The Heavens! A dimension separate from the lower world, its vastness beyond words. A god could create a continent with a thought—or destroy all things just as easily. The gods were divided into pantheons: Far East, North, Egypt, India, and Olympus...
A handsome young man was working diligently, surrounded by the aura of the underworld—a god of death. One by one, the souls of humans from the lower world were brought to him. Using his divine power, he washed away their memories and impurities until they were pure white. Then, he sent them into the tunnel of reincarnation.
This work had gone on for eternity. To the fun-loving gods, this was a form of torture, but lately, he had company: a petite, lovely girl. She had a doll-like, adorable face and long black hair in twin tails. She wore a white dress with a blue ribbon tied under her chest and over her arms, and her bare feet looked like they were carved from fine jade. Her bright blue eyes sparkled like gems. Though she was tiny—only 140 cm—she possessed an exceptionally bountiful chest.
The Goddess Hestia.
However, Hestia wasn't there for the god of death. She was there for the god beside him—Lord Rudra, who had recently been sent back to the Heavens. Rudra was there to watch over his children's souls one last time, as there was nothing else to do.
Hestia asked excitedly, "Rudra! I heard you just got back from the lower world. Can you tell me what it's like down there?"
Rudra's lip twitched, and he shouted impatiently, "Why are you asking me that?!"
"Why so mean...?" Hestia squeaked, startled."Hahahaha!"
The young man nearby burst out laughing. While processing the souls of the lower world, he explained to Hestia, "Rudra was sent back because he lost the game. Asking him that is like poking a fresh wound."
Hestia was a notorious shut-in—lazy and fond of food. She spent all her time hiding in her temple, sometimes not stepping out for a million years, so she had no idea.
The young god didn't hold back. He told Hestia all about Rudra's experience in the lower world: losing a War Game and having Astraea toss him a dagger, forcing him to commit ritual suicide in front of everyone. Hestia's eyes sparkled as she listened. She could practically see the scene—Astraea was so cool!
"Hades, shut up!" Rudra's face was as black as a soot-covered pot. How on earth did he lose with a hundred men against two? Especially since it happened in the Dungeon. No one knew exactly what happened; he had lost without even understanding why, and that was what tormented him most.
Hestia couldn't feel Rudra's pain. She was already immersed in Hades' description of the lower world. It sounded so fun—Orario, War Games, the growth of children, the competition, the conflict!
Hades seemed to remember something. "It's almost your turn to head down, isn't it, Hestia?"
"Mm-hmm!" Hestia nodded eagerly.
The gods had an agreement to take turns going down to play, but those with special authorities had to find a "workhorse" to take over their duties. Thanatos, the god of death, had already run off to the lower world, leaving Hades to do all the grueling work in the Heavens. Hestia, who governed the "Eternal Flame," didn't have many restrictions; she just hadn't wanted to leave her house.
"Rudra, how do you get along with the children down there?" Hestia asked.
As long as they weren't talking about his failure, Rudra regained some interest. A wicked smile played on his lips. "Just give them your Falna, and the children of the lower world will do all sorts of entertaining things for you."
The innocent Hestia almost believed him.
Hades shook his head. "Hestia, don't listen to him. He's a loser; what useful experience could he possibly give you?" Hestia glared at Rudra. Hades continued, "Once you're down there, go find Hephaestus or Astraea. They'll teach you how to live among them."
Hestia felt Hades was a more reliable fellow, so she took his advice to heart. Rudra let out a cold snort.
Suddenly, Hades—who was still processing souls—looked up in surprise. "There's such a thing?"
"What is it?" Hestia and Rudra asked curiously.
"Truly rare," Hades remarked. "Someone has developed a special tool to resurrect the dead. They're trying to reclaim a soul from the lower world."
In the Heavens, the three gods, whose powers were unsealed, could understand what was happening with a single thought. In the line of souls waiting to be washed, one human soul was being pulled by a strange force, attempting to defy the rules of death and return to its lifeless shell below.
"Another one attempting to step into the domain of the gods. I told you, the children down there are much more interesting than us," Rudra said excitedly. Unfortunately, he couldn't go back.
Hades gave a casual wave, his infinite divine power manipulating the laws of the universe. He plucked the human soul—a ball of blue light—from the line and into his palm. Even in a god's hand, that eerie, miraculous power continued to tug at the soul, trying to escape back to the lower world. But compared to a god's strength, it was insignificant.
Hades marveled. "Hundreds of years ago, a little fellow successfully stepped into the divine realm and created a 'Philosopher's Stone' for eternal life. The miracles of the lower world are truly something."
A mortal body, rivaling the gods!
As he spoke, Hades' hand "slipped." The soul fell, broke free from its restraints, and transformed into a streak of light that shot back toward the lower world.
"Hades, what are you doing?!" Hestia stared, her eyes wide.
"Oh dear, my hand slipped. My apologies. I can't believe I made such a clumsy mistake," Hades said, sounding deeply regretful while patting his forehead. Hestia and Rudra stared at the "veteran actor" with flat eyes. Like hell we believe you!
Hades didn't look ashamed at all. Instead, he wore the characteristic smile of a god out for a bit of fun. He wanted to see what would happen.
"I suspect your 'slipping hand' condition is incurable," Rudra joked.
"Hahahahaha!" Hades laughed heartily. Since taking over this boring job, he hadn't laughed like this in a long time. The children below really were the best entertainment. Even as a god, one needed a little fun in the Heavens.
────────────────────────────────────────
Support me here: https://[email protected]/AuAuMon
Spring Sale Special – 20% OFF!
Danmachi : Starting with an Elf (378 Chapter – Ongoing)
Join the journey and become part of the story!
────────────────────────────────────────