There are three primary paths to cultivate gods: the law, the kingdom of God, and faith. Among these, faith is the most challenging; however, the trinity of these paths offers the most perfection.
Hades understood this well, recognizing the immense potential contained within this mythical world. The believers here were akin to a perfect harvest of faith—like a field of leeks waiting to be reaped.
"Not urgent," he reassured himself, regaining focus. He withdrew his gaze from the believers, leaving a wisp of the law of death behind to continue his experiments while he set his sights on a more immediate concern: Yamata no Orochi.
The issue of faith could be addressed over time; there was no need to rush.
As he traversed the landscape, Hades remained cautious, never fully perceiving himself as the protagonist of his story. He was merely a time traveler with two fused souls, gaining assistance from two Primordial Gods. Whether it was Poseidon or Zeus, they, too, had the backing of Primordial beings. If anyone could be deemed the protagonist, it would be the three god kings, while Hades had merely grown steadily, gradually surpassing his younger brothers.
Lacking any special advantages—no magical artifacts, systems, or mentors—Hades maintained a balanced and stable mindset. His journey had been marked by careful, deliberate steps, each one solid and cautious, leading him to where he stood today.
Thus, in the face of the vast potential of faith, Hades remained composed. The sheer volume of belief in this world suggested that nearly ninety-nine percent of the gods had achieved divinity through faith. To confront all the gods of the Japanese mythological world alone would be reckless.
Instead, he chose to first address the situation with Yamata no Orochi, having formulated a plan, before methodically navigating the intricacies of this mythological realm. To establish a solid foothold, he needed to start where he felt most familiar.
A deafening roar echoed through the air.
It was a gigantic serpent with eight heads and eight tails, emanating an aura that corroded everything in its vicinity—the essence of an Evil God. Yamata no Orochi was not merely a monster; it was a god, often misunderstood due to its destructive nature and the misfortunes it brought. Its body was capable of producing legendary weapons like the Kusanagi Sword, underscoring its divine status.
Hades observed Yamata no Orochi from a distance, calm and collected. His gaze penetrated deep, revealing the true nature of this being.
"Evil God... God," he mused. "Yamata no Orochi seems to embody a fusion of both. Much like Poseidon, its essence is not purely that of an Evil God but rather one that has absorbed Evil God powers, leading to its current form. Yet, there's a tragic distinction: Poseidon has mastered this power, while Yamata no Orochi has been consumed by it."
Hades shifted his focus, moving forward to his next destination. He was also curious about the legendary figure of Kushi Inada Hime, known as the heroine in the tale of Yamata no Orochi. Valued by the three gods, including Susanoo, she must possess an extraordinary beauty. However, what intrigued Hades most was the mystery surrounding her eight sisters, who were tragically sacrificed to Yamata no Orochi each year. Their fate seemed to hold deeper implications.
As he journeyed, Hades observed the small villages along the riverbanks and encountered two elderly women lamenting the loss of their eight granddaughters. The girls, merely seven or eight years old, possessed an otherworldly beauty that captivated Hades's attention. Yet, beyond their appearance, he sensed something far deeper—their very essence.
The eight sisters, known as the prayer sisters, were treasures that exuded an allure that could easily attract the gods. Any deity with even a hint of power would undoubtedly desire them. Unlike Hades, who focused on solid foundations for his underworld, gods like Poseidon and Zeus had their realms, all vying for power.
For Hades, the significance of his authority was paramount. The development of his domain represented his divine power. Otherwise, given his reserved nature, he might have chosen to cultivate a Pure Land of Bliss, spending his days in quiet contemplation rather than engaging with the outside world.
Yet, the eight sisters were uniquely special. Revered in this world as divine blessings, they resembled what Hades would consider angels. Their existence was akin to amplifying a god's influence; they served as conduits of power. If Hades's underworld had a growth rate of five, then integrating the eight sisters as his divine blessings would double that to ten.
This concept might seem mysterious, but within the vast tapestry of the Chaos Sea, such beings were treasures beyond measure. They were born to be blessings, and their potential was unparalleled.