Zeus would awaken.
Hades understood well that Metis had shifted her focus from mere competition to a deeper objective. To her, the ownership of Uranus's treasure house was irrelevant; what truly mattered was awakening the proud Zeus from his arrogance.
"Metis is indeed a formidable woman," Hades mused softly.
Standing beside him was Hemera, the Goddess of Day, tall and striking with long, dark-white hair cascading elegantly down her back. A nine-pointed star adorned her brow, and her pure white robe enhanced her ethereal beauty.
"I'm aware of her reputation," Hemera said, her voice soft like the dawn, yet her power was undeniable. As one of the five distinguished offspring of Erebus and Nyx, she was a genuine Titan goddess.
Hades knew the significance of Metis; her sons were destined to become the fourth-generation god-king and the heir to the vacant Earthly throne.
"Master Hades," Hemera continued, "I have heard tales of the Mother Goddess. She is both wise and powerful."
At that moment, three identical figures approached, each a goddess dressed in pure white robes with flowing dark-gold hair. They were the Three Fates: Clotho, Lachesis, and Atropos.
"Lord Hades!" they called in unison, their voices harmonizing.
Though they appeared identical, each Fate exuded a distinct aura. Clotho, the eldest, carried an air of maturity; Lachesis, the second sister, felt steady and thoughtful; while Atropos, the youngest, emanated a lively charm.
Clotho stepped forward. "Master Hades, we've discovered a hidden enchantment worth your attention."
"Lead the way," Hades instructed, and the three sisters guided him toward a swirling cloud at the edge of the sky, where they found Kairon, who was standing guard.
"Lord Hades!" Kairon knelt, her long dark-purple hair framing her respectful demeanor.
Without a word, Hades extended his divine senses, examining the peculiar seals surrounding them. The barriers were intricate yet would pose no challenge to him.
With a surge of divine power, he pressed against the barrier, watching as it gradually dissipated, revealing a trove of rare treasures, valuable even to gods.
Though Hades had not yet ascended to primordial status, he understood the importance of such treasures; even Cronus hoarded them for their intrinsic worth.
With a wave of his hand, Hades gathered the riches. "These treasures are intriguing, but there are deeper barriers to uncover. Continue searching."
"Yes, my lord," the Fates responded in unison.
As they moved deeper into the enchantment, Hades sensed something remarkable. "A god stone."
"God stone?!" Hemera gasped, suddenly alert. "I apologize, Master Hades!"
"It's of no consequence," he replied, holding aloft a diamond-shaped crystal that shimmered brilliantly. Though unfamiliar, Hades recognized it as the legendary god stone.
This unique stone was vital for crafting divine garments, a necessity for creating items that could rival even the most powerful artifacts, such as Zeus's Celestial Cloth and Athena's Saint Cloth.
Hades knew that the underworld's garments carried the essence of divine law, and finding the god stone was crucial for his plans. The dark stone he currently possessed absorbed the underworld's divine power, but this god stone held the potential to create true divine garments for the gods of the underworld.
As Hades contemplated the stone's significance, he was reminded of his ongoing quest for it. Finding one here was unexpected but fortuitous.
"Lord Hades!" a voice interrupted his thoughts. A handsome man with dark-red hair approached draped in a matching robe Morris, the god of disaster.
Kneeling before Hades, Morris said, "I too discovered a barrier seal nearby."
"Lead the way," Hades commanded, ready to delve further into the mysteries awaiting him.
"Yes, my lord!" Morris replied, stepping forward to guide Hades toward the next discovery.