After wrapping up their conversation, Mike and Shadow Three continued their “leisurely stroll” through the Ninth Abyss. The demon army trailing behind them remained at a steady ten million, no longer growing in size.
Suddenly, a gust of wind swept past them.
“Joseph?” Mike’s eyes lit up as he saw Joseph and Ace approaching. “Want an Abyssal Core?” Joseph: ???
Wasn’t his mission to help Thor purify the Abyssal Core? Why was he being asked to purchase it on the battlefield?
Sensing Joseph’s confusion, Mike smiled warmly. “Let me explain.”
Ace shot Thor a knowing look.
Keep spinning those yarns, buddy.
“The basic Abyssal Core purification service is, of course, free of charge,” Mike began, his tone reminiscent of a shady mobile game ad. “But we also offer a premium purification package that can boost your own power! And for the truly discerning customer, our deluxe package can even help you level up!”
Normally, achieving such feats would be incredibly difficult.
But Mike had the [Eye of Truth], allowing him to maximize the Abyssal Core’s potential. Joseph’s eyes widened, his heart pounding in his chest.
Damn! He was tempted!
Joseph would do anything to become stronger.
He stared at Mike, his voice trembling slightly. “Name your price.”
“Straight to the point, I like it!”
Mike offered a “friend” discount. “I’ll teach you a special purification technique. Once you successfully purify the Abyssal Core, you’re guaranteed to level up at least once. As for the price, just sign this contract.”
Ace was impressed.
Thor had even prepared a contract beforehand? Talk about professionalism!
Joseph scanned the document, finding the terms surprisingly reasonable.
He would transfer his after-tax income for the next ten years to Thor via the Mystic Market.
The contract would be automatically voided upon fulfilling one of the following conditions:
1. Accumulate a total transfer of 50,000 Lord merits.
2. Make a one-time payment of 50,000 Lord merits.
3. Save Thor’s life.
Essentially, Joseph was paying 50,000 Lord merits for a guaranteed level up.
What a bargain!
After carefully reviewing the terms, Joseph felt reassured.
“I’m in!”
*Swish*
He signed the contract with a flourish, befitting a Nine-Star Lord.
Mike pocketed the contract and, following the Eye of Truth’s guidance, began instructing Joseph on how to purify the Abyssal Core and convert its energy into personal power.
As he taught Joseph, a question lingered in Mike’s mind.
Why did it have to be a human?
Other races couldn’t purify the Abyssal Core. They would be corrupted.
Only human Lords were immune to demonization, even gaining strength from the process. Why?
[I know!]
The Eye of Truth, eager to contribute, chimed in.
[Because only the human Supreme Being remains untainted by the Abyss!]
Mike’s eyebrows shot up. That single sentence was packed with implications.
Only the human Supreme Being was untainted…
Did that mean… all other Supreme Beings had been corrupted by the Abyss?
Mike had heard rumors of other powerful entities residing within the Supreme Abyssal alongside the Supreme Demon God.
His curiosity about the events of that fateful era intensified.
“I did it!” Joseph exclaimed, a miniature tornado swirling in his palm, slowly purifying the Abyssal Core.
The once pitch-black core now had a faint blue tinge.
Mike leaned in, his eyes gleaming with curiosity.
[Current purification progress: 0.01%]
[Estimated completion time: 560 days, 14 hours.]
With the Abyssal Core in Joseph’s possession, their initial objective was complete.
By slowly purifying the core, they could weaken the Ninth Abyss. The demon army would still regenerate, but at a slower rate.
From a strategic standpoint, the most dangerous moment for the human defenses had
passed.
Mike’s plan was to repeat this process, purifying all twelve Abyssal Cores one by one.
However, glancing at Joseph, he sensed something wasn’t quite right.
Joseph was the Vice Corps Leader of the Nightmare Corps. What was he doing here?
Had the Nightmare Corps arrived as well?
Meanwhile, Joseph, feeling a shiver run down his spine, stared at the restless demon army behind them.
If these demon beasts suddenly went berserk and charged, he wouldn’t stand a chance.
He was also curious why the situation was so… peaceful. The demon beasts were content to follow them, not attack.
As if sensing his thoughts, the demon army parted, revealing a Nine-Star Lord with a commanding presence.
“I’ve been informed that the human potential Supreme Being graces us with his presence,”
the demon Lord announced. “My master invites Thor to a feast.”
The Ninth Demon God wanted to have dinner with Thor?
Joseph: ???
Was he insane? There was no way Thor would agree to meet the Ninth Demon God!
Mike shared the same sentiment.
He stepped in front of Ace, his voice firm. “Thor, this is a trap! Don’t go! It’s the last supper!”
Ace: “…”
Wait, was he Thor now?
…
“Thor, think this through!” Mike pleaded. “It’s a trap! The last supper!”
Ace looked at him, confused. “What’s the last supper?”
Mike gave him a brief history lesson.
Ace nodded thoughtfully.
Why not accept the Ninth Demon God’s invitation?
“Good! That’s the spirit of a potential Supreme Being!” Mike gave Ace a thumbs-up, his voice
filled with pride. “When I get back, I’ll compose epic poems about Thor’s bravery and spread
Thor’s legend throughout the world!”
He turned to leave, shooting Joseph a meaningful glance.
What are you waiting for? Let’s get out of here!
Was Ace actually going to dine with the Ninth Demon God?
He is now Mike; what do Thor’s plans have to do with Mike?
Retreat!
Joseph, understanding the unspoken message, prepared to follow Mike.
As for Ace’s fate… no need to worry!
As long as Old Calderon was alive, the Ninth Demon God wouldn’t dare harm Ace.
“Hold it right there. You’re not going anywhere.” The demon Lord who had delivered the invitation blocked Mike’s path. “My master specifically requested Thor’s presence.” “Who said I was Thor?” Mike retorted, his mind racing, searching for an escape route.
The demon Lord, however, refused to budge. He insisted on Mike attending the feast.
“Shadow Three.”
Mike’s shadow stretched, taking the form of a hulking figure adorned with bone ornaments. Despite his imposing appearance, his face held a gentle, almost naive expression.
The demon creatures surrounding them stumbled back, dropping to their knees, their bodies
trembling uncontrollably.
“My lord… was unaware of your presence…” the demon Lord stammered, his forehead beaded
with sweat.
It seemed his fear of Shadow Three surpassed even his fear of Ares!
This was the raw power of a superior being, the overwhelming pressure a higher-ranking
demon exerted over its inferiors.
Shadow Three, seemingly ignoring the demon Lord’s pleas, turned to Mike. “He doesn’t know you’re Thor, and he doesn’t intend to harm you. Therefore, I cannot kill him.”
Well, that was certainly Shadow Three logic.
Mike thought for a moment, playing along. “What if the Ninth Demon God tries to kill me?”
“I will take you away,” Shadow Three replied without hesitation.
Shadow Three’s definition of “taking away” was probably different from what most people
imagined.
Normal people’s “taking away”: a desperate escape from a life-or-death situation. Shadow Three’s “taking away”: obliterating the enemy and casually strolling out the front
door.
Shadow Three’s assurance calmed Mike’s nerves slightly. He turned to Ace, his voice serious. “If the Ninth Demon God tries to kill me, can I survive by hiding in my private space?”
Ace nodded. “Yes.”
[Confirmed.]
With both Ace and the Eye of Truth confirming his escape route, Mike nodded resolutely.
Surrounded by a ten-million-strong demon army, invited to a feast by the Ninth Demon God
himself…
He didn’t have much choice.
It seemed he was about to enter the dragon’s lair.
“Let’s go!” Mike clapped Ace on the shoulder. “What are we waiting for?”
That’s right! I was Thor, and Thor was me!