The laws of the Black Sea!
These laws belonged to Pontus, and every ancient god possessed a unique law. Some of these laws could be cultivated and mastered by ordinary gods.
Earth, night, darkness, sky...
These laws, though very special, could be cultivated without much trouble, albeit not to the level of an ancient god due to the limitations of the gods themselves, not because of the ancient gods.
However, some laws were so special that ordinary gods simply couldn't master them. Attempting to do so would cause significant problems.
Pontus' Black Sea laws.
Tartarus' underworld laws.
These two laws belonged to this category. In essence, these laws were too extraordinary, too unique for ordinary gods to handle.
Sometimes, even if you didn't want to touch these laws, various reasons could force you to, as was the case with the five gods before them—the Five Ocean Gods. As Pontus' children, they were born inheriting the Black Sea laws, which they could only later try to expel.
Representing the friendliness of the sea: Nereus.
Representing the miracles of the sea: Thaumas.
Representing the anger of the sea: Phorcys.
Representing the dangers of the sea: Ceto.
Representing the strength of the sea: Eurybia.
These were the Five Ocean Gods, children of Pontus, and investments made by Pontus in Poseidon. They were Poseidon's subordinate gods, much like the Twin Gods.
But there was a difference. Erebus and Nyx, the ancient god couple, were very serious about their children. For instance, even when Charon was in dire straits because of the Styx, the couple maintained their child, using immense divine power and laws.
Had Hades not come, Charon would have been dead long ago and could never have become Charon again.
Pontus, on the other hand, tossed his five children to Poseidon without much care. They were merely tools to him. It didn't matter if they were tainted by the Black Sea laws. The pollution meant they could wield greater power, albeit not for long, and would eventually become beasts.
Pontus' actions reflected the true nature of the Greek pantheon. In this pantheon, familial love, romantic love, and friendship were meaningless. Apart from oneself, almost everything else could be discarded.
Erebus and Nyx were exceptional in their devotion to love and family, which is why Hades trusted them.
Respect for love and family was of utmost importance to Hades, and he took it very seriously. An unrestrained lunatic was the most terrifying; investing in such gods required careful thought from Hades.
"Hades," Poseidon asked, seeing Hades' silence, "can you handle this?"
"Yes."
Hades nodded quietly, raising his hand as dark purple demonic star chains emerged, binding the Five Ocean Gods. Their bodies twisted violently, looking more like beasts than gods. If they continued in this state, they would fully transform into sea monsters under the pollution of the Black Sea laws.
At that point, they could only serve as tools for a short time before regressing and eventually dying completely.
"Creak, creak~~~"
The demonic star chains made eerie sounds as the devouring laws began to work, gradually consuming everything. The Five Ocean Gods started wailing again, but this time their cries weakened as the Black Sea laws dissipated, replaced by clear divine awareness.
The devouring process didn't take long, and soon Hades completed the transaction. The Five Ocean Gods, though weak, were almost fully recovered.
Maintaining his calm, Hades said, "Poseidon, our deal is done."
"Alright!"
Poseidon, adhering to their agreement, handed over the Ultimate Power crystal to Hades. After securing this unique crystal, Hades left.
Why sign a contract?
Hehehe~~~
In the Greek pantheon, full of tricksters, you should never trust any god casually. Otherwise, you might not even know how you died, especially with those high and mighty gods.
Poseidon? If Poseidon could seize the opportunity, he wouldn't hesitate to default on the agreement. A contract was necessary to ensure these gods behaved.
Hades left the Heart of the Ocean and returned to the Underworld. Meanwhile, the aged Nereus weakly said, "Lord Poseidon, thank you! You..."
"Enough," Poseidon interrupted calmly. "Rest well. That crystal means little to me."
Poseidon's voice was calm, showing no anger over losing the Ultimate Power crystal. His eyes conveyed serenity and peace, indicating he wasn't joking.
Poseidon couldn't help but recall his encounter in the Black Sea and...
Hades returned to Elysium, examining the unique Ultimate Power crystal in his hand. It was pure, immaculate, and without any law marks. This...
___________________
Read Ahead
P@treon.com/Mutter