Chapter 620: Black Adam and the Gods
The Hypocrisy of the Gods
In the hall, Sivana felt his brow twitch, his expression utterly strange.
As an archaeologist and magic enthusiast, he had once deeply yearned for the age of the Gods. After listening to Teth-Adam's description, he instantly lost all interest.
Olympus was filthy and corrupt, the Egyptian Gods fought for power, and the American Sun Gods ate human flesh buns... A chill started at his tailbone, shooting straight up his spine to the top of his head.
Were these really Gods?
They were worse than beasts.
Shazam said with a complex expression, "The Gods' actions did have many shortcomings, but they were always on the front line of battle. They were the ones who protected this world and ensured the continuation of human civilization. You cannot erase their achievements because of a few mistakes."
"Right is right, and wrong is wrong. The two cannot be confused, Father—that's what you taught me."
"I will not forget their achievements, but I will equally not forget those disgusting deeds."
Shazam fell silent. He had no reply for Teth-Adam's words. After a moment's thought, he whispered,
"Who told you all this?"
"Isis."
"How is that possible?"
Teth-Adam curled his lip, speaking with a venomous tone.
"Back then, Ioasias, the son of Zeus, coveted Isis's beauty and repeatedly attempted to assault her. Isis had no choice but to beg you, her father, for help. And what was the result? Because of the power of Olympus, you persuaded her to endure it..."
"Since then, Isis began investigating the Gods and told me these things."
Teth-Adam grabbed Shazam's robes and dragged him close.
"You are a total failure. You are not worthy to be a man. No man would tell his daughter to endure humiliation. Only you. Perhaps that is why the Gods chose you: a weak, despicable coward who only knows compromise and surrender."
Pfft!
He spat on the old man's face. Shazam closed his eyes in pain. In that moment, he finally understood why his daughter had betrayed him, why she was so devoted to Teth-Adam in trying to overthrow the divine authority. Everything had a cause and effect.
Teth-Adam coldly scoffed, tossing Shazam away like garbage.
"Everything that needed to be said has been said. Give me the Rock of Eternity, or I will destroy it."
Shazam remained silent, looking deeply desolate. His already withered face seemed even more decrepit.
"Last warning. Give it to me."
"I will not give it to you."
"Then I will destroy it."
"If you destroy it, your power will also vanish," Shazam said, leaning against the wall as he slowly climbed up. "The Rock of Eternity is the fortress built by the Gods, and it is the source of the Power of the Six Gods. If it vanishes, you will die too."
Teth-Adam: "..."
"Then I will go find your successor and take the authority from his corpse. Father, do you think he will be a match for me?"
Shazam fell silent. Teth-Adam was called a demigod, the most powerful warrior in Ancient Egypt. After gaining the Power of the Six Gods, his combat power soared, reaching the absolute elite. Aside from the chief Gods of the major pantheons, ordinary deities were no match for him. Billy (Shazam's successor), though he also possessed the Power of the Six Gods, was just a child and didn't even know how to fight.
After a moment of silence, Shazam suddenly spoke.
"If you truly want the Rock of Eternity, why not follow the proper route?"
Teth-Adam raised an eyebrow. "You intend to use the Void to trap me."
Shazam shook his head.
"When the Rock of Eternity was built, the Gods left a contract: anyone who passes the tests of the Colosseum and the Void is eligible to become the master of the Rock of Eternity. If you want it, go and prove yourself, just as I did back then."
"Do you think I will believe you?"
Sivana suddenly interjected.
"Your Majesty, there are people in the Colosseum."
Teth-Adam's face froze. He suddenly understood everything, and monstrous fury erupted in his eyes. He stepped forward, grabbed Shazam's clothing, and fiercely demanded,
"You let those people in there, didn't you?"
"Yes."
Shazam felt an immense sense of relief. Thank goodness he listened to Luke's request back then, or the situation would truly be irrecoverable.
"The Gods are gone, but heroes are not. They have protected the world, proving their character and will. They are worthy of inheriting the Rock of Eternity and restarting the Council of Eternity."
"Damn you!"
Teth-Adam roared in rage. He abandoned Shazam and bolted away. He absolutely would not allow the Rock of Eternity to fall into the hands of outsiders.
"Your Majesty! Your Majesty!"
Sivana shouted loudly. "Don't rush! This could be a trap!"
A trap?
Teth-Adam stopped, staring coldly at him.
Sivana explained, "Superman, the Martian Manhunter, and Wonder Woman all possess great power. Although Your Majesty is powerful, a one-against-three scenario might put you at a disadvantage. Perhaps we should consider another approach."
"What idea do you have?"
Sivana glanced at Shazam in the hall. "Let's move somewhere else."
The two went to the garden, where Sivana spoke in a lowered voice.
"The fighting in the Colosseum began before the seal was broken. That means those three cannot possibly know of your existence. This is an opportunity. You can join them as a friend, pass the tests first, and then seize your chance to strike."
"If possible, it would be best to eliminate future troubles."
This final sentence was full of murderous intent, revealing Sivana's hidden side.
Teth-Adam looked thoughtful. This method was treacherous and underhanded, but it had its merits. The Colosseum sealed countless monsters, including Six-Winged Angels and Hell Demons. It would be difficult to clear it with his power alone. If he had them as helpers, the situation would be entirely different.
Sivana asked nervously, "What do you think of my suggestion? If it won't work..."
"No, it's excellent."
Teth-Adam patted his shoulder. "A very good idea."
Sivana immediately relaxed. He had thought that a powerhouse of Teth-Adam's caliber would disdain underhanded plots, but judging by his reaction, that didn't seem to be the case. This is good, this is good.
He hated nothing more than those self-righteous good people.
New Rules of the Game
After their discussion, Teth-Adam began learning English. His speed was incredible. In less than an hour, he mastered all the grammar and could converse fluently.
Sivana then provided him with intelligence on the six superheroes, focusing on Superman's character traits.
With everything prepared, Teth-Adam stepped into the Colosseum. Just as he crossed the barrier, he ran into the three heroes who were trying to leave.
"Once the light barrier is activated, no one can leave. The only way to exit is to clear the Colosseum and prove your ability to the Gods."
Diana said chillingly, "We have no interest in proving anything to the Gods. But as for you, weren't you sealed? How are you here?"
"The seal has been broken. My purpose here is the same as yours: to obtain the qualification to inherit the Rock of Eternity."
The three exchanged glances. Clark couldn't help but ask,
"Clearing the Colosseum... does it really lead to the Rock of Eternity?"
"Yes."
Teth-Adam looked over the three, his gaze settling on Diana.
"When the Rock of Eternity was built, Zeus and the other God-Kings established a covenant: any Earthling (he emphasized the word) who clears the Colosseum and successfully exits the Void can join the Council of Eternity and become one of its masters."
"Unfortunately, only two have achieved this over thousands of years. Soon, there will be a third."
Support me on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/MistaQuartz
On Patreon, you can explore Extra Chapters in advance!