To put it simply, it's like being an emperor without responsibility. This is how Cronus behaves. He doesn't care about Heaven, Earth, Sea, and Underworld, yet he is the God-King.
Cronus enjoys the countless rights, privileges, and benefits that come with being the God-King but ignores all the duties of his position.
Hades also wants to follow this path. This is why one of the core reasons for creating the Underworld, apart from serving as his divine kingdom, is to obtain the rights of the Underworld.
As for what represents the Underworld in the mythological world? That would be the Underworld Court! Come on, the Ancient Gods are still there. Even if the Ancient Gods wanted to abandon the responsibilities of the Underworld Court, unless I demand it, it is impossible for them to hand it over!
This is simply unrealistic. For Hades, the Underworld is now the true Underworld, possessing the rights and responsibilities of the Underworld, but not representing the Underworld as one of the four realms.
This is the most satisfying part. Hades has achieved the same as his father Cronus, enjoying the benefits of power without taking responsibility.
To put it simply, he is the emperor, enjoying all the emperor's privileges, with countless treasures and unparalleled power. But when problems arise in the kingdom?
Ah!
No worries.
No worries.
Hades stands up and walks away, saying, "It's all yours! Handle it yourselves! I'll move somewhere else and continue enjoying everything without taking any responsibility." Essentially, Hades is the true ruler, while the Underworld Court acts as the legal entity.
This description, while not entirely precise, is close enough. Hades' mindset is quite terrifying, even alarming.
After all!
Such actions are extremely dangerous for a mythological world. But the problem is, Cronus has already done this. Why can't I, Hades, do the same?
No God-King would willingly bind themselves. Once bound by true power, there is no way to advance further, rendering it meaningless.
In the original story, Zeus handed his power and duties to Apollo and then disappeared. Clearly, he realized this issue, and Apollo was the best candidate.
As time passed, changes in the Underworld gradually ceased. The Underworld seemed to contain a special vitality, representing the life force of the Underworld Court.
Moreover, Hades' unique nature meant all laws he mastered were integrated into the Law of the Underworld King. This is why God-Kings are even more terrifying.
To reach the level of a God-King, you must integrate your laws. If you only master one law, it's easier.
But if you master many laws, unless aided, the best way is to merge them into one fundamental essence.
Hades did just that, integrating all his laws into the Law of the Underworld King. In theory, by cultivating this law, he can simultaneously cultivate all laws, advancing them together.
What does this mean? Those who understand will understand!
"Next," Hades slowly opened his pitch-black eyes, containing endless death and darkness.
Hades left the Underworld, returning to the Underworld Court. Although he had a bolder idea, he decided to stop for now. Temporarily? No! No! No!
He decided not to delve too deeply for now, as it could be very troublesome. Reclaiming his origin was the key step. Moving forward, he needed to proceed steadily. Other matters?
No need to rush. Hastiness won't get you anywhere. Thus, Hades knew it was better not to be too hasty.
However!
Just as Hades was about to leave, darkness began to unfold again. Seeing the dark path reappearing, he knew that the two Ancient Gods were inviting him again.
The third time.
The fourth time.
The intervals between these invitations were very short, but within this short time, Hades experienced earth-shattering changes.
Hades reclaimed his origin. Now, he is truly himself, possessing the origins of the Underworld Court, Darkness, and Night, along with many divine items from Tartarus.
This journey brought Hades immense rewards, truly transforming him in the shortest time.
At the pinnacle of the Chief Titan God level, Hades was just one step away from becoming a God-King. This final step would make him a true God-King.
This is why, in such a short time, the two Ancient Gods sent a fourth invitation.
And!
According to Hades' calculations, this fourth invitation is likely the last or the penultimate one. Moving forward, he would almost reach the limit.
The benefits the two Ancient Gods could provide would be minimal, and once he truly reached the God-King level, they would be irrevocably bound to him.
Though Hades appeared calm, his mind was racing. Ultimately, he chose to follow the dark path, heading towards the Dark Realm.
As Hades quietly proceeded, the Underworld Court returned to peace. The shadow of Tartarus reappeared briefly, contemplated something, and vanished again, showing no concern for these matters.
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