Hades returned to the Underworld Prison with a simple objective: to bring it back into the Underworld. The Titan War was imminent, and having the Underworld Prison, his primary base for nurturing the seven-headed, ten-horned red dragon, outside the Underworld could pose significant risks.
Hades believed it was safer to incorporate the Underworld Prison back into the Underworld. If any issues arose, it would be disastrous, especially for the immensely potential seven-headed, ten-horned red dragon. Even Hades, with his usual demeanor, would be deeply upset if anything went wrong.
A hum filled the air as Hades released the World Tree. The phantom of the World Tree appeared behind him, and enormous roots began to spread out, causing the entire Underworld Prison to tremble as divine power surged. The vast roots wrapped around the entire Underworld Prison, gradually dragging it into the Underworld. This process was slow, taking nearly five thousand years to complete.
Once the Underworld Prison was absorbed, the original location where it had been left a void-like collapse. Hades merely glanced at it before departing, as it wasn't a significant concern. Over time, the place where the Underworld Prison once resided would naturally heal. As for the Underworld Prison itself, Hades' presence was enough to address any issues.
Whether it was the Underworld created by Hades, the barren Underworld land, or the Underworld Prison, as long as the Underworld existed, it fulfilled its purpose. Essentially, Hades had taken a piece of land with him. While it might seem unethical, no one could challenge Hades, especially since the responsibilities of the Underworld were firmly within his domain.
After leaving the Underworld Prison, the commotion naturally attracted the attention of many gods. Although curious about what had happened, they quickly understood it was Hades' doing. As the born ruler of the Underworld, even the supreme Titan God-King, Cronos, who ruled everything, couldn't surpass Hades in his domain.
For other gods who couldn't locate the source of the Underworld Prison, fearing issues within it, Hades' effortless control made it inconsequential. Using his divine power of invisibility, Hades remained undetected and proceeded to the Underworld land. Once there, nothing else mattered.
"Hades, my lord!" Mephistopheles approached Hades as soon as he entered the Underworld, kneeling respectfully on one knee.
Hades nodded silently. Mephistopheles then stood up, and Hades surveyed the surroundings. "Mephistopheles, how are the preparations for the Underworld land?"
"Lord Hades," Mephistopheles reported respectfully, "during these years, I have used the law of contracts to gather numerous souls and laws, integrating them into the Underworld land. It has expanded by about one-tenth."
Although Mephistopheles was humble, his pride was evident. In such a short time, he had managed to expand the Underworld land by one-tenth. This meant its essence had increased by one-tenth. Though it might not seem much, considering the Underworld land was meant to rival the Underworld itself and eventually replace it as one of the four realms, this was significant.
Mephistopheles' ability was extraordinary, and his contract law allowed for conversions that defied the natural order. Normally, the essence and souls of gods and humans wouldn't contribute to the Underworld land, but Mephistopheles' contract law made it possible, showcasing his remarkable power.
Such feats were impressive, even to Ancient Gods. The contract law was rare and almost impossible to master, and its power was evident in the growth of the Underworld land.
"Well done," Hades said calmly. "Mephistopheles, continue making contracts with more humans and gods to expand the Contract Hell."
"At your command, Lord Hades!" Mephistopheles, resembling an old gentleman, doffed his hat in salute. Unlike the Greek gods who wore colorful robes, Mephistopheles wore a high hat and tailcoat, carrying a cane, giving off a gentlemanly air. However, this gentleman sought souls.
Hades paid no mind to these details and focused on the Underworld land before him. He extended his hand, and 108 demon stars appeared, each transforming into dark purple chains. These chains quickly spread, penetrating the entire Underworld land.
As the Underworld land was pierced, the devouring laws of the demon star chains began absorbing its essence rapidly. Under Hades' suppression, the Underworld land's essence didn't resist. While the Underworld Prison was a vital nurturing ground for the seven-headed, ten-horned red dragon, the Underworld land held no such value and could be entirely absorbed.
Absorbing the Underworld land's essence could potentially bring about a second transformation for the World Tree, a significant boost for Hades. The next step was to reclaim his own essence, the most challenging task ahead. Success would be ideal, but failure would mean wasting the Song of the Gods.
Thus, maximizing his strength beforehand was crucial.
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