Metis bowed slightly and addressed Hades, "The battle of the Titans is not over yet. A conflict between you and Zeus will only lead to failure. However, the treasure of Uranus at the End of the Sky is of great importance. How about we define another way to determine its rightful owner?"
As the first-generation Goddess of Wisdom, Metis was well-prepared. She had successfully halted Zeus's fiery demeanor while giving Hades due respect, proposing a solution to the tension.
"Explain," Hades replied, his tone indifferent.
With a gentle smile, Metis continued, "You both are god-kings and brothers. It would be unwise to mar your relationship here. Instead, let's compete with the champions under your command. The winner of two out of three rounds shall claim the treasure of Uranus."
"Agreed," Hades said, accepting the proposal without hesitation. This was not the moment for open conflict with Zeus, especially before the Titan War concluded. Yet, he noted Zeus's evident confidence and arrogance. It was time to temper that pride.
Zeus, brimming with self-assurance, replied, "A best of three sounds good to me. Let's see how your champions measure up against mine."
"First match, start!" Metis announced.
Zeus smirked, "Hades, it's a friendly competition, but I'm ready to show you what real power looks like."
Hades regarded him silently, which only fueled Zeus's irritation. Raising his hand, a stunning figure appeared: a heavenly warrior clad in resplendent battle armor, radiant wings unfurling majestically. This was his Angel of Misery.
"Your Majesty!" the heavenly warrior knelt, pledging loyalty to Zeus. Though flattered, Zeus felt a flicker of discontent at Metis's frown, he hadn't trained these heavenly fighters. In her eyes, Zeus's inflated sense of self was clear; he hadn't even defeated Cronus yet he demanded such titles.
Metis hoped Hades would triumph, seeing this as a necessary blow to Zeus's arrogance.
From the depths of the Underworld, Hades summoned his champion. "Earth Yin Star Headless Horseman: Chubb!"
"See Lord Hades!" Chubb knelt, a medieval knight in demeanor, declaring his loyalty.
"Defeat your opponent," Hades instructed.
"Yes!" Chubb stood ready, revealing his composure. Despite a gap in their powers, Chubb at the seventh sense, the angel at the eighth, experience often outweighed raw strength. Zeus, however, dismissed Chubb with a wave.
"Looks like your underworld champion isn't much of a fighter," he sneered.
Hades ignored him, while Metis silently wished for a shift in momentum against Zeus's expanding pride.
"Destroy the opponent!" Zeus commanded, his voice ringing with authority.
"Yes, Your Majesty!" the Angel of Misery replied, wings fluttering as he took to the air. "In the name of His Majesty, all evil will be wiped away!"
Chubb sprang into action, launching a precise, calculated strike. Years of honing his skills in the harsh environment of the Underworld had made him an adept warrior, unlike the sheltered Angel of Misery.
As the battle unfolded, Zeus watched with increasing tension. Chubb's experience proved decisive, and he swiftly overcame the angel, dealing a decisive blow.
Zeus's expression soured as he witnessed his champion's defeat. The loss stung, how could he face his brothers after such a humiliation?
Metis seized the moment. "The first match goes to Hades!"
The atmosphere shifted, and Hades stood quietly, his expression revealing nothing but calm confidence, while Zeus's arrogance crumbled beneath the weight of defeat.