Since his mother returned to the Underworld to live alongside his father and himself, Zagreus has been quietly content. He now has a purpose — an official role sanctioned by Hades: to escape the Underworld. It's a paradoxical task, but one he embraces with fiery resolve. No longer a reckless fugitive, he's become the prince who proves the impossible is possible — all while deceiving the gods of Olympus. They still send their boons, believing he's desperate to reach the surface, unaware he now works with the House's consent.

The House of Hades remains a bustling, unforgiving place, but Zagreus rarely lingers. He has duties elsewhere — responsibilities that fuel his restless spirit. Gripping his trusted sword, he descends once again through the labyrinthine, ever-shifting chambers of the Underworld. Each familiar step through Tartarus brings him closer to his goal. He chats with friends forged in countless battles and narrow escapes, sharing quiet moments even amid the oppressive heat of Asphodel's rivers of lava. The flames may slow him, but they won't stop him — not when the champions of Elysium stand no chance against his relentless will.

Muscles tingling with every pulse of warmth beneath his burning feet, Zagreus is alive with purpose. He's no longer the aimless boy he once was — though still god of nothing in particular, his spirit burns brighter than ever. At last, he emerges onto the surface. After a grueling battle that leaves his body aching and his heart racing, he faces his father one final time — and with a triumphant smile, he strikes him down.

"Say hello to Hypnos for me, Father," he says softly, stepping away through the cold mountain air.

The world above welcomes him — harsh and beautiful. Zagreus makes his way to the small, weather-worn cottage his mother once tended, now abandoned in her absence. In this fragile sanctuary, he cares for her verdant garden, nurturing vegetables and wildflowers with the little time he can spare. His fire-warmed feet scorch the grass beneath him, and the sunlight falls across his face like a tentative blessing. But his time here is short. The Styx doesn't pardon undead souls tied to the Underworld... so he simply waits to be pulled back down.

"Aghh—" He groans as the Styx claims him again.

With a familiar splash, he reappears at the Pool of Blood. Zagreus stretches with a grunt, his spiky hair drying instantly as steam rises from his shoulders. But something's off. He's met not with routine, but with chaos — and Hypnos is flitting about in a total panic.

"WHAT AM I GOING TO DOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!" Hypnos wails.

Zagreus winces, already regretting asking. He palms Hypnos' shoulder, voice dry but curious.

"Ugh... Hypnos, mate, you know I'm usually glad to see you but can you please lower your voice a bit I've got a killer headach--" He pauses, noticing the not so dead being in front of them.