Chapter 173: A Trial That Even The Gods Cannot Complete!
[Undergoing Judgement...]
[Requirement: Must be an intelligent, extraordinary creature—judgement successful!]
[Requirement: Creature's level must not exceed level 10—judgement successful!]
[Requirement: Creature must not have undergone any prior job transfer—judgement successful!]
[Requirement: Creature must be bloodless—judgement successful!]
[...]
The eerie voice sent a shiver through Novak's entire body.
In his previous life, he had only caught a glimpse of this—this job change triggered by the Well of the Abyss. It was a secret he had never dared to explore further.
Back then, he didn't even have the courage to take a closer look at the specific job transfer requirements.
Novak knew himself all too well. He had feared that the temptation would become too great. What if, in his desperation, he tried it—only to be swallowed whole by the abyss itself?
Yes, the requirements seemed simple enough: no prior job change, no level beyond a certain point. Anyone could attempt this transfer.
But the truth was far more terrifying. This task was utterly outrageous—beyond comprehension.
Even now, with his strength leagues ahead of any creature of his level, Novak wasn't confident in the slightest. He had reason to doubt, knowing that countless beings from the realms beyond had likely attempted this very trial—and failed.
The fact that the judgement continued, still seeking a worthy candidate, was proof enough of their fate.
Yet, despite the immense risks, Novak couldn't shake his desire to try.
This had been his deepest wish in his previous life.
'Master of the Abyss...'
The mere appearance of those four words stirred something primal inside him. The allure was overwhelming.
Even the demon lords who ruled the hundreds of layers of the abyss, even those so powerful that they rivaled the gods, were but rulers of a single layer. At best, they could be called 'lords of the abyss'. But the title "Master of the Abyss"? That was far too grand a claim.
No matter how many layers of the abyss one ruled, no matter how powerful, no demon prince or king had ever earned that title.
These words were heavy, carrying a weight too great for most to bear.
And yet, even though this was merely a profession—far from becoming the true master of the abyss—it was still powerful enough to make the gods take notice.
It was possible, even likely, that he would become just another set of bones lying at the bottom of the Abyss Well, another failed attempt in the endless line of souls devoured by this job transfer task.
But Novak refused to abandon the desire that had lingered within him for decades. He wanted to see for himself what made this SSS-level profession so coveted and feared.
[...]
[Requirement: Creature must not possess S-level or above equipment or items—judgement successful!]
[Requirement: Creature must not carry any special blessings or status enhancements beyond their current strength—judgement successful!]
[...]
As the series of chilling notifications continued, Novak listened with rapt attention, his heart pounding in sync with each passing judgement.
Additionally, any foreign objects or enhancements placed by others to increase one's strength would also be subjected to judgement. It was clear just how stringent and outrageous these conditions were.
In this kind of judgement, the individual being tested could rely on nothing but their own strength. External aids were strictly forbidden, leaving no room for error or assistance. It was a test of pure, unadulterated power.
Almost all possible loopholes or special circumstances were accounted for, and any attempts to circumvent the judgement of the Abyss' will were utterly futile. There was no hiding from it.
As Novak listened to the continuous prompts, he couldn't help but speculate about the final task these requirements were leading to.
It was obvious that, compared to other job transfers like the 'Scourge of Life', the "Abyss Master" was assessed purely on combat effectiveness. Otherwise, the level of judgement wouldn't have been so extreme.
Finally, after a full half-hour of notifications, it concluded:
[Judgement complete! You meet the requirements for the SSS-level profession "Abyss Master"! After completing the special task "Abyss Trial," you will receive the SSS-level Abyss Master job transfer scroll!]
Novak let out a long breath. Only then did he turn his attention to the new task that had appeared in his task log.
Another SSS-level mission. But this one... this one would be more difficult than any he had faced before.
In fact, tasks like those of the 'Plague Sect' were graded as SSS-level, but only in terms of their difficulty within the judgement system of the Cosmic Will.
For this, however, SSS-level was merely a starting point. The true challenge far exceeded that.
[Abyss Trial (SSS-level task)]
[Task Description: When you gaze into the abyss, the abyss also gazes into you! To gain further recognition from the abyss, you must demonstrate both strength and talent.
Even divine beings like Gods lack the confidence to complete this trial. More than one god has declared that no creature can succeed in it.]
[Task Objective: Enter the Well of the Abyss and defeat the enemies within the trial!]
[Task Reward: SSS-level Profession Scroll—'Abyss Master'!]
The mission's description was simple, as was its objective. But the simplicity of it only made Novak's lips twitch in bitterness.
It was yet another life-altering choice.
Since his rebirth, Novak had faced many difficult decisions. But there had only been three that truly shook him.
The first was when he had to decide whether to inject himself with the zombie virus.
The second was when Zogwort presented him with a pair of job transfer scrolls.
And the third was now, right before him.
Each of these decisions had been immensely challenging, and the stakes couldn't have been higher.
Once again, he found himself torn between life, strength, and risk.
Novak hesitated.
He had underestimated the difficulty of the Abyss Trial, and it seemed he had lost the respect he once held for SSS-level professions like 'Abyss Master'.
Currently, he possessed the incredible talents of the 'Virus King' and already had one SSS-level job transfer scroll, 'The Scourge of Life'. Half of his path to immense power was already paved.
SSS-level professions no longer seemed as unreachable. With his overwhelming strength, why take such a dangerous gamble now?
His mind was locked in an internal battle—his rational side weighed against the allure of the unknown.
His ever-growing strength had made Novak wary of taking risks unless he was certain of success. This instinct for self-preservation was natural—seeking to avoid danger and preserve one's advantage was what made him human.
But then...
Novak raised his head, staring at the swirling purple-black abyss well. The dark vortexes seemed to twist like a giant maw, ready to devour anything that dared approach.
And then, he smiled.
To be reborn once was already a stroke of fortune.
That alone was enough. So why hesitate now?
"Even the gods claim this is a trial no creature can complete? Then let me be the one to find out... what kind of trial this really is!"
With that, Novak stepped forward into the abyss.