Elysium
"Hehehe~~~"
Hestia chuckled softly, her expression radiant. "It seems like everyone is starting to take action. But what exactly are Baal and Aether up to?"
Though Hestia was aware of the frenzy brewing within the Underworld, it had become undeniable.
At first, when Hypnos began his endeavors, the changes weren't too noticeable. But now, with the ascension of the Four Demon Gods, the Underworld had fully entered a competitive spiral.
"Baal and Aether's plans..."
Hades fell into a deep contemplative silence.
To be honest, Hades hadn't expected Baal and Aether to conceive such ideas. If they truly succeeded, the impact on the Underworld would be monumental.
Of course, that hinged on their success. This was an untested path, and no god could predict whether it would work.
"My husband?"
"Brother?"
Persephone and Hestia, observing Hades lost in thought, were momentarily puzzled. Was this matter truly so significant?
"Indeed."
Hades broke his silence, his tone calm. "If Baal and Aether succeed, the resulting enhancements to the Underworld will be immense."
"However, whether they succeed or not is an unknown."
"Oh?!"
Both Persephone and Hestia were stunned by his words.
After a moment, Persephone composed herself and asked seriously, "Husband, if that's the case, shouldn't we intervene?"
"No need," Hades replied evenly, shaking his head. "This is Baal and Aether's undertaking. Let them handle it themselves. Any outside interference would be meaningless."
The discoverers of new paths were the ones best suited to explore them. Whether they succeeded or not, it would be their responsibility. Hades saw no need to intervene unless it was absolutely necessary.
"Let's wait quietly," he concluded.
Hades then gazed into the distance, his eyes seemingly piercing through the Underworld and into the vast Mythic World beyond.
The Heroic Era Ends
In the Mythic World of the Greek Pantheon, the Heroic Era had officially drawn to a close.
---
Prometheus walked across the desolate landscape, his footsteps echoing softly against the ruins of once-thriving human cities now littered with corpses.
"Sigh..."
Prometheus sighed deeply. "Humans... It's truly impossible to describe them in words."
"They had so much potential, and yet..."
Shaking his head, he continued onward, unwilling to dwell on it any further.
The Heroic Era had ended in chaos and darkness of humanity's own making. No words or actions could alter that reality.
Prometheus understood that this was an inevitable aspect of humanity's development. If humans could have restrained themselves, they wouldn't be called humans.
"Now then," he muttered, "it's time to begin again."
Prometheus immersed himself in his work, as there was much to be done—tasks only he could undertake.
"Poseidon, Polos, Lady Athena… What will your actions be?"
Though curious about their plans, Prometheus knew better than to dwell on matters beyond his control. He had his limits, and he understood them well.
For most gods, achieving a breakthrough was nearly impossible. Thus, many chose to follow stronger deities in hopes of advancing alongside them.
Poseidon had gathered sea gods like Nereus to his side. Prometheus, who initially sided with Zeus, later chose to align with Athena.
As for Erebus and Nyx?
They were anomalies, taking a massive gamble by putting all their faith in Hades. Their trust in Hades' potential had paid off. Now, they lived comfortably within the Underworld, free from the constraints of the Mythic World.
---
The Saint's Sanctuary
Athena stood within the Sanctuary's temple, her gaze profound. Her flawless face carried an air of seriousness, betraying no hint of relaxation.
"The time has finally come."
"The Heroic Era has officially ended."
"This is an opportunity. Perhaps the only opportunity."
"If I fail..."
She fell silent. Athena knew she wouldn't die—her unique position as the protector of the earthly realm ensured her survival.
However, there was a far worse fate than death.
If she failed, she would become nothing more than a puppet, a hollow overseer controlled by humanity's whims.
This was a fate Athena could never accept.
"Poseidon, Polos... What are your choices? What actions will you take?"
Though uncertain about their plans, Athena knew one thing—she had no room for hesitation. She had to seize this chance, even if it meant risking everything.
---
The Sea Realm
Poseidon rose from his throne, his expression unreadable as he prepared for what lay ahead.
A manic voice echoed through the chamber, filled with curses and deranged laughter.
"Poseidon! Poseidon! You damned fool! You'll never succeed!"
A shadowy figure, bound tightly in chains, emerged. It resembled a twisted, grotesque god, thrashing violently but unable to move.
Despite its struggles, it was clear that Poseidon had drained its power over countless eons, leaving it utterly helpless.
"Your fate is sealed, and so is mine."
Poseidon's tone was calm, his words deliberate. "You understand this better than anyone, don't you, old god?"
"Your strength is a relic of a forgotten age, and it's time to see what it's truly worth. As for the future, we'll deal with it when it comes."
Poseidon's gaze was unwavering, his resolve evident. He knew that success was uncertain, and failure was an ever-present possibility.
But Poseidon had no choice but to act.
Unlike Athena, who would survive as a puppet if she failed, Poseidon faced annihilation. The Mythic World had already sealed the Sea Realm, and if Poseidon failed, his destruction would be certain.
The gods of the Mythic World had reached the end of their era, and a new age—humanity's era—was dawning.
Poseidon, Athena, and Polos were each making their moves, their paths set. Success or failure would be determined in the coming moments.
---
A Turning Point in History
With the Heroic Era over, the Mythic World entered its final upheaval. The decisions and actions of the gods during this time would shape the future.
For Poseidon, Athena, and Polos, this was their one and only chance to break free from the constraints of their fates.
Victory or defeat would soon become clear.
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