Poseidon.
Polus.
Both were making their final preparations.
With the end of the Heroic Era imminent, the approaching apocalypse presented their last opportunity. If they failed to seize this moment…
It would be their final chance, and no other opportunities would follow.
This was their destiny.
Opportunities like this appeared only once, and whether success was possible remained uncertain.
But for Poseidon and Polus, there was no alternative but to stake everything on this single chance. Without taking this leap, continuing as they were would be utterly meaningless.
After all, in the turmoil soon to engulf the Chaos Sea, remaining as mere Divine Kings would mean nothing.
More importantly, a Divine King, bound by the Mythological World, was nothing but a puppet. Only by stepping into the realm of Ancient Gods could they transcend their chains and ascend further.
"This is the only chance left."
Poseidon and Polus, almost simultaneously, murmured the same thought.
They both understood: this was the final opportunity. If they failed to grasp it, then when humanity fully assumed its role as the protagonist of the Mythological World, it would be over. Everything from that point forward would be predetermined and beyond alteration.
What lay ahead in the future?
No one knew.
But for now, the path forward was clear. They had no choice but to follow it step by step.
---
The Sanctuary
Compared to the Sea Realm and the Celestial Realm, the Sanctuary was bustling with activity.
"Prometheus."
"Goddess."
Prometheus knelt respectfully in the Goddess's Hall. Atop her divine throne sat Athena, radiating calm and composed authority.
At that moment, Athena's gaze was serene, as though she was indifferent to everything happening around her.
"The Heroic Era is nearing its end," Athena said softly. "Hades, Poseidon, Polus… none of them will involve themselves in this apocalypse."
"This time, Prometheus, the responsibility falls on you. Do not disappoint me."
Athena's eyes opened slowly, her gaze filled with infinite tranquility and detachment. It was as if none of it truly mattered to her.
"As you command," Prometheus responded, bowing deeply.
"Leave."
"Yes."
At Athena's command, Prometheus retreated respectfully, aware of the weight of the burden he now carried. He alone had to handle what was to come.
This wasn't because Athena lacked the ability to intervene. Rather, she too needed to seize this opportunity to ascend further.
A Divine King?
In this chaotic era of upheaval, such a title was no longer sufficient. Only by ascending to the level of an Ancient God could one remain relevant in the coming storm.
The apocalypse and subsequent rebirth were duties befitting a Divine King, but for Poseidon and Polus, these matters had become trivial and uninteresting. Responsibility for this cycle naturally fell to the Sanctuary.
The Sanctuary lacked the depth and resources of the Celestial Realm or Sea Realm, even after centuries of growth during the Heroic Era. Compared to the Underworld?
It was simply no match.
Prometheus was fully aware of this reality.
Ironically, Prometheus felt a peculiar sense of gratitude toward Hades. Hades' progress had shattered the mental barriers holding Prometheus back, proving that no deity was truly bound by their limitations.
The road ahead was wide open, and Prometheus could see it clearly now.
The most important thing was to move forward. Resistance was futile; one could only follow the path laid out before them.
---
Athena and Metis
After Prometheus left, another figure emerged from the back of the hall.
"Mother."
"Athena."
Metis, the goddess of wisdom and Athena's mother, looked upon her daughter with concern.
"Mother," Athena said softly. "This path I've chosen… I don't know if it will lead to success. The future remains unclear."
For the first time, the renowned goddess of wisdom—who had dared to enter the Underworld alone and confronted the lord of death—spoke with uncertainty.
Athena's path was fraught with danger. It was her only chance, but if she failed to seize it, everything would become meaningless.
Metis sighed. She could see the resolve in her daughter's eyes, yet she couldn't stop her. Athena's decision was final.
Athena was burdened with the future of the Sanctuary. If she faltered, she would become a puppet of the Mythological World, forever bound by its whims and incapable of independent action.
This was unacceptable to her.
"Hades has already succeeded," Athena said, reclining on her throne. "Poseidon and Polus are prepared for one final gamble, relying on the foundation they've built over countless millennia.
"And I… I have no such depth of resources, no such advantages. I have no choice but to walk this path until the very end."
Her fists clenched tightly as she spoke. Despite her vulnerabilities, Athena's determination shone through. There was no hesitation in her voice.
Athena was well aware of her limitations. Compared to Poseidon and Polus, whose foundations spanned endless eras, she was far less prepared.
Yet, that did not matter. Athena refused to give up.
The future was uncertain, but one thing was clear: if this chance slipped away, she would remain shackled forever.
---
The Underworld
Hades opened his eyes slowly. His tone was calm as he observed, "The Heroic Era will soon come to an end. For Poseidon, Athena, and Polus, this is their final opportunity. If they fail to seize it..."
"They will face their destined fate—forever bound by the Mythological World."
The Heroic Era marked the gods' last chance. Once it ended, humanity would fully assume its role as the Mythological World's protagonist. The gods would then be completely subjugated by the world they once ruled.
The Mythological World granted the gods this window—from its creation to the Heroic Era's conclusion—to rise and grow. If they failed to capitalize on it, their fates would be sealed.
"The last chance," Persephone murmured. "But whether they succeed… who can say? For the three Divine Kings, will they truly triumph?"
"It is uncertain," Hades replied. "The path forward is fraught with peril. Yet, they have no choice but to risk everything. To do otherwise is to accept the inevitable."
Hades spoke with a detachment that reflected his position.
From his perspective, he was merely an observer. Whether they succeeded or failed, it had little bearing on his plans.
In the meantime, Hades had other priorities. He was waiting—waiting for the seeds of humanity's evil to take root and flourish.
"Time," he mused. "It is the cheapest yet most elusive commodity for gods."
[Check out my Patreon for +200 additional chapters in all my fanfics! Only $5 per novel or $15 for all!!] [www.p@treon.com/Mutter]
[+100 Power Stones = +1 Extra Chapter]
[+5 Reviews = +1 Extra Chapter]