The crystal-clear seeds floated before Hades, so transparent that they resembled beautiful crystals. Despite their stunning appearance, he felt no divine power emanating from them.
"Though I've extracted the seeds of ultimate power," Hades murmured softly, "they remain too weak, only one-tenth of the strength of a complete seed. It will take time to accumulate more."
He carefully stored the seeds, choosing not to rush the process of infusing them with his own laws.
Rushing would be a grave mistake. These seeds were fragile, and hasty actions could cause them to collapse instead of thrive. However, having successfully burned away the laws of ultimate power to extract the seeds, Hades felt no need to hurry. He would methodically gather more ultimate power, refining it to extract additional seeds.
The first step was complete; everything that followed would be easier.
"Titan battle," he declared. "It's time to begin."
Hades understood that the battle of the Titans was upon them. Simple accumulation was futile; to grow stronger, he had to confront his father, Cronus, the Titan King. Victory was essential to move forward.
Alongside Hades were Poseidon and Zeus, all ready to embark on this pivotal conflict.
As the gates of the Underworld opened, these brothers, Hypnos and Thanatos, entered the Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. They knelt before Hades, uttering, "See Hades."
Hades regarded them coolly. "What is it?"
Having been summoned by their parents, the twin gods had returned after tens of thousands of years, clearly with important news.
Hypnos stood, his voice steady. "Master Hades, Father has revealed the location of Uranus' treasury, the first god-king of the skies. He believes your strength is sufficient to claim it."
Hades remained impassive. "The treasury of Uranus hasn't been taken?"
"No," Hypnos shook his head. "Father said that when Uranus ruled, he amassed countless treasures, but only a small portion were claimed by Cronus. Most remain hidden in his treasury."
"Where is this treasure house?" Hades inquired.
"In the Far West," Hypnos explained. "Beyond the orchard of the golden apple trees lies a barrier that separates sky and earth. Beyond this barrier, you will find the treasures sealed by Uranus."
Hypnos elaborated, revealing that the primordial gods had long known the location of Uranus' treasures but had deemed them unworthy of their interest. Uranus had collected these treasures not for their utility, but as a display of his divine status. After his defeat by Cronus, the treasures had either been taken or sealed away.
"I understand," Hades said.
Hypnos stepped back, and Hades' gaze turned to Thanatos. "What news do you bring?"
Thanatos, bowing respectfully, presented a magnificent gift from their mother. "Master Hades, this is a gift from the Mother Goddess."
He raised a frame-like door, revealing a vortex of brilliant light. The radiance was so captivating it suggested a world lay beyond.
"The Gate of the World?!" Hades exclaimed, genuine emotion breaking through his calm demeanor.
This treasure was invaluable. For gods wishing to traverse to other realms, they typically had to cross the treacherous Chaos Sea, fraught with dangers, including encounters with wandering outer gods. Yet, certain gods who had created worlds could condense their realms into doors, this was one such door.
However, Gates of the World were exceedingly rare; some worlds had none, while others might boast several.
Hades hadn't expected to receive such a gift from Nyx. Although he knew she and Erebus held high hopes for his growth, he couldn't help but feel a twinge of discomfort at their kindness. He had only cared for their children, and yet they offered him such treasures.
But Hades was not one to dwell on discomfort. He resolved to focus on self-improvement, striving to meet and exceed their expectations.
"Yes," he affirmed.
Thanatos nodded. "This gift was given to you for a reason. According to Mother, the world beyond the gate holds myth, though it may not be a powerful one."
"I understand," Hades replied.
With a thought, he sealed the Gate of the World that Thanatos had presented. Though not powerful, the mythical world could provide significant support to any god. If a primordial god could gain insight there, the potential to evolve into a greater absolute deity existed, though the path would be fraught with challenges.
Yet, Nyx's generosity left Hades astounded, especially with the news of Uranus' treasury at the end of the sky.
"Let's move," he commanded.
"Yes!" The twin gods followed Hades, exiting the Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss and preparing for action. The time had come to set their plans in motion.