Chapter 172: When You Stare Into The Abyss...
The waves surged violently as water swirled around the harpoon.
The Kou Tao fish demon was known to be a nightmare for many evolutionaries, especially those near coastal areas, where they wreaked havoc with their ferocity. But this one was different—he was the heir of a demon king!
Though demons are known for their emotional coldness, even toward their own bloodline, and it's common in the abyss for sons to kill fathers to seize the throne, or fathers to devour sons for power, the blood of a demon king still granted these princes superior strength compared to ordinary demons.
This was the power of royal blood.
In an instant, the pitch-black harpoon struck, moving with such speed that it sent a shudder through Novak's heart. But he quickly regained his composure, and with a swift motion, his three flying swords shot forward to meet the attack.
'Clang!'
The crisp sound of metal rang out as sparks flew—the harpoon had blocked the three sharp swords in midair.
Novak remained unfazed, paying no heed to the resistance of the sword spirit. In a flash, his figure rose into the air, and black flames ignited around his body.
The speed with which he surged forward was more terrifying than that of the Kou Tao fish demon.
Durs, who had just turned his attention from the flying swords, saw Novak's approach and his fish-like pupils constricted in shock. His webbed hand stretched out, summoning a ball of black water that solidified into shells, which he hurled toward Novak.
Demons naturally inherited the ability to wield magic, and Durs was no exception.
However, when the black water collided with Novak's black flames, it didn't extinguish them as expected. Instead, the flames surged forward, evaporating the water with a sharp 'sizzle'.
"Hellfire!? A human with the inheritance of the devil?! How dare a lowly traitor from Hell's lineage come to the abyss to wreak havoc!?" Durs spat with fury.
There was an ancient enmity between demons and devils. Legend said that Satan, the creator of Hell, had once been a demon prince who walked out of the abyss but severed his connection to the will of the abyss. As a result, abyssal creatures instinctively loathed devils, and the sight of hellfire ignited that primal hatred in Durs.
But Novak remained indifferent.
He knew the hellfire would only burn for ten minutes. Beneath his green robe, his half-meter-long claws glistened with scarlet energy.
'Tyrant Claw!'
Novak's strength and speed surged once again, leaving the level 19 fish demon unable to keep up. Despite the level bonuses and career boosts, Durs simply couldn't match Novak's agility.
"How is this possible?! A lowly human with such power and speed?! This cannot be!" Durs gasped in disbelief.
But it was already too late. Novak's razor-sharp claws ripped into Durs's body, tearing away chunks of flesh.
Meanwhile, his three flying swords, empowered by psychic force, were poised for a finishing strike. Sensing the fish demon's weakness, Novak made his move.
'Pfft!'
The blades pierced through, and dark red blood spewed out.
"Ahhh!" Durs roared in agony as demonic energy exploded from his body. Entering a state of berserk bloodlust, the Kou Tao fish demon's strength surged.
But it was futile.
That was all the resistance Durs could muster before Novak finished him off.
A cold gleam flashed in Novak's eyes.
His sharp claws, covered in strange blood-red energy, pierced directly into Durs' heart.
"Damn human!" Durs spat weakly. "My father will never let you go! If you dare set foot on the 17th floor of the abyss, he will hunt you down!"
Novak smirked. Looking down at Durs, whose demonic physique delayed his death, Novak flicked the black blood off his claws and finally spoke:
"Your father? Demon prince? The 17th floor of the abyss is home to demons no stronger than level forty or fifty. You dare call yourself a prince? Demon King? Don't make me laugh."
Novak's scorn hit harder than any weapon, and Durs' last breath caught in his throat. He never even got the chance to exhale.
In that moment, Black Red's viral tendrils wrapped tightly around him.
The black light virus consumed Durs, and Novak sighed as a familiar system notification appeared.
---
[Devour special species—exclusive black light virus evolution points gained: 30 points!]
[The black light virus detects a special bloodline. Choose to absorb the bloodline or expel it from the body.]
---
Without hesitation, Novak chose to expel the bloodline. He tossed it into his hidden inventory, allowing his gluttonous system to continue its feast.
He felt a pang of disappointment—it was a shame he hadn't unlocked a new skill from the devouring process. Though Durs was beneath him in strength, his ability to control black water was a talent worth acquiring.
Durs' body disintegrated entirely, leaving only his weapon behind.
---
[Weapon Obtained: Blackwater Fork (Class C)]
- Weapon Type: Long Weapon
- Strength +25
- Agility +15
- Blackwater Effects: Grants 'Underwater Breathing' and 'Dark Vision' while wielding this weapon.
- Treading Waves Strike: A powerful, wave-infused attack.
- Equipment Requirements: Strength > 60, Level > 151
'Note: A steel fork crafted from dark abyssal spar by the demon king of the 17th floor, often carried by heirs during their trials on the upper floors.'
---
"A decent little trinket," Novak thought, though it had no real value to him. He'd likely use it to empower a subordinate or trade it later.
Stowing the weapon in his backpack, Novak exhaled again. For the first time in what felt like ages, the relentless slaughter within the abyss came to a brief halt.
Before him lay the Well of the Abyss—the embodiment of the abyss's will and its darkest depths.
This well wasn't just a symbol; it was the true heart of the abyss.
Novak approached the edge, gazing into the immense, glowing purple pool. It seemed endless, like a vortex capable of swallowing all life.
He stood motionless, staring into its depths, and soon, a familiar ripple stirred the surface.
Like a disturbance spreading across the water, the ripple slowly grew, forming before his eyes.
It wasn't the usual system notification—it was different. Though tinged with the Cosmic Will, the once cold, mechanical voice had shifted into something deeper, more hoarse.
The color of the text, too, had transformed—from its usual blue and white to a menacing black and red:
---
[When you gaze into the abyss, the abyss gazes back into you.]
[You have triggered the judgement...]
[SSS-level class detected: Evaluating requirements for the 'Abyss Master' job transfer...]
---
The message hung in the air as Novak's fate twisted deeper into the abyss.