Divine Meeting

Around a day ago, somewhere in space, all of the higher-ranked gods gathered together.

"I'm grateful we could meet again since the last incident," A god called Voltaris said with his long gray hair and beard. "I know that we all have stuff to take care of, but something unexpected has happened."

Looking at everyone in the room with his serious yet concerned face, he announced, "The Darkness has a new host."

"There's someone strong enough to be in possession of that power, again?" A young god named Terron asked.

Animus, the god who was glowing of bluish green, spoke up, "I have sent my spirits in search of this immense power." A creepy smile grew on his face, "It is nothing to worry about. The darkness wielder is just a child. However, I do find it weird that this child is still himself; typically, the darkness wielders do not adapt to it for months. His soul must be the strongest out of everyone we have seen so far."

Ahrimanoth, a god wearing a full-body suit with a long jacket, suggested: "Because it's a kid, we can surely send a lower-ranked god to go and get the darkness."

"I know someone we can send. He's fairly new, but he's already proved himself to be stronger than most." Chronos, who had a headband over his eyes with three scars on each eye poking out, said.

Illusia, a god with messy hair and a small top hat on his head, responded: "Going there by ourselves would be stupid indeed; the balance of the universe can only be maintained if we stay in our places, not intervening with humans."

In relief, Voltaris sighed, "At least we got that out of the way," And then continued, "We still have to worry about a specific person and the plan. I just hope that person doesn't find out about the darkness before we can get it back."

"That person has most likely made plans on getting the darkness already." Terron felt anger within him.

Animus added, "The balance of the universe will not matter if The Darkness falls into his hands. I am going to Earth when the time is right."

Chronos raised his voice, "Don't be stupid. There's no point in causing a scene when this situation can be dealt with by a lower-ranked god. You always act on your own, and that has never brought us any benefit."

"There's no need to start arguments. We've already found a way to deal with this situation. Chronos and I will stay here to summon this lower-ranked god." Voltaris commanded.

"Alright then. See you all next time." Illusia said as he disappeared into thin air.

Terron stood up from the chair, "So I assume this means our meeting is over. See you all some other time," He said, making a portal appear next to him and walking into it.

Ahrimanoth walked backwards into the shadowy corner. "I don't know when we'll meet again, but this lower-ranked god better succeed." Stepping into the shadowy corner, he disappeared into it.

Animus started glowing bright green, "I will not do anything as of yet, I have hope in this god." As he was talking, he got brighter until he suddenly disappeared.

Chronos then summoned Sphairos, a lower-ranked god who commands the Orbs of Oblivion. He had just gotten back from a mission when he found himself suddenly appearing in front of two higher-ranked gods, Voltaris and Chronos.

At first, he was confused as to where he was until he looked up and saw two gods, around twice his size, standing in front of him. Sphairos got on his feet and then bowed down to them, "What brings me here? If I may ask."

"The Darkness has found a host, and we have decided to assign you to the task of taking him down," Voltaris said in a commanding tone.

"Wait, are you assigning just me to take down the darkness wielder?!" Sphairos exclaimed,d but then stopped himself, "I'm sorry. What I meant to say was. Are you sure I'm strong enough, sir?"

"It's a child who just recently got his hands on it. He shouldn't be able to use the darkness to his advantage yet," Chronos assured, "Not to mention, you're one of the only available gods for this job."

Thinking the situation through, Sphairos felt pride in being able to impress his superiors and smiled, "Do you want me to bring him back dead or alive?"

####

"Welcome, Asaki," A soft voice from behind him said, "I've been waiting for you."

Opening his eyes slowly, as if he had just taken a nap, Yamikuro yawned, "Hello."

"Remaining calm after your previous events, you really are interesting." The man started elegantly writing in his book.

Before Yamikuro was able to ask another question, he realized that the place he woke up in wasn't something he recognized.

The presence of this place felt eerie.

Lying down, he saw towering book shelves that reached as far as eye could see, next to him was a tall door with a huge lock without a keyhole, and on his right, behind a table, sat a handsome man with long white hair, his eyes blue as ocean, who was writing.

"...Where am I? And who are you?"

"Have you begun to grasp the situation you're in? Name's Honor." He said, putting down his pen softly.

"You have died, fighting a god, his power way out of your league."

"What? Died- No... That can't be..." Yamikuro stood up, but then it hit him. The memories of his encounter with Sphairos came back.

"That's right. I remember now... I was blown up. I'm really dead, and this is the afterlife?"

"...That's what I would say if you didn't possess the darkness." Honor leaned forward on his chair.

"I can resurrect you and help you stand against that god; his orbs of oblivion are merely toys for a true darkness wielder."

Yamikuro looked down, "I don't get this Darkness thing everyone keeps mentioning. I thought I understood, but when I tried to use them... I failed, and died..."

Nodding slightly, Honor said, "Come, sit down," Pointing at the chair in front of his desk.

Walking up a couple of creaking stairs, Yamikuro sat down, letting out a sigh. "I'm listening."

"The Darkness... It calls itself hatred, a curse for humanity. The wielder of this power can single-handedly wipe out the entire universe, but looking at you, I doubt you'd go that far."

"It's a curse...? But why do I have it?!" Yamikuro asked, looking into Honor's eyes, "How did I get it?"

"That I'm not so sure of, perhaps it was fate. I do hope you'll remember how you got it. What I do know is that you'll be the one to use the Darkness to take down the god that killed you."

"I'm not a god that can control you, I only exist in this dream world after all, but I can guide you down the right path, that is, if you'll listen to me."

Taking out a piece of paper, Honor handed Yamikuro a pen.

"But before I grant you the ability to use the Darkness freely, let us form a pact."

"A pact?"

"With this, you'll promise to use the Darkness for good, I know I said you don't look like someone who'll destroy mankind, but I can't be sure of that. The Darkness is the most powerful after all."

Yamikuro's eyes dropped to the ground.

"How do I know I'm using it for good?"

The tone of Honor's voice slightly changed; it became more sympathetic. 

"None of us are perfect, and the Darkness does have a tendency to make people psychotic, and eventually lose control of themselves. If you keep your head up and don't let things depress you, you should be fine. It's a difficult task, but I can only ask of this from you, Asaki."

Yamikuro started thinking.

Forming this pact meant he could get powers and be reborn to fight Sphairos.

But that would've also meant he couldn't get depressed anymore.

Not getting depressed to get powers seemed like a good deal.

He grabbed the pen from Honor. A quavering breath escaped from his lungs.

"...I'll form the pact."

Honor smiled slightly, "Incredible. Just sign your name here."

After signing his name, Honor stood up, being taller than Yamikuro expected.

Walking up to Yamikuro, he reached his hand out to him.

Suddenly, everything started spinning, and Yamikuro's vision slowly turned dark.

"I'm sure we'll see each other again, Asaki."

Yamikuro's eyes shot open, and his body was completely healed. It was like he had fallen asleep on the streets, with a few Hunters that had fallen from the rooftop.

Forcing himself up, he now had to find Sphairos.

But before that, Yamikuro had to figure out how to use his newly awakened power.

"Damn it... I forgot to ask Honor how to use my power...!" He started panicking.

Just then, Sphairos jumped down to Yamikuro.

Startled by Yamikuro standing, he didn't know what to say. He had no orbs flying around him, most likely because they hadn't had time to regenerate.

So, how long was Yamikuro out?

"How is it possible? You should be dead!" Sphairos yelled.

Yamikuro didn't know how it worked either. But he was definitely now alive after meeting Honor.

A deep raspy voice talked in his ear.

"Use... Ascension."

Suddenly, his heart rate picked up, his eyes changed color, and the air around them shifted.

"Deadly sin... Gluttony... Call forth my power." The voice said.

Not responding, Yamikuro felt the power within him growing.

An unexplainable feeling- one that only a Darkness wielder could experience.

Purple lines started to grow under his eyes.

The wind picked up, and dark and stormy clouds formed.

Looking at his shaky hand, Sphairos caught himself struggling to move properly.

What was this feeling he was experiencing?

Yamikuro clapped his hands together and yelled.

"Ascension: Gluttonous Realm!"