With all preparations complete, Hades left the Sea Realm, heading once more towards the Astral Realm to carry out his most crucial plan. On the way, he studied the crystal of the Ancient God's technique.
The crystal of technique from an Ancient God intrigued Hades. For beings who upheld absolute laws, it was fascinating that they would leave behind such artifacts.
After briefly contemplating, Hades halted his movement, floating in mid-air, holding the crystal before him.
"Compressed to the extreme," Hades murmured softly.
Without any elaborate seals or barriers, just a slight contact allowed Hades to grasp the essence contained within the crystal. The realization made the artifact even more intriguing to him. Though it sounded simple, compressing technique to its utmost limit was no easy feat.
"If only..." Hades pondered aloud.
It was clear that an idea had crossed his mind, but he set it aside for now, carefully storing the crystal. Despite its significance, it wasn't his core focus. For him, in these 500,000 years, no single action could bring about a fundamental change.
Hades knew that to trigger a true transformation, he had to attempt the method he had first conceived. As for the potential for failure? Even if this venture was fraught with peril, Hades understood he had no other choice. Otherwise, in 500,000 years, he would have to live hidden like a dog, cloaked in invisibility, forever staying out of sight.
In the face of the Titans' inevitable assault, his fate would be sealed unless he acted. This was no mere myth; the Titans' loyalty to their father, the Titan King, was unwavering. No Titan would aid him. Everything depended on his own resolve, and he had no time to waste.
Stowing away the crystal, Hades sped towards the Astral Realm. It didn't take long to arrive, especially now that his divine power had increased and he had the support of his demonic stars.
"The Astral Realm..."
Hades paused before the expansive Astral Realm. Under the infinite darkness, the realm was dotted with stars. Without hesitation, he plunged into the Astral Realm.
He moved swiftly towards its depths, passing many star gods who noticed him but showed no interest. Though they technically served the Titans under Kronos, in practice, they remained aloof, adhering to their own roles. Capturing or killing Hades was not their task, and with 500,000 years yet to pass, they were curious about his intentions but did not interfere. Soon, Hades shrouded himself in his cloak of invisibility, and the star gods, losing sight of him, resumed their activities.
The Astral Realm and the Chaotic Ocean together formed two hemispheres encasing the Mythic World.
So, what lies beyond the Astral Realm and the Chaotic Ocean? The Chaotic Sea. Simply put, beyond these realms is the Chaotic Sea.
However, even the Astral Realm and the Chaotic Ocean don't directly contact the Chaotic Sea. Surrounding a Mythic World entirely is what's known as the Crystal Wall System—an invisible, transparent, crystalline-like substance that encloses each Mythic World or smaller world, forming the complete Chaotic Sea.
After spending thousands of years traversing, Hades finally reached the outer edge of the Astral Realm, standing before the Crystal Wall System.
The endless chaos stretched out before him, dotted with blue glows from the Crystal Wall Systems encasing countless worlds. These could be mighty Mythic Worlds or weaker smaller worlds.
Regardless, within the Chaotic Sea lie innumerable worlds, creating the vast sea of chaos. It bore resemblance to the Astral Realm, but while the Astral Realm held stars, the Chaotic Sea contained worlds. Just standing here, Hades felt an overwhelming divine force, as if it could engulf him completely.
After a moment, Hades withdrew his gaze. Staring too long into the Chaotic Sea could lead to being consumed by its chaotic laws.
"When you gaze long into an abyss, the abyss also gazes into you."
This principle holds true for all gods. When facing the Chaotic Sea, one must remember this. What! You're an Absolute God? Then disregard what I just said.
"Lord Hades..." Mephistopheles appeared beside Hades, his voice heavy with concern. "Forgive my intrusion, but are you truly going to proceed with this? You must reconsider! It's far too dangerous. To peer into the Chaotic Sea without being an Absolute God is courting disaster."
"I know," Hades responded calmly, unbothered by Mephistopheles's intrusion. "Following the standard path, everything remains largely unchanged. The opportunity is right before me; I have no choice but to risk it."
For Hades to speak so much signified the weight of his decision. His absolute rationality warned him of the extreme danger.
But!!
Hades knew this was his best chance. Contemplating failure was pointless; failure meant being a fugitive or worse. There was no essential difference.
For gods, most of their fates are predestined. Weaker gods, unaware of their destiny, can only go with the flow. But knowing his destiny and not taking a chance?
Then...
The end result, for him, would be to grow stronger only to be slain by the Pegasus infused with God-slaying power. Surpassing fate is never easy.
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