Dark Island!
This is an extremely special island, known for producing a unique stone called the Dark Stone.
The Dark Stone has extraordinary properties. It can absorb a specific type of energy, and if it absorbs enough, it can become even stronger without limit. Most importantly, the Dark Stone is indestructible and there are only 999 pieces in existence. These stones are as coveted as golden apples, and their origins remain a mystery, sealed away by an avatar.
Few are aware of the Dark Stone's existence. Hypnos learned about it from his father, Erebus, the God of Darkness, who naturally knew of the Dark Stone's significance. However, while the Dark Stone holds great potential, it has no effect on Erebus. For Hades, though, it could be immensely beneficial.
"Roar!"
As soon as Hades set foot on Dark Island, he was met with bone-chilling roars echoing in his ears. A strange creature emerged: a dolphin-like body with the head of a dog and a fish tail, this was Cetus.
Among the legendary monsters of the sea, Cetus was created by Hades to disrupt Zeus's reign. It's important to understand that the gods' practices may seem noble, but their significance pales in comparison to their divine power. Hades could grant countless godhoods to those under his command and create an army of monsters.
Cetus was just one of many creatures that could be summoned. The Dark Stone might be highly coveted, but for Hades, it was a perfect treasure at this stage of his power growth.
"Roar!"
Cetus growled furiously upon realizing Hades dismissed it as a threat. Yet Hades merely glanced at the creature, conjuring a magic star that absorbed Cetus instantly.
With Cetus dispatched, Hades ventured deeper into the island. Soon, he came upon diamond-shaped crystals floating around, although these Dark Stones were completely transparent, pure as crystal.
At this point, Hypnos emerged from the gate of the Underworld, kneeling before Hades. "Lord Hades!"
"Um." Hades nodded, then asked, "Is this the Dark Stone?"
Hypnos rose and examined the transparent crystals before him. After a moment's hesitation, he said, "Master Hades, I'm not entirely sure, but these do resemble the Dark Stones described by my father."
Hades remained silent, raising his hand to release his radiant divine power. As it flowed into one of the Dark Stones, the crystal transformed into a dark purple hue, glowing brilliantly.
Hypnos noted the change and remarked seriously, "Master Hades, this is indeed the Dark Stone."
"Um." Hades nodded, using his endless suction power to absorb all the Dark Stones. He then turned to leave, and Hypnos opened the gate of the Underworld to return.
In the Underworld, 108 Dark Stones now floated on the chest of the Hades statue within the magic star temple, absorbing divine power from the statue. The remaining stones absorbed energy directly from the magic star.
Hades realized something alarming: as soon as the Dark Stones left Dark Island, they instinctively began to absorb surrounding energy. To counter this, Hades quickly incorporated Dark Island into the Underworld, sealing the remaining Dark Stones within the island to prevent their instinctive absorption, ensuring no Dark Stone went to waste.
Having resolved the Dark Stone situation, Hades set his sights on the chaotic starry sky, determined to retrieve the cosmic furnace and star hammer belonging to the one-eyed titan brothers.