of Group Four, Shu adjusted his outfit before a mirror.

—So what exactly are we supposed to do when they arrive? —Edén asked from the doorway.

—Nothing, really, —Shu replied with a half-smile as he straightened his clothes—. Only the three Gold ranks will meet the Council in person. The rest of us will just watch them from the plaza… on a giant screen.

Edén frowned.

—Then why all the formality?

—No idea. But we’d better do as Afrodita says. I don’t want to see her angry again. What happened the other day was enough, —he muttered, rubbing his arm discreetly.

—Still hurts?

—Yes. Sometimes I dream she’s chasing me with a frying pan.

A soft voice interrupted from the hallway.

—Guys, it’s time, —Violet said gently.

—Let’s go, —Shu answered, stepping out.

—You two go ahead, —Edén replied—. I’ll take a bit longer. I just want a moment alone.

—Suit yourself. But don’t be late—you know how Afrodita gets, —Shu warned as he left with Violet.

Edén sighed, the silence of the room pressing in for a moment. Outside, the city glowed under a mantle of lights. The festive murmur rose stronger. One more breath… and finally, he set off.

In the city, the central plaza pulsed with excitement. Lights floated above the crowd like enchanted fireflies, while a gentle breeze carried the weight of what was about to begin.

—I’d seen it on screens before… —Shu said, raising his gaze to the floating ornaments— but in person, it’s just incredible.

—Yes… —Violet nodded, her expression warmer than usual—. We’re privileged to witness this with our own eyes.

—No doubt.

A familiar voice cut in. Zef pushed through the crowd, looking slightly unsettled.

—Hey, Shu. Have you seen Yohei?

—Yohei? —Shu arched a brow—. No. Wasn’t he supposed to be with you and Lowa?

—That’s what we thought. But a while ago, he said he was going to check something… and never came back.

Lowa arrived seconds later, her breathing calm but her brow furrowed.

—He’s not here either?

Zef shook his head.

—Then we’re missing two people, —Shu muttered, scratching his neck.

—Two? —Lowa asked.

—Edén still hasn’t left the residence.

An instant later, the sky changed. A dense darkness spread across the city like a heavy mantle, and the first thunderclaps rumbled—a distant echo of threat.

Everyone looked up at once. Shu felt a crushing weight press against his chest.

—What is this power…? —he whispered, fists clenched.

Zef barely managed a response, his eyes locked on the sky.

—Zeus…

A radiant fissure split the heavens. From it, the first divine chariots emerged, descending amid blue lightning and golden flares. Each one seemed to hover between planes, forged of pure energy, draped with banners marked by symbols few could read… but all respected.

—They’re here… —Shu murmured—. The Council of Gods.

——————————————————————————————————————————————

Inside Olympus, the atmosphere was nothing like the festive uproar of the city. The walls of the grand hall vibrated with ancient, solemn energy. Thrones, aligned in a perfect semicircle, began to fill one by one.

Hermes paced back and forth, restless, unable to keep still.

—Why did you choose me…? —he muttered, fixing his eyes on Zeus—. You know I hate speaking in public.

The god of thunder shrugged, sitting upright on his throne.

—You’re the only one who can handle this situation… more or less.

Before Hermes could protest, the great doors swung open. A faint whisper of wind accompanied the first arrivals.

Odin entered first, cloaked in a dark mantle inscribed with living runes. His presence alone dimmed the light around him.

—You’ve aged, old friend, —Zeus greeted with a smile.

—Really? The women in my world say I look younger every day, —Odin replied, clasping his hand.

—Then they must be blind.

The sharp elegance of Amaterasu’s voice cut between them.

—You’re both old. And worse… neither of you are beautiful.

She stepped in with graceful strides, radiating a warm, imperious light. Her long golden hair flowed like silk behind her, and her gaze allowed no rebuttal.

Behind her, Anubis bowed respectfully as he reached the center of the hall.

—It is an honor to be here, —he said in a deep voice.

—So you’re Ra’s replacement, —Zeus remarked, studying the Egyptian god of the dead carefully.

—The King decreed it so.

The air grew tense as Huitzilopochtli made his entrance. The Mexica god carried his serpent-sword at his side, his face twisted in disdain.

—Another year… the same old faces.

—And the same complaints, —Perun shot back with a grin from the far end—. Stop whining, little hummingbird.

Huitzilopochtli half-drew his blade.

—Don’t call me that, cheap copy of Thor.

Their stares clashed, and within a heartbeat, their weapons were aimed at each other’s heads.

—Ah, I love the family atmosphere, —Oggun said calmly, watching without a flicker of concern.

—As always… the lesser gods bickering, —Vishnu scoffed, arms folded.

—Says the most insufferable of all, —Shangdi retorted, his human guise intact, though his eyes glimmered with something far from mortal.

—Insufferable? Coming from a man in disguise? —Vishnu laughed.

—Can you all just shut up already? —Mahuika growled, lifting her gaze at last—. My patience has limits.

Sucellus was the last to appear, leaning on his rune-carved staff. He greeted with a nod and a gentle smile.

—Looks like I’m the last to join the party.

Zeus rose as he saw them all gathered.

—We are complete. Hermes… it’s your turn.

The one addressed swallowed hard.
—Yes. Please, I need your attention.

No one paid him any mind.

Hermes snapped his fingers sharply, and his voice boomed throughout the hall thanks to an enchantment.
—Silence!

The conversations stopped for a few seconds.

—Seems like he’s got guts, —Odin remarked with a sly grin—. You’ve trained him well, Zeus.

One by one, the gods took their seats upon their thrones, each decorated with their own colors and symbols. Outside, the entire city watched through massive screens. The images were broadcast simultaneously to other worlds.

Hermes drew a deep breath, fully aware of the magnitude of the moment.
—I welcome you all, both the members of the Council and those watching us now. The Council of Gods has officially begun.

——————————————————————————————————————————————

The torches of the city flickered to the rhythm of a heavy, almost electric breeze. In the grand plaza, students and citizens crowded before the magical screen that displayed the Council live.

Meanwhile, in a side alley far from the commotion, Edén moved quietly.
His steps were steady, though his thoughts were anything but.

—Afrodita better not be upset, —he muttered, scratching the back of his neck.

When he reached the residence, he noticed all the lights were off.
—Did they already leave?

He stopped in front of Yuki’s door. He knocked softly, but got no answer. Out of habit, he bent down to peek through the small gap in the frame. Nothing. The room was empty.

—Looks like I’m the last one, —he sighed, turning around.

But something stopped him. A chill ran down his spine like a silent warning. He spun around instantly.

Nothing.

—What the hell…?

And then he felt it. The cold steel of a blade pressing against his neck.

—I suggest you don’t make any sudden moves, —a harsh, unfamiliar voice whispered, as sharp as the knife it held.

Edén narrowed his eyes. His breath caught on instinct.
—Who are you?

—I can’t answer that. But you’re coming with us. Unless, of course, you’d rather see your friend’s throat slit.

Edén’s heart pounded violently.
—Where’s Yuki?! Where are you keeping her?!

—Relax. You’ll see her soon. Just cooperate… and everything will be fine.

Fury welled up in Edén’s chest, but the blade slid slowly down his back, forcing him to walk forward.

—You’d better not be lying to me, —he growled through clenched teeth, as his steps carried him toward an uncertain fate.

Far from there, in the heart of the city, a celestial roar shook the buildings. Everyone looked up just as a colossal portal tore open in the sky, spilling forth divine chariots adorned with the symbols of countless pantheons.

—It has arrived… —Shu murmured, his voice almost reverent—. The Council of Gods.

Zef clenched his fists beside him.
—And Yohei is still missing…

Lowa, who had just joined them, shook her head.
—No trace of him. And now Edén is gone too.

—Perfect. Two missing right before the most important event of the year, —Shu scoffed, folding his arms.

A surge of energy rattled the ground. Everyone felt the air grow denser, harder to breathe.

—What is this force…? —Zef stammered, eyes fixed on the sky.

From atop Olympus, Zeus’ face appeared on the screen. The tension in his gaze contrasted with the usual arrogance in his voice. Even Hermes, trying desperately to maintain protocol, couldn’t hide the sweat running down his brow.

And then it happened.

A muffled explosion. A tremor in the air.

Zeus vanished from the screen for an instant.

Then he reappeared, striking at something invisible before him with all his strength.
—Damn it!

Amaterasu, seated upon her throne, immediately rose to her feet.
—What is happening?

Zeus answered without looking at her.
—We’re surrounded… there’s a barrier.

Anubis was the first to activate his power. His energy flared like a beacon, and at last, everyone could see it: an immense sphere of darkness encapsulating the entire city.

—No… it can’t be, —Vishnu muttered, standing with a face twisted in disbelief.

Pachamama pressed a hand against her chest.
—This is no mere trap.

—No, —Zeus affirmed—. This… is a declaration of war.

——————————————————————————————————————————————

Meanwhile, high above the city, atop a forgotten mountain, Edén was pushed onto a small plateau.

The wind howled violently, and from there he could see the glowing city… along with the first signs of chaos.

A figure awaited him in the center of the clearing.

His blood froze instantly.
—Kai…

The boy with the scar, cloaked in dark robes, lifted his gaze and smiled.
—So you still remember my name, Edén Yomi.

The air seemed to grow colder.
—What the hell do you want from me?

—Straight to threats. I’m glad to see you too, —Kai replied with unnerving calm.

The stranger who had escorted Edén stepped back a few paces, though he did not lower the knife.

—I always imagined our second meeting would be… glorious, —Kai continued, his tone steady—. But truthfully, this is simpler than I expected.

A sphere of dark energy gathered in Edén’s hands.

Kai didn’t move.
—Relax. We didn’t come here for you… not yet.

An unconscious body was thrown at his feet.

Yuki.

—Yuki! You bastard…!

—She’s only asleep, —Kai clarified, raising his hands in a gesture of peace—. We have no interest in her, for now.

Edén gritted his teeth hard.
—What is it you’re after?

Kai looked at him with something almost resembling sorrow.
—You’ll know soon enough. But don’t worry… you’ll be part of the change too.

Behind him, the sky burst into flames. Multiple points across the city burned as if struck from within.

Edén staggered back, horrified.
—What have you done…?

Kai smiled calmly.
—To create a new world… first, the old one must be destroyed.