I Am Hades, Lord of the Underworld!

Hestia didn't hesitate to refuse.

No way! That's the Black Sea we're talking about, a place far beyond her ability to handle. While crossing the Sea Realm to reach the Black Sea wasn't an issue—after all, she had the necessary favor for that—thanks to her past involvement in matters related to the Heart of the Ocean, where Demeter and Hera had assisted her, convincing Poseidon to grant passage wouldn't be a problem.

But the Black Sea!

That place had only ever been visited by Hades and Prometheus, with no other gods, aside from Poseidon, able to enter. Hestia didn't think she could manage it.

Rhea shook her head and calmly said, "Hestia, relax. I've told you, only you can accomplish this task, not even Hades can do it."

"Huh?"

Hestia tilted her head in confusion, unsure of what her mother meant.

After all, the Black Sea was Pontus' domain. Any god entering it would encounter serious problems if Pontus decided to interfere. Even Ancient Gods weren't exempt from this. Unlike the Star Realm, which had no ruler, the Black Sea was under Pontus' control.

Rhea continued softly, "Hestia, there's no need to worry. The Black Sea indeed has many challenges, but remember, long ago, Pontus owed your father a favor. If you take that favor with you, Pontus will hand over the Water Beast without issue."

"But…"

Hestia hesitated. "Mother, according to you, I wouldn't have any problems, but… this is Father's favor. Can we really use it?"

Hestia was doubtful. That was a favor owed to Kronos. If it were that easy to use, wouldn't Hades, Poseidon, or Zeus have already taken advantage of it?

Rhea responded gently, "It's fine. Your father has been sealed in the depths of the underworld. This favor is just sitting unused, so you might as well use it."

"Uh…"

Hestia couldn't help but marvel at her mother's nonchalant attitude. Truly, this was her mother! 

Hestia understood her mother well. To Rhea, if Kronos was safe, nothing else mattered, and she would do anything for him. But with Kronos sealed, Rhea prioritized Hades, then Hestia, putting her children first.

Love and familial bonds were intensely prominent in Rhea's character. Honestly, given Rhea's temperament, if Kronos took too long to return, she might have squandered everything by then.

Of course, Kronos wouldn't mind. He was well aware of all this and understood his wife's nature perfectly. These matters wouldn't stir any emotional reaction in him.

"Alright, then."

Hestia nodded, "I understand. But, Mother, why not let my brother retrieve it instead?"

Hestia found it odd. If her brother could go, wouldn't he be able to come back quickly with the favor? After all, it's just a favor—does it really matter who uses it?

"Hmm~~~"

Rhea shook her head gently. "It's different. Hades, Poseidon, and Zeus have all become God-Kings. Pontus wouldn't acknowledge the favor if they tried to use it. Only you, Demeter, and Hera can use it."

"Moreover!"

"Although my presence in the underworld hasn't been exposed, those who need to know already do. That's why, with Hades out of the equation, you're the only one who can use this favor."

"Understood, Mother, I get it now."

Hestia, understanding the situation, immediately nodded. If there was no issue, then she could definitely go.

"I'm off then, Mother," Hestia said with a smile.

"Go ahead," Rhea replied gently, "but remember, be careful."

"Don't worry…"

Before Hestia could finish her sentence, a streak of light appeared, and in the next moment, dark purple light bloomed. The triune Death God Armor, belonging exclusively to Hades, floated before her.

The Hades Death God Armor fused into Hestia's forehead, leaving a dark purple diamond-shaped mark. But that wasn't all—within the underworld's Star Realm, the 108 demonic stars simultaneously descended. Accompanied by eerie, cackling laughter, the demonic stars transformed into a dark purple bracelet that wrapped around Hestia's right wrist.

"Hehehe~~~"

Hestia giggled, "I knew it, my brother cares about me the most. Mother, I'm off now!"

Waving cheerfully, Hestia left in high spirits.

As Hestia departed, Rhea gently shook her head and murmured, "Really, no matter when, Hestia remains like a child. And yet, she's the eldest among them…"

"Mother," came a quiet voice nearby, "It's good for our elder sister to stay so lively. The darkness of the gods hasn't touched her, which is fortunate."

Rhea responded warmly, "Hades, you truly value these familial bonds."

Hades replied calmly, "Mother, I don't reject emotions. But for gods, emotions are fragile, easily shattered. Since our elder sister cherishes this bond, I will cherish it as well."

With that, Hades' voice faded, and his shadow disappeared once more.

Rhea also began to fade away. Though she could remain in the underworld indefinitely, with Hestia gone, she returned to rest.

Meanwhile, Hestia, having just returned to the underworld, left again, returning to the mortal realm. Standing in the far northern lands, Hestia sighed helplessly.

Life isn't easy, Hestia sighed!

But there was no other choice; she had to keep working.

However, just as Hestia was about to leave, she sensed a wisp of death and the eerie vibrations of the demonic stars.

___________________

Read Ahead

[email protected]/Mutter