Hades moved silently, his footsteps barely audible as he traversed the Underworld. In that moment, he seemed more like a person than the supreme deity, the God King, Pluto.
The Titan Wars were over.
Indeed, it had come to an end, yet it felt dreamlike. Hades understood that this battle had been ongoing for a long time, and while the most challenging part was concluded, it was merely the beginning; it was far from over.
"Lord Hades!"
Hypnos emerged from the gates of the Underworld, kneeling respectfully on one knee.
Hades continued his stride, responding indifferently, "What is it?"
Hypnos replied, "Lord Hades, my son has been born."
"Um."
Nodding slightly, Hades turned toward another direction, prompting Hypnos to rise and follow closely.
As they walked, they soon arrived at another section of the Underworld. With a swipe of his hand, a passage opened, revealing the 3,000 Oneiroi.
Sensing Hades and Hypnos's arrival, the dream gods being conceived stirred restlessly, on the verge of birth. Though it would take a little more time, to the gods, this duration was negligible.
"Lord Hades!"
Hypnos bowed slightly. "Please wait here."
Hades showed little concern and asked indifferently, "What do you think of Prometheus's choice?"
"Yes!" Hypnos pondered for a moment before responding. "I believe the position of the God King must have some special significance. Presumably, Prometheus understands this, though I do not. Because of this, Prometheus is willing to pay any price and desires Zeus to be the God King."
Hades nodded slightly, contemplating this. Indeed, Prometheus must have known something crucial; the position of the God King couldn't be so straightforward. What did it truly represent? What responsibilities came with it?
Hades knew well that each God King had their own duties. As the ruler of the Underworld, he managed the cycle of life and death. Poseidon, as the king of the sea, was responsible for the prosperity of the oceans. Zeus, as the ruler of the heavens, controlled the winds, rains, and storms.
This was the weight of their positions.
It wasn't easy to ascend to the rank of supreme God King!
Hypnos, after a moment of thought, suddenly asked, "Master Hades, I have an idea. I have known Prometheus for some time. He doesn't seem like someone who would submit to Zeus. Perhaps Prometheus is following someone else..."
"Metis."
Hades, sharp-minded, instantly grasped the implication. If Prometheus chose wisely, it would make sense that he followed Metis.
Undeniably, Hades surpassed Zeus in every aspect—strength, ability, and leadership. Hades was someone who could delegate authority without hesitation.
Yet, Prometheus still chose Zeus, which was perplexing. If someone as insightful as Prometheus didn't grasp Zeus's character, it would be strange. Thus, Prometheus's alignment with Zeus could only mean he was under Metis's influence.
"Hmm..."
Hypnos's expression sharpened as if he grasped something profound, yet he seemed unsure. Just then, the gates of the Underworld opened once more, and Aether emerged, kneeling respectfully.
"Lord Hades."
Hades raised a hand, and Aether stood, saying solemnly, "Master Hades! Hera and Metis have begun their open and secret battles for the position of Queen of Heaven. However, Eris's message is clear: relying solely on Hera's methods seems insufficient to compete with Metis."
Aether's expression was grave. Metis was undoubtedly a dangerous figure. As the goddess of wisdom, she brought Prometheus into the fold, causing significant change. Losing Metis would be akin to severing an arm from Zeus.
"Lord Hades!"
Hypnos interjected eagerly, "I want to know, does that curse still exist?"
Hades understood immediately what Hypnos referred to—the curse regarding his heirs overthrowing him as God King. He nodded lightly. "It exists. This curse is not the Father God's but rather one that pervades the world, always present for the God Kings."
A smile crept across Hypnos's face. "Just as I thought! If I recall correctly, Metis is already pregnant. Regardless of whether it's a son or daughter, the child born of Metis will be significant, especially if it's a son."
"Indeed!"
Aether smiled as he listened to Hypnos, quietly absorbing the implications. Though he often maintained a calm demeanor, he was clearly considering these developments.
Hades had contemplated these matters too but, remaining true to his character, didn't dwell on them. "Aether will handle this situation."
"Understood!"
Aether stepped back respectfully.
Hades squinted slightly, lost in thought. Based on the original myth, Zeus's ability to deal with Prometheus and consume Metis stemmed from his absolute authority as the God King. However, Zeus's power had waned considerably.
Hades was curious to see what choice Zeus would make in this situation and the outcome of the unfolding drama involving Zeus, Metis, and Prometheus.