In the Underworld, tranquility reigned. The silence was profound, especially after Hades returned to the Pure Land of Bliss, amplifying the stillness that enveloped the realm.
"Ah la la"
"Money! Money!"
Accompanied by this peculiar tune, Charon descended slowly from the upper reaches of the Styx River in a dilapidated boat. He grasped the oars, and with each gentle sway of the vessel, a small cloth bag dangled from the oar, producing a rhythmic rattle.
"This life is truly good!" Charon exclaimed with a satisfied smile.
Having once been weak and awaiting death, he had now fully recovered. Though he felt himself growing weaker over time, he was confident that true strength would come in due course, there was no need to rush.
"Charon!"
A voice called out, breaking his reverie. Charon looked up to see Chubb, clad in a dark purple robe, approaching. "What brings you here?"
Chubb stepped across the gates of Hell, halting at the riverbank. "I'm heading to the mortal realm to train. No matter how hard I practice in the Magic Star, there are still gaps in my skills."
"Oh?!" Charon's interest piqued. "You're actually venturing out? You do realize the weakest beings out there are Titan gods, right? They are deities!"
"I know," Chubb replied calmly. "But as a warrior for Lord Hades, I cannot allow fear to hold me back. I must face those so-called gods and defeat them!"
"Hee hee hee" Charon laughed, appreciating the resolve.
Chubb may have appeared weak, with only a small universe of the seventh sense, but he wielded a powerful artifact: the Four Headless Warhorses of the Apocalypse, granted by Hades. This artifact held enough divine power to vanquish even second-rate gods, a testament to its overwhelming strength.
"Well then!" Charon stood, "Since I have no souls to ferry, I might as well join you in the mortal realm."
"Agreed!" Chubb nodded, and together they crossed the gates of Hell, disappearing into the Underworld, where the seventy-two Earth Stars distinguished the fighters.
For now, the three giants of the Underworld had yet to be born, those who would lead the Underworld under Hades' guidance. In time, they would become guardians of the Eight Great Hells and protectors of the Star Demon Palace, elevating their status.
But for now, Charon and Chubb ventured to the Earth.
In this era, humans were born with a small universe imbued with a seventh sense. Higher beings enjoyed endless lifespans, sustained by divine fruits and spiritual springs brimming with wisdom. As the mythical age unfolded, the balance of power would shift; Zeus believed that humans should not wield such strength.
"Messenger of Death!"
With a chilling cry, a woman brandishing a severed head commanded her wolf-like monster to the ground. Chubb, panting and weary, had fought valiantly but had been bested.
Yet, as a ghost fighter, he knew death was not the end. He would be resurrected by the Magic Star, though he preferred to avoid death altogether. Repeated deaths could jeopardize his perfect fit with the Magic Star.
"Chubb," Charon said casually, "your control over your small universe is far from perfect. If this continues, you won't be able to unleash even half your power."
Breathing heavily, Chubb listened intently. Charon, whose strength surpassed his own, had valuable insights to offer.
"First," Charon advised, "master your small universe. As Underworld fighters, we can easily comprehend the eighth sense and transcend the realms of life and death.
"Second, focus on developing your skills. Learn, experiment, and if necessary, place a fragment of your soul into the Wheel of Reincarnation. Repeated cycles will deepen your understanding.
"Lastly, find ways to cultivate skills that can slay gods. It's unacceptable for a warrior of Hades to lack such means!"
Charon's teachings resonated, though he acknowledged his own methods were not perfect. Yet, Chubb remained eager to learn, the two engaged in a spirited exchange. Unbeknownst to them, their discussions would shape the future of Underworld fighters.
Suddenly, both Charon and Chubb paused, sensing a disturbance from the Magic Star.
"Is there a fighter with a perfect fit nearby?" Chubb wondered, astonished.
Charon shrugged. "What are we waiting for? Let's go find out!"
Together, they searched the expansive land, guided by the Magic Star. After several months, they discovered a small village.
The Magic Star's power intensified as they approached.
"What now?" Chubb asked. "Should we let the Magic Star attach to them?"
Charon shook his head. "That could lead to trouble. Let's continue our observations; it's not a major issue. If necessary, we can confuse them."
After two days of exploration in the village, they realized their skills as seducers were lacking.
Ultimately, Charon unleashed the resonating Magic Star. The dark purple energy enveloped the village, landing on a young man, its glow illuminating the area. Blood-red mandala flowers erupted, swallowing all life in an instant.
"Omen Star Datura Flower!" Charon exclaimed.
Chubb nodded silently.
A figure emerged, androgynous in appearance, dressed in a luxurious dark purple robe. The large petals complemented a face that seemed both beautiful and haunting.
"Omen Star Datura Flower: Quinn."
"Tianjianxing: Boatman, Caron."
"Earth Yin Star: Headless Horseman, Chubb."
The three Underworld fighters exchanged names, falling into an uneasy silence before departing the village, now consumed by mandala flowers. Another warrior had joined their ranks, though the implications remained uncertain.