I Am Hades, The supreme GOD of the Underworld!

Hypnos and Thanatos, the Twin Gods, continued to handle various affairs with efficiency. 

Meanwhile, as the race wars raged on, the Underworld was steadily advancing. As time passed, the number of minor realms absorbed by the Underworld increased. The benefits from managing life and death, and the cycle of reincarnation, grew ever more astounding and terrifying.

To put it simply, although the Underworld hadn't directly participated in the race wars, the benefits it was reaping were immense, almost unimaginable. 

The Underworld and the Sanctuary both profited immensely from this race war. Their gains were steady and secure, incomparable to the risks taken by those gods embroiled in direct conflict. This discrepancy in advantage highlighted the inherent gap between them. This is why the wealthy grow wealthier: the two sides were on completely different levels.

The gods understood this, which was why they were desperate to seize this single chance for themselves. They knew that if they didn't take drastic action, they'd end up with nothing. 

In this sense, what lay before them wasn't just an opportunity but the chance for a miracle, the only one they'd get. If they didn't pursue it, they were doomed to lose everything. The fundamental gap between them and the Underworld and the Sanctuary was irreversibly wide—a fact the gods had to accept. They could only move forward, aware that the abyss might await them.

Elysium.

Hestia rubbed her chin sleepily, yawning as she asked, "Sister-in-law, why did you call me here?"

She yawned again, her once-beautiful, delicate face now showing a bit of chubbiness, and muttered, "Are we finally starting to act?"

"No," Persephone replied with a smile. "There's no rush to act yet. Right now, our focus remains on the mythological world."

Although the Underworld had plans, these were often disrupted by new developments. Hades' ascension to the level of an Ancient God had an enormous impact, causing plans to be reevaluated.

Indeed, many issues could only be handled step by step; otherwise, they would become even harder to manage if left unaddressed. While these issues were manageable, they required time, which, to the gods, was an abundant resource—particularly for the Underworld, where time was arguably the least valuable commodity.

For example, Persephone and Hestia had initially intended to start exploring another mythological world. However, given the ongoing developments, they put this plan on hold. It wasn't that the Underworld couldn't manage both, but doing so might create unnecessary complications.

Greek Pantheon, Mythological World.

This was currently the primary focus. Even though Hades had ascended to the Ancient God level, the Wind Beast that the Underworld World Tree required was still missing. Once acquired, the Underworld World Tree could complete its transformation into a complete mythological world. This would be the foundation of everything, a vital step toward perfection.

This explained why Hestia found it strange that Persephone had called her over amid the Underworld's ongoing preparations.

"Is there something else going on?" she wondered aloud.

Persephone chuckled, seeing Hestia's puzzled look, and said, "No, sister, it's just that I think staying cooped up all day isn't good for your health."

Hestia fell silent, her beautiful eyes turning into a blank stare as she looked at Persephone, unsure of how to respond. 

Persephone smiled. "But enough jokes. I did actually need you for something. The stars and the earth are in place, and while the Underworld aspect is settled, what we still need is control over the heavens and the sea."

Hestia thought for a moment. "So, it's time to start addressing those areas?"

"Yes," Persephone nodded. "We'll need you to handle the heavenly aspect."

"I understand," Hestia replied, nodding as she left.

The affairs of the Underworld were progressing in an orderly manner. It seemed like time was plentiful, but not all matters could be handled in one sweep. Many things had to be managed gradually. For the Underworld, the path forward was steady and necessary.

Meanwhile, in the Sea Realm…

At that moment, a shadowy figure appeared—it was Hades, stepping into Atlantis unimpeded. Now an Ancient God, he faced no obstacles that could hinder his entry.

"Hades, you're here," Poseidon said, seated on his divine throne as Hades' figure appeared. Poseidon's lips curled into a sinister smile. He had clearly changed, seeming vastly different from before.

"Poseidon," Hades said calmly, observing him. "Your path intrigues me. I wanted to see just how far you're willing to go."

Poseidon chuckled, his expression shifting to one of amusement. "Hades, your path has been a steady one, the path of a god. But for me, the way forward is clear, with no chance to turn back."

Poseidon's voice carried a sense of resignation. In circumstances like his, who wouldn't choose the easy path if it were available? But without that choice, the outcome was set. Poseidon had no other options; he had to continue down this dangerous path.

He knew that his chosen path was fraught with peril. A single misstep could bring catastrophic changes, yet there was no turning back.

Poseidon understood well that he lagged behind and had to take risks if he wanted to catch up with Hades' progress. His situation left him with no other choice but to take the plunge.

Hades' presence signified that he recognized Poseidon's commitment. There was no retreat for Poseidon; the decision to move forward had already been made. He knew that on this path, he might lose everything, become a monster, a dark god, or even a madman.

"Poseidon," Hades said, his voice calm as he looked at him. "You've made your choice. There's no turning back now."

At that moment, Poseidon's lips curved into a slight smile as he nodded. "Yes, I have. This path has been set, and retreat is no longer an option."

With a final look, Hades' shadow gradually faded, leaving Poseidon to continue down the path he'd chosen.

Their exchange ended, leaving Poseidon with the choices he'd already made. What the future held was something only time would reveal.

[Check out my Patreon for +200 additional chapters in all my fanfics! Only $5 per novel or $15 for all!!] [[email protected]/Mutter]

[+50 Power Stones = +1 Extra Chapter]

[+5 Reviews = +1 Extra Chapter]