The transformation of the seven-headed ten-horned red dragon marked the conclusion of changes in the Underworld. Sensing that the Underworld had stabilized, Hades left to rejoin the ongoing divine war. The defeat of Hyperion was not the end; it was merely the beginning. In divine warfare, victory is only assured when the opposing God-King is defeated; other foes are trivial in comparison.
As Hades departed, Hestia was seen smiling sweetly, lounging on a large bed. Hestia's world was a unique creation, devoid of laws, serving merely as her abode. Drawing inspiration from small modern-style worlds linked to the Underworld, she crafted a luxurious, modern-style castle, starkly different from other gods' temples.
Lying on her bed, legs swinging, Hestia mused, "My brother's strength is growing; that's great! This means I can be more comfortable. But... am I really not needed in this war?"
"Hmm... It feels a bit wrong."
"Well, if I'm needed, I'll help; otherwise, I'll just stay home and read comics. Let's see..."
Her windowsill was piled high with thick comic books, all brought from modern urban worlds. There were also games and anime. Hestia had even brought back many souls of game and comic creators to produce content for her. She seemed to be treading an increasingly solitary path.
...
On the mortal realm, the war was chaotic, described as madness. Countless gods were fighting, and humans, whether willingly or not, were drawn into the divine war. As for those who tried to remain neutral? That was not an option. In such a divine war, every god and human had to choose a side, or face certain death.
Hypnos and Thanatos, the twin gods, appeared in a location as the gates of the Underworld opened, and Hades emerged. The twins bowed and greeted, "Lord Hades!"
Hades nodded indifferently, asking, "How goes the war?"
"Lord Hades!" Hypnos reported, "The Underworld remains undisturbed. The Sea Realm has been subdued by the Sea King, while the Sky Realm is still in conflict, with only half under control. As for the mortal realm..."
Thanatos continued, "The chaos persists. Under the leadership of the Titan Gods, the new gods' forces advance slowly. Despite Hyperion's defeat sparking morale, only a third of the mortal realm has been secured."
The Underworld needed no further discussion; Hades had little interest in it, and Kronos had no plans for it. The Sea Realm was under Poseidon's near-total control, and with the war's onset, the remaining parts were swiftly secured. The Sky Realm, though not perfectly controlled by Kronos, was firmly in his grasp, even after expelling Uranus, the Sky God. It would not be easy for Zeus to conquer it swiftly.
As for the mortal realm? It was the richest in resources among the four realms: heaven, earth, sea, and underworld. Consequently, it housed the most gods. Despite years of war, and the boost from Hyperion's defeat, the new gods controlled only a third of the mortal realm.
After some thought, Hades ordered, "Continue advancing in the mortal realm. Have the Underworld gods collect all resources and divine items, and send them through the gates of the Underworld."
"Understood!"
The twin gods understood the implication and knew what to do. The resources in the mortal realm were too abundant, especially with the presence of the Earth Goddess, which prevented excessive exploitation. But in the chaos of war, resource extraction was crucial.
"Continue."
"Yes!"
The twins departed, and Hades turned to the earth before him, raising his hand. A grand temple rose rapidly, serving as his headquarters. Hades did not join the front lines but instead entered the temple, taking his place on his throne, awaiting developments.
As for the future? There was no rush. Hypnos and Thanatos walked away, with Thanatos musing, "Hypnos, the Dream Gods have not been born. If they were, the Underworld's growth would have greatly benefited them!"
"Fate has its own plan," Hypnos replied calmly. "The children not yet born indicate their time is not now. Let's go, Thanatos, we still have much to do."
"Indeed."
The twin gods nodded and continued on. The Underworld gods had brought the battle to the mortal realm. The Underworld gods, led by the eight Chief Gods of the Titans, including the twin gods, were now the main force on the battlefield. Consequently, the resources and divine items were considered fair spoils, a practice accepted in the chaos of war.
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