"The Heroic Era is coming to an end."
Hades' sudden words caused both Persephone and Eris to pause in confusion.
"The Heroic Era is ending?"
Both goddesses seemed slightly bewildered.
Clearly, neither of them had anticipated this development. For the Underworld, with Typhon's capture, its ties with the Greek Pantheon and the Mythological World had all but been severed. While not completely disconnected, they were close enough.
From the Underworld's perspective, although it still governed the cycle of life and death in the Mythological World, it had begun to distance itself from direct involvement. The resistance toward Hades from the Mythological World was strong, prompting the Underworld to expand its influence into other smaller worlds and mythological realms, further withdrawing from the original world.
This was no trivial matter. With Hades ascending to the peak of an Ancient God and moving steadily toward the Creator God's domain, combined with the power of the Stellar Demon he had fully unleashed, the Underworld had already begun exploring other smaller worlds within the Chaos Sea.
Because of this, Persephone and Eris remained largely uninformed about the current situation in the Mythological World.
"The Heroic Era... is ending," Persephone said suddenly, a realization dawning on her. She quickly asked, "My lord, with the Heroic Era's conclusion, will the 'Evil of Humanity' we've buried within the history of the Underworld also awaken?"
Hades spoke softly and calmly. "When the Heroic Era ends, it will indeed awaken."
"In that case..." Persephone hesitated briefly before continuing, "If this happens with the Heroic Era's conclusion, the entire Mythological World could descend into chaos. Should the newly born 'Evil of Humanity' not be guided swiftly into the Underworld, unexpected calamities may arise."
The "Evil of Humanity" was a creation Hades had devised, synthesized from fragments of his memory and various mythological elements.
As for the ultimate outcome, it was clear that Hades' plan was feasible. Although he had only embedded a single seed of humanity's evil into the Mythological World, this alone was enough.
The concept of the "Evil of Humanity" was a terrifying taboo in any mythological realm. Even embedding one instance of it was a monumental achievement.
Of course, planting more seeds of evil across humanity's history was practically impossible. Yet, from Hades' perspective, this single step was sufficient. Over time, as the Underworld continued expanding into the Chaos Sea, more seeds of humanity's evil could be planted across other mythological worlds.
There was no need for haste.
However, as Persephone pointed out, failing to swiftly capture and secure the newly born "Evil of Humanity" could lead to catastrophic consequences. The Mythological World would undoubtedly react violently, eradicating the evil at its inception.
Hades dismissed the concern with an even tone. "This is of little consequence. The Mythological World is already teetering on the edge of turmoil. The end of the Heroic Era signifies the beginning of a new wave of chaos. Let us wait and see. Many are eagerly awaiting this opportunity."
"Poseidon? Polus? Athena?" Persephone muttered the names of three prominent figures.
For years, Persephone had taken pride in her husband's power. But at the same time, she never underestimated the ambitions of these three other divine kings. Each was a formidable force, possessing their own strategies and aspirations.
To disregard them would invite disaster.
Because of this, Persephone remained vigilant toward them. If any disruptions were to arise at the close of the Heroic Era, these three were the most likely instigators.
"Indeed," Hades affirmed calmly. "They, too, await this moment. For the Mythological World, where humanity has firmly taken center stage and is beginning to stabilize, this is the one opportunity to advance further."
"Aside from the impending turmoil in the Chaos Sea, this moment is their only chance. Should they fail to grasp it, it will be their end."
"Let us observe patiently."
"As you wish, my lord," Persephone said, nodding earnestly. For her, there was no doubt in her husband's judgment. After all, he was always right—even if he were wrong, he was still right. That was simply how it was.
"Eris."
"Your Majesty!"
Hades' commanding voice prompted Eris to step forward, kneeling on one knee.
"Go to that mythological world," Hades instructed. "Search for traces of the Underworld's presence. Do not fear any complications. If my calculations are correct, that realm will not detect your arrival."
With a wave of divine thought, Hades conjured the Helm of Invisibility, which floated before Eris.
"The helm's divine power will cloak you," he said.
"Thank you, Your Majesty!" Eris bowed deeply. "I will not fail you."
"Go."
"Yes!"
Eris withdrew, and Persephone, curious, asked, "My lord, are you planning to begin laying groundwork in that mythological world?"
"If my estimates are accurate," Hades replied, "then the 'Love and Desire,' representing the Evil of Humanity I planted in the Greek Mythological World, has taken root. In this other mythological world, the most suitable seed to plant is 'Compassion,' one of humanity's seven great evils."
Hades' voice was low as he explained.
Love and Desire symbolized humanity's innate yearning for emotional and physical fulfillment, a manifestation of selfish pleasure. It was a fitting choice for the chaotic Greek Mythological World, where divine influence shaped humanity.
In the other mythological world, however, Compassion—a seemingly noble sentiment masking profound self-interest—was a better fit.
Persephone considered this thoughtfully and nodded. "That does seem appropriate. However, my lord, even with the Helm of Invisibility, can Eris truly evade the notice of a Creator God?"
"Ah," Hades replied. "Strictly speaking, Creator Gods like Gaia are an anomaly. In most mythological worlds within the Chaos Sea, the concept of a Creator God does not exist."
He elaborated, "Similar to how 'Titan Chief God' is absent in many realms, the progression of divinity in other mythological worlds goes from Third-Tier God, Second-Tier God, First-Tier God, True God, Major God, Divine King, and Ancient God directly to Absolute God."
"The concepts of Titan Chief God and Creator God, which serve as intermediary levels in our world, are unique anomalies caused by this world's peculiarities."
"In most worlds, Ancient Gods do not achieve Creator status. Gaia only reached that state because she participated in the act of creation itself."
"I see!" Persephone exclaimed, understanding now. "Then the only potential obstacle would be their Ancient Gods. Considering the Underworld's strength, even in a full-scale conflict, my lord, there is little cause for concern."
The Underworld boasted five Ancient Gods: Hades himself, Persephone, Erebus, Nyx, and the seven-headed ten-horned Red Dragon. With Hades' power exceeding that of typical Ancient Gods, it was an unmatched force.
Hades, however, dismissed the idea of open conflict. "War yields no lasting benefit. The true value lies in cultivation. Destroying a mythological world offers no enduring gain, while nurturing it can yield continuous rewards."
Hades spoke knowingly. His goal in controlling smaller worlds was not mere conquest but fostering growth. Each time a world developed, it generated additional world power, which the Underworld's World Tree absorbed.
The steady and consistent development of worlds aligned with Hades' vision, while destruction served no purpose.
"Additionally," Hades said, "Eris' mission will also reveal whether the Underworld's presence in that mythological world is incomplete. If it is, the deity representing the Underworld there will emerge as a natural progression."
"I understand," Persephone replied, nodding fervently. For her, every word from her husband was absolute truth.
"Compassion, Desire, Decay..." Hades' thoughts drifted to the seeds of humanity's evil. These seeds needed time to take root and flourish.
He could not predict when his grand vision would be fully realized, but there was no urgency.
As the Underworld methodically prepared, the Greek Mythological World was already experiencing tremendous upheaval.
"It has finally come to this," one god remarked.
"Indeed," another replied. "The Era of Heroes is ending."
Gods across the pantheon conversed, reflecting on the shift. The once dominant Heroic Era, shaped by legendary figures, was now drawing to a close, leaving behind only seeds to guide humanity's future evolution.
Despite the end, this was not a true conclusion but a transition—a prelude to humanity's next rise from the ashes.
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