Chapter 263 - 132: Destroying Hades Castle, God-Slaying Plan! (Part 2)

Chapter 263: Chapter 132: Destroying Hades Castle, God-Slaying Plan! (Part 2)

Saori Kido turned toward Alex, her expression reflecting absolute trust and reliance.

"Alex and I have devised a strategy. Our next objective is to launch an assault on Hades Castle—to bring the fires of war directly to his only stronghold in the human realm!"

This announcement immediately sparked a long-suppressed stir among the ranks.

"An attack on Hades Castle? I’ve been waiting for this day!" Aldebaran declared, clenching his massive, boulder-like fists. "It’s time to let those bottom-dwelling pests taste the strength of my Great Horn!"

In the eyes of the young Bronze Saints—Seiya, Shiryu, and the others—a blazing fighting spirit ignited. Their original purpose in becoming Saints was to protect the Earth and the Goddess, thwarting Hades’ ambition to annihilate humanity. Now, the moment to sacrifice everything for that cause had finally arrived.

However, veterans of countless brutal battles like Aphrodite and Shura remained vigilant, their eyes filled with caution toward an unknown, powerful enemy. They were up against Hades, a god possessing immense divine power. Even an incompletely revived Poseidon had been a formidable challenge; the threat posed by Hades, who was nearing his full strength, was on another level entirely.

As the Pope, Saga remained the most composed, though a sharp, piercing light flickered deep within his blue eyes.

Saori raised her hand to quiet the murmurs, her voice as steady as bedrock. "We are not invading the Underworld itself, but attacking Hades Castle located within the human realm! This is the only way to break the stalemate and force Hades to recall the Gods of Death and Sleep, saving the world. For this campaign, Alex is in full command!"

All eyes converged on Alex. He took a step forward to stand beside Saori. Without any unnecessary preamble, his gaze—cold as ice—swept across the square. His powerful presence brought a profound silence to the assembly.

"Our objective in this battle is not to eliminate the Underworld King," Alex began, his voice not loud but reaching every ear with perfect clarity. "Hades Castle is the Underworld’s only anchor in the human world, the gateway to the realm of the dead, and the critical hub through which Thanatos and Hypnos channel their divine power to erode the Earth."

He raised his hand, and a faint frost gathered at his fingertips. Ice crystals quickly solidified in the air, forming a three-dimensional strategic map. The outline of Hades Castle and the surrounding forest terrain were clearly visible.

"This is the layout of Hades Castle that I have already scouted."

Saori was momentarily stunned. Had Alex used the days he was missing to investigate the castle? Silently and without a word, he had already prepared everything. Her violet eyes lingered on his broad, solid back; she realized she understood this man less and less.

"Hades Castle sits in the gap between Elysium and the human realm, occupying a highly unique spatial position. The core is a massive fortress shrouded in a lethal barrier, surrounded by three outer layers: the Death Forest Barrier, the Dream Barrier, and the Hades Barrier. These barriers are the greatest threat we face. Bolstered by the divine power of the twin gods and Hades’ own will, they significantly weaken non-Underworld beings—including our Cosmo! The longer you stay inside, the more your strength is drained. The castle is guarded by elite Specters under the direct command of Thanatos and Hypnos. It also houses the true passage to the Underworld and serves as a vital anchor for the gods’ powers."

Alex’s gaze, sharp as a physical blade, swept over every Saint as his tone grew increasingly stern. "There are three vital points you must remember for this operation. A single mistake will lead to eternal damnation!"

Following Alex’s methodical assignments, the various Saints departed to carry out their orders, leaving only Saga and Shaka behind.

Alex raised an eyebrow and looked at the two strongest Gold Saints. "Now for the true plan. Do you two have the confidence to slay a god?"