Chapter 17

Chapter 17 — The Gathering Between Elder Gods

​The grand thrones of the star-metal coliseum materialized out of the void, their structures etched with ancient runic script that hummed with absolute divine authority. The Elder Gods settled into their respective seats, overlooking the infinite arena as the final barriers of the tournament dissolved.

​Zeus, the supreme patriarch of the pantheon, leaned forward, his white-gold hair crackling with fierce electricity as his piercing eyes swept across the assembly. When he spoke, his voice resonated like rolling thunder through every dimension of reality.

​"Fellow Elder Gods, this tournament will decide the fate of many multiverses," Zeus declared, his tone dripping with cold, unyielding judgment. "And it shall decide the fate of my son, Akobel, for breaking the sacred laws of the Elder Gods. Isn't that right, boy?"

​From the lower tiers of the divine pavilion, Akobel scoffed, stepping forward with his silver-white hair flowing and dark markings framing his cold eyes. He crossed his arms, staring up at his creator with a mocking smirk.

​"As if I don't know, Father," Akobel answered sharply. "I've planned for this. I'm winning this tournament, and your leadership position will be mine by right anyway. I'm not scared of the weak creations of the other Elder Gods—and I'm certainly not scared of you, Father. I have total confidence in my warriors. They are going to win this for me."

​Before Zeus could retort, a low, scornful laugh echoed from across the dais. Hera, the commanding male Elder God with flowing dark hair and glowing amber eyes, leaned back on his throne, his gray-toned skin tightening as a fierce grin spread across his face.

​"Idiot archangel, if you believe that you'll win, then you have it completely wrong," Hera mocked, his voice laced with venom. "You shouldn't have foolishly walked into my multiverses as if you owned them. Face your father's consequences like a man instead of barking from the sidelines."

​Akobel’s expression twisted into a snarl as he whipped his head toward Hera. "You don't scare me, delusional Hera. You're nothing but a breeze of fresh air—a weakling—and so are your pathetic creations!"

​"Enough, boy!" Zeus roared, a massive discharge of lightning blasting across the coliseum floor. He turned a sharp gaze toward the other ruling deity. "And you, young Hera. Your grievances will be resolved directly on the tournament stage by the hands and strength of the very creations born from your respective multiverses."

​With a sweep of his hand, Zeus stood tall and commanded the attention of all realms.

​"The first round of the Elder God Tournament is hereby announced!" Zeus proclaimed, his voice echoing out across the cosmos, traveling deep into the pocket domains and reaching even the secluded shores of Posaiden's realm. "Elder God Hera versus Elder God Hades—a one-versus-one death battle between their champions!"

​The words rippled through the air with terrifying clarity, carrying all the way into the starlight sea of Posaiden's domain where Goku, Vegeta, Gohan, Jiren, and Yamoshi stood.

​Back in the divine sanctuary, the chilling announcement left our warriors completely speechless and utterly shocked. The weight of a true death match hung heavy in the air, signaling that the invisible curtains were finally parting. The terrifying warriors belonging to the other Elder Gods were about to step into the light, and there was no turning back.