One hundred thousand years of silence!
The Underworld needed time to recuperate. Hades required this period to gradually stabilize his divine power—both the ultimate power and everything else. The World Tree also needed steady improvement. Additionally, the entire Underworld was on the brink of further development; all these factors required time. Thus, the Underworld could not take any action.
It was not an exaggeration to say that the Underworld was currently in a stalemate. However, as long as these one hundred thousand years passed, the Underworld would soar like the sea and sky, with no one able to halt its prosperity.
Yet, Athena was indeed a danger. After some contemplation, Persephone and Yan Mo realized that since they could not act, someone else was naturally suited to intervene. And who could that person be? There was no need to elaborate.
"Master Hera!"
"Um?!"
Hera, dressed in a gorgeous long gown in her palace, frowned slightly. Seeing Eris's restrained dissatisfaction, Hera understood that Eris, her most loyal subordinate, had something important to report. Although Zeus had his own agendas, Eris remained unwavering in her loyalty, which Hera greatly appreciated.
Hera waved her hand, and the maids around them retreated. She then asked, "Eris, what is it?"
Eris cautiously lowered her head and replied, "Master Hera, the undead fighters I sent out have gradually located Metis. However, her position is quite special. With the undead fighters' help, we can't explore it further."
"Um?!"
A gleam appeared in Hera's eyes. For her, everything else was secondary, but Metis was a different story. Metis posed the greatest threat to Hera—calling it the greatest danger was no exaggeration.
Hera's expression remained indifferent as she asked, "Where is Metis now?"
Eris said softly, "Metis is hiding in the Temple of the Earth, where Gaia resides. We cannot enter it at all."
"Oh"
Hera contemplated. As a jealous woman, she placed great importance on her position as the queen of the gods. She had always sought to eliminate Metis, but even though Metis had been expelled, as long as she was alive, she remained a significant threat. Hera knew she needed a plan to deal with Metis, but she hadn't anticipated that Metis would be in the Earth Temple.
"It is indeed troublesome. If she's located in the Earth Temple, even His Majesty cannot enter it at will. This is a very secure location."
A sharp light flashed in her eyes as she considered her next steps. "Is there any other information you've gathered, Eris?"
"Yes!"
Eris nodded immediately and continued, "Master Hera, I've also learned that Metis's two children, Bell and Athena, have been born. Compared to Metis, these two are even more dangerous!"
"Snort!" Hera dismissed it with a scoff, saying indifferently, "They're just two brats..."
Eris insisted, "Master Hera, you must not underestimate them. The undead fighters have discovered that Bell is destined to be the fourth generation god king, and Athena is the Earth God King. While they still need to grow, remember, Gaia is behind them! If...."
Hera raised her hand to silence Eris. After a moment of silence, she asked, "Eris, have you told anyone else about this?"
Eris immediately shook her head. "Master Hera, I would never disclose this to anyone."
"Very good!"
Hera said coolly, "I will handle this matter myself. You don't need to follow up. It's enough for the undead fighters to track the movements of their brother and sister."
"Yes!"
As Hera left, Eris found a secluded spot, a smile curling at the corners of her mouth as she thought, "Empress of the Heavens! Queen of the Gods! You're just a puppet being played in this game. It's truly not worth mentioning!"
However, when Eris raised her head, she returned to calmness and resumed her tasks. Following Hera's orders, she diligently managed everything, adhering to her role as an undercover agent.
"Hera!"
Zeus sat upright in the temple, his tone indifferent. However, from the surroundings, it was clear what Zeus had been up to before. Hera knew that the title of Queen of Heaven belonged to her by right, and others were merely concubines who had her tacit approval. They would naturally follow her orders.
To advance further? That was simply impossible.
Hera stepped into the palace and said respectfully, "Your Majesty! Eris has just sent a message..."
As Hera spoke, Zeus's eyes glinted with greed at the mention of Eris, but he quickly composed himself.
Zeus understood that he could not betray Hera; his concubines were gradually falling under her influence. All his children, the main gods supporting him, had come from these concubines, effectively placing them under Hera's control.
With the situation concerning Metis already complicated, Zeus realized that he could not afford another problem. If things continued like this, would a second crisis arise? No one knew. What was certain was that trouble lay ahead.
Zeus narrowed his eyes slightly, and the flickering lightning that surrounded him indicated that his thoughts were anything but simple.
"Gaia!!!"
With a fierce killing intent in his eyes, Zeus felt a burning desire to crush the Earth Goddess, who had caused him so much trouble in the past. He had never needed to worry about her before, but now? Not only did she not acknowledge him as the God King, but she had also accepted Metis. That was utterly unacceptable to Zeus.
Yet, he restrained his aura, gradually regaining his composure. Bell! Athena! Humph! Very well, since you've been born, let me shatter this so-called prophecy...