Streaks of lightning burst forth in an instant. This was Zeus wielding the Law of Thunder. In mythological tales, Zeus is often perceived as merely the master of thunder and lightning. However, this isn't the whole truth. In reality, thunder is just one of the laws under Zeus's command.
Thunder, storms, light, and more—all of these are under Zeus's control. These laws are akin to the laws that Hades governs. In truth, the number of laws each of the three god-kings commands is nearly identical.
Zeus is simply most adept at using the Law of Thunder. At this moment, the lightning that erupted was far from ordinary thunder. Just as countless divine flames emerge from the element of fire—be it Helios's Solar Flame or Hades's Netherworld Flame—Zeus's power manifests as divine thunder. Each bolt of lightning carries the essence of both thunder and destruction.
The Thunder of Destruction!
"Hades," Zeus spoke coldly, "leave quietly. Let this end here. Otherwise, you won't want to know the consequences."
Hades gazed at Zeus with an indifferent expression. His dark eyes showed no emotion whatsoever. Zeus felt a twitch in his nerves—this was pure disdain!
"Die!" Zeus spat the word through gritted teeth.
It was clear that Zeus was still too young. He lacked the maturity and composure of a seasoned deity. Now, he resembled a tempestuous youth, unleashing an endless force of destruction, enhanced by the power of thunder.
The destructive lightning seemed to want to consume Hades completely. Yet, faced with such an assault, Hades didn't move a muscle. The Law of Devouring emerged around him.
Everything vanished into thin air, as if it had never existed. It was a bizarre sight, almost eerie.
Zeus watched Hades's nonchalant reaction and was at a loss for words. He was dumbfounded. From birth, Zeus had always enjoyed a smooth path. He was undeniably the protagonist of this era. But now, being thwarted like this left him utterly confused.
Regardless of Zeus's bewilderment, Hades remained calm. "Zeus, it's time to end this," he said quietly.
"Shut up!" Zeus's voice was icy, his fury burning wildly. "Hades, since you won't take the easy way, you'll face the consequences."
A hum resounded as the divine law activated. Behind Zeus, a towering mountain appeared, reaching into the clouds. Atop the mountain stood magnificent temples, and the entire structure was imbued with a myriad of laws.
Mount Olympus!
This was Zeus's unique divine artifact, a treasure that belonged solely to him. By summoning Mount Olympus, it was evident how enraged Zeus had become.
Hades still held the same opinion—Zeus was simply too young. This rage was unnecessary. Neither side could truly kill the other. Therefore, if they couldn't defeat each other, the sensible thing would be to withdraw. There was no shame in it.
However, Zeus's wrath was like that of a child whose toy had been taken away. He was just too immature compared to the cunning deity of legend.
With the summoning of Mount Olympus, countless laws condensed into solid lightning bolts, wrapping around Zeus like a storm cloud. He floated in the sky, exuding an aura of divine wrath.
"Hades!" Zeus raised his hand, and lightning cascaded down. The combination of Mount Olympus and Zeus's destructive thunder melded divine power and laws perfectly, amplifying their might immeasurably.
Yet, Hades remained calm. His expression was unchanged, seemingly indifferent to the onslaught. His dark eyes, devoid of emotion, watched Zeus's actions quietly.
Hades felt a sense of disappointment. Zeus was too weak, almost insignificant. His power was no more than what one might expect from the myths.
"Zeus," Hades said calmly, "it's truly disappointing. Without the divine artifacts that should never have fallen into your hands, you're nothing more than this. It's dull."
Hades's voice was cold and steady. The sky began to distort, and black hole-like voids appeared, swallowing Zeus's thunder effortlessly.
Hades found this encounter tedious. This clash was essentially trivial. He was more interested in seeing what Zeus, this protagonist of the third-generation gods, cherished by fate, was truly capable of.
And the answer? Disappointing.
Hades watched Zeus waste his divine power and laws like a fool. His control over his power and laws was so rudimentary, it was almost laughable.
"This is the end," Hades said softly. "Zeus, you are uninteresting."
Hades's calm words, paired with his impassive expression, only fueled Zeus's rage further. Hades was truly infuriating in every aspect.
"Hades!" Zeus's voice was low and seething. "Fine! You've really angered me. Since that's the case..."
Zeus spread his hand, and a brilliant light emerged. Nine beams of light merged into his body. These were the Crest of Light, the counterparts to the Crest of Darkness. Clearly, Zeus had also acquired this precious artifact.
By revealing the Crest of Light, Zeus was showing that he had laid all his cards on the table.
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