章 21: Chapter 21: Ancient God Pontus and His Hidden Treasures
The Ocean Realm
Among the four realms of the Greek Pantheon's Mythological World—Heaven, Earth, the Underworld, and the Ocean— the Ocean is perhaps the most vast and enigmatic. Despite the boundless expanse of the Earth, it's the Ocean that truly holds the title of the most extensive realm. Even Kronos, the Titan God-King, could not fully master its depths.
Oceanus, one of the Titan Twelve, holds the title of the God of the Flowing Waters and manages the Ocean. However, even he may not fully grasp the sheer magnitude of the Ocean's vastness. This realm is boundless, an infinite expanse that stretches beyond comprehension.
Under Atlas's guidance, Hades swiftly traversed the Ocean Realm and arrived at one of its countless islands. The Ocean is dotted with such islands, each shrouded in mystery. Some are protected by magical barriers, while others conceal divine treasures. Exploring the entire Ocean Realm would yield riches on par with, if not surpassing, all Hades had accumulated thus far.
In essence, the Ocean is the world's gift to Poseidon. As for Zeus's share of the world's gifts, Hades neither knew nor cared to speculate.
Atlas used his unique divine power to dissolve the barrier surrounding the island and led Hades inside.
"Prometheus," Atlas called out as they entered. "I have brought Hades."
Hades calmly observed the island, which was teeming with vibrant life. Birds chirped melodiously, and flowers bloomed in abundance. The only notable structure was a grand temple at the island's center. In this era, such a setup was typical, as indulgence in luxuries was more of a Zeus-inspired phenomenon.
It's worth noting that while the island is referred to as such, its size is comparable to, if not larger than, many of Earth's continents.
A man with long, jet-black hair and a gentle smile emerged from the temple. "Atlas, thank you for your effort," he said.
Atlas gave Hades a brief, contemplative look before taking his leave. This matter was between Hades and Prometheus; Atlas had no desire to become involved.
There was no need for Hades to act aggressively. The Titan God-King Kronos had granted Hades 500,000 years. As long as Hades wasn't foolish, there was no need for any conflict.
Furthermore,
An exchange between Hades and Prometheus seemed unlikely to escalate into violence.
"Lord Hades," Prometheus greeted with a respectful smile. "This way, please."
Hades, without a word, followed Prometheus into the temple. Inside, they took their seats in separate, elegantly appointed areas. Oceanic goddesses served them divine nectar.
As the preparations were completed, Hades quietly savored the nectar. It was a delicacy crafted by the Oceanic goddesses, a drink so exquisite that even a god would find its flavor almost dreamlike.
Prometheus, maintaining his smile, asked, "Lord Hades, do you find the taste of the Ocean Realm's nectar to your liking?"
Hades nodded slightly, continuing to enjoy the divine drink while observing Prometheus.
Unfazed by Hades' silence, Prometheus continued, "Lord Hades, you are a god who exercises absolute control over your emotions with pure reason. Therefore, we can dispense with pleasantries. I invited you here for a very straightforward reason: I propose a transaction, one I am certain you will find intriguing."
Prometheus' eyes gleamed with confidence. To him, this transaction was foolproof.
Hades simply replied, "Go on."
"Lord Hades," Prometheus began, after a brief hesitation. "You have undoubtedly received the world's gifts. As one of the favored deities of the Greek Pantheon's Mythological World, you have gained access to all that is rightfully yours."
Hades continued to gaze steadily at Prometheus. This was common knowledge. He was curious to see where Prometheus was leading with this conversation.
Prometheus smiled and added, "As for your brother, the Sea God, and the gifts prepared for him by the world, I believe…"
"No need," Hades interjected. "Prometheus, you know as well as I do."
Hades' words were few, but their meaning was clear.
In the original narrative, if Zeus alone had broken free from his bonds, the world, under pressure, would have allowed him to take what belonged to Hades and Poseidon as well.
But things had changed. Hades had broken free from his fated shackles. In this scenario, the world's gifts wouldn't be released until Poseidon was freed. This established a precedent: once there's one, there must be two, and thus, there must be three.
Prometheus' smile remained as he replied, "Lord Hades, you understand the situation well. Naturally, so do I. That's why I believe this transaction could be beneficial for both of us."
"Continue," Hades prompted.
He knew that a seer of Prometheus' caliber wouldn't propose a deal without a solid basis. This introduction was merely setting the stage for the real offer.
"Lord Hades," Prometheus resumed. "It's quite simple. The Sea God Pontus, one of the Ancient Gods, was the original ruler of the Ocean Realm. Everything within the Ocean Realm was once his domain."
Prometheus paused for effect before continuing, "However, the Ancient Gods are often disinterested in material possessions. Pontus left behind several unique divine artifacts. Although these artifacts are rightfully the Sea God's, they exist outside the conventional domain of Poseidon."
Hades remained silent, calmly sipping his nectar. Internally, he pondered the nature of Prometheus' proposition. What was the true focus of this deal?
Or perhaps more accurately,
Even if the treasures left by an Ancient God were significant, they might not be immediately useful. Ancient Gods, though their possessions were immensely valuable, were typically indifferent to such matters. As such, they rarely left behind anything particularly practical for others.
Given Prometheus' reputation for cunning, Hades was wary. He carefully considered the potential consequences of any mishap.
"What did Pontus leave behind?" Hades asked directly, foregoing further contemplation.
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