The funny thing about this war is that the gods ought to be embarrassed if asked about why they are taking up arms. So someone cheated at a bidding war for things that they usually use as playthings. It is the sought of the funny reason that mortal kings should fight about not high and mighty gods. Then again, religious wars have never been fought for wise reasons.
Ironic enough, this war isn't an overreaction. It is a justified response albeit not a mature one. It is not like the inciting event of Harkam's and Stelios's war. Last time, Harkam declared war because his demigod was slain. It was his and his demigod's fault. This time he overrode the other gods and acted selfishly. It is his fault again, but he is not the one declaring war this time.
The world war isn't about the demigods anymore. It stopped being about the demigods when the bidding war started. Harkam disrespected them to their face and he did it with a mortal too. The Colossus crushed some god's avatars with her hand like they were bugs. Most of the casualty to the avatars is due to the falling debris but all of it can be attributed to Harkam and the Colossus. Then Harkam took ownership of all the royal guards without their consent before using it for his own selfish agenda. He practically bullied them and stole from them.
What if word of this event got out? And it would since there are so many ways it can be leaked. There were soldiers watching, the talkative Colossus, the other gods, and Harkam himself. He will certainly brag about it and so will that Colossus because of their big mouth. If there is one thing that the Colossus and her god have in common, it is that they don't think before they talk or act.
So the news will get out. Mortals will know that some gods were cheated and then crushed by a mortal, all with the support of her god. The story will make rounds among mortals and gods for thousands of years. It will become a legend and it might incite similar events. They won't have it.
Their pride has been soiled. It is another thing that the god of fate will use to mock them. That always hurts more. Harkam caused the blasphemy of their prestige and so they must have war. Blood must flow to cleanse away the sin he has committed.
Harkam laughed boisterously. "It was worth it."
The blood that will be shed will belong to mortals but Harkam thinks it will be all worth it. He isn't concerned about the upcoming war. Whatever will happen will happen. The gods might destroy his churches and mortal forces but they won't dare to face him in the divine realm. He is not some weak god. If he were allowed to attack other gods then he will go on a rampage, but he doesn't want to push the Celestial Supreme too far.
This war will impact him heavily. He sacrificed a lot of divinity that the lineage of sky gods has been saving and he will lose a lot of his priests but he considers it worth it and that's enough for him. In fact, it is more than enough for him. Tanya is safe and sound now, while the other demigods are still suffering in captivity. He also got to screw up the other gods so it is undoubtedly good enough for him. The problems he created will be left for the future generations of sky gods to fix.
"Wonderful moves exalted sky god. I am overwhelmed and impressed by your actions." The god of conflict complimented Harkam.
"It's nothing. It just came to me in a moment of inspiration." Harkam replied modestly but he is visibly proud.
Harkam would have loved to claim that he planned it from the start but it isn't so and no one will believe it to be so. One thing led to another. He just went with his gut Instincts and things worked out the way they are. He didn't want to be in a bidding war with the gods and reduce his chance of getting Tanya. Better to take things by force.
He is currently surrounded by numerous gods who are taking his side in this conflict. His reply made them laugh and shake their heads in wonder. Harkam is just too amusing and entertaining. It is true that he does foolish things but foolish things are the most interesting things. Where would their entertainment be if there are no gods like Harkam? That's why they can't allow him to be punished too much or he might actually learn his lesson and stop doing foolish things.
The God of Conflict laughed and said, "Don't worry about the upcoming divine war, Grand god Harkam. I believe you are right on this issue. Your reaction is natural for any god that cares for his demigod. So I promise to assist you with troops and resources to the best of my abilities."
Harkam's grin became wider. "That's good to hear. I will enjoy expecting your help."
The god of conflict isn't the only god to promise support. They won't do their best but they will certainly do enough to give Harkam a fighting chance against the other 7 gods and their allies. This will ensure that the fight will be drawn out, gruesome, bloody, and very entertaining.
Zargoth plane went into an upheaval. A world war is about to start and it isn't baseless rumors. The gods brought out their blades and began sharpening them. All around the plane, churches everywhere enlisted troops and trained soldiers.
Some mortals prayed for peace but most were easily riled up. Their gods have been blasphemed and they are angry about it. It doesn't matter that a war will lead to far dire consequences but that's the thing about Faith. Faith makes people blind to some things including when it is clearly not good for them. So a lot of mortals are participating in this war voluntarily without coercion or forceful recruitment. They are doing it just to please their gods.