Jiren's words brought silence to both Belmod and Marcarita.
The stillness that followed was heavy, as though even the surrounding space itself was weighing the meaning behind his declaration.
His tone made it unmistakably clear—neither of their powers impressed him anymore.
For beings who stood at the apex of their Universe, such a statement would normally be seen as arrogance. Yet coming from Jiren, it sounded like nothing more than a calm statement of fact.
Fortunately, both angels were composed by nature, and after knowing Jiren for so long, they understood his unending pursuit of strength.
This obsession was not born from pride, but from an almost ascetic devotion to self-perfection.
Marcarita met his steady gaze and sighed softly.
"Alright, I can take you there. Uchiha Chiga is easy to talk to. If you're sincere, he won't make things difficult for you."
Her words carried a subtle reassurance, though even she could not predict how such a meeting would truly unfold.
A rare glimmer of emotion crossed Jiren's usually impassive face. He straightened his posture and bowed respectfully.
"I'm deeply grateful."
Without another word, Marcarita turned around. Belmod exchanged a glance with Jiren before following her. A stream of shimmering light enveloped the trio, carrying them swiftly into the heavens.
The scenery twisted and folded as they passed through layers of space no mortal could ever perceive.
---
They arrived before Chiga's residence—a quiet, radiant realm floating amidst the clouds.
Golden light drifted lazily through the air, and the land itself felt serene, as though untouched by conflict or authority.
The moment her feet touched the ground, Marcarita's demeanor changed completely. Her expression softened into a bright smile as she knocked cheerfully on the door.
"Chiga, open up! I'm back!"
Both Belmod and Jiren froze, utterly stunned. They had never seen Marcarita behave like this.
To them, she had always been distant and refined—never playful, never casual.
The door opened to reveal Vados, holding a deck of cards. She arched an eyebrow, smiling faintly.
"You're back so soon? Couldn't stand being in your own universe for too long?"
Marcarita waved dismissively.
"What's there to stay for? From now on, this is my place!"
"Oh? So bold. Aren't you worried Chiga will remind you whose house this is?"
"Come on, Vados, give me some respect! Didn't you see I brought guests?"
Only then did Vados glance at Belmod and Jiren. Both stood rigidly, unsure whether to speak or remain silent.
Especially Belmod, who could hardly believe what he was seeing. In his experience, Marcarita and Vados were constant rivals—never missing a chance to bicker whenever they met. But now? They seemed… friendly.
It was as if the very hierarchy he understood had been quietly rewritten.
Vados's gaze lingered on Jiren. She tilted her head slightly.
"And who might this be?"
Marcarita gestured proudly.
"This is the strongest mortal in our universe—Jiren."
Leaning close, she whispered something softly into Vados's ear. The angel's eyes widened just a fraction before she nodded and gestured for them to come in.
---
Inside, the atmosphere was unexpectedly casual.
There was no oppressive divine pressure, no solemn air befitting gods—only laughter, voices, and the faint shuffle of cards.
Lazuli sat at a round table, three white paper strips stuck comically across her face. Frowning at her cards, she shouted,
"Vados! Why'd you open the door yourself? You're gods—you could've just snapped your fingers! Are you trying to cheat?"
Chiga, who also had a white strip on his cheek, chuckled.
"You still have to open it manually. Otherwise, mortals might be scared out of their wits."
Lazuli sighed in defeat and turned her focus back to her cards, her face serious with determination.
Marcarita bounded over, leaning against Chiga's shoulder to peek at his hand.
"Chiga, what are you doing?"
He didn't even flinch at her closeness.
"This is called 'Fight the Landlord.' Watch a round or two—you'll get it."
Vados calmly placed a single six on the table. Lazuli's eyes gleamed as she threw down four cards at once.
"Bomb! Only two left!"
Vados arched a brow and countered smoothly.
"King Bomb."
Lazuli froze. "W-what?!" She tried to stay confident. "It's fine! She still has cards—I can still win!"
But Vados immediately followed up.
"Straight. I'm out."
The words drained the life from Lazuli's eyes. She slumped against Chiga, muttering weakly,
"Why… why do I always lose…"
Vados smiled faintly and placed another white strip on Lazuli's forehead.
Chiga sighed in amusement.
"You always rush to grab the Landlord spot without checking your cards first."
He still wore his own white strip from the last round—a loss he'd suffered while partnering with Lazuli.
Lazuli pouted.
"But the Landlord gets three extra cards! It feels like a waste if I don't take it…"
Marcarita's curiosity flared again. She leaned even closer to Chiga.
"I want to play too, Chiga! Teach me!"
Chiga flicked her gently on the forehead.
"Patience. Four players make a different game. I'll teach you later. For now, don't forget the guests you brought."
Marcarita blinked, then turned toward the doorway—where Belmod and Jiren still stood like soldiers awaiting orders.
The contrast between their stiff posture and the casual scene before them was almost surreal.
Seeing Chiga glance their way, Belmod quickly raised his hands.
"Dragon God, please, don't mind us. Continue your game!"
Even without releasing any power, the golden gleam in Chiga's eyes radiated an indescribable pressure—a natural authority that crushed lesser beings.
Sweat rolled down Jiren's bald head. That single glance had nearly broken his fighting spirit.
What kind of existence is this…?
He swallowed hard, forcing himself to speak.
"Greetings, Dragon God. I am—"
Chiga smiled faintly, cutting him off.
"I know who you are. Jiren—the strongest mortal beneath the Gods."
Jiren hesitated. "The strongest? I haven't even fought beings from other universes…"
Chiga chuckled softly.
"If I say you are, then you are. Your power already qualifies you to become the next God of Destruction."
Belmod nodded slightly. Indeed, Jiren lacked only the power of destruction itself—his raw might already surpassed that of most Gods.
Yet Jiren's eyes remained calm. Titles meant little to him. His only goal was to reach the pinnacle of strength.
Marcarita leaned close again, whispering Jiren's background softly into Chiga's ear. Although Chiga already knew everything, he listened patiently.
The act itself carried meaning—acknowledgment rather than necessity.
Finally, he rose from his seat. His golden gaze locked onto Jiren, and the sheer weight of his presence made the warrior instinctively take a step back.
Chiga's lips curved into a calm smile.
"Don't be nervous. Didn't you come here seeking a challenge? I'll grant you that chance—right now."
The air seemed to tighten, as though the world itself was holding its breath.
______
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