Zeus.
Metis.
Prometheus.
This will be a grand spectacle. As Prometheus grows strong enough to challenge Zeus, who no longer possesses absolute power, and with Metis's situation unchanged, when all the prophecies eventually unfold, what will the outcome be?
"It's an intriguing show," Hades remarked slowly, a hint of amusement in his tone.
Hypnos replied respectfully, "Master Hades, whether Zeus can rival Metis and Prometheus is certainly a point of interest."
Hades responded calmly, "Go on."
Hypnos continued, "I believe that Metis is pregnant, and according to prophecy, her child will be the next God King. If that's the case, Metis and Prometheus could fully support this future God King. In other words..."
He paused for a moment, as the implications began to settle in. If his guess were correct, it would be somewhat embarrassing. Was this merely the prelude to the next divine conflict? Perhaps!
Hades spoke quietly, "If Metis and Prometheus choose to back the next generation of God Kings, then once Zeus assumes the title, the war of the gods will reignite. Hypnos, do you think Zeus will choose Metis or the child?"
Without hesitation, Hypnos answered, "Metis! I believe that even if Zeus knows this prophecy, he will still choose Metis. He understands that she has brought everything to him. The position rightfully belongs to her; otherwise, the war of the gods will commence immediately."
"Um."
Hades nodded slightly, observing, "Zeus is not foolish, but the God King's position carries great weight. It will be interesting to see if he can grasp it. After all, a game is rather dull with only two players."
"Indeed!"
Hypnos bowed his head respectfully, choosing not to elaborate further.
Both Hades and Poseidon dismissed Zeus's current significance. In the future's divine struggle, in this grand game of holy war initiated by various God Kings, Zeus lacked the qualifications to participate.
Yet, if only two deities were engaged in this conflict, it would be monotonous. The best games involve numerous players; that's when they become truly enjoyable.
Unfortunately, while Zeus was meant to be the singular ruler, he had not become a participant at all. Hades and Poseidon had transformed in their own ways.
Hades had changed due to the merging of two souls. Even though Poseidon had fallen into darkness and embraced the path of the Evil God, he still maintained his essence.
In contrast, Zeus seemed merely to uphold a fragile balance in this triangular dynamic, hardly worthy of attention.
The position of God King?
Both Hades and Poseidon could easily attain it. For Hades himself, reaching the pinnacle was almost effortless.
The reason he granted the title to Zeus was simply that the position held little significance for him. With it came a burden of responsibilities that meant little to Hades.
The essence of Hades's domain is Pluto. Even when fused with ultimate power, it remains tied to the principles of Pluto. His focus is to wield this essence flawlessly. Abandoning his roots for the title of God King would be nothing more than a pursuit of the superficial.
Poseidon, too, was undergoing transformation. His domain of the sea was gradually evolving into the law of the Evil God.
Of course, Hades was not entirely aware of these nuances. This path was peculiar, and no one dared claim to understand it fully.
As for Zeus, it was undeniable that he was the most suitable candidate for the God King position; the roles of God King and Heavenly Emperor complemented one another. What a pity!
Nonetheless, the two gods remained uninterested in the God King title; otherwise, Zeus would not have been able to assume it.
The position is valuable, but the price is steep and fraught with complications.
"Lord Hades!"
"Time is up!"
At that moment, Hypnos perceived a peculiar hum and raised his head to speak softly.
Hades nodded in agreement and also lifted his gaze, watching as the 3,000 Oneiroi began to emerge. As time passed, strands of light heralding their birth gradually appeared, and in an instant, countless divine powers were unleashed. Though each power seemed weak, they were not to be underestimated.
Third-rate gods, second-rate gods, first-rate gods...
Each Oneiros was at best of the first-class deity level, lacking the stature of a master of the Underworld. Their overall strength seemed weak, yet Dream Gods were not defined by sheer power.
They represented the foundation of a God King's domain.
A God King with a meager following is truly weak. Poseidon commanded 3,000 river gods and 3,000 sea gods, while Hades also led 3,000 dream gods.
Do not underestimate these seemingly feeble deities; they are most suited to the Underworld and the ocean realms.
While others might not evolve throughout their lifetimes, these gods can advance swiftly, harnessing the power of the Underworld and the seas.
In other words, they embody real fundamental power. With enough strength, the 3,000 Dream Gods could potentially ascend to the level of a main god within a short time, even reaching the status of a Titan main god.
This illustrates the disparity of being truly divine; they are not comparable on any level.
"Lord Hades!"
"No problem."
Hypnos began to speak, but Hades anticipated his inquiry. He interjected calmly, "Each god is born with their own responsibilities, and for the Oneiroi, those responsibilities do not involve warfare. Moreover, as a deity of the Underworld, this is just the beginning."
His tone was indifferent, devoid of emotion, yet Hypnos could feel the profound arrogance and confidence in Hades's words. This was the pride derived from the Underworld.
This is the Underworld!!!
As the most powerful of the three God Kings and a pivotal figure in the victory of the Titan War, Hades possessed a commanding presence and self-assuredness that was entirely justified.
Any deity daring to underestimate Hades and the Underworld would surely face dire consequences.