I Am Hades, Lord of the Underworld!

The first ruler governs the mortal realm for 10 million years. The second ruler governs for 5 million years, and the third for 1 million year.

This division seemed very reasonable. After all, whether it's eating meat, gnawing on bones, or drinking soup, everyone gets a share. Besides, who loses all the time? Sooner or later, everyone wins at least once, and when they do, they reap the rewards.

Therefore, Poseidon and Zeus had no objections to this idea. It seemed fair enough, even if it wasn't absolutely fair. It's obvious to anyone that this setup wasn't perfectly equitable, but they wouldn't deny it either. After all, who wouldn't want to gain more for themselves while squeezing out the others?

This is entirely normal.

Zeus frowned slightly and thought for a moment before saying, "Hades, your proposal seems fine, but how do you suggest we implement it?"

"243 years," Hades replied calmly. "Within a span of 243 years, whoever defeats the others will be the victor."

"And if there is no victor?" Zeus asked.

"Then the first ruler will govern the mortal realm for 5 million years, leaving 1 million years unused. The second and third rulers will have to decide how to handle that."

Hades, Poseidon, and Zeus quietly discussed this matter, and their discussion progressed quickly.

One could say that the framework Hades proposed satisfied both God-Kings. After all, it was the best possible outcome, and the time limit ensured that things wouldn't escalate too far.

If things did escalate, and they truly went all out in a war, the consequences could be disastrous. In that case, who knows what the outcome would be if they were unable to reconcile?

Finally, Hades stated, "If you both agree to these rules, then they will become the final rules. Also, no gods are allowed to participate in the battle."

"Hmm?!" Poseidon and Zeus both frowned slightly.

No gods allowed to participate? What does that mean?

In other words, this war would be limited to the realm of humans, with the highest power level being that of the Eighth Sense. Anything beyond that would be considered a violation and lead to automatic disqualification.

Of course, if someone in their faction managed to cultivate a powerful warrior during the war, that would be perfectly acceptable.

After all, if one trains a warrior, it can't be considered cheating, right?

Poseidon and Zeus pondered this for a moment. Poseidon then stated calmly, "The Sea will have 7 Generals and 90 Warriors."

Zeus added, "The Sky will have 130 Warriors."

Hades responded, "The Underworld will have 108 Warriors."

With these declarations, the war—or rather, the game—was set.

The Sea would have a total of 97 participants, the Sky would have 130, and the Underworld would have 108.

"Lastly," Zeus continued after a brief consideration, "we should impose some limitations. While subordinate gods are not allowed to fight, what about human avatars?"

Poseidon thought for a moment and said, "I think that's acceptable, but we should limit the number."

"Five," Hades said calmly. "Five is the most appropriate and reasonable number."

"Agreed," Poseidon and Zeus both concurred.

And so, the war to determine the God-King was decided, framed as a sort of game. Indeed, to the three God-Kings, it was more of a game than a real war.

However, even though it was just a game, it was still the most suitable arrangement. As for other potential conflicts? Those were separate matters. This game wouldn't change.

The agreement ensured that no bridges would be burned and fairness would be maintained.

Poseidon then continued to consider, "Besides that, should we allow the use of human forces?"

Zeus replied calmly, "Of course. Human power is insignificant; their involvement is merely a jest."

To Zeus, humans were nothing. Once the golden age passed, human power would be meaningless.

Hades responded, "In that case, let's proceed with these rules and seal the pact."

Hades, Poseidon, and Zeus, the three God-Kings, sealed the pact, and thus, the game to determine the God-King was set.

As for the name? Holy War!!!

Centered on the authority of the God-King and the mortal realm, this game was set to determine the victor. But would this game lead to victory?

All three God-Kings were supremely confident.

"Mm..." Prometheus narrowed his eyes and thought to himself, "Something feels off... but this game called Holy War seems perfectly legitimate, doesn't it?"

Prometheus felt uneasy. Something didn't seem right, but he couldn't quite figure it out.

As the god of wisdom, Prometheus found himself stuck in a mental trap. While his concerns weren't wrong, he forgot that some issues are more complex than they appear.

Nereus also realized, "This isn't right!"

Suddenly, Nereus understood—this seemingly fair game didn't account for Sparta!

The first Holy War, according to the God-Kings' plan, could begin once the council ended.

But the problem is—Sparta, the land of death and war!

This was the real crux of the matter!

The Underworld had been preparing all along, laying a deep trap. And while the Sea and Sky had their preparations, they were nothing compared to the Underworld's plans!

At this moment, Prometheus also realized what was happening, and his expression turned grim. He noticed the faint smiles on the twin gods Hypnos and Thanatos and saw the sharp glint in their eyes.

Poseidon and Zeus realized it too.

To put it simply, this wasn't a conspiracy but an open strategy. The arrogance of the gods led them to overlook humanity, but now they suddenly realized the terrifying power that Hades had cultivated in his mortal kingdom.

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