After unlocking [Time-Skip], Shuo wasted no time putting it to the test.
Even at full focus, the best he could manage was a single second—barely a blink in the grand scheme. The sheer difficulty of mastering this ability was staggering.
"Not bad at all," he mused, lips curling into a satisfied grin. "Might as well open that last black-tier reward while I'm at it."
Ding! Congratulations, host—Black-tier reward unlocked: [Authority—Divine Confusion].
Divine Confusion:
A power once stolen from Dionysus by Salvatore Doni, the so-called King of Swords in the world of Campione. By unleashing it, Shuo could create a zone where magic, curses, and even authorities spiral out of control—so volatile it could even send Doni's own powers haywire. It was the ultimate trump card for close-quarters combat, forcing any foe into pure swordplay. While the full-scale version took time to prepare, a smaller effect could be triggered quickly.
"Divine Confusion... It's a lot like my magic nullification, but with my current physique, close combat is my playground."
Shuo stroked his chin, speaking softly to himself.
A black-tier reward like this? Decent, but nothing earth-shattering.
The next morning, Shuo was up before dawn, determined to revive Akeno's mother as soon as possible. He said his goodbyes to the girls and set out for Hell.
Passing through Hell's border, Shuo soon arrived at the gates of the Underworld.
The "welcome" was immediate—a ring of reapers closed in, weapons drawn.
"Well, if it isn't Shuo Nangong, the guy who's been stirring up all kinds of trouble lately. What brings you to my Underworld?"
A sinister voice echoed from the shadows.
A crowned skeleton stepped forward, green flames flickering in its eye sockets.
Hades, God of the Underworld.
"Hades. Let's skip the small talk. I'm here for a soul—hand it over and this stays peaceful."
Shuo's smile was pure mischief.
Hades snorted, voice cold as the grave.
"You dare make demands in my domain? One threat and you think I'll just roll over? Dream on, human."
With that, a crushing aura exploded from Hades—divine, oppressive, every bit the equal of a Heavenly Dragon.
Check-in target detected: Hades, God of the Underworld. Mission: Eliminate. Reward: Purple-tier.
Shuo's eyes flashed with delight.
Perfect. Just what I was hoping for.
"In that case, you can die here!"
Purple light bloomed in Shuo's eyes—the Rinnegan, fully awakened.
Blue skeletal arms spiraled into existence, interlocking and growing until a towering Susanoo—hundreds of meters tall—stood between Shuo and the reaper horde.
"Attack!"
Hades swept his skeletal staff, and the reapers surged forward, weapons raised.
But their attacks were nothing—barely scratches against Susanoo's armor. Shuo didn't even bother counterattacking. He simply stood, impassive, letting their blows glance off harmlessly.
He had no intention of slaughtering these reapers.
His mission wasn't just about Akeno's mother. He was also here for Ingvild Leviathan and Bennia—the little reaper, whose parents were top officials in this realm. Besides, many of the Underworld's reapers were friends or family to his allies. A massacre would only sow chaos in both worlds.
The Underworld was the gateway for human souls. Wiping out its guardians would be reckless beyond measure.
So Shuo played defense, letting Susanoo and his Rinnegan's powers hold the line, restraining the reapers without bloodshed. If he wanted, he could have ended them with a thought.
Hades watched, growing increasingly unsettled.
"Heh... Let's see how long you last. Unless your magic is infinite, my army will wear you down eventually!"
His words were icy, but his eyes betrayed a flicker of doubt.
Shuo's strange abilities were unlike anything Hades had ever seen. Reapers were flung aside by invisible force, but no enemy was visible. The Underworld's army was burning through Shuo's reserves, but even now, he showed no sign of fatigue.
If it came to a one-on-one fight... Hades wasn't sure he'd win.
"Aren't you the Star Holy Sword's wielder? Where's your sword now?"
Seeing Shuo supposedly flagging, Hades signaled the reapers to fall back, voice mocking.
"With your level? I don't need it."
Shuo's gaze was steady, his reply pure arrogance.
"You insolent, ignorant human—die!"
Fury twisting his features, Hades lunged, reaper's staff crackling with malevolent energy.
CLANG!!!
A soul-shattering blow—caught one-handed by Shuo.
He'd unleashed the Heaven-Rending Claws, their black energy curling around Hades' staff like living shadow.
"That's your best shot?"
Shuo's eyes were pitying as Hades froze, body trembling.
"N-no... Impossible!"
Hades dropped his staff and staggered back, horror etched across his skeletal face.
How? After all this, his magic is still endless? And that claw... that aura... every instinct is screaming at me to run!
Hades stared at Shuo's claws, voice cracking with fear.
"How does your weapon have the same god-slaying aura as Fenrir?!"
Shuo's smile was cold.
"Simple. This Sacred Gear kills gods. Loki, Fenrir—they both died under these claws. You'll be the third."
The words hit Hades like a sledgehammer.
Loki and Fenrir—both slain? By this human?
For the first time, the God of the Underworld felt true, soul-chilling terror. Fenrir was his peer, maybe even stronger—and yet, it had been torn apart.
In that instant, Hades understood with perfect clarity:
He was utterly, hopelessly outmatched.
🔥 Want to read the next 50+ chapters RIGHT NOW?
💎 Patreon members get instant access!
⚡ Limited-time offer currently running...
👉 [Join on - patreon.com/GoldenLong]