After a detailed discussion on the interaction between water runes and ley line energy, faint, snowflake-like remnants of intertwined divine power still lingered in the air.
Metis did not immediately transform into her usual clear stream, nor did she enthusiastically raise the next topic. She rarely appeared a little... hesitant.
Her eyes, like the deepest ocean, wandered slightly, her slender fingers unconsciously twisting the ribbons of her blue gauze skirt, and her originally clear, crisp voice carried an imperceptible tremor.
"Orphos..." she called softly, her gaze falling on Hades's calm face, then quickly darting away, as if burned by the leaping flames of the lava lake.
Hades acutely sensed her strangeness, stopped the dissipating divine power model in his hand, and cast a questioning glance. "Metis? What is it?"
Metis took a deep breath, as if she had made a decision, raised her head, and tried to maintain her usual composure, but the slightly reddened tips of her ears betrayed her nervousness: "I... I would like to invite you to visit the ocean."
She paused, as if organizing her words, her voice soft but clear: "In the depths of the ocean, connected to the currents that circle the world around my father-god's (Oceanus's) realm, there are some... very unique landscapes and energy vortexes. I think they might inspire your research, for example, on the morphological changes of matter under different pressures, or the powerful confrontation and transformation of water and 'lava'."
This invitation sounded reasonable and full of the value of academic discussion.
But Hades looked at Metis's behavior, completely different from her usual wisdom and calm, tinged with a girlish coyness, and understood in his heart. This was by no means a purely investigative inquiry.
The ocean was her home, the source of her power, and the trust and intimacy contained within it were far from simple surface words.
He was silent for a moment. A journey to the ocean meant stepping into the realm of another ancient Titan—Oceanus, who circled the world. This was certainly risky.
Although the ocean gods were not entirely submissive to Cronus, Oceanus's attitude remained delicate. His appearance might attract unwanted attention.
However, looking at the mix of expectation, nervousness, and a faint, sincere light in Metis's eyes, words of refusal seemed difficult to utter.
The friendship between them had long surpassed simple academic collaboration. This invitation was her attempt to open up more of her world to him.
"The depths of the ocean..." Hades spoke slowly, in a calm tone, "There are indeed many mysteries from the beginning of the world there, and I am very interested in the energy vortex you mentioned."
He did not agree directly, but the inclination in his words was already evident.
Metis's eyes lit up, and the nervousness instantly turned into joy. She quickly added, "Don't worry, we can enter through secluded tributary entrances. I know all the currents there!"
There was a slight pride in her voice, as if she was assuring him of absolute safety.
Hades looked at her rare, almost delighted expression, and a softness he himself hadn't noticed flickered in the depths of his eyes. He nodded:
"Alright. It's settled then."
Those two simple words caused a smile to bloom on Metis's face, like a stone cast into a lake, rippling outwards layer by layer, bright and genuine.
"Then it's decided!" Her voice became lively. "Three days from now, when the great goddess Nyx fully covers the sky, I will wait for you at the mouth of the River Lethe. It will be quiet there, and no other god will disturb us."
After agreeing on the time and place, Metis seemed to have accomplished some important task, and her whole body relaxed.
She waved her hand at Hades, and her figure transformed into a cheerful, clear stream, dissolving into the ley lines and disappearing, leaving only a faint, watery fragrance in the air.
Hades stood motionless, looking in the direction of her disappearance, his eyes deep. The journey to the ocean was both an opportunity and a test. It was not only an exploration of unknown territory, but also an important step forward in the relationship between him and Metis, and might even affect future relations with the entire Oceanus system.
He needed to be well prepared. He needed to ensure his own safety and privacy, and also prepare a suitable 'gift'—after all, this was his first official step into an ally's 'home'.
Three days later. Selene (the moon goddess before Artemis) traversed the sky. At the place called the 'River Lethe', the turbid river water merged with the boundless, primordial ocean water, yet strangely maintained a deathly stillness, as if even sound was swallowed by the limitless, deep blue.
Hades—still radiating the aura of 'Orphos' at this moment—appeared on the shore on time.
He still wore a simple dark green robe, surrounded by the gentle aura of plant divinity, but deep within those calm eyes, the restrained radiance of mighty divine power and the wisdom tempered by life's vicissitudes flowed faintly.
Metis was already waiting there, her blue skirt almost blending with the moonlit waves. Seeing Hades, a relieved smile appeared on her face, and she stepped forward: "You came." There was obvious pleasure in her voice.
"Naturally, I would not miss the agreed-upon moment," Hades nodded slightly.
"Then let's go. Father God... is already waiting for us," Metis said, extending her hand and gently waving it.
The calm waters before them silently parted, revealing a descending passage made of flowing, crystalline water, its inner walls reflecting moonlight and the light of the deep sea—magnificent and mysterious.
Hades did not hesitate and entered the passage alongside Metis. The seawater quietly closed behind them, instantly isolating everything outside.
The passage was extremely quiet; only the soft sound of water was heard in their ears. They descended along the passage, and the surrounding sea gradually changed from light blue to deep blue, finally transforming into a vast darkness filled with infinite life force and ancient majesty.
After descending for what seemed like an unknown time, their eyes suddenly opened wide.
They had arrived at a temple located in the depths of the ocean. The temple was not built of stone or coral, but was entirely formed by flowing water containing the radiance of law.
The dome was a slowly rotating vortex, casting unpredictable light and shadow; The pillars were huge, condensed water columns that did not disperse, supporting this waterless space; The ground was like the smoothest crystal, reflecting the halo flowing from above.
It was filled with majestic water power, yet strangely created a feeling of tranquility and harmony.
At the end of the temple, on a natural throne formed by the fusion of ten thousand years of ice and warm currents, sat a god with a majestic figure, thick beard and hair like flowing seaweed, and a simple, imposing face.
He radiated an aura as vast and boundless as the ocean itself—this was the ocean god who encircled the entire world: Oceanus.
Beside Oceanus stood several gods with powerful auras. One, particularly striking with her beautiful appearance, gentle expression, and attentive gaze, was Oceanus's wife, the source of rivers, lakes, and seas, and the goddess of fresh water—Tethys.
Metis led Hades forward and respectfully paid her respects: "Father God, Mother Goddess, this is Orphos, son of the Earth Mother Goddess and god of plants."
Hades bowed slightly according to etiquette, his voice calm and clear: "Orphos pays respects to the Ocean God and the Goddess of Fresh Water."
Oceanus's eyes, like an abyss, fell upon Hades, his gaze profound, as if he could examine the origin of all things.
He did not speak immediately; only the eternal, faint sound of flowing water filled the temple. Tethys also looked gently at Hades, a hint of curiosity in her eyes.
After a moment, Oceanus's loud and resonant voice broke the silence with an ancient cadence:
"No need for formalities, little brother."
This 'little brother' caused Hades's heart to stir slightly, but his face remained calm. Oceanus was the son of Gaia and Uranus, and by seniority, he indeed belonged to the same generation as him (Orphos, 'conceived' by Gaia).
This title not only indicated recognition of bloodline but also vaguely drew a line—he saw Hades as a god of the same generation as the Earth Mother, not as a junior or an outsider requiring special vigilance and scrutiny.
"I have heard a little about your deeds," Oceanus continued, his voice like an underwater current, steady yet powerful. "To be able, as a 'plant', to touch the mysteries of lava and forging in the depths of the earth, and to extract the sparks of wisdom like 'knowledge' and 'innovation'... Even we ancient gods have never underestimated the infinite possibilities contained in natural evolution. Your power and wisdom are worthy of the name of the Earth Mother's son, and you have also earned the respect of the ocean."
His words were direct and affirmative, without too much beating around the bush. As one of the most ancient Titans, Oceanus possessed the pride and vision commensurate with his power. He recognized the strength and potential Hades had demonstrated, not just his superficial identity.
Tethys also smiled and spoke, her voice like a trickling stream, softening the firmness of her husband's words: "Metis often mentions the benefits of communicating with you and praises your unique insights. Welcome to the Great Ocean as a guest."
Hades replied calmly: "You flatter me, Lord of the Ocean, Goddess of Fresh Water. I merely follow the guidance of nature. The vastness and mystery of the ocean are truly awe-inspiring. I am honored to be invited by you."
His words were measured, neither humble nor arrogant. He not only responded to Oceanus's approval but also expressed respect for the ocean, attributing his achievements to 'natural guidance', skillfully maintaining the persona of 'Orphos'.
Oceanus seemed quite satisfied with Hades's response and nodded slightly. He did not further probe into power or might, but changed his approach, introducing the landscapes of the ocean and unique points of energy convergence, like a master of his domain, and his tone became much gentler than before.
Metis breathed a sigh of relief on the side, a relaxed smile on her face. She knew her father-god's appraisal was over.
The Father God had acknowledged Orphos (Hades) for his power and wisdom and addressed him as 'little brother', laying a good foundation for any potential deeper cooperation between them in the future.
The meeting continued in a seemingly peaceful atmosphere, but in reality, the minds of all parties were subtly engaged beneath the surface.