This is the path fate has arranged for Hades. More precisely, this is the culmination of his own choices. The process matters little; what counts is the result. As he stepped into the final temple, he felt an overwhelming sense of understanding and clarity.
All else became irrelevant. Fate lay before him. Would it change? That was up to him.
The thick gates of the temple swung open, and the three gods entered the majestic hall simultaneously.
Hades. Poseidon. Zeus.
They quietly regarded the figure seated on the throne, appearing as a mere boy of fourteen or fifteen. Yet this figure represented the supreme position: Cronus, the King of the Titans, the invincible head of the twelve gods!
"Hades."
"Poseidon."
"Zeus."
Cronus sat calmly, acknowledging their presence. "You're here sooner than I expected. Your talent and aptitude are truly remarkable."
Even the proud Zeus responded seriously, "Father God, this is our second meeting. I'm curious—if you wanted to kill us, wouldn't it be simpler than this?"
Indeed, Zeus knew the immense power Cronus wielded. Despite having been weakened twice, Cronus still exuded an aura of invincibility. If he had attacked immediately, it would have been easy for him to eliminate the three gods.
"True," Cronus nodded, then shook his head. "But Zeus, you misunderstand the implications. Hades, Poseidon, do you grasp the significance?"
Both Hades and Poseidon remained silent, knowing full well the reasons behind their situation. They understood the world's constraints and the limits of fate—a sense of despair loomed. At this stage, Cronus could no longer act recklessly; he was a mere spectator, waiting for the judgment of fate.
"Hehehe" Cronus chuckled lightly. "It seems you do understand. But remember, Zeus, as the father god, let me teach you something: being too obsessed with power and authority can lead to ruin. The nature of this world is far more complex than it appears."
Zeus felt frustrated by Cronus' words, as if he alone was unaware of the deeper truths while his brothers understood everything. This only deepened his dissatisfaction.
"What a pity," Cronus said, shaking his head. He found Zeus' situation amusing but also disappointing, sensing that his youngest son had become a shadow of what he could have been.
In contrast, Cronus observed Hades and Poseidon with intrigue. Hades was exceptional—like the Beast of Amber, he was someone Cronus could not easily challenge. And Poseidon...
"Poseidon," he queried, "is the path you chose right or wrong?"
Poseidon remained unflinching, as if anticipating this question. "Father God, I cannot say if my path is right or wrong. I can only move forward; I won't waver in my beliefs."
"Indeed!" Cronus agreed. "Once a road is chosen, it cannot be changed. This is the path you have forged."
For meaningless notions, as the Father God, he felt no obligation to entertain them.
Poseidon replied, "As you said, Father God, no one knows if their path is right or wrong. If change is desired, it must come from the most fundamental choice."
"Um!" Nodding, Cronus turned his gaze to Hades, a smile playing at the corners of his mouth. "Hades, you are truly remarkable! I never anticipated you would reach this point and break my seal, causing fate's story to diverge."
Hades responded, "Father God, whether it's the choice of fate or the path it dictates, any change is ultimately inconsequential, for the result remains unchanged."
"Good! Good!" Cronus exclaimed, nodding in approval. "Yes, the outcome has never altered. Though I stand as your enemy, I still take pride in you. What a pity!"
While expressing pride, Cronus felt a sense of loss. He could see the distinction between Hades and Poseidon, and compared to Zeus, he felt a sense of shame. Hades' unwavering resolve set him apart. Each step taken was firm, regardless of the outcome.
Poseidon, too, had chosen a path that could challenge the blockade of fate. Was it truly wrong? Perhaps not. Both displayed enough conviction and belief in their choices.
Yet when compared to Hades and Poseidon, Zeus fell short. There was a vast chasm between them, illustrating his inability to grasp even the essence of fate. Like a puppet bound by destiny, he moved through life without true understanding—a child Cronus found little worth paying attention to.