Hades, Poseidon, Zeus. The third generation of God-Kings was different from the first and second generations, as it was ruled jointly by these three. In this era, Hades, Poseidon, and Zeus ruled together. But which of the three was the strongest? That had always been difficult to say.
The three God-Kings had joined forces to defeat the invincible second-generation Titan King, Kronos. But after that, what had really happened? What was the true level of their divine power?
No one knew! Not even the gods themselves. Even with Aether ascending to the level of a God-King, Sparta completing his expedition, and the end of the first Holy War, these events seemed more like a series of coincidences rather than anything deeply connected.
Was there truly a close connection between these events?
Of course! Hades' planning was undeniable. But these events couldn't fully showcase Hades' true strength, leaving the gods without a clear understanding of his power.
After all, who wouldn't want to become the one true ruler of everything?
Since they chose to govern together as three God-Kings, didn't that imply that the three of them were relatively equal in power?
But…
At this moment!
When Hades unleashed his boundless divine power, the black mist spread over the mortal realm, extending into the astral realm, and even reaching the heavens and seas guarded by Poseidon and Zeus. The gods understood: perhaps the position of God-King was something Hades simply had no interest in. If he had been interested, that throne might have belonged to him alone.
The gods of the Underworld were in celebration.
Meanwhile, the other gods fell into silence. As Sparta entered the Underworld, he began creating his own world, and steadily began building Hell. This was only the beginning.
Sparta's future was incredibly stable. It wouldn't take long for him to reach the level of a God-King, and when he did, he would show the gods just how terrifying his power truly was.
Sparta emerged from the gates of the Underworld, filled with endless respect and reverence. Kneeling with both knees on the ground, there was no trace of the dignity of a king from Sparta. Instead, he was filled with nothing but reverence as he said, "Your Majesty!"
Hades quietly opened his eyes, his black pupils filled with infinite darkness and death.
However.
In an instant.
Everything returned to calm, as if he had become a vast, heavy universe. Hades spoke in a calm voice, "Sparta, you've done well."
"Thank you for your praise, Your Majesty!"
Sparta humbly lowered his head, full of fear and respect.
After a brief exchange between the God-King and his subordinate, Sparta withdrew. He still had many matters to attend to. As he had mentioned, he was building a special Hell where future warriors of Sparta who proved worthy would ascend and become gods of the Underworld, loyal subordinates of the King.
Regarding this matter…
One could only imagine.
If Zeus were in Hades' place, he would be furious. Zeus would never accept this division of power. Would Zeus tolerate such a thing? Absolutely not! That was out of the question!
However…
Though Zeus would never accept it, Hades didn't seem to mind. He had absolute trust in his Underworld gods, and because of that, this arrangement seemed completely normal to him.
It was similar to the 72 Demon Pillars, where demon nobles could use their own divine power to transform their subordinates into demon legions. These demon legions, in essence, were still divine beings, though of the lowest order, born with little potential for further growth. They were essentially subordinate to the higher-ranking gods.
In other words, they were subordinates of subordinates.
Once again!
For the Underworld, as time passed, its power at all levels—upper, middle, and lower—would grow in a stable and systematic way. There was no doubt about this.
Just as Sparta left, Hestia, the Lady of the Underworld, came running over with a smile, saying, "Brother, Sparta has fulfilled his promise. Now, isn't it time to bring the Golden Age to an end?"
Sparta, with his expeditionary army, had wiped out over 80% of the humans from the Golden Age. And the strength of these humans?
That was obvious without needing to say.
Their power was indisputable, a reality set in stone.
Now, with only 20% of the Golden Age remaining, it was time to begin the final phase, to bring everything to an end.
Hades thought for a moment and said, "Sister, there's no need to rush. Moirai's weaving of fate still requires some time. Moreover, the timing between creation and destruction must be carefully balanced."
Ten million years.
That was a span of time both long and short.
For the Underworld, many plans and preparations still needed time to unfold. It wasn't something that could be done hastily. If it were that easy?
Don't be ridiculous! While Hades was strong, he hadn't reached the level of invincibility. He had many plans to lay out, and each plan and step forward was critical to his own transformation.
Now!
Hades was at a critical threshold, and once he broke through it, he would undergo an immense transformation and rise to new heights. And for Hades, what would that mean?
It was obvious.
The Golden Age was slowly moving toward its end, and a new chapter was about to begin.
This upcoming chapter, if handled well, would bring an unimaginable boost to the Underworld. But if mishandled, there wouldn't be a second chance.
Poseidon and Zeus weren't fools. The two would never allow the Underworld a second opportunity. That was simply impossible!
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