Chapter 197: Zogwort's Advice And Shock!

"It's rare to see Your Excellency so agitated. Could it be that you really detest this place?" Novak commented, a faint smile playing at the corners of his mouth.

Zogwort shrugged, his gaze sweeping the dismal landscape. "In all the heavens and worlds, no true god would find this place appealing. Just look around—an environment this dreadful, demons so grotesque. Granted, demons hold considerable value, yet this place lacks any potential to truly thrive. It's unfortunate, really…"

He paused, frowning as something seemed to dawn on him. Zogwort turned to Novak, studying him thoughtfully. "My dear young friend, what brings you here? Don't tell me you've abandoned the mission I invested in for you? Much as I believe in your potential, a failed mission is a failed mission. That's non-negotiable."

But before Novak could respond, Zogwort nodded to himself, as if understanding. "Ah, but it's understandable. Securing an SSS-ranked profession isn't an easy feat by any means. Even I don't have a first-tier SSS-rank scroll in my treasure trove, so your setback is expected. Don't be discouraged, my friend; your abilities will still make you a force to be reckoned with in this trial field of gods and demons."

Zogwort's words were meant to be reassuring, yet he didn't catch the odd glint in Novak's eye as he gave a knowing smile. "Thank you for your kindness, but I must ask—have you brought the contract?"

Silence followed.

Zogwort, a short, green-skinned figure burdened by a hefty pack, blinked and pursed his lips, eyeing Novak with growing suspicion. After a long pause, he finally replied, "The contract is indeed prepared. I even blessed it with my divine power and obtained the approval of the cosmic will, but…"

Novak's smile widened as he interrupted, "Then perhaps, Your Excellency would be so kind as to present it."

Zogwort's expression flickered with discomfort. "My dear friend, I don't appreciate being deceived. Not that I doubt your abilities, of course, but…"

The god's eyelids twitched as he met Novak's steady gaze, a sense of foreboding settling in. Against his better judgment, Zogwort reached into his pack and withdrew a sheepskin scroll, its edges glowing faintly with a white light. The scroll unfurled, revealing its terms in clear detail.

According to the agreement, if Novak could acquire two SSS-rank job scrolls, Zogwort would be obligated to hand over the dual-job transfer scroll to him. Novak, in turn, would be expected to provide Zogwort with high-value returns over time.

The terms were generous, even lenient—perhaps because Zogwort had never truly believed Novak would fulfill his end of the bargain.

Zogwort licked his dry lips, hesitant. "My dear friend, you don't mean to say… you've actually succeeded? And in this place?"

He cast a wary glance at the abyss, as though grasping the full scope of what Novak's success implied. The look on the god of trading's face at that moment was, indeed, priceless.

Novak, without further ado, carefully took out a ring of scrolls.

The ink-green scroll emerged slowly, calm and steady.

Zogwort's eyes widened, and he exclaimed in disbelief, "The Scourge Of Life... this is... fascinating! Incredible that you managed to find such a fitting profession! Remarkable!"

Zogwort's praise made Novak smile even more. 'The Scourge Of Life' profession was indeed a perfect match for his abilities, complementing his talents seamlessly.

However, Novak found Zogwort's astonishment a bit exaggerated.

"And what about the second one? If you can truly manage it, I will honor my promise under the witness of the Cosmic Will!"

"I trust your word," Novak replied, "but before that, I have one question."

Novak wasn't in a rush to take out the second job transfer scroll; instead, he asked, "Your Excellency, in this abyss, are you aware of that special SSS-level profession?"

Zogwort blinked in surprise, pausing before he answered, "The Master of the Abyss? Of course, I know of it. The gods say it's a profession no living being can attain. In ancient times, the creator of hell, the mightiest demon Satan himself, attempted to contact the Abyss Authority but failed."

"This is mere legend. If you've truly acquired another SSS-level profession, you likely obtained it here in the abyss. But I must warn you—do not attempt it, whatever the cost. It is a true abyss. To seek the authority of the abyss is to invite trials beyond the capabilities of any living creature."

Zogwort's expression grew serious.

Though he was a deity aligned with law and goodness, only a true god could grasp the terrifying, insurmountable nature of the abyss-bound profession.

"Certain SSS-level occupations are different; some are even higher than others. In time, with your talent, 'The Scourge Of Life' will serve you well.

So, if you find another profession, that's fine. But there's no need to tempt fate by prying into the abyss. Remember, when you gaze into the abyss, the abyss also gazes back at you. The abyss..."

Zogwort's words trailed off suddenly.

Because at that very moment, Novak took out a second job transfer scroll.

The pitch-black scroll was marked with intricate, arcane patterns.

The instant it appeared, the brightness of the entire first layer of the abyss seemed to dim.

All the surrounding darkness seemed to condense around the scroll.

Zogwort, like a rooster with its neck suddenly squeezed, turned red in the face, pointing at the scroll with wide eyes and stammering in shock.

Finally, he could only utter, in a loud, incredulous voice:

"Fuck!"