If Bast disappeared, there could never be another Black Panther. If Odin slaughtered the Norse pantheon, there would be chaos across the Nine Realms. Zeus' actions also bring into question the fate of the other pantheons of gods throughout the Marvel Universe. Hercules weighs his father's words carefully and decides to forsake the title of godhood, instead choosing to continue his interstellar adventures. He tells Hercules that the Greek gods, while dead in their reality, have simply passed on to another realm of existence and are not truly dead. He explains that the time of the gods has passed and that he needed to know if Hercules was worthy enough to take up the mantle of godhood in Zeus' absence. Zeus did kill the other Greek gods - but he did so with a purpose. Much to his surprise, Zeus rejoices at Hercules' decision and reveals the truth to him. With the life of Zeus in his hands, Hercules cannot bring himself to kill his father and ends the battle. Despite his bravest efforts to take arms against his father, Hercules eventually battles Zeus and defeats him.
Zeus admits to killing the other gods and attacks Hercules. Hercules races to Mount Olympus to find his father sitting on his throne, a horrible smile on his face. He tells Hercules that Zeus has gone mad and murdered each and every one of the other Greek gods. A dire warning from the dying god Helios fills Hercules with disbelief and dread.
