"Let's not jump to early conclusions." Fenrir reminded them, "There is still the theory of outer gods from other universes using the prophecy tablet to revive the universe's consciousness for the sake of regaining access to our universe."

"True, it's the only theory that can explain the universe's consciousness getting forced to go through all of this." Elder Kraken nodded.

"There is no point in empty speculations." Felix said calmly, "We will find out the truth when the time comes."

Felix had already given up trying to guess the creator of the prophecy tablet. It was the same as the Echoing Tower's map.

He knew that something was bizarre about it, but if there were no leads to find out about the truth, it was best to put it at the back of his mind and focus on what was in front of him.

At the moment, it was Lord Hades' core.

"I believe you already know why I am here, Lord Hades," Felix uttered with a solemn tone.

"I know, but I am afraid the answer is no." Lord Hades rejected, his expression as emotionless as ever.

"May I know why?" Felix glanced at Eris and Apollo, "Is it because of them?"

"While I am not fond of them, they have nothing to do with my decision." Lord Hades shook his head, "I have no interest in handing out my core to anyone. Even if it was going to be used to slay the three rulers."

"..." Felix remained silent.

He already knew it was going to be difficult to convince Lord Hades, but from the sound of it, he realized that it might not ever happen.

"Hadey, don't be like that." Apollo persuaded with a sheepish smile, "He will be merely borrowing your core to help him get rid of the three rulers. He must get it since collecting all the cores might result in the awakening of his own celestial heart."

"I am certain the paragon will return your core when the deed is done." Eris added calmly, "Also, your duties won't be affected since you will still retain your powers."

"I don't like repeating myself." Lord Hades declined expressionlessly, "No is a no."

"Hade..."

Before Apollo could finish his sentence, Felix stopped him with a stretched arm and a gentle smile. Then, he gazed into Lord Hades' rigid eyes, understanding that he held nothing personal against Felix.

As much as he wanted the death of the three rulers, Lord Hades considered the sacredness of the spirit realm and his duties as its guardian above all. In other words, he would never do anything that could interfere with his duties.

While Eris said that he would still retain his powers, Lord Hades wasn't stupid. He understood that his powers would be limited immensely and also, he would be putting his core at a massive risk of landing in the hands of the three rulers.

Considering everything, there was no guarantee that Felix would beat the three rulers...If he failed, Lord Hades could already predict the ending of his realm and its dwellers.

Felix had figured out all of this and respected Lord Hades' ironclad rule of prioritizing his realm and its citizens above all.

Thus, he didn't bother convincing him with empty words or promises.

"I am still missing Kronos, Ares, Artemis, Athena, Demeter, and Aeolus' core." Felix said with a serene smile, "Once I collect at least half of them, I will be coming back. I hope your opinion changes then."

"Or what?" Lord Hades smiled.

"Nothing, I never bite the hand that feeds me."

With that last soft-spoken statement, Felix gave a slight respectful nod at Lord Hades and excused himself.

"I will leave the realm after visiting some friends if possible." He shared as he walked away with Apollo and Eris at his sides.

"Feel free to roam about." Lord Hades permitted calmly while watching their fading backs.

The moment they left, Elder Kraken was summoned to the throne chamber.

"Your majesty." He bowed.

"Tell me, do you think he is really going to give up on my core if it's the last thing he requires to ascend his heart?" He asked, knowing that Elder Kraken was part of Felix's faction.

"I genuinely don't know. Felix is no longer the same. He has complete control over his emotions, which means, rationality comes above all."

"If he was put in a situation where he desperately needed your core and you declined to give it, the old Felix would give it up considering your good relationship."

"But, the new one?" Elder Kraken shook his head, "I have no idea what he will do."

Elder Kraken wasn't trying to give such vague answers to be on the fence due to his relationship with both parties...He truly had no clue.

He understood that the celestial version of Felix might seem and feel similar to the same old Felix, but he couldn't be more different.

"I see..." Lord Hades nodded emotionlessly, his mind was unreadable as he gazed into the distance.

...

Meanwhile, a similar conversation was happening in Felix's mind.

"Here I thought getting Lord Hades' core would be the easiest." Candace sighed.

"You have been getting used to unigins handing me their cores." Felix chuckled.

"What are you going to do next?" Thor inquired, "You said you would see him after obtaining three cores. How exactly are you going to pull it off?"

The rest of the tenants had the same question as they knew that most of the remaining cores were owned by the three rulers...Even Demeter's core would fall in their hands after the universe's heart provided birth to it again.

"That's the purpose." Felix smiled faintly, "If I managed to obtain three cores under the protection of the three rulers, it would show Lord Hades that I am more than capable of dealing with them and most importantly, protecting his core."

"If I failed?" Felix shrugged, "Having his core won't matter anymore."

"I see..." Candace tilted her head in confusion, "What if you succeeded and he still refused?"

"Let's hope he won't be that stubborn." Felix smiled gently, "But if he still refuses, he will leave me no choice but to retrieve what's mine."

"..."

"..."

"..."

The tenants were put in a deafening silence, realizing that Felix had no qualms with using force if it came to be.

After all, he was the reincarnation of the universe's consciousness and all unigin cores belonged to him originally.

As for that bullsh*t of not biting the hand that fed him? Felix considered in it truly, but when push came to shove, he would have no misgivings of doing the opposite.

He wouldn't sense bad about it since he was in complete control over his emotions...

'The human side of him is starting to fade away bit by bit...' Thor murmured.

'Bold of you to assume that it hasn't by now faded away completely.' Jörmungandr sighed.

'But, this is for the better.' Fenrir joined with a cold tone, 'What awaits him is no different than a battle of the universe's supremacy. If he isn't similar to this, he won't make it far.'

Felix could listen to their telepathic conversation, but he didn't bother...His actions were guided by what he saw fit and not by what others thought was best.

Thus, he couldn't care less about what the tenants felt about his decisions...As long as they made sense in his mind, he was going to commit to them.