Chapter 206: The Allegiance Of Aga Reiss!

Aga Reiss knelt respectfully on one knee before the Abyss Well.

This act, started over an hour ago, had continued without pause.

He knew his master would soon arrive, having completed the transformation, and would want to share the success of their plan with his most loyal servant.

It seemed his patience was rewarded.

Suddenly, ripples formed on the surface of the well, growing into a swirling vortex. In its center, a figure began to emerge, as if lifted directly by the depths of the abyss.

The figure was unclothed, covered instead in a shroud of black, living darkness that clung to his body like the most vicious and impenetrable armor.

The deep, foreboding power of the Abyss Well wrapped around him, casting him like a king returned from the depths of night.

At this sight, Aga Reiss trembled, overcome with excitement. He gazed at the figure before him, and, kneeling, spoke fervently:

"Great Master, I, your humble servant Aga Reiss, am honored beyond words to witness your revival firsthand..."

Novak looked down at Aga Reiss, kneeling at his feet, astonished.

'How could you make even a true god kneel before you like this?'

A voice resonated within him:

"Honored Novak, strength is the eternal truth in this universe..."

A faint smile appeared at the corners of Novak's mouth as he gazed at Aga Reiss. Speaking in the purest demon tongue, he said,

"Rise, Aga Reiss. Today is cause for celebration. I bring a gift for you."

Slowly, he extended his hand.

On his finger, the Hell King's Ring, cloaked in shadows, pulsed with waves of darkness.

Aga Reiss's eyes shone with awe, recognizing immediately the power of the ring—an artifact with the authority to command the Seventy-Two Demon Lords. Ever faithful, Aga Reiss felt no need to question his master's intentions.

Understanding the gravity of the ring before him, he offered his soul without hesitation.

The next moment, a soul enveloped in pitch-black flames merged into the ring.

The Hell King's Ring had once held immense power, yet, with Satan's death, much of its potency had faded. But with Novak's rise as Hell's supreme ruler, that power was returning. Aga Reiss had long awaited this day, and now, willingly and without reserve, he offered up a part of his soul to his master.

Novak watched dispassionately as the dark soul flame merged into the ring. He was vigilant, aware of Satan's influence within the ring. Though he allowed Satan's lingering consciousness to witness everything, he was prepared to act if Satan made any attempt to mislead Aga Reiss or interfere.

Novak knew: should Satan, notorious for his cunning, attempt any deceit now, there would be no place for the last remnant of Satan's essence in this world.

Fortunately, Satan remained silent. As the soul flame fused into the Hell King's Ring, Novak sensed no movement or intent that could suggest betrayal.

[Lord of Hell · Solomon's Ring—obtained soul nourishment. The second of the Seventy-Two Demon Gods: a soul fragment from the Lord of Eternal Night, Aga Reiss, has returned. The ring has ranked up! Current Level: A]

Dark light engulfed the ring.

Satisfied, Novak nodded.

"Good. Now, Aga Reiss—don't resist."

Novak was ready to test a new theory.

Standing atop the Abyss Well on the 500th floor of the abyss, he released his full authority as the Abyss Master, sending waves of power through the well once more.

Strange symbols suddenly encircled the Abyss Well, but a cold prompt quickly dampened Novak's enthusiasm:

[Conquest of the 500th floor of the abyss failed. To conquer the 500th floor, you must first conquer the 499th.]

It seemed, as expected, that the Abyss had to be conquered layer by layer.

Novak, however, wasn't discouraged—this was within his calculations.

Meanwhile, Aga Reiss watched his master's attempt with confusion, momentarily unable to process what he was witnessing.

Novak, noticing his servant's bewilderment, withdrew his energy and spoke calmly:

"Are the necessary preparations complete? Bring them here."

Aga Reiss froze, unsure what his master meant.

Preparations? What preparations?

At that moment, a voice spoke again in Novak's mind, this time with a hint of embarrassment:

"Honored Novak, Aga Reiss doesn't need to prepare anything more for my rebirth. Additionally, Aga Reiss's own abilities don't hold anything particularly useful for you…"

Novak was mildly exasperated—perhaps this would indeed take more effort than anticipated.

Aga Reiss, still puzzled, bowed respectfully and asked, "Great master, did you perhaps have something special prepared for me before?"

Novak's expression remained unreadable. Behind him, the Abyss Well seemed to clear, calm ripples radiating outward in sync with his mood.

"My plans have met some obstacles," he said. "Beyond the authority and power of the Abyss, I've lost part of my original strength. Aga Reiss, it's time for you to prove your loyalty."

Aga Reiss was momentarily stunned but quickly nodded, understanding the gravity of the request. He realized that harnessing the abyss was no simple feat; that this human could even access his level of the abyss was already beyond ordinary reasoning.

After a brief mental search, Aga Reiss spoke up:

"Great master, my collection contains few items that could be of use to you, but there is this one. Would you... consider it?"

With great care, Aga Reiss handed Novak a small, unique-looking vial.

What is this?

Yet, as soon as Novak's eyes fell upon the item, they brightened with recognition:

[Essence of the Hell Demon Monarch (SS)]