Chapter 498 Boris's Challenge! How Did It Become So One-Sided Before It Even Began?
The high-ranking deity immediately grasped Boris's intention. Though somewhat surprised, they understood the reasoning. The gods of the Orichalcum Nation were rarely known to employ such minor tricks to deal with their adversaries.
Typically, when faced with enemies, they would launch an overwhelming offensive, swarming their target and annihilating them with absolute strength. However, after the Ashen raid, perhaps many gods had started to realize that even at their divine level, strategy and cunning were not entirely useless. At the very least, they had proven effective now, as the arrogant Hades found himself in a dilemma.
This challenge was one he had no choice but to accept. Whether he wanted to or not, he was forced to agree. To decline was not an option. After all, he had boldly claimed he could face five gods of equal power head-on. To then refuse a challenge from a weaker Divine Power-level god would be nothing short of deceit.
At that point, even if the high-ranking deity didn't intervene, other gods would surely take action. They would suppress him, force him to sign a Mark of Servitude, and bring him under the dominion of the Orichalcum Nation.
The high-ranking deity glanced at Boris, a flicker of approval flashing in their eyes. Perhaps, until the royal capital fully merged into this realm, leaving everything in Boris's hands wasn't a bad idea after all.
Boris, sensing the gaze of the high-ranking deity, felt a surge of excitement in his heart. He had only intended to provoke the arrogant and reckless Hades a little. Yet, to his surprise, Hades had fallen right into his trap, losing his composure and giving him an opening.
This was the perfect opportunity to showcase his abilities before the high-ranking deity. Ideally, he could even push Eterna out of the spotlight and take full control of everything himself.
What Boris didn't know, however, was that his delight was mirrored by another—none other than Sterl.
If Sterl had been bluffing, now would indeed be the moment to panic. But the truth was, his confidence was well-founded. He truly possessed the strength to back up his boldness. He had initially been pondering how to demonstrate part of his power. Unexpectedly, this self-assured Boris had practically delivered the opportunity right to his doorstep. It couldn't have been more perfect.
Sterl's gaze fell on Boris's face, his expression brimming with enthusiasm and anticipation. It wasn't hard to imagine what Boris was thinking—likely envisioning how his victory would earn the admiration of the surrounding gods and even the favor of the high-ranking deity.
Chuckling inwardly, Sterl spoke, his tone laced with derision. "Heh, wagers are never one-sided. Since you want to challenge me, what happens if
you
lose?"
Disguised as Hades, he let out a cold laugh and asked with disdain.
"Lose?" Boris echoed, momentarily stunned by the question.
Boris froze for a moment, then burst into hearty laughter. "You think I'll lose? Me? A god with
three divine authorities
! My power far exceeds your imagination! Do you really believe that by relying on despicable tactics like sneak attacks to kill a few worthless Ashen trash, you've earned the right to defeat me? Utterly ridiculous!"
His voice dripped with disdain as he mocked Sterl without hesitation.
In Boris's mind, he had already seen through this so-called Hades. On the surface, he appeared powerful, but in reality, his strength didn't hold up under scrutiny. If Hades truly had such confidence in his abilities, he wouldn't have posed such a question in the first place; he would've simply accepted the challenge outright.
So, Boris was certain: this Hades was nothing more than an imposter bluffing his way through—a liar who was merely barking under someone else's shadow.
But to deceive the wise and mighty Boris? Ha... not a chance! He didn't even need to think twice before declaring, "If you manage to beat me, all my resources and treasures will be yours. Not only that, but I'll also personally recommend you as the supreme commander in the fight against the Ashen. I'll follow your orders without question!"
Sterl couldn't help but laugh inwardly at Boris's offer.
What a generous fool! This is practically a gift.
This was not a space they had created on the spot—they lacked the power to do so. Instead, it was an area inherent to the temple itself, designed specifically for gods to cultivate and test various abilities. This space, reinforced by the temple's divine essence, was extraordinarily sturdy. Even a high-ranking deity would find it difficult to break through.
"Since both parties have confirmed their intentions, enter the Temple Space and begin immediately," the high-ranking deity commanded.
As the high-ranking deity spoke, the Temple Space manifested a Portal of Space. Boris snorted coldly and, without hesitation, stepped directly into it.
"Hades... please, be careful..."
Just as Sterl was about to follow, Diana quickly approached him, her face full of concern as she spoke softly.
This scene ignited waves of envy and jealousy among the other gods.
"Why does
he
get the favor of the goddess?"
"Is it because he's good at boasting?"
They muttered inwardly, already plotting to emulate Hades' cold and domineering demeanor later on, hoping to win the favor of goddesses themselves.
Soon after, Morette and the other gods who had been saved by Sterl also approached, one after another, urging him to be cautious.
Seeing this, Boris, standing within the Temple Space, felt his fury boil over. He silently vowed to crush this Hades' dignity beneath his feet and expose his façade for the fraud it was.
Even Eterna couldn't help but frown, sensing his own position under threat. If Hades lost, there was nothing to worry about. But if Hades won... it was entirely possible that he might end up being entrusted with leading the campaign against the Ashen and other indigenous forces.
The fact that Hades wasn't originally a god of the Orichalcum Nation didn't matter. This world operated solely on interests. There were no eternal friends, nor eternal enemies—only eternal benefits.
Hades himself had made it clear: pay him, and he would serve Orichalcum.
More importantly, the situation now was exceptionally dire.
The Ashen's bizarre Shielding Power was something even the high-ranking deities couldn't resolve. Otherwise, they wouldn't have handed out three divine swords—they would've provided a direct solution to eliminating the Shielding Power instead.
In this scenario, where high-ranking gods on both sides were unable to intervene, the Orichalcum Nation desperately needed a powerful figure to eliminate the disparity caused by the Shielding Power.
However, upon deeper reflection, Eterna's worries began to fade. Even if Hades won, his victory wouldn't truly shake Eterna's position. After all, Hades did not belong to Orichalcum and would naturally leave once the war was over.
On the other hand, if Boris lost, Eterna would have no further competitors, and his position would become unassailable.
With this thought, a faint smile appeared on Eterna's face. He glanced at Hades, who was about to step into the Temple Space, and offered him a small nod of goodwill. "Be careful in there."
That was the final straw for Boris, who was now fully inside the Temple Space. He could no longer hold back his rage!
...