In chaos, time is meaningless.
This saying holds true in any world where gods exist. According to records, the Titanomachy lasted ten years, but this number is merely symbolic. From Zeus's birth to the liberation of his siblings, gathering strength and waging the Titanomachy, who knows how many years actually passed?
Ten thousand years?
A million years?
Or even longer?
For gods, time is insignificant. Hades, immersed in this chaos, has no sense of how long he has existed. Apart from cultivating his divine power and understanding the laws, he dares not waste a single moment.
Notably, in this chaos, when one is completely suppressed, divine power, laws, and even the soul are constrained. However, if given even a moment of respite, the growth in divine power and the comprehension of laws can be extraordinary.
After all, theoretically, this chaos is the very core of his father, the Titan King. If he could destroy it...
Forget it.
It's just idle thinking. Better to focus on accumulating more divine power.
As Hades continues his relentless training, he suddenly senses the chaos splitting open. Instantly, he looks up and sees a rift forming. A stream of light, much like his own when he was devoured, descends into the chaos. It is his brother, Poseidon, the future Sea King.
But for Hades, it doesn't matter who it is. What matters is seizing this opportunity. Only by doing so can he escape this chaos and the seal of the Titan King.
Summoning all his divine power, Hades darts toward the rift, his dark purple barrier expanding outward, shielding him from the oppressive chaos.
Simultaneously, in the vast starry sky, the Magi Star emits beams of divine power that traverse the heavens, the boundless earth, and the residence of the twelve Titans, converging at the center of the Titan Palace on Mount Othrys.
The divine power from the Magi Star halts the chaos for a brief moment. Yet, that fleeting instant is enough. In that moment of reprieve, Hades breaks free from the Titan King's seal.
The seal closes.
Hades finds himself kneeling on one knee within the Titan Palace. His exquisite, perfect features, if described in words, would be pure. As the Lord of the Underworld, Hades possesses an extraordinarily pure form. At this moment, however, his face is pale, and he is breathing heavily. The escape from chaos has drained his divine power. Without the guidance and assistance of the Magi Star, he could never have broken free.
"Hades."
A majestic voice resounds, filled with admiration. "I never imagined that a consciousness could emerge within the chaos of my being. Not only that, but guided by the Magi Star, you seized this singular chance to escape along with Poseidon's sealing. You are indeed my eldest son!"
Hades rises and gazes at the figure seated on the lofty throne. Contrary to the typical image of a burly giant, the figure resembles a youthful boy with dark, shoulder-length hair and a finely chiseled face, clad in a pitch-black divine robe.
One of the twelve Titan deities!
The Titan King!
Kronos!
The supreme ruler who overthrew his father, Uranus, one of the primeval gods of the sky, and now governs the heavens, seas, Underworld, earth, and all of the cosmos, ruling the entire mythological world.
"Father."
Hades' voice is calm. With the cultivation of divine power and mastery of the laws, his demeanor has become increasingly serene. It's not that he has lost all emotions, but he governs all feelings with pure reason. This is why Hades appears emotionless.
"Hades," Kronos' youthful face breaks into a smile. "As expected of my eldest son, even in peril, you remain composed. Now, Hades, tell me, how do you plan to escape this Titan Palace? You should know that the real danger is not the chaos that sealed you but this palace itself."
Kronos pauses briefly before continuing, "Come, show me how you will escape from under my watch. If you succeed, I promise that for the next 500,000 years, no Titan will pursue you. This is my reward to my diligent son."
The supreme Titan King's every word is filled with confidence and pride.
Of course, he has every reason to be proud. As the ultimate ruler of the mythological world, his confidence and arrogance are only natural.
"I don't know." After a brief silence, Hades replies quietly, "Father, while it might seem I should have a meticulous plan to escape the Titan Palace, the truth is, I don't know how to leave."
Kronos chuckles softly, "Hades, as my eldest son, are you prepared to face death in the light?"
"Breaking free from the chaos seal has given me a glimmer of hope," Hades shakes his head. "Choosing not to escape would be like a pig waiting for fate's hand. Such an outcome is worse than death. At least now, I have taken the first step beyond my destined fate."
"Destined fate..."
A gentle voice interjects. A serene, womanly figure with pale white hair and a perfect, elegant form stands beside him, watching him quietly.
"Mother."
Hades turns to face her. This is the Titan Queen, Rhea, the goddess of time, another of the twelve Titans.
"Hades," Rhea's lips curve into a tender smile. "This is the second time we've met. Unfortunately, today you must remain here. Making the Titan Palace your eternal home is not such a bad fate."
Hades shakes his head. "Mother, my instincts tell me that in this perilous Titan Palace, I will not die. As for why... I don't know. But my instincts assure me I'll be safe."
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