Pluto's Chariot.
Sea Emperor's Chariot.
Both vehicles came to a halt atop the Holy Mountain of Olympus. Neither Hades nor Poseidon cared about the opinions of others; for them, this was a moment to confront Zeus.
"Hades."
"Poseidon."
The two god kings stepped from their chariots and exchanged calm glances. Poseidon studied Hades for a moment before speaking. "You've traveled a long way. Your speed is unmatched."
Hades responded with equal composure, "You've also come far, charting a different path with steady determination."
In silence, they acknowledged the unspoken thoughts between them. Hades had surged ahead, almost leaving Poseidon feeling helpless, despite his own rapid progress. Poseidon knew that if he fought Hades now, he would surely lose—and if he lost to Hades, what would that mean for his conflict with Zeus? It felt pointless.
Hades admired Poseidon's journey too. Despite the dark path of the Evil Gods he had taken, Poseidon remained resolute, a stark contrast to those who had succumbed to corruption.
At that moment, a familiar voice interrupted their thoughts.
"Master Pluto! Lord Sea Emperor!"
It was Artemis, the elegant and untamed goddess of the moon and hunting. She bowed slightly, showing respect to the two god kings. In the original myths, such deference would have been unthinkable, but now, feeling the overwhelming power of Hades and Poseidon, Artemis lowered her head.
"Moon goddess of hunting, a good child indeed," Poseidon remarked casually, his gaze shifting away. Hades, indifferent, paid Artemis no mind; the dynamics among the gods had evolved. Besides Zeus, who often expressed himself impulsively, their relationships were rooted in deeper connections.
As Persephone and Yan Mo descended from Pluto's chariot, Artemis hesitated, considering her sister's status. "See you, Lord Empress!"
"And..." Yan Mo interjected with a smile, "I am but a concubine of the husband."
Artemis, recognizing Yan Mo's identity, offered a respectful bow. Despite her lack of understanding of Yan Mo's power, Poseidon sensed it clearly. Yan Mo was not weaker than him; she stood as another god king in the underworld.
"Poseidon."
A new voice emerged, revealing a stunning figure with sea-blue hair—Amphitrite, Poseidon's wife and the Empress of the Sea.
"Amphitrite." Poseidon's gentle smile was rare, reserved for her.
Artemis felt a shiver and bowed again, leading the group toward the enormous temple at the center of Olympus, where the god-king banquet would commence.
"Hahaha" Zeus chuckled as he caught sight of Hades, Poseidon, and the others entering the temple. His expression faltered, realizing Yan Mo's immense power. He couldn't comprehend the strengths of Persephone and Amphitrite, feeling a mix of confidence and insecurity.
"Hades! Poseidon! Long time no see!" Zeus called out, a grin plastered on his face.
"Um."
The two god kings nodded, taking their seats. A fierce look flashed in Zeus's eyes before he regained his composure, settling into the proceedings as other gods began to arrive.
Persephone, Yan Mo, and the twin gods followed Hades, while Poseidon was accompanied by Amphitrite, Nereus, and Tethys. Meanwhile, Zeus was flanked by a host of lesser gods.
As the banquet continued, an unusual atmosphere began to permeate the gathering. The gods sensed something was off, though they couldn't pinpoint the source. It was Yan Mo—her power mirrored Hades', yet there was a different energy surrounding her, a potent force reminiscent of a divine king.
Suddenly, a voice rang out, echoing through the temple.
"Hades, the new Pluto! Poseidon, the new Sea Emperor! Zeus, the new Emperor of Heaven!"
This proclamation came from Gaia, though she was not present. The three god kings were already recognized for their positions; the authority and status they held were undeniable.
However, in this grand cosmos, Gaia's status as the mother of all things held weight. Like a feudal king needing the emperor's blessing, the legitimacy of their positions was called into question. Gaia could grant recognition but could not revoke it, leaving an unspoken gap—an acknowledgment that Zeus was not truly recognized as the god-king by Gaia.
The end of this volume!