Beelzebub just looked at bit confuse. I am kinda confused, wasn't he cut into peace so shouldn't be not a problem.
Hades raised an eyebrow at that. Really even you believe that, and you are older then me, not that's was made up by someone, just like how Disney made that Hercules moves and made me the villain in and now people believe I ma evil and terrible, and cruel God.
Beelzebub tilted her head, clearly taken aback by Hades's response. "Wait, so the whole story about Cronus being chopped up... that's just a myth?" she asked, genuinely puzzled. "And here I thought the stories had some truth to them."
Hades sighed, his expression a mix of frustration and resignation. "Yes, it's a widely accepted myth, but it's not the full truth. Myths often have a way of distorting reality," he explained, his voice steady but tinged with a hint of bitterness. "Cronus was indeed overthrown, but the idea that he was dismembered and rendered powerless is a convenient tale. The truth is, he was sealed away—imprisoned, not destroyed. The gate and its protections are a testament to that."
He paused, then continued, "As for me being portrayed as a villain, that's a result of human storytelling. They love to cast everything in black and white. I have a role to play, and it often isn't pretty, but I am not the embodiment of evil. I am the god of the underworld, the keeper of the dead, and I ensure the balance is maintained. That doesn't make me a villain; it makes me necessary."
Beelzebub considered his words, nodding slowly. "I get that," she said thoughtfully. "It's easy for mortals to simplify complex beings into good or evil, hero or villain. They forget we're all a bit of both, shaped by our duties and circumstances."
Charlomaine, observing the exchange, chimed in, "It's a reminder that history and myth often diverge, and the truth is usually somewhere in between. It's fascinating how perceptions can shape reality, even for beings as powerful as gods."
Hades nodded in agreement, a slight smile on his lips. "Indeed. It's a reminder to question what we hear and seek the truth, even if it's buried beneath layers of legend and misconception."
Persephone, who had been quietly listening, added, "And to respect the power and history that precede us. The past may be shrouded in myth, but its impact is very real."
The conversation left a contemplative silence in its wake, the group reflecting on the complexities of myth, truth, and the roles they all played. For Charlomaine and Beelzebub, it was a valuable lesson in navigating a world where reality and legend often intertwined, and where even gods had their own stories to tell.
Charlomaine stood silent, absorbing the weight of Hades's words. The air felt thick with the gravity of their conversation, the dimly lit underworld around them serving as a stark reminder of the seriousness of their situation. Persephone's presence, calm and steady, seemed to offer a counterbalance to the tense atmosphere.
"Alright," Charlomaine finally said, breaking the silence. "So, your father—Cronus—is sealed behind this gate, and he's not the harmless, scattered entity the myths made him out to be. What's the actual risk here?"
Hades crossed his arms, his expression grave. "The risk is that if he ever breaks free, the consequences would be catastrophic. Cronus is not just any Titan; he's one of the primordial beings. His power surpasses most of what exists in our realm, and his thirst for revenge could devastate both the mortal and divine worlds. That gate, along with the layers of protection, is our only safeguard against him."
Persephone nodded in agreement. "We've done everything in our power to ensure he remains sealed. However, the barrier weakens over time, and it takes constant vigilance to maintain it. That's why we monitor everything so closely, even the smallest disturbances."
Beelzebub frowned, her wings twitching slightly. "So, you're saying this isn't just a concern for the Greek pantheon but potentially a problem for all divine and mortal realms?"
"Exactly," Hades confirmed. "Cronus's release would not just disrupt the order of the Greek underworld but could send ripples through all realms, including Hell. His power could attract followers or enemies, causing chaos that could spiral out of control."
Charlomaine looked thoughtfully at the gate, then back at Hades. "What can be done to strengthen the seal? Is there a way to ensure Cronus never escapes?"
Hades glanced at the gate, then back at Charlomaine, his eyes narrowing slightly. "The seal is a combination of divine magic and ancient artifacts. We've used everything at our disposal, but maintaining it requires constant energy and attention. There may be ways to bolster it further, but that would require cooperation from other pantheons and perhaps even entities beyond the gods."
Persephone interjected, "We've already reached out to some, but it's a delicate matter. Many are wary of getting involved, fearing the potential repercussions. The politics of the divine realms are as complex as those of the mortal world."
Charlomaine nodded, understanding the precarious situation. "I'll see what I can do from my end. Perhaps I can leverage some connections or find a way to contribute to the seal's strength. It's in everyone's best interest to keep Cronus contained."
Beelzebub agreed, "I'll also look into what Hell can provide. We may not be the most cooperative group, but we understand the importance of maintaining balance. If Cronus were to escape, it could mean disaster for us all."
Hades inclined his head in gratitude. "Your assistance would be invaluable. This is not just our burden to bear; it affects the balance of all realms."
As they discussed potential strategies, a soft glow began to emanate from the gate, pulsing with an eerie light. Charlomaine, Beelzebub, and the others instinctively took a step back, alert.
"What's happening?" Charlomaine asked, his hand unconsciously moving toward his weapon.
Hades's eyes narrowed as he focused on the gate. "It's a surge in the seal's energy. It happens occasionally, a result of Cronus testing the boundaries of his prison. It's a reminder of the constant threat he poses."
Persephone placed a comforting hand on Hades's shoulder. "It'll pass, as it always does. We just need to be vigilant."
The group watched as the glow slowly faded, the gate returning to its previous state. The tension in the air dissipated, but a sense of unease lingered. The reality of the threat they faced was palpable, and the responsibility of maintaining the seal weighed heavily on all of them.
Charlomaine turned to Hades and Persephone. "We'll do our part to help. This isn't just your fight; it's a matter of protecting all realms from a threat that could endanger us all. You can count on our support."
Hades nodded, his expression sincere. "Thank you. Your willingness to aid in this effort means more than you know. Together, we can keep the peace and ensure that Cronus remains where he belongs—sealed and powerless."
As the group prepared to leave, Charlomaine couldn't shake the feeling that their visit had uncovered only a fraction of the complexities and dangers lurking beneath the surface of the divine realms. The implications of Cronus's potential escape were far-reaching, and the need for vigilance and cooperation was more crucial than ever.
As they made their way back through the underworld, Beelzebub leaned in close to Charlomaine. "This mission just got a lot more complicated. But if anyone can navigate these waters, it's you. Just remember, we're in this together."
Charlomaine smiled, appreciating the sentiment. "I know. And we'll do whatever it takes to keep the balance, no matter what challenges come our way."
With a shared sense of purpose and determination, the group left the underworld, ready to take on the monumental task of ensuring the safety and stability of all realms. The stakes had never been higher, and the outcome was uncertain, but they were resolved to face whatever came their way with courage and unity.
As Charlomaine and the group continued their journey through the Greek underworld, Charlomaine's thoughts drifted to the mission assigned to him by his system. The specifics echoed in his mind:
**[Mission: Visit the Greek Underworld, converse with Hades, and, if possible, engage in a fight with him. Completing this mission will unlock the following skills:**
- **Greek Fire Ability:** [Description unlocked upon completion]
- **Hades' Invisibility:** [Description unlocked upon completion]
- **Lord of the Dead:** [Description unlocked upon completion]
- **Skills will only be unlocked after mission completion.]**
Charlomaine pondered the implications of these potential new abilities. The system's missions were never straightforward, but they always seemed to offer powerful rewards. Engaging in a fight with Hades, however, was a daunting prospect. Hades was a god, and not just any god but one of the Olympian deities. Challenging him could have serious repercussions, both politically and personally.
He glanced at Beelzebub, who was walking alongside him. She seemed deep in thought, possibly contemplating their conversation with Hades and the significance of the sealed gate. Charlomaine wondered if she sensed the same urgency he did about the mission. He couldn't tell her about the system or the specifics of his mission, but he needed to approach the situation carefully.
As they approached the exit of Tartarus, Charlomaine decided it was time to subtly test the waters. He turned to Beelzebub and said, "You know, it's been a while since I've had a proper sparring match. Maybe we could arrange something with Hades before we leave. It might be a good way to gauge his strength and learn more about the current state of the underworld's defenses."
Beelzebub raised an eyebrow, a slight smile playing on her lips. "Are you suggesting we challenge the god of the underworld to a friendly duel? Bold move, even for you."
Charlomaine chuckled. "Why not? It could be enlightening. Besides, it's not every day you get to test your mettle against a deity. It might also give us some insight into how secure this place really is."
Beelzebub nodded thoughtfully. "It could be beneficial, but we need to tread carefully. A sparring match with Hades isn't something to take lightly. If we do this, we'll need to ensure it remains respectful and controlled."
Charlomaine agreed. "Of course. The last thing we want is to cause a diplomatic incident or anger him unnecessarily. I'll approach the topic delicately and see how he feels about it."
With that, they continued their journey, their path leading them back towards Hades and Persephone. As they arrived, Charlomaine steeled himself, ready to broach the subject.
"Hades," Charlomaine began, keeping his tone casual yet respectful, "I was thinking—it's rare for beings like us to have an opportunity for a friendly exchange of strength. How about a sparring match? A chance for me to learn from one of the greats and, perhaps, for us both to gain some perspective?"
Hades regarded him with a mix of curiosity and amusement. "A sparring match? Interesting proposition. It has been ages since I've had the chance to test my skills. But tell me, why do you seek this?"
Charlomaine met his gaze steadily. "Curiosity, mainly. I've heard stories of your power, and I believe there's much I could learn from facing you. It's not about proving myself, but understanding the strength and abilities that protect this realm."
Persephone looked at Hades with a gentle smile. "It could be a good way to release some tension. Besides, it might be fun."
Hades considered her words and then looked back at Charlomaine. "Very well. A friendly match it shall be. But remember, this is a test of skills, not a battle to the death. We do not wish to upset the balance of things."
Charlomaine nodded, feeling a mix of excitement and apprehension. This was it—the challenge set by his system was about to unfold. He prepared himself mentally, knowing that whatever the outcome, it would bring him closer to unlocking new abilities and understanding more about the world he now inhabited.
The scene was set. The Greek underworld, with its eerie yet majestic surroundings, would serve as the arena for this extraordinary encounter. The stakes were high, but Charlomaine was ready to face them, determined to fulfill the mission and grow stronger in the process.
To be continued
Short Ch but the next Ch is going to be the fight with Hades so yeah