In a surge of power, Hades returned to the underworld. Queen Persephone and Concubine Ming rushed to greet him, aware that he had long awaited this moment. With the entirety of Gaotianyuan now under his dominion, Hades stood on the brink of a critical phase—condensing the power of faith to ascend to the rank of an absolute god.
This ascent was not merely about power; it was about becoming an existence comparable to Gaia in the grand scheme of the cosmos. Hades's true ambition extended beyond that; he aimed for transcendence itself.
Under the eager gaze of Queen Persephone and Concubine Ming, Hades raised a hand, summoning the essence of the three artifacts of faith from Gaotianyuan into his meditative state, ready to begin the process of condensation.
Noticing Queen Persephone's hesitance, Hades prompted gently, "If you have concerns, speak freely."
With a nod, she gathered her thoughts. "Husband, I fear... Gaia's sudden birthing of Typhon and the release of other god-kings may not be purely coincidental."
Her suspicions, long-held, spilled forth as she saw Hades on the cusp of greatness.
Hades considered her words, his expression steady. "I have anticipated this development."
As he grew closer to the absolute god, Hades understood the constraints that bound the so-called gods. They were trapped in an endless cycle of fate, unable to break free from the Chaos Sea. Even those who claimed to be absolute gods were mere spectators, watching worlds rise and fall, generations of rulers come and go.
While Gaia might revel in this cycle, Hades was indifferent. His focus lay beyond the Chaos Sea—to transcend it entirely.
And then there was Typhon, the last Titan, birthed at the intersection of life and death, blessed by the ancient god Tartarus. Typhon would wield immense power over earth and abyss, life and death. However, Hades predicted Typhon's true purpose: a mere tool forged by Gaia, not the conqueror Typhon believed himself to be.
Suddenly, a pulse of chaotic energy surged from the World Tree, signaling a shift that could reshape the world.
"Typhon will soon unleash the final battle of the god-kings," Hades declared. "Secure the gates of the underworld! Any intruders will be dealt with swiftly. When the time comes, I will reveal myself."
With that proclamation, Hades vanished, his essence merging with the underworld, resonating with the World Tree that cradled the origins of chaos. The process of condensing the power of faith commenced.
Divine energy swirled throughout the underworld, a titanic wave of faith flowing from Gaotianyuan, manifesting as an ocean of belief. This immense reservoir of faith, built over generations through the three artifacts, began to form a sea of power.
As the waves crashed within this ocean, countless spirits joined in resonance—one hundred and eight star fighters, seventy-two demon gods, and the Kings of Ten Hells—all synchronizing with the powerful currents of faith. Each soul crystal vibrated, producing a harmonious hum as they united in the formation of this sacred ocean.
From the depths of the world, chaos brewed.
Deep in the abyss, Typhon prepared for the coming battle of the god-kings, sensing the ominous tremors from the underworld. "Here we go! Hades... are you arrogant or foolish to appear before the final confrontation?"
"Retreating to seek a breakthrough? Ha! The longer you stay, the more delicious your demise will be!"
As his army of monsters began to stir, Typhon's will permeated the cracks of the abyss, igniting a frenzy of power.
Monstrous entities surged forth—Hydra, Cerberus, the hundred-headed dragon Radon—all commanded to attack. The echoes of their emergence shook Olympus and the endless sea.
Olympus, once vibrant, darkened as Zeus felt the swell of fury and joy. "Typhon! You are sealing your own fate!"
Zeus, still reeling from past defeats, found unexpected opportunity in Typhon's reckless aggression. Now was the time to retaliate against the Titan and take down Hades and Poseidon alongside him.
"By the end of this war of god kings, victory will be mine!"