Chapter 22: The Crystal of Technique? The Absolute God's Pact!
Prometheus did not mince words and immediately responded, "The Crystal of Technique."
"The Crystal of Technique..." Hades murmured these words, his expression remaining unchanged. This silence, however, only heightened Prometheus' sense of danger.
Prometheus had always aspired to support Zeus, the future King of Gods and ruler of the heavens. Compared to the Lord of the Underworld or the Sea God, the Emperor of Heaven had a broader, more inclusive vision.
But one wonders, if Prometheus knew his future fate—one of suffering and torment—would he still make the same choice? Given his character, he likely would, stubbornly walking his chosen path to the bitter end.
Prometheus, known as the Seer, was indeed proud and confident. He believed that he would not repeat the mistakes of the original narrative.
This was Prometheus' fate. Unlike ordinary gods, he couldn't foresee his own future clearly. After all, if destiny were so easily deciphered, it would lose its mystique.
Despite not knowing his fate, Prometheus was supremely confident. Even if he were aware of his grim future, he would still choose the same path.
Currently, Prometheus was preparing resources for the Zeus he intended to support. These resources were crucial, and originally, he planned to retrieve them himself.
Now?
With Hades having broken his seal, and their goals temporarily aligned, cooperation seemed the best course of action. For gods, there were no eternal enemies, only eternal interests.
"Lord Hades!" Prometheus, sensing the underlying danger, continued to smile as he asked, "Do you agree?"
Hades replied simply, "I do."
The Nature of Technique
The concept of technique, or gi, among gods was complex. In simple terms, gods relied on brute force, the clash of divine powers and laws, wielding their artifacts in straightforward combat. It was a basic, turn-based clash of raw power.
For most gods, technique was a minor concern. Only the warriors among them honed their techniques to magnify their relatively limited cosmos (small universe) to ten, a hundred, or even a thousand times its potential.
Some warriors, through relentless refinement, advanced their techniques to the level of waza (業), achieving a power comparable to divine force—known as the god-slaying techniques.
For the Ancient Gods, who had mastered the Ultimate Power, techniques held little interest. Pontus, however, had left behind the Crystal of Technique, which intrigued Hades greatly.
"Lord Hades!" Prometheus continued, "The Ancient God left behind five Crystals of Technique. However, I have only managed to locate two. One for you and one for me."
"Agreed."
Hades silently observed Prometheus for a long moment before commenting, "Zeus has found a good follower."
Prometheus smiled but remained silent, then produced a contract.
The Absolute God's Pact
Among gods, spoken promises were often unreliable. The notion of divine honor was laughable. Gods were purely creatures of self-interest, willing to betray even their kin for the right price.
In such an environment, genuine cooperation was rare without guarantees. Thus, the Absolute God's Pact was created.
As the name implies, this pact was safeguarded by the Absolute God. Once signed, it could not be violated. The consequences of breaking the pact? One would face the wrath of the Absolute God, potentially resulting in obliteration.
Hades carefully reviewed the contract Prometheus had prepared, ensuring there were no hidden clauses or tricks. It was crucial not to let pride blind him to potential deceptions from someone as cunning as Prometheus.
Prometheus watched this process and thought, "Dealing with such absolute rationality, devoid of arrogance, makes this God-King extraordinarily challenging."
Hades, being meticulous, finally signed the contract, embedding a part of his divine soul into it. Prometheus had not attempted any deceit, and this mutual trust (albeit tentative) was essential given their shared interests.
"Lord Hades," Prometheus continued, "I need some time to make preparations. Would you like to stay here and rest for a while?"
Hades nodded. He had no immediate destination, and staying here until they located the Crystals of Technique seemed prudent.
The Importance of Technique
For Hades, the concept of technique represented a significant boost in combat effectiveness. While many gods disregarded it, Hades valued any method that could enhance his strength, no matter how minor.
To gods, only victory mattered. The adage "the victor writes the history" held true. Using techniques to augment his power wasn't seen as dishonorable—only the results mattered.
Moreover, these were Crystals of Technique left behind by an Ancient God. Even if Hades could only glean a fraction of their secrets, it would be immensely beneficial.
Additionally, Prometheus had approached him proactively. Rejecting such an offer seemed foolish, especially when it came without significant risk.
Hades understood that Prometheus wouldn't jeopardize him.
The reason was simple: Kronos had decreed 500,000 years. During this period, no means could harm Hades.
As for a potential sacrifice?
Hades was confident that Prometheus, the Seer, wouldn't engage in such a self-destructive tactic. It would be the epitome of irrationality and short-sightedness.
It would be akin to three warriors banding together to defeat a powerful enemy, only for one to betray and sabotage another, ensuring mutual destruction.
Such an action defied logic and common sense.
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Prometheus, known for his foresight and wisdom, would certainly steer clear of such futile strategies. Their alliance, built on mutual interest and necessity, would hold for now. The next steps promised not just power but insight into techniques that could redefine divine combat.
As Hades settled into his temporary haven, he reflected on the paths ahead. The pursuit of the Crystals of Technique promised both immediate and long-term gains. Each step, each alliance, was a calculated move towards a future where destiny was no longer a chain but a choice.
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