A thousand years.
Thirty thousand years.
Fifty thousand years.
The blockade of the Underworld lasted a full 50,000 years.
During this time, the outside world thrived, engulfed in the Titan War. Under the leadership of Poseidon and Zeus, the conflict spread across the heavens, earth, and seas, with the Underworld remaining the only untouched realm, a place devoid of life.
The world burned in the Titan War, and no one knew how many gods had been lost over those 50,000 years. Hades remained absent, sparking rumors: Did Hades and Hyperion perish together? Was Hades gravely wounded? Was he even dead?
Poseidon and Zeus dismissed such rumors, too preoccupied with the war to care. They had no time to address these speculations. Hades could retreat to the Underworld; their focus was elsewhere.
As time passed, aside from Hyperion and Koios, the twelve Titan Gods had all participated in the battle. More methods emerged to resist Cronus, and many formidable powers arose among them, some even nearing the rank of god-king. While these gods remained largely unknown, their strength was undeniable.
Hades, however, was largely unaware of the Titan Wars. For 50,000 years, he focused solely on mastering his powers. With the World Tree and Ouroboros completely consumed, Hades's divine power surged to astonishing levels, far surpassing his former self.
"The me now is several times stronger than before," he mused. Yet, a shadow crossed his thoughts. "But..."
As he felt the immense power within him, he whispered, "Reaching this point reveals just how arduous the path ahead truly is. No matter how hard I strive, the distance yet to traverse feels insurmountable."
The hierarchy of gods was straightforward: third-rate, second-rate, first-rate, main gods, Titan main gods, and god kings. Hades had always been a god king, but he had to retrieve his origin of the underworld and absorb a small world to ascend to the Titan main god level.
He had absorbed Hyperion's World Tree and Ouroboros, drastically enhancing his powers. Yet the path above the god king; primordial god, absolute god, loomed like a distant mountain.
"Even with the seeds of ultimate power, cultivating true strength will take countless years of mythology," Hades reflected, sitting silently on his throne, lost in thought.
Each mythical year represented the beginning and end of godly eras, an unfathomable stretch of time. Crossing from god king to primordial god demanded tremendous effort; achieving that level through mere cultivation was daunting, even with ultimate power at hand.
Thus, when one truly ascended beyond god king, they grasped the enormity of Cronus, the Titan God King.
"The road ahead is endless."
"I must proceed steadily."
Hades stood, his black eyes calm and resolute. After so many years, his mind had been honed to a steely resolve. Though the journey stretched far, each determined step brought him closer to the ultimate scenery.
"It's time to see how this battle of the Titans unfolds."
Hades stepped forward, appearing in the fourth circle of the Underworld, Yuda Circle. Here stood a dark palace, rightfully belonging to him. Unlike the throne in the Pure Land of Bliss, this throne represented Hades's identity and status.
"See Lord Hades!"
Nineteen Underworld gods knelt, followed by six fighters, all swearing unwavering loyalty to him.
Hades scanned them with calm indifference. Throughout these long years, they had followed his command without falter. Though Hades was not without emotion, he rarely displayed it; yet, his loyalty inspired deep devotion among his followers.
For them, serving the Lord of the Underworld, even at the cost of their lives, was a noble pursuit.
Now, after 50,000 years of waiting, it was time for the Underworld to rejoin the fray in the Titan War, reminding all gods of Hades's majesty and the power of the Underworld.