Hades.
Tartarus.
After Hades departed the Titan's Treasure, Poseidon made his way there as well, ultimately extracting 40% of his treasures. As for the remaining 10%, Zeus reclaimed it with a livid expression, his face pale and twisted in frustration.
It felt like a forced charity. Yet, despite his resentment, Zeus had no choice but to accept these vital resources. As the king of gods, they were of utmost importance. Following this, the three god kings gathered to seal off Othry Mountain.
Together, they descended into the depths of Tartarus. The air was thick with a profound darkness, and before them stood the largest, most fearsome cage—a place even the most powerful gods rarely dared to tread.
Stopping in their tracks, Zeus surveyed the area. "I once rescued the three one-eyed Titan brothers from here. This is the heart of Tartarus, a realm only the most formidable gods can access. It's the perfect location to imprison Father God and the twelve main Titan gods."
"Agreed."
"Indeed."
Hades and Poseidon nodded in unison. While the Twelve Titans had perished, they understood that their essence would endure; their soul cores would remain intact, rendering them immortal in a sense. Thus, sealing them away in a place where they felt secure seemed the only viable option.
The depths of Tartarus were corrosive; any ordinary Titan attempting to enter would meet certain death. Here, the twelve main Titan gods could be sealed most appropriately.
Hades raised his hand, causing the statue of Cronus—transformed into stone—and the statue of Rhea, claimed by time, to fall into the expansive cage before him. Simultaneously, the three gods projected their spiritual energies, sending nine soul cores into the prison.
Mnemosyne, the goddess of memory and Zeus's wife, was not included. Although she was a betrayer among the twelve, she was also the only one to ultimately survive.
"Proceed."
Hades spoke calmly, extending his hand to conjure a nine-pointed star that transformed into a brilliant barrier. Instantly, a multitude of seals enveloped the prison.
Poseidon and Zeus mirrored his actions.
Under this immense seal, the Twelve Titan Gods would find it nearly impossible to continue existing. Hades knew, however, that as time passed, they would inevitably recover. Some would wish to control them, turning them into pawns rather than letting them slumber indefinitely.
"Um," Zeus pondered. "Hades, Poseidon, I want Chu Zhen all to myself. I will seal him across various parts of the world."
"Understood."
Hades and Poseidon readily handed over Chu Zhen, after which Zeus summoned the three hundred-armed Titan brothers from the Thunder Temple.
"Master Zeus!" they exclaimed, kneeling respectfully on one knee, their expressions filled with hatred. They had once been sealed in this very place, a location that stirred their deepest animosities.
Zeus spoke coldly, "Briareus, Cottos, and Gyges, your duty is to guard the depths of Tartarus and oversee the prison of the twelve Titan gods."
"Yes, Master Zeus!" the brothers replied, their eyes alight with excitement and determination. They cared not for their surroundings; they had tasted freedom. Imprisoning the Twelve Titans would be a sweet revenge.
With a slight nod, Zeus turned to Hades and Poseidon. "I will take my leave now. In one hundred thousand years, the ceremony of the king of gods will commence—not just my ceremony, but yours as well."
Though Zeus had become the genuine king of gods, he understood, thanks to Prometheus's secret warning, that with his ascension, the titles of Hades and Poseidon would also shift to his two elder brothers.
Thus, while Zeus would be the main character of the God-King Ceremony, the true protagonists would be the three god kings. Hades and Poseidon, however, were indifferent to this hierarchy.
"Agreed."
"Very well."
After receiving their confirmations, Zeus departed. Hades and Poseidon exchanged glances before exiting Tartarus, leaving only the three hundred-armed Titans to quietly guard the sealed Twelve Titan Gods.
On the Land of Tartarus.
The two gods walked slowly along a path, and Poseidon remarked coolly, "Hades, you must realize that there will be distinctions in the role of the god king. With this position, Zeus will experience significant changes."
Hades replied nonchalantly, "You seem quite interested."
"Not interested," Poseidon retorted lightly.
They shared a knowing look.
In truth, for both gods, these matters were meaningless. They had their own paths and complete visions, sufficient to add chaos to the world without needing to grasp at fleeting power. If they couldn't attain it? It mattered little.
"I'm leaving as well."
"Agreed."
Hades nodded, and Poseidon departed. With their exit, the Titan battle appeared to draw to a close. As the remaining silence enveloped the Underworld, a smile crept across Hades's lips.
"Poseidon, Zeus, do you believe the battle of the Titans has concluded? No, it has not truly ended. The curtain has not fallen; many things are yet to unfold, but that is your tale."
Hades's smile faded as he turned away, regaining the impassive demeanor that defined him.