The hour passed quickly.
The women buzzed with discussion, strategizing their approach.
As Alistair stood, the chatter ceased, silence blanketing the room.
"Time's up," he said calmly.
His divine power surged, coalescing into two shimmering portals. With a flicker of light, they solidified.
A faint smile curved his lips. "Begin."
"Yes!" the women responded, moving into action.
Alistair turned to Demeter. "You're staying to hold the fort."
She sighed, exasperated. "I'm supposed to be retired, yet I'm stuck working every day. Fine, I get it."
Persephone, helpless at her mother's shift in demeanor, said nothing.
Alistair and Persephone stepped through the left portal, while Demeter glanced at the gates and left. There was no need to stand guard—Elysium was secure. Who would dare trouble a God-King?
Unless Apollo lost his mind, no one would challenge her. Guarding was less duty and more a vacation—resting, eating, drinking, with only the absence of nightly battles marking a change. Though, truth be told, Demeter missed them a little.
Codename: Kyokou Suiri World
Najenda, Akame, Murasame, and Akane Kosaka emerged from the portal.
Najenda surveyed their surroundings, then asked, "Akane, do we start immediately?"
"No need to waste time," Akane replied. "Our task is straightforward. Let's move quickly."
She outlined the plan.
Najenda nodded, leading Akame and Murasame into action.
Akane, lost in thought, reviewed the strategy for flaws. After a moment, she exhaled. "The plan should hold, but we must stay vigilant. This is our first conquest—no room for embarrassment."
Her smile was confident, her mature allure undeniable—a captivating beauty that could ensnare with a glance. But Akane dismissed such distractions, focused on her tasks. With a step, she vanished.
Codename: Onmyoji World
Alistair and Persephone stepped through the portal, emerging without a ripple.
World Devouring, the Dimensional Galaxy Chart's new function, was akin to a second portal, activating every six months. Unlike standard gates, it required no anchors or dragging—worlds were consumed effortlessly, integrated into the Dark World Tree.
Alistair gazed at the moonlit scenery, smiling. "A beautiful world."
Persephone nodded, taking in the surroundings. "It has a unique charm, unlike the mythic era or Elysium's past."
He agreed. "Elysium's beauty is peculiar, almost alienating to some. This world's aesthetic feels different, more grounded."
Its landscapes, steeped in a distinct Eastern allure, resonated with him.
His thoughts shifted, his consciousness expanding momentarily to envelop the world before retracting.
Persephone, sensing it, asked softly, "Dust?"
Her divine senses could do the same, but unlike Alistair's imperceptible probe, hers risked detection, potentially sparking conflict.
He withdrew, pondering. "This world's structure is intriguing."
"How so?" she asked, puzzled.
"It's a singular, self-contained world," he explained. "Despite drawing from the Takamagahara pantheon, it encompasses only that system."
Persephone grasped his meaning.
Most worlds hosted diverse frameworks, but this one was unique. Centered on Heian-kyo, it lacked a clear imperial structure or defined nations. Heian-kyo was humanity's largest settlement, surrounded by yokai, spirits, and the Night Parade of One Hundred Demons. Yokai and ghost kings ruled their domains, while other "nations" were hybrids of humans, yokai, and onmyoji.
A singular world, ancient in appearance yet distinct.
Alistair shrugged. "Not much to say about it. Singular worlds like this are common across the multiverse, often splintered from a specific time or place."
He added, "In that brief scan, I sensed at least ten parallel worlds here. Our gains will exceed expectations."
Like the Saint Seiya world, multiple parallel worlds amplified the yield. A single dark universe might offer 100 units of world power, but two combined could yield 150. Ten parallel worlds, even at 50 units each, surpassed 500—equivalent to conquering five worlds.
Satisfying, but limited by rank. No matter the effort, those without the potential couldn't ascend. Even in worlds of limitless potential, only those with the right rank could rise.
"Speaking of which," Alistair mused, "our subordinate gods and kin have elevated ranks, but only you, Persephone, have the potential for Absolute God."
She chuckled softly. "A special case."
As the Underworld's ruler, integral to Alistair's domain as the God of Darkness, her growth was tied to its expansion. Absolute Godhood was inevitable for her, unlike others, whose limits varied.
"But," he continued, "the Dimensional Galaxy Chart offers infinite potential. As it consumes more worlds, the Dark World Tree grows, elevating our kin and gods."
"It'll take time," he admitted.
Persephone smiled. "Time is no issue for gods. The path is clear—just walk it."
He nodded. "True."
"No more to discuss," he said. "Let's explore."
They departed, and the conquests in both worlds began.
Codename: Kyokou Suiri World
Silence fell.
A petite figure stood before them, adorned in a beret and leaning on a cane. Her shoulder-length brown hair framed a princess-style dress, her slender legs wrapped in white stockings, tempting to the eye. Kotoko Iwanaga, the eccentric Wisdom God of yokai, arbiter of their disputes.
She eyed Najenda, noting her imposing presence, and sighed inwardly. Why don't I have that?
Smiling gracefully, she said, "So, Miss Najenda?"
Najenda nodded, lighting a cigarette and exhaling a wisp of smoke.
Kotoko continued, "You're saying you and the supreme god behind you will claim this world?"
"Precisely," Najenda replied. "We'll conquer it, bring it under His Majesty's dominion, spread faith, and unify it."
To most, such words would sound mad. But Kotoko sensed the divine power radiating from Najenda—capable of shattering planets, far beyond yokai strength. A true god's might.
And behind her was an even greater existence. Unimaginable.
"What's your choice, Kotoko?" Najenda asked. "Join His Majesty as a subordinate god, or…"
Kotoko grinned. "Or I'll end up posed with heart-eyes, hand in a peace sign, tally marks all over me?"
Najenda froze, speechless.
After a moment, she sighed. "No, not quite. At minimum, we'd take your world power. Once the Dark World Tree consumes this world, you'd have time to choose."
Kotoko's eyes sparkled. "So, it could happen?"
Najenda, silenced again, muttered, "You and Lady Demeter would get along. You're cut from the same cloth."
"Demeter…" Kotoko recognized the name, smiling. "Honestly, signing a subordinate god contract out of nowhere is a bit much."
"But," she added, "I can feel your power. You could destroy this planet effortlessly. And the one behind you? I'd be powerless. Better to comply."
***
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