Tet stretched lazily as he and Hestia stepped out of the shimmering portal, the energy rippling behind them before vanishing into nothingness. The air of this new world felt dense with mana, almost alive, humming faintly around them.
Hestia looked around, her eyes narrowing in curiosity. "Where are we exactly?" she asked.
Tet clasped his hands behind his head, his trademark grin spreading across his face. "It's called the Cardinal World," he said casually. "The god of this universe is dead, but he left behind a system to keep the races here from going stagnant. Basically, it's designed so they keep moving forward."
He gestured lazily at the landscape before them, where distant mountains shimmered faintly under the light of the sun. "They can gain skills, just like in a video game. Though honestly," he added, his tone thoughtful now, "the methods aren't ideal for my purposes. Most people acquire their skills from birth, through intense emotions, or by having them granted by stronger beings. I'll be studying the system later—and after a few tweaks, I'll adopt it for something I've got planned."
Hestia tilted her head slightly, placing a hand on her hip as she eyed him. "I see," she said evenly. "So, what's our primary goal here?"
Tet chuckled, glancing at her with a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Other than messing around and having fun?"
Hestia gave him a flat, unimpressed stare, her expression screaming really? before she sighed and said dryly, "Yes, dear. Other than that."
Tet laughed softly, scratching his cheek. "Well, I'm gonna pick up a couple more dragons for the Dimensional Gap and bring this world into our multiverse." He straightened, stretching once more as his grin returned. "Now, let's go say hello to the locals."
Hestia smiled faintly, brushing a stray lock of her black hair behind her ear. "Sure," she said with a light chuckle. "Sounds fun."
Tet and Hestia materialized in the meeting room of the Ten Demon Lords, where Rimuru sat, patiently enduring Clayman's villainous monologue. A smirk played on Tet's lips as he cut off the speech. "Oh, Hestia," he chuckled, "we cut off the monologue. I love it when that happens."
Hestia sighed softly, her expression one of mild exasperation. "I've never understood why they do that. It's like they're asking for someone to attack them while they're open and distracted."
Everyone in the room turned to stare at the intruders, their reactions a mix of surprise and shock. In the case of Guy Crimson, however, his red eyes gleamed with pure amusement. Rimuru, meanwhile, felt a chill run through him, staring at the newcomers with slight fear as Raphael set off frantic alarm bells in his mind, screaming that engaging them would be catastrophic.
Clayman rose from his seat, his face contorting with rage as he prepared to yell at the intruders. But before a single word could escape his lips, Guy leaped from his seat, clearing the table in a single, fluid motion. He landed smoothly and strode over to the two deities, a wide, smile spreading across his face. "I haven't seen a god in so long," he shouted, his voice laced with excitement, "especially not ones of your caliber. So, what's the deal? You taking our world?"
Tet's grin widened. "Absolutely."
A bark of laughter escaped Guy. "Wonderful! Finally, things are really getting interesting! First, a slime becomes a Demon Lord, and now we've got gods again!"
"Excuse me, Lord Crimson," Clayman interjected, his voice trembling with a mixture of indignation and fear, "but could we return to the fact that this supposed deity just said he's going to try and take our world?"
Tet's gaze slid over to Clayman, his tone dismissive. "Oh, not trying. I already did. See, your world didn't have a god, so taking it was child's play. Welcome to my multiverse, kiddos. Prepare to have lots of fun." He then turned his attention to Guy and Rimuru. "Also, I need to talk to you both about meeting with Velzard and Veldora."
Guy raised a single eyebrow. "Shouldn't be an issue, but why?"
A mischievous glint shone in Tet's eyes. "You'll find out. But for now, I just need you to let them know."
"Alright then," Guy conceded with a casual shrug.
"Excuse me!" Clayman shrieked, his composure shattering. "We're in the middle of something here! What do you mean you took our world?"
Tet let out an exaggerated sigh, rolling his eyes. "He's getting annoying. Just continue with what you were doing before. We'll talk after."
Guy clapped his hands together, his smile turning sharp. "Right! Let's skip the charade and just jump to the part where Rimuru and Clayman fight each other."
Tet's face lit up with childlike glee. "Oh! Mortal Kombat! Let's do it!"
Rimuru's head snapped towards the god, his temporary fear replaced by shock and curiosity. "Wait, you know what that is?"
"Of course," Tet said, puffing out his chest with pride. "I'm the God of Games. I know every game in existence." With a snap of his fingers, the entire room warped and transformed. The formal meeting hall vanished, replaced by the brutal, otherworldly vista of Shao Kahn's arena. Tet now sat upon the massive throne, with Hestia curled comfortably in his lap. The other Demon Lords and their attendants found themselves suddenly seated in a spectator stand, and for an extra touch, Tet had conjured hot dog and drink stands amongst the seating.
Rimuru and Clayman now stood facing each other on the sandy arena floor. Rimuru looked around in awe and excitement, a wide grin spreading across his face. Clayman, however, was just confused, sputtering as he tried to comprehend the sudden shift.
A determined glint entered Rimuru's eyes. "He really is the God of Games," he muttered to himself. "I've gotta see if he can hook me up with something later." His expression then hardened as he focused on his opponent. "But first, I gotta deal with him."
High on his throne, Tet raised a hand, his voice echoing through the arena. "Fight!"
On his command, Rimuru and Clayman rushed at each other, and the battle began.
on, nearly everyone in the arena watched with rapt attention—everyone except for three particular demon lords seated near the stands.
Guy, Milim, and Ramiris were gathered at the hot dog stand, their attention clearly elsewhere. Milim leaned over the counter, eyes sparkling with childlike excitement. "I want one of everything!" she declared with a grin that made the nervous attendant flinch.
Guy smirked beside her, his eyes gleaming with amusement. "Make it two," he added smoothly, folding his arms as if daring the poor vendor to refuse.
Ramiris fluttered in front of them, her tiny hands on her hips. "No, three! We can't have Milim eating everything before we even get a bite!" she huffed, wings beating in agitation.
After a few frantic minutes, the overwhelmed attendant managed to hand over three trays piled high with hot dogs, each one sporting different toppings. Guy casually picked up his and Ramiris's tray and the trio made their way back to their seats.
Settling down, they began eating as the clash between Rimuru and Clayman continued below. Ramiris took a bite, then turned to Milim with an incredulous look. "By the way, Milim, I thought you were brainwashed?"
Milim blinked, mid-chew, a bit of mustard at the corner of her mouth. "Oops," she said sheepishly, swallowing. "I forgot to keep acting."
Ramiris nearly dropped her hot dog. "You were acting?! Do you know how worried I was?!" she squeaked, wings buzzing furiously in exasperation.
Guy chuckled, his laughter low and rich. "Not bad, Milim. You even had me fooled," he admitted, smirking with genuine amusement.
From behind them, Frey and the disguised Carrion exchanged glances, both muttering under their breath, "So much for that plan…"
Meanwhile, the fight in the arena reached its conclusion. Without Milim's supposed support or backup, Clayman couldn't hold his own against Rimuru for long. The self-proclaimed "puppet master" faltered under Rimuru's overwhelming power, and within moments, the battle ended decisively—Clayman was defeated and staring at Rimuru in a daze.
Tet leaned forward on his throne, eyes gleaming with excitement as the fight reached its climax. With a grin spreading across his face, he raised his hand and declared in a booming, gleeful voice, "Finish him!"
A slight smirk tugged at Rimuru's lips, his eyes narrowing with cold determination. Without a word, he extended his hand—and in an instant, the devouring force of Beelzebub surged forth. Clayman barely had time to scream before his body and soul were consumed entirely, erased from existence as though he had never been there. The arena fell silent.
With a satisfied sigh, Tet snapped his fingers. The grand coliseum of Shao Kahn dissolved in a flash of golden light, and the familiar meeting hall of the Ten Demon Lords reformed around them as if nothing had changed.Tet stood and stretched casually, that ever-playful grin still on his face.
"That was fun," he said cheerfully, glancing around at the gathered demon lords—some tense, others bewildered, and a few still trying to process what had just happened. "I'll let all of you return to your business. Expect me to meet with each of you in the future."
With that, Tet gave a two-fingered salute, a faint shimmer of multicolored light surrounding him and Hestia before the two vanished from the room.
For a long moment, no one spoke. Then Guy Crimson chuckled, resting an elbow on the table and propping his chin on his hand, a sharp grin spreading across his face. "Looks like things are going to get a lot more fun around here in the future," he said, his eyes glinting with amusement. "Our new god is an interesting fellow." He leaned back in his chair, smirking as he gestured toward the others. "But he's right. Everyone, take your seats—let's continue the meeting."
Tet and Hestia reappeared within Velzard's frozen palace—a vast and breathtaking place sculpted entirely from shimmering blue ice and crystal. At the center of the grand chamber, a long table glittered like glass beneath the glow of hanging frost lanterns. Sitting at the table, waiting patiently, was a woman with snow-white hair tied into twin tails, crystal-blue eyes that gleamed with both pride and composure, and a regal air that matched her attire: a blue-and-white dress accented with gold, blue boots, a yellow headband, and a blue star-shaped necklace resting against her chest.
Tet, pulled out a chair for Hestia. She smiled softly and sat down with graceful ease. Tet took the seat beside her, his usual confident grin playing on his lips as his eyes met Velzard's cool, assessing gaze.
Velzard's voice rang clear and calm. "Greetings, God and Goddess—and welcome to my home."
Hestia returned the greeting with a warm smile that lit up the icy room. "Hello. I'm Hestia, Goddess of the Hearth and Home."
Tet leaned back slightly, resting one arm on the table. "And I'm Tet, God of Games and the Multiverse."
Velzard inclined her head politely. "And I am Velzard. It has been a very long time since we've had a god in this universe—not since the death of my elder brother, in fact." Her expression softened, though her eyes stayed sharp. "Now, I don't wish to be rude, but I'd like to cut to the heart of why you sought me out."
Tet smiled faintly. "Oh, I've got a job offer for you—and for Veldora."
Velzard blinked once, tilting her head slightly. "A job offer?" she asked, curiosity glinting in her eyes.
Tet nodded. "Surrounding the multiverse is a plane called the Dimensional Gap—a space between the multiverse itself and the outer barrier that keeps out invaders. I'm gathering powerful dragons to guard this plane. In exchange, you'll be granted the freedom to come and go as you please from each world that becomes part of the multiverse. And from now on, like the gods in my pantheon, you'll grow stronger with every world that joins." He leaned forward slightly, a mischievous spark in his tone. "Oh, and as a bonus, I'll make you your own personal paradise within your territory in the Gap."
Velzard went quiet for a few moments, her expression thoughtful as she folded her hands under her chin. "My only duty," she said finally, "is to take care of any invaders that enter my part of the Gap, correct?"
Tet gave a firm nod. "Yes."
Velzard smiled faintly, a glimmer of interest in her frosty eyes. "I'll do it. Sounds interesting."
"Great," Tet said brightly. "Now I just need to convince Veldora."
Velzard's lips curved into a smirk as she cracked her knuckles, the sound echoing through the cold air. "You can leave that to me. My idiot brother will do whatever I say." Her tone softened slightly, though her gaze remained sharp. "But I must ask—do you not also want Velgrynd?"
Tet's grin faded into a small frown, his eyes dimming with something colder. "No, I do not. I've seen the future of this world without my interference. In it, Velgrynd was willing to plunge the entire world into a massive war—for Rudra. A man who's already teetering on the edge of nonexistence because he keeps reincarnating." His expression darkened. "Honestly, there's not much of the original Rudra left. His soul is barely hanging in there."
Velzard swallowed hard, her earlier confidence faltering as concern flashed across her face. "You… aren't going to dispose of my sister, are you?"
Tet's tone softened slightly, though his words carried unmistakable weight. "As long as you can make her behave."
Velzard exhaled slowly, then straightened in her seat, resolve returning to her eyes. "I will. You have my word."
Tet smiled brightly and said, "Great—and with that, the deal is done." With a casual flick of his wrist, he opened a swirling portal beside them, its edges rippling like liquid light. "Shall we go see your new home?" he asked, his tone carrying that ever-playful lilt.
Velzard rose gracefully from her seat, her expression calm but curious as she followed him. Stepping through the portal, the three emerged into the dimensional gap, a vast expanse of shimmering color and cosmic energy that seemed to stretch infinitely in every direction.
Once inside, Tet clasped his hands behind his back and said with a grin, "Alright, any requests?"
Velzard brought a finger to her chin, her crystalline blue eyes thoughtful. "I was fond of my ice palace," she admitted softly, her voice echoing faintly in the boundless void. "But I would like to see some greenery every now and then."
Tet's grin widened. "Say no more."
With a smooth, sweeping motion of his hand, the space before them rippled like water—and in an instant, a massive floating island took shape. Verdant forests spread across rolling hills of emerald green, snow-capped mountains rose majestically at the edges, and at the very center stood a grand palace of ice, gleaming like pure white crystal beneath an endless aurora of shifting light.
Velzard's eyes widened slightly, her expression softening as she took in the view. The reflection of the crystalline palace shimmered in her gaze and a genuine smile touched her lips.
Velzard took a moment to admire the breathtaking landscape before her, a satisfied smile curving her lips. "It's perfect," she said warmly. "Thank you. Now, when you go to get my brother, if he tries to be difficult, just use my name. He'll do whatever you want after that."
Hestia giggled softly, covering her mouth with one delicate hand, her eyes gleaming with amusement. "I wish my brothers were like that," she said with a playful sigh. "Things would have been so much easier if they'd been afraid of me."
Tet chuckled. "Oh yeah, speaking of that—Hades is gonna be mad when he sees another world that doesn't have a proper afterlife."
Hestia gave a knowing nod, her expression shifting to one of mild concern. "That's true. He takes it as an insult to death gods."
Tet rubbed the back of his neck thoughtfully. "Maybe I should bring Makaria first."
Hestia shook her head with a patient smile. "No, dear—just rip off the band-aid. Also, make sure to tell him you're going to find him some subordinates. It'll soften the blow."
Tet let out a short laugh, eyes glinting with mischief. "Yeah, that's on my to-do list—right after I finish gathering dragons and then put Zeus in a retirement home."