Hades paused briefly at the foot of the mountain, then continued onward with Hypnos. As Hades began to move, a thick black fog enveloped the once clear mountain path, exuding an aura of death.
"Law of Death?"
"This..."
Hypnos was stunned. He never expected such a terrifying Law of Death, given that his brother was the god of death, and Hades, their lord, was the ruler of the underworld and master of death.
But! This terrifying Law of Death was unexpectedly powerful, far surpassing his brother and even their lord Hades?
Hypnos couldn't determine who was stronger.
Throughout it all, Hades remained calm, simply observing the endless Law of Death. "Father, you should know that merely the Law of Death cannot harm me."
"Hahaha~~~"
A faint laugh echoed as a shadow appeared. A closer look revealed it to be the shadow of Cronus.
Cronus's shadow spoke indifferently, "Hades, you have indeed grown! I didn't expect you to have developed to this extent over the years. It's truly impressive!"
Hades remained silent, gazing at his father's shadow without any further thoughts.
Cronus's shadow continued, "Hades, your journey ends here. As the lord of the underworld, to die under the shroud of death isn't such a bad fate, is it?"
As soon as he finished speaking, the shadow disappeared.
In the next moment, the overwhelming Law of Death descended like fog. Hades calmly extended a hand, absorbing the endless Law of Death, which vanished the instant it touched his palm.
Everything returned to normal.
From beginning to end, it seemed like an illusion. Hades merely glanced around calmly and said, "Hypnos, let's go."
"Yes, Lord Hades!"
Hypnos quickly followed Hades up the mountain.
In Hades's eyes, everything that had just happened was of no concern. The so-called shadow of Cronus was just an old remnant, more of a joke.
"Lord Hades..." As they walked, Hypnos, suppressing his inner unease, asked softly, "This..."
"Everything has just begun." Hades replied quietly, "Father made preparations long ago. What just happened was an initial setup. Now, it truly begins."
"Climbing a mountain."
"The hardest part isn't the beginning but the final stretch. At that moment, the exhausted traveler faces the toughest challenge."
"Even when the summit is in sight."
Hades's voice was soft and indifferent. As they neared the last fifth of the climb, he stopped, and so did Hypnos.
At the same time, Hypnos stepped forward, his body glowing with dark purple light as his godly armor appeared. He knew the easy part of the path was over; the real challenge was about to begin.
Dark purple light fell, transforming the once scenic mountain path into a dark purple hue, reminiscent of the underworld.
Accompanied by the crisp sound of high heels on the ground, a tall woman emerged from the void. She had long dark purple hair, wore bronze-colored armor, and had a mature, alluring demeanor.
She stood about a hundred meters before Hades, bowed slightly with elegant grace, and said, "Titan Warrior: Underworld, at your service, Lord Hades!"
"Underworld." Hades softly repeated the name, looking at the woman. "Father used the power of the underworld to create you, a being similar to the lord of the underworld. You are composed of the concept of death."
As the lord of the underworld, Hades had reclaimed his power.
But Hades did not intend to fulfill his duties as the lord of the underworld. Simply put, he enjoyed the benefits but didn't perform the tasks. The duties of the underworld remained within the realm of Hades.
Cronus extracted the concept of death to create this woman named Underworld. If Hades guessed correctly, Poseidon and Zeus were facing similar challenges.
This was no joke; it was a fitting obstacle for the path to the summit.
Using death to block the lord of the underworld.
Using the sea to block the sea emperor.
Using the sky to block the sky emperor.
Using corresponding concepts to block the respective god-kings. To advance, one had to break their own limits. But for any god, breaking those limits was no easy task!
Hades said quietly, "Father's preparations are thorough. My path, this path of death, is the hardest for me, even if it might not be for others."
Accepting his duties to become the true lord of the underworld or simply observing from here?
That was the ultimate question!
Hades's actions were discovered by Cronus, who then nurtured Underworld using her duties and concept. As for Poseidon and Zeus? Hades hadn't seen it himself, but he assumed it was similar.
"Hehehe~~~"
Underworld chuckled softly, her voice seductive. "Lord Hades, you are right. But because of this, I can only wait here for you. What will you choose? Will you leave, or accept me?"
Her seductive smile, paired with her enchanting fox-like eyes, could cause even gods to fall.
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