Chapter 280: Obviously It Was Me First!

"Humble mortal, your abilities have been acknowledged by this GOD.

Let me see what kind of evolutionary being is capable of passing my test!"

A cold, indifferent voice echoed across the vast chamber.

Novak would never forget this voice—

it was like the whisper of divine will from the abyss, impossible to discern as male or female.

Yet—

It carried a presence unlike any other.

Hell Rose had always exuded an inherent superiority, as if she were destined to stand above all—

Born not just to be a god, but to surpass them.

However, Meikanxie had once told him a different truth—

That Hell Rose had not always been this way.

In an era so ancient it bordered on myth, she had once been a mere ordinary elf.

But through sheer ability, countless opportunities, and unrelenting will, she had climbed to this unfathomable height.

In contrast—

Meikanxie had been born into power.

A Queen of Succubi, heir to the will of Slaanesh, divinity woven into her very existence.

Novak exhaled slowly, his gaze locking onto the massive face before him.

The illusory divine emblem twisted, shifting— until it transformed into an enormous, breathtaking visage.

It was impossible to describe.

An aura of arrogance and perfection radiated from it—

as if every standard of beauty in existence had been distilled into this single face.

If Meikanxie was the embodiment of bewitching temptation,

then Hell Rose was the cold, untouchable beauty of a true goddess.

And yet—

Even beneath the dark veil that concealed her, there was something almost irresistibly alluring about her presence.

Novak had long grown accustomed to Meikanxie's face, after spending countless hours practicing with her in her chamber.

Yet—

Even he couldn't help but pause.

Beauty is subjective, but to Novak—

Hell Rose's face was more captivating than Meikanxie's.

And her charm was undeniable—

A fact made evident by Meimei and Crow, who stood completely spellbound beside him, their minds drowning in her overwhelming presence.

Novak didn't speak.

Instead, he took a half step back, his expression unreadable, his purple eyes locked firmly onto the enormous goddess's gaze.

The massive violet pupils shifted ever so slightly—

A movement so subtle, yet carrying an inexplicable weight.

A gaze that could see through everything.

She studied him—

and he, in return, studied her.

In that moment, Novak caught the faintest flicker of something within those eyes—

Recognition?

But he kept his face perfectly neutral, his body still, his mind unreadable.

Then, she spoke again—her voice carrying the weight of something beyond mortal understanding:

"Human, do you know me?

Your heart and soul… they seem to resonate with me."

Novak shook his head without hesitation.

Even with the authority of the abyss, the gap between him and Hell Rose was insurmountable.

The abyss granted him terrifying power—

A body that defied death,

the ability to traverse realms,

the strength to face gods without fear.

And yet—

The memory of Hell Rose from his past life ran too deep.

She was too cunning.

Too calculating.

Too dangerous.

Who knew what schemes she had in store?

Novak was not an arrogant man.

Even now, with the abyss at his back, he kept his emotions carefully buried.

This was not the time to reveal anything to her.

But Hell Rose had no intention of letting him go so easily.

"I can sense it…"

Her voice, smooth as silk yet heavy with an ancient knowing, curled through the darkness.

"There are traces of Slaanesh presence on you.

You are an intriguing human.

I wish to unravel the secrets hidden within you."

Her violet gaze pierced through him.

"Tell me—are you the human who has accepted the dark inheritance?"

Novak shook his head again, his gaze shifting to Crow, who had yet to fully regain his senses.

Without hesitation, he pointed at him and said:

"He is."

Hell Rose's massive purple eyes slowly turned.

Her gaze landed on Crow, and her expression—visible even in her illusory form—shifted subtly.

A barely perceptible frown creased her face, an unmistakable sign of displeasure.

Novak knew why.

This goddess, born of the elven race, had an obsession with beauty—a deep-rooted preference ingrained in her very existence.

She adored all things aesthetic and despised anything she found ugly—including people.

At last, Crow snapped out of his daze, hastily grabbing the fragments of the broken scroll.

He had no idea what he was dealing with, but one thing was clear—

The majestic, ethereal face before him was far from ordinary.

Before he could speak, Hell Rose's voice echoed once more:

"Very well, humble human.

State your request as a reward for completing the Dark Trial."

Crow pursed his lips.

Why!?

He was the one who triggered the quest— so why did this massive face address White Emperor so respectfully, yet speak to him like an insect?

It wasn't fair!

But in the end, he could only swallow his frustration and answer honestly:

"I want a profession that truly suits my abilities!"

Hell Rose's gaze swept over him briefly before she nodded.

"A human who can pass my Dark Trial must possess extraordinary potential.

You are indeed worthy of this power."

Yet, without another word, she dismissed him entirely.

Her attention shifted back to Novak—the only one who truly piqued her interest.

"Human, what is your name?"

Novak, lost in thought, responded instinctively:

"Novak."

His mind was still racing—

contemplating the connection between Hell Rose and this Black Tower,

the true nature of the Tower of Darkness.

But the moment his name left his lips—

Hell Rose smiled.

"Very good, Novak.

As a reward for passing the Black Tower's trial, you shall receive the same prize."

Novak's brows furrowed slightly.

Then—

He shook his head.

"Your Majesty, I need nothing.

Please, focus on fulfilling my companion's request instead."

For the first time—

Hell Rose seemed… stunned.

For a brief moment, silence filled the room.

Then—

A deep, purple-black glow surged within her gaze.

Before Novak could react, her massive human face began to distort.

Like a swirling void, it collapsed inward, folding into itself until—

A scroll materialized.

"A human with secrets…

I will remember your name.

We shall meet again."

"Farewell."

And just like that—

Hell Rose's voice faded into the darkness.

The Black Tower's floor—once illuminated by her presence—was now swallowed once more by shadow.

Only Novak, Crow, and Meimei remained, standing in the silent abyss.

A single scroll drifted downward, landing gently in Novak's hands.

Crow stared at it.

His eyes twitched.

His chest tightened.

His soul was screaming.

Damn it!

How!?

I was first!!