The Underworld…An eternal stream of aether that flew through the fabric of their existence, the one that gave birth to living souls, the purest and most perfect creation. And all of this was within reach for those with an affinity towards the stream. Hades relished in this gift.

If he concentrated, the amaurotine could hear some of these souls, their echoes going through his own mind. For them, this was not the end, but just another turn in a cycle of their life. They would return, sooner or later, renewed and ready to enjoy blessings of their world yet again. And yet they would keep their memories, whether in joy or sorrow. They would be a guidance for their new life, their possible mistakes or unfinished business would motivate them to become better, to give themselves and other closure. It was unknown whether one can reach true perfection, but Hades enjoyed seeing them on their path.

However, today his meditation was cut short by an urgent message from his close friend which he wasn't in the mood to ignore.

As Hades entered the bureau of architects he was surprised by how few visitors there have been today. He could remember these great halls being filled with working architects that sometimes allowed other amaurotines to come and look at their progressing work, after all these projects were for all of them to share.

A few that were present wore robes identical to Hades, they were covered in grey with their faces covered by a white mask, they were busy being in the middle of a discussion, supposedly on the matter of their newest work. Hades quickly recognized the soul of Hythlodaeus among them, his friend was the one talking. As soon as Hades made his presence known, the chief architect waved to him while still being focused on his colleagues.

Hades waited patiently, but it did not take long. Soon the other few left and him and Hythlodaeus were left alone in this part of the bureau. The architect threw a glance at a drawing placed on the table near him. Hades skimmed over it for a moment before turning back to Hythlodaeus.

"I see you've been busy."

"Indeed, there are many projects I need to oversee, as much as I can for now."

"This looks like another akademia, haven't we got enough."

"No, this is more of a place for our history and faith…The past, the present, and future."

"Seems rather vague."

"You'll understand when we're done with it. How are things in arcanium?"

"Not too exciting, I'm afraid, don't ask about magical inventions, there aren't any recent ones. But surely this wasn't the reason you wanted to see me? Surely you know that I prefer spending time outside."

"Yes, of course, it is a matter of importance."

Hades listened attentively, his friend sounded more concerned than he is usually.

"Hades, have you been following the news of recent changes in the convocation?"

"Yes, of course, I don't miss any of them."

"I just rarely see you ever discussing it."

"And what's the point? They do their job and I do mine, no point interfering."

"I am afraid this will not work this time."

"What do you mean?"

"It is now the convocation is looking for replacements for the offices of Pashtarot and Emet-Selch."

Hades knew Emet-Selch, he was a wise man in charge of arcanium with an affinity to aether similar to his, versed in magic as his office entailed. Pashtarot has worked in a different sphere from Hades, his job was to keep order and peace within the city if any trouble occurs between amaurotines.

"Have they now found one already?"

Hythlodaeus nodded.

"They have accepted the new Pashtarot into the council, one of the former peacekeepers under the name of Poseidon."

"Isn't that the one who nearly destroyed a house by accident? They certainly now how to pick them."

"This incident was a long time ago, but it is not him that I am worried about, but his associate who would apply for the office of Emet-Selch."

"And that is?"

"Zeus."

Hades knew this man very well, always a force that stirred up chaos in their society, a contradicting force to the convocation. He was a talented mage with many supporters, but his hunger for power overshadowed the care he had for their city and their people.

"Would they consider him after his claims of wanting to become a single ruler of Amaurot?"

"He fits the office, whether we like it or not and has support among some of the people."

"I don't believe it to be many."

"More than any other applicant would have. The final decision is for the convocation to make, but I am afraid they might accept him. He would try to gain as much power for himself as possible and bring unwanted changes to our society."

"I would prefer not to see that, true, but what are you proposing we do? We have our jobs here, let someone else become a competition for Zeus."

"There are none for now, I am afraid."

"And what can we do, put ourselves forward?"

"Yes."

Hades sighed, he wished to avoid politics, but this was seemingly beyond them now. Hythlodaeus continued.

"I would try to put myself forward as a candidate and snatch this office from Zeus, unless until a more suitable person is found."

"Hythlodaeus, do you hear yourself? You don't have a natural talent for sorcery, and that is almost a requirement for Emet-Selch."

"I know, but I will try my best. Perhaps you could help me with your own talent and abilities, I know you don't wish to be a part of the convocation, but if you could at least help it would be better for everybody."

"And then follow in the footsteps of Helios who is consumed by his duty so much we barely even see him?"

"If that's what it entails…"

"Quite a burden, that convocation, is it not? If only the three of us avoided it…"

"Perhaps, but sometimes you have to take on the burden which no one else can carry."

"Oh, drop the philosophy. All this business and talk of the convocation can be quite annoying."

"Very well, I understand, if you can't help…"

"I never said no."

He could feel Hythlodaeus smiling behind his mask, Hades didn't hide his amusement either.

"Alright, "Emet-Selch", what exactly do you want me to do?"

"Later today the convocation will announce their new member and I believe this is where Zeus will attempt to claim the title. We must be there."

Truth be told, Hades was never the one for large gatherings, he preferred spending time alone or in a small group of friends in which they had shared passion and interest. It was a while ago he willingly partook in witnessing an "ascension", but it was time to refresh his memory.

Many amaurotines gathered on the main square near capitol in their robes wishing to see their new representatives. Hades felt curiosity in their souls, they all wanted to trust and respect every convocation member, but they knew that they were living beings like them, capable of making mistakes.

In the center of attention was a woman in the dark black robes and a red mask covering her face, these were the markings of the convocation, Emerrololth, if memory served him right. Near her there was a man with bright green eyes and dark hair similar to the colour of his robe, but he had no mask. Soon Emmerololth spoke.

"Citizens of Amaurot, I am grateful to announce that today the void that was left in the seat of Pashtarot has been filled. Poseidon has spent years keeping peace within the city, and he deserves our recognition as the new Knight-Star."

She gave him a red mask of Pashtarot, as Poseidon put it on he was accompanied by cheers from other amaurotines, he was deserving of respect in the eyes of the majority and this reaction was to be expected.

"It will be both my duty and an honor to guard the city and its people, I promise that I shall not disappoint you…"

Hades did not pay attention to the speech, he was looking out for Zeus in the crowd who in turn was not hard to find. He was distinct by his height that made him look down on many amaurotines and a rather preposterous ego. Hades nodded to Hythlodaeus, while pointing at Zeus.

"The one you are looking for."

"Waiting for the announcement, it would seem."

"Well, just like us. Have you not changed your mind about this endeavor just yet?"

"No, I have not."

"A shame, these crowds would be a mundane part of a councilor's life, I imagine…Although, at least you would be someone who actually cares about Amaurot."

"Thank you, I will do my best."

Emmerololth continued soon after.

"But there is one office left empty. Emet-Selch, the chief sorcerer and Angel of Truth. We remain undecided on the matter but…"

Zeus quickly walked towards the center, the woman certainly expected this from him. Hades could feel some tension between them, even from behind their masks it was clear just looking at the way they glanced right into each other's eyes. Some whispers could be heard among the people. Hythlodaeus shook his head.

"Zeus and Emmerololth…An unfortunate meeting."

"Just like any other meeting after the moment you break your eternal bond."

"Nothing lasts forever."

"Their pair certainly didn't."

"Still thinking to propose to Persephone?"

"Oh, please, do shut up."

Soon Zeus talked.

"As there are no other candidates, I put myself once more as a candidate for Emet-Selch. My knowledge in sorcery is rivaled by none, and I am looking forward to making Amaurot perfect."

"If there are no objections…"

"As a matter of fact, there are."-Hades interrupted her and now everyone on the square was looking at him. "Oh, not me, him."-He was quick to add.

Hythlodaeus stepped forward and looked at Emmerololth.

"May I make a query, Holy Queen?"

She nodded, the architect continued.

"I wish to challenge Zeus as a candidate to the office of Emet-Selch."

Zeus seemed angry.

"What kind of game is this? You are no sorcerer."

"Let him speak."-Emmerololth said.

"My thanks. I think appointing Zeus is a mistake and it is a seat I would rather keep in my hands, for the future of Amaurot."

"And yet he speaks the truth, you are no mage, why would you be suitable for this seat?"

"I understand skepticism but maybe you could give me a chance? I would show you that my talent is more than you would expect."

Emmerololth looked at Hythlodaeus, Zeus and the crowd, thinking to herself for a moment. Hades realized how exhausting it must have been to make such decisions without alienating anyone. The woman continued.

"As you know, the office of Emet-Selch entails keeping arcanium under control as well as researching upon aethereal innovations for our city. I give you both one day, bring your own creation to the Hall of Rhetoric and I will judge on which one of them is more useful for Amaurot. Are my instructions clear?"

"Yes."-Hythlodaeus said.

"I suppose…"-Zeus wasn't so sure.

Soon the architect approached Hades yet again who watched this conversation with curiosity.

"Well, now you've prolonged this."-Hades said.

"It went much better than I feared, now all that remains is to create something semi-impressive. I would grateful if you could help me with it."

"Do you think I could create something better than Zeus."

"I have no doubt."

Hades smiled behind his mask.

"Well, let's see what we can do at arcanium."

It was not long before two friends met in one of the arcanium's halls, the one dedicated for testing new creations. It was full of grimoires with centuries of knowledge within them. There were no glass windows, and some parts of the room were even covered behind metal bars.

"This place is impressive, although I question the reasoning for placing the cages…"-Hythlodaeus said.

"That is if our creations get too destructive, which is a regular sight when testing."

"So, what will the innovation be?"

"You're the author, you tell me. What do our people need now?"

Hythlodaeus thought to himself.

"Our houses feed off on aethereal energy, it creates light and warmth, but sometimes it takes a while to transfer into all necessary places."

"So, a method of transportation then?"

"Perhaps something that would give aethereal flow a direction."

It was clear enough; time for Hades to begin the process. He was thinking of something simple yet effective in directing the aethereal energy, amaurotines could do this themselves in various capacities, but for many that lacked in this ability it would not have been enough and when it was required, the strong would help out the weak.

"Perhaps we should take inspiration from items already in our world, you know how to make anything practical."-Hythlodaeus said.

"Either that or aether makes everything practical."

"Don't sell yourself short, not everyone could create so freely as you."

"You know I don't enjoy too much fame."

"Yes, I know this rather well…"

"I need to focus."

Hades thought to himself, what item could be imbued with magic to spread energy around Amaurot? He had one idea, the sorcerer concentrated upon the picture in his mind, bringing it to reality. Soon, a beam of energy appeared in front of them, it's bright light would cause many to look away but not Hades. The aethereal currents were redirected to their hall, dancing in front of Hades's eyes, echoing in his mind. Soon they began to take form, bending to the will of their master and then a solid object emerged. It had a crystal cover which shined with an azure colour, but it was only one side of it, the other had a much thinner cover, but perfect for transferring energy. Hythlodaeus looked intrigued.

"Is that a mirror?"

"Yes, as you said I can many things practical."

"I see, and how does it work?"

"I can tell you how it is supposed to work, but nothing is created perfect, remember how I mentioned malfunctions?"

"I don't remember hearing news about anyone getting their host body destroyed here, so I assume it's manageable."

Hades focused at the mirror and its purpose.

"Its back is covered in crystals that van defend it from damage but also absorb pure aethereal energy which later gets refracted and empowered before release. If we can install enough of them on each building, they could give aether a direction and flow, circling all around Amaurot."

"Bravo, Hades, I am once again proven right in seeing your talent."

"It's not done until it works, which is often the trickiest part. I'll advise you to take a few steps back."

Hythlodaeus obeyed and Hades continued with his work. He summoned another stream of aether, imbuing it into the back of the mirror, he could see the crystal back shining brighter as the flow went.

"Now let's see how much can it hold…"

In a few seconds, the mirror became chaotic due to overdose of energy. A blast came out of its front charging straight towards the wall, a black beam of destructive aether. It quickly bounced off as the halls of arcanium were equipped with more than enough defense mechanisms, it landed in between Hades and Hythlodaeus. They could barely hold their balance as the explosive wave went off, but Hades showed no sign of fear or even caution.

"No, this won't need a lot of work."

His next command was to separate a portion of the energy from this mirror, he could see cracks forming around it, soon to explode, but Hades's energy was enough to hold it, and so the mirror became static yet again.

"This seems to be it, ready for usage, relatively. A simple instrument, but good for a one day's work."

"Usually innovations linked to energy and sorcery would have to be approved by Emet-Selch."

"Not that different from the Bureau of Architects."

"Now that the seat remains empty we'll take it straight to Emmerololth."

"Should we expect any malfunctions then?"

"I'll flesh it out, so there is nothing to worry about."

"Then it shall be so. I am truly grateful for your assistance, Hades."

"Have no worries, it's neither the first nor the last we help each other out."

"Now that I think about it…"

"Yes?"

"It's nothing, don't worry. See you at the hall, then."

"I'm waiting for your ascension."

The Hall of Rhetoric has been a busy place today, aside from the ongoing debates between amaurotines there were many visitors who wished to see the convocation's decision. As before, Emmerololth was there, sat on one of the benches closer to the middle, her robes and red mask made her distinct from others, Zeus wasn't far either, Hades felt his energy pulsing. Hythlodaeus brought the mirror to present, they could only hope that this would be preferable to whatever Zeus has created.

"Let us begin."-Emmerololth spoke.

Zeus was the first to present himself, without giving Hythlodaeus and Hades an opportunity.

"I have worked long and hard on this, and I know my creation shall be a great asset to all of Amaurot."

He took out something out of his pocket, an aethereal lightning that he could freely hold in his hand, while making it bend to his own will. Emmerololth looked with curiosity, but still remained unmoved.

"And what is its purpose?"

"Defense, obviously…The peacekeepers and protectors alike would benefit from harnessing its power and using the thunderbolt as a weapon. My friend Pashtarot will make great use of it."

"I see that it has a purpose but skirmishes within the city have become a very occurrence now and if you will use the lightning, it might be too destructive for amaurotines."

"Nonsense, all you have to do is to take a hold of it. That is nothing hard and I will show you."

Zeus raised his hand, ready to harness the power of aether and show off before all the visitors.

"This will not end well…"-Hades muttered.

"And now the power of the skies is under my command!"

While preparing to launch it outside of the hall through the gates, the lighting started sparkling and spawning other aethereal impulses coming from it, they rapidly spread across all of the hall.

"No, you shall obey!"

But it was clear that Zeus has lost all power he might have had over his creation, it was bursting with energy, soon lightning was all around the hall, striking at random places, sometimes dangerously close to the visitors who did their best to avoid it.

"What's going on?"-a voice echoed from another side of the hall.

"End this farce!"-another, angrier one could be heard.

What a fool, that Zeus, Hades hated him. Always pursuing his own glory even at the cost of endangering their people.

"This wasn't quite what I expected."-Hythlodaeus said.

"I certainly did."

Hades took the mirror into his own hands, he saw that Emmerololth was preparing a spell to end the chaos, but this was a perfect opportunity to show the superiority of their aethereal mirror. Hades put it forward, directing at Zeus who still tried to force his lightning into submission. Hades imbued the mirror with his magical power and then it immediately absorbed all the energy that has broken its chains. The mirror was shining with bright white aether, lighting was gone, only remaining in Zeus's hand and all potential danger was gone. The thunderer noticed that this was Hades's doing.

"I had it under control."

"If that's the case, I shudder to think of what happens when things go wrong for you."

Hades noticed Emmerololth's gaze upon him.

"Thank you for your assistance, what is your name?"

"Hades."

"And is this your creation?"

"Well, my friend's."

Hades looked at Hythlodaeus prompting him to come forward and so he did, Emmerololth immediately recognized him.

"Ah, Hythlodaeus, I've been expecting you."

"I apologize for our earlier interference, but Hades considered it necessary and I agree with him."

"Have no worries, it was a perfect chance to display some of your own creation. Tell me of it."

"Wait, I am not yet done with mine."-Zeus claimed.

"You had your go, let him explain."

"It is a mirror capable of both storing and redirecting aethereal energy, serving as a beacon and a bond for them, as you have just witnessed. Its design is to transfer aether to those that do not have enough and are not capable of replenishing it themselves considering the size of our great city."

Emmerololth nodded in approval.

"I see, then. The winner is clear here, there is much more need to give this energy to those who need it the most."

"Absurd, you cannot just decide like this!"-Zeus was furious.

"Can't I? This was our agreement, after all."

"I demand a re-trial with another convocation member, Hera would never dare to judge me fairly, her mind is clouded by spite!"

There were some whispers going among the people, calling a member of the convocation by their name during official proceedings was considered rude and disrespectful, but she remained calm.

"I would never put my own spite above my duty in the convocation, however with you, I don't even have to compromise on anything."

Zeus shook his head.

"This is not over."-He said before storming out of the building, while Emmerololth looked at Hythlodaeus.

"I have made up my mind; you are indeed a suitable candidate for the post of Emet-Selch. Are you ready to accept this seat?"

Hythlodaeus though for a moment and then shook his head.

"I would be glad, but I am not the best for the role."

Hades looked surprised.

"What are you doing?"

"Why not?"-Emmerololth asked Hythlodaeus.

"While I helped with some of the thought, it was my friend, Hades, who did most of the work on its creation. The idea was his and he was the one that created the mirror. He shares my passion as well as ability to see the Underworld, and his talent for magic is unrivaled."

Hades was left speechless, he looked at Hythlodaeus with shock in his eyes, his friend noticed this.

"May we have a moment?"

Emmerololth nodded.

"What in the Underworld's name are you doing?"

"This was a thought that lingered in my mind for as long as my own plans to join the convocation, and recently I have only been proven correct. This place is yours by right, you have all the requirements, talents, desire to help Amaurot and no lust for power whatsoever."

"I never asked for it."

"And that's one of the reasons it should be yours. It is still your favored place in the arcanium, except with more opportunities and power to keep those like Zeus in check."

It was indeed, an opportunity which one would be foolish to refuse. Perhaps Hades would become a true paragon of Amaurot, even though he preferred to remain in the shadows it might not have been practical for improving their society.

"Damn you, Hythlodaeus."

Hades walked up towards Emmerololth who was waiting for her answer.

"I shall accept the seat if that's what required."-Hades said.

"And is it true that the creation is yours?"

"Yes, it is. I preferred to not have my name too widely known, but I will do my best, whatever the outcome."

Emmerololth nodded.

"This is an unexpected turn of events, time will tell whether it is fortunate or not, I have to discuss this with the convocation, and then we shall give our verdict."

She left towards the capitol, Hades felt Hythlodaeus's proud gaze upon himself.

"I have no doubts they will give you the seat."

Hades had no response but a quiet sigh. They both have made their choices; time will show the consequences indeed. As for now, there was nothing but wait.

It wasn't long before he became Emet-Selch.