I, the Weakest Human, Start with a Hundredfold Bonus Talent?

Chapter 144: Chapter144-Return to the Underworld

"Damn it, damn it!"

John's wings fluttered behind him as he dashed forward, leaving a trail of afterimages as he shot over a hundred meters away.

Behind him, Kaldaram was in hot pursuit, showing no intention of letting John escape.

"No one can insult... Lord Hephaestus!"

The god who had given him everything, who had helped him find the courage to live and the meaning of life—Hephaestus was Kaldaram's ultimate faith.

He would never allow anyone to insult Hephaestus!

Even though he had completely lost his sanity, Hephaestus seemed to be branded into Kaldaram's soul.

Any mention of him would strongly agitate Kaldaram!

Seeing this, [Deception] gasped in shock.

He had expected John to take some action to provoke Kaldaram, but he hadn't anticipated it would be in this manner.

This was nothing short of a death wish!

"Get out of the way!"

John ran with all his might, but no matter how hard he tried, he couldn't shake off Kaldaram.

All John could do was pray that Kaldaram's attacks wouldn't land on him, as that would surely be his end!

Finally, the [Abyss] was within sight. John gritted his teeth and pushed his speed to the limit, diving into the abyss just before Kaldaram's massive hands could grab his ankle!

Seeing this, Kaldaram didn't hesitate for a moment and followed John into the abyss. [Deception] finally breathed a sigh of relief.

They had finally brought Kaldaram into the abyss. Now, all that remained was to head to the underworld.

The underworld, again...

If he could avoid it, [Deception] really didn't want to deal with Hades, but he had no choice.

Entering the abyss, [Deception] navigated the familiar terrain as if he were back home and quickly caught up with John and the others.

In this confined space, Kaldaram's massive size was clearly a disadvantage, preventing him from attacking at will. This gave John a moment to catch his breath.

"But... this is the Abyss? It's different from what I imagined."

John looked around, marveling at the pitch-black solid rock.

"So these are soul crystals?"

From the corner of his eye, John spotted a milky white, translucent crystal. He picked it up and felt the soul within it pulsate.

It's a pity Seraphina isn't here; otherwise, John could have given it to her directly. But now, there were more pressing matters at hand—no time to collect soul crystals.

Racing ahead, John finally saw the portal connecting the underworld and the Abyss in the distance. It was ethereal and elusive yet undeniably real.

Almost there, just a little more!

Gritting his teeth, John pushed his stamina to the limit, crashing into the portal. The scent of death washed over him, only to quickly dissipate.

Though he had reached the underworld, John didn't dare let his guard down.

He stood up, eyes fixed on the portal until Kaldaram's massive form struggled through it. Then, John immediately turned and ran!

This time, however, the situation was slightly different.

With part of Hades' authority, the underworld felt like home to John, but Kaldaram had to endure its constant, corrosive atmosphere.

Moreover, John had the power to control souls.

"Tyr! Where are you? Tyr!"

John shouted, and the soul of Tyr, wandering near the palace, seemed to hear him. After a moment of hesitation, it ran toward the source of the voice.

...

Meanwhile, inside the palace.

Hades sighed and struggled to stand up, saying helplessly, "I didn't expect them to cause trouble in the underworld.

What do you think, should we go check it out? After all, Kaldaram is your most loyal follower. It would be a bit heartless to abandon him, wouldn't it?"

"As gods, we shouldn't retain human emotions. It's a major taboo, Hades."

"So?"

"...I'll go with you."

Hearing this, Hades glanced at Hephaestus and rolled his eyes disdainfully. ???$??!-?+†%-%

"You can come, but let me be clear: I intend to help John eliminate Kaldaram. If you can't bear that, I suggest you stay here.

If you change your mind and try to harm John, I'll make sure you and your follower remain in the underworld for eternity. Understood?"

"Don't worry, I'm prepared for this."

With that, Hades nodded slightly and left the palace.

At this moment, John's situation was not looking good.

John had overlooked a crucial detail: Tyr was now merely a disembodied spirit, and Kaldaram had lost his sanity.

Tyr's presence had no deterrent effect on a madman. John was still on the run, being relentlessly pursued by Kaldaram.

During this chase, John considered jumping into the River Styx, hoping the souls within would tear Kaldaram apart.

However, [Deception] informed him that Kaldaram's soul was already dead, leaving only his body acting on instinct.

What kind of monster is this?!

"Maybe I should find Hades... Yes! Ask Hades for help! After all, I'm his chosen one; he wouldn't refuse to lend a hand for something this minor, right?"

"Is this why you dragged the matter into the underworld without my permission?"

While John's thoughts were racing, he suddenly heard Hades' voice behind him.

Spinning around, he saw Hades, who had somehow appeared behind him, effortlessly immobilizing Kaldaram with a wave of his hand.

"Phew... Finally, this madman is stopped."

John wiped the cold sweat from his forehead, his heart still racing. He glanced at Hades' grim smile and swallowed nervously, stammering, "Um... Lord Hades, let me explain."

"Go ahead, I'm curious to see what excuse you come up with. You better make it convincing, or you know the consequences."

"Well... There's no need to hide it. I couldn't defeat him, so I came back to get reinforcements. I thought, with your vast powers, Lord Hades, this small trouble would be a piece of cake for you."

"Hahaha... You're straightforward. Alright, I won't tease you anymore. Bringing him to the underworld was indeed a clever idea.

But John, this is a one-time exception, understood?

The underworld is a place of rest for the dead.

It cannot be repeatedly disturbed. Can you imagine what would happen if the bridge between the dead and the living were destroyed?

If that ever happened, the dead would never have peace, and the living would never die!

I will not allow that to happen, so you better be careful. If it's not a critical situation, avoid coming to the underworld too frequently."

John nodded thoughtfully.

He didn't fully understand, but that didn't matter.

All he needed to do was nod and agree with whatever Hades said.

Unfortunately, Hades saw right through John's little scheme and sighed, "You didn't really understand, did you?

Fine, just remember not to casually enter the underworld, especially not with others in tow.

As for the one you brought this time, it's convenient.

The one who bestowed his power is here as a guest. Hephaestus, why don't you come over and meet him?"

Upon hearing this, John's smile instantly froze.

The one who bestowed power upon Kaldaram... wasn't that the god of fire and forging, Hephaestus, one of the twelve Olympian gods!

John never imagined that a conflict between two Divine Emissaries would involve their patrons.

And he had just called Hephaestus an idiot right in front of Kaldaram. Did Hephaestus hear it?

He probably didn't, right?

But if he didn't, why did Hades have that expression?

Could he have heard it?

"...This is bad."

John wanted to make a quick escape, but it was clear Hades wouldn't give him the chance. His presence was firmly locked onto him, leaving no opportunity to flee.

"Alright, put away those little thoughts of yours. Hephaestus won't harm you. He promised me."

"A promise? You believe that? What if he suddenly slaps me to death?"

"Then I'll slap him to death right after."