The 437th floor of the abyss.
This realm was unlike any other—a world both mysterious and captivating. Surrounding it, succubi gathered in droves. Succubi, a unique demon species that thrived only in the depths of the abyss, were unlike other demons. They were a strange breed, for they had little interest in the brutality of combat.
Instead, they found pleasure in toying with other demons—not just physically, but emotionally and spiritually as well. They delighted in stirring up conflict among their fellow demons, pitting them against one another for amusement.
On the 437th floor, in a lavish and eerie palace, Meikanxie—the same succubus queen from before—sat bathed in a strange glow. Her body emanated a peculiar energy, one that was distinctly different from the fleeting phantom of moments ago.
This powerful goddess, a ruler of desire, ecstasy, and pleasure, suddenly sat up in her throne, startled by a feeling she had never before experienced.
Her eyes darted around the room, and her semi-divine attendants, startled by her sudden movement, quickly knelt beside her.
"My Queen, what are your orders?" they asked, their voices filled with trepidation.
But Meikanxie barely acknowledged them. She waved them off, her mind still lost in the pleasure and sensations brought on by the phantom interaction she had experienced. For someone like her, born in ancient times and wielding divine authority, this feeling was unprecedented.
"So... this is what true desire feels like?" she murmured to herself. "No wonder mortals are so easily consumed by it. How unfortunate... that such bliss can only be experienced once."
Her thoughts drifted, and her eyes glazed over with lingering pleasure. "That human... he was truly strong..."
"And to think he made it this far in the abyss. There's only one demon lord left standing between him and victory—Aga Reiss. Is it possible that he could actually pass the trial of the abyss? No... it can't be... this is impossible."
"However, if it is passed, then that human being can…"
As the thought took hold, Meikanxie's expression shifted. A gleam of excitement flashed in her eyes, and for a moment, her gaze became feral, like that of a predator on the hunt.
"Should I descend to the 500th floor myself?" she mused. "If I kill that guy, then that human could pass the trial…"
She pondered the idea for a moment, but ultimately shook her head. "No, he's too powerful. Besides... it's a pity."
——
Meanwhile, in the depths of the abyss, darkness coiled and thickened around Novak as he advanced. His eyes glowed with a steely determination, his focus sharper than ever.
He had come so far—500 floors deep into the abyss. Along the way, countless demon lords had fallen before him. And now, after battling his way through seemingly endless horrors, he stood at the threshold of the abyss's final challenge.
This was a depth few had ever reached, a place even the gods scarcely knew existed.
A notification flickered before him:
[You have arrived at the 500th layer of the abyss. Current Abyss Lord: Demon Clan Monarch of Eternal Night, Aga Reiss—Level 10 Condensed Phantom. Prepare for the trial.]
Aga Reiss, the final demon standing in Novak's path, was a being unlike any other he had faced. As the figure materialized before him, it appeared almost human in form—save for the large, demonic wings sprouting from its back and the sharp horns adorning its head.
The most striking feature, however, was the black ribbon that covered its eyes, tied tightly as if to conceal its true power.
Novak knew this would be his greatest trial yet.
On the purple-black skin of the Eternal Night Monarch, there were streaks of green, rune-like markings. Novak, well-versed in demon lore, instantly recognized who stood before him: Fanhan, the name given to this creature by the demon family, one synonymous with pureblood demons—creatures born directly from the abyss itself.
In simpler terms, another name for such a being was far more fitting: Demon King.
Novak narrowed his eyes as he fixed his gaze on the Eternal Night Monarch, Aga Reiss. He knew this was no ordinary opponent. Then, just as he prepared to launch his strike, the world around him shifted.
In an instant, everything was consumed by darkness.
"Human, to have made it this far is a testament to your strength. No being has ever reached this point! Your name will echo through the heavens and all worlds—a newborn legend! But, like all journeys, yours must now come to an end," a voice reverberated through the void. With it came a crushing sense of despair.
Novak couldn't tell if the abyss itself had swallowed the light or if his vision had simply been stolen. It mattered little. What would cripple most was only a minor inconvenience to him.
For an ordinary person, losing sight would mean a severe drop in combat ability. They'd flounder in the darkness, struggling to adapt. But for Novak? It made no difference. He had faced far worse.
The plague seeds he controlled, along with the tendrils of spiritual infection, began to swirl around him, creating an impenetrable cloud of infectious germs. These spread through the boundless darkness, creeping toward any unseen enemy.
Just as Novak steeled himself for the worst, preparing to confront the oppressive void head-on, a voice echoed through the darkness—this time, surprised.
"Huh? Now this is interesting... A human like you? The will of the abyss actually believes you can—hahaha, I look forward to our next encounter!" The voice seemed amused, and suddenly, the impenetrable darkness lifted.
In an instant, Novak's vision returned. The suffocating blackness vanished as quickly as it had come. Before him, Aga Reiss's figure began to fade, his once imposing presence dimming. The final true god of the abyss, the Eternal Night Monarch, slowly disappeared.
Even as the black ribbon remained over Aga Reiss's eyes, an air of surprise lingered in the fading moment, as if even the monarch himself hadn't expected this outcome.
Then, a special prompt sounded, explaining the inexplicable turn of events.
[500th level, Eternal Night Monarch Aga Reiss has departed. Trial passed! You have 0 minutes of recovery time.]
Novak's brow furrowed. The situation was strange—had the will of the abyss forced Aga Reiss to abandon the final challenge? Had he really just passed the sixth god's trial like that?
What could this mean?
Could it be that the will of the abyss had its own intentions, wanting him to clear the trial? If so, why go through such an elaborate test? Why not simply give him the rewards—like the job transfer scroll—and be done with it?
But as the thought settled in his mind, Novak began to understand.
The abyss had a mind of its own. Darkness shrouded the realm once more, and the abyss continued to pull him deeper. Yet, no new abyss lord emerged—no more demon lords to stand in his way.
Then, finally, a chilling, raspy voice broke the silence.
[Current Abyss Lord of the 600th floor: None. Retrieving the imprint of a former demon lord to condense a Level 10 Phantom. Prepare for the trial.]
[Condensation complete: Abyss Lord—Devil Race's Evil Incarnation, Satan (Level 10). Remaining battle requirements forthcoming.]
Novak's eyes widened in shock. His pulse quickened. He knew exactly what this meant.
A fire unlike any other erupted in the abyss—the hellish flames of the final battle, raging with untamed fury.
Novak braced himself. This was it. The unknown final trial had arrived!