Hades didn't bother to investigate or discuss why the island's inhabitants were as they were; instead, he continued deeper into the island.
The twin gods quickly followed.
Soon, Hades broke another seal and stepped into an area where he saw a gigantic, pitch-black tree. This tree, despite its outward appearance of a tree, was disturbingly bizarre.
The tree was entirely composed of white bones. A closer look revealed that the thickest parts were human thigh bones, with branches formed from arm bones, and leaves from hand bones. The fruits on the tree were skulls, with terrifying blood-red lights emanating from their eye sockets.
In essence, this tree was entirely made of bones.
"The Tree of Death."
"This…"
"Such a thing could be born here?"
Hypnos and Thanatos, the twin gods, were shocked. This Tree of Death could only be nurtured by humans who had died with rich emotions, representing the essence of death. Most importantly, it had the power to reincarnate humans, enabling a cycle of life and death.
This explained why the humans on the island had rich emotions instead of being like lifeless shells. The Tree of Death enabled reincarnation and rebirth, forming a cycle with the humans.
"Indeed," Hades muttered quietly, "just as I initially sensed."
Clearly, Hades' perception was accurate. Not only did the demonic star resonate with the birth of Luke, the perfect Underworld Fighter, but Hades also sensed the essence of tree life. This essence originated from the Tree of Death before him.
This Tree of Death, embodying both the essence of tree life and the forces of death and reincarnation, was incredibly difficult to cultivate. Hades raised his hand, releasing tendrils of divine power that gradually enveloped the Tree of Death.
As the Tree of Death was absorbed by Hades' power, it transformed into a unique artifact.
Underworld Artifact: Tree of Death.
Hades didn't linger or hesitate. He sent the artifact into the demonic star, where Luke promptly bowed in gratitude, "Thank you, Lord Hades!"
Without further exploration, Hades left with the twin gods. Whether his actions disrupted the balance of the island was irrelevant to him.
Do not doubt it! Gods are inherently selfish beings. There's nothing unusual about it. Given their higher level of existence, why should they maintain a friendly relationship with humans? Clearly, a little thought makes this understandable. Power, not diplomacy, is what makes others obey.
Hades cared little about these issues. The Underworld chariot resumed its journey towards the Heart of the Ocean. As he sat, Hades mused silently, "Every perfect Underworld Fighter seems to have a divine artifact near them or within themselves…"
This thought was no joke. It was an extremely important and serious matter.
Creating an artifact for each perfect Underworld Fighter after their birth was remarkably easy.
It was as if everything was already prepared. This might seem surprising, but a bit of thought reveals it as a logical conclusion.
Perfect Underworld Fighters are like miracles. Hence, it stands to reason that miracles would come with grand preparations.
It was clear upon reflection that this was entirely possible. It was no error; it was a completely normal issue.
Hades, Poseidon, and Zeus.
These three god-kings were endowed with numerous gifts from birth. This alone highlighted their special nature.
Therefore, if the three god-kings received such extraordinary gifts, what about the perfect Underworld Fighters? They, too, represent miracles. Admittedly, they are not as extraordinary as the god-kings.
However!
Being hailed as miracles means they possess significant uniqueness. Perhaps this uniqueness only fully manifests upon encountering Hades. Even so, every one of them is born with gifts prepared for them, by the chaotic sea itself, for these geniuses or prodigies.
This is not unusual. Hades considered it entirely normal.
"Perfect Underworld Fighters," Hades thought, "if I could find 108 perfect Underworld Fighters, it would immensely enhance the entire Underworld."
108 demonic stars.
108 perfect Underworld Fighters.
108 Underworld artifacts.
These three elements correspond to one another. The extent of this correlation is uncertain, but Hades was deeply curious about the outcome if such a day were to arrive.
It is a fascinating prospect.
However, Hades sensed that if that day truly came, it would bring earth-shattering changes to the entire Underworld, the demonic stars, and himself.
As Hades pondered, they arrived once more at the Heart of the Ocean.
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