The God of Underworld - Chapter 191

191: Chapter 35 191: Chapter 35 Underworld.

Another pocket dimension, far from the first gathering, buzzed with energy.

This one was darker, quieter, but no less lively with conversation.

The six beings sat in a circle around a black flame that flickered in the center, its glow casting long shadows on their faces.

Acheron sat with his arms crossed, looking as stern as ever, his voice booming as he spoke.

Cocytus, his face streaked with tears that never stopped flowing, leaned forward with a thoughtful expression.

Phlegethon’s body shimmered like flowing magma, heat radiating from him in waves.

Hypnos reclined on a floating cushion, half-asleep.

Thanatos stood with his arms behind his back, calm and serious, while Erebus himself lounged casually, his form shifting slightly like living darkness.

“The queen should be Nyx,” Erebus said with finality, his voice deep and smooth.

“She is power incarnate, eternal night itself.

She was also the first one to claim Lord Hades.

None are more fitting than she.” “Of course you’d say that,” Phlegethon snorted, sparks flying from his hair.

“You’re biased.

I say Aphrodite.

The king is cold and unfeeling.

If anyone can teach him to love, it’s her.” “Love?” Acheron scoffed, his voice like rolling thunder.

“What use has our king for love?

He needs a queen who can rule beside him with dignity, who can stand as his equal.

The answer is clear – Hera.

Only she has the bearing of a true queen.” “Hera is arrogant,” Phlegethon shot back.

“She’d cause more problems than she solves.

The king doesn’t need a partner who’ll butt heads with him every time he makes a decision.” “That’s called balance,” Acheron said, glaring.

“A king should not rule unchecked.” “Peace,” Thanatos interrupted, his voice calm and even.

“If we are speaking of balance, then Hecate is the ideal choice.

She already serves as one of his most trusted advisors.

She knows the Underworld better than most gods.

And she is loyal.” Hypnos stretched lazily, barely opening one eye.

“Hecate’s too uptight.

I say Lethe.

She’s quiet, soft-spoken, and most importantly, she wouldn’t bother the king much.

She’s as lazy as me, so she’d probably make more holidays, too.

I could use more holidays.” Everyone turned to stare at him.

“That’s your reason?” Cocytus asked incredulously, “Because you want more holidays?

You lazy bastard!” “Yes,” Hypnos said, yawning.

“Imagine it.

Mandatory naps for all souls, even once a day is fine.

That’s the perfect afterlife.” Phlegethon laughed.

“Although we could use a break, that shouldn’t be the reason to choose a queen.

You’re ridiculous.” “No, you’re ridiculous,” Cocytus said sharply, turning to Phlegethon.

“Aphrodite would turn this place into a festival ground.

That might be fine for you, but the Underworld thrives on solemnity.

We don’t need orgies and perfume clouds filling every hall.

We need serenity.” “Which is why Demeter would be the perfect choice,” Cocytus continued, tapping his chin.

“Her touch has already transformed a portion of the Underworld into a paradise of life.

Imagine if her influence spread further.

The dead would rest in a place of beauty and peace.” “That’s sentimental nonsense,” Acheron growled.

“The Underworld is meant to be a place of judgment and order, not a blooming garden.

We are not trying to comfort mortals.

We are trying to guide souls.” “Guide them to what?

Eternal gloom?” Cocytus shot back, his tears falling faster.

“The dead deserve rest.

Demeter offers that.

Hera offers more strict and rigid rules.” “I agree with Acheron,” Erebus said, his shadowy form flickering.

“Demeter is too soft.

The king needs someone who understands strength.

Nyx is that strength.” “She’s also terrifying,” Hypnos murmured.

“Wouldn’t that make the dead more anxious?” “Good,” Erebus said simply.

Phlegethon leaned forward, glaring at Acheron.

“You just want a queen who will keep everyone in line.

The king is already terrifying enough.

Hera will make the Underworld suffocating.” Acheron glared back.

“And Aphrodite would turn it into a circus.” “Better a circus than a prison,x Phlegethon shot back.

“Enough.” Thanatos’ voice cut through the growing tension.

Everyone quieted.

“Our king will choose whoever he wishes.

We are only debating what we think would be best for the realm.

No need to get this heated.” “Yes,” Cocytus said, a little calmer now.

“And we all have different visions of what that realm should be.

We can’t convince each other, so it’s better to drop this.” Hypnos yawned again.

“I still vote for Lethe.” “You just want more naps,” Acheron said flatly.

“Yes,” Hypnos said unapologetically.

Phlegethon grinned.

“I’m not backing down, Aphrodite is the best choice.” “And I will not yield on Nyx.

My sister is the perfect choice.

Before Hades, she was also the ruler of Underworld.

You were her subjects!” Erebus said firmly.

“Don’t bring up the old times!” “I will not yield Hera,” Acheron said with equal weight.

Cocytus sighed dramatically.

“Demeter brings hope.

That’s what we need most.x Thanatos remained calm, but resolute.

“Hecate balances everything.

That is what I will stand by.” They all looked at one another, the tension thick but not hostile.

The black flame flickered brighter, as if amused by their arguing.

“Perhaps,” Erebus finally said, a faint smirk on his face, “we should raise the stakes and bet something of value.

Whoever wins, the losers must grant a boon to the winner’s chosen queen.” Phlegethon’s eyes lit up with competitive fire.

“Now you’re talking.” “Fine,” Acheron said, his tone like a challenge.

“Fine,” Cocytus echoed.

“Sure,” Hypnos said lazily, already dozing off again.

Thanatos only nodded.

“Agreed.” * * * Hades Fortress.

Hades’ office was quiet, the only sound the soft scratch of his pen as he worked through another mountain of paperwork.

The room was lit by pale ghostly flames, casting a cold but steady light.

Suddenly, a ripple of shadow appeared in the corner.

Erebus emerged from it, stepping into the room like darkness given form.

Hades didn’t look up.

“If you’ve come to argue about your votes for the betting pool, I don’t care.” Erebus chuckled, amused.

“You always know why I’m here.” Hades finally set down his pen and gave him a flat look.

“You wouldn’t leave your post unless something interesting happened.

Speak.” Erebus moved closer, his shadowy form rippling with a faint grin.

“I had a… debate.

Some of your patrons and I.” “That already sounds like trouble.” Hades leaned back in his chair.

“It was about the betting pool,” Erebus continued.

“We couldn’t agree who would make the best queen, so someone suggested we raise the stakes.

Whoever’s choice wins will receive a boon from all the losers.

It got… intense.” Hades pinched the bridge of his nose.

“You’re making political alliances and promises based on a game.” “It isn’t just a game anymore,” Erebus said with a faint smirk.

“Acheron is fighting for Hera’s honor, Cocytus nearly cried when defending Demeter, Phlegethon nearly set the place on fire defending Aphrodite, Hypnos keeps insisting Lethe would make the Underworld a ‘paradise of naps,’ and Thanatos remained as unshakable as ever with Hecate.” Hades stared at him, deadpan.

“And you?” “I argued for Nyx, of course,” Erebus said proudly.

“I’m always on her side, even in matters like this.” Hades was silent for a moment, then let out a sigh that sounded more like a growl.

“I leave you alone for one day and you turn it into a war council about my love life.” Erebus grinned wider.

“It brought everyone together.

You should be pleased.

It’s been a long time since we had such lively debate.” “I don’t need debate,” Hades said flatly.

“And I certainly don’t need you lot making vows to goddesses before I’ve even chosen one.” “Think of it as… motivation,” Erebus said, clearly enjoying himself.

“Besides, the others are waiting for the next move.

They expect you to do something.

Take one of them out, maybe.” Hades gave him a long, cold look.

“You’re dangerously close to being reassigned to the most boring post in the Underworld.” Erebus bowed with mock solemnity.

“As you wish, my king.

But admit it-this amuses you, even a little.” Hades didn’t answer, just went back to his paperwork.

Erebus lingered a moment longer, then smirked and melted back into the shadows, leaving Hades alone.

When the room was silent again, Hades paused, tapping his pen against the paper.

“Hypnos really voted for Lethe…” he muttered under his breath, almost sounding amused, before shaking his head and returning to work.

“He probably want more naps.”