The Underworld was like an impenetrable fortress. Any god trying to enter it, even Gaia herself, would face inevitable destruction if she recklessly charged in.
The result?
There would be only one outcome—Gaia would die here. Though the Underworld might suffer significant losses, perhaps over 80% of its strength, it would still ensure Gaia's demise. It would be a pyrrhic victory, but nonetheless, a victory. And considering it was Gaia, the invincible Creator God, if even she would die in the Underworld, was there really any need to say more? Such was the terrifying power of the Underworld.
Athena, regaining her composure, continued walking forward. The twin gods said nothing, silently guiding her deeper into the Underworld.
Soon, they arrived.
Before the Wall of Sighs, inside the fortress of the Lord of the Underworld, Athena finally saw him. Sitting on his throne, clad in a black divine robe, with long, flowing black hair, was Hades himself. It was as if nothing—no matter the time, place, or situation—could ever disturb this god of death.
As Athena arrived, Hades slowly opened his eyes. His dark pupils were filled with the essence of life and death, and just gazing into them gave the impression of witnessing the endless cycle of reincarnation.
"Your Majesty!"
Hypnos and Thanatos knelt respectfully on one knee. "The Earth Goddess has arrived!"
Hades cast a calm glance at the twin gods.
With that, the twins stood up and quietly moved to either side, no longer speaking.
Hades then turned his gaze to Athena and asked calmly, "Athena, what is your purpose?"
Hades was not one for small talk or pointless conversation. Since she was here, she should state her intentions clearly. If she couldn't, she might as well leave.
Hades had no intention of killing Athena. It wasn't out of mercy or any other reason but simply because there was no need.
Or perhaps, he thought...
Since Athena had the courage to enter the Underworld alone, he would give her a chance—a chance to leave alive. No matter what she intended to do or sought to accomplish, she could survive in the Underworld. That was the opportunity Hades was willing to grant her.
After a brief silence, Athena spoke softly, "Hades, I wish to speak with you about the second Holy War. I want to emerge victorious in this war and claim the right to creation."
"…"
The atmosphere became utterly still.
In the Underworld, it was always silent and solemn. But now, the silence deepened, as if the weight of the moment had reached its peak.
At that instant, even the twin gods instinctively restrained their movements, shocked by what they had just heard. If they hadn't been controlling themselves, they might have outwardly displayed their surprise.
Hades, Poseidon, and Zeus—no, Boros. Everyone knew about the Holy War between these three god-kings. And now, Athena had become the fourth god-king, naturally qualifying her to participate in this divine conflict.
That much was certain.
However...
Though Athena had the right to play the game, could she truly win? Up until now, she had always been a mere participant, barely scraping by. But now she wanted to claim the ultimate victory, to become the sole winner?
No.
Impossible.
This was laughable, like some kind of joke. What right did Athena have? What made her think she could become the only victor? Just a little reflection would reveal the absurdity of the idea.
And yet...
Athena had dared to bring this matter to Hades. Everyone knew the Underworld's strength, and the right to creation was practically in its grasp. Did Athena truly think she could talk her way into taking it?
Or perhaps...
What was she planning to offer?
Her own body?
Hehehe~~~ Don't be ridiculous. While Athena was undeniably beautiful, compared to the Queen of the Underworld, Persephone, she was lacking. Persephone embodied beauty itself, and her status as queen made her untouchable.
Athena simply couldn't compare. Moreover, if Hades truly desired women, countless goddesses would be available to him. Why would he choose Athena?
It was a ridiculous notion!
To the twin gods, Athena's proposition seemed utterly insane. Or rather, it was laughably absurd. Had this woman lost her mind? Did she truly believe she had what it took?
Who, in their right mind, could even entertain such a notion?
Anyone could see how ludicrous it was.
"Is that so?"
Hades, however, showed no visible reaction. His tone remained as calm as ever, as if this was just an ordinary conversation. He wasn't angry, nor did he appear irritated by Athena's words.
Then Hades continued, "I understand what you want. Now, Athena, what can you offer? The right to creation—I'll admit—is not of great significance to the Underworld."
To the Underworld, quite frankly, the success of the first Holy War had been enough. As for what came after? The value of creation wasn't particularly meaningful. It would provide little to no benefit.
Currently, there were already several entities in the Underworld with the power to become god-kings: Aether, Moirae, Keres, and Kharon. These four had already ascended to god-king status.
Additionally, Mephisto, Eris, and Sparta also had the potential to become god-kings.
However, Eris and Sparta were special cases, and Mephisto didn't need creation to reach god-king status.
Given these circumstances, Hades wasn't particularly concerned about holding on to the right to creation. It didn't hold much value for him. But for Athena to think she could take it from him?
Well, that was something that would need careful discussion. If Athena wanted the right to creation, she would have to offer something in return. So, what could she offer? What was she willing to do?
Hades looked at Athena quietly and asked, "For everything you desire, what can you give in return? What can you offer that would convince me to grant your request?"
His tone was calm, almost indifferent, as if they were having a casual conversation. But that was simply Hades' nature—unwavering and immutable.
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