King Of Underworld [EN]: Chapter 189

Outlaw of the Underworld 189 (188/193)

Side Story – The Rebellion of the Underworld (3)

Prometheus.

A prophet and strategist who greatly aided us during the Titanomachy [the war between the Titans and the Olympian gods].

However, he was a god who loved humanity.

Ultimately, he defied Zeus’s command and delivered fire to the mortal realm, for which he was eternally punished by having his liver eaten by an eagle on the cliffs of the Caucasus Mountains.

Perhaps he hates Zeus as much as Cronus, who is trapped in Tartarus [the deep abyss used as a dungeon of torment and suffering].

Yet, his abilities are so outstanding, particularly his perfect prophecies, making him someone we must bring in.

“Prophet Prometheus, as you said, I am rebelling against Zeus and trying to become the king of the gods.”

“Wearing the Kynee [helmet of invisibility] was an excellent choice. Now, let me tell you the location of my foolish brother, Epimetheus.”

Epimetheus.

Known as ‘the one who thinks later,’ he is Prometheus’s brother and the one who took Pandora, sent by Zeus, as his wife.

That Titan, who sided with our Olympus faction at the persuasion of his brother Prometheus, was incredibly strong.

Although he was a bit dim-witted and easily deceived, he was a god strong enough to stop his brother Atlas.

He also regrets ignoring his brother’s advice and taking Pandora as his wife, and he does not like Zeus.

“Are you thinking of bringing in Epimetheus?”

“Of course, but shouldn’t the fact that I’ve been released reach Zeus’s ears immediately? I need to deceive him into thinking my brother released me.”

“Then we can quickly bring him here and have him destroy the Caucasus Mountains.”

“Right. Is it true that Zeus is unaware of your rebellion?”

Seeing me nod, Prometheus quickly continued.

The Titan, with a hurried expression, immediately offered a plan.

“Then there’s no more time to talk. I will go to Atlas, who supports the celestial sphere, and bring him to the underworld. Let’s meet again in the underworld with my brother later.”

“Atlas. His daughter Maia is Zeus’s wife, will she help us?”

“Hmph. Maia never had a choice in the first place, and Atlas’s resentment is considerable. Trust me.”

If we combine the power of Atlas, Prometheus, Epimetheus, and myself, we can stand a chance against Zeus.

However, if Olympus is on guard in advance, our chances of winning will decrease further, and we also need to consider the variable, Poseidon.

For now, it seems better to follow his advice. Atlas may not like me very much, but it was Zeus who punished him…

I won’t make the mistake of ignoring the advice of a trustworthy prophet.

“Ah. And if Epimetheus is not persuaded, then like this…”

* * *

According to what Prometheus told me, Epimetheus often visited him even after he was bound to the rocky mountain.

And he also saw Epimetheus’s wanderings through prophecy.

“If you head to the place I designate, you will surely meet him. Go straight down from this wretched rocky mountain, and then at a human’s walking speed for a few days…”

As I was moving quickly with the Kynee, I saw the place he mentioned.

A human village of moderate size. There’s nowhere a Titan would typically be interested in.

Step, step.

“Come on, come on! We’re selling barley and wheat! Good crops grown with the blessing of the goddess Demeter!” [Demeter is the goddess of agriculture, harvest, and nourishment]

“But why is the price so high? It seems to have doubled compared to last time…”

“It can’t be helped. Heavy rain is pouring from the sky, and earthquakes are also occurring unusually, making it difficult to harvest crops. Well, if this continues, the gods won’t stand still.”

The humans begging for Olympus’s grace are completely unaware that the gods are the cause of this situation.

Also, the fact that the root cause is an affair involving Aphrodite, the goddess of beauty and love.

“Selling cow and pig leather!”

“Hey. Do you happen to know why the weather is a bit strange these days?”

“I’m planning to go to Hermes’s temple to pray today. Let’s go together.”

I slowly examined the humans. Prometheus clearly said that I would be able to meet his brother here.

However, he’s hiding his divine power as much as possible and disguising himself as an ordinary traveler, so he’s not easily visible.

Well, he’s incurred the displeasure of Olympus, who has gained dominion over the world, so what else could he do?

Even his brother has become a great sinner and is having his liver eaten, so I can guess what he’s thinking.

Hmm? Over there…

“Are things not so good these days?”

“Oh, don’t even mention it. Heavy rain is pouring from the sky, and for some reason, the ground isn’t drying. I think the gods are sending down divine punishment.”

“…I don’t know what Olympus is thinking.”

“Hush. Watch your mouth. You’ll get struck by lightning!”

Found him.

A large man talking to a merchant selling goods and asking about the recent situation.

That man is undoubtedly Epimetheus, the one who thinks later.

He seems to prefer not being noticed, but as Prometheus said, the situation is urgent now.

Before Zeus notices my rebellion or Prometheus’s release, I need to quickly persuade Epimetheus.

I am currently wearing the Kynee.

No matter how late Epimetheus is to think, he will notice on his own if I talk to him.

Tap, tap.

– I never thought I would find the great Titan in a place like this. Epimetheus.

“…Hmm!”

“? What’s wrong?”

“No. Nothing.”

Epimetheus’s face, who was talking to the merchant, rapidly hardened.

He stopped talking to the human and moved his steps outside the village. Good, he noticed my intention.

* * *

Outside the village, Epimetheus, who was hastily heading to a deserted place, stopped and turned his head sharply.

The Titan, with an uneasy face, spoke to the empty air.

“Hades. Why did you find me? I have never done anything to offend you!”

“Epimetheus. Your brother sent me.”

“What?! Why would my brother…!”

While looking at Epimetheus’s face contorted with bewilderment, I took off the Kynee.

“I released your brother, Prometheus, from the rocky mountain with the intention of rebelling against Zeus.”

“That’s ridiculous. Do you think I’m a fool?! Why would Hades, not Poseidon…!”

“Because the tyranny of the Olympian gods has become too severe.”

I told him, who was still full of bewilderment, what I had seen as the King of the Underworld.

Various acts of tyranny by the gods, they don’t change no matter how much I scold them, the disasters happening in the mortal realm are because the gods are fighting over affairs…

As the words grew longer, Epimetheus’s complexion gradually darkened.

“…Do you understand now? So, in order to divert Zeus’s attention, you must completely destroy the Caucasus rocky mountain with your power…”

“Ugh. Still, I can’t fight!”

“No, why not when I’ve told you this far? Are you saying you won’t follow the words of your brother, who can make perfect prophecies?”

“Yes!”

What reason is he refusing for?

If it’s resentment towards the Olympian gods, Epimetheus shouldn’t be any different.

“I regret not listening to my brother before. But my brother doesn’t always make perfect judgments either. As a result, he’s only now being released from the rocky mountain.”

“What are you trying to say?”

“If I side with you and fight against Olympus and lose, can’t I also be bound to the rocky mountain like my brother?”

I see now. He seems to be doubting my power.

It’s also because his brother Prometheus didn’t persuade him directly, and he’s not sure if I can really win against Zeus.

The previous Titan War was a fight between forces, but now our side is definitely at a disadvantage in the rebellion, so it’s understandable.

Should I persuade him as Prometheus said?

But exceptions to the principle. Exceptions shouldn’t be made… no, then I can never succeed in the rebellion.

Right. Let’s trust the prophet.

“If you help me.”

“Hmph. No matter what you say to persuade me, it’s useless. I won’t take any more adventures…”

“I will revive your already dead family and make them immortal like you.”

“What-”

Peace was shattered from Epimetheus’s face.

This is the best offer I can make, breaking the principle that the dead cannot be revived.

“I promise as the King of the Underworld. I will grant immortality to your wife Pandora, your daughter Pyrrha, and your son-in-law Deucalion. I can even feed them ambrosia and nectar [the food and drink of the gods, respectively], and if I become the king of the gods, I can make them, the ancestors of humans, gods.”

The Titan’s agony, biting his lip and thinking, was conveyed all the way here.

After a little time, a word leaked from his mouth.

“…I will help if you swear on the River Styx.”

“Of course. I swear on the River Styx [the river that forms the boundary between Earth and the Underworld in Greek mythology, and a binding oath for the gods] that I will faithfully fulfill all the conditions I just mentioned.”

Hoo. With a short sigh, the ancient Titan who married the first human woman reveals his suppressed power.

This tingling pressure. As expected, he’s worthy of being the strongman who stopped Atlas during the Titanomachy.

“Then what should I do after destroying the Caucasus rocky mountain? Should I immediately invade Olympus?”

“Come to the underworld without being noticed by the gods. I trust you know the entrance.”

“Understood. Hades.”

I succeeded in bringing in Epimetheus.

Now, the next thing to do is… to return to the underworld and meet the three Hecatoncheires brothers guarding the entrance to Tartarus.

I need to persuade them or restrict them from acting.

…Before Zeus suspects me.