The chariot of Hades once again arrived at the ocean realm. Compared to the last visit, the current ocean realm was even more filled with the atmosphere of war, as if a battle was about to break out at any moment.
Indeed, the Titan War could not be delayed any longer. Everything that needed to be prepared was ready, and further delays would only cause more problems.
Hades stepped down from the chariot and paused, quietly observing the Heart of the Ocean before him. Compared to the last visit, the threat it posed was even greater.
It seemed that in the nearly one million years that had passed, Poseidon had either gained better control over the Heart of the Ocean or had some intriguing assistance from the Cyclops brothers.
Hades didn't dwell on it further. He walked into the depths of the Heart of the Ocean, where the three God-Kings were gathered. Poseidon and Zeus were already seated on their thrones, waiting silently.
Hades, without wasting any words, also took his seat, with the twin gods standing behind him. Behind Poseidon stood the five ocean gods, and behind Zeus stood Metis and Prometheus, the two gods of wisdom.
At this moment, the gates of the underworld opened, and Hestia walked out with a smile. Demeter and Hera also emerged from the ocean temple.
Suddenly, a large number of gods gathered there. Poseidon and Zeus, noting Hestia's arrival from the underworld, pondered for a moment but did not pay much attention. Though Hestia had joined Hades, it was not the time for them to dwell on it.
The atmosphere gradually became silent. Though the gods were all present, they remained quiet, seemingly lost in thought.
Zeus, observing this scene, felt helpless. Waiting for his two brothers to speak first? Forget it! That was unlikely to happen. He decided to take the initiative.
"Hades. Poseidon," Zeus began, "Are you ready?"
"Ready," Hades replied. Poseidon merely grunted in acknowledgment. Zeus looked at his two brothers in silence, feeling a sharp headache.
What were they doing? Didn't they realize this was the Titan War? Shouldn't they show a bit more spirit?
Zeus felt truly exhausted. He could feel his blood pressure rising as he looked at his two brothers. They were really trying his patience!
With a sigh, Zeus continued, "Since everything is ready, there's no need to delay the war any longer, right?"
"No need," Poseidon said coldly. "Delaying further will only give Father more time to prepare."
Hades remained silent, but his attitude was clear.
"Good!" Zeus's eyes flashed with determination. After so many years, he believed that everything was ready. Now was the best time to face their father.
"Since that's the case!" Zeus scanned Hades and Poseidon seriously. "Then the war should begin. The world of myth should welcome a new ruler."
Zeus's bold words were met with silent, unimpressed stares from Hades and Poseidon, as if they were looking at a foolish younger brother. This nearly made Zeus vomit blood in frustration. How could they be so infuriating?
Zeus felt his blood pressure rising again. He was truly angry. Despite his many flaws—greed, madness, lust—he was like a normal person. Yet, his brothers always made him feel this way.
It took all of Zeus's self-control not to flip the table. He was quite proud of his restraint.
"Two of you!" Metis spoke up softly, "Since all the preparations are complete, where should the war begin, in your opinions?"
Metis's timely interjection helped calm Zeus down. As the god of thunder, his temper wasn't great, and his brothers could really drive him mad.
Metis understood this well and was actually quite pleased. She had always wondered how to curb Zeus's arrogance and volatility. Now, thanks to the meetings with his brothers, his temperament was improving. His patience and cunning were growing, which greatly satisfied Metis.
After all, she knew Zeus's weaknesses and hoped to address them. But even as his wife, she was still his subject. As a subject, she couldn't speak freely to a king.
Zeus was a God-King. Unlike human kings, a God-King's power came from absolute strength, not political maneuvering or support. Without such strength, they would meet a tragic end.
The original myths showed how miserable Hades and Poseidon could be, highlighting the importance of power for a God-King.
So, Metis couldn't say much. Watching Zeus improve made her happy. Still, any mistake now could be disastrous.
Thus, Metis spoke, taking over the conversation to prevent any errors. Hades and Poseidon wouldn't refuse her intervention, knowing that everything was about to begin.
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