Hades POV
As my anger began to boil over and I prepared to unleash my frustration upon Nyx, she suddenly vanished into thin air, leaving nothing but a flurry of dark shadows. The sound of her laughter lingered in the throne room, taunting me and adding insult to injury.
As I directed my gaze towards Eris, her laughter faded, and all eyes were on me. Cerberus lay at my feet, casting mournful looks my way. The other children of Nyx seemed hesitant and intimidated, their gazes filled with apprehension, except for Hypnos, who appeared to have slipped back into a deep slumber.
I cleared my throat, attempting to assert my authority over my subjects. However, I quickly realized that instilling fear in them would only cause unnecessary trouble during my reign. Instead, I spoke calmly and authoritatively, addressing the group before me. "It seems you have all come to me searching for a patron." My words were not a question but rather an observation of their intentions.
As I stood before the group of godly beings, I couldn't help but notice the way Thanatos stood out from his siblings. He exuded an air of bravery and confidence that seemed to set him apart. When he stepped forward, his eyes were filled with a strange mixture of admiration and reverence that made me slightly uncomfortable.
Despite my reservations, I listened intently as he spoke. His voice was deep and resonant, and his words were carefully chosen and eloquently delivered. "Your grace," he began, "my siblings and I humbly request to be allowed to enter your service." With that, he finished his words and swept into a deep kneel, his body language conveying his sincerity and respect.
If the eye rolls from his siblings were anything to go by, Thanatos was typically this dramatic. "Well, as pair the terms of my and your mother's agreement, In return for Nyx's neutrality towards the Underworld, I will accept your oaths of servitude, although let it be known, once your oaths are sworn, it is me you hold allegiance to not your mother."
Nemesis stood before the throne, her head bowed in submission. In a flat, lifeless voice, she said, "Our power, domains, and will are yours to command, Your Grace." Her eyes were vacant, devoid of any emotion or spark of life as if she were a mere puppet controlled by external forces.
Charon's chilling voice echoed through the grandeur of the throne room, sending shivers down the spines of those present. Despite the unnerving tone, his words were laced with honesty and loyalty. "My sister speaks truly, Your Majesty. You may rest easy never doubting our service or loyalty."
A palpable tension hung in the air as Eris stood before the throne room. No one knew what to expect from the mischievous goddess; her silence only added to the unease. Suddenly, she raised her hand to her chin as if deep in thought and nodded her head with excitement. The sound of agreement that followed was like a wave rippling through the room, and even the three heads of Cerebus were nodding in unison. Bewildered.
My voice boomed across the vast expanse of creation as I stood before the children of the Night. "Speak your oaths," I commanded, "and forever bind yourselves to my will and that of the Underworld." The weight of my words hung heavy in the air as the immortals around me waited in silence, knowing that their allegiance would be sealed with their response.
As Nyx's children gathered, they paid their respects by bowing deeply. Even Eris, the goddess of strife, and the fearsome hellhound joined in the reverence. The children spoke over each other, releasing oaths of servitude.
With a deep breath, I opened myself up to the unfathomable force of the Underworld. The raw, unbridled power surged through me, channeling into the forms of those who had sworn their allegiance to me. At that moment, there was no doubt about who they served - my authority was absolute, and my subjects knew it.
The offspring of Nyx, already known for their immense power, were now emanating an otherworldly glow as if they had tapped into a new level of previously unattainable strength. Their aura was reminiscent of the eerie darkness that looms in the depths of the Underworld, and it was clear that they had ascended to a new level of power.
My presence commanded attention, and the gathered beings stood at attention. "As my subjects," I began, "it is only right that you have the power to carry out my will. However, please note that this power comes at a cost. By using it, you act in my name and must use it appropriately." I spoke with firmness, emphasizing the gravity of the responsibility I was entrusting to them. The beings before me nodded quickly in agreement, their expressions solemn.
I rose from my throne, my commanding voice echoing across the vast expanse of the Underworld. "Now go forth and explore your new domain," I instructed, my arms outstretched as I beckoned to the shadows. With a flicker of movement, my loyal subjects were transported to various corners of the dark realm. I watched them disappear, knowing the real work would begin when they returned.
With a simple gesture of my outstretched hand, I summoned my formidable bident to my side. Whispering the names of the five rivers of the Underworld, I called upon their power, "Styx, Acheron, Cocytus, Lethe, and Phlegethon, I call thee to my court." As I spoke, my bident illuminated with a dazzling array of colors, each representing the unique essence of the rivers it symbolized.
As I waited in my throne room, the first arrivals made their presence known. Phlegethon, a man seemingly made of liquid fire, stood before me, emanating a searing heat that filled the air with smoke. Despite his striking appearance, his expression remained utterly devoid of any emotion.
In the wake of his arrival trailed Cocytus, whose figure was composed entirely of the inky blue waters of his realm. As he moved, the stench of smoke was supplanted by the noxious scent of sulfur emanating from the murky depths that seemed to follow him.
A few moments later, Lethe made her appearance. She was composed of the pure milky-white water she governed, and her mere presence seemed to cause a sharp pain in my mind as I gazed upon her.
In her wake came Acheron, a formidable figure whose essence was comprised of the crimson hues that ran deep within his river. His presence exuded a palpable sense of ill will and hostility.
As I gazed upon the last of the siblings, Styx, I couldn't help but feel awe-struck by her ethereal beauty. Her flowing locks, which were as black as the darkest Night, cascaded around her features that could easily rival any goddess. Her face was shrouded by the tranquil waters of her domain, which only added to her mystique. And when she looked at me with obsidian eyes, I felt as if she could see into the depths of my soul.
The convergence of all five rivers of the Underworld in my throne room had catastrophic consequences. The immense power of the five river deities caused the delicate fabrics to burst into flames. My throne room's once serene and grandiose atmosphere was now a scene of chaos and destruction.
As luck would have it, I held the title of the ruler of the Underworld, which granted me access to an immense pool of power. Drawing upon the full extent of my realm's grand might, I brought order to the chaotic throne room. My aura, strengthened by the unyielding force of my authority, overpowered their auras.
"My end of the agreement has been fulfilled. Your rivers can now freely pass through the Underworld, enabling you to wander beyond your boundaries as never before." Upon hearing this, the rivers nodded in apparent agreement. However, Styx opened her mouth to speak up. "Regarding your positions in my court, you will always have a place by my hearth, and you will be under the protection of the Underworld as long as you remain loyal to me."
After delivering my response, I paused momentarily to give them time to process my words. When the silence lingered long enough, I said, "As a gesture of your commitment to me, it is now time for you to declare your oaths publicly." The rivers bowed profoundly and swore their allegiance to me, vowing to serve me for eternity.
After pledging their loyalty, the rivers, except for Styx, quickly departed. With a confident and almost seductive tone, Styx spoke up, "Now that we've taken care of that, can we finally move on to the real matter at hand?"
Unlike the other rivers, Styx was far more sentient and powerful, so I had to add more incentive when making a deal with her. What does one offer the keeper of Oaths?...
It was none other than Styx's Titan husband. Although Styx joined us, Gods, after betraying him, she did so to protect her children from punishment and to rise further up in the world. However, this did not mean that she loved Pallas any less. Like most immortals, she desired power, but her love for her husband remained unchanged.
It wasn't difficult to hide the soul of Pallas from my brothers; despite being the Titan of Warcraft, he was neither well renowned nor a significant threat, so I had every bit of confidence in allowing him to roam my realm with his wife, especially as doing so would keep both Styx and Pallas in my debt.
"I am not the kind of person who breaks my promises so easily, Styx," I said with a dramatic gesture. However, I didn't want to keep Styx away from her husband any longer. So, I quickly removed an unremarkable amulet from around my neck, and the Titan Pallas fell to the ground in a bright flash of light in my throne room.
Pallas, the Titan of War, was a sight to behold. His towering figure was made up of bulging muscles that rippled as he moved. He had a long, flowing beard and hair that resembled the color of fresh blood. He was adorned in spartan armor that was both sturdy and intimidating, and he carried a spear of pure gold that gleamed in the sunlight. If you were to conjure up an image of a Titan of War in your mind, Pallas would be exactly as you imagined him.
After being defeated in our previous fight, I assumed Pallas would be hesitant to approach me again. However, he surprised me by quickly regaining his footing and displaying impressive agility. With his spear in hand, he charged towards me without any sign of fear or hesitation in his eyes. It was evident that his looks weren't just for show, as he was determined to put up a good fight this time.
As he charged forward with all the ferocity of a Titan, his path was abruptly halted by the unyielding waters of Styx. Despite his immense strength and power, Pallas found himself restrained and unable to move. However, as his eyes met those of his beloved wife, a sudden calm washed over him, and all his struggles ceased. He stood there, still and silent, as if nothing else mattered except the two of them.
The colossal hand of the Titan of War stretched out, its rough and weathered skin coming into contact with the divine flesh of the river Styx. As the two entities touched, a look of pure and unadulterated love filled the eyes of the couple, capturing a moment of intense emotion and connection.
Without warning, the two lovers locked lips and started an intense battle. As I stood there watching, it quickly became evident that Styx was dominating the exchange. Just as I was beginning to feel uncomfortable, the lip lock came to an abrupt end, leaving me feeling relieved yet somewhat disappointed.
As the watery shackles that held the mighty Titan vanished into thin air, I braced myself for combat. However, much to my surprise, the Titan's demeanor changed in an instant. Instead of launching himself at me, he dropped to his knees in a submissive posture, leaving me utterly bewildered and wondering what could have caused such a dramatic shift in his behavior.
Pallas spoke with an unwavering loyalty befitting a true warrior, his voice filled with reverence as he addressed me. "Your benevolence has touched my heart, and I shall forever be in your debt. I offer you not just my body and mind but my soul to serve you with unwavering devotion until the end of my days. Even in the face of death and dishonor, I shall remain steadfast in my loyalty to you. This I swear upon the river Styx."
The rumbling sound of thunder reverberated all around the vast expanse of Gaea. Amidst the deafening noise, the goddess Styx radiated an intense glow as a clear sign of her recognition and confirmation of the solemn oath taken.
Despite not being the most dominant force in the universe, Pallas, a Titan renowned for his skills in war, commanded a formidable strength. But his unflinching loyalty impressed me the most and made me accept his pledge. With utmost reverence, I spoke, "Rise, Pallas, Titan of Warcraft, and pledge your allegiance to the God Hades. You shall be the personification of my fury, and the war that rages in the Underworld shall be unleashed upon the earth through you."
As I looked at my new follower, I had to hold back a smile when I saw the disapproving look in Styx's eyes as she gazed at her husband, who was kneeling in front of me. I felt that Pallas would be in the dog house for the next few days...
Hades POV
After reaffirming their oaths, Pallas and Styx did not stay for long. Instead, they chose to explore the Underworld to become comfortable in their new home.
After the tumultuous events that had taken place in my once bustling throne room, I finally found myself back in my imposing seat. The silence that had replaced the chaos was a welcome relief, but I knew there was still work to be done. I surveyed the empty space before me, considering the weight of my responsibility. With a deep breath, I resolved to see the task through to the end.
Having gained the loyalty of the children of Nyx, established my rule over the five rivers of the Underworld, and surprisingly gained the allegiance of Pallas, only a few minor deities of the Cthonic realm who had yet to pledge their loyalty to me. While I was confident that most of them would eventually come to me, having recognized that they had no place in the world of Gaea, there remained one last immortal whose allegiance I needed to secure - the powerful Hecate.
Many gods and goddesses are known throughout Greek mythology for their power and influence. However, among them all, Hecate stands out as one of the most important. This is not only because of her immense power but also because of her ability to control the Mist. This power would prove invaluable in the future, as it would separate the Immortal world from the mortal one.
Hecate was also known for being the mother of the Empousai, the Greek mythology equivalent of vampires. Her connection to these beings only added to her impressive reputation as a powerful and influential deity.
Suffice to say it was important I earned her allegiance.
Typically, it would be a challenge to locate the elusive Goddess of Magic. But luckily, I was the God of Divination, which meant that without Ananke's intervention, it was almost impossible to conceal one's location from my scrying abilities.
It was surprising to learn that the place where she lived was nestled among several less prominent mountains that encircled Othrys. However, concealing oneself in plain sight can sometimes be an effective tactic.
I shed my regal attire and relinquished my crown, donning a plain black chiton instead. As I stepped into the darkness of Erebus, its embrace carried me swiftly toward the looming mountain cave of Hecate. The shadows seemed to converge around me, shrouding me in a veil of mystery as I drew closer to my destination. Finally, I arrived at the foot of the mountain.
As I began my ascent up the mountain, I moved with quiet footsteps, not wanting to alert anyone to my presence. Surprisingly, Hecate, the Goddess of Magic, had neglected to cast protective spells to deter potential intruders. I found it relatively easy to locate and approach the entrance to her hidden cave. Despite her godly powers, it seemed that Hecate had grown complacent in her isolation, making my journey up the mountain smoother than I had anticipated.
As I approached the entrance, two empousai with stunning blond hair and alluring features blocked my path. They seemed nervous, but their beauty was undeniable, and it was clear that they could lure men into their trap. However, having spent much time surrounded by Goddesses, I was not easily deceived. While I could appreciate their beauty, I remained utterly immune to their charms.
As my pride swelled within me, I felt an urge to obliterate Hecate's daughters for daring to oppose me. However, I quickly realized that such an approach wouldn't be the best way to start my negotiations with Hecate. Despite the difficulty, I exercised restraint and shrouded them in a cloak of shadows, allowing me to move forward with my walk without any hindrance.
Upon entering Hecate's abode, I was immediately struck by the sheer amount of Magic that seemed to permeate every inch of the place. The walls themselves appeared to be intricately woven with mystical energy, imbuing the entire structure with an otherworldly sense of stability and strength. Various curious and ancient artifacts scattered about the room, each seeming to pulse with a faint but undeniable aura of arcane power. And then there were the potions - bubbling, hissing concoctions that seemed to defy explanation or reason, each resulting from some intricate and esoteric alchemical process. All in all, it was a place that felt simultaneously wondrous and dangerous, a testament to the incredible power and knowledge of its enigmatic owner.
A strong sense of caution crept in as I wrapped up my thoughts. The realization hit me hard - I was now in Hecate's realm, and it was crucial to be mindful of my steps. Even though I was confident in my abilities to confront Hecate, it would be unwise to challenge her in her seat of power.
As I stood there, I heard a voice that seemed to come out of nowhere. "Why would a son of Kronos dare to enter my realm so brazenly?" I turned around and saw the stunning figure of the Goddess of Magic, her beauty leaving me in awe.
The woman's body was incredibly inviting, with curves that seemed to be made for embracing. Her figure was accentuated by her flowing black dress, which split at the sides, revealing her legs' soft, pale flesh. The dress was cut in a perfect triangle, revealing just enough of her ample bosom to capture your attention. Her physical features were nothing short of perfection. Her regal bearing was immediately apparent, and her long, flowing black hair seemed to shimmer with a purplish hue. Her eyes were absolutely enchanting, alight with a green flame that seemed to draw you in. It was impossible not to be captivated by her ethereal beauty - she was truly one of the most stunning beings I had ever laid eyes on.
The company of numerous goddesses led me to believe I had grown immune to beauty. But Hecate proved me wrong. Her presence was a striking reminder that true beauty can still take one's breath away. Her aura radiated an otherworldly charm that was impossible to ignore.
How she was connected to the Underworld and how Magic seemed intertwined with my domain of Forbidden Knowledge made her divine nature even more alluring than her physical features.
After returning to my senses, I addressed the figure, "Hecate, the mighty Goddess of Magic, did you think you could remain hidden here forever?" Despite my words, the deity remained expressionless, so I continued, "You ought to be grateful that it was I who stumbled upon you instead of my siblings; they wouldn't be as merciful as I am."
I knew my brothers well, and them finding Hecate all alone like this wouldn't have ended well, ignoring the dark feelings that swelled up at the thought...
"I appreciate your concern for my safety, son of Kronos," she said calmly, but I sensed a hint of tension in her muscles. "But rest assured, I have managed to evade the lust of many Titans long before your birth." Despite her confident tone, her guarded posture gave away the gravity of the situation.
"Although you may dismiss my worries as unfounded, I implore you to consider the potential consequences. Given the vast capabilities you possess, it would be imprudent to leave you unsupervised. My family will undoubtedly keep a watchful eye on you should you choose to remain here. Inevitably, they will eventually discover your presence." My tone was firm and resolute, conveying the gravity of the situation.
Hecate spoke with a calm and collected tone, her eyes fixed on me. "As you know, your brother has chosen to spare the Titanesses, granting them the freedom to roam Gaea as long as they remain loyal to Olympus. It begs the question, why would my fate be any different?"
"I want to point out that you, unlike the others, pose a threat, and the destiny of your fellow Titanesses may not be as optimistic as you believe. Think about why my brother felt it necessary to safeguard them from the depths of Tartarus," I tried to convince. "He didn't do this just out of the goodness of his heart."
In a brief moment, Hecate's nearly perfect composure faltered, revealing the anxiety that lay hidden behind her veneer of self-assurance. "So, did you travel all this distance just to alert me about your relatives?" she inquired, her voice laced with unease.
"I'm afraid you already know that we, the Cthonic Gods, aren't welcome on Gaea," I pleaded, my voice barely above a whisper. "But if you swear to me, I can offer you sanctuary in the Underworld," I spoke softly, hoping to persuade her with my words.
Hecate's gaze shifted toward my direction, and her eyes narrowed as if she was scrutinizing me. After a brief examination, she appeared content with whatever she was looking for, and her expression softened. "Let me get this straight," she said with a sarcastic smirk, "all I have to do is pledge my eternal loyalty, and you'll shield me from your family?"
"Swearing oaths to someone is inevitable, but why not swear to me instead of my brother?" I continued persuading her, noticing her contemplating. "I'll grant you full freedom to use your magical abilities and provide you and your children with shelter and safety in the Underworld."
"Very well," she responded confidently, a smug smirk spreading across her lips. "However, I must inform you that in exchange for my fealty, you will be required to become my apprentice and learn from me."
"I don't think this should be a deal breaker; instead, I find it a fantastic opportunity. The idea of being able to control the Mist and discover the secrets of Magic is truly intriguing, but I can't help but wonder - what drives you to want to teach me?" I inquired with genuine curiosity.
Hecate's lips curved up in a sly smile, and she addressed me in a tone that bordered on playful. "If you aspire to dominate me, you must possess a fundamental understanding of Magic. I cannot pledge allegiance to an unrefined brute who lacks even the most basic grasp of the intricate and complex art of Magic."
As soon as she uttered those words, I felt a sudden constriction in my throat, as if I had swallowed something too big to go down. I was taken aback, and before I could even gather my thoughts, she spoke again, the tone of her voice now more grave and weighty. "You should know that your Forbidden Knowledge domain is not merely limited to discovering secrets. It holds within it the power to manipulate the dark aspects of Magic - a skill that will be crucial for you to master if you wish to reign as the King of The Underworld and survive the dangerous challenges that await you."
"Then we agree, oh great Goddess of Crossroads. I, Hades, do at this moment swear that you, Hecate, and all those who share your Ichor, will always have a place by my hearth. The protection of the Underworld will be yours as long as your service remains faithful." These words echoed like thunder across the mountain range, and I had no doubt they would reach Olympus, which would no doubt cause my brother to kick up a fuss.
As I stood before Hecate, she lowered herself in a bow before me. Her voice resonated with power as she spoke, "As the Goddess of Magic, The Mist, Crossroads, Necromancy, and The Night, I pledge my eternal loyalty to you, Hades. I vow always to serve you and uphold my oath until the end of time."
As her pledge of loyalty reached my ears, I watched in awe as a green glow enveloped Hecate, illuminating the darkness around us. The sky above us darkened, and the sound of thunder grew louder, warning of my brother's increasing anger and disapproval of our alliance. Despite this, I stood tall, feeling reassured by Hecate's unwavering dedication to me.
As the darkness of Erebus enveloped us, I felt a sense of weightlessness, as if the ground beneath my feet had disappeared. Hecate, the goddess of Magic and witchcraft, and her children were by my side, and together, we descended into the depths of the Underworld.
After successfully acquiring Hecate's allegiance and the potential to master the art of Magic, I felt a profound sense of contentment. Even the prospect of listening to Zeus' constant complaints about my recent actions failed to diminish my elation.
After all, everything seemed to be going well for the God of the Dead...
— ตอนใหม่กำลังมาในเร็วๆ นี้ — เขียนรีวิว
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