Chaos created the world, but for an absolute god, perhaps too many worlds came into being. Crafting a mythical realm is challenging, yet for an absolute deity, creating smaller worlds is merely child's play. Thus, while Chaos created the world, it lacked understanding in the art of creation.
Gaia!
The original, strongest, and highest Primordial God is the creator of this world. She brought forth everything; all existence was born from her will. The birth of heaven and earth and the emergence of Uranus are all intertwined with Gaia's essence. Consequently, whenever the succession of the god king occurs, Gaia is present. If she does not recognize a new god king, then their claim is essentially meaningless.
Now, Hades was filled with curiosity. Would Gaia recognize Zeus as the god king? As for Hades himself or Poseidon as the kings of the underworld and the sea, respectively? That seemed unlikely! For Gaia to accept them, especially in light of their separate dominions, felt implausible. Yet, possessing enough power could potentially alter that narrative.
Cronus, a powerful emperor, ruled with an iron fist. Under his reign, no princes or kings held sway—he consolidated all power. Zeus might have ascended to god king, but he lacked the capacity to govern effectively. Hades and Poseidon, uninterested in the throne, had allowed Zeus to take the mantle. Yet, in the face of the regional powers, Zeus had little authority to assert.
While Hades contemplated Gaia's stance, Persephone emerged from her memories, shaken by visions of jealousy and regret. She recalled her actions—killing her husband's maid and ultimately driving him away, causing the underworld to fracture. But she had returned, mended the rift, and revived the underworld, all while nurturing her deep affection for Hades.
"Husband!"
Persephone's voice broke through her thoughts, her usual poise replaced by an unmistakable tension.
Hades reassured her, "Persephone, there's no need to worry. Fate has shifted; the destinies of you, me, and the entire underworld have undergone profound changes."
"Husband!"
Persephone nodded earnestly, a silent promise evident in her gaze. It was a firm resolve that spoke louder than words.
At that moment, Hades sensed a disturbance. He stood, addressing Persephone, "Everything in the underworld is in your capable hands."
"Understood!"
As Hades prepared to depart, Persephone grasped the Underworld scepter tightly. "I won't allow such a thing to happen. Zeus, because of you, I will ensure your downfall!"
With a fierce determination igniting her gaze, she began plotting her course of action. One should never provoke a woman; the consequences were often unpredictable and severe.
Stepping into the eternal darkness, Hades found himself not for the first time before the two Primordial gods: Erebus, the God of Darkness, and Nyx, the Goddess of Night.
"Hades!"
Erebus regarded him with deep emotion. "You've grown incredibly fast, surpassing even Cronus in your ascent."
Hades replied, "Erebus, Nyx, what brings you here?"
Nyx smiled gently. "Hades, there's something you must heed. Time is running short. In about one hundred thousand years, the last Titan will be born from Gaia, and that moment will coincide with Tartaros at its weakest."
Hades possessed the God's Lament, a potent artifact capable of targeting Primordial gods. When the last Titan emerged, Tartaros would indeed be vulnerable.
"I understand," Hades acknowledged. "In a hundred thousand years, I will be on the verge of stepping into Primordial godhood. Yet, I sense you are withholding something."
This was the first time Hades had pressed for answers. Primordial gods typically chose a god king as their ally, much like a family supporting a prince. There was an underlying purpose to their alliances—one that remained obscured from Hades.
Erebus shook his head. "Not yet. It's still too perilous for you. Only when you fully ascend to the Primordial level can you confront it. Until then, discussing it further could change everything."
As Erebus spoke, he abruptly halted, suggesting that some truths were too dangerous to utter. Hades grasped that this knowledge was reserved for those who had reached a certain power level; otherwise, it would lead to catastrophic consequences.
"I see," Hades responded.
Nyx added, "However, there's no need for urgency. Based on current events, your path forward may appear easier. But remember this: before you become a god king, you must devour the hell of the mythical realm. This is crucial—do not forget it!"
Nyx's tone turned serious, emphasizing the gravity of her warning. Devouring the hell of the Japanese mythological world was a vital step in Hades' ascension.