Zeus stepped forward and asked, "Hades, have you brought back the Cosmic Forge and the Star Hammers?"
Nodding indifferently, Hades opened his hand, revealing the cosmic furnace and three star hammers that fell to the ground.
Upon seeing the star hammers, the three one-eyed Titan brothers instinctively reached for their artifacts. In an instant, starlight shone around them, illuminating everything.
"Big brother! Big brother! It's our star hammers!"
"That's right! That's right!"
The brothers Lei, Dian, and Pili chatted excitedly. Sealed in the depths of Tartarus since their birth, the freedom they felt now was exhilarating.
Once they had familiarized themselves with their artifacts, Lei approached with a serious expression. "Hades, Poseidon, Zeus, you saved us! Our three brothers can forge a divine tool for you, as long as you provide enough materials. We also promise you one condition, any condition, even if it means sacrificing ourselves."
"That's right!"
Dian proudly lifted his chin, while Pili thumped his chest, producing a resonant sound.
Hades, Poseidon, and Zeus exchanged glances, understanding that the one-eyed Titan brothers would not submit to anyone. They would not be anyone's subordinates. This was their nature. After being sealed for so long, they would rather give their lives than become subservient. However, now that they had been saved, they were bound to fulfill their promise.
"Hehehe"
Zeus chuckled, saying, "Of course I'm not interested in your lives! What I need is your casting knowledge. I want to train a god of craftsmanship in the future."
"No problem!"
The three brothers replied almost in unison, a bright light sparking in their one-eyed gaze. A crystal then appeared, landing in Zeus' hands.
Lei explained, "This is a casting crystal. Only a god can effectively use it. Whoever wields it will gain all the talents and knowledge of our three brothers in forging. As long as they learn it perfectly, they won't be weaker than us."
"Good!" Zeus happily accepted the crystal.
Poseidon remained calm, adding, "I will provide the materials. I need you to create a fortress on an island, a perfect stronghold, capable of both offense and defense."
"Um?!"
Hearing Poseidon's request, Lei furrowed his brow. "Is this a divine weapon? We can handle that. Just remember, our conditions still stand. We'll create a fortress for you, but we won't be your subordinates."
"Agreed."
Poseidon had no further requests. Lei then turned his attention to Hades, the last remaining god.
Without hesitation, Hades stated, "Forge one more artifact for me, and I will supply the materials."
"No problem!"
"Next!"
"Open the oven!"
"Roar!"
In response, the brothers let out a deafening roar and immediately got to work.
Soon, the blazing flames of the universe ignited from the cosmic furnace, an exclusive flame belonging only to the one-eyed Titan brothers, capable of melting any material for forging.
Hades produced the invisibility cloth and various materials. Poseidon presented a piece of Ocean God Iron and additional resources. Zeus brought forth a bolt of golden lightning along with more materials.
As the three gods laid out their unique components, the one-eyed Titan brothers began crafting each artifact tailored to the gods and their specific needs. Their unparalleled skill in forging was evident; no one else could replicate their creations.
"Start!"
"Brother!"
The three brothers swiftly began their work. Lei took a moment to turn and say, "It will take nine thousand years in total, so prepare yourselves!"
The three gods remained still, watching intently. Nine thousand years? To them, it was insignificant. Witnessing the birth of their own artifacts was the most important aspect.
Time passed, minute by minute.
A thousand years!
Three thousand!
Five thousand!
Nine thousand years!
As nearly a decade passed, the three brothers completed their forging process, and with the final strike of their hammers, brilliant rays of light erupted: black, blue, and gold, soaring into the sky.
Lei immediately roared, "You must use your divine blood as proof to temper the weapons meant for you alone!"
Without hesitation, the three gods cut their wrists, allowing drops of divine blood to fall onto the newly forged artifacts. In an instant, a brighter light shot into the heavens, dazzling and consuming everything around it.
If it weren't for the sealing enchantment of the Heart of the Ocean, the outside world would have witnessed the spectacle.
Finally, the light dissipated, revealing three artifacts floating before the gods.
Standing before Hades, Lei announced, "This is the artifact representing your identity as the ruler of the Underworld: the Helm of Pluto."
In front of Poseidon, he proclaimed, "This is the artifact symbolizing your status as the Sea Emperor: the Trident of the Sea Emperor."
Lastly, Thunderbolt stood before Zeus and introduced, "This is the artifact representing your status as the King of the Gods: the Thunderbolt."