Chương 30: The Underworld...
Hades POV
As I descended into the depths of the Underworld, I was greeted by a sight like no other. The air was thick with the stench of brimstone and sulfur, and the ground shook beneath my feet with the force of the inferno raging below. Flames licked hungrily at the walls of the cavern, casting an eerie glow that illuminated the twisted landscape around me. Rivers of molten lava flowed in fiery streams, carving deep channels through the scorched earth, and the very air seemed to vibrate with the heat and power of the Underworld. Yet despite the chaos and destruction that surrounded me, I felt a strange sense of calm and belonging, as if the shadows themselves were embracing me and welcoming me home.
As soon as I was crowned The King Of The Underworld, I knew I had to integrate myself with the realm I now ruled entirely. To achieve this, I performed a powerful binding ritual, which allowed the metaphysical connection between myself and the Underworld to expand and strengthen until it was nearly impossible to discern where I ended and the realm began.
It was a profound experience, as I felt my senses become attuned to the rhythms and energies of the Underworld in a way that I had never before experienced. With this powerful bond in place, I knew I was truly ready to lead and protect this realm and ensure its inhabitants were safe and secure under my watchful gaze.
As I gradually became aware of my surroundings, I couldn't help but feel a sense of unease. The Underworld, with its rivers of molten magma and blazing hellfire, was no longer just a place I was observing from afar. It was now a part of me, and I had gained a level of understanding and control that was both exhilarating and terrifying.
Every inch of the Underworld was now within my grasp. I could feel the molten magma's heat and the flames' strength as if they were a part of my very being. It was a feeling of near omnipresence that I had never experienced before, and it left me feeling both powerful and vulnerable.
As I surveyed my newfound control over the Underworld, I couldn't help but wonder what it meant for me and those around me. Was this power a gift or a curse? Would I be able to handle it, or would it consume me? These were questions that I didn't have the answers to, but I knew that I would have to find them soon.
Putting aside that particular line of thinking, I ultimately concluded that it was time to shape the Underworld according to my wishes. While the current state of affairs was tolerable, it didn't align with my vision. If I were to spend an eternity as its ruler, I desired to make it my own - a reflection of my ideals and desires.
Being an ardent admirer of mythology, I was fortunate enough to have a plethora of imaginative and creative ideas about the appearance of my realm. The intricate and fascinating stories of different mythologies provided me with ample inspiration to design my own unique world.
To create a comprehensive design for my realm in the Underworld, I thought it best to divide it into six distinct sections, each with its own significance and purpose. At the very entrance to the realm lies Tartarus, a deep chasm that serves as a place of confinement for the most extreme punishments and where the souls of the wicked are cast down to suffer for all eternity.
Beyond the dark abyss of Tartarus lies the vast and mysterious realm of Hades, where I, the ruler of the Underworld, reign supreme. This is the sacred space where the souls of the departed first arrive and are subjected to the ultimate judgment of their earthly deeds. Here, amidst the somber shadows and eerie silence, the past and present converge, and the fates of the departed are decided with impartiality and precision.
Imagine a desolate and terrifying place where eternal darkness reigns supreme, and the only light source comes from a scorching sun made of pure hellfire. The landscape is treacherous, with a multitude of jagged mountains and deep valleys, making it nearly impossible to navigate. The five rivers of the Underworld flow freely throughout this realm, adding to the eerie atmosphere. At the top of the largest mountain, there stands a castle made of pitch-black marble that blends in perfectly with the surrounding darkness, except for the glint of precious gems and metals that adorn its walls. The sheer extravagance of the castle only adds to the ominous feel of this place.
Moving further upwards, one will encounter the Fields of Punishment, which is the designated place for those who have been judged as bad and will suffer eternal punishment. This place is reserved for the most severe cases of wrongdoing and is where the souls of those who have committed heinous crimes will be punished.
The landscape appeared to be a depiction of hell itself - a scorching, fiery abyss with rivers of molten magma and land composed of brimstone and ash. The air was thick with the noxious stench of sulfur that dominated the senses, as if all the world's foul odors had been concentrated in one place. The rivers of the Underworld flowed ominously, their murky depths appearing to eagerly await the arrival of new souls to torment.
The Fields of Asphodel lie above, a resting place for those souls that were judged to be neither exceptionally good nor evil. It is a realm for those who lived ordinary lives, without having committed any great acts of heroism or villainy. Here, they will spend their afterlife in a peaceful and unremarkable existence devoid of any grandeur or glory.
The scenery was quite ordinary, with vast fields of wheat that seemed lifeless and dull. The weather was neither warm nor cold, providing a sense of neutrality in the atmosphere. The landscape was unremarkable, with no notable features visible for miles around.
As one ascends higher, they will eventually arrive at the magnificent realm of Elysium. Here, the virtuous souls who lived their lives in a state of grace and kindness are granted a haven of unparalleled beauty and tranquility. Elysium is where the righteous are bestowed with eternal solace and blissful contentment, a true paradise for those who have lived a life of goodness and compassion.
I felt a deep pride as my eyes beheld the magnificent sight before me. The land was a true embodiment of beauty, with towering mountains that seemed to graze the sky and lush fields of emerald-green grass that stretched out as far as the eye could see. The waters were a mesmerizing sight to behold, as if made of drinkable molten gold that sparkled in the light. The grand city that stood before me was a breathtaking masterpiece, boasting tall ivory towers adorned with an array of precious minerals and pathways crafted from the finest marble. As I looked up, the sky above seemed to mirror the one on Gaea.
At the highest point of the ominous Underworld will lie the magnificent abode of the most courageous heroes who have fearlessly faced the challenges and hardships of life. This revered Land of the Blessed is located near the entrance of the realm of the dead. It is to be named after these great heroes in recognition of their exceptional achievements.
In my quest to create a land that honors heroes, I envisioned a breathtaking landscape that exudes ruggedness and beauty. The centerpiece of this land is a magnificent town that encircles a grand feast hall, where warriors can gather to celebrate their victories and partake in the finest food and drink. The surroundings are marked by towering mountains, cascading waterfalls, and lush forests, all of which add to the charm and allure of this heroic land.
The decision to construct multiple sections within the Underworld to prevent individuals from leaving quickly was strategic and well thought-out. This was done to ensure that anyone who dared to escape would have to pass through some of the most challenging obstacles and face the greatest heroes that ever lived. Additionally, this arrangement made it more convenient to categorize individuals based on their judgment and assign them to suitable locations within the sections.
With the immense control I wielded over the Underworld, and the vast power it bestowed upon me, the creation of the realm was a significantly smoother and more effortless process than it would have been otherwise. The abruptness of my profound change in both environment and authority left me somewhat unsettled. My heightened realm now presented itself as a more complex and expansive space, and I was keenly aware of the increased responsibility that came with it. The newfound clutter within my surroundings only served to intensify the discomfort I felt.
Taking a moment to catch my breath, I surrendered to the darkness that enveloped me, leading me into a lavish throne room that left me breathless. Despite the fact that this place had been conjured up entirely from my imagination and that I already knew every nook and cranny of it, I couldn't help but be awestruck by its grandeur and magnificence. The sheer opulence of the space was overwhelming, leaving me feeling both humbled and empowered at the same time.
Walking down the hall, I was drawn to the black marble walls adorned with intricate gold-laced carvings. The carvings depicted the layout and sections of the Underworld, with each detail meticulously etched into the stone. The floors and walls were covered in regal red and purple fabrics, adding a sense of luxury and grandeur to the space.
But it was the grand throne at the end of the hall that truly captured my attention. Made of pure black marble, it was a sight to behold. The delicate fabrics that adorned the throne were encrusted with various precious minerals, adding a touch of elegance and luxury to its already imposing presence. The darkness seemed to enshroud the throne, imbuing it with an eerie and mysterious aura.
Walking towards the throne, I felt a sense of purpose coursing through my veins. It was like an unseen force was guiding my steps, and I was merely a vessel for its will. The ground beneath my feet felt unfamiliar, and the air around me seemed charged with a strange energy.
But as I reached out to touch the edge of the throne, a sudden sense of familiarity washed over me. My fingers traced the ornate carvings on the armrests, and I felt a surge of power rising within me. It was a feeling of control, of authority, that I had never experienced before.
Without a moment's hesitation, I sat down on the throne, feeling the weight of its grandeur beneath me. For the first time in my life, I felt truly in control of my destiny.
The once molten black Stygian Iron armor that clung tightly to my form slowly dissipated into the shadows as my commanding figure was adorned in the most exquisite silk chiton. The robes draped and flowed gracefully around me, their luxurious texture eliciting a subtle rustling sound with each movement. A belt, crafted from pure gold and adorned with delicate jewels, was carefully fastened around my waist, adding a regal touch to my attire. And finally, a crown of laurel leaves, intricately fashioned from an array of shimmering jewels, was delicately placed upon my head, completing my majestic ensemble.
As I sat there, my eyes wide open with a newfound sense of determination, I couldn't help but feel a sense of awe wash over me. My realm lay before me, vast and sprawling, yet I felt an unshakeable sense of responsibility to defend it with all my might. A pledge formed in my heart, a vow to protect what was mine to the very end, as my mind expanded to new levels of sentience, fading into the endlessness of my newfound awareness.
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