Somerwhere Outside Earth

The VIP room was massive, a soaring expanse of white that felt like it went on forever. It looked less like a lounge and more like a boardroom for a council of gods. The floor was clear as crystal, reflecting the massive split screen that dominated the center of the chamber, a grid of thousands upon thousands of windows, each one displaying a different player’s perspective from Earth-96.

The All-Gods were gathered.

Each of the sat upon a unique throne, carved from materials that defied mortal comprehension. Ones’ throne burned with eternal fire, anothers’ floated, suspended by invisible force, a different one radiated light. Each throne was unique, tailored in a manner befitting the God that sat on it.

And at the armrest of each throne was a smaller customizable screen, acting as personalized displays where the Gods could focus on specific players, zoom in on battles, track stats and even monitor progress of whoever they were interested in.

They did watch.

"I know Pantheon has a lot of promise," the All-Knowing said, her voice soft as silk. She leaned back in her throne, steepling her. "My bet’s on him, he’ll be the first to break through and ascend."

The All-Sufficient turned toward her with a frown etched on his face. "Pantheon? Who’s that?"

The All-Knowing smiled faintly. "The rank two in Power Ranking. He’s reserved in his dealings, I’m not surprised he’s eluded most of you."

She paused as her tone shifted, just slightly.

"Nothing skips my eyes, though."

The All-Wise let out a rough, grating laugh that echoed through the chamber.. "Ha! So you should know how all of this ends, shouldn’t you?"

There was a sharp edge to his tone, envy, or maybe he was just looking for a reaction.

The All-Knowing’s smile only deepened. "Maybe I do. But I won’t tell."

"I CALL DIBS ON CAIN!"

The voice thundered through the chamber, drawing every gaze.

The All-Powerful rose slightly from his throne, he was the largest of the All-Gods, a towering figure of perfect muscular physique, wild black beard, and arms thick as tree trunks. His presence filled the room like a storm about to break.

"Strength always prevails," he said in a voice like rolling thunder.

A muffled laugh echoed from the opposite side of the hall.

"Hm. Hm. Hm."

The Almighty reclined lazily on her throne, one leg crossed over the other, her expression showed she was quite amused.

"Cain? All brawns and no brain. There’s a reason King was the only one to actually reach our Council."

The All-Powerful’s face hardened. "King? Your... pet? We’ve all seen how you spoil him."

The Almighty’s smile didn’t falter. "He earned my admiration."

"Admiration?" The All-Powerful scoffed, his voice sounding even louder. "Pathetic!."

A dangerous gleam flashed in the Almighty’s eyes.

"Oh, you poor thing. Is that envy I see, or are you insecure of my Might?"

The All-Powerful’s fists clenched. "Envy? Of what Might? The only thing mighty about you are your tits."

"..." There was an awkard silence, the rest of the ALLGoDS did nothing but turn their eyes left and right when each of them spoke.

"Ahahahaha!"

The Almighty’s cackle was first to break the silence, it was loud and unrestrained, her voice echoing through the chamber.

She straightened in her throne, and as she did, two phantom hands extended from the armrests, ethereal and translucent, each one cupping her breasts and lifting them slightly. Her skin glistened faintly, oiled and radiant, with the curves of her body flaunted on full display.

"You know," she said, her tone practically dripping with amusement, "if this is what you really want..."

She gestured lazily at herself.

"All you have to do is ask."

The All-Powerful’s gaze lingered for just a moment.

His eyes traced the fullness of her breasts, the way the light caught the curve of her skin, he was almost trapped in a spell of lust.

And then he tore his gaze away, locking eyes directly with her.

"You do too much," he said coldly. "And I’ll be here when all your favors go to waste."

The Almighty’s smile remained.

TAP TAP TAP

"Okay, okay. Can we all calm down?"

A voice cut through the tension and a figure walked into the hall.

Their Host, the God of Games.

He was draped in a pure white tuxedo, sharp and perfectly tailored, with a featureless mask obscuring his face, it was smooth, cold, and devoid of emotion. His left hand held a golden cane, the rhythmic tap-tap-tap against the crystalline floor echoing with every step he took.

His emissary, Zorus, dressed in a black tuxedo and iron mask remained at the entrance, keeping still, and remaining completely silent.

The God of Games came to a stop at the center of the grid of screens, turning slowly to face the gathered All-Gods.

"Welcome again, dear Gods," he said in a warm and cheerful voice. "I trust you’re all having a good time?"

The All-Gods gave slight nods.

"Good, good." The God of Games tilted his head. "I can’t help but notice... the All-Father isn’t here?"

The All-Wise spoke in his aged voice. "He has other matters to attend to."

"Very well, I hope he can join us soon."

The God of Games tapped his cane once, and the display of their screens changed.

"Anyways, the First Major Arc will be here soon, and I can promise premium entertainment from it. But if you have any problems or questions, feel free to ask."

He turned left, then right, waiting for a response.

"Erm!" The All-Powerful cleared his throat.

"I have a question, about influence and blessings."

The God of Games tilted his head. "Go on."

"To what extent can we influence the players and the game? And with the blessings we grant, shouldn’t there be limits?"

The Almighty’s eyes locked onto him, a vein pulsing at her temple.

What a bitch, she thought.

The God of Games chuckled softly. "You’re right Lord All-Powerful. There should be limits. And quite frankly, there are. Penalties, mostly at my discretion. However, I’d advise you all show restraint in your direct dealings with the players."

The All-Powerful gave a satisfied nod. "Good. I have no other questions."

The God of Games tapped his cane again, prompting a new display on their screens.

"Now, I’d like to introduce a new feature. A betting system."

Several of the All-Gods perked up.

"You can bet against each other, or stake directly with the system through your private screens. Bet on players, scenarios, and even outcomes."

The All-Knowing smiled faintly.

And the God of Games turned toward her.

"But before you get too confident, Lady ALL Knowing, even you cannot foretell the outcomes in this game."

Her smile faltered, and the All-Wise let out a booming laugh from where he sat. "Ha! I always knew you were a farce!"

The All-Knowing’s expression remained neutral, but her fingers tightened slightly on the armrest.

The God of Games raised his cane high.

"Dear Gods, this is only the beginning. The First Woe approaches. Alliances will form. Betrayals will follow. Blood will be spilled. And only the strongest, the smartest, and the most ruthless will survive."

He paused, as his voice dropped, showing more seriousness.

"So, choose your champions wisely. And may the best God win."

He tapped his cane one final time.

And vanished.

"Impressive display" The ALL-Good finally spoke.

The All-Gods quickly turned their attention back to their private screens.

The All-Powerful scrolled through player profiles, his eyes narrowing on Cain.

The All-Knowing studied Pantheon’s movements with a thought.

The Almighty’s screen was already locked on King, licking her lips and biting her fingers. Her eyes were filled with mischief as she watched him.

And across the chamber, other Gods began selecting players, becoming fans, and even placing bets.

The game had begun.

And the Gods were watching.