The growth and development of the Underworld required time to stabilize; one can't become great in an instant. It takes time to mature and evolve steadily. However, things were different for Hades. After the World Tree's enhancement, a vast amount of world power surged into his body.
The previous damage and injuries? In an instant, they were completely healed, the recovery so swift it felt dreamlike. Following this, Hades could feel his mastery over the laws and his divine power rapidly increasing.
Everything was improving and evolving. In a short time, Hades experienced another surge in growth.
"Ah..." Hades exhaled deeply, opening his eyes slowly. His gaze, filled with a hint of detachment, also carried an overwhelming divine power, as if capable of destroying everything in sight.
But after a brief period of calming himself, everything returned to normal. Hades quietly assessed the changes in himself. His divine power and understanding of the laws had once again improved or evolved. If he were to face Hyperion now, he could defeat him with just the Dark Crest, without needing to use the Sword of the Underworld.
The power of the Sword of the Underworld was immense, but the divine energy contained within it was too overwhelming. Even as its owner, Hades struggled to wield its full potential and risked being drained dry by the sword.
Overall, this enhancement was significant. Hades had further solidified his status as a God-King, to the point where ordinary God-Kings seemed like mere ants to him, easily manageable.
"God-King," Hades murmured, "there are vast differences even within this rank. The disparity among God-Kings is enormous, and as for Ancient Gods..." Hades shook his head, dismissing the thought. The important thing for him was to break the limitations of being a God-King and continue advancing, reaching the level of an Ancient God.
From Third-tier God to Second-tier God, First-tier God, True God, Major God... Hades had progressed through each stage and could clearly sense the vast gaps between them. Now, as a God-King, he understood the tremendous differences even more profoundly.
Or rather, this could be described as a difference as vast as heaven and earth. Unlike lower tiers, where one could challenge those above, the situation at the God-King level was different. Even compared to his former self, there was a huge gap.
The God-King, Ancient God, and Absolute God levels represent such significant disparities that even among these ranks, stronger individuals can utterly dominate the weaker ones. This wasn't something mere words could describe.
Hades recognized this gap, though it was not surprising. The difference in power among gods was always substantial.
As Hades received this feedback, so did the Underworld. The World Tree's enhancement benefited the entire Underworld, and Hades and the Underworld improved together. Following this, it was naturally the turn of the underworld deities to experience growth.
"Lord Hades!"
A gentle voice accompanied the arrival of Hestia, who smiled warmly. "Hyperion has been defeated. What are your plans now?"
"Elder Sister," Hades said calmly, "the Titan War won't end in a few days. Hyperion's defeat is just the beginning. We need to completely dismantle and crush the Titan pantheon."
The way Hades and Hestia addressed each other highlighted their relationship; Hades showed a familial respect, while Hestia maintained a formal tone, appropriate given her status.
Hades, though methodical and rational in his leadership, was not devoid of emotion. He still maintained a sense of family, especially towards his elder sister Hestia, who had joined him. This was necessary to avoid a purely subordinate relationship, which could be detrimental.
Hades managed everything with reason, but he didn't wish to become an emotionless being, which could lead down a destructive path.
"Well," Hestia smiled, "do you need me to do anything?"
"No need," Hades replied calmly. "Elder Sister, you are a deity of the Underworld; we don't need to lose face."
Hades's calm tone brought a teasing smile to Hestia's face. It was evident that despite Hades's indifferent attitude towards many things, he still cared about his siblings.
In essence, Hades was subtly telling Zeus that he had tarnished the family's reputation.
Hestia, Demeter, and Hera understood this well. "Lord Hades!" Hestia suddenly asked curiously, "Is Eris, who follows Hera, a deity of the Underworld?"
Hades replied calmly, "Yes, but Aether and Hemera are in charge of that matter."
Though Hestia appeared as a youthful girl, she understood the implications. Her younger brother was aware of Eris's situation but chose not to intervene.
Hestia could discern Eris's unique divine power because she herself was a deity of the Underworld, a sensitivity not common among regular gods unless they were of a similar rank or had a deep connection to the Underworld. This revelation intrigued Hestia, as it indicated her brother's plans were quietly advancing.
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