Chapter 5: New Life: Zero
//3rd POV//
In a countryside somewhere in the Lucia Continent, there was a small house made of wood near what will be Elkia.
The gentle patter of rain on the roof provided a soothing backdrop to the small, dimly lit room where a game of chess was unfolding. Tet, the embodiment of games and play, sat cross-legged on the worn wooden floor, his vibrant eyes focused intently on the chessboard. Across from him sat Riku, a young boy whose innocent features belied the sharp intellect and indomitable spirit within.
The room, though modest, was filled with a sense of warmth and camaraderie. Shelves lined with books and makeshift toys spoke of a simpler time, a fleeting moment of peace amidst the relentless chaos of war-torn Disboard. Tet found this setting both endearing and profoundly intriguing.
'I need a way that is more precise, tactics that are more efficient. I need a superior strategy.'
Thought Tet as he moved a knight, Tet's playful grin spread across his face. "Your move, Riku," he said, his voice a blend of mirth and curiosity. "Show me how a human mind dances in the face of challenge."
Riku's eyes, wide with determination, scanned the board with a focus far beyond his years. His small hands, steady and deliberate, reached for a pawn. "Every piece has a role," he murmured, more to himself than to Tet. "Every move brings us closer to victory."
Tet watched with fascination as Riku executed his strategy, the child's earnestness a stark contrast to the dire reality outside these walls. In this moment, amidst the clicking of chess pieces and the rhythm of the rain, the world seemed to shrink to the size of the board before them— a world where hope and ingenuity could triumph over despair.
"You play with such conviction," Tet observed, his tone light but thoughtful. "Even in a game, your spirit shines through."
Riku looked up, a flicker of a smile touching his lips. "Games are like life," he replied. "You fight for every inch, you adapt, you never give up."
The room's tranquility was suddenly pierced by a distant rumble, a subtle tremor that Tet felt deep within his being. His expression shifted, a shadow of concern crossing his features, but he quickly masked it with his usual playful demeanor.
"You're quite the philosopher for someone so young," Tet remarked, moving another piece. "But tell me, Riku, what would you do if the board changed? If the game itself became something entirely different?"
Riku's brow furrowed in thought, but before he could respond, the faint sound of explosions echoed from the distance, growing louder and more insistent. Tet's heart tightened as he sensed the impending disaster, his omnipotent awareness acutely attuned to the world's shifting tides.
The game paused, both players frozen in the moment, as the fragile peace of the room stood in stark contrast to the chaos outside. Tet's gaze softened as he looked at Riku, the weight of the impending loss heavy in the air.
"Remember this moment," Tet whispered, a rare note of solemnity in his voice. "For even in the darkest times, the spirit of the game lives on."
The tranquility shattered as the ground shook violently, the walls trembling with the force of the explosions. The room, once a sanctuary of peace and play, now faced the harsh reality of a world at war. Tet's heart ached for the young boy before him, knowing that the innocence of this moment would soon be replaced by the harsh trials of survival.
As a harsh light of destruction flooded in through the windows, Tet's form shimmered and vanished, leaving behind the echoes of laughter, the weight of wisdom, and the unbreakable spirit of a young boy who would one day change the fate of Disboard.
//Tet's POV//
Hi, I'm Tet, and I'm an Old Deus. I live in the void. Well… not really the void. I just call it that because it's super dark, and I can't leave on my own. But anyway, I've been in Disboard for about two months now.
Hmm… What?
Oh, you're wondering why not an infant, aren't you.
It's quite simple, really.
Because I, as an Old Deus, have a body is composed entirely of Ether. Ether is a materialized concept. It is proof of the authenticity of the existence of god. It is basically the personification of a will or the form of a concept.
Which brings to my current predicament. I'm… a child's imaginary friend. You see because Ether exists in two distinct forms: physical Ether and metaphysical Ether, there is this disconnect of "birth" in the Old Deus.
You understand?
Come on, it's simple. Really!
Alright, I'll explain a bit more. But, after that, it's back to listening to my tale, okay!
Let's talk about Ether's separate uses, starting with the metaphysical Ether. Metaphysical Ether represents the true essence of the Old Deus, it exists in a higher dimension, and is the abstract idea/concept an Old Deus represents. For example, I am the Concept of Games. However, it is important to remember that metaphysical Ether is beyond mortal perception and understanding. This also means it is the one part of a Deus that can never be truly destroyed.
So, when I say I'm the imaginary friend of a child, I mean Riku is the literal start button to my existence. But, he is also the only who believes in me.
Now for the Physical Ether. Unlike the metaphysical stuff, physical Ether can be perceived by mortals because it exists physically. Now, the cool thing about physical Ether is that it takes on various forms based on how sentient beings define it, like how Ocain, the God of Forge, took the shape of the great forge of Hardenfell.
What does physical Ether do? Well, a lot, really! Physical ether can generate its own puppet or avatar. And this is the only way an Old Deus to interact with mortals with a strange circumstance.
Why the exposition?
To help you understand my predicament, of course.
You see because only Riku believes in me, I don't have the strength to manifest physical ether to generate an avatar.
Which is why, even though Riku believes in me, he doesn't think I am real.
But… as my friend and progenitor, I don't want him to die. After all, he was the first to play against me in this world.
Which is why gave him a little push. Maybe he won't die this time around. I will be watching.
Though I will be waiting here, in the core of the planet, here at the source of the Spirit Circuits. So, you better get here, Riku. I want to play a game with the highest stakes.
CREATORS' THOUGHTS 
CrimsonRoseDevil
CrimsonRoseDevil Creation is hard, cheer me up!
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