Down With The Gods

Wyn once again crashes face-first into the ground, but this time lands directly on a stranger. Even though he's used to the pain by now, the sting of such a high fall doesn't lessen. Meanwhile, Yu’s luck holds as he lands near the ground, avoiding any mishaps. Both men find themselves standing in front of an entrance gate of the gaming zone. For Wyn, a gamer who enjoys roguelike games, this should feel like home, though he’s never been a fan of competitive online games. Yu, however, is out of his depth, neither experienced with games nor gambling.

Instead of the usual fence, a white wall stretches up endlessly, curving inward towards the center of the floor, suggesting some kind of dome. Unlike the first level, the gaming zone has one packed admission gate. Wyn, who hates long lines, sighs in frustration.

“I think we should check out the third level first,” Yu suggests.

“I’m not comfortable being naked in front of others,” Wyn objects, remembering the detail CATOTO had mentioned about the third level.

They activate their bands, scrolling through the levels and recalling the descriptions they were given.

“The fourth level is all about torture. Are you up for it?” Wyn asks.

“Can we skip it for now? I have a weak stomach.”

They land on the idea of visiting the fifth level, where there’s only one entrance point. The thought of experiencing some indulgent ecstasies intrigues them both. Neither of them experimented with drugs during their lifetimes. Wyn had avoided even marijuana, despite it being legal in his country. He’s willing to give it a try now, but Yu hesitates.

“I promised my family I’d never touch drugs. I know I’m free to do it now, but I’d still feel guilty,” Yu admits.

Wyn understands; he had made a similar promise to his own parents when he was younger. But with limited options, they debate once again. Finally, Wyn gives in, deciding they can give the third level a shot, despite his initial misgivings. After all, Yu’s still young – maybe even a virgin – and deserves to explore.

Just as they prepare to enter the portals, a demon cat’s shout startles them. “You there! Get in line! You have been wandering around for a while now!”

Wyn and Yu instinctively turn, only to see that the cat isn’t talking to them but to a gray-banded soul behind. The cats are indeed vigilant. They communicate with each other, even with those on other levels. The pair breathe a sigh of relief and continue their journey to the next level.

With his luck, Wyn lands flat on his face yet again, this time with Yu crashing down beside him. Somehow, the pain of falling seems more tolerable when shared with someone else. They stand up to find another towering white wall that extends out of their vision.

Wyn can’t help but think, “What’s with all the white? Doesn’t suit Hell at all.”

This time, there are fewer souls waiting in line. Despite lacking a physical heart, Wyn feels a familiar anxiety creeping in. He hates the idea of undressing in front of strangers. But with nowhere else to go, he reluctantly joins the leftmost line with Yu.

The gate’s demons, now visible up close, are orange tabby cats dressed in what looks like black leather. Each is armed with a black whip and wears a matching leather mask with heart-shaped ears, though their outfits differ below the mask. Their ears must’ve gone through deformation to fit the masks. Wyn cringes as the word “sexy” flashes through his mind. The sight of a thick cat wearing a two-piece leaves a bad taste in his mouth.

As they wait, Wyn and Yu pass the time getting to know each other better. It’s during this conversation that Wyn learns Yu was only nineteen when he died. At eighteen, Yu had been training to join a J-pop boy group while juggling his studies. Before he can share more, they reach the front of the line.

One of the leather-clad demons taps Yu’s band with its claws, causing it to vibrate for a few seconds before stopping. The cat then gestures for Yu to move forward. Wyn’s band gets the same treatment, and as he steps through the gate, his clothes vanish in an instant. Startled, Wyn quickly covers his private parts with both hands. Yu, on the other hand, seems perfectly at ease. Growing up in a country with public bathhouses had made him used to the situation. Yu turns around to check on Wyn.

"Is your face red because you're shy, or is it because of me?" Yu asks, both arms open wide.

Wyn would’ve given Yu the finger if he could, so instead he gives Yu a mischievous grin. Ahead of them, a large orgy pile sprawls out, smaller than the one from that infamous Kylie music video Wyn once saw. Floating above the pile is a figure with a distinct shape. Curious, Wyn grabs the attention of a nearby demon, eager to learn more. It turns out the figure is none other than Lust.

From where they stand, they can only see Lust’s side profile. The left half is a stunning female, embodying modern beauty standards: alluring facial features, big bouncy breasts, and perfect curves. On the right, Lust is a muscular male – ripped with an eight-pack, broad chest, and strong limbs. Both sides share the same enticing aura, skin complexion. The privates are most worthy of a stare.

"Is that...one hole?" Yu leans in, intrigued.

"What hole?…Oh! Wow, you're right. One hole it is!" Wyn responds, then adds, "So, is Lust a 'he' or a 'she'...or 'they'?"

“‘She’ or ‘he’ is fine. Never call Lust 'they' unless you want to experience the bowel destroying Lust’s wrath,” a male soul from the orgy pile chimes in.

As Lust engages with the writhing pile, Wyn and Yu can’t help but watch, mesmerized, before Wyn nudges Yu.

“Let’s move. We don’t want to become dildos.”

To their left, rows of connected buildings stretch out like strip malls, each containing a variety of establishments. The buildings differ in size and shape, with walkways allowing souls to pass from one row to the next. To their right is a boring blue cable car station. Four open-air elevators, positioned back-to-back against a central pole, ferry souls up to the station, where elongated oval cable cars – either pink or purple – hang from intricate lines. Each of the lines features a space in the middle to lock the cars. Two gears that fall within the space, hidden from sideway view, move the cars.

Further in the distance is an animal farm, and ahead of them are more, though smaller, orgy piles. Beyond those, a vividly colored hotel stands out. Wyn points to the hotel, seeking privacy.

They board a cable car. As they make their way towards the hotel, Wyn casually asks, “So, what’s your type?”

“I don’t know yet. So overwhelming with this many people,” Yu replies.

After about twenty minutes, they arrive at the seventieth floor of the hotel. The space is massive, with lines forming to access different zones. Digital bulletin boards provide descriptions of each zone. The closest one, spanning floors thirty through sixty-nine, is the cosplay zone. Wyn and Yu head down to the sixty-sixth floor, where Wyn notices Yu’s nervousness.

“You alright? You look pale,” Wyn asks.

“I’m fine. Just... nervous,” Yu replies, placing a hand on his wrist, as if checking for a pulse.

"Pick a room, any room. We'll meet up at the elevators once we're done."

Each door has a picture indicating the theme inside. Yu hesitates before stopping in front of a room with an anime series image. He knocks, and the door swings open to reveal a girl in a mage costume, beckoning him inside with a single finger. Yu stiffens, then shuffles in. Wyn finds it amusing to watch the entire event unravel in front of him.

While deciding on his own room, Wyn is approached by a stranger who invites him into an animal-themed room, which he politely declines. Up to this point, Wyn’s hands haven’t left his crotch, and despite his curiosity, he can't shake his shyness. Moments later, Yu emerges from the room, panting and flushed.

“What the heck happened in there?” Wyn asks.

“Nothing. She touched me, and I got too nervous and…I s…squirted.”

Wyn blinks, trying to process what he just heard. “Uh, I’m pretty sure ‘squirting’ is more of a girl thing, but…okay. What now?”

“Let’s just leave. I’m too embarrassed.”

“Leave? Shit! How much time do I have?” A vivid scene of him transforming into a dildo crosses Wyn’s mind.

While inside the cable car, Wyn’s band suddenly vibrates. Concerned, he tells Yu to wait for him near the big pile, then darts out the moment the cable car doors open, jumping from the platform and – as expected – landing on his face. The pain is nothing compared to the urgency surging through him. With his hands still covering his crotch, Wyn sprints, dodging demons and souls alike, until he successfully exits the gate.

Yu, still waiting at the station, watches in awe. He’s never seen anyone move so fast, especially after such a fall. His own band stays silent – the earlier incident at the hotel must’ve spared him. Wyn returns moments later, confirming with a nearby demon that he’s safe before rejoining Yu.

The pair meet back near the still-ongoing orgy pile, though Lust is no longer there.

“Why didn’t we meet outside?” Yu asks.

“I panicked.”

But that’s only part of the truth. Wyn fears being separated from Yu. Without any reliable way to communicate, he'd rather play it safe.

“With the two levels we’ve been on, the seventh level doesn’t sound too bad,” Yu says, half joking, half serious.

“Let’s discuss it outside. I want my hands back.”

They continue walking toward the exit. As they approach the gate, a female soul crawls out of the pile behind them and follows.

“Hey! Wait up!” she calls.

Wyn and Yu don’t expect anyone to be interested in them, so they keep moving. But the soul catches up, tapping Wyn on the shoulder.

“Hey! Wait for me, yeah?”

Wyn turns around to see a woman with the appearance of a model. Her diamond-shaped face, dyed brown hair, and hazel eyes remind him of the most recent “Miss Earthling” pageant winner. Her chest grabs attention, though something feels off about it. She’s slim, obviously disciplined in maintaining her physique, and stands just a little shorter than Yu.

“You wanna talk to us?” Wyn asks.

Yu turns around, his eyes widening. “Oh, wow!”

“I want to talk to you two about something,” the woman says.

They exit the gate, their clothes returning. Wyn flexes his hands, grateful for the freedom.

“You look almost the same as you did in there,” Yu comments, eyeing her outfit.

The woman, now dressed in a tight ocean-blue crop top and a short denim skirt, nods playfully. Her white boots make her stand out even more.

“My name’s Mira.”

“I’m Wyn, and he’s Yu…And are those…fake?” Wyn asks, pointing at her chest.

Mira grins and gives a quick shake of her breasts as she reaffirms Wyn’s doubt. The reason she chased after the guys was because she overheard them talking about the seventh level. Plus, she observed Wyn’s superhuman performance and it impressed her.

“We haven’t decided yet,” Yu says.

“Would you consider it?” Mira presses.

“We might. We still have more levels to check out first,” Wyn replies, glancing at Yu for confirmation. “What do you want from us?”

“I need someone to go there with,” Mira replies.

This is not the first time Mira has approached complete strangers. Her looks often draw men’s attention, but they usually want something from her she’s not willing to give. She doesn’t fit in with most women either as she’s not a “girly” girl.

“I’ve been in Hell for, like, a year now,” Mira continues.

In reality, she’s been in Hell for three years and one month to be exact, though she’s spent the last year addicted to the fourth level.

“I’ve been through all six levels, so I can guide you.”

“Why do you want to go to the seventh level?” Wyn asks.

“I’m looking for my sister.”

“How do you even know she’s down there?”

“I’ve got some intel.”

“Then why don’t you just go alone if that’s so important to you?”

“My intel says it’s better to have someone trustworthy down there with me.”

“But we’re complete strangers…”

“Then let’s get to know each other! You can trust me because I’m worth it,” she says as she flicks her hair.

Mira wraps her arms around both men’s necks, pulling them close. Wyn feels the weight of a decision looming. His two-man squad has been solid so far, but information is valuable. He pulls Yu aside to discuss in private. After a moment of deliberation, they return with an answer.

“You’re wasting my valuable time here,” Mira says, adjusting her breasts.

“That’s ‘whorible’ of us. We’re sorry,” Yu says, bowing his head.

“How about this? Let us explore more on our own. If we decide to go, we’ll come fetch you.”

Mira’s disappointment shows, not so much because they aren’t heading to the seventh level, but because they don’t want her around. Wyn and Yu, however, don’t want to risk bringing along a potential liability. They trust each other, and with their goal set on ending at the sixth level, they see no need to add another person.

“Fine. I’ll be waiting in the same pile,” Mira says with a smile.

Her ability to handle rejection without making a scene earns Wyn’s respect, though he feels a bit bad about it. Before she heads back to her favorite spot in Hell, she bids them farewell with a cringe-worthy cute frown. Too bad for Mira – Wyn’s no simp, and Yu’s too preoccupied with his band. The pair decide to revisit the gaming zone on the second level.

“Let’s forget we ever came to this level,” Yu says.

“We can’t forget Mira though. She’s memorable, alright,” Wyn replies.

And with that, they step into the portals. They’re back, staring at the large gate.