Eris finalized her plan and resumed her work.
After all, this was a mythological world, and it wouldn't be prudent to send large forces in during the initial stages.
Otherwise, an all-out war could break out, which would be extremely troublesome.
While the underworld had no fear of such a conflict with its current strength, there were still issues to consider. And those issues were of utmost importance.
The truth was simple: confronting a mythological world was no small matter.
By definition, Creator Gods were exceedingly rare in mythological worlds. Using Gaia as an example, such Creator Gods were akin to miracles in the chaotic sea of mythological worlds.
Still, rare didn't mean nonexistent.
This was a crucial point to consider. If mishandled, the consequences could be catastrophic.
Thus, while the underworld possessed the capability for a full-scale invasion, the better approach was to first confirm and investigate the basics. This cautious strategy formed the core of their operation.
If even the preliminary steps were mishandled, it could lead to numerous problems.
For this reason, the number of underworld gods sent in initially had to be small. Fewer participants ensured greater discretion and minimized risks.
Eris, with her exceptional abilities, was the ideal candidate.
Her capabilities were unmatched, and she also possessed latent traits of a God-King. Her unique nature made her the perfect choice to begin the exploration of this mythological world.
Without proper reconnaissance, any premature action could lead to unforeseen complications, which would undoubtedly spell trouble.
Even if the gods of this mythological world couldn't enter the underworld, they could still camp at its entrance, preventing underworld deities from entering their world.
This kind of stalemate would be detrimental to both sides.
Thus, caution was paramount.
Although this gradual approach might slow progress, it allowed for the identification of hidden issues that could be resolved step by step.
This careful strategy was essential for the underworld, which had long since transitioned from its desperate, do-or-die phase into a stable period of development.
Now, the underworld resembled an organization that had cleaned up its act. With steady and legitimate operations, there was no need to resort to risky actions.
Why take unnecessary risks when safer, more effective options were available?
This steady approach was crucial, especially for the underworld.
Eris, deep in thought, muttered to herself, "While I haven't encountered any issues yet, this world's peculiar nature leaves so much unknown. Who knows what could be lurking out there? It's possible that something monstrous might appear from nowhere."
She couldn't help but wonder:
"Where is the underworld here?"
"This mythological world is far too strange."
Despite her efforts, Eris remained puzzled.
No matter how she analyzed it, this world seemed complete. Yet, despite her extensive search, she could not find any trace of the underworld's presence.
It was absurd.
How could a fully-fledged mythological world lack such a crucial component?
Adding to the mystery was the abundance of gods. Their sheer number was staggering, but their overall quality was shockingly low.
This only deepened Eris' confusion.
In this moment of perplexity, she resolved to continue her exploration.
Her objective was clear: to locate the underworld of this mythological world.
"Heaven, Earth, Sea, Underworld, and Stars."
Eris repeated these key elements to herself. This world clearly had the heavens, the earth, and the sea, yet the underworld was conspicuously absent.
"Could it be that this world has no concept of death?" Eris mused aloud.
But even without the concept of death, there should have been some evidence or trace of an underworld.
Her divine senses told her otherwise.
"This is definitely a complete mythological world," she muttered. "And as such, it must have the concept of death. Heaven, Earth, Sea, Underworld, and Stars—all of these form the core of a complete mythological world."
Yet, no matter how hard she searched, she found no clues to the underworld's existence.
Eris sighed in frustration. Even the thought that this world might somehow be incomplete seemed far-fetched. Mythological worlds, by their very nature, had to be perfect to exist.
As she pondered, a new question arose:
What protects this mythological world?
Most mythological worlds had outer boundaries formed by the celestial realm or the void, shielding them from the chaotic sea.
This was a universal structure across mythological worlds. Even if some worlds lacked a particular element like the void, alternative components served the same purpose.
So, what protected this world?
Eris's curiosity deepened.
Suddenly, a thought struck her. Without hesitation, she decided to investigate.
Eris quickly made her way to the celestial realm of this world. Using her divine abilities, she explored its boundaries and intersections with the chaotic sea.
Her efforts soon bore fruit.
She sensed it—a faint but unmistakable trace of the underworld.
Eris' eyes widened in excitement. "The underworld's aura!"
As a goddess of the underworld, her senses couldn't deceive her.
The boundary of the celestial realm, or perhaps its intersection with something else, held the key.
Eris descended into the area, merging her divine essence with the underworld's aura. Although the different natures of her divine power and this mythological world caused some resistance, she managed to adapt.
She found herself in a desolate place with a dark red sky and barren, blood-colored earth.
Before her stood a solitary dark red city, devoid of life and ownership.
"This is... Yomi?"
Eris frowned.
"But where is the underworld?"
"Yomi and the underworld are... separate?"
The realization left her stunned.
This was unthinkable. Yomi and the underworld were supposed to be one entity. Together, they formed the foundation for processing death and rebirth.
Without this unity, death itself could not exist as a concept.
Now it made sense.
This world lacked the concept of death because its underworld was fragmented. Yomi existed, but the underworld did not.
Eris' mind raced as she considered the implications.
"If the underworld is missing, then..."
She stopped mid-thought, realizing the gravity of the situation.
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Reborn in America's Anti-Terror Unit (Chapter 542)
Solomon in Marvel (Chapter 924)
Becoming the Wealthiest Tycoon on the Planet (Chapter 1284)
Surgical Fruit in the American Comics Universe (Chapter 1289)
American Detective: From TV Rookie to Seasoned Cop (Chapter 1316)
American TV Writer (Chapter 1402)
I Am Hades, The Supreme GOD of the Underworld! (Chapter 570)
Reborn as Humanity's Emperor Across the Multiverse (Chapter 660)
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