With just a gentle effort, the seal would have turned to nothing. But consequent to that, Gaia would have sensed it.
"Fortunately, I was prepared," he said.
Earth Mother Gaia's barrier could be sensed upon touch, even if it was submerged in deep slumber. Yet, long ago, another barrier, almost similar, had proved to be in vain.
It was the barrier that protected the Golden Apple Tree, and what rendered it useless was something called the Life Vase.
"Losing something and not even updating the protection… heh, she probably forgot about this place long ago."
There was some sarcasm, time would erode everything, including the past fear of Uranus, but Gaia's mistakes were something Erebus delighted in seeing.
So, he extended his hand forward, a greenish light swirling around his wrist. In Pontus's eyes filled with panic, Erebus didn't hesitate to reach beyond the barrier.
The next moment, a warm glowing orb, as if held by the Lord of Darkness himself, and at the same time, if not for the domain of darkness that enveloped the place, Erebus might have felt the orb soaring beyond the ninth heaven, returning to its master's embrace.
"...Erebus, you still went ahead and did it..."
Word by word, Pontus was unable to understand such an action. What good did this do him? However, Erebus did not intend to let him understand.
He simply gazed at the orb in his hand and asked indifferently:
"Pontus, who do you think Uranus hates most?"
"...Perhaps Cronus, but he has been traceless for a long time."
Erebus chuckled softly and then asked:
"And the second most hated?"
"...Probably the Earth Mother, but more likely the Spirit Master," Pontus said hesitantly. To him, both his wife's betrayal and the despicable prophet could be the second. Yet, the former had endured the tyrannical oppression of Heavenly Father, making her betrayal somewhat understandable. Therefore, while Uranus wouldn't forgive Gaia, he would likely place her third.
"And the fourth most hated?"
He asked again, and this time, Erebus directly gave the answer.
"The fourth most hated are you and Oceanus. One cast his body into the Ocean, the other hid it. Neither of you can escape."
"So what do you mean, what are you here to do?!"
His inner worries pinpointed, Pontus tensely clenched his fist. If only you had not meddled, nothing would have happened.
But Erebus simply shook his head and continued:
"Cronus, now nowhere to be found; Laine and Gaia, even if he awakens, it won't be easy to resolve. But you and Oceanus, you aren't great, so although you rank fourth and fifth, in reality, you're the first ones to suffer."
"And unlike me, Uranus, he will linger long beneath the Sky."
"Just listen, hear out my plan. Or do you intend to count on Zeus to protect you? Only you can protect yourself. And I, I am here for that very reason."
Everything under control, Erebus swept his sleeve, tucking the orb within.
However, just as he intended to continue his conversation with Pontus, a subtle disturbance from beneath the earth immediately caught his attention.
The Underworld was trembling, the ash was rising and falling, and even though separated by a dense layer, Erebus seemed to still hear the thunderous roar.
And following it, a writhing, tortuous demonic spirit, with no end in sight.