I Am Hades, Lord of the Underworld!

"Success, success, he succeeded?"

"How is that possible?!"

"No idea!"

The gods were bewildered, feeling the divine power that belonged exclusively to a God-King. They were in shock, unable to comprehend it.

How could this have succeeded?

It shouldn't have!

How did it happen?

How could Aether possibly ascend to the level of a God-King? What exactly did he rely on? Absorbing the Heart of Space? Even if he absorbed the Heart of Space, without the recognition of the Astral Realm, without becoming its Lord, it still shouldn't be possible to become a God-King!

But the problem was, divine power does not deceive anyone. That was Aether's divine power, and more importantly, it was the aura of a God-King. In other words, Aether had succeeded, and there was no need for further explanation.

Aether had ascended to the level of a God-King, but the impact of this on the gods was immense—they couldn't understand or accept it!

"..."

"Aether has become a God-King, albeit a weak one."

Poseidon also felt it immediately, clearly sensing that Aether had ascended to the rank of a God-King.

However!

Poseidon wasn't particularly concerned. Although Aether had become a God-King, he was extremely weak, almost like a defective product. It was uncertain how long it would take for Aether to fully recover and reach a normal God-King state.

Beyond that.

Even if Aether were to recover to a normal God-King state, what level would Poseidon have reached by then?

At this moment.

Poseidon paused for a moment and then softly murmured, "Have I really fallen to the point where I'm being compared to Aether? How disgraceful."

Poseidon narrowed his eyes, contemplating how to increase the power of the Sea Realm.

Among the sea gods under Poseidon's command, the most powerful were the five children of Pontus, known as the Oceanic Five Gods—Nereus, Thaumas, Phorcys, Ceto, and Eurybia. Below them were the 3,000 River Gods and the 3,000 Ocean Goddesses.

But the issue was!

Poseidon was also considering how to cultivate a God-King level subordinate god. Otherwise, it would be humiliating in the future!

The point remains: a God-King is a God-King, no matter how weak. Facing those below the God-King level, even in the worst state, a God-King can still crush and overpower them—it's simply not on the same level.

"Nereus, Thaumas, Phorcys, Ceto, Eurybia."

"Among them, Phorcys, as the father of ocean monsters, has the best chance. If he can absorb the essence of the unformed Father of All Monsters, he can ascend to the level of a God-King."

"But."

"That's not the crux of the matter. The real issue is how to break through all these limitations."

Poseidon was well aware that if it were possible, he could cultivate all five of his Oceanic Gods into God-Kings. Resources were never the issue!

The issue was whether the path was open to them—that was the core of the matter.

Why do the gods envy Hades for having Spartan believers?

It's simple!

Spartans, as devout believers, were born with the innate qualification to become God-Kings. With this qualification, they could easily ascend.

The same goes for the gods of the Underworld. Due to the World Tree, they inherently have the potential, even though it's extremely difficult to succeed. But having the potential is crucial—given enough time, it could eventually be realized. The greatest fear is not having that potential at all.

For Poseidon, his primary concern was how to open this path for his subordinate sea gods. That was the core of the issue.

"Hmm~~~"

Poseidon murmured softly to himself, "In that case, I'll just have to try it."

Heaven!

"..."

Zeus maintained his composure as he sensed Aether's immense divine power. Although Aether was a weak God-King, a God-King is still a God-King, an undeniable fact.

His voice was soft, a slow murmur: "Aether has stepped into the level of a God-King. He has indeed succeeded. After Aether, there's still the Spartan who is also approaching God-King status."

"Hmph!"

Zeus snorted coldly, his expression sour.

Prideful!

That was Zeus's nature. At any time, Zeus was arrogant and overbearing, always wanting to be above everyone else.

But!

What had happened was something Zeus was unwilling to accept. What did it mean? That Hades already had two subordinates who had stepped into God-King status?

And what about me?!

This was Zeus's fury. Little did he know that Hades actually had four such subordinates. If he did, it would probably make him furious enough to burst!

"Lord Zeus!"

Prometheus entered the temple, respectfully bowing, saying nothing further. He was deeply respectful and knew Zeus's temperament all too well. At this moment, it was best to stay silent and wait.

"Prometheus!" Zeus narrowed his eyes, seemingly suppressing his anger. In a cold voice, he asked, "Do you think the lost 365 stars have fallen into the Underworld?"

"In my opinion," Prometheus considered for a moment before explaining seriously, "Based on my analysis, that seems likely. The 365 stars, centered on the Sun and Moon, could have been used to construct the Astral Realm. Only then could Aether, through the Underworld's Astral Realm, become the Lord of the Astral Realm and thus step into the God-King level."

"In other words..."

Prometheus's expression grew darker as he said seriously, "Lord Zeus, Aether becoming a God-King might not be the biggest issue—the real concern is the Seven-Headed Ten-Horned Red Dragon!"

As the God of Wisdom, Prometheus could easily deduce what had happened from Aether's absorption of the Heart of Space and his ascension to God-King.

In fact!

For many gods, with a bit of thought, they could figure it out. But the problem was, even if Hades didn't admit it, would you dare to confront him? Do you have a death wish?

However, the Seven-Headed Ten-Horned Red Dragon was the real core issue. This entity was far too special, representing the core of destruction. If Hades were to control it, it would be terrifying.

"Prometheus, investigate everything," Zeus ordered calmly. After a moment of thought, he added, "At the same time, begin that plan. Let's see how it goes."

"I understand!" Prometheus respectfully withdrew.

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