I Am Hades, The supreme GOD of the Underworld!

"Father!" 

"Mother!"

Typhon stood at the boundary between the Underworld and the mortal realm, smiling at his creators, Gaia and Tartarus, as he straddled the edge between life and death.

Tartarus remained silent, gazing at Typhon. According to the original order of things, Typhon's birth was inevitable—a trial meant for the third generation of God-Kings. Known as the progenitor of giants, the final Titan, the god of storms and fire, and the forefather of all monsters, Typhon was predestined to exist.

However, in the original tale, Typhon only wielded the power of a God-King without the authority and status that came with it. Now, things were starkly different. Gaia had poured endless effort into this, combining the divine essence of two Ancient Gods and imbuing him with additional powers, transforming Typhon into a true God-King, with the authority and stature to match.

This was a drastic difference. The former Typhon was merely a transitional figure, while the new Typhon was a legitimate God-King, with the potential to advance even further.

Gaia gazed at her last child, perhaps her finest creation. Theoretically, Typhon was indeed her most outstanding offspring. After a moment of silence, Gaia smiled and said gently, "Typhon, go and fulfill your destiny. There is no need for further words—do what must be done."

"Mother! Father! Then…" 

"I will take my leave."

Typhon gave a slight bow, turned, and with a sinister smile on his handsome face, disappeared instantly.

After his departure, Gaia and Tartarus fell silent. Finally, Tartarus let out a mocking laugh. "Gaia, are you sure you can control this child? His ambition is evident, visible to anyone who looks closely."

Gaia was silent for a moment before responding coolly, "What happens next is no longer your concern, Tartarus. Our ties are severed, and I will be taking my leave as well."

With that, Gaia vanished, leaving Tartarus alone. The sneer on his face deepened as he murmured, "Gaia, your schemes will likely fail again, and you will pay dearly for this choice. But what does that matter to me?"

He sighed, dismissing the matter. The debt he owed Gaia was repaid; now he could return to observing from afar without further involvement.

"Still," he murmured, "this world of myth is fascinating. Who knows what awaits?"

With a final chuckle, Tartarus also vanished.

Both Gaia and Tartarus were severely weakened from the arduous task of nurturing a new God-King. Though they retained their unparalleled status within the Underworld and Earth's core, where they reigned as Ancient Gods, this vulnerability was uncharacteristic. Yet this weakness left them more exposed than usual, and unforeseen dangers might arise.

Thus, many uncertainties loomed, and no one could predict how things would unfold for Gaia and Tartarus, these supreme beings.

The Greek pantheon's mythic world, once a place of predestined paths, had now spiraled into chaos. No one knew what would happen next. This unpredictability was terrifying for the gods, for none could now claim true safety or security.

In a way, though, this breakdown of order offered an opportunity. For many gods, it was the best possible outcome. Now, at last, they had a chance to escape their predetermined fates, for few could achieve Mephisto's feat of carving out a Hell with Titan-level power and fleeing to safety. Such an opportunity was incredibly rare, almost unimaginable.

For the gods, the prospect of facing a certain end—one they could see coming—was something none were willing to accept. This single chance, even if fleeting, was enough to stir every god into action.

Now, even for Ancient Gods like Tartarus and Gaia, this was their best chance at transcending their limitations. Unlike Erebus and Nyx, who recklessly dedicated everything to a single gamble, most Ancient Gods were unwilling to serve as subordinates to God-Kings, choosing instead to retain their pride and avoid being mere vassals.

For Tartarus, who had remained still and silent for so long, his lack of visible action did not necessarily mean he was inactive.

In truth, much would only be revealed at the decisive moment. Until then, no one could be sure how things would play out. But for now, the Greek pantheon's mythical world was unfolding as many of the gods hoped.

In the Underworld, Mephisto strolled through the flourishing Contracted Hell. This place was no longer the barren wasteland it once was, but a vibrant realm filled with infernal structures. Tens of thousands of souls now populated Contracted Hell, all branded with the marks of devils, quietly building Mephisto's new domain.

On a nearby hill, Mephisto stopped, a smile on his face as he whispered, "Years of effort… It's finally paid off. This is what it means to be a God-King. Your Majesty, I am forever your loyal servant."

Mephisto knelt, pressing a hand to his chest in a gesture of utmost loyalty before rising again. Here in Contracted Hell, these souls had been bound by contract, yet Mephisto did not consume them. Simply by residing in this realm, their presence boosted his power and that of the Underworld, creating a perfect cycle.

"Eris," Mephisto said calmly, sensing her arrival.

Eris appeared, scanning the thriving Contracted Hell. "Every devil here was once a hero, Mephisto. Your future path grows clearer by the day."

"It's all thanks to the grace His Majesty has bestowed upon me," Mephisto replied gratefully. "Is there a message from the lady?"

Eris nodded. "The lady requests that you make preparations. Soon, we will be exploring other mythical worlds. No one can predict what we'll encounter there."

Mephisto thought for a moment, then nodded. "Given my background, I am likely the most suitable for such an exploration. Unlike you, Europa, or Pandora, I bear no mark of the Greek pantheon, which makes detection less likely."

Mephisto was right; he had survived the destruction of his original world, and its imprint had faded entirely. That's why he had been able to reach this world.

Eris responded, "For now, the lady's orders are for you to wait. Once His Majesty's current actions succeed, we can relax our initial vigilance."

Understanding her meaning, Mephisto nodded.

In another part of the realm, Europa and Sparta were already waiting as Mephisto and Eris arrived. The meeting ahead would prove to be critical.

Meanwhile, in the Elysian Fields…

Hestia sat cross-legged on her throne, fidgeting impatiently. "Are you sure this is wise? Isn't my brother's approach too risky?"

Concerned for her brother, Hestia found herself unnerved by his recent moves. Unlike in past strategic maneuvers or games of wit, he was now facing Ancient Gods directly, a far greater danger.

Persephone, seated on her own throne, replied seriously, "Elder sister, don't worry. I believe in my husband. He would not act without confidence."

Hestia sighed. "I trust him too, but this seems too dangerous. Well, if things go wrong, he can always retreat to the Underworld."

Though their perspectives differed, both sisters shared an underlying concern.

And as they discussed his fate, Hades himself entered the Underworld once more.

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