The battlefield in Tartarus, already foreboding and oppressive, grew darker and more suffocating as Nico appeared through the shadows, his aura of death and darkness palpable. He emerged with an air of arrogance, a sinister smirk curling his lips.
"I hope I'm not disturbing you gentlemen," Nico muttered, his voice a blend of mockery and menace. "But I wish for some entertainment."
Hyperion and Krios turned to the figure, their ancient forms momentarily stunned by the audacity of what appeared to be a mere demiimmortal.
"Is he insane?" Krios asked, disbelief in his tone.
"Doesn't matter. Deal with him," Hyperion responded dismissively. But before Krios could act, Hyperion's expression shifted as an unsettling sensation washed over him. He could feel Nico's unrestrained power eating away at the very fabric of existence. "Stop!" he barked.
Krios hesitated, his instincts screaming danger as a dark spike erupted from the ground where he had stood moments before.
"What are you?" Hyperion demanded, flames igniting around him and spreading like wildfire toward Nico. "You are not a demiimmortal, not one of us, nor one of them."
"Your death," Nico responded with a dark chuckle, unleashing a wave of shadow that consumed Hyperion's flames with ease, pressing toward the two Titans like a tide of oblivion.
Realizing the threat, Hyperion and Krios combined their powers, their command over light tearing a hole through the shadowy wave. Hyperion, ever the aggressor, utilized his light-speed movement to close the distance to Nico.
"Die!" Hyperion roared, his flame-clad fist hurtling toward Nico.
But Nico's darkness was alive, reacting instinctively. From his body erupted countless spikes of shadow, stabbing into Hyperion's form despite his attempts to dodge. The Titan staggered back, looking down at his wounds with disbelief as they refused to heal.
"What kind of abomination are you?" Hyperion growled, his voice tinged with both fury and unease.
"Brother," Krios muttered, his voice shaking. "This cursed place... it's strengthening him."
"You fool!" Hyperion began to retort, but the ground beneath them trembled violently, a pressure unlike anything they'd felt before crushing down on their forms. Both Titans collapsed to their knees, terror filling their eyes as a figure began to take shape.
Clad in ancient Roman armor, with a face composed of swirling darkness, Tartarus himself materialized. His voice was like a grinding millstone, deep and malevolent. "What did you say about me?"
Krios, trembling uncontrollably, stammered, "Please forgive me—it was a mistake!"
"Mistakes against me will never be forgiven," Tartarus declared coldly, his presence consuming all light and hope. "Rejoice that you see Tartarus in flesh, little Titan."
In an instant, Tartarus seized Krios. The Titan let out a choked cry before being absorbed into the dark void that was Tartarus's face, his essence snuffed out like a dying flame.
Nico, though arrogant and increasingly unstable, recognized the need for action. He stepped forward, his voice resonating with authority. "I am the representative of Death and Darkness. You have slighted me with your presence and disregard for my authority. Suffer the folly of your arrogance."
Charging his spear with unrelenting energy, Nico hurled it at Tartarus. At the same time, he released his oppressive aura, breaking Hyperion free from his daze.
Tartarus turned, his disdainful gaze landing on Nico. With a mere flick of his hand, the spear was deflected, though it left a small, stinging wound. Tartarus paused, examining his hand with mild irritation.
"You should have stayed silent and died peacefully," Tartarus hissed. "Now you will experience eternal torment."
As Tartarus advanced, his face became a vortex of darkness, drawing in the environment itself. Hyperion hesitated, torn between fleeing and fighting. Then the grim realization struck him: there was no escape from Tartarus.
He steeled himself. If I'm to survive, I must fight alongside him, he thought grimly, launching a barrage of light spears at Tartarus while charging an immense light beam in the sky.
Nico, however, was becoming something far more dangerous. The overwhelming power of Tartarus's presence was accelerating the crown's influence on him. Darkness enveloped his form, shaping into armor and a jagged weapon. His voice rang out, maniacal and commanding.
"Bow to your king. I am darkness, and I am eternal!" Nico declared, vanishing and reappearing before Tartarus in an instant. He slashed with his sword, which morphed mid-strike into countless spikes that impaled Tartarus.
Tartarus staggered slightly, momentarily caught off guard. Before he could counter, Nico's massive fist of shadow struck him, sending him reeling further. Hyperion's sky beam descended, obliterating the terrain and creating a massive crater.
As the dust settled, Tartarus emerged unharmed, his form radiating dark power. "Interesting," he murmured, genuine curiosity in his voice. "Your power... it feeds off me, doesn't it?"
Tartarus's gaze turned cold. "But your display? Worthless." With a single motion, he extended his arm, pulling Hyperion toward him. The Titan struggled, but the oppressive grip of Tartarus was unyielding.
The journey to Hades had been eerily serene, a contrast to the dangerous, chaotic lands of Tartarus. For Naruto and his companions, the monsters they encountered posed no significant challenge. Their strength and skill were leagues above the creatures, allowing them to arrive unscathed at the gates of the Underworld.
Standing before them now was the mighty Cerberus, the three-headed guardian of Hades. The monstrous dog loomed over the group, its massive form exuding an aura of intimidation. Each head snarled, saliva dripping from jagged teeth, and its eyes glowed with an otherworldly light. The ground beneath their feet trembled with each thunderous growl.
Cerberus was no ordinary beast. It was a creature of legend, said to be stronger than Albion and most monsters Naruto had faced before. Yet, for Naruto, who had transcended his former limitations, the guardian was no longer a threat. His power had grown immeasurably since his days in the shinobi world. His speed now rivaled the pace he once achieved in Sage Mode during the battle against Pain, his healing factor was unparalleled, and his stamina was an inexhaustible wellspring.
From atop a hill overlooking the guardian, Naruto gazed down at Cerberus with a mixture of sorrow and determination. The creature's raw power and imposing presence reminded him of the countless challenges he had faced, but this time, there was no need for a prolonged battle.
Naruto clenched his fist, the weight of his thoughts heavy in his heart.
The power of nature... it's incredible. To think I could reach this level. Endless stamina, unparalleled strength, and a connection to something far greater than myself. But this power comes with a price. The call of Nature... it tempts me, whispers promises of never being alone, of becoming something eternal. It's seductive, but I've chosen to tread carefully, taking only what I need. Even now, it feels enough.
Naruto extended his hand, channeling his newfound mastery over wind. With a single decisive motion, he slashed downward, unleashing a colossal wind blade. The attack sliced through the air at an unfathomable speed, its sharpness and force unmatched.
Cerberus barely had time to react. The wind slash struck true, carving through the beast's immense body with terrifying precision. Within moments, the guardian was reduced to a heap of mangled remains, its once-imposing form lying in ruin. Only fragments of its body remained, scattered across the bloodstained ground.
Naruto descended the hill with purpose, his expression somber. He placed his hand on the remains of Cerberus, focusing his energy to absorb its essence. A faint glow surrounded him as the guardian's strength and abilities merged with his own.
Behind him, Medusa stared in disbelief at the ease with which Naruto had dispatched the legendary creature. "That... that seemed too easy," she muttered, her voice tinged with shock. "I remember that dog being an actual threat."
Ella, however, seemed less surprised. She crossed her arms, her gaze scanning the area for any lingering dangers. "Naruto is strong," she said matter-of-factly. "So obviously, it didn't stand a chance. Get used to it."
As Naruto stood up, the faint glow fading, he looked toward his companions, his expression unreadable. The echoes of the battle—or rather, its swift resolution—lingered in the air. The journey to Hades had been a test, but now, the real challenges lay ahead.
The journey to Hades had ended with a confrontation that none of the group had anticipated. Standing before Cerberus had been a pivotal moment, but with the guardian now absorbed, Naruto felt the rush of newfound power coursing through him. His body had grown larger, more durable, and stronger, the affinity for elemental energies—especially darkness—becoming almost overwhelming.
His transformation hadn't gone unnoticed. As the blood of Cerberus pooled and rippled unnaturally, it coalesced into a humanoid form. Standing there, regal and composed, was Hades himself, his dark presence unmistakable.
"Poor child," Hades said, his deep voice laced with a sorrowful tone. "I am sorry you had to suffer."
Naruto turned to face him, recognizing the immortal immediately. "Hades."
The immortal of the Underworld regarded Naruto with an expression that mixed curiosity and recognition. "Yes, I am Hades. And you must be the infamous executioner of Gaea."
Naruto's gaze hardened. "Not an executioner," he corrected, his voice steady. "A peace-bringer. What do you want to talk about?"
Hades observed Naruto, his gaze briefly flicking over the subtle shifts in Naruto's body, the evidence of his new strength. "You will kill the rest of our kind, won't you?" he asked finally.
Naruto didn't flinch. "I judge fairly," he replied. "There will be no mistakes."
Hades seemed to consider this before continuing, his tone shifting. "And what of the children wielding those cursed artifacts? What will you do with them?"
Naruto's reply was blunt. "I will kill them if they resist."
The immortal paced slowly, his regal demeanor briefly giving way to an expression of parental concern. "I only wish to ask one thing of you," Hades said, his voice softening. "Save them if you can. The artifacts are driving them mad. If nothing else, save their spirits so they may live beyond their torment. In return, I will offer you my helmet and sword."
Naruto was surprised by the sincerity in Hades' voice. It was a rare display of vulnerability from a immortal. With a nod, Naruto replied, "I will try if it's possible. But I won't put their lives above my own."
Hades inclined his head in gratitude, handing over his helm and sword. The items merged seamlessly with Naruto's being, amplifying his powers further. "Thank you," Hades said. "These will aid you. I cannot join you due to an unknown force binding me here, but I hope they serve you well."
Naruto moved toward the gate of the Underworld, a strange sense of familiarity washing over him as he approached. The seal on the gate emitted a power similar to natural chakra, reminding him of Kaguya. Someone from my world is here, he realized, his thoughts clouded by unease.
Before he could delve deeper into the mystery, the ground trembled violently.
"What's happening?" Naruto asked, turning to the others.
Nemesis, who had been watching from a distance, answered quickly. "Tartarus has manifested. The Titans may already be dead."
Naruto's expression hardened. "We're leaving now. No time to waste." Without hesitation, he lifted Damasen while Ella carried Medusa, and the group took to the skies.
Naruto flew ahead, his speed unmatched. He crushed anything in his path, leaving destruction in his wake. Within minutes, he arrived at the battlefield. Below, Tartarus stood as an imposing figure, his mere presence exuding dread. Hyperion was caught in his grasp, struggling against an inevitable end.
Naruto didn't hesitate. With Hades' sword in hand, he descended like a meteor, piercing Hyperion's skull in one clean motion. Concentrated nature energy surged through the blade, resonating with the parasitic attack Nico had inflicted earlier. The combined assault obliterated Hyperion's essence, which Naruto absorbed with ease.
Tartarus turned his attention to Naruto, his chilling voice cutting through the chaos. "Who are you?" he demanded, his dark visage unreadable. "Are you another child of Gaea?"
Naruto met his gaze, unflinching. "No. I am Gaea's chosen. Will you retreat, or will you fight me, Tartarus?"
The primordial being's laughter rumbled like an earthquake. "So, you're Gaea's messenger in this age? Prove it to me, and I will return to my slumber."
Naruto released his power in response, allowing the landscape to shift under the influence of nature's force. Dead ground gave way to sprouting flora, life flourishing in a place where none should exist. Tartarus observed the display with intrigue. "Impressive," he admitted. "You've passed her test. But remember, I am your superior."
Before Naruto could respond, Tartarus closed the distance in an instant, forcing Naruto to his knees with a mere push. The overwhelming pressure of Tartarus' presence threatened to crush his soul. Naruto gritted his teeth, refusing to yield even as pain coursed through him.
Satisfied, Tartarus released him and disappeared into the shadows with a parting warning. "Be careful how you speak to me next time, Gaea's chosen."
Naruto rose shakily, his gaze falling on Nico, who stood nearby, the cursed crown still on his head. "Child of Hades," Damasen said gently, stepping forward. "We hope you'll relinquish that crown. It belongs to my friend."
Nico sneered, his voice filled with disdain. "It is mine. The crown of the king. How dare you demand it?"
Dark bullets shot forth from Nico's hands, forcing Damasen to deflect them with his weapon while Naruto used a shield of darkness.
"I hope you'll reconsider," Naruto said firmly. "Your father is worried about you. Let go of the crown."
Nico's derision only deepened as he screamed, "I'll kill you!" Darkness surged around him, erratic and uncontrolled. The power of the crown had consumed him, amplifying his strength but stripping him of control.
Naruto closed the distance with precision, dodging Nico's attacks and landing a decisive blow. The blade of Hades cut through Nico's leg, severing his left foot. Nico howled in rage and pain, his energy lashing out wildly.
Seeing an opening, Naruto struck again, piercing Nico's abdomen and wrenching the crown free. The artifact came away with pieces of flesh and hair, but Naruto held it tightly. "Finally," he murmured, his voice tinged with relief. "I have you, my friend."
Nico collapsed, his body flickering between physical form and shadow. Realizing the boy was more energy than flesh now, Naruto acted quickly, pulling Nico's essence into his own soul for sanctuary.
As Nico's form stabilized within him, Naruto let out a breath of relief and sat down, laughter bubbling up despite the tension. Kurama... he thought, reaching out instinctively. But there was no response.
"It's okay," Naruto whispered to himself, a soft smile gracing his lips. "At least he's here with me now."
Before he could fully collect his thoughts, Ella crashed into him, pouting furiously. Her expression brought him back to the present, and he couldn't help but laugh again, even in the midst of chaos.
The scene shifted to the heart of Olympus, where Zeus stood atop his throne, his form radiating an unnatural, almost terrifying aura of power. The artifacts—the necklace from Jason, and the items belonging to Leo and Piper—had merged into his being, their essence devoured without hesitation.
Zeus' wide grin spoke volumes of his satisfaction. "The crown has awakened completely," he mused, his voice echoing through the grand hall. "Wonderful. Soon, it will walk back into my hand."
The immortal's gaze turned downward toward the remains of Jason and the others. His tone softened briefly, though it carried a cold detachment. "You have done well, my son. Rest now."
With a casual motion, Zeus held out his hand, and the artifacts consumed what remained of their previous bearers. Their essences were obliterated, leaving nothing behind. The immortal didn't falter, didn't pause, as if their lives were mere stepping stones to his ascension.
The power coursing through Zeus became more tangible, the very air around him charged with energy so potent that it crackled audibly. His form shimmered with newfound might, his muscles rippling as the divine energy of the artifacts fully integrated with him. Zeus clenched his fist, the lightning sparking from his fingertips an ominous testament to his transformation.
"This is only the beginning," Zeus muttered to himself, almost in awe. "If this is the power of just three minor artifacts, then what will it be like when I claim the crown?"
His voice carried an unhinged excitement now, a manic glint in his eyes betraying the immortal's descent into greed-fueled madness. In a flash of lightning, Zeus vanished from the throne room, his departure leaving scorch marks on the floor and a lingering, oppressive tension in the air.
The destruction he left in his wake spoke of his intent. Not even the faintest trace of Jason, Leo, or Piper remained, their existence snuffed out by the one who should have protected them. Zeus had crossed a line, and the stakes had risen to a new, perilous height.
In his mind, the only thing that mattered now was the crown—and the ultimate power it promised.