From the beginning, Iapetus never believed that Hades would remain sealed, even though the one who placed the seal was Koios, the Seer. Despite Koios' formidable reputation, Iapetus was certain it was impossible to completely bind Hades.
Hades spoke quietly, "Iapetus, thank you for your faith in me."
"There is no need," Iapetus responded calmly. "Hades, it ends here. Your life will be taken by me, and this farce must come to an end."
Iapetus' voice was tranquil, his eyes filled with a cold indifference. He wasn't joking—after the initial probing, it was clear that this matter needed a final resolution.
"Indeed," Hades replied softly. "What needs to end must end. Iapetus, this Titan War will ultimately conclude with the downfall of you Twelve Chief Titans."
"Heh, such confidence," Iapetus chuckled softly. "Confidence is a natural thing. Without it, how can one hope to transcend the shackles of fate?"
"To transcend fate's shackles?" Iapetus looked at Hades intently, falling silent for a moment before speaking slowly. "Yes, for every god, fate is a binding force. But you, Hades, will never be the one to break free from it."
"Why?" Hades asked quietly.
"Because," Iapetus answered, "the Emperor has already surpassed the constraints of fate. And you, Hades, no matter how exceptional, bear only his shadow. That alone proves everything."
Hades didn't respond further. Continuing the conversation was pointless. Around him, divine power surged, and various laws began to coalesce: darkness, death, pride, madness...
Countless laws combined into sharp blades, directed straight at Iapetus. Each blade contained laws pushed to their utmost limits.
"Remarkable mastery of laws," Iapetus observed with a touch of admiration. "To harness such intricate laws, each to such an extreme degree, and to surpass the limitations of your essence through sheer effort, Hades, you are truly extraordinary!"
Though his words were filled with praise, Iapetus showed no mercy in his actions. In fact, his strikes grew even more ruthless.
With a mere wave of his hand, dimensional rifts began to spread out, tearing and consuming everything in their path. The speed and precision with which he controlled the dimensional laws were beyond words.
This was no exaggeration. For each of the Twelve Chief Titans, their inherent mastery over their respective laws was astonishingly profound, reaching levels unimaginable to most gods.
This is what made the Twelve Chief Titans so formidable. It wasn't just their noble birth—though bloodline indeed played a crucial role among gods. Yet, having a noble lineage didn't guarantee invincibility.
The moment you are surpassed, your noble blood won't spare you. On the contrary, your opponent will likely strike you down without hesitation. There is no room for mercy.
Therefore, the Twelve Chief Titans' standing wasn't just due to their prestigious origins. Their strength came from their immense power and mastery over their laws.
As the battle commenced, the perfect control each god had over their laws was fully displayed. Hades wielded his myriad laws with precision, while Iapetus demonstrated unparalleled mastery over dimensional laws.
With the fight underway, the remarkable display of law manipulation and divine power usage by both gods drew admiration from onlookers.
Many gods observed the battle from afar. This included the other Twelve Titans, led by Cronus, as well as the new generation of gods led by Poseidon and Zeus.
This battle wasn't just a clash between Hades and Iapetus. It symbolized the first significant confrontation between the Titans and the new gods.
If Iapetus emerged victorious, it would signify that the new gods were nothing more than a fleeting joke. The notion of breaking free from fate's bindings? That had already been shattered by the almighty Titan King, Cronus.
However, if Hades won, it would herald the triumph of the new gods. Such a victory would have immense repercussions throughout the entire divine world.
In simple terms, many gods within the Mythical World longed to resist Cronus' rule. It wasn't that they lacked the desire; rather, they lacked the power and saw no hope, for Cronus, the supreme Titan King, was overwhelmingly powerful—invincible and terrifying.
Given this situation, they dared not wage war. Even among the Titans, none were a match for Cronus.
But if Hades could defeat Iapetus and shatter the myth of the Twelve Titans' invincibility, the aftermath would be unpredictable. The entire Mythical World would be thrown into chaos.
Both Hades and Iapetus understood this well. This battle was not merely a fight for survival; it was the harbinger of everything that might unfold next. Would the new gods seize their chance to win, or would everything come to a definitive end?
Ultimately, the outcome of this battle would decide much. It would shape the future and determine the path forward.
Thus, neither Hades nor Iapetus could afford to retreat. They had to continue relentlessly, fighting until the war concluded.
As the two gods demonstrated their flawless control over their respective laws, the battle's intensity revealed the terrifying potential of the conflict. It was clear this wouldn't be a simple, one-sided affair.
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