Charon's divine body resembled a stone statue, having gradually lost all traces of life. There was a fundamental problem with his origin, one that he couldn't change even if he wanted to. As the god of the Styx, Charon lacked a true core.
In other words, it was quite troubling that the God of the Styx could not find the Styx itself, leading to Charon's continual weakening. Over time, this had resulted in his current state.
Hades sensed that Charon's soul was sealed within his divine body. Though he barely survived, he relied heavily on divine power, support granted by the two Primordial gods; otherwise, he would have long since perished.
Nyx asked softly, "Hades, do you have a way to save Charon?"
In that moment, a hint of hope laced her voice. As Primordial gods, Erebus and Nyx had few alternatives. They were a devoted couple, genuinely concerned for their child.
After a brief silence, Hades shook his head slightly. "It can't be done. The Styx I created is not the real Styx; it can only delay Charon's death..."
Before he could finish, a magical star emerged, emanating dark purple light that enveloped Charon's divine body. This energy began to meld with the dark crystal, gradually transforming into a dark garment.
All of this transpired quickly. Erebus and Nyx could have intervened, but they had already reached a stage of acceptance. Regardless of the outcome, they were willing to see it through.
"I understand."
Hades felt the changes brought about by the magical star and thought to himself, "There might be another way."
As time passed, a ray of dark purple light emerged. With the radiance of the magical star, a figure dressed in dark purple garments materialized. This figure appeared grotesque, yet he wore a complete undergarment and held an oar, exuding a gloomy, eerie, and greedy aura.
"Click, click."
With that strange smile, he knelt respectfully on one knee and said, "I am the Heavenly Star Boatman, Charon!"
"Greetings, Lord Hades!"
Hades nodded, while Charon stood up and turned to Erebus and Nyx. He grinned and said, "Father God, Mother God, it's been too long since we've spoken like this. It feels wonderfully refreshing!"
"Indeed."
Erebus and Nyx smiled. Their simple acknowledgment spoke volumes; as parents, they needed no more words.
Is Charon truly Charon? Yes, he was the ferryman of the Styx, but there was an issue with his divine body. Now, that body had been smelted by the magical star and combined with the dark crystal to become a new form of Underworld fighter. Charon's soul had been recast into this body with the help of the magical star.
Currently, Charon was not particularly strong, possessing only a small universe at the eighth sense. Typically, once all fighters were chosen by Underworld fighters, they could display different small universes with varying seventh senses based on their compatibility.
This wasn't the limit of Underworld fighters itself but rather the limit for common fighters. If a fighter like Charon were to reach the perfect stage, he could exhibit the small universe at the peak of the seventh sense or, in some cases, the early stage of the eighth sense.
As for Charon?
Hehe.
He had been born with a small universe at the peak of the eighth sense. This meant that if he continued to develop, the boatman could evolve into a god-level Underworld fighter, eventually gaining divine power comparable to that of first-class gods or even main gods.
And!
Charon's background was significant. As long as he developed step by step, reaching the level of a Titan Main God would not be an issue, even if his soul had been compromised.
Looking at the three of them quietly, Hades said, "Erebus, Nyx, I must take my leave."
"Of course."
"Hades, from now on, you must rely on yourself. Our assistance ends here. The road ahead is yours to navigate."
Erebus, the god of darkness, regarded Hades with a cold gaze.
Nyx spoke gently, "Hades, remember this: before that day arrives, nothing has truly begun. Your only task is to increase your divine power. The battle of the Titans is merely a beginning, far from an end."
"Thank you."
Hades replied sincerely. He was a rational person, seemingly indifferent, yet he understood the value of their support. The phrase "thank you" felt warranted.
Waves of light emerged, guiding Hades out of the darkness, just as they had before.
But this time, Charon followed him.
Watching the two depart, Nyx softly said, "Charon, as your Mother God, this is a gift from me. Don't refuse it."
She tossed a small bag to Charon, who caught it without hesitation and hung it on his oar. The sound of "clink clink" echoed in his ears, and a smile crept across his otherwise unattractive face.