Cyd deliberately disregarded Cerberus' growls and filled his water pouch with the creature's saliva. To differentiate the contents, he also took two tufts of Cerberus' fur, mixing them with normal water, and then loaded the water pockets with Cerberus' blood and saliva.
"Quite the haul," Cyd said with a forced smile as he stuffed the water pockets into his bag.
"Better hurry," Cerberus muttered, moving aside for Cyd.
"See you later," Cyd said, patting Cerberus' head and pulling Medusa through the open gate to the Underworld.
"Humans that Hades values are truly remarkable," Cerberus muttered, licking up the crumbs of the broken honey cake from his paw. "Hmm, tastes just right."
As they stepped through the gate, a chilling wind hit them. Cyd instinctively raised his hand to shield himself. "Doesn't seem like a place to linger."
"As a demigod, the less time you spend here, the better," Medusa said, pulling at Cyd's sleeve. "And try not to make eye contact with the residents."
"You tell me this now?" Cyd gestured to the pale-skinned crowd ahead. "A bit late."
"The aura of the living attracts the dead," Medusa said, frowning and gripping her giant sickle tightly.
"They don't seem hostile," Cyd reassured, patting Medusa's head. The crowd, though initially tumultuous, parted to form a path, as if directed by an unseen force. Their indifferent stares sent chills down Cyd's spine.
"Let's go," Cyd said, leading Medusa through the crowd.
"Stay alert," Medusa warned, still clutching her sickle.
"This is the realm of the dead. Even if we encounter trouble, it's not like we can escape," Cyd said with a yawn.
Medusa sighed, wanting to take Cyd sightseeing. But he was determined to head deeper into the Underworld, unwavering in his resolve.
They finally arrived at a shadowy palace. The massive doors creaked open with a burst of black mist, and the crowd of souls vanished like illusions.
"Couldn't they move aside normally?" Cyd grumbled.
"Afraid now?" Medusa teased.
"No point," Cyd said, bracing himself and stepping into the dark palace.
The sound of Cyd's footsteps echoed in the dark, empty hall. Thankfully, it was a straight path to the master of the palace, not the endless maze he feared. As they progressed, the corridor gradually widened.
"Welcome," a deep voice echoed from the darkness.
Two blue flames flickered to life, lighting up one by one like dominoes. The entire hall brightened, but the flames emitted no warmth. Instead, they felt eerie, especially because of the imposing figure seated on the throne: Hades, the lord of the Underworld.
"Apologies if I startled you," Hades said, a bit awkwardly.
"You should smile more," Persephone, the beautiful woman beside him, teased, poking his face playfully.
Hades forced a smile that was more frightening than comforting. Cyd instinctively covered Medusa's eyes.
"Don't smile, dear," Persephone said, patting her chest. She looked just as frightened.
Hades sighed and let the smile drop, returning to his usual stern expression. Cyd could see a hint of hurt in his eyes.
"Um, I'm here for the blessing," Cyd began hesitantly.
"Yes, and to deliver a message from Demeter," Hades added, rubbing his face.
"Right." Cyd scratched his head. "What do you want me to do, Hades-sama?"
Hades looked at Persephone and then back at Cyd. "There's nothing I want you to do."
Cyd was taken aback. "What?"
"You came to me, and that's enough," Hades said, holding out a simple helmet. "I don't need this anymore. Take it."
Hades tossed the helmet to Cyd, who caught it, bewildered.
"But why?" Cyd asked, clutching the helmet.
Hades didn't answer, closing his eyes.
"My dear likes you, little one," Persephone said with a smile.
"Eh?!"
"For years, you've been the only one to earnestly worship him," Persephone said, glancing at Hades. "Right?"
Hades looked away, grunting.
Cyd was skeptical. Hades, despite his reputation, was the king of the Underworld. It was unthinkable that he would favor a living person, especially one not offering any tangible benefit.
"Living worshippers don't have much to offer a death god," Persephone explained, patting Hades' shoulder. "Once they die, they belong to him anyway."
Hades, looking slightly offended, muttered, "It's not like no one worships me."
"Yes, yes, hoping for plagues on their enemies," Persephone teased, making Hades rub his forehead in exasperation.
"Should I excuse myself?" Cyd asked weakly.
"Don't worry about it," Persephone said, waving her hand. "My dear likes you. You're one of the few who've helped him without asking for anything in return."
"Also, you helped defeat the ancient—"
"Persephone!" Hades interrupted with a loud cough.
"Right, right," Persephone grumbled. "It's rare to have such a lovely visitor."
Hades sighed, poking Persephone's forehead. "It's for your own good."
Cyd thought back to Demeter's view of their relationship, seeing Persephone smile here didn't seem like a living nightmare.
According to Demeter, Persephone despised Hades and the Underworld, wishing she were dead rather than living here. But Persephone's current demeanor suggested otherwise.