The forging of the Netherworld's World Tree domain takes time—this cannot be rushed. In fact, there is no need to hurry; things should be taken slowly.
The same problem persists.
For the Netherworld's World Tree right now, it's as if a player in a game has reached a level cap—experience points have long exceeded 100%, but without completing the quest, no amount of experience can push for a level up. Even if strength slightly improves, it cannot truly advance.
This is entirely normal.
There's nothing strange about it.
Because of this, the Netherworld can take its time. When the Wind Beast returns to its place, the Netherworld will undergo a significant transformation, a grand metamorphosis.
At that moment, the Netherworld World Tree will evolve into a complete mythological world. Even if it's a weaker version, it will still be a mythological world. The difference between the two is immense.
Currently, the Netherworld can only be considered a divine kingdom at its core—a divine kingdom forged on the foundation of the World Tree. But once it crosses this final barrier, it will be called the Mythological Netherworld.
At that point, everything will fundamentally change.
It will be an essential metamorphosis.
Because of this, the Netherworld is not in a hurry. On the contrary, it seems to be conserving its strength, a crucial and necessary process.
...
In the oceanic realm, Poseidon slowly opened his eyes, his voice cold and indifferent as he muttered, "Athena has made a deal with Hades, offering him 30% of the Earth's essence. But what is the core of this deal?"
Though it seemed like a question, Poseidon's eyes betrayed no interest in the matter.
This was simply his nature—completely emotionless. He cared for nothing.
Someone who feels no emotion, even when puzzled, shows no reaction.
At this moment, Poseidon appeared to be pondering something. After a brief pause, he closed his eyes again.
Whatever it was, only the two parties involved knew the details. Outsiders? He chuckled. No matter who they were, trying to uncover the terms of this deal was impossible.
All one could do was wait for the outcome.
Soon enough, the truth would be revealed.
After all, any deal must eventually come to light—this would not change.
Poseidon wasn't in a rush.
On the contrary, he believed that waiting patiently would be enough.
...
In the heavens, Polos smiled faintly, his tone playful: "Athena, Hades... what exactly is the nature of your deal? Offering 30% of the Earth's essence will help the Netherworld further complete its domain."
"Hehehe..."
"Hades..."
"Without realizing it, you've come so far."
Polos spoke calmly, his words gentle. Nothing seemed capable of driving this god-king to madness or rage. Rational, emotionless, gentle, and wise.
Right now, the four god-kings represented these four emotions.
In a sense, they together formed a complete spectrum of feelings.
Of course, it's hard to say what will come of it all.
Polos could see many things, and he found much to be quite intriguing.
Likewise, Polos understood how powerful Hades had become.
This was beyond question.
Polos could clearly see how terrifying Hades' growth was—especially as the Netherworld continued to become more complete. Hades' strength would soon be unparalleled.
"The future…"
"What will it bring?"
Polos pondered the possibilities and then shook his head.
He had his own plans.
So, whatever the future held, he would consider it when the time came. There was no need to dwell on it now.
...
In the Underworld, Tartarus was growing increasingly weak.
"Cough, cough…"
He coughed lightly, his voice deep and hoarse as he said, "Gaia, do you really believe your actions are right? You should know very well how powerful Hades will become."
"The Wind Beast…"
"What Hades lacks now is a Wind Beast of god-king level."
"And…"
"Other than that, everything is nearly complete."
"In fact…"
"If he wanted to, he could use any Wind Beast to complete the four elements: earth, water, fire, and wind. At that point, he would at least be able to enter the ranks of the Ancient Gods."
"No…"
"With his accumulation, even among the Ancient Gods, he would be a formidable force—perhaps surpassing even Kronos. And if he truly finds a god-king level Wind Beast…"
"Then…"
"At that moment, Gaia, Hades might become nearly equal to you."
Tartarus stared deeply at the shadow in front of him, his pitch-black eyes flickering with complex emotions, as if asking whether Gaia truly understood the implications.
"…"
Gaia listened to Tartarus' words in complete calm. She finally responded, "I understand fully what all of this represents."
"Likewise…"
"I know exactly what is contained within this."
"But…"
Gaia looked at Tartarus and asked quietly, "Tartarus, do you believe that all of this has already escaped my control?"
"…"
Tartarus fell silent at Gaia's question. After a long pause, he shook his head, turned around, and disappeared.
At this moment, Tartarus was far too weak. He needed to rest, because the coming days would leave him even more exhausted and frail.
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