A terrifying, surging aura began to gather around Hades. Flames representing hell and death spread from beneath his feet, and the air grew heavy, filled with an indescribable sense of oppression.
Among the Brave Express Squad, the Combat Beast Robot, one of the Super AI Robots stationed near EVA, spoke in a halting voice. "S-so... powerful..."
The First Aid Robot beside it said, "My Super AI... wants to avoid battle..."
The Brave King murmured, "So this is what fear feels like."
Inside EVA, Shinji Ikari could sense everything EVA sensed through the special piloting mode. The overwhelming feeling made even Shinji reveal a fearful expression. "Can we beat that guy?"
"Anyone who can't fight, stand down. Those who harbor fear can never defeat Hades." Tetsuya took a deep breath and looked toward Xiao Ran's Dawn. "And they have a god on their side, but we have beings no less than gods as well. We can win this battle!"
"Tch." Kouji Kabuto gritted his teeth. "You've been the one getting in our way all this time, but since you're fighting alongside us now, I'll let the past slide for the moment. Those guys over there are nothing but enemies I've already defeated. Don't let that bastard's aura scare you."
"Ha ha ha!" Hades suddenly burst into wild laughter. "Do you really think you defeated us with your own power back then? Human, you were only able to harm us because of the protection of that traitor Zeus. But Zeus has already vanished into the endless dimensions. This time, no one will be able to help you!"
"If you are frightened by aura at this level alone, then you have no chance of becoming a match for me, the King of the Underworld. No matter how many gods you destroy, I can