Hades left the Underworld with Hypnos and Thanatos. This trip to the Underworld had come to an end, and everything he needed had been obtained, exceeding expectations.
He had gathered crucial information from the ancient god couple, even if some details were still hidden.
He had found the original divine stone and a large number of divine artifacts in the Underworld.
He had discovered the fourth world chain in the Underworld.
He had reclaimed his own origin.
He had transformed the Song of the Gods into the True Song of the Gods with the help of the two ancient gods.
Moreover, he had supplemented his Underworld with subordinate gods. Whether they had other intentions didn't matter; their loyalty was secured by the divine heart he now possessed, which gave him control over their lives.
However, just as the three gods left the Underworld, an unknown divine power spread out, gradually enveloping them. A perfect barrier sealed them in, and Hypnos and Thanatos immediately stood in front of Hades.
"Lord Hades!" Hypnos said solemnly. "Please be careful!"
"Who?" Thanatos' face was also grim, exuding an icy aura.
Hades remained calm, seemingly pondering something. After a moment, he said, "Hypnos, Thanatos, you can return to the Underworld."
"But…"
"Yes!"
Though confused, the twin gods obeyed the order. As deities of the Underworld, they could naturally open the Underworld's gate. They left and returned to the Underworld.
Hades stood quietly within the barrier, waiting. After a moment, a woman with light green hair and a graceful figure stepped out.
"Hades," she said with a gentle smile, "it's been a long time. This is our third meeting, if I recall correctly."
"Mother," Hades replied calmly. "We meet again."
Indeed, the deity who had set up this perfect barrier was none other than Hades' mother, Rhea, Queen of the Gods and one of the Twelve Titan Gods.
This supreme goddess had personally appeared at the entrance to the Underworld and set up this perfect barrier, waiting for Hades.
"Mother, you are here waiting for me. I suppose other Titan gods are waiting for Poseidon and Zeus," Hades said.
"No," Rhea shook her head. "His Majesty did not give direct orders. I chose to wait for you here. Hades, your growth is astonishing."
"I…" Rhea's expression turned proud. "No wonder you are my child and His Majesty's. You are truly outstanding. As your mother, I am very pleased."
Rhea's pride was genuine. As a mother, she was happy to see her child excel. Seeing Hades, Poseidon, and Zeus grow stronger and more exceptional brought her great joy.
However, for Rhea, the stronger her children became, the greater the conflict with her husband, which she could not accept.
Rhea was a goddess who devoted her heart entirely to her husband. For her, nothing else mattered as much. She loved and cared for her children, but if it came to a choice between her children and her husband, she would choose the latter without hesitation. This was an unchanging truth for Rhea.
"Mother," Hades said quietly. "I appreciate your pride in me."
Hades didn't mock or ridicule. He didn't act out of character, understanding that these dynamics were too common among gods.
Filial strife and sibling rivalry were almost trivial facts in the Greek pantheon. Hades didn't mind these things, but he maintained the appropriate demeanor.
Regardless of what Cronus and Rhea, his parents, intended, he showed them the respect due a son, even if they were about to clash swords.
Rhea laughed softly, covering her mouth. "Hades, I don't even know what to say. No matter what, you have chosen your path. As your mother, I am proud of you."
Rhea's words were sincere. She was genuinely happy with Hades' achievements. She had witnessed her son's gradual growth, and as a mother, she couldn't be happier.
However, this did not prevent her from taking action against Hades if necessary. No matter how proud or confident she was in her son, if he opposed her husband, the outcome was already decided. Rhea's love for Cronus was twisted and fanatical.
Hades remained calm, understanding that Rhea's presence was a complex blend of pride and unwavering loyalty to Cronus. Their confrontation was inevitable, driven by unchangeable divine dynamics.
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