I Am Hades, Lord of the Underworld!

Poseidon. 

Zeus.

At this moment, a sharp glint of cold light flashed in the eyes of these two God-Kings, though it quickly disappeared. Even if Hades had made preparations in advance, so what? Does that mean they would inevitably fail?

The reason a triangle is stable lies in its structure. When one point becomes strong enough, the other two points naturally converge to counterbalance it. No matter how powerful the single point is, can it really defeat the other two combined? This is the core principle.

Poseidon and Zeus didn't say much, and the matter naturally passed.

No one would speak further on this. 

The main reason?

Embarrassment!

For Poseidon and Zeus, would it not be laughable to admit that they couldn't compete with the powerful humans cultivated by the Underworld? That would be utterly ridiculous!

Prometheus pondered for a moment and then asked, "Your Majesties, since everything has been settled, when should the first Holy War begin?"

With the main details finalized, it was time to discuss the follow-up matters.

Naturally, Prometheus took the initiative to address these next steps.

Nereus calmly suggested, "Then let's set the time to begin after the conclusion of the God-King Council. What do you think, Your Majesties?"

Hypnos, after brief consideration, remarked calmly, "Isn't that a bit rushed?"

However, Hypnos' words were meant to provoke. Rushed?! What do you mean? Are you implying that now that the Underworld is prepared, you look down on us, allowing us to take our time to develop before starting the war?

Poseidon coldly responded, "Hades, the humans in your mortal kingdom seem exceptionally unique. Are you planning to start an apocalyptic war by involving them in this Holy War?"

Poseidon's tone, though framed as a question, was more of a confirmation.

Hades replied calmly, "Let the first Holy War initiate this apocalyptic war, ending the Golden Age and ushering in the Silver Age."

"No problem," Zeus said after a moment of thought. "In that case, let the first Holy War begin in a different manner."

"…"

Hades and Poseidon both quietly watched Zeus.

Zeus, with a sly smile, suggested, "Then! Let's remove all restrictions. The first Holy War will begin without any limitations, except that the God-Kings themselves cannot intervene."

At this moment, aside from the Underworld, it's likely that all the gods would strongly agree with Zeus' proposal. By removing limitations, the Underworld's power could be weakened to the extreme. No matter how strong Hades' mortal kingdom is, it would be insignificant compared to the forces under the command of the other God-Kings.

"…"

The gods of the Underworld remained silent.

After some thought, Hades responded calmly, "Very well, Zeus. Let's start the Holy War as you propose."

"No God-Kings allowed to participate."

"As for determining the victor."

"We all know how that will be judged."

Hades spoke calmly, seemingly indifferent to Zeus' proposal.

To be honest, Zeus' idea was simple: prevent the intervention of the higher divine beings like Aether.

Without the involvement of the Underworld's God-King, what could they do?

However, Hades' attitude remained straightforward. "If this is how you want to play, then let's play by your rules."

If, in the end, they lose despite using these rules, then there's nothing else to be said.

The twin gods, Hypnos and Thanatos, exchanged a gleam of understanding in their eyes. They were filled with confidence. If the Holy War were fought by the agreed-upon rules, the Sea and Sky might have a chance. But if it was unrestricted, except for the prohibition on God-Kings, then...

Do they think they have a chance?

From the perspective of the twin gods, it was impossible. The two sides weren't even on the same level.

Hades concluded, "The Holy War is settled then. The time will be set for one year after the conclusion of the God-King Council."

"Agreed."

"Very well."

Poseidon and Zeus naturally had no objections. Whether the war was to be in one year or ten, it wouldn't change much.

Hades continued, "After the Holy War ends, the victor will trigger the apocalypse, and the responsibility for creation afterward will be determined by the second Holy War."

Poseidon and Zeus had no objections to this arrangement.

Apocalypse! 

Creation!

Both events would yield immense resources. Therefore, dividing these tasks between the two wars seemed fair enough.

As for the 16 million-year void in the mortal realm after the first Holy War, it didn't matter much. For the gods, time was the least valuable resource. The void period would actually make it easier to harvest resources, which would be beneficial for the God-Kings.

Hades added, "Aside from this, it seems there's nothing else left to discuss."

"Then," Poseidon said, "this God-King Council can now be concluded."

"Agreed!" Zeus nodded, endorsing this sentiment.

Thus, the first God-King Council came to an end.

As for the God-King's Crown?

It would remain where it was until the Holy War ended, at which point it would be claimed by the victor, who would then oversee the apocalypse.

All in all, this God-King Council was satisfactory for all three God-Kings.

The Underworld, with its vast wealth and dominance, naturally had the upper hand and was ready to play by any rules. The Sea and Sky both achieved their desired outcomes, leaving them equally pleased.

Hades, Poseidon, and Zeus each departed, quietly preparing for the first Holy War in one year.

As the three God-Kings left, a shadowy figure appeared within the temple of the earth, gazing at the floating God-King's Crown, seemingly deep in thought.

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