The activities of the God of the Underworld and his warriors triggered a chain reaction. For the Sea God and the Sky God, they too were forced to become active. The divine war was now unavoidably competitive.
"Sigh!"
Hestia walked on the earth, silently sighing and shaking her head with a sense of melancholy. "Divine wars always bring death. This feeling..."
Hestia shook her head. As the goddess of hearth and home, she essentially represented life. After all, a home signifies birth, aging, illness, and death. This was also why Hades was willing to accept her as his elder sister.
For Hades, he did not need highly skilled subordinates. With the support of the World Tree, anyone who joined the Underworld could be cultivated over time. However, if their attributes did not match, it would be problematic. For example, asking a Sea God to join the Underworld would be laughable.
The Sea God represents life unless they directly integrate into one of the four rivers of the Underworld and become a god of the Underworld river. But in such a case, wouldn't Hades prefer to cultivate four river gods himself over time?
This is Hades' philosophy. With the backing of the World Tree, the Underworld would continuously develop perfectly. Hence, for the Underworld, the strength of the gods was not as crucial as their suitability and loyalty.
Hestia was somewhat unique in this regard. Imagine your elder sister coming to seek refuge with you, bringing all her assets, simply wanting to live in a room of your vast, unoccupied mansion, eating and sleeping. Hades agreeing to this would save face. For a God-King like Hades, short-term gains or losses didn't matter, but face did.
At the level of a God-King, maintaining face was crucial. They had reached the pinnacle of a mythological world, as Ancient Gods generally wouldn't step down. In such a situation, losing face would be a lifelong issue, much like the saints of ancient myths who valued their reputation above all.
Hestia said nothing more as she walked quietly. She didn't need to do anything since the underworld warriors would handle it.
Do not underestimate the underworld warriors! Perfect underworld warriors required long training periods. Now, with the Underworld's and Hades' enhancement, these underworld warriors, even the newly chosen ones, had the starting power level of a Second-tier God.
"Hestia."
"Demeter."
"Hera."
Hestia stopped upon hearing the voices and turned to see two goddesses approaching her, smiling calmly. However, it wasn't just two goddesses; it was Demeter and Hera. Alongside Hera was a goddess with a trident, long blue hair, and a flowing dress.
The goddess of strife and discord: Eris!
Hestia glanced at Eris without much reaction.
Because if Hestia remembered correctly, Eris had appeared in the Underworld before the Titan War broke out and had conversed with Aether and Hemera, the two underworld gods.
Seeing this, Hestia understood. Although she appeared petite compared to the tall, beautiful goddesses around her, she was intelligent and wise. Otherwise, she wouldn't have forsaken her two sisters' choice of Zeus for her younger brother Hades.
Hestia realized Eris was undoubtedly a plant by Eris herself. Although she didn't know how Eris planned to handle things after surrendering her divine heart, she didn't bother to investigate further.
Hera noticed Hestia's quick glance and calmly said, "Hestia, this is my subordinate, Eris!"
"Greetings, Lady Hestia!"
Eris bowed respectfully, making no unnecessary movements. Trying to exchange glances was futile as gods could easily see through such attempts.
"Mm."
Hestia nodded and asked, "Demeter, Hera, is there something you need from me?"
Demeter pondered and asked, "Why did you choose Hades?"
"Why?" Hestia smiled at Demeter and Hera, "I am not interested in your choices. You prefer Zeus's ambition, but I seek a peaceful life."
"Since that is the case!"
"Isn't this the most suitable choice?"
Hestia smiled, offering no further explanation. It was like how Demeter and Hera joined Zeus, abandoning their physical selves. Hestia, however, didn't need to do this. Her nature was peaceful and serene, the most fitting for her. Why explain further?
"..."
Demeter was at a loss for words. Indeed, she followed Hera's choice, but how did she truly feel about the outcome? Or what was the outcome? Only Demeter knew, not any other god.
Hera quietly remarked, "What a pity, Hestia. Compared to Hades, Lord Zeus is more..."
"Enough!" Hestia interrupted Hera with a smile, "Hera, the divine war has begun. It's best not to say too much, or it could lead to unfavorable results."
"Hmph!"
Hera snorted coldly, a trace of anger flashing in her eyes.
Hestia shook her head, saying nothing more. At that moment, the four goddesses of fate arrived.
Klotho said, "Hestia, we should leave. Lord Hades said you don't need to participate in this war. Just wait."
"Alright."
Hestia nodded with a smile, knowing this was Hades' way of protecting her. Reputation mattered; the face of a subordinate represented the face of the God-King.
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