A steady ascent.
Commonly known as—
Taking it easy.
Hmm…
For Hades, it seemed entirely feasible to simply take it easy. Even if he did nothing, merely waiting quietly as time passed, he would eventually ascend further on his path.
However!
Hades would never choose such a route.
It was simply not in Hades' nature. Whether the path was smooth or rough, Hades preferred to walk step by step, leaving his mark with every move forward, rather than stopping completely. This was never Hades' way!
For him, every step mattered.
Following his plans, his strategies.
Step by step, he would proceed.
Even if!
It was clear that he could reach his destination just by lying down and letting things happen. To Hades, such an approach did not matter. Instead, he valued the serenity of moving forward, step by deliberate step.
And the future path?
Ahaha…
Even if it required taking risks, even if it meant putting everything on the line—so what?
For Hades, gambling with his life, if necessary, was not something to fear.
This was Hades' character. It had always been this way and would never change.
Hades was simply built this way.
It was an inherent trait that had never shifted.
"…"
Hades' pensive demeanor caused both Hestia and Persephone to exchange glances, blinking at each other. Neither goddess seemed to know what to say.
"Brother?"
Hestia asked curiously, "What's on your mind?"
"Nothing much."
Hades withdrew from his thoughts, his voice calm as he said, "Some things, if not experienced firsthand, can never truly be understood. The same applies to me."
"Huh?"
Hestia looked even more confused, clearly unable to grasp what Hades was talking about or what exactly was going on.
Hades paused briefly before continuing:
"My path has always been exceptionally smooth. For me, even if I did nothing, the future path would remain clear. I could ascend to the rank of an Absolute God without any obstacles."
"What?!"
"Wait, what?!"
Both Hestia and Persephone were stunned. The two women blinked in surprise, as if they couldn't comprehend what they had just heard.
What did that mean?
Hold on—
Was their husband (or brother) really already at such a stage?
This…
This felt somewhat strange. Was such a thing even possible?
Hades shook his head slightly and maintained his usual calm demeanor as he explained:
"That's exactly how it is. Some things happen without us fully understanding why. I don't know the exact cause, but the path to Absolute Godhood has already been laid at my feet. All I need to do is walk it patiently, and it will be enough."
His voice was utterly composed, yet his words carried a weight that neither Hestia nor Persephone had anticipated.
"…"
Hestia.
Persephone.
At this moment.
The two goddesses fell silent, both processing what they had just learned.
When had this happened?
How…
How was it possible?
Clearly!
Both were filled with countless questions. Neither had realized that, unbeknownst to them, their husband (or brother) had already reached this level.
"All that's missing is time," Hades continued. "With enough time, I will naturally step into the realm of Absolute Gods."
"However," he added after a pause, his voice steady yet reflective, "Persephone, Sister, do you think I would choose such an approach?"
The question was directed at them, but from his tone, it was clear that Hades already had his answer.
Or rather, was he really even asking them?
Perhaps.
This wasn't a question at all.
To Hades, the answer was obvious. He would never choose to sit idle and wait for time to do its work.
"…"
After a brief silence, Persephone and Hestia exchanged a glance before nodding quietly.
Indeed.
If Hades were the type to sit back and wait, that would be the strangest thing of all.
That…
That was simply not in his nature. No matter the circumstances, Hades was not someone who could remain idle, just letting time and fate take their course.
"Hmm…"
Hestia pursed her lips and said, "Though it sounds strange to say it, Brother is definitely not that kind of person. Even if he knows the future will be bright and smooth, doing nothing would be unthinkable for him."
"Quite the opposite," she continued. "With Brother's personality, he's more likely to tread his path step by step, ensuring everything is stable and secure as he moves forward."
Hestia could see this clearly.
And Persephone, smiling faintly, added, "Exactly. My husband would always choose such an approach. No matter the circumstances, he's only ever made choices like this."
As Hades' wife.
Persephone understood him better than anyone—deeply, thoroughly, to the very core.
In her eyes, it was simply impossible for Hades to behave any differently.
Exactly.
This wasn't a joke.
For Hades, every step was carefully planned. Even though his future was guaranteed to be bright and successful, he would still account for every possible outcome, every unforeseen event.
Would he simply sit back and leave everything to time?
No.
For Hades, such a thought was unthinkable.
"Ahaha~~~"
Persephone chuckled softly, a note of admiration in her voice. "That's right. No matter the time or the situation, my husband would never just wait passively. He'd always choose to take action, moving forward step by step."
"Well!"
"That's just like him," Hestia said with a nod, her tone filled with a sense of inevitability.
It was completely understandable.
After all!
This was Hades' nature. He would never entrust everything to uncertainty. Instead, he would ensure that every step was deliberate and calculated.
Even if…
There might be risks or unforeseen complications.
Still!
To Hades, those were manageable challenges. The effort he put into his progress was far more reliable than relying on a seemingly smooth road.
And wasn't that the real essence of the matter?
Clearly!
With just a bit of thought, it all made perfect sense.
Hades nodded calmly and spoke in an even tone:
"Everything is exactly as you say. A seemingly smooth path may hide uncertainties. No one can predict whether unforeseen circumstances or insurmountable problems might arise during the journey."
"If…"
"If such problems do appear, it could create catastrophic disruptions."
Hades' voice remained steady, as if he had already accounted for all possibilities.
"The path of the Underworld is inherently smooth."
"Under normal circumstances…"
"For the entire Underworld, simply moving forward gradually is already more than sufficient."
"Even so…"
"Even with that stability, I find that carving my own path through effort makes the road even more secure."
Hades' mindset was as calm as ever.
From beginning to end.
This was the approach he had chosen.
Once again!
Hades did not fully understand the nature of the changes brought by his avatars' integration. Perhaps this was simply a phenomenon arising from his growth.
But precisely because of that…
Could these changes vanish one day?
It was hard to say!
Even Hades himself wasn't entirely certain. If these changes were triggered by certain factors, then it was equally possible that other factors could cause them to disappear.
This was entirely plausible.
Under such circumstances.
If vigilance was not maintained, real problems could arise.
Hades understood this well. This was why he had never abandoned his plans or his cautious approach. Hades had always preferred strategy before action.
If he failed to prepare, what would happen when unexpected issues arose later?
Clearly!
This was a concern that needed to be addressed. Poor planning could lead to disastrous consequences.
Hades understood this thoroughly.
This was why, from the very beginning, Hades had never been complacent. Every step he took, every plan he laid out, was aimed at ensuring steady progress.
So why not follow this methodical approach?
Wasn't this the best option?
No!
To Hades, this was the proper path—the path he had chosen for himself. Whether he succeeded or failed, it wouldn't shake his resolve.
This was all within his expectations, all part of his plan. This was the essence of his strategy.
"Exactly!"
Hestia propped her chin on her hand and nodded thoughtfully. "It's true! Everything is filled with uncertainty. Under such conditions, it's better to stick to the plan. Otherwise, if something really does go wrong, that would be a disaster."
From Hestia's perspective, this was undeniable.
Uncertainty…
Who could predict the outcome?
Right now, everything seemed fine. But what if an issue arose in the future?
The Underworld's current arrangements were steadily stabilizing.
All that was needed was to move forward gradually.
Hades' preparations—for his own path, for the exploration of new Mythical Worlds, for the construction of divine clusters and the conceptualization of a pantheon—all of it was falling into place.
If he were to abandon these plans now?
To lie down and passively wait?
That would be a gamble—one with no guarantee of success.
And if the phenomenon supporting his growth suddenly disappeared?
Ahaha…
That would truly be interesting.
If everything vanished unexpectedly, wouldn't the entire Underworld be left in disarray?
If it reached that point, it would indeed be "interesting" in the worst possible way.
"Keep a steady mindset."
Persephone added calmly:
"For the Underworld, we've already prepared everything. The integration of avatars is a positive development. If it works out, everything will proceed smoothly. But if it doesn't, then it's all meaningless."
"Or rather…"
"This won't affect the Underworld's overall trajectory."
"It's never been an issue."
Persephone was composed. Even if this unexpected phenomenon presented challenges, they had accounted for it.
In the end.
Everything had to be planned thoroughly. Careful consideration was essential to avoid major problems later.
Because!
The path of the Underworld had already been meticulously laid out.
If unforeseen issues arose in the future?
Then…
Such problems would ultimately prove meaningless in the grand scheme.
Sticking to the current plan was the most important thing.
And on this, the two goddesses were in complete agreement.
This approach was absolutely vital.
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Fairy Tail: Igneel's Eldest Son (Chapter 391)
I Am Thalos, Odin's Older Brother (Chapter 471)
Reborn in America's Anti-Terror Unit (Chapter 677)
Solomon in Marvel (Chapter 1059)
Becoming the Wealthiest Tycoon on the Planet (Chapter 1418)
Surgical Fruit in the American Comics Universe (Chapter 1422)
American Detective: From TV Rookie to Seasoned Cop (Chapter 1452)
American TV Writer (Chapter 1504)
I Am Hades, The Supreme GOD of the Underworld!(Chapter 570)
Reborn as Humanity's Emperor Across the Multiverse (Chapter 703)
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