Time passed.
In just ten thousand years, Charon had risen from a mere third-tier god to the full stature of a God-King. Now, he stood equal with Aether, Hemera, Europa, and the other God-Kings who ruled their respective realms.
This was not surprising.
In fact...
It was remarkable.
As a Multi-God, Charon's rapid ascent defied expectations. Even as a realm's ruler, such an astonishing speed of growth was almost unheard of.
Yet reality was undeniable.
Charon's progress was breathtaking, a testament to his extraordinary potential.
In many ways...
Charon and Charon had become avatars of the Heavenly Star.
As the embodiment of a demon star, Charon had evolved into something wholly distinct.
"Ahhh~~~"
Charon exhaled slowly, feeling the divine energy coursing through him. With ease, he reined in his power.
As always, Charon's prior God-King experience, along with Charon's understanding of divine power, made mastering this energy second nature.
"Aether."
"Hemera."
"It's been a while."
Charon lifted his gaze toward the distance, a peaceful smile gracing his lips.
Compared to Charon's sharp and warrior-like demeanor, Charon resembled a true god—serene, boundless, and embracing all.
This was unsurprising.
As the God of the Underworld River, Charon's essence was one of calm and acceptance, forged by witnessing countless cycles of life and death.
His nature reflected this.
Charon had faced death and rebirth firsthand. This experience brought an unparalleled tranquility to his heart, transforming him into a god who could embrace all things.
Such growth was natural.
For anyone, experiencing profound trials often reshaped one's perspective and character.
Charon's journey was no exception.
Now, standing before Aether and Hemera, he felt a surge of emotion. Yet his myriad thoughts condensed into a single, serene smile.
"Charon."
Aether and Hemera also smiled warmly at their brother.
As the children of Erebus and Nyx, this family of gods deeply valued their bonds.
Indeed!
Charon's loss had been a lingering pain for them all.
While they accepted Charon as a brother, Charon's birth had not erased the sorrow of Charon's passing.
Now.
Charon's return brought immense joy to every sibling.
"It's been a while."
"It truly has."
"Hehehe~~~"
The three gods exchanged knowing glances, their laughter filled with relief and happiness.
After a moment.
Aether spoke softly: "Charon, Hemera and I won't keep you. You have much to attend to. Once your tasks are complete, we'll catch up properly."
"Alright."
Charon nodded.
Hemera smiled before departing with Aether, leaving Charon to his own endeavors.
Charon, too, shook his head lightly before retreating into the depths of the Sea Realm to begin his work.
For Charon, even though this was his second ascension to God-King, stabilizing his realm and mastering his divine power were necessary.
Moreover!
There was hell to forge.
In the Underworld, any god who ascended to the God-King realm was required to create their own hell, adding to the Underworld's power.
This rule applied universally, and Charon was no exception. He needed time to construct his domain and handle his responsibilities.
---
Meanwhile, as Aether and Hemera left the Sea Realm.
The two gods carried a shared sense of relief.
"Ahhh~~~"
Aether exhaled deeply, his tone filled with genuine emotion. "It's wonderful that Charon has returned to us. Truly wonderful!"
For Aether, this was no idle remark.
As the eldest son of Erebus and Nyx, Aether felt a deep responsibility toward his siblings.
Indeed.
Aether silently watched over each of his brothers and sisters, holding them close to his heart.
And!
Charon's loss had weighed heavily on him.
It was undeniable.
Aether, a god of deep feelings, could not bear to see his brother gone.
Now.
That wound had finally healed.
"Hehehe~~~"
Hemera laughed lightly, seeing Aether at peace. "Aether, it seems that with Charon's return, the wound in your heart has completely healed."
"Yes."
Aether nodded earnestly. "It has. To me, every brother and sister is precious. Charon's return signifies the restoration of our family's wholeness."
This sentiment reflected the unique closeness of Erebus and Nyx's lineage—a rarity among the Greek pantheon.
As a result, their relationships were deeply harmonious.
In other circumstances, betrayals and tragedies might have occurred.
But now?!
Such outcomes were impossible.
Aether shook his head and remarked, "With Charon as the Sea Realm's ruler, we now have God-Kings for the Star Realm, Sea Realm, Celestial Realm, and Terrestrial Realm within the Underworld. The only position left is the Lord of the Netherworld."
"The Lord of the Netherworld…"
Hemera murmured these words, shaking her head in resignation.
Truly.
She understood the difficulty of finding a suitable candidate for this role.
Aether, Hemera, and Charon were perfect fits for their respective realms, harmonizing with their identities as gods and rulers.
As for Europa?
Her situation was unique, stemming from Hades' dealings with the Great Mythological World. Regardless, her presence perfectly complemented the balance.
Now?
Filling the role of the Netherworld's ruler was no simple task.
The position required compatibility with the Underworld and alignment with the Netherworld's nature.
Frankly!
Many gods could meet these requirements, as any god in Hades' domain could adapt to his authority.
The real challenge lay in the significance of the role.
The Lord of the Netherworld.
To the gods of the Underworld, this was an extraordinary position.
After all.
Hades' rise began as the King of the Underworld, and this title held immense symbolic weight.
Choosing an unworthy successor was unthinkable.
Reflecting on this.
It became clear that the position was akin to that of a crown prince or princess. Without the right fit, it could lead to subtle but significant issues within the Underworld.
All the gods knew Hades would never select an unsuitable candidate.
Yet they couldn't help but worry.
Their concern wasn't about someone unworthy inheriting the position but about the chosen candidate failing to uphold Hades' legacy.
To the gods of the Underworld, the Lord of the Netherworld represented Hades' reputation and authority.
If the candidate were unfit...
It would be intolerable.
"Actually."
Hemera spoke softly, musing, "Pandora might be the most suitable choice in some ways."
"Hemera!"
Aether's voice grew sharp. "That's enough. The decision of who will rule is His Majesty's alone. It's not for us to discuss."
"I understand."
Hemera bowed slightly, silently apologizing for her overstep.
Aether added, "As gods of the Underworld, our duty is to await His Majesty's decree."
"Agreed."
Hemera nodded.
With that, the two gods departed, each returning to their respective realms and duties.
---
The Pure Land of Bliss.
"Hehehe~~~"
Persephone, aware of Aether and Hemera's conversation, chuckled lightly. "My dear husband, it seems your gods are deeply anxious about the Lord of the Netherworld's position."
Eris, having finished her work, stood quietly behind Persephone. She bowed her head, saying nothing.
Indeed.
As Aether had said, such matters were not for them to discuss.
Each God-King ruled a domain like a viceroy, while the Lord of the Netherworld was akin to a crown prince.
Such discussions were inappropriate.
"All things take time," Hades replied calmly. "I have my thoughts about the position, but time will tell if they are truly suitable."
Hades seemed unperturbed, as though everything was already in hand.
"As expected!"
Persephone smiled slyly. "My husband is always prepared. Though, I must admit, Hemera isn't wrong. Pandora would be a fitting choice. Alas! As the leader of the 108 Demon Stars and the steward of the Underworld, she isn't suited for this role."
Persephone sighed.
It was true.
Pandora would have been an excellent candidate.
The gods might find it unusual, but her selection would have been acceptable.
Unfortunately.
Pandora's unique identity as part of the Demon Stars disqualified her.
Hades understood this well.
However!
He remained patient. With Charon now the Master of the Sea, only one step remained before Hades could ascend to the Creator God level.
This might seem as simple as making a decision.
But.
Hades was in no rush. Having come this far, he sought the perfect candidate to complete his divine design.
Otherwise.
What would be the point of all his past efforts and foundations?
_________________________
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