Hades returned to the Underworld.
Between the second and third prisons, there is a garden full of birdsong and fragrant flowers—a beautiful garden. With a casual gesture, Hades planted the seed of the *mulanzi* tree here.
As for placing it in the Elysian Fields or being more cautious? In Hades' eyes, it was entirely unnecessary and meaningless. He didn't care about such trivialities, maintaining a peaceful and composed mindset regarding these matters.
One could say, without hesitation:
If one day, an enemy could invade his Underworld and reach this place, then what difference would it make whether the seed was here or in the Elysian Fields? Hades never believed there was much difference in that regard.
After planting the *mulanzi* seed, it quickly began to take root and sprout. Moments later, a small sapling started to grow, and over time, it would continue to flourish.
Hades, on the other hand, headed straight for the Elysian Fields, leaving the growth of the *mulanzi* tree to time, as there was nothing more he needed to do.
As for outside invasions or internal betrayals? These were never considerations for Hades. If he couldn't handle such things, he might as well be dead.
However, it was clear to any observant person, or rather, to any god of the Underworld, that the entire realm was changing.
With the birth of Persephone as the Queen of the Underworld, things were different from the original stories. In the old tales, Persephone was the daughter of Zeus and Demeter. Now, however, Persephone had been born purely from the laws of life, death, and the principles of the Underworld Queen.
Though the two versions might not seem vastly different, in essence, they were entirely distinct.
Because of this, Persephone's birth brought an enormous supplement to the Underworld. The transformation and improvement she introduced were nothing short of extraordinary, creating a seismic shift in the realm—one that could not be overstated.
Hades returned to his throne in the Elysian Fields and, feeling the joy and excitement of the Underworld, murmured softly, "Even though the Underworld is built upon the World Tree, fundamentally, it is still the Underworld. Persephone's birth has brought a tremendous enhancement to this realm."
Hades understood why.
It was because of this understanding that he found it amusing, even unbelievable, with a strange sense of curiosity. There were many interesting aspects to it.
Hades had thought that the Underworld had transcended its original limitations. After all, with the growth of the World Tree, everything had undergone a massive transformation.
But he never expected that the reality would be different. The Underworld remained far from simple. On the contrary, the birth of Queen Persephone had prompted a profound response from the Underworld itself.
From this, one could deduce the true nature of the Underworld.
"..."
After muttering to himself, Hades fell into deep contemplation, pondering many things. While it seemed like a trivial matter, it was anything but.
The Underworld.
The World Tree.
Which of these was the core? Which was the foundation?
This was an extremely important question. If it could not be answered perfectly, it could lead to catastrophic consequences.
As Hades considered this, his thoughts became more complex and intricate. Many ideas came to mind, and he knew he had to deliberate carefully.
Hades' thoughts grew more serious. What seemed like a small problem revealed itself to be critical upon deeper reflection.
"The World Tree..."
"The Underworld..."
Hades carefully contemplated the relationship between the two and the question of which was primary.
At this moment, Persephone and Hestia crossed through the gates of the Underworld. The two women noticed Hades, deeply absorbed in thought, but said nothing.
"Is something wrong?" Hestia tilted her head in curiosity and remarked, "It feels like it's been a long time since my brother has been this deep in thought."
Persephone pondered and said, "Elder sister, let's not disturb him for now. Since my husband is lost in thought, we can wait until he's done to discuss things."
"Of course," Hestia replied, nodding obediently.
Persephone smiled and asked, "Elder sister, can you take me to see our mother?"
"Alright."
With that, Hestia led Persephone away. Hades was fully aware of their arrival, but he was too deeply engrossed in his contemplation to be disturbed.
In his thoughts, Hades realized that while he had considered this matter before, he didn't think it was such a big issue. However, based on the recent changes, that was no longer the case. If the situation was indeed as he was beginning to understand, then everything could change drastically.
If that happened, all outcomes would be uncertain, and he needed to think everything through very carefully. If he could break through this current predicament, it might lead to an immense breakthrough for him.
Persephone's birth had triggered an invisible transformation in the entire Underworld.
These changes were subtle—slight shifts in the laws of the Underworld, slight changes in divine power—but they were there, gradually manifesting and developing.
And these changes? They represented the Underworld moving toward completion, a critical and undeniable development for the realm.
The Underworld was finally, in the truest sense, nearing completion.
However, regardless of how one viewed this as a positive development, what would follow? That was the most important question. What came next would be the crux of the matter.
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