Chapter 486: Chapter 486: Earth, Water, Fire, Wind! The Underworld Tree’s Transformation, Changing the Underworld Completely! (Bonus Chapter 4)
"Humanity's potential…"
Metis softly remarked, "In all mythic worlds, humanity has always been the protagonist, and clearly, there's a reason. Humanity's talents are the most terrifying and astounding, undeniable at any moment."
Indeed, Metis had to admit that humanity's potential was astonishing.
In the racial war, both the Underworld and Sanctuary assisted humanity, yet Hades remained largely indifferent. Regardless of humanity's remarkable talents or unique capabilities, to Hades, these meant little. This detachment was part of his nature and his path—one completely different from the Sanctuary, which truly supported humanity.
Among Sanctuary's allies, Metis stood at the forefront. She had clearly seen humanity's potential, their monstrous aptitude, and it was shocking and fearsome.
Metis couldn't deny that she felt a chill at the sight of humanity's unlimited talent. This seemingly boundless potential was terrifying, and she wondered if such talent should even exist.
"Never mind," Metis murmured, shaking her head. "Prometheus, some things defy words. But what do you think—what future awaits humanity?"
It seemed Metis hadn't intended to ask, but after a brief pause, she felt compelled to voice her concern. Humanity's potential and growth were astonishing, and she knew that while this may seem harmless in the short term, over time… What could humanity become? It was beyond words.
Even though Metis knew that her thoughts were somewhat pointless, she couldn't resist asking.
"Metis," Prometheus replied softly, "Ultimately, this is all irrelevant. Humanity's future has little to do with us. Besides, there are things that we simply can't change. Some matters are beyond our reach and filled with unique challenges."
Prometheus's perspective was calm. Having experienced highs and lows, he now possessed a profoundly peaceful mindset. Many things no longer mattered to him; he saw them as trivial.
This outlook wasn't necessarily a bad thing. In a way, such detachment was more of a blessing for him. After all, the results of many events seemed inevitable. If they couldn't be altered, there was no point in dwelling on them.
Prometheus could see that humanity's future was destined for greatness, beyond anything he could control. At the same time, he knew that the racial wars, once started, would inevitably repeat.
"That's the crux of it."
Prometheus continued, "And besides, Metis, you know well that once something happens, it's bound to happen again. And in the future, no one can predict whether such things will keep occurring."
"The key point," he added, "is that after this war, how will the Mythic World respond?"
Metis paused, as if understanding what he meant.
She thought for a moment, then said, "Indeed. Whether it's gods or the Mythic World itself, both aim for transcendence. And during this war, the Mythic World witnessed humanity's growth."
"Therefore," she continued, "it's obvious that the Mythic World won't abandon this path. It will keep pushing humanity to grow faster through more conflicts."
Metis had already foreseen the likely course of the future.
Prometheus nodded, saying calmly, "Yes, as you said, over time, everything will continue to develop this way. For the Mythic World, it's a rare chance to foster transcendence through humanity's limitless potential."
Metis nodded quietly.
Both gods gazed into the distance, contemplating the future, wondering what lay ahead. Although the exact path was unknown, they could be certain of one thing: it was bound to be interesting.
In the Underworld, one by one, the gods of death returned, and a heavy silence hung over everything. Typhon, bound by dark starlight, was immobilized, unable to move at all. Yet, he could see the Underworld around him.
The sight left Typhon in disbelief. He was stunned to witness the Underworld's awe-inspiring power, as if he had only now understood the terrifying strength of Hades and his realm.
In that moment, Typhon began to doubt himself, wondering if, even if he had led the titan-blooded giants to victory in the war and ascended to the level of an Ancient God, he would truly have stood a chance against Hades. Though he loathed to admit it, Typhon realized he was no match for him.
"Everyone," a calm, elegant female voice sounded as Persephone approached with Pandora and Eris.
"Greetings, Lady Persephone!" the eight Underworld gods said, bowing respectfully. At that moment, Typhon vanished as the dark starlight flared again, though no one seemed surprised. In the Underworld, occurrences like this could only mean one thing—it was their lord's doing.
Just the thought made the gods of the Underworld feel a thrill of excitement.
What would come next? No one knew. But one thing was certain: the Underworld's future was bound to be brighter.
Earth, water, fire, and wind—the four divine elements were crucial to the Underworld, each unleashing power of vital importance. Now, the Underworld lacked only one final step. And as that last step lay within reach, the outcome was inevitable.
"Return to your posts," Persephone instructed. "Wait quietly."
The eight gods bowed and respectfully withdrew.
Silence returned to the Underworld, with everyone waiting in stillness for the next event.
Atop the crown of the World Tree, Hades stood waiting. Before him, Typhon's shadow appeared.
Hades observed Typhon in silence, and Typhon, having nothing left to say, returned his gaze. To Typhon, defeat was defeat; there was no room for regret. He had been defeated even without Hades lifting a finger—just by the sword of one of Hades' subordinates.
This alone illustrated the vast gulf in power between them, a gap Typhon had no illusions of bridging.
As Hades' divine power enveloped him, a dark purple energy began to cover Typhon, engulfing him completely.
As his life faded, Typhon muttered his last words, "Hades… this isn't the end. Someday, I will return, and our battle will continue."
With that final whisper, Typhon's life and consciousness disappeared completely.
In that moment, the Underworld fell silent once more, a stillness as if all had returned to calm.
Hades's gaze remained indifferent, his eyes emotionless.
For Hades, Typhon was unworthy of being his rival.
In truth, Hades could not fully erase Typhon, not because he didn't wish to, but because it was simply impossible. Typhon, birthed by Gaia, was like the Twelve Titan Gods; he could be defeated and sealed, but utterly killing him was almost impossible.
Therefore, Hades saw no reason to force the issue. Such efforts would be pointless.
Now, for Hades and the Underworld, the crucial task was to stabilize and align the elements of earth, water, fire, and wind. This was the most essential goal.
"All of this…"
In a rare, emotional tone, Hades murmured, "Countless ages have passed, and at last, we have reached this stage…"
He fell silent, watching as the World Tree refined and purified Typhon's divine power.
[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]