Prometheus was not surprised by the scene before him. He had studied the three god-kings meticulously and decided to follow Zeus only after thorough consideration.
Hades, as the eldest, was naturally the ruler of the underworld. He possessed absolute rationality and had little interest in power or anything else, apart from the belief in transcending everything.
Poseidon, as the second son, was born the Sea Emperor and was utterly indifferent, showing little to no emotion. Of course, this was just one way to describe him.
Zeus, as the youngest, was the Sky Emperor—lustful, confident, and jealous, among other traits. These were all characteristics Prometheus had observed in Zeus. Yet, this only strengthened Prometheus's decision to follow him.
Prometheus sought to achieve great things. He hoped to assist a god-king in becoming the supreme ruler, dominating the Greek pantheon and mythological world, and even stepping into other mythological worlds.
This was Prometheus's goal. Like a strategic minister choosing his lord, he ultimately chose Zeus. Only someone with Zeus's personality could realize his ambitions.
As for Hades and Poseidon?
Forget it!
They might naturally reach that point, but not through their own efforts. For Prometheus, this was meaningless. He could not accept such an outcome.
Prometheus was like an artist, wanting to nurture the god-king he served into the most supreme existence, an invincible god-king. He didn't want to be a mere obedient servant.
This was also why, in the original story, Prometheus was eventually abandoned. Zeus had become too powerful, nearly invincible, and no longer needed to advance further. Prometheus, however, did not wish for this, leading to their divergence and eventual conflict.
This was understandable and not at all surprising. Rulers choose their subordinates, and subordinates choose their rulers. It was normal!
"Hmm~~~"
Prometheus smiled and said, "The Cyclopes are hailed as the greatest smiths and forgers in the mythological world. They are the three children of the Earth Goddess and the Sky God. Due to their father's dislike and the Titan King's disdain, they were sealed in the depths of the Underworld."
"Hades!" Prometheus turned to Hades with a smile, "Would you be willing to rescue the Cyclopes?"
"No." Hades refused without hesitation.
He knew the three Cyclopes brothers well. Not only did they not align with him, but most importantly, they would never submit to anyone.
From birth, they were sealed away, despised by their father, mother, and siblings. They could forge divine artifacts but would never pledge allegiance to anyone.
Given this, what was the point of Hades undertaking such a thankless task?
"Very well."
Prometheus was not surprised by Hades' refusal. He continued with a smile, "In that case, our Lord Zeus will handle this task. Additionally!"
"When the Cyclopes were sealed, their artifacts were also hidden away. The Cosmic Forge and the Eternal Hammer were sealed in the Astral Plane and the Black Sea respectively."
"Gentlemen…"
Prometheus smiled at Hades and Poseidon, as if waiting for their decision, though the decision had already been made.
Hades said calmly, "Give me the coordinates, and I will retrieve the Cosmic Forge."
"I will retrieve the Eternal Hammer," Poseidon said quietly.
"Good!"
In just a few words, Prometheus had settled everything. The three god-kings quickly decided their next steps.
"Since that's settled!" Zeus said, "We will rescue the Cyclopes, retrieve their artifacts, and gather again at the Heart of the Ocean after we have ascended to god-kings."
"..."
Poseidon was displeased with Zeus's authoritative tone, especially since the Heart of the Ocean was his domain.
However, Poseidon said nothing. He was uninterested in these matters. If Zeus wanted to take charge, so be it. If any problems arose later, it would be Zeus's responsibility.
Hades responded calmly, "No problem."
"Agreed." Poseidon nodded.
With the three god-kings' plans set, they prepared to depart.
Zeus, seated in his carriage, squinted slightly. "Prometheus, you anticipated Hades wouldn't go to the Underworld, right?"
"Lord Zeus!" Prometheus smiled, "I did. Hades knows well the situation of the Cyclopes. Their experiences have ensured they will never submit to anyone. However, besides the Cyclopes, there are also the Hecatoncheires."
"These three powerful beings!" Metis added with a smile, "Zeus, it would be wise not to give up on them."
"Alright!"
Zeus's eyes flashed with determination. In his youthful vigor, his golden hair crackling with lightning, he exuded a sense of invincibility.
Metis and Prometheus exchanged a glance and smiled. They had chosen to follow Zeus because he was the most emotionally complete god-king.
Or rather!
Zeus was the most greedy god-king, and only such a king was worth supporting. Under their guidance, he could ascend to the pinnacle.
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