I Am Hades, Lord of the Underworld!

To be honest, Prometheus, despite being the God of Wisdom, found himself utterly perplexed at this moment.

The duties and responsibilities of the Underworld.

These are incredibly significant to Hades, yet now, with Hades fully aware, Hestia had handed them over to Demeter. What could be the intention behind this? It was too strange!

"…"

Prometheus glanced at Metis, but the Goddess of Wisdom could only shake her head, indicating she had no idea either. From any angle, this situation was baffling.

"Hmm..."

Zeus didn't seem overly concerned by this turn of events.

One could say that the gods of the Greek pantheon were a bit odd. As far as Zeus was concerned, if his wife had issues with other gods? Sorry, he wasn't particularly interested.

This was why the loving couple, Erebus and Nyx, seemed so unusual, especially as Ancient Gods. Hestia, who had remained without a partner for her entire life, was even more peculiar.

As for Rhea? Well...

Rhea's situation was somewhat unique. Although she was the Goddess of Time, many viewed her as the Goddess of Love due to her absolute devotion to love. Perhaps the chaotic nature of the Greek pantheon gave rise to a goddess like Rhea, who was utterly loyal to love.

In any case, Zeus was also pondering the situation because it was indeed strange, no matter how one looked at it.

"Hmm..."

Zeus frowned slightly and asked calmly, "Prometheus, could the core duties and responsibilities of the Underworld affect Hades?"

"Lord Zeus!" Prometheus thought for a moment before replying respectfully, "They could, but it would require a vessel. Theoretically, such a vessel could not be just any ordinary divine artifact or object."

"Hmm..."

Prometheus paused briefly, considering his words carefully.

Zeus didn't rush him but patiently waited for Prometheus's answer.

After a long silence, Prometheus continued, "To achieve this, a living being would be the best vessel, as divine artifacts or objects wouldn't suffice. However, for a living being to bear the duties and responsibilities of the Underworld, they would need to master the laws of life and death, good and evil."

"Otherwise, it would be impossible."

"But!"

"Simultaneously mastering the laws of life and death, good and evil, is something even gods find nearly impossible. This leaves us with only one option: to choose from among humans."

"…"

Prometheus fell silent. Although he had offered some ideas, he knew they were quite unusual.

As everyone knew, while life and good were manageable, the tricky parts were death and evil. Death, in particular, was problematic because Hades, the God of Death, controlled it. Without Hades's approval, taking the laws of death would be laughable.

"I understand."

Zeus nodded calmly. "Although it's difficult, if it's possible to use it, then let's keep it for now. There will come a time when it can be used."

"Yes!"

Prometheus bowed respectfully. Zeus then waved his hand dismissively, saying, "You may all leave now."

"As you command!"

With Zeus's order, Prometheus and the other gods respectfully withdrew.

Once everyone had left, Zeus murmured to himself, "Hades, what are you planning? Or rather, what is your true intention? How intriguing! The Titan War has just ended, and you've already made your move?"

"Even though it's obvious this is a trap, it would be strange not to take something handed to me."

"Heh..."

"Interesting!"

"Interesting!"

"Hades, this game has only just begun. Don't rush things too much!"

Zeus's eyes flashed with terrifying lightning as he recognized that Hades had made his move, but the exact nature of that move remained unclear.

Since that was the case, he decided to see what Hades was really up to.

…

The Mortal Realm.

Far North.

Underworld Temple.

"O Supreme Lord Hades!"

"Please protect us, your devoted followers!"

A large number of humans knelt before the Underworld Temple, praying devoutly.

These were Golden Age humans, but unlike ordinary Golden Age humans, they had different hearts and beliefs. They sought something more than the complacency typical of others from their era.

These Golden Age humans had deeper aspirations and thoughts.

Because of this, they were gradually drawn to the Underworld Temple in the Far North, guided by the four gods of the Underworld.

Along the way, many of these humans perished. After all, the vast Mortal Realm was far more extensive than what Earth would one day become.

Reaching the icy Far North was no easy task, especially for humans with only Seventh or Eighth Sense Cosmos. Yet, despite the odds, they pressed on with unwavering determination.

Even though only a few hundred reached the destination, a mere fraction of those who began the journey, they remained devout in their prayers before the Underworld Temple.

As for those who perished? Golden Age humans didn't reincarnate, but their souls were collected by the four gods of the Underworld. These souls, possessing strong wills, were kept from oblivion because their deaths seemed too unjust.

As a result, their souls were preserved. In the future, their wills and spirits would be further honed by the ice and snow, and they would return here once again!

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