Mount Othrys.
As the sacred mountain of the Titan Gods, reaching its peak requires crossing three treacherous paths and enduring countless trials. At the summit, one encounters the magnificent Titan Temple. As Hades steps through the vast halls of the temple, he finds himself facing a door that resembles a dimensional rift.
The door is: bronze, old-fashion, ancient.
This seemingly simple gate stands as a formidable barrier. Hades halts before it, realizing that opening this ancient bronze door is no trivial task. Behind it lies the treasure of the Titans, accumulated over countless eons, guarded fiercely by Cronus and the other Titans.
"Hades."
"Hades!"
The voices of Poseidon and Zeus call to him. Though he does not turn, Hades senses the two gods approaching. They move slowly, their steps betraying their weakened state, but they are still alive.
In truth, all three gods share this condition. Despite their appearances, each has reached their limits.
Soon, Poseidon and Zeus stand beside Hades, gazing at the ancient bronze door. Zeus extends his hand, channeling a ray of divine power toward the door. However, he quickly retracts his energy.
"This door is terrifying," Zeus remarks gravely. "My divine power cannot penetrate it at all. If we attempt to force it open, the result will be catastrophic. The entire structure inside will collapse."
When Cronus constructed this treasury, he created a small universe to house it, sealing all the treasures behind this door. It is impervious to ordinary methods of entry. Any attempt at brute force would trigger the door to annihilate the small universe, causing all treasures to vanish.
Cronus understood that if someone reached this ancient gate, it signified his defeat.
"It's clear we can't brute-force our way through this door; we need a key," Poseidon observes thoughtfully. "But what is this key? What if it's something only Cronus can use?"
If only Cronus held the means to open the door, the three gods might consider destroying it outright, ensuring no one else could access its contents. Yet, their perceptions suggested that there was a way to open it—if only they could figure out how.
"Hades?" Zeus inquires, a glimmer of hope in his voice. "Is there a method?"
Hades gazes at Zeus, a hint of indifference in his tone. "I know how to open this ancient door, but we must first establish the terms for what lies beyond it."
Poseidon contemplates for a moment before agreeing, "I have no objections. It would be wise to clarify our terms beforehand."
"Agreed," Zeus concedes, though his demeanor remains serious. He recognizes that Hades and Poseidon are compelling him to acquiesce. The wisdom of Metis and Prometheus is not to be underestimated.
Zeus is reluctant, but he knows the value of wisdom in their current predicament. If they can work together, there's a chance they can overcome the challenges ahead.
"Hades, speak your terms," Zeus states.
Hades replies calmly, "Each of us shall claim 30% of all treasures within the treasury."
Poseidon and Zeus exchange glances but find no reason to object. Hades' victory over Cronus was undeniable, yet it was the combined efforts of the two gods that had truly shattered Cronus' defenses. Therefore, the distribution of treasure is fair.
However, the crux of the matter remains: who enters first will have access to the most and potentially the best treasures. While the exact contents of the treasury are unknown, being first could lead to untold riches.
Poseidon breaks the tension, proposing, "Each person may choose three treasures at most upon entering. After the three of us take turns, we'll divide the remaining 30% of all treasures."
Poseidon's calm demeanor contrasts with Zeus' increasing agitation. He had heard whispers of three extraordinary treasures within the ancient bronze door and yearned for their power.
Zeus knows Poseidon is likely aware of something, but he suspects Poseidon's reasoning for this division is more balanced. Three pieces for each of them minimizes conflict and competition.
After pondering, Zeus finally agrees. "I accept these terms."
With the agreement made, Hades' gaze shifts to Poseidon and Zeus, awaiting their response.
"I agree," Hades confirms.
Suddenly, Hades adds, "But let us not forget what the first person to reach the top of Mount Othrys is entitled to. Whoever is interested may speak now."
Zeus falls silent. Despite his preparations, this moment feels like a gamble. Should he misstep, he could jeopardize his aspirations for the throne of the God King.
But in doing so, he has unwittingly stepped into Hades and Poseidon's trap.