"Perfect! Perfect!"
"Brother, this is the most perfect masterpiece!"
"Roar!"
The three brothers: Thunder, Dian, and the one-eyed Titan, were overwhelmed with excitement. The magnificent Underworld garment, embodying endless darkness, radiated divine power.
This wasn't just divine clothing; it was the Pluto Underworld garment, exclusive to Hades. The helmet of this ensemble was crafted specifically for him, and the sword in his hand; a fusion of Underworld, Darkness, and Night, was born from divine iron, forming the Pluto Sword.
"Perfect!"
"Perfect!"
Lei approached Hades, his excitement palpable. "Hades, your Pluto Underworld garment is exceptional. The helmet and sword integrate flawlessly, allowing for infinite potential. It could even transcend the concept of great treasures and become a supreme artifact."
"No! No! Pluto Underworld garment may surpass even the greatest of artifacts!"
Hades responded calmly, "Please refrain from discussing today's events."
Lei assured him, "Rest easy, Hades. My brothers and I will keep this secret."
"Good."
Hades nodded. As the gate of the Underworld opened once more, he shared a final gaze with the Pluto Underworld garment. The one-eyed Titan brothers returned to the Heart of the Ocean, preparing for their last task for Poseidon. Afterward, they would finally attain their freedom. Having been imprisoned in Tartarus since birth, this freedom was their greatest joy, even more so than the masterpiece they had crafted.
As the three brothers departed, Hypnos and Thanatos stepped forward beside Hades.
"Lord Hades!"
"Um."
With a nod, Hades beckoned the Pluto Underworld garment into the Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss.
In the center of this sacred realm stood a vast temple, adorned with the statue of Hades. As the Pluto Underworld garment melded into the statue, it began to absorb the divine power of the Underworld day and night, gradually refining itself.
Hades remarked, "The absorption of the Dark Stone is nearly complete. Next, I will gather more materials to forge dark garments for you both."
"Yes! Thank you, Lord Hades!"
Hypnos and Thanatos bowed respectfully.
There were a total of 999 dark stones, divided into three segments. The first segment, comprising 108 stones, had already been utilized for the Pluto Underworld garment. The second set of 108 was integrated into the existing Dark Clothes and Dark Crystal. The remaining stones were under Hades' control, intended to absorb divine power from the Underworld gods to craft garments uniquely suited to them.
Of course, these dark stones were crucial. The Pluto Underworld garment was born from Hades' essence, and the creation of garments would require a core, specifically, divine stones. Only with these stones could he forge the most perfect dark clothing, complemented by rare materials, which would take time to acquire.
"What is it?" Hades inquired.
Thanatos replied, "Master Hades, our Father and Mother have summoned us, and we hope you will grant us permission to attend."
Hades didn't question the request. "Granted."
"Thank you, Lord Hades!"
The twins withdrew. Hades understood they would return with the details of their summons.
He was aware that Erebus and Nyx possessed secrets; secrets concerning him, Poseidon, and Zeus. However, he also understood that some knowledge would come to him in due time, either through the growth of his strength or the arrival of pivotal moments.
"For now, these matters are not urgent."
Hades returned to the Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss, settling back into his divine throne, ready for a new chapter of activity.
The casting of the artifacts was merely the beginning; the real work lay ahead.
He needed to perfect the God-Killing Flame and the God-Killing Thunder. The former would require cultivation, while the latter needed refinement through learning.
Additionally, there was the ultimate power absorbed from Koios. Hades had yet to explore its depths, needing to understand and refine it into his own formidable force.
In summary, while the crafting of his artifacts was a significant achievement, Hades recognized that he had much work ahead of him. The Titan War loomed, and he needed to strengthen himself step by step to secure victory and reap the rewards.
Next, the three gods embarked on a brief period of cultivation. Hades focused on realizing his ultimate power, practicing the God-Killing Thunder, and perfecting the God-Killing Flame. He sought to enhance his status as the god of the Underworld and develop into a true warrior of the night.
Poseidon tasked the one-eyed Titan brothers with creating a perfect fortress in Atlantis, an artifact designed for both offense and defense. With ample resources invested, Atlantis transformed into Poseidon's ideal domain.
Meanwhile, Zeus sought allies among the gods, working to cultivate the power of the God-Killing Thunder. He aimed to win over his three sisters, solidifying his claim to the position of God King.
As the three gods faded from sight, the Titan lord could not trace their movements, leading to a tense silence.
But everyone sensed it, the calm before the storm. Everything was brewing, and with time, the impending conflict would erupt.