King of Underworld

Chapter 152: Gigantomachia – Preparation

“Hades, Lord Hermes has come to see you.”

“Let him in.”

Today, Hermes, the god of messengers, visited the underworld.

The mood, however, was unusually grave.

Normally playful and lively, Hermes’s demeanor was serious beyond description.

“Lord Zeus has declared that he will attack the Phlegraean Plains tomorrow. He has also requested your attendance at today’s meeting.”

“…Tell him I will ascend to Olympus shortly.”

“Yes, Lord Hades.”

With my confirmation, Hermes disappeared swiftly, likely to deliver Zeus’s summons to gods scattered across the sea and the land.

Though Zeus’s sudden declaration of war was unexpected,

I wasn’t entirely surprised, as I had received a letter days earlier asking us to prepare.

The advice was to act as if everything was normal, lest the Gigantes or Gaia become suspicious.

I reached for the transparent helmet, the Kynee, always resting beside my throne.

Stretching out my hand, I summoned the Bident, my twin-pronged spear, and rose to my feet.

“Who’s outside the audience chamber?”

“Yes, my lord!”

“Summon every god, excluding the Hecatoncheires brothers guarding Tartarus, to the citadel. Leave no one out.”

“Everyone, my lord? Even Lord Charon and Lord Thanatos?”

“Everyone.”

Though Thanatos and Charon were the busiest gods of the underworld,

In matters this grave, even they would have to suspend their duties.

The dead might be confused, but this was unavoidable.

*Tap tap tap.*

Hearing the hurried footsteps of the messenger leaving, I began my walk to Tartarus.

With the decisive battle approaching, I needed to instruct the three brothers to guard Tartarus diligently.

—

Descending deeper into the underworld, I soon saw the three brothers resting near the gates of Tartarus.

Each possessing fifty heads and a hundred hands, they bombarded me with incessant chatter as soon as they saw me.

“Hey, Hades. You should visit us more often.”

“What news do you bring this time?”

“Also, when’s that war with those Gigantes finally starting…”

“The war will begin soon.”

All 150 heads fell silent.

Their 300 eyes rolled as they pondered the implications.

They knew of the outside world’s news, though Gaia, their mother and benefactor, held no ill will toward them.

While they might have grievances against the Titans or Cronus, they bore none against Gaia.

“But you won’t be dragged into the war. The Gigantes are our enemies. All I ask is that you strengthen the guard on Tartarus while we march on the Phlegraean Plains.”

“Don’t worry about that! We’ll guard it like we always do.”

“Good luck with the fight. Oh, is Lady Tyche on your side? Haha!”

“Still, I hope you win. Those Gigantes seem similar to Titans somehow.”

I exchanged a few words with them before preparing to leave.

Given my visit, I thought perhaps Lady Nyx might make an appearance. She had promised her aid previously.

—

*Rustle…*

“Hm? Is that Lady Nyx?”

“These days, she’s stepping out of her abode quite often…”

Having already witnessed the Primordial Goddess descending here twice,

The Hecatoncheires brothers no longer seemed surprised.

—

The area darkened, shadows enveloping everything.

Between the three brothers and me, a veil of darkness rose as a familiar figure emerged.

Lady Nyx, the Primordial Goddess of Night, greeted me with a faint smile.

“Greetings, Lady Nyx.”

“Hmm… I expected you to seek me out around this time.”

“…?”

“That Phlegraean Plain where the Gigantes gather has been restless lately. Perhaps Gaia has prophesied your attack and shared it with them. Hehe…”

…Of course, I had anticipated this to some extent.

When someone with prophetic abilities exists, the chances of a successful ambush naturally diminish.

Luck wasn’t on our side. Gaia’s foresight had likely caught wind of the coming storm.

Both sides would now prepare for a fully equipped confrontation.

“That’s correct. We plan to march on the Phlegraean Plains.”

“Do your best. I’ll enjoy watching the battle… and as promised, if Gaia appears, I’ll assist you.”

“Thank you once again for your support.”

Her commitment to her promise filled me with gratitude, and I bowed my head.

Then, in an unexpectedly hesitant tone, she spoke again.

“That said… About the matter we discussed last time…”

Confused, I raised my head slightly, only to see the Primordial Goddess’s face tinged red.

Why? Had I offended her? Had I unknowingly committed a rudeness against this ancient deity?

“Must I spell it out for you?”

“Have I done something wrong…?”

“Hmph! If you can’t recall, I won’t help you.”

She crossed her arms, turning her head aside, her demeanor oddly reminiscent of a sulking Styx.

What was this about? I racked my brain, trying to remember. Last time… Ah!

“Of course, spreading Lady Nyx’s glory among mortals will commence soon. But only after we triumph over Gaia…”

“Hmph. So you didn’t forget after all?”

“…The duties of the underworld are overwhelming these days.”

Her narrowed gaze felt like a tangible weight on my skin, forcing me to subtly shield myself with divine energy.

“Fine. As long as you remember now. If you need me later, you know I’ll help.”

Her veil of darkness lifted, and I found myself staring into the curious gaze of 150 eyes from the brothers again.

As I made my way back, I began mentally planning the new statue of Lady Nyx that I’d soon commission for my temple.

—

Back at the citadel, countless gods stood waiting, their eyes fixed on me.

They had gathered as I instructed before descending to Tartarus.

“I suppose… the reason for this assembly is…”

“Didn’t Lord Hades warn us that war might break out soon, but we should act normal until then…”

“The time for battle has come. Should we bring the Gigantes straight to the underworld?”

“Wasn’t the Phlegraean Plains somewhere near Thrace?”

Many had already deduced the reason for the gathering.

As I entered, their conversations quieted, tension filling the air.

All present had felt the impending war.

The fully armed lord of the underworld returning from Tartarus left no room for doubt.

Every god could sense the storm approaching.

I walked slowly, meeting the eyes of every god present, from the lowest servants of the underworld to the most renowned deities.

“Hades.”

“The time has come.”

“…We’re about to fight.”

The three goddesses of vengeance, their bleeding eyes gleaming fiercely;

Thanatos, looking both tired and sharp; and Moros and Keres, fellow death deities, all stood ready.

Hypnos, the god of sleep, crossed his arms quietly, while Morpheus scratched his head.

“I can fight too!”

“Mint goddess, this isn’t your battle.”

“…But still—”

“This war… even high-ranking gods may fall.”

“I almost died last time, but this time, I’ll make sure we prevail!”

Menthe clasped her hands over her chest, but Styx dissuaded her.

Persephone, her fists clenched, gazed at me with determination, alongside Lethe, who remained calm.

Their eyes all radiated a singular intent: to annihilate our enemies.

These gods, steadfast and reliable, were always by my side.

I cleared my throat, meeting their gazes before I spoke.

“As you’ve likely guessed, Zeus has declared war against the Gigantes.”

“……!”

“After today’s meeting on Olympus, we march on the Phlegraean Plains tomorrow.”

Every god in the room listened intently, the underworld itself trembling from their combined presence.

“Thanatos, Hypnos, and Charon will not participate due to the importance of their duties. Mortal-born or lower-tier deities will also remain behind, given the dangers of this war.”

Some gods seemed to accept this, while Menthe looked crestfallen, bowing her head. Charon, however, appeared deep in thought.

“The underworld’s forces will consist solely of gods and previously deceased monsters. In prior skirmishes, fallen souls slain by the Gigantes were annihilated entirely, unable to return here.”

It was unclear whether this power came from Gaia herself or the strength granted to the Gigantes.

However, mortal allies would only hinder divine forces. Unless used as expendable pawns, their presence would weaken us.

“Now, I will call on specific gods to attend the meeting on Olympus with me. First, the goddess of oblivion, the goddess of discord, and the deities of the River Styx…”

I listed the names of high-ranking gods who would accompany me.

Final instructions were given regarding gathering monster forces, sending divine oracles to the mortal realm, and securing the underworld during the war.

After dismissing the assembly, I crossed the Acheron with the chosen gods and ascended to Olympus.

With Heracles, the prophetic hero;

The connection between the mortal and immortal realms;

And the cooperation of the Primordial deities

secured,

We had everything we needed to achieve victory.

This time, we would crush our enemies completely.