CHAPTER 55: A’S ENDGAME 9 (END AT ONE END)

"Her brother!" Zeus bellowed, his body blazing with divine lightning, his eyes radiating unbearable light. "Let’s end this. I have other matters to attend to."

"As you wish," Hades sneered in anger.

This time he converted his consumed fear into strength, to the point he looked nothing more than a white, billion-year-old wizard—but to him it was worth the reward, it was worth the risk, and as long as fear still existed in its smallest state, Hades would remain.

One skeletal finger rose high from his hand, and behind him rose a monstrous figure—three-headed, each bearing a devilish expression and burdened with the weight of crimson eyes that mirrored the reflection of hot red lava within its obsidian skin. It formed transparently at first behind him, but it was tangible.

At the beast’s base protruded countless serpent-like tails, writhing as if flogging invisible souls. Its maw stretched wide, revealing jagged teeth and slimy lava, its breath hissing like curses placed in molten fire.

"Cerberus," Hades chanted as the being became completely visible—not transparent, but fully real—as though slowly summoned into reality, hovering behind Hades and mirroring his rage.

On the other hand, lightning struck from the four cardinal points of the earth—south, west, east, and north—meeting in one spot midair behind Zeus with a massive explosion that ionized the air and broke its bond, forming steam so dense it divided vision.

Until it cleared in one swift motion, and the sound of massive wings hollowed through the air, revealing an eagle so mighty it matched the size of Cerberus.

A long golden beak protruded from its face, its body covered with regal black feathers that pulsed with lightning, its talons glowing more regal than gold and claws longer and sharper than blades.

"Aetos Dios," Zeus murmured, standing at the forefront before the massive beast.

Time paused.

Those who had been underground returned to the surface, and now all gazes were fixed on the sky. Most were paralyzed by the sight, hearts drumming at the vision of divine beings. Even the heat in the air was oppressive. It was a view both simple and contrasting—yet dangerously so.

Cracking light on one side, oozing darkness on the other.

Even the retreating underworld beings couldn’t resist their curiosity at seeing their god summon the highest beast of the underworld.

"What are those?" Allen thought, instinctively taking a few steps backward as he studied the malice in both their eyes.

As if a signal hissed through the air, they moved simultaneously. God and beast closed in on each other, like the last line of reality was being read.

Beast targeted beast and god targeted god, but Hades was short-handed, having poured most of his power into summoning Cerberus.

BOOOOOM.

A mixture of darkness crackling with lightning exploded across the arena, obstructing the morning sun. Breaths held, limbs screamed—and in a wisp it cleared.

Only the aftermath was seen.

Aetos Dios’ talons—Zeus’s eagle—were gripped with lava, its legs burnt and disintegrating, but even in its painful state, it hovered with its mighty wings.

On the other hand, Cerberus was in worse shape. Its central head was severed, left to the fate of gravity, and a clean slash was drawn along its body down to its base.

"This is my creation," Zeus sparked.

"I seek my right," Hades bellowed in reply.

Hades’ right hand had been completely destroyed into dust, his scepter broken. Yet he stood face to face in the aftermath of their clash.

But that was merely injury for immortals. Still, Hades was worn out—his energy had all been converted into power, and even the refill wasn’t enough to keep him going.

His breathing was ragged, his body bent older than time, and within him he was devouring himself—that was the effect of lacking fear in his system.

On the other hand, Zeus remained regal, gaining worship every second from countless mortals on Earth.

His hand regenerated instantly, forming a fist, while the silent gaze between them lingered.

But not for long.

Allen could tell.

"I should end things here," he whispered, studying Zeus’ movements. Red lightning began charging around him in a prepared stance, like a predator waiting for the moment to strike its prey.

"Not yet..." he whispered, calculating the motion of Zeus’ fist, and at the "now," he smirked.

Zeus drove a punch into Hades, and Allen blazed immediately to Hades’ back, a flash of red lightning trailing behind him. Out of sheer will, he opened a portal behind Hades.

It was a white void—its background pure white, endless.

Hades was unaware until his eyes widened, seeing only the expanse of white space, a place where he could not move unnoticed.

This was Tamara’s domain.

"Wait...!" Hades screamed, stretching his skeletal arm, but only the zipping sound of the closing portal answered him.

Zeus’ eyes widened in shock too, never expecting Allen to intervene, yet from another angle Hades was gone—and a different kind of anger resurfaced.

"You pesty little thief," he snarled, narrowing his gaze in disgust at Allen. "How dare you, mortal, act like a god and even use my lightning?"

Allen’s heart thudded—he had expected thanks, but this was what he got.

He stumbled back midair, dread mirroring in his gaze.

"Wha—what are you talking about?" he stammered.

He’s standing on the same height as me, Zeus thought in distaste. "Kneel!" Zeus ordered, pointing a finger at Allen as lightning struck him whole in a quick boom.

"Arrggg..."

Allen exclaimed in shock—then:

[Replicating Lightning Status]

[Lightning Identified]

[System has been charged]

[System Notification]

[Limit reached. Race updated: Lower God]

Allen fell to his knees, eyes turned white, but his body was not damaged. It was evolved.

More and more lightning struck him consecutively, but he didn’t flinch. Instead, he absorbed it.

"What grudge does a pathetic god like you have against a mortal?" Allen smirked as he rose to his feet, standing tall beneath the lightning bolts.

"What..." Zeus rasped in disbelief. "You’ve created beings likened to living gods—you’ve been using lightning only I should wield, and now you’re consuming my lightning?" His hands rubbed his face, teeth gritted tightly.

"I can’t let a second god rise and follow the footsteps of Hades. I’ll end you—and Tamara will be to blame." Zeus roared as he began charging it all.

"Hahahahaha..." Allen laughed uncontrollably.

"Seriously, that’s all? Pathetic. You can have your fucking creation to yourself."

With simple will and the new strength of a lower god, Allen created portals beneath everyone’s feet—elves, demons, werewolves, humans—all who lived within the world, including himself, fell into portals that formed beneath them.

They landed in space, floating momentarily in an expanse of nowhere, but from here they could see the beautiful galaxies, distant yet near, like neighbors.

Allen fell in too, leaving Zeus striking at empty air, and leaving the earth bare of advanced beings—only underworld creatures remained, with the stench of chaos lingering tightly in the air.

Then, closing the portal, he tightened his hand into the shape of a blade and stabbed directly into his heart. Pain flared within him, yet he grinned through clenched teeth.

"CREATE."