At this moment, the Underworld gives off such a weird feeling, instead of the silence and solemnity it should have. Hades is stepping along the path, pondering a crucial point: what has made the entire Underworld like this, while Styx remains inactive?
Unless the strength of whoever is behind this matches that of Styx, it is unlikely. Even Gaia, the goddess of the earth, would face dire consequences. If such a powerful being existed, Hades and the others would merely be waiting for their doom.
The more probable scenario is that the other party has struck a deal with Styx.
Hades has been mulling this over, leaning toward the latter possibility. The other party, or those behind them, must have completed a pact with Styx, allowing them to operate freely in the Underworld without any interference.
"Hehehe"
Finally, deep in the Underworld, Hades halted. A strange laugh echoed as an elegant figure emerged, clad in a black medieval suit. His appearance resembled that of a devil, yet he bore the features of a refined old man wearing gold-rimmed glasses. He removed his gentleman's hat and bowed gracefully, cane in hand, like a nobleman from the Middle Ages.
"Hades, a pleasure to meet you. My name is..."
"Satan!"
Upon hearing the gentleman's self-introduction, Hades's expression shifted to one of understanding. "I see. No wonder you can create such true devils and endow them with corrupting laws at will. If you are Satan, then everything falls into place."
Satan hails from another grand pantheon, and his status is unmatched even by Hades, being a true Primordial god of terror. In that realm, he represents the master of hell and darkness, akin to Styx's role.
To elaborate, Satan corresponds to Yahweh, with both existing in opposition, light and darkness. Satan was originally one of the angels created by God, much like many significant figures in mythic lore.
"Hehehe"
Satan smiled. "Yes! Those few provided me with the opportunity to invade other grand worlds, and I won't let this chance slip by."
Hades replied quietly, "Even a Primordial god cannot invade other crystal wall systems at will."
"Hades, don't trouble yourself with such thoughts. Just as I predicted, you would come here, and now it's time for me to take my leave."
"I look forward to our next meeting."
After bowing once more with the decorum of a gentleman, Satan began to retreat, as if concluding their encounter.
"Roar!"
"Aw!"
At that moment, Hades felt countless barriers rising around him, a vast wall seemingly intent on swallowing him whole. The numbers were overwhelming.
Accompanied by furious roars, terrifying devils emerged from all directions. They were not merely corrupt entities but were infused with various strange laws.
"Oops!"
Satan reappeared, resting his forehead with one hand, feigning distress as if he had forgotten something. "My apologies, I neglected to explain that these devils are created from the souls of humans during the golden age of this world."
"Hades, do not underestimate these devils, or you will be devoured."
"At last, I hope you enjoy yourself!"
With another bow, a peculiar smile crossed Satan's face. His scarlet eyes transformed into snake-like vertical pupils, and then, as swiftly as he appeared, he vanished.
Watching Satan's performance unfold like a one-man show, Hades understood that the threat he faced was serious. If a Primordial god set their sights on him, survival was uncertain.
Hades felt confident, however, that's if the real Satan were to manifest, he would have to engage in a fierce battle. Yet, this was merely a clone formed by a fragment of law.
Thus, if Hades couldn't break through the barriers set by a mere avatar, then he would surely meet his end.
"Roar!"
"Aw!"
"Meat! Meat! Such a pure soul! After consuming you, I can evolve!"
With those wild cries, devils of terrifying strength poured forth, each exuding a dreadful aura and strange laws.
While they were at the level of first-class gods, their laws were bizarre; corrosion, consumption, annihilation...
Under the influence of such strange laws, unexpected disasters could strike at any moment.
In truth, even the devils felt fear, but such emotions evaporated in the presence of Hades. His soul was the purest in this pantheon, a coveted prize for the devils.
To them, the allure of signing contracts with human souls was irresistible. Devils relished cultivating souls to their peak before consuming them or using them as trophies. Hades's soul was an even deadlier temptation!
"Roar!"
"Devour you!"
The throng of devils surged like a torrent of dark red, hurtling toward Hades with frenzied, predatory gazes, intent on consuming him whole.
Hades calmly opened one hand, unleashing the law of death. It spread like waves, and in an instant, countless devils fell before him.
This was merely the first step. The myriad barriers and elaborate traps set for Hades were only the beginning. Whether he could survive depended entirely on his strength.