The Underworld, realm of soul rebirth.
A magnificent body emerged from the darkness.
"Aiacos, didn't expect you to return from the Sanctuary in such a sorry state."
Rhadamanthys and Minos stood before the newly restored Aiacos.
His Surplice reformed over his body.
"Heh, I'll admit, not all the Sanctuary's Gold Saints are trash."
"There's one or two worth noticing."
Aiacos thought of Kaiser.
That Libra Gold Saint.
At least stronger than the Three Judges.
"Pity I wasn't at my peak when we fought."
"Rhadamanthys, your intel was spot-on."
Aiacos glanced at Rhadamanthys.
"So, the Libra Gold Saint killed you?"
Rhadamanthys understood immediately.
Before Aiacos' mission, Rhadamanthys had warned him.
He'd witnessed Kaiser's might on the battlefield against the Hydra.
Had he not escaped quickly, he'd likely have died too.
"Exactly. A formidable opponent."
"He should be our top priority for elimination."
Aiacos said with a grave expression.
His mind lingered on those final seconds.
Despite his heavy injuries, Kaiser dispatched him effortlessly.
That overwhelming power left Aiacos' body aching even now.
"By the way, Lady Pandora and the Twin Gods want to see you."
"They likely want details on the Sanctuary."
"This attack on the Saints outside cost us three Celestial Stars."
"Athena's coffin is active now. In this Holy War, they've lost their revival."
"But we took down two of their Gold Saints."
The three headed toward the Twin Gods' palace, sharing what they knew.
"Saints traded for Celestial Stars are negligible."
"This Holy War's goal is to cripple the Sanctuary's forces."
"Only a few need our attention."
"Virgo, Gemini, Libra, and Cancer's current Saints."
"As for Yitiya and Crestor…"
"I hate to admit it, but they're far beyond us."
"I still remember Yitiya wiping out half our Specters in a single blow last Holy War."
Aiacos gritted his teeth.
That last Holy War was pure humiliation!
The mighty Hades army, nearly crushed by Yitiya and Crestor alone.
Soon, they reached the Twin Gods' palace.
Seeing the revived Aiacos, Hypnos, the God of Sleep, spoke coolly, "Tell us, what's the Sanctuary's situation?"
"My lord, I believe the Libra Gold Saint should be our primary target."
Aiacos replied respectfully.
"Rhadamanthys, didn't you report on him once?"
"The mortal who defeated the Hydra?"
Hypnos' golden eyes turned to Rhadamanthys.
"He's likely mastered the Eighth Sense."
"His strength is immense."
Rhadamanthys confirmed.
"Interesting. A mere mortal."
Thanatos' eyes flashed with disdain.
To him, mortals were just that... mortals.
Without Athena's power, they'd never stand against gods.
"Find a way to eliminate him."
"Otherwise, we'll have another Yitiya or Crestor."
Hypnos' gaze was cold.
At his words, Thanatos fell silent.
Yitiya and Crestor were indeed troublesome.
With Athena's artifacts and barriers…
Even the Twin Gods, if they clashed head-on, could be sealed if caught off guard.
If Kaiser survives into the next Holy War,
he'll pose an unimaginable threat to the Hades army.
"Then I'll handle it myself."
Thanatos, the God of Death, stood.
His jet-black hair cascaded like a waterfall, exuding a chilling murderous intent.
"But your task isn't just to kill Kaiser."
"You must cripple the Sanctuary's forces."
The God of Death's intervention was the safest bet.
Hypnos did not object.
"Pity about that Terrestrial Star fellow, answering to no one."
"By the next Holy War, he should emerge from his little domain."
"After plundering so many souls over the years."
"His strength must be considerable by now."
Thanatos glanced toward a secluded space in the Underworld.
The domain of the Terrestrial Star, Atavaka.
He had devoured countless souls.
The next Holy War would reveal his results.
And according to Lord Hades, the next Celestial Star would also have a candidate.
The strongest lineup the Underworld had ever seen.
The best chance for victory in the Holy War.
"The Underworld's triumph must not be shaken."
With that thought, Thanatos vanished from Hades' city. ᴛʜɪs ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀ ɪs ᴜᴘᴅᴀᴛᴇ ʙʏ novᴇlfire.net
"Prepare yourselves."
"This will be the all-out assault."
"I'll oversee the battlefield, and Lord Hades will personally descend to the Sanctuary."
"We don't need to win, but the casualties must be severe."
Hypnos glanced at the Three Judges.
The Three Judges knew Hypnos' intent.
They returned to organize the Hades army and Specters.
To set the stage for the decisive battle at the Sanctuary.
The Sanctuary, Pope's Hall
"They're finally making their move?"
"About time. I've been waiting."
Athena sensed the stirrings in Hades' city.
"Lady Athena, what preparations should we make?"
Shion, respectfully gazing at Athena by his side.
"Your only task is to survive this battle with everything you've got."
"Shion, you, Hakurei, Kaiser, Yitiya, and Crestor."
"You must not fall in this Holy War."
"To end the endless cycle of Holy Wars."
"it all depends on them."
"Our chance has come."
Athena looked to the sky, as if seeing the heavens' fall.
Shion's eyes widened in shock. End the Holy War?
Was Athena preparing to slay gods?
Yitiya and Crestor, standing nearby, overheard her words.
"If it comes to the worst, protect Kaiser at all costs."
Athena's tone was grave.
Yitiya and Crestor stepped forward.
Their voices carried barely concealed shock and excitement.
The chance for the ultimate Holy War had truly arrived!
Yitiya suddenly recalled Kaiser's mention of a God-Slayer.
Said to possibly reincarnate in the next Holy War.
"Could this be the turning point?"
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