Reborn As Hades In Olympus

Ch. 188: Cracks

The Underworld buzzed with a rare energy as I made my way back to my private chambers. The recent visit to the corporation left me with mixed feelings—gratitude for Talos's dedication, yet unease at the hints of vulnerability I'd allowed myself to show. Her unwavering loyalty was undeniable, but her newfound beauty and the deepening bond between us lingered in my thoughts more than I cared to admit.

Walter was waiting for me at the chamber door, his pale face drawn into an expression of mild curiosity. "My lord, another meeting has been requested. This one seems... peculiar."

"Peculiar how?" I asked, shrugging off the weight of the day.

"It's from a guest who claims to bring knowledge about the disturbances along the border of Tartarus. They won't give their name, but their message is... compelling." Walter's brow furrowed. "They mentioned something about cracks in the prison walls."

I stiffened. Tartarus was the last place where chaos could be allowed to fester. The boundaries were sealed tightly, a feat Talos and I had ensured over centuries. The idea that something—or someone—was tampering with those seals sent a chill down my spine.

"Where are they?" I asked.

"They await you in the Hall of Reflections," Walter replied.

Without another word, I turned on my heel and made my way there, the familiar sense of duty taking over. The Hall of Reflections was one of the most enigmatic places in the Underworld, its obsidian walls imbued with enchantments that could reveal truths and lies alike.

When I arrived, the figure standing in the center of the room was cloaked in black, their face obscured by a veil of shadows. The room's reflective surfaces mirrored their form, twisting and shifting as if to emphasize their mystery.

"State your business," I commanded, my voice echoing through the chamber.

The figure inclined their head slightly. "Lord Hades, I bring a warning. The cracks in Tartarus are no accident. Something ancient stirs, something older than even the Olympians. And it's growing stronger."

Their voice was a blend of male and female tones, a spectral harmony that sent a ripple of unease through me.

"What proof do you have of these claims?" I asked, taking a step closer.

The figure extended a hand, and from the shadows emerged a small crystal, glowing faintly with an otherworldly light. As I took it, the momentary touch of their hand against mine felt like ice piercing my skin.

The crystal began to hum, and the walls of the Hall shimmered, projecting visions of Tartarus. I saw fissures along the prison's walls, dark tendrils of energy seeping through the cracks like smoke. And then I heard it—a deep, resonant growl that reverberated through the room.

"What is this?" I demanded, gripping the crystal tightly.

"The beginning," the figure replied cryptically. "Tartarus is no longer just a prison—it's becoming a gateway. If the cracks are not sealed soon, what lies within will break free."

"Why come to me with this information?"

The figure's head tilted, as if amused by the question. "Because only you, Lord of the Underworld, can restore balance. But beware—the one responsible for these fractures has already set their sights on your realm."

Before I could press them further, the figure began to dissolve into the shadows, their final words lingering in the air. "Choose your allies wisely, Hades. For the coming storm will test even the strongest bonds."

As the room returned to its usual stillness, I stared at the crystal in my hand, its glow dimming but the weight of its warning growing heavier.

Back in my study, I summoned Talos. She arrived swiftly, her expression was calm, but I could see the concern beneath it.

"What happened?" she asked, her voice steady but laced with tension.

I handed her the crystal, and she examined it carefully. As she did, I recounted the encounter in the Hall of Reflections. Her brows knit together in thought as she placed the crystal on my desk.

"This is no ordinary magic," she said. "The energy within it feels... ancient, primal even. Whoever that figure was, they weren't lying about the urgency of this matter."

"I need your insight, Talos. If these cracks are real, how do we seal them?"

She leaned against the desk, her fingers drumming lightly on its surface. "The seals on Tartarus were designed to be unbreakable. If they're failing, it means someone is actively dismantling them from within—or possibly using external forces we haven't accounted for."

Her words mirrored my own fears. "Do you think it's tied to the Circle?"

Talos shook her head slowly. "The Circle may be powerful, but this... this feels different. If anything, it's possible they've aligned themselves with whatever lies beyond those cracks."

The thought was unsettling. The Circle had already proven themselves to be formidable adversaries, but the idea of them unleashing something even more dangerous was a nightmare I couldn't ignore.

"We'll need to investigate Tartarus directly," I said. "But we can't risk alarming the other gods just yet. If word gets out, Olympus will descend into chaos."

Talos nodded. "Agreed. But if we're going into Tartarus, we'll need a plan—and reinforcements. This isn't something we can handle alone."

As I looked at her, I felt a surge of gratitude for her presence. Talos had always been my anchor, her strength and clarity guiding me through countless trials.

"We'll assemble a team," I said. "People we trust implicitly. And we'll move quickly."

She placed a hand on my arm, her touch firm yet comforting. "Whatever happens, Hades, we'll face it together."

Her words were a balm to the storm brewing within me. For a brief moment, the weight of my responsibilities felt lighter, shared by someone who understood them better than anyone else.

"Thank you, Talos," I said quietly.

Her lips curved into a faint smile. "Don't thank me yet. The hardest part is still ahead."

As she left the study to begin preparations, I sat alone for a moment, the crystal's faint glow illuminating the darkness. The figure's warning echoed in my mind, a reminder of the peril that lay ahead.

The Underworld had always been a place of order amidst chaos, but now that order was under threat. And as its ruler, it was my duty to protect it—even if it meant facing the shadows of Tartarus itself.

This wasn't just about the Underworld anymore. The balance of all realms was at stake. And I wouldn't rest until the cracks were sealed, no matter the cost.

The weight of the figure's warning pressed heavily on my thoughts as I sat in the quiet of my study. The crystal, now dim, sat on my desk, its cold energy still faintly thrumming. Talos's departure left the room emptier than I cared to admit. Her words lingered in my mind: Whatever happens, we'll face it together.

But the looming threat of Tartarus made even her unwavering support feel fragile against the enormity of what lay ahead. I leaned back in my chair, staring at the ceiling, as the gravity of the situation became clearer. The figure's cryptic warning about choosing allies wisely played over and over in my thoughts.

I had to act, but carefully. Talos was right—this wasn't something I could face alone. Yet, trusting others had never come easily to me. My alliances, though growing, were still precarious. Hermes, Aphrodite, Ares, even Eris—they all played their parts, but this was different. This wasn't a skirmish between gods; this was something far older, something that could tip the balance of all realms.

As I mulled over my options, the door to the study opened slightly. Walter stepped in, his presence calm yet purposeful. "My lord," he said, his tone measured. "A message has just arrived. It appears to be from the serpentine prince, Arman. He has requested an audience regarding... unusual movements near the borders of the Underworld."

My brow furrowed. "Movements?"

Walter nodded. "He mentioned a disturbance in the rivers that connect to Tartarus. He believes it may be tied to what you've recently discovered."

Arman. A trustworthy ally, though his motives often veered into self-interest. Still, his knowledge of the Underworld's more arcane channels could prove invaluable.

"Send a reply," I said. "Tell him I'll meet him at the crossroads near Styx in two days. And Walter..." Explore more at empire

"Yes, my lord?"

"Ensure Talos is informed. I'll need her insight for this as well."

Walter gave a small bow and left the room, leaving me to my thoughts once again.

The decision was made. I would face this threat head-on, but I would do so cautiously, carefully selecting those I trusted most.

As the minutes stretched into hours, I found myself rising from my chair and walking toward the balcony overlooking the Elysian Fields. The sight below was serene, a stark contrast to the turmoil churning within me.

A soft knock on the door interrupted my thoughts.

"Enter," I called, expecting Walter. But it was Talos who stepped through. Her expression was serious, though her presence brought an unexpected calm.

"I thought you might want company," she said, crossing the room to stand beside me.

I glanced at her. For a moment, we stood in silence, the weight of unspoken words filling the space between us.

"You know," she said softly, "for all your brooding, you've done more for this realm than anyone else could."

Her words caught me off guard. "Is that supposed to be comforting?"

She smiled faintly. "It's supposed to remind you that you don't have to carry this alone. You've built something here, Hades. Something worth protecting. And you don't have to do it all yourself."

I turned to her, the sincerity in her eyes striking a chord in me. Talos had always been steadfast, but now there was something deeper in her gaze— a trust, an understanding that went beyond mere duty.

"Thank you," I said quietly, the words carrying more weight than I intended.

She nodded, a soft smile gracing her lips. "Get some rest, Hades. You'll need it for what's coming."

As she left, the room felt less empty, her presence lingering like a quiet reassurance. I returned to the balcony, the cool air brushing against my skin.

The path ahead was uncertain, fraught with danger and mystery. But for the first time in a long while, I felt a glimmer of hope. With Talos by my side and allies like Arman waiting in the wings, the shadows of Tartarus didn't seem so insurmountable.

I gripped the edge of the balcony, the glow of the Elysian Fields below a reminder of what I was fighting for. The Underworld was more than just my domain—it was my home, my responsibility. And I would protect it, no matter the cost.

The storm was coming, but I would face it, armed with loyalty, resolve, and the faint but growing bonds that tied me to those around me. In the depths of the shadows, there was still light to be found.