A warm and majestic power surged from the depths of the earth, slowly permeating Hades' body.
It was not a crude fostering, but like spring rain nurturing seedlings, gently nourishing his desiccated wellspring of divine power, repairing the subtle fissures that imprisonment and escape had left upon his divinity.
"But you need a plausible identity, a guise to evade the eyes and ears of Cronus," Gaia said.
"[Subterranean Wealth] would easily arouse Cronus's suspicion, and your [Secrecy] still needs to grow. I will give you a gift, and also a cover..."
In an instant, Hades felt, within the very core of his divinity, beside [Subterranean Wealth] and [Secrecy], a verdant new divine spark suddenly blossom into being.
It was the perception of the growth, flourishing, and withering of all plants upon the earth—an aspect of the power of flora. It was like a protective coloration, perfectly cloaking his otherwise too-unusual aura.
"From this day forth, in the eyes of the outer world, you are no longer Hades, the 'god of subterranean wealth.' You are a 'god of plants' brought forth by me, Gaia, alone—Orphos."
Gaia's voice was indisputably majestic, as if declaring to the entire world:
"You were born in the sacred land of Delphi, under my protection, and you are responsible for the growth and secret propagation of all plants on the earth. Your power comes from me, and your existence is seen by me. Cronus has no right to doubt a child of my own!"
With this declaration, an invisible ripple, originating from the world's very foundations, spread outwards from Delphi, altering the laws of perception in the relevant domains.
In the perception of all gods, a plant god named 'Orphos', conceived solely by the Earth Mother Gaia, was officially born.
Hades—no, now Orphos—felt the vibrant, life-filled power of plants coursing through his body like a well-fitted cloak, tightly swathing his true essence. He understood that this was the sturdiest armor the Mother Gaia had vested upon him.
Hades, who had originally possessed meager divine power, now effortlessly became a medium of divine power through the plant divinity.
After Gaia's declaration spread across the world like an invisible ripple, Hades, now Orphos the plant god, bowed deeply, expressing gratitude to the Earth Mother Goddess for her protection and disguise.
However, he knew that in the world of gods, mere patron-client relationships were not strong; only intertwined interests and shared goals could forge the strongest alliance.
He rose, feeling the vibrant power emanating from the verdant plant divinity within him.
This power was gentle and vigorous, utterly different from the original [Subterranean Wealth] and the depth of [Secrecy], yet it also sprang from the earth and was a direct embodiment of Gaia's authority.
Hades raised his eyes to the blonde figure embodying Gaia's will, his gaze clear and resolute. He needed to repay this kindness and solidify his position within Gaia's camp.
"Great Earth Mother," came the voice of Orphos (Hades), carrying the gentle yet firm rhythm of plant growth, "you have given me a new life, granted me refuge to survive in this cruel world. Your bounty is like the sun and rain that nourish all things. As a god who governs the growth of plants, I wish to use this power to declare to the world that I will repay your kindness."
Gaia's avatar showed interest in her eyes, and she nodded slightly, signaling for him to continue.
Orphos spread his hands, and the verdant divine power coalesced in his palms, manifesting the process of seeds germinating, tender seedlings breaking through the soil, branches and leaves stretching, flowers blooming—a vibrant scene, refreshing to behold.
However, his interpretation did not cease there. One noticed that the blooming flowers gradually lost their luster, the full fruits began to wither, and the emerald-green leaves turned yellow with decay, finally falling from the branches back to the earth.
"Plants must begin from seeds, and blossom to bear fruit. Finally, a new seed is born," Orphos's voice became low and philosophical.
"In the name of the plant god, the flowers and fruits that fall to the earth will sooner or later decompose, and only the seeds will gain new life. Plants absorb the earth's nutrients to grow, and then they rot and decompose, returning to dust, nourishing the earth with their remains, and giving new vitality."
With his words and the demonstration of divine power, a wave of mysterious laws began to converge around him.
This was not his initiative to petition for them, but his declaration, his definition of the life cycle of plants, aligning with the developmental laws of the world.
The withered leaves, the rotting fruits, the decomposing rhizomes... They returned to the earth and turned into nourishment—a process that was itself a solemn and silent ritual, a key stage in the circulation of matter and energy.
Buzz...
A faint tremor, as if from the depths of the world's very rules. A new, dim, yet strangely bright fragment of divinity condensed from the void and slowly descended into Hades' divine spark.
This fragment was closely connected to the [Plant] divinity, yet existed independently; it symbolized the power of withering, decomposition, return, and transformation—[Decay]. The [Plant] divinity also revealed several other facets, finally yielding [Seed], [Fruit], and [Flourishing] divine aspects.
Gaia stared at this scene, surprise flickering in her golden eyes, which then transformed into a deeper appraisal and understanding. She felt that with the birth of the [Decay] divinity, the power of the earth was not only absorbed but also returned by countless plants.
For Gaia, who had been generating and absorbing energy since the time of Uranus, Orphos had given her a gift that made her exceedingly pleased.
"Excellent, Orphos." Gaia's voice was filled with genuine satisfaction. "No, perhaps I should say, Hades. Your wisdom and insight have surpassed my expectations. [Decay]... My children have always sought it, and you have done far better than them. I have received this 'feedback' from you, and it has drawn us closer."
She sensed that with this move, Hades had not only expressed gratitude but also demonstrated his unique value—he could see and comprehend the powerful, originating law behind seemingly negative phenomena. Such an ally was far more valuable than one merely seeking shelter.
"With the power of [Decay], the disguise of the 'Plant God' will become perfect." Gaia continued. "Grasses and trees are one whole. Now you can safely accumulate strength under my protection, in the name of Orphos. Cronus's gaze will be completely misled by this flawless camouflage."
Hades (Orphos) bowed once more to Gaia:
"As you will, great Earth Mother. I shall fulfill my duties as the god of plants and decay, in the name of Orphos, and wait for the threads of fate to continue to weave."
"It is time to take a new name, my child." Gaia seemed to be in excellent spirits.
"Yes, my great mother." Hades (Orphos) accepted this.