I Am Hades, The supreme GOD of the Underworld!

At this moment in the Elysian Fields, the four highest goddesses of the Underworld gathered together.

Persephone, Hestia, Rhea, and Pandora.

Pandora's status is quite unique, yet there's no denying that as long as Hades exists, her place beside him is comparable to Hestia's, his beloved elder sister. This is an undeniable fact.

"Sigh!" Rhea softly murmured with a trace of worry. "Hades has made thorough preparations, far more comprehensive than my husband did in his time. But… crossing from God-King to Primeval God, it's an unfathomable path. On such a road, any carelessness is unacceptable."

Rhea was tense, as were Metis and other goddesses. 

For Rhea, with Cronus currently dormant, her focus was entirely on her children—Hestia, Demeter, Hera, Hades, Poseidon, and once-Zeus, now Poros. Of her children, Hades and Hestia were particularly dear to her.

Now, her son was about to take a monumental step, and she couldn't help but feel anxious.

"Mother," Persephone said gently, "there's no need to worry. The timing, place, and all other factors are on his side. Even the World of Myth supports him. My husband will be just fine."

"I know," Rhea sighed. "But…" She couldn't hold back her worry; it was the concern of a mother for her child.

Pandora, ever devoted, stated calmly, "I'm certain His Majesty will succeed in all he attempts!"

Pandora's personality could best be described as unwaveringly loyal—a "devoted follower," if you will. She might appear aloof, but in reality, she was entirely loyal to Hades. No matter his command, even if it meant going against her family, she wouldn't hesitate.

"Ahh!" Hestia yawned lazily and said, "Really, there's nothing for us to worry about here. Hades has prepared everything. All we need to do is wait and get ready to celebrate his success."

Hestia looked every bit the modern-day, relaxed mortal, sitting cross-legged on her throne in pajamas adorned with cartoon characters, hair in twin tails.

Rhea watched her eldest daughter and couldn't understand how her firstborn had become so idle, while her son had become so accomplished. But she reasoned to herself that her daughter had a loving brother to look after her, so there was no need for concern.

The four goddesses waited in silence, confident that Hades would succeed. Though they were concerned, they never doubted that Hades would succeed.

---

In the Underworld.

Tartarus's spectral form coughed violently, feeling his essence being drained by the Demon Stars, yet he was powerless to resist. Eventually, he accepted his fate, reclining on a throne with a pale yet composed expression.

Tartarus, as a Primeval God, took defeat with dignity. Much like Cronus had accepted his defeat, he too faced failure with grace.

Tartarus regarded Hades with a calm expression, asking, "Hades, your plan is flawless. By absorbing my essence and combining it with the essence of the Netherworld and the Underworld you created, you'll truly ascend to the rank of Primeval God."

"However!" he continued, "You know as well as I do that doing so means taking on the authority and responsibility of all things related to the realm of the dead. Once that happens, you'll never be able to escape the grasp of the World of Myth. I'm curious: how do you plan to handle that?"

Tartarus was genuinely curious.

The four prime domains of Heaven, Earth, Sea, and Underworld—held by Uranus, Gaia, Pontus, and Tartarus—were positions the Primeval Gods had entrusted to the God-Kings who succeeded them. For the Primeval Gods, though powerful, they could not stand being bound by the World of Myth's limits. Entrusting their roles to their descendants allowed them freedom.

Yet here Hades was, willingly taking on this role, even though it would mean binding himself within the World of Myth.

Hades didn't hesitate as he explained, "It's simple. The Netherworld wasn't destroyed, and neither was the Underworld. Normally, to reach the realm of the Primeval Gods, I would need the union of the Underworld, Netherworld, and my own Hades Domain, accepting their authority and duties. Only then could I ascend."

"But now," he continued, "with my accumulated power, I no longer need to take on those duties and responsibilities. With most of the essence, it's enough."

Hades spoke at length, calmly explaining his strategy to Tartarus.

"Hahaha!" Tartarus's laughter rang out wildly. His laughter grew so intense that tears even appeared in the corners of his eyes. After a moment, he calmed down and said, "Hades, you truly are extraordinary. I see now why Erebus and Nyx chose to follow you. With you, they see endless hope. Your preparations are flawless."

"Your Hades World Tree has reached the point where it's ready to become an independent World of Myth. At this stage, you've already stepped beyond the World of Myth's grasp."

"With that foundation," he continued, "by combining the essence of the Underworld, Netherworld, and Hades Domain, you don't need the authority and responsibilities of the realm of the dead. The power from your Hades World Tree alone is enough for you to ascend to the rank of Primeval God."

"Marvelous!" Tartarus praised him. "Truly remarkable. Your planning is perfect."

"But," Tartarus continued, "you must know that what you're doing can't kill me. You've made an enemy of me, and though weakened, I'll recover in time."

"And Gaia will also be your enemy. In the future, how do you plan to face them both?"

Tartarus looked at Hades with interest, awaiting his answer.

Indeed, Tartarus would not die. Though stripped of much of his essence, he would recover, given enough time, and when that day came, he would certainly seek revenge against Hades.

Hades responded calmly, "If I lacked the courage to face vengeance, I wouldn't have come this far. I've never been afraid to take risks."

Hades spoke with an equanimity that made it seem as if facing a Primeval God was no different than pondering his next meal. This calm confidence made an impression on Tartarus.

"Is that so!" Tartarus remarked. "Such absolute confidence… it's what makes your success inevitable, Hades. I must admit, you will succeed!"

"Very well!" he said. "Hades, don't let me down! Before I come for revenge, let me see just how far you'll go. Do not disappoint me!"

Tartarus gazed deeply at Hades, and in that moment, his spectral image faded, his final resistance dissipating. The path was clear for Hades to absorb the last of the Underworld's essence.

As a Primeval God, Tartarus could accept defeat with dignity. So long as he survived, he knew he would one day reclaim his power.

In silence, Hades began drawing the Underworld's essence into himself.

Gradually, the Underworld shrank, its vastness reduced to a mere space the size of a stadium. The dark purple chains faded from sight.

Hades knew this was enough; absorbing more would mean taking on the authority and duties, which he had no desire to do.

With the essences of the Underworld, Netherworld, and Hades Domain in his being, three distinct hues of darkness interwove in his gaze. These hues merged into the purest black—a color that conveyed the essence of both life and death.

The god of the dead was never merely a god of death; he was also a god of life, representing both the beginning and end of existence.

At this moment, Hades felt his divine power transform, turning into the Ultimate Power.

Now, Hades truly understood the meaning of the Ultimate Power. It was, at its core, a higher form of divine power, an evolution beyond the power of the gods—a level of power reserved for God-Kings.

This was why the gap between a God-King and a lesser god was so vast and why the difference between a Primeval God and a God-King was even greater. The transformation was a fundamental change in the essence of their powers.

As the essence of the Underworld, Netherworld, and Hades Domain fully merged into Hades's body, his spirit, flesh, and very concept, he reached a new pinnacle.

With his divine power now fully transformed into the Ultimate Power, Hades crossed the threshold effortlessly, ascending to the rank of Primeval God.

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