"Let's give it a try."
With that mindset, Persephone and Hestia began focusing their research on the mulberry tree.
As for the creation of new Underworld beings? Well, that task was almost complete. Only a key component remained, but it wasn't something they needed to rush. They could easily obtain it later when the time was right.
For now, the most important task for the two goddesses was seeing whether they could create the perfect mechanism to search for Underworld Saints. If they succeeded, it would be of enormous significance.
What kind of massive boost would 108 perfect Underworld Saints bring? It was almost unimaginable. The enhancement would be so great that it could barely be described with words.
With such a tremendous gain in sight, it was no wonder the two goddesses were deeply invested, busy with their research on the perfect Saint selection machine.
Meanwhile, on the other side, the gods of the Underworld continued with their respective duties—training, working, and handling the many tasks that needed to be managed step by step.
In short, the Underworld was full of activity, with hardly any gods taking time to enjoy life. For the gods of death, such leisurely pursuits were meaningless. They had many things to accomplish, and once everything was done, they would have an eternity to enjoy.
Of course, this didn't apply to the ancient gods Erebus and Nyx. As primordial gods, they had no need to be busy like the others. They simply rested quietly in the Underworld, only stepping in when absolutely necessary.
In truth, the gods of the Underworld all shared a common hope: that Erebus and Nyx would never need to intervene. That would be the best outcome.
The reason was simple. If those two ancient gods had to act, it would mean that something had occurred that the Underworld could no longer handle, and if that were the case, it would be far from a good situation.
…
On Earth, Thanatos had left the Underworld and quickly arrived at the entrance to the Sanctuary.
Buzz~~~
As the gates of the Sanctuary opened, Prometheus emerged. Looking at Thanatos, dressed in his black divine robe, a hint of nostalgia, or perhaps something entirely different, flickered in Prometheus' eyes.
A completely different choice had led to entirely different results. Erebus and Nyx had gone all-in, entrusting all their children to Hades, making them his subordinate gods.
And what had come of that?
Whether it was Aether, Ceres, Khar, or the Moirai, all four had ascended to the level of God-King. Hypnos and Thanatos had risen to prominence, proving how successful Erebus and Nyx's investment in Hades had been.
Today, Prometheus looked at his own path.
He thought of the ambitions he once had, the plans he had prepared from the beginning. Yet the outcome had been so underwhelming in comparison.
Sigh…
Perhaps all that could be said now was a sigh of resignation.
Prometheus remained silent, unsure of what to say.
But Thanatos calmly spoke, "Prometheus, I need to discuss something with the Lord of the Earth."
"Come in," Prometheus invited him in.
Before long, Thanatos found himself inside the Hall of the Goddess.
Thanatos knew that here, any misstep could lead to his death. After all, in the Sanctuary, not even his lord Hades, nor his divine parents, could save him in time if something went wrong.
However, Thanatos remained utterly composed, exuding an air of indifference.
In his mind, such an event was impossible.
Not to mention the binding contract that had been signed. On a fundamental level, if Athena truly dared to act against him, the entire Sanctuary would be destroyed, and the new Earth Goddess would be absolutely doomed.
There was no doubt about it.
The Underworld had more than enough power to ensure it. That's why everyone involved in this game played by the rules—nobody dared have any other ideas. The reason was simple: the Underworld was strong enough that defiance would mean death, and likely a very grim one at that.
"Lord of the Earth," Thanatos spoke respectfully, offering a slight bow.
Athena nodded calmly. "What is it?"
Thanatos then explained the plan he and Hypnos had devised. After a brief moment of thought, Athena replied, "Prometheus, go with Thanatos and handle this matter. Take the light of the 88 constellations with you."
"As you command, my lady," Prometheus replied, kneeling on one knee in respect.
Soon after, Thanatos and Prometheus left together.
Prometheus guided the light of the 88 constellations, following Thanatos out of the Sanctuary.
The gods, of course, were unaware of this, which wasn't surprising. For two God-Kings, they weren't fools.
If Athena entered the Underworld, it would need to be done openly, but after that, any exchanges could be hidden from view.
If everything were made public, that would be the truly strange thing.
Obviously, the two God-Kings weren't going to act so foolishly. If they did, it would be nothing short of idiotic.
And if they really acted that way?
Well, the gods wouldn't be shocked—they would just think, "Are these two complete fools?"
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