Hades carefully stowed away the Dark Crests. They were incredibly significant to him, not only because they allowed him to temporarily break through his limitations and reach the level of a Titan Chief God but also because they held much more potential.
To be precise.
The divine power of the Dark Crests extended far beyond temporary enhancement. For a God-King to aspire to the level of the Ancient Gods was a tremendously difficult path. Yet, these Dark Crests, being his own unique divine artifacts, could help him momentarily wield laws and powers comparable to the Ancient Gods. They could also serve as the best tools for him to comprehend and master the Ultimate Power.
As for everything else?
Hades waited patiently. Soon, the Apocalyptic Red Dragon ceased its violent struggles and regained its composure. With a simple gesture, Hades released the seals of the Demon Stars. The dragon, now freed, transformed into a small, lizard-like creature, appearing before him.
"Roar!"
The little red dragon affectionately nudged against Hades' divine robes.
Hades issued his command, "Stay here in the Abyss, Apocalyptic Red Dragon. Continue as you have been. The Abyss is now under my control. Without my permission, no god can force their way in. Continue your growth."
"Roar!"
The dragon obediently nudged Hades once more before reverting to its original form. With Hades' assistance, its incubation would now proceed more smoothly and rapidly, eventually transforming into a formidable entity—potentially a God-King, an Ancient God, or even an Absolute God.
The thought of such a future made Hades feel a surge of excitement and anticipation. For a god to have a subordinate exceeding the God-King level was an exhilarating prospect.
His father, the Titan God-King Kronos, commanded Hyperion, the Titan God-King renowned as the mightiest among the Titans.
Having ensured the Apocalyptic Red Dragon's future and taken control of the Abyss, Hades departed with Mephistopheles. After nearly 10,000 years, they left the Abyss, bringing with them tremendous gains.
Hades stepped out of the Abyss, gazing thoughtfully into the distance. Inside, he reflected quietly, "Is this the world's favor?"
Hades felt a moment of hesitation but understood clearly that this was indeed the world's attention. This was the world's way of showing its favor and concern for him.
The Favored Three Kings
As the three God-Kings of the third generation,
- Hades
- Poseidon
- Zeus
They had always been under the watchful eye of the world, from their inception. The world had prepared special gifts for each of them—like the Demon Stars and Dark Crests for Hades, the Light Crests for Zeus, and Poseidon's own unique divine treasures.
In essence.
These three God-Kings were the darlings of the world. However, Hades and Poseidon faced numerous obstacles due to their predestined fates, while Zeus was favored by destiny itself.
To put it another way.
If one couldn't escape the chains of fate, then no matter how much the world cherished them, it would be meaningless. After all, they wouldn't even have the right to be the world's favored ones. Hades had managed to break free from his original fate, escaping the shackles and taking his first steps towards a different destiny. As a result, everything began to change.
The Underworld.
The Demon Stars.
The Abyss.
All these elements were part of the world's plan, prepared in advance for Hades. If not, would these treasures have truly remained inaccessible to other gods?
That's hard to believe.
These treasures were meant for Hades alone. Until his birth, no other god could obtain them.
In fact, only Poseidon and Zeus, aside from Hades, could have entered the Underworld, the Abyss, or the Demon Stars to claim these treasures. Without their destined roles, no other god could touch them. Once Hades was born, the Underworld, the Abyss, and the Demon Stars were set to open.
So why did Zeus end up taking everything instead of the other gods? Despite being the Titan God-King, Kronos, or the mightiest among the gods, Hyperion, why couldn't they seize these treasures?
This is the world's restriction. The world would not allow others to step in. It would permit the three God-Kings to claim each other's treasures, but never other gods.
Hades understood that it wasn't simply his birth that unlocked these realms. Even after his birth, the Underworld, the Abyss, and the Demon Stars remained sealed by the world. It was only after he, Hades, and Poseidon were sealed from birth, while Zeus was freed from his seals, that the world had to give everything to Zeus.
"What a pity," Hades thought to himself. "Zeus really is disappointing."
Hades wasn't joking. Zeus, having claimed all the treasures prepared for the three God-Kings, should have had a foundation surpassing even Kronos, the Titan God-King.
But what happened?
Zeus not only failed to transcend the level of a God-King to become an Ancient God but even fell into decadence, consumed by his indulgences. It was only when fate closed in on him that he sought ways to surpass it. Such a fall from grace was truly disappointing.
In the original story, it's evident that Zeus was the one chosen by fate. If it were anyone else in his place, they would likely have achieved far more.
Hades pondered these thoughts briefly, more as a reflection on the nature of destiny and favoritism. The feeling of being the world's cherished one, with everything laid out before him, was incredibly satisfying. It was like being pampered to the fullest extent.
In the Underworld, he collected numerous black crystals, divine stones, the Invisibility Cloth, and countless divine artifacts.
In the Demon Stars, he acquired an array of divine treasures, a Titan Chief God-level subordinate, Mephistopheles, and even a World Seed.
In the Abyss, he secured the Dark Crests and gained control over the incredibly potent Seven-Headed Ten-Horned Red Dragon.
No exaggeration.
Hades knew these gifts were due to the world's favor. Otherwise, how could Mephistopheles, despite being carried by the Demon Stars into this mythological world, not be devoured? How could the Apocalyptic Red Dragon, a creature meant to destroy worlds, find a place to incubate in a thriving mythological world?
This divine favor from the world, preparing everything in advance for him, was undeniable and invaluable.
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