With one month left until the Swordsmanship Tournament, a mysterious guest arrived in the Kronos Kingdom.
Hades received him personally, a clear sign of how much he valued the visit.
"Long time no see, Red."
Blood-red hair fell past his shoulders, with two braids draped over his chest. A violet adorned his left lapel, and he held his signature bat-shaped umbrella like a cane.
Redfield had come to the Kronos Kingdom.
In an elegant sitting room, Hades and Redfield sat facing each other.
Hades seemed to have said something similar the last time they met.
That had been during the battle at God Valley.
This was only their third meeting.
Each time they met, Hades's position had changed dramatically.
The first time, Hades had been a young Monster who had yet to join the Rocks Pirates, though his terrifying potential and strength were already plain to see.
Redfield had not paid him much attention back then.
By their next meeting, more than a decade had passed. Hades had become a core officer and Squadron Captain of the Rocks Pirates, as well as the Captain of the renowned Pluton Pirates: "Pluton" Hades.
By then, Hades had grown into one of the world's most formidable Monsters at a staggering pace.
Even while roaming the seas, Redfield had often kept an eye on news of Hades.
Only two years had passed since that battle.
Now Hades was King of the Kronos Kingdom.
"Hades, what did you want with me?"
Redfield's expression was calm, but his eyes seemed intent on seeing into Hades's mind.
Yet in Hades's presence, Redfield's mind-reading failed.
It was not entirely useless, but Hades was on strict guard against him now.
In a real fight, Hades would inevitably let a few thoughts slip.
But once Hades entered a true battle