In the depths of the ocean, it was quiet and timeless, as if isolated from the chaos of the outside world.
Hades (Orphos), accompanied by Metis, witnessed many magnificent wonders and unique laws of water.
They wandered through a luminous forest of jellyfish, where each jellyfish seemed like a living rune, its rhythm resonating with the ancient pulse of the deep ocean currents;
They visited an abyssal trench where ancient sea beasts slumbered, sensing a primordial, savage atmosphere that had existed since the beginning of the world;
They also sat quietly by deep-sea springs, exchanging understandings of the world's origin. Hades's innovative views on the composition of matter and energy transformation often made Metis's eyes sparkle, while Metis's exposition on the 'flexible' and 'permeable' nature of water gave Hades new inspiration for the powers of [Secrecy] and [Purification].
Hades sensed something while observing a vast deep-sea vortex—the central hub for the purification and circulation of water quality throughout the entire ocean, directly governed by Oceanus's divine power.
He noticed that when the vortex processed various impurities and decompositions, it did not simply disperse them, but decomposed and transformed them in an extremely complex manner, ultimately turning them into energy that nourished the tiniest aquatic creatures.
This coincided with some principles of his [Decay] and [Purification] abilities, but on a larger scale, and its efficiency was also extremely impressive due to the sheer size of the ocean itself.
He stood silently at the edge of the vortex, his [Knowledge] and [Summary] divinities operating at full capacity, analyzing and recording the trajectory of laws contained within this great force of nature.
Metis quietly remained by his side, not disturbing his contemplation, but silently summoning currents to shield him from the most violent energy turbulence.
A few days later, when Hades felt he had gained a deeper understanding of the water 'purification cycle' and was about to bid farewell to Oceanus, the ancient ocean god took the initiative to summon him.
Still in the temple built from currents, Oceanus's gaze was slightly less scrutinizing than at their first meeting, and slightly deeper.
"Metis has chosen you, Orphos," Oceanus stated directly, his voice like the roar of submarine mountains. "I cannot know you well in just a few days, but I trust the vision of my wisest daughter."
Hades felt a slight chill, understanding that the following conversation would be crucial. He maintained a respectful posture and awaited what came next.
Oceanus slowly rose from his current-woven throne, his majestic figure seeming to make all the currents in the temple tremble.
"Cronus's rule has long deviated from its original oath. He devours his own heirs, suspects his brothers, and endlessly demands power from the world, yet knows not how to give anything back. The ocean may seem vast, but it too feels the suffocation caused by greed."
In his voice was an ancient weariness and a faint hint of accumulated anger.
"I stood by his side to overthrow the tyranny of Uranus, not to witness the birth of a new form of tyranny."
Hades listened quietly and did not interrupt. This was the first time Oceanus had clearly expressed his dissatisfaction with Cronus, and its significance was not trivial.
"You, Orphos... or rather, Hades."
When the name escaped Oceanus's lips, the water in the temple seemed to freeze for an instant, and even Metis's eyes widened in surprise—apparently, she had not revealed this secret to her father.
Oceanus's abyssal eyes seemed to see through all disguises, looking directly at Hades's essence.
"Your escape from Cronus's belly is the first variable of fate. You have grown under the protection of the Earth Mother and possess power that even I must take seriously. Now Nyx also watches you..." Oceanus's words were like hammers striking Hades's heart.
"Your very existence is the most direct challenge to Cronus's authority. And Metis's wisdom has chosen to walk with you, meaning the future of the ocean may be closely tied to your destiny."
Hades knew that any denial or disguise was now useless and meaningless. He met Oceanus's gaze, and the gentle aura of Orphos around him gradually receded, replaced by the profound, majestic origin of the underworld and the core of lava.
He did not speak, but the change in his demeanor said everything.
"I do not ask any commitment from you now, Hades," Oceanus continued.
"The turbulent times have arrived, and the hidden threads of fate are intertwining. I only ask—when the waves surge, and the old and new orders are replaced, how will you treat this ocean, which gave birth to primordial life and encircles the foundations of the world? How will you treat... the wisdom you have chosen?"
This was a question of stance and the future, not a specific pact, but something more fundamental than any pact.
Hades was silent for a moment, his voice low and clear, echoing through the deep-sea temple with undeniable firmness:
"Water is the source of life and the beginning of cycles. Earth and ocean are by nature interdependent. The cycles I will be responsible for are inseparable from the involvement of water; The filth I use for purification also needs to be washed away by water. Regardless of the future, respect for the laws of water and the maintenance of the independence and purity of the oceans—this is my commitment to the balance of the world."
He paused, his gaze gliding over Metis beside him, seeing the complex light in her eyes, and continued:
"And wisdom... It is the starlight that guides the path in darkness, and it is the cornerstone of order in chaos. I respect wisdom and cherish the depth and enlightenment it brings. I wish to walk with wisdom."
He did not make grand vows, nor did he promise specific privileges. His response was based on the nature of his priesthood and his understanding of the world's laws, expressing respect for the ocean's independence and the value of wisdom itself.
This was more sincere and reliable.
Oceanus looked at Hades, and for a long time, a faint, almost imperceptible curve slowly appeared on his majestic face.
"Very well. Remember your words this day, Hades."
He leaned back on his throne and waved his hand. "Go. The ocean will remember your promise. Before the storm begins, gather your strength. Perhaps one day, the currents that flow around the world will become one of your strongest allies."
This was both a promise and a farewell. Oceanus had offered the maximum support he could at this stage—to maintain goodwill and potentially become an ally in the future.
Hades bowed deeply: "I will hold it in my heart, Ocean God."
Tethys also nodded gently to him.
Metis stepped forward, a mix of relief and indescribable emotion in her eyes. She said softly, "I will see you off."
They once again passed through the water passage and returned to the mouth of the River Lethe. The moonlight was still cold, and the sea breeze carried a salty tang.
"You... did you know all along?" Metis looked at Hades and couldn't help but ask.
Hades shook his head. "No, not until he spoke the name. Your Father God is deeper than we think."
Metis breathed a sigh of relief, and then looked a little worried. "Then you...?"
"It's alright," Hades interrupted her, his voice calm. "Oceanus is ancient and wise, he knows how to advance and retreat. His piercing of my identity is both an act of honesty and a form of restraint. It means that in his eyes, I am no longer 'Orphos' needing shelter, but 'Hades', worthy of attention and investment. This will bring us more benefit than harm for our future cooperation."
He looked at Metis and said seriously, "More importantly, he has acknowledged you... and me, as peers."
Metis's cheeks flushed slightly in the moonlight. She lowered her head and softly uttered an "mm."