Having initially consolidated the core structure of the Underworld and witnessed Thanatos and Hypnos achieving great power through his definition, Hades felt his connection to the realm of the dead growing ever stronger.
However, he also clearly understood that this was far from the time to relax.
The order of the Underworld had only just been established, like a newly sprouted seedling; it needed time to grow and to avoid the outside world, especially the gaze of the cruel father-god on Mount Olympus.
Although he had become the [King of Hades], he had not yet announced it to the world, and with the concealment power of the goddess Nyx, he had so far avoided attracting the attention of the outside world.
But this was not a long-term solution.
Just as Hades and Metis were planning how to further refine the laws of the Underworld, the immense will of Nyx came again—not directly, but a stream of information quietly flowed into Hades's heart.
"The time is fragile, Hades." Nyx's voice was eternally calm. "Although Cronus has again sunk into a satiated sleep after swallowing Poseidon, Olympus has not been without movement."
"A banquet, initiated by Koios to 'highlight the glory and power of the Titans,' is being held on the Sacred Mountain. Most of the invited will be the Titan Protogenoi and some nature gods close to the gods."
The stream of information contained a token, condensed from the divine power of night, radiating the pure plant divinity of 'Orphos'.
"Go in the guise of 'Orphos'." Nyx's instructions were clear and unambiguous. "Your disguise is sufficient to hide you from them. Listen, observe. The cornerstone of Cronus's rule is not monolithic; there are undercurrents among the Titans. Knowing them is crucial for your future."
He looked at Metis, and in the eyes of the Queen of Hades flashed understanding and support.
"Be careful," Metis said softly. A stream of water, imbued with wisdom and hidden blessings, flowed from her fingertips, quietly lingering around Hades's wrist like a silent talisman.
"I will be here, using the power of the Styx to sense any ripples connected to you."
Hades nodded, saying little.
He checked his disguise, especially the ring 'Foundation of Gaia', which was also in a state of activation. Under this dual guarantee, he was confident that even if he encountered Cronus, as long as he didn't engage in direct conflict, he would not be exposed.
He took a step outward, not through the gates of the Underworld, but with the guidance contained in Nyx's token, his figure merged with the shadows, and in the next moment, he appeared in a secluded mountain forest far from the Underworld, at the foot of Mount Olympus.
He adjusted his attire, transformed into a verdant ribbon of light, and flew towards the temples of Olympus, which stood majestically, radiating infinite grandeur and brilliant divine light.
The closer he got to the temple, the more he felt the terrifying power that enveloped it, belonging to Cronus. The air was filled with powerful auras of divine power, and various attribute energies intertwined, highlighting the strength and prosperity of the Titan Protogenoi.
The temple was magnificent and splendid, built from enormous sacred stones, adorned with ancient totems and war scenes, decorated with gold and precious gems.
At the entrance of the temple stood tall guards in golden armor.
Their eyes were sharp, scrutinizing every entrant.
Hades (Orphos) radiated a natural and vital aura.
The guards sensed the pure plant divinity and respectfully admitted the seemingly powerful Hades (Orphos) inside.
Entering the banquet hall, he was enveloped by hustle and heat. Completely different from the dead and dark Underworld, it was filled with the restlessness of life and the ostentation of power.
The interior of the temple was spacious, with a high dome and frescoes depicting the Titans overthrowing Uranus.
The long dining table was laden with delicacies, and golden goblets were filled with divine wine and nectar, exuding an enticing aroma.
The Titan gods gathered in pairs and threes, talking and laughing loudly, their divine power fluctuations colliding, making the atmosphere very lively.
Hades unobtrusively merged into the corners, trying to be as inconspicuous as possible. Playing the role of a new nature god with slight curiosity, his eyes modestly observed the gods present.
He saw the initiator, Koios, the Titan responsible for intellect and the heavenly axis, chatting with several brothers, a restrained and confident smile on his face, but in the depths of his eyes hid an imperceptible ambition.
He saw Hyperion, the radiant sun god, standing beside Helios, father and son like moving sources of light, attracting much attention.
He saw Koios (the messenger Titan of Inquisitive Intellect), whispering with his sister/wife Phoebe, and seemingly not fully engaged in the banquet atmosphere.
He also saw the ocean gods—Oceanus and Tethys—sitting at a distance from the other Titans, their expressions gentle but aloof.
Hades noticed that Oceanus's gaze occasionally swept over the crowd with a detached look.
Hades silently recorded these manners and exchanges in his heart. As Nyx said, the Titans were not monolithic.
Koios seemed intent on using this banquet to increase his influence; Koios (the messenger) might have doubts about Koios's (the host) actions; The ocean gods system clearly maintained a certain independence.
He took a glass of divine wine and pretended to taste it, but his ears caught fragments of conversation.
"... Brother Koios's banquet is getting bigger and bigger; it shows that our Titan Protogenoi are flourishing now!"
"Hmph, flourishing? That's just surface talk. Don't you think His Majesty's aura has become increasingly unpredictable lately? Last time I returned from Koios's inspection, it seemed like nothing was found..."
"Be careful! Can we speak of the God-King like this? However... I heard that Queen Rhea has been depressed lately..."
"Shut up! Do you want to be thrown into Tartarus?"
"What are you afraid of? His Majesty the God-King is fast asleep, digesting... In short, he won't wake up anytime soon. However, brother Koios seems interested in some... well, 'inactive' energy."
This fragmentary information entered Hades's mind, and after rapid processing by the [Knowledge] and [Summary] divinities, a picture gradually emerged: Cronus was asleep, Rhea was in a bad state, Koios might have his own plans, and some Titans were not without complaints about the status quo, but they feared the God-King's coercion.
At this moment, a slightly sharp voice sounded beside him:
"Oh? Is this the Earth Mother's new plant god, Orphos?"
Hades turned his head and saw a tall, thin god with a somewhat sinister face approaching. His body radiated a soul-related, but somewhat chaotic, fluctuation of divine power—Iapetus, the father of the legendary human ancestors, a Titan who was not in the core circle of power.
Iapetus looked at Hades with a hint of condescending curiosity in his eyes, or rather... scrutiny.
"I've heard that you are much loved by your mother, walking the earth, birthing grass and trees, and you've even done some... well, useful things." His tone was ambiguous—approval or sarcasm?
Hades (Orphos) was wary, but on his face shone just the right smile, slightly shy and respectful: "Great god Iapetus. You flatter me. I merely perform my duties and dare not speak of achievements. The functioning of the world ultimately depends on the power of the great Titans."
His humble demeanor proved very effective with Iapetus, who nodded slightly. "Knowing your measure is good. However, your mother has been quite active lately, not only giving birth to you but also manifesting her presence from time to time... Could it be that beneath the earth, some new 'treasure' is hidden?"
There was a temptation in these words. Hades sneered inwardly, understanding that the other party might suspect that Gaia was secretly accumulating strength, or perhaps even feared him; the mighty divine power of the newborn was seen as a tool of Gaia.
"My mother's mind, how could I presume to guess?" Hades continued to play the role of ignorance. "I simply sense the needs of plants and guide their growth. As for the depths of the earth, that is not my domain."
Iapetus stared at him for a few seconds, as if trying to find a flaw in his eyes, but in the end just curled his lip. "Is that so? Enjoy the banquet, little one."
With that, he turned and headed towards another group of gods.
Hades watched his retreating back, his eyes slightly cold. Iapetus's temptation further confirmed that the Titans were not without suspicion, especially towards Gaia, who had always remained independent and possessed a deep legacy.
The banquet continued: songs and dances, cups clinking. Hades was like a silent shadow, wandering on the edge of the bustle, gathering information and sensing the last feast of the Titan god system, which appeared brilliant but actually concealed a crisis.
At the moment when the banquet atmosphere was most enthusiastic and the gods were drunk and hazy...