Chapter 23: The God of Play

After explaining the worlds of each of the members, Yuki's eyes narrowed as he directed his attention towards the Supporter Invitation Ticket. With a mixture of anticipation and caution, he delved into the description, seeking to unravel the potential hidden within.

[Supporter Invitation Ticket]

[Description: Enables the administrator to invite a supporter of ■■■]

[Do you want to use it?]

[Yes / No]

Yuki's mind raced with possibilities. 'Who could this mysterious supporter be? Is this another character from a fictional world?' He internally questioned himself.

Excitement surged through Yuki as he swiftly made the decision to utilize the Supporter Invitation Ticket.

Barely a moment passed before the chat group buzzed with a new message, signaling the arrival of their anticipated guest.

[The God of Play has joined the group]

—

Flashback

In this world, where conflicts were resolved through games rather than violence, an unprecedented disruption shattered the delicate equilibrium. A transcendental figure, seemingly immune to the rules and regulations, emerged from the shadows and brazenly defied the established order.

In the world of Disboard, a clone of the being known as 'God' orchestrated a clandestine operation. With his persuasive abilities and an air of irresistible authority, he coaxed, or rather, 'convinced' several unsuspecting Elementals to accompany him on a perilous journey from which there would be no return.

This operation served to fulfill the desires of a particular individual who would one day be known as Yuki Takehara.

The momentous event, though daring, did not escape the watchful eye of Tet, the One True God who reigned supreme over Disboard. With an air of detached curiosity, he beheld the transgression, electing to withhold immediate intervention and instead opting to observe the unfolding events.

Tet's decision to bide his time was not without purpose. Deep within the recesses of his omniscient mind, a myriad of calculations and considerations converged. The arrival of the interloper piqued Tet's interest and provoked a measured response.

From the sheer power emanating from the newly arrived transcendental entity, Tet apprehended the grave risk that loomed over the entirety of his dominion. Aware that any potential conflict would jeopardize the very foundations of the world he presided over, he grappled with the weight of responsibility that rested upon his godly shoulders.

Tet in the first place is no god of fighting or war, he is the God of Play!

While certainly he possesses immense power, most of his powers are focused on the concept he embodies, games.

He is a gamer that used the Suniaster to transform this entire world into a giant game.

However, in the present, his life had become monotonous and devoid of excitement. To alleviate this boredom, he frequently suppressed his boundless powers, assuming the guise of one of the sixteen races that inhabited his realm, then engaging these denizens in a variety of games. Notably, in all his life thus far, he never lost.

Now that an entity possessing powers similar to his own had emerged within his domain, a fervor of anticipation and caution ignited within him.

Currently he wants to do nothing more than to challenge this individual to a game. After all he is the God of Play for a reason.

After careful observation and witnessing the audacious attempts of the man to forcibly seize denizens of his world, Tet resolved to intervene, confronting the intruder head-on.

In an instant, he materialized beside the unknown assailant, his presence radiating with divine authority.

"What is the meaning of this?" Tet's voice resonated with unwavering resolve.

"Ah, at last you make an appearance. I was beginning to wonder if the deity of this realm held no regard for his subjects," the invader retorted, his thoughts briefly drifting to memories of his main body's encounters in other worlds, where immediate hostility had greeted him from the reigning god.

Tet's gaze intensified as he stared at the invader, his curiosity transforming into a firm resolve. "State your identity and explain your purpose for trespassing in this realm uninvited," he demanded, his voice carrying an unmistakable air of authority.

"Uninvited? I am free to roam wherever I please. Since when has I, ■■■, ever required an invitation?" the unknown intruder challenged, his voice laced with defiance.

Tet's mind raced, recognizing the name ■■■. ■■■ is renowned as one of the most formidable transcendents to ever exist. The one who had once proposed ending the interdimensional Great War and instead competing in a game.

For the latter he long admired him. As the God of Play he wanted to do nothing more than to participate in this Game of the Gods however he also realized despite being the God of Play, it is a game of such great magnitude is beyond him.

"Indeed, with your power, you may have the freedom to go wherever you please," Tet conceded, his tone firm yet measured. "But not without consequences. Every action has its repercussions, even for someone as formidable as yourself."

The invader's eyes gleamed with a mix of amusement and arrogance. "Consequences? You speak as if you could challenge me, little god."

While Tet's status among the ranks of transcendents did not place him at the pinnacle, nor at the bottom, he occupied a position somewhere in the middle, a fact not lost on him. He deeply understood that he can never win against the being in front of him, if he truly is who he states to be.

"Do you also wish to partake in the game I have devised?" The invader asked, a hint of intrigue in his voice.

"No, much like during the war, I prefer to observe," Tet responded, his expression betraying a desire to participate, yet the weight of the potential consequences and his own acknowledgment of inevitable defeat held him back.

"As the God of Play, you should already realize that your chances of winning the game I proposed are nonexistent for you," God stated with unwavering certainty. He paused for a moment, allowing his words to sink in before continuing, "Your reluctance to take action while others begin to assemble their teams speaks volumes of your intention to remain neutral once again."

Tet couldn't deny the truth in 'God's' words, yet an unmistakable desperation flickered across his face, silently pleading for participation. His desire to partake in the game was palpable.

"How about this," the clone of 'God' suggested, exuding an air of confidence. "Join my faction!"

Tet chuckled, his eyes lighting up with a mischievous glint. "Ah, ■■■, you always have a way with words. I must admit, your proposal intrigues me. However, before I consider joining your faction, I need to understand your motives. Why do you seek to kidnap the life forms in this world?"

■■■ leaned closer, a sly grin playing on his lips. His demeanor was filled with an air of familiarity, as if he had known Tet for ages, despite this being their first encounter. "Ah, Tet, you always pose the most intriguing questions," he remarked before delving deeper into his motives. "You see, I seek to create my own 'perfect' team leader, someone who can bring out the best in my chosen 'champions' and lead them to victory in the grandest game across the dimensions."

Tet's eyebrows shot up in genuine surprise, his curiosity intensifying. "A 'perfect' team leader? But why do you specifically require Elementals for this endeavor?" he questioned, his voice laced with intrigue.

The invader grinned, relishing the opportunity to explain his intricate plan. "Like many participants of this grand game, I too have chosen to reincarnate an individual from another world into this realm. However, this particular individual possesses a deep affinity for the magic of this world, making the involvement of Elementals indispensable to bring out his full potential," he explained with a hint of satisfaction in his voice.

Before Tet could respond, the invader's tone took on a more menacing edge. "Even if you were to try, do you honestly believe you possess the power to stop me?" he sneered, his words dripping with sarcasm and an underlying challenge.

As the weight of reality settled upon him, Tet acknowledged the harsh truth, he was not capable to engage in a direct confrontation with ■■■. A battle between them would inevitably result in his own defeat and the annihilation of the world he held dear.

The memories of the Interdimensional Great War flashed before his eyes, reminding him of the immense destruction that had befallen countless dimensions caught in the crossfire of fighting transcendents. He had been fortunate to have avoided entanglement in those chaotic clashes.

Tet adhered to a fundamental principle: never partake in a game he couldn't win. Initially, he had contemplated just abstaining from this interdimensional game altogether, just like he did during the Interdimensional War. Yet, as the God of Play, the existence of a game in which he, the embodiment of the concept of game, was not involved gnawed at his mind incessantly.

Long ago he already decided to join the faction he considered as the most likely to win anyway, but he just had no option of approaching them.

Tet's mind whirled with conflicting thoughts. As he assessed the unfolding events, he couldn't help but acknowledge that, in his estimation, only two individuals had a genuine chance of emerging victorious in this interdimensional game, and ■■■ was one of them. While he had yet to finalize his decision on which side to align with, the current turn of events left him with two possible paths: either oppose ■■■ and risk confrontation, or join forces with him.

With this realization weighing heavily upon him, Tet made a firm choice. If ■■■ could present him with a plan that demonstrated feasibility and alignment with his own principles, he would consider joining forces. Eager to learn more, he spoke with a composed tone, "Share your plan with me, and if I find it viable and in line with my own convictions, I may choose to stand alongside you."

Tet's attention remained fixed on the invader as he presented his proposition.

"Recruiting transcendental beings as supporters for your team, you say?" Tet mused, his gaze focused on the invader. "I must admit, the idea of joining forces with formidable individuals like yourself does hold its appeal. However, I am not one to hastily make decisions."

Tet maintained his composed demeanor as he laid out his conditions, his eyes fixed on the invader.

"The first condition is non-negotiable," Tet declared firmly. "I insist on being the first supporter to make a decisive appearance. It is essential for me to make a lasting impression that resonates throughout the game." Although Tet presented this as a strategic requirement, deep down, he relished the prospect of immersing himself fully in this intriguing game, as the God of Play could not bear the thought of missing a single moment, which is also the true reason for him setting this condition.

"No problem!" To his surprise, the invader readily agreed, showing no resistance to Tet's condition.

"Furthermore," Tet continued, his tone growing more deliberate, "if you emerge victorious and claim 'that throne', I request that you make me, the God of Play of this dimension, into the God of Play of every Dimension." His eyes gleamed with anticipation, for this was not merely a condition, but a personal desire that burned within him. After all being the interdimensional God of Play would give him many more opportunities for interesting games compared to him just being the God of Play of this dimension.

'God' maintained his composure, accepting Tet's conditions without hesitation. "Anything else?" he inquired, awaiting Tet's final terms.

"No," Tet replied succinctly, his expression firm and resolute. He knew that this is the most he will get and overstepping his demands will just result in him getting nothing.

"Furthermore if you were to win 'that throne' I want you to make me from the God of Play bound by this dimension into the interdimensional God of Play."

"Very well, Tet," 'God' responded, his voice laced with a subtle sense of agreement. "I accept your conditions."

Tet nodded, satisfied with the invader's agreement. "Good. Then, let the game begin," he declared.

Fifteen years had come and gone since the fateful agreement between Tet and ■■■. For an Old Deus like Tet, the passing of that timeframe held little significance. Yet, today marked a moment of significance as he received the long-awaited invitation to join the game under ■■■'s banner.

After joining the intricate system appeared before him, a labyrinth of menus, options, and features. With the wisdom of an Old Deus, he quickly familiarized himself with the workings of it, effortlessly navigating through the intricacies of the interface.

As he delved deeper into the system, a message caught his attention, urging him to extend a gesture of goodwill to the newcomers and make his presence known within the chat group. A subtle smile curved Tet's lips as he recognized the hand behind these prompts. It was ■■■, orchestrating the game with meticulous precision.

As a supporter, Tet possessed certain privileges that allowed him to delve into the abilities, potential and disposition of the members within ■■■'s team. It is a crucial privilege, one that enables him to provide the best possible support to each member, tailored to their unique strengths and aspirations. But as he delved deeper into the information, Tet noticed something amiss.

His gaze narrowed as he observed the status of Yuki, the chosen team leader. While he could access the profiles of the other members without any trouble, part of Yuki's information remained shrouded in mystery, concealed behind question marks. It was a deliberate omission, a hidden secret that piqued Tet's curiosity.

A hint of suspicion crept into Tet's thoughts as he pondered ■■■'s motives. 'Why would he choose to hide vital information about the team leader from him? What other secrets did ■■■ hold close to his chest?'

"Now I understand why you kidnapped some Elementals from my world." He said as he looked at the status of Yuki, which although partly concealed still revealed some information.

'Hmm, now let's try the gift function.' He thought to himself after looking into the status of all members. The gift function of the chat group is a powerful tool, capable of duplicating abilities or items from his own world and bestowing them upon the chosen recipients. However there exists one requirement: That object or ability needs to exist in the domain he controls.

His gaze shifted from one profile to another, considering the potential impact of the abilities or items from his own world, while trying to look for the perfect combination for each of the members.

'That All Might guy looks like he needs some strength, so let's go with this.'

[The God of Play has bestowed All Might the ability Blood Break]

'Let's give that wannabe Flügel something related to the race he desires to embody.'

[The God of Play has bestowed Fake Flügel a modified Rite of Restoration ritual]

'Black Star somehow makes me think of Dwarfs, so this should be perfect for him.'

[The God of Play has bestowed Black Star the ability to create and use Spirit Arms]

'Apparently Little Demon Venerable needs some kind of protection, to protect him from the influence of the Will of Heaven.'

[The God of Play has bestowed Little Demon Venerable the ability to use Psychological Empty Space]

'Now to the tricky one's, Scheming Shinigami and The Fool, what should I give them. Since that Scheming Shinigami likes to Scheme, more computation power should not be too bad for him.'

[The God of Play has bestowed Scheming Shinigami with the computation power of a Ex-Machina]

'The Fool … truly a tricky one, but with his current abilities I can conclude that he either needs defense or offense. The ability of the Ex-Machina to redirect attacks should fit well with him.'

[The God of Play has bestowed The Fool with the ability to use Umweg]