"Wow..."
Keres' reaction to the proper functioning of Hades' work processing capabilities was just a small exclamation.
No, it's probably all she could do besides just letting out an exclamation.
With Hades assisting in analyzing the life of the souls being judged, summarizing their sins and good deeds, the task of judging tens of thousands of souls would not be that difficult.
However, even Hades was not perfect in every aspect.
"Ah, this judgment seems a bit harsh."
"Let me see... Ah I see."
Hades punished a woman for stealing bread to feed her starving child by stoning her to death.
Other gods of death would have shown leniency considering the mother's intention to save her child, and waited for the child to arrive in the afterlife before passing judgment. But Hades lacked such compassion.
"It's good to make quick judgments, but this part is a bit problematic."
"Well, this system was created to assist you after all."
I had separated a part of my divinity to create it, but I had no intention of making it an independent deity.
"Still, it's fast, summarizes well, and will definitely be helpful."
"Yes, that's right? With this fellow, even with just one of you, Hades can do the work of three."
Previously, two out of three had to be present for the afterlife to function normally.
And the most important thing.
"By using this fellow to continue the trials and inputting the results, Hades will learn from the trial results itself."
"Learn?"
"Yes. Based on the results of countless trials, it will learn and become faster, able to handle the ever-increasing number of humans. When that time comes, you will praise me for creating this Hades."
"Is that so...?"
I nodded slightly. The number of humans had not yet reached hundreds of millions. But in a few thousand years, when it reaches billions... it will become truly horrific.
Perhaps a war will break out, with tens of millions of humans dying... No, that cannot happen. It must not happen.
I cannot allow such a terrible war to occur.
Anyway, as time passes, more and more humans will be born and die.
I was preparing in advance.
"Anyway, if you could have made such a good thing, I wish you had done it sooner."
"This is the result of my continued research."
I looked at the black obelisk. The version of me without the dragon's horns and with black hair, busily working.
It looks quite cute.
"But this Hades, won't it get tired or anything?"
"Since it's my avatar, its power source is connected to me, so as long as nothing happens to me, it won't have any problems."
Unless I cut off the connection from my side.
And by using that connection...
[And like this, I can connect my consciousness to Hades.]
When the me inside the black panel spoke, Keres was greatly surprised. Didn't see that coming, did you?
[If there is an urgent matter that requires calling me, you can summon me through Hades.]
"Yes, that's quite good. There were times when I wanted to ask the Goddess of Life's opinion on certain judgments."
[Don't call me for judgments. I mean if there's a problem that can't be solved without me.]
Nidavellir.
The grand dwarven city located deep beneath the massive mountain range surrounding the sacred Mount Sagarmatha.
A city that other races cannot enter without a proper invitation. I was walking through the streets of this city.
The underground city was lit so brightly that it was hard to believe it was underground. Illuminated by lights containing luminescent stones.
Such a surreal scenery that ordinary humans would never be able to witness, even if they died and were reborn.
Ah, but this was not the time to be marveling at the city's landscape.
I referred to the signs around me and headed towards my destination.
Building 11 on Road 75 in the southeast district. 75-11. Hmm, this must be it.
I took a deep breath in front of the sizable mansion, then grabbed the ring on the door and knocked.
Thud! Thud!
The metal ring and the door collided, creating a loud sound, and after a short time, a voice from beyond the door was heard.
"Who is it?"
"Is this the house of Hwangdonggyeong?"
T/N: I hope this name only appears for a while and then disappears... I mean, did you even read his full name? Can you even remember it?
"Human? Why are you looking for the master?"
The owner of the cautious voice. It was a natural reaction in a way.
Hwangdonggyeong. That dwarf, who is called "false gold" by those who despise him... was a dwarf who was involved in dishonorable affairs.
But he had amassed tremendous wealth.
"Tell him that an archaeologist has come to see him."
"An archaeologist?"
"Yes, that's enough."
I said that and adjusted the paper I had kept in my pocket.
I don't need to show this. I had to take it out when I came to Nidavellir, but the paper that was evidence of the favor I had done for Hwangdonggyeong was something I couldn't easily take out.
Because for a stubborn dwarf who doesn't listen to others' words, especially a wealthy dwarf, the evidence of the favor I had done was worth a great deal of silver.
After a short time, the massive door opened.
"Please come in. The master is waiting for you."
"Un."
I was able to enter the grand mansion.
After passing through the corridor decorated with magnificent sculptures and artworks, I passed by the statue of a dwarf with a massive hammer planted on the ground.
Hmm, this hammer... the one I found. The Ground Crusher, a weapon that can be called an artifact. To use it as a decoration for the statue of an ancestor, how interesting.
Well, I heard it was a precious heirloom made by Hwangdonggyeong's ancestors. It can't be used as a weapon carelessly, so using it as a decoration is appropriate.
I then passed through a slightly smaller door for humans and entered the room.
And,
"Ah, it's been a while! Archaeologist! Your frail body is still the same!!"
"It's been a while, Hwangdonggyeong."
The old dwarf with a golden beard, Hwangdonggyeong, welcomed me.
Indeed, if I can rely on Hwangdonggyeong's power... will I be able to find clues about Baal?
I don't know. But I hope I can find them.