After that enlightening first conversation with Metis, Hades (Orphos) did not rush to reconnect.
He knew that for a goddess of superior wisdom like Metis, excessive eagerness would appear suspicious or overly utilitarian.
He continued to perform his duties as the 'Plant God', purifying the earth's scars, and secretly deepening his mastery over new abilities such as [Forging] and [Knowledge].
However, he did not forget the goddess of wisdom.
Sometimes, when he was puzzled by the laws of certain natural phenomena, or when the [Summary] divinity was sorting out new insights into the transformation of matter, he would use an extremely secretive method—utilizing the subtle world-wide network of water currents to transmit a message of divine power with questions or thoughts, like a stone of wisdom cast into the water, towards the realm where Metis might dwell.
These messages were pure, an inquiry into the nature of the world. For example, about the resonant frequencies of different metals during high-temperature refining, about the extreme value of energy conversion efficiency in the process of plant decay, or even his hypothesis, based on memories from a past life that diverged from this one—whether matter is composed of smaller, indivisible 'basics'?
He did not always expect an answer; it was more of an exchange of ideas, a kind of respect for a wise colleague.
To his relief, Metis replied.
Her responses were also mysterious and subtle. Sometimes it was a stream of ideas transmitted through the earth's veins, containing complex hydrological data and deductive models;
Sometimes, when Hades looked at a pure spring, a responsive pattern composed of water ripples would naturally appear on the surface;
Sometimes she even appeared directly near his testing ground, bringing new questions or confirming his previous conjectures.
The location of their meetings gradually shifted from the shores of the open lava lake to a more secluded valley, a deeper cave entrance, or some hidden independent space. These exchanges always revolved around knowledge and wisdom, and gradually Hades befriended Morpheus (a slight typo in the original, but contextually Metis), with whom he could discuss anything.
Hades valued Metis's oceanic wisdom and her ability to explore the unknown without being bound by tradition.
Metis, in turn, was attracted by Hades's latent creativity, hidden beneath his calm exterior, as hot as the lava in the earth's depths, and his systematic, constructive way of thinking. He didn't just ask questions; he built systems—unique among the gods she had ever seen.
After another deep exchange of wisdom, the anxiety caused by Koios's inspection resurfaced in Hades's heart.
Despite possessing the power of [Secrecy] and new [Mighty Divine Power], he knew that no caution was excessive before the prying eyes of the ancient God-King and his entire Titan system.
He needed a stronger, more absolute 'disguise', one that could not only change his appearance but also deceive the perception of the God-King himself.
He shared this idea with Metis, and the goddess of wisdom immediately showed great interest.
"An artifact that can perfectly conceal one's identity and even deceive the God-King..." Metis's eyes flashed with deductive light.
"This is not simple, but if we combine your [Secrecy], [Forging], and my [Wisdom], along with our understanding of matter, form, and the nature of being, perhaps... we can try."
"We need the best materials," Hades said in a deep voice. "Ordinary metals and gems cannot carry such powerful conceptual laws." The god of [Subterranean Wealth] could not be disclosed to Metis, but his need was clear.
"Perhaps we can seek help from our mothers," Hades suggested, referring to Gaia.
As the Earth herself, Gaia possessed the most ancient and necessary substances in the world.
Hades made a supplication to Gaia through the ley lines.
Unexpectedly, Gaia's response was swift and generous. Perhaps out of gratitude for Hades's ability to return [Lava] to nourish the earth, or because she was optimistic about the marvels he and Metis might create, a gentle and majestic will descended, followed by a small clump of earth radiating indescribable thickness and life force.
This was not ordinary soil, but fragments of the [Earth's Embryonic Membrane], one of the primordial substances that constituted the foundation of the world and gave birth to all things, containing infinite plasticity and inclusiveness, enough to become the basis of the artifact.
"Thank you for the gift, Great Mother/Earth Mother," Hades and Metis paid tribute simultaneously.
With the core material, the forging officially began. They chose Hades's most hidden lava lake, shrouded in multiple layers of [Secrecy] power, as their workshop.
Hades was responsible for guiding the Forging. He induced the fiery heat of [Lava], not as violent ignition, but as a controlled [High Temperature], like a slowly smoldering fire, carefully softening and activating the activity of the law contained within the [Earth's Embryonic Membrane]. He secretly applied the power of [Subterranean Wealth] to analyze the material's internal structure and achieve the most suitable state for a divine power vessel.
Metis contributed her [Wisdom]. She used her divine power to create countless flowing runes, which were not fixed forms but constantly changing and deducing, reflecting the true meaning of the laws of 'change', 'deception', and 'cognitive distortion'.
She wove these wisdom runes into the gradually softening membrane layer by layer, like weaving silk.
"Form comes from cognition; existence is based on perception," Metis chanted, her divine power guiding the runes to connect with the membrane, defining the artifact's core ability—'not to be perceived by any form of scrutiny'.
Hades also infused his own [Secrecy] power, deepening and strengthening this concept, making it an inseparable essence of the artifact.
The powers of [Decay] and [Purification] were skillfully used to eliminate any legal exceptions or flaws that might arise during the forging process, ensuring the artifact's purity and stability.
This process was extremely mentally and energetically demanding. The two gods were absorbed, their divine power, will, and wisdom deeply united in the forging, as if performing a divine concerto.
When the final process was completed, the glow of the forge suddenly dimmed. Three spheres of substance, like liquid glass but emitting a warm earthy luster, hung in the air.
They had no fixed form, but constantly flowed slightly, as if they possessed life.
The artifact was complete!
Hades reached out and took one of them. His mind moved slightly, and the mass quickly covered his palm and spread throughout his body. The next moment, his image changed from a quiet young man with black hair to an old man with white hair and a wooden staff, and even the fluctuation of his divine power attributes became as faint and natural as that of an ordinary mountain spirit.
He looked at Metis; a hint of surprise also flickered in her eyes. In her perception, the 'Hades' before her had completely disappeared, leaving only a true, unfamiliar old man.
Metis also applied the artifact to herself. She instantly transformed from a wise goddess into a playful-looking water nymph, with a similar breath and charm.
"Incredible!" Metis exclaimed. "This is not a simple illusion, but essentially temporarily 'overwrites' our 'definition' in the world's laws, allowing us to 'define' our appearance and aura within a certain limit. Unless a being with great divine power deliberately peers into the deepest layer, it is nearly impossible to see through."
Hades also nodded with satisfaction. He raised his hand, and the artifact transformed again into a ring, appearing on his finger.
"This thing originates from the Earth's embryonic membrane, and its core lies in 'disguise' and 'perfect concealment', like covering the earth with a layer of imperceptible new makeup," Hades mused.
"Let us name it 'Gaia's Foundation'."
Metis smiled and agreed: "A very fitting name."
As agreed, they respectfully returned one of the three copies of the 'Gaia Foundation' to Gaia through the ley lines. This artifact was also very valuable to Gaia, who needed to observe the world and sometimes conceal her own whereabouts.
Gaia's will rippled with pleasure, an acknowledgment of this gift.
Holding the 'Gaia Foundation' in his hand, Hades's anxiety eased somewhat. This artifact would become a key asset in his future operations. The trust and unspoken understanding he and Metis had established in this collaboration were even more valuable assets than the artifact itself.