In the Underworld, beyond the fact that Hermes' divine power was suppressed by 90%, he felt an overwhelming force completely suppressing him, leaving him with no strength to resist.
This sensation was profoundly hopeless.
It wasn't just the Underworld; Olympus and Atlantis also had their own barriers and seals. After all, this was their territory. If even one outsider were to cause chaos, it would not only inflict damage but also be a matter of pride. To have someone disrupt his domain was simply unacceptable for beings of such stature as Hades, Poseidon, and Zeus.
The sheer magnitude of the gap in power was something Hermes could scarcely articulate. The difference between realms felt insurmountable. The pressure he experienced in the Underworld was distinct from that in other places—it was a chasm between heaven and earth.
There was no denying it; this absolute gap was truly terrifying.
"Yellow Spring entrance..." Hermes mused quietly, his mind deep in thought. He sensed a terrifying divine power emanating from Yellow Spring Biliangsaka, yet it was not a power belonging to any of the gods of this realm.
In fact, Hermes had never encountered anything like it; it felt as though this divine energy originated from other great worlds. "So it seems," he reflected, "these are not gods of this world at all, but beings from other realms. I never imagined that Hades had crossed over into such territories."
Sighing, Hermes recognized that if he weren't bound to Zeus, he might have acted differently. However, as an envoy of the gods, betrayal was not an option. Should Zeus fall, Hermes would surely meet the same fate. Just like Kushi Inada Hime, who was similarly tied to Hades, he understood that while others might betray, certain envoys and blessings could never waver.
Hermes set aside these tumultuous thoughts, deciding it was best not to dwell on them. He needed to maintain his composure as he followed the Bull-Headed and Horse-Faced figures deeper into the Underworld.
Along the way, Hermes encountered numerous Underworld deities, feeling the weight of their terrifying power. The Titan Main Gods were everywhere, especially the seventy-two pillars of demon gods, who were openly studying their own affairs.
With Hermes' arrival, a presence akin to a god king surged forth, alarming him.
To be honest, the Underworld displayed no signs of concealment due to his presence. Even the eucalyptus trees grew openly. What was there to fear? It felt absurd; if one feared such power in the Underworld, they might as well give up altogether. Hades would not behave in such a manner.
Soon enough, guided by the Bull-Headed and Horse-Faced, Hermes arrived at a castle deep within the Underworld. This was not the apex, nor the Pure Land of Bliss. Hermes knew he was not worthy to meet Hades or Persephone.
"Greetings, Concubine Ming!" Hermes knelt respectfully before Yan Mo, who lounged on a cloud bed with a cigarette in hand. He felt the overwhelming divine power radiating from her.
A god king!
In Olympus or Atlantis, only Zeus and Poseidon stood as the strongest god kings. But Yan Mo, as the consort of the Underworld, wielded the power of a god king herself. The implications of this were immense, instilling endless fear and respect.
"Huh" A wisp of green smoke curled from her lips as Yan Mo spoke, "Hermes, what brings you here?"
Hermes replied respectfully, "Your Majesty, I seek your assistance in defeating Typhon."
"Hehehe" Yan Mo chuckled lightly. "Then tell me, Hermes, what price is Zeus willing to pay?"
"Um..." Hermes lowered his head, struggling to find words.
Truth be told, Zeus had not specified any terms.
He was growing increasingly unhinged. Though he had lost to Typhon, he didn't see it as a significant defeat. Losing to Gaia's final Titan was inconsequential; it was merely a momentary setback.
This was why Zeus was acting erratically, driven by madness and arrogance, refusing to back down.
So, Hermes bowed his head submissively, unsure of what to say, as Zeus had provided no guidance.
"Huh" Yan Mo exhaled another wisp of green smoke and remarked, "As I suspected, since Zeus is not sincere, everything is pointless!"
"Yes!" Hermes replied, bowing respectfully. "Then I shall take my leave."
"Very well," Yan Mo waved her hand dismissively. "This matter concludes here. If you wish for His Majesty to act, Zeus must extend the invitation personally. Otherwise, Hermes, if you return in this manner again, you need not expect to leave."
"Understood!"
Hermes departed under the guidance of the Bull-Headed and Horse-Faced figures. He was respectful and knew when to advance or retreat. Hermes understood that success was not guaranteed, and failure would not bear consequences worth lamenting.
To act arrogantly in the Underworld would be foolish, leading to dire consequences.
Thus, Hermes left obediently.