Since his birth, Hades had never endured such humiliation.
But the crux was that, right now, he didn't even have the right to feel angry.
Because the one stepping on him was none other than the being every mythic faction viewed as a scourge.
No matter how noble the God of the Bible appears in scripture—or as humanity's savior—for other pantheons, the God of the Bible is more demonic than demons.
When Christianity expanded back then, numerous pantheons suffered disaster.
Yet afterward, not a single pantheon dared seek trouble with Christianity.
And now, as long as the God of the Bible stands there, it is a colossal deterrent.
Were it anyone else, Hades would fight to the death to defend the dignity of a Death God, but the brief clash just now had thoroughly shown him the gap between them.
Victory was impossible.
No wonder the God of the Bible firmly held first place on that world top-ten ranking.
Even after death, when the Destroyer Shiva took over first place, he was still described as having an insurmountable gap from the former number one, making him the most unconvincing strongest in history.
Of course, while not resisting, Hades still hurled a few threats.
"God of the Bible, this is the Underworld—dare you invade it? Aren't you afraid of universal scorn?!"
He couldn't even use his status in the Greek Pantheon to pressure the other party; Hades knew that, let alone himself, even if Zeus came along, in the eyes of the God of the Bible he'd still be labeled a heretic.
"Would they dare?"
Rosen replied casually.
Those words instantly choked Hades.
Indeed.
Even if the God of the Bible did such a thing, would the other gods truly dare mock him?
At most they'd condemn him behind his back.
Or perhaps not even that.
After all, during Christianity's expansion, any pantheon that spoke a bit too loudly was branded heretical.
Hades was stunned for a while before responding.
"God of the Bible, what do you want? Are you planning to expand your territory again?"
"An interesting guess—but wrong."
Rosen chuckled.
"You should know very well why I've come."
"I… I don't know…"
Hades immediately thought of Dragon Eater Samael.
But just as he denied it, a Light Spear pierced his sternum.
Because his true form was only a skeleton, no blood flowed, yet the wound made by the Light Spear continuously drained his Divine Power and life force.
Hades, tough to the end, didn't let out a sound.
"Lie again, and next time it won't hit here."
"…"
"I can overlook your part in Samael's affair, but only if you do something for me."
"What… what thing?"
Though he was an important Death God, Hades didn't believe the God of the Bible wouldn't dare kill him.
During the Age of Gods, the gods slain by Christianity numbered more than you could count on one hand.
"I know Li Zevim built an artificial-devil research institute in the deepest part of Hell. Judging by your reaction, he's not here right now, but you must have a way to reach him—have him come. I'll release you."
With that, Rosen released his suppression of Hades.
That was his plan.
In the deepest pit of Hell, the artificial-devil lab held something Li Zevim valued.
Including the Beast of Revelation, artificial devils were one of the few things that truly interested him.
Moreover, Li Zevim and Hades were partners.
As long as Hades cooperated, Li Zevim would definitely make the trip.
Hades rose, his six arts and wondrous qi swirling around him in silence.
The plan had collapsed before it even began, but life mattered more than ideals.
As for Li Zevim—Hades had long found him insufferable!
With that thought, Hades nodded to Rosen. "Understood. But Li Zevim is cautious; if he refuses to come, there's nothing I can do."
"That's your problem, not mine."
"…"
Hades said nothing, yet quietly activated a communication array to contact Li Zevim.
Rosen faded from sight.
If Li Zevim sensed his presence and grew wary, everything would be for naught.
According to the original plot, events had only just reached Kokabiel's arc.
Li Zevim's official appearance was still several volumes away, even in the novels.
And it wasn't just Li Zevim—many still had no idea the Trouble Group even existed.
Therefore, Li Zevim had little reason to fear exposure.
Not long after.
A middle-aged man in ornate robes, silver hair cascading down, appeared before Hades as a half-corporeal projection.
His expression was flippant, a small goatee on his chin and a devil-may-care smile on his lips.
"Oh~? The ever-busy Lord of the Dead actually took the initiative to call me?"
Li Zevim's face twisted into exaggerated surprise.
"Li Zevim, I've no time for banter. Lilith has malfunctioned; progress on the artificial devils has stalled."
Hades kept his usual tone, making no covert moves in the conversation.
After all, only a fool would choose to offend Li Zevim over the God of the Bible.
Besides, his relationship with Li Zevim was merely one of cooperation.
And teammates, well—were made to be sold out.
"Ehh? My mommy's in trouble? That's huge—otherwise all our work goes to waste!"
Unaware that Hades was lying, Li Zevim put on an extravagantly shocked face.
Hearing Li Zevim call that lump of flesh his mother, Rosen found it hard to keep a straight face.
What a filial son—experimenting on mom without a shred of guilt.
"Do as you like."
Hades snorted and cut the connection.