Between the thrones of Hades, Hades watched the otherworldly scene reflected in the waters of the Styx.
Alexander's conquest was proceeding smoothly, slightly exceeding his initial expectations.
In particular, the fall of "Poseidon"—although it only involved a part of the Aegean Sea—this demigod youth managed to adapt and initially control the power of the sea using the "Spear of Divine Retribution".
The growth rate of this god-killing weapon was something even Hades, who was secretly observing, found remarkable.
"It seems the chess piece you chose has more appetite and luck than expected." A voice with undisguised sarcasm sounded from the side.
Metis leaned back in the auxiliary seat, playing with a beam of light with her fingertips, clearly still angry about the previous 'bathhouse sightseeing incident', her voice dripping with sour mockery.
"What? Seeing your 'good brother' Poseidon end up in the hands of mortals, do you still feel a little discomfort in your heart?"
Hades's gaze didn't leave the water's surface, his voice level: "Unexpected variables, but still under control. What does Poseidon have to do with me?"
"Hmph," Metis snorted softly and threw out a malicious suggestion.
"Since it's so lively there, why not send our dear His Majesty the God-King there too? Let them kill each other; it should be a wonderful show. It would also save him from his disgusting behavior on Olympus all day."
"No," Hades categorically refused, without even offering further explanation.
Forcibly casting Zeus in would be tantamount to officially declaring war on the Olympian pantheon system in this world.
This would inevitably immediately attract the direct attention and intervention of "Gaia", "Uranus", and especially "Nyx", with whom he had just reached an unspoken understanding of 'awareness'.
He was not afraid of these primordial ancient gods; with his ever-deepening power after absorbing the otherworldly self—it wouldn't matter if he joined forces with them—but it would mean endless trouble and possible unknown risks, completely contrary to his original intention of reaping benefits.
Metis seemed to expect his refusal and didn't dwell on it. She curled her lip and turned the conversation to business, her tone becoming slightly more serious:
"Alright, let's get down to business. As you suggested, I have already dealt with the 'Queen of the Underworld' (Persephone) of this world. The process was clean and left no traces. However, I let this world's 'Hecate' slip away. What do you think... this goddess of magic would do?"
Hades finally slightly tilted his head and looked at Metis: "She can do nothing."
"Oh?"
"Having lost the protection of the Queen of the Underworld, and realizing that an unknown threat can silently eliminate the Queen of the Underworld, if 'Hecate' is not stupid, she will understand that the Underworld has become a place of both good and ill omen. Her best move is to immediately hide, stay away from the vortex of power, and wait and see. She specializes in magic and stealth, not confrontation."
Hades calmly analyzed.
A calculating light flashed in Metis's eyes: "Since she likes to hide... then find her some 'playmates' to play with. Let our Hecate go and 'hunt' her. As it happens, our Hecate thinks she has too little work and misses her research time? Give her a chance to 'perform official duties'; she will probably be 'grateful'."
This would undoubtedly throw her own aggrieved magical goddess into the muddy waters of another world, which would not only keep her usefully occupied but also prevent her from continuing to complain in the Underworld and affecting her mood.
Hades nodded slightly, approving the arrangement.
"Yes. Send Hermes as well. His agility and speed make him suitable for tracking and gathering intelligence."
More importantly, if these two troublesome spirits were gathered together and sent away, Hades would be much quieter.
Metis cast a meaningful glance at Hades: "You want them both there... what's going on?"
She knew Hades too well; it wasn't just about hunting.
Hades was noncommittal, as long as they didn't create a child, he didn't care.
"Since we want to stir up the wind and clouds, we might as well make the water even murkier. Add Thalia and Eros."
"Thalia?" Metis raised an eyebrow.
"What can she do? Throw a party on the battlefield?"
"Joy can paralyze the enemy, and celebration attracts attention. Her power at a certain moment can be more effective than a sword," Hades explained.
"As for Eros... isn't she depressed because her... well, 'hardware conditions' aren't as good as others'?"
He deftly avoided the specific reason, but Metis immediately understood and recalled the scene in the bath.
"Let her relax, and incidentally, use her golden bow and silver arrows to add a bit of 'unexpected' romance and chaos to this world; that might work wonders. A strange love god is even more defenseless."
Metis pondered for a moment, and a smile of approval and a hint of 'fearing the world won't be chaotic enough' appeared on her face:
"Interesting. That's settled. Let Hecate and Hermes work together to track and create 'technical' chaos; let Thalia and Eros join forces to attract attention and create 'emotional' chaos. The two lines parallel are enough for Olympus, having lost its sea god, its underworld queen, and about to lose its information channels, to have a lot on its plate."
Finally, Hades added, setting the tone for the operation:
"'Hermes' has fallen there, and 'Hecate' has disappeared. Let them use this identity vacuum to operate, and if necessary, they can even disguise themselves as their counterparts. As for Thalia and Eros... appearing as strange new gods might attract the attention of these old gods and conceal our true purpose."
The destructive operation in another world, planned by the royal couple of Hades and to be executed by four troublesome gods, was complete.
Hades's will, like an invisible law, was precisely transmitted to the ears of the four 'chosen' gods.
In the workshop, where resentment was almost palpable, the moment Hecate received the oracle, her eyes widened in disbelief, and she exploded with the ecstasy of her life!
"Expat! This is an expat mission! Finally, no more dealing with those damned paperwork and wailing ghosts!" She nearly danced.
Although the mission's goal—to find her otherworldly 'self'—sounded a bit strange, compared to her current dark Hades, this was a paid vacation!
She immediately began frantically packing her magical bag, stuffing all kinds of dangerous and non-dangerous bottles and ancient scrolls into it at a speed that left afterimages.
Hermes was standing on his hands, leisurely tossing a few gold coins he had 'won' from Apollo. Hearing the order, he flipped over and landed deftly, a look of keen interest on his face.
"Traveling to another world? Is there any better perk than this? I obey, my great Father!"
He was full of expectations for exploring the unknown and potential 'business opportunities'.
As for the hunting mission? That was just a side benefit.
And in a relatively bright area of Hades, Thalia blinked a little blankly.
"Go to a strange world... spread laughter?" She thought this task suited her priesthood quite well, although it was a bit abrupt, she was optimistic by nature and soon began to think about what interesting things to take with her.
The little love god Eros pouted, still troubled by her 'average' figure, but she also mentioned a slight interest in the possibility of leaving the Underworld, especially the chance to play with her golden and silver arrows.
In front of the stable space passage, the four gods gathered.
Hecate was still in her dark purple magical robe, carrying a bulging and clanking bag, her face full of uncontrollable excitement.
Hermes was dressed in light traveling clothes, wearing his winged petasos and winged sandals.
Thalia, meanwhile, carried a large box full of musical instruments, masks, and strange props, smiling brightly.
Eros hovered in the air, a playful look on her small face.
"Remember your mission," Hades's cold voice echoed in their thoughts.
"Conceal, observe, create chaos..."
Before Hades could finish, Metis had already opened the passage, and the shimmering light began to swirl.
"Let's go!" Hecate was the first to rush in, as if afraid that if she slowed down, she'd be caught copying scrolls.
Hermes chuckled and transformed into a stream of light, following her.
Thalia hoisted her big box, humming a cheerful tune on her lips, and also entered the corridor.
Eros glanced one last time at Hades, flapped her little wings, and flew inside.
The space passage slowly closed.
Hades stood motionless, holding back the words he hadn't finished.
He glanced at Metis, who was covering her mouth and giggling, and helplessly shook his head.
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