I Became the Progenitor Vampire Chapter 198

Chapter 198: Chapter 199 Fooled Again, Another One Lamed (Long Chapter)

June 17th.

Green City, West District.

Inside the main hall of a luxurious manor, an oval-shaped wooden long table was placed in the centre, surrounded by a circle of armchairs, which were currently filled with humans.

The 15th-level Shadow High Priest Emi sat at the secondary seat of the long table, while the main seat was occupied by the burly Grot, a 16th-level Bloodline and a former Northern Warrior.

This originally rugged Northern Warrior had become increasingly handsome after becoming a Bloodline.

However, the forthrightness typical of a Northern Warrior hadn't disappeared from Grot; on the contrary, it had transformed into a kind of noble vigor full of charm.

His male charisma was off the charts.

Apart from the two of them, there were as many as 15 imposing figures seated around the long table. One could sense that each was an Advanced professional of at least 10th level upon concentrating on their aura.

A 15th-level Shadow Priest and a 16th-level Northern Warrior, together with a full 15 Advanced professionals of 10th level, constituted a force not to be underestimated.

However, Emi and Grot's faces bore little semblance of a smile.

They were in big trouble–to be precise, the Dark Contract was in big trouble.

Emi's expression was rather grim, and under the warm glow of the Magic Lamp, he appeared more stern.

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“After more than half a month of gathering, we've managed to assemble 15 Advanced professionals of 10th level for the Dark Contract, as well as 104 Intermediate professionals of levels 5 to 9. This force is not weak, but it's still far from what we anticipated…”

Emi's voice was somewhat low, clearly dissatisfied with this figure.

He then turned his head and looked at the people seated, his gaze heavy.

The Dark Contract managed by Viscount Bernard for decades was once incredibly powerful. At its peak, it had as many as 40 Advanced professionals above 10th level and over two thousand Intermediate professionals ranging from levels 5 to 9.

It was the foremost among the three major Dark Forces of Green City.

But now, following the disappearance of Viscount Bernard and the Eight-Armed Snake Demon Roy, the Dark Contract was being ruthlessly hunted by the Green City military forces, nearly on the brink of collapse in just over a month.

The once prominent Dark Giant had now lost its luster.

It could be said that if not for his and Grot's intervention to gather these remnants, the Dark Contract might have been wiped out entirely.

Even if those forces hidden in the shadows, personally controlled by Viscount Bernard, hadn't been struck by Green City's military, decades of the Dark Contract's operations would have gone up in flames.

“Those damned Green City military forces, as if cursed by an Undead Mage, have gone insane, hunting down the members of the Dark Contract relentlessly.

That we still have this many people is a blessing from the Goddess of Luck.

Moreover, we have the disgusting Heart-eating Demon competing with us for people! This bastard–I will chop off his filthy head with my sword one day!”

Grot shook his head, his face also looking rather pale.

It was the first time Ancestor Crown had entrusted him with such an important mission, but it had turned out to be incredibly challenging, which he undoubtedly found hard to accept.

However, with Green City's military relentless in their pursuit, the leaderless Dark Contract was already weakened, and there was nothing he could do to change that fact.

Emi's eyes flashed with contemplation as he turned to look at a warrior clad in silver armor below him.

“Gary, are you sure that half of the Dark Contract's people have surrendered to Wales?”

Gary, seated to the right of Emi, flashed a look of anger.

“Yes, Lord Emi. I've contacted some of our former companions, but at least half of them have defected to that damned Heart-eating Demon!”

The Heart-eating Demon Wales, one of the three Dark Giants of Green City's Underworld, as infamous as Viscount Bernard.

This evil and terrifying being controlled one-fifth of the territory in the West District.

Hearing the name Heart-eating Demon, Emi's face showed a hint of wariness.

“This damned lunatic!!”

Originally human, the Heart-eating Demon Wales was one who had an extreme adoration for evil and idolized Demons. He had even performed certain legendary dark ceremonies and acquired a half-Demon Bloodline.

What the Dark Boss enjoyed most was to devour the steaming hot heart, rich with blood, of his defeated enemies.

The Heart-eating Demon Wales was an evil existence in the West District that could make even the most resolute warriors falter.

To have this much of their rightful power snatched away from their mouths by such a strong boss was infuriating and worrisome for both Emi and Grot.

“Wales is not alone; his Demon Heart controls one-fifth of the West District–a formidable enemy…” Emi took a deep breath.

“Viscount Bernard has been missing for more than a month and has not appeared yet. This evil Heart-eating Demon is probably unable to restrain its inner desires anymore.

This time, it's normal for the opposition to make a move, even if the Heart-eating Demon doesn't take action, there will be other forces that would devour the power of the Dark Contract.”

Grot spoke in a deep tone; the Underworld was by no means a benevolent existence.

Here, to gain power and wealth, some even sold their souls to the devil.

The Dark Contract formerly relied on the deterrent of Viscount Bernard and several other top fighters to become one of the three giants in the western district.

But now, Viscount Bernard has been subject to Extraordinary Hunting, and his whereabouts are unknown.

Most of the other top fighters have also been killed by Lide, directly resulting in a power vacuum.

If it weren't for the earlier deterrent strength of Viscount Bernard, the power of the Dark Contract would have been disdained, and this vast force would have been devoured by the shadowy wolves long ago.

“Gary, what about the Fallen Knight Philip?” Emi took a deep breath and continued to ask.

“The Fallen Knight did not take action and seems to have little interest in fighting for territory and devouring the Dark Contract,” said Gary, shaking his head with a somewhat relieved tone.

Green City's powerful Dark Forces are entrenched in the populous and complex western district; among countless Underground Forces in the western district, there are three major Dark Forces that make all Underground Forces tremble.

The Dark Contract led by Viscount Bernard, the Demon Heart headed by the Heart-eating Demon Wales, and the Sinking Fog led by the Fallen Knight Philip.

These three forces, in the crushing of countless small Underground Forces, have become giants with their terrifying strength – each giant hiding unimaginable power.

Plus, the backers of the three giants are entangled with Green City's high-ranking Nobles, with significant influence not only in the Underworld but also in the areas bathed in light.

Therefore, the three major forces have always been the benchmark of Green City's dark realm.

Due to the disappearance of Viscount Bernard, the deterrent power of the Dark Contract has dropped dramatically, and now it's been targeted by its peer Dark Force, the Demon Heart. Thus, the pressure that Emi and Grot are facing at this time is imaginable.

According to their estimates, the Dark Contract has been devoured by the opponent by at least one-third of its personnel.

Emi dared to swear to the divine, that if they don't take immediate action, most of the remaining people of the Dark Contract will also be eaten by the Demon Heart.

By then, the Dark Contract will transform from a giant capable of influencing Green City's Underworld into a trivial small force.

This is something he and Grot can't bear.

The Dark Contract is a force that Lide intends to claim, and no faults can be tolerated.

If most of its power is devoured by the Demon Heart, it won't make sense to take down the Dark Contract.

“We must find a way to turn this around,” Grot said with a hint of severity in his voice. “If that damned Heart-eating Demon doesn't withdraw from the Dark Contract's territory,

then we'll break his neck and send him to meet the damned Abyss Demon!!”

Northern Warriors, fearless, undaunted!!

Even as a Bloodline, the soul of fearlessness forged in the North does not care about any Heart-eating Demon.

Violence is the most direct way to solve problems.

Strength is truth, which is not only the mantra of the God of Justice but also the faith of every Northern Warrior.

Emi shook his head, “The Heart-eating Demon is an existence on the same level as Viscount Bernard, and for many years, nobody has known how powerful this half-demon is.

Moreover, the Demon Heart has a full 4 top professionals of level 15 and above.

Just with you and me, we can't compete with them…”

Emi was very clear about this. In the Underworld, rashness without absolute certainty would only hasten one's demise.

He then looked at Grot with eyes filled with hesitation.

“Unless, Lady Betty could take action.”

The Northern Royal Family, capable of instantly killing a level 19 Molten Demon, is their real trump card. If they had the Northern Land Valkyrie with them, they would certainly have the power to fight.

Betty's strength is enough to fill anyone with confidence.

Grot hesitated too, “If we seek help from Lady Betty, the Ancestor Crown…”

This was Lide's first mission for him, not completing it perfectly was undoubtedly a disappointment for him.

Before Emi could speak, a knock came from outside the door.

“Lord Emi, Lord Grot, Lord Wales from the Demon Heart has sent us an invitation…”

Emi and Grot exchanged glances, their expressions changing dramatically.

“How did this damned Heart-eating Demon know they were in this manor??”

“Come in!”

Without time to think further, an armored guard pushed open the doors of the great hall and entered the room with a black oak box.

“Open it.”

Following Emi's order, the guard opened the oak box.

Clang~

A heart dripping with blood fell out and thumped a few times on the ground.

“The people of the Dark Contract, meet me at Drucker Tavern tomorrow night at 9 PM, hahaha, I hope you can give me some surprises. It's so boring without Viscount Bernard.

I despise those who are late. If I don't see you, after tomorrow, the Dark Contract will become a part of the Heart of the Demon, and you rebels, your hearts will be plucked by me.”

A sinister and bizarre voice emanated from the heart, chilling to the bone.

After the last syllable dropped, the bloodied heart stopped beating, and the bloodstains on it quickly turned black.

Evil and terrifying Abyss Magic.

The room fell into a dead silence, an indescribable atmosphere brewing.

Both Emi and Grot had uncontrollable fury in their eyes.

This damned Heart-eating Demon!!

The next day, at 8:30 PM, in the West District.

The West District, watched over by the Night Goddess, is the true West District.

This land, forgotten by sin, is far from a desolate desert; instead, every inch of land oozes with the essence of Gold Puck.

Violence, murder, and crime often bring windfalls.

Without Green City's complex laws to contend with, any line of business can be pursued here.

Human trafficking, arms smuggling, slave trade, hiring assassins, offering sacrifices to the Evil God, and so much more.

Whatever sin one can imagine in this world, it can happen here.

Green City, the largest city in the south, attracts countless adventurers and, concurrently, countless evils.

And these evils all conglomerate in the West District.

Hence, no matter how many people die here each year, the population of the West District always grows, never diminishing.

Drucker Tavern, located in the middle of the West District, is the busiest and most bustling place, directly under the control of the Heart of the Demon.

There are numerous, large and small, Underground Forces in the West District, the exact number of which is unknown.

The Heart of the Demon, the Dark Contract, and the Lost Fog–the three Dark Giants–are just one of many.

Though the three Dark Forces are powerful, even at their peak combined they cannot control the West District, not even half of it.

Because the waters of the West District are too deep, no one knows if the fruit shop owner at Cross Street Corner is a human or an Abyss Demon.

No one knows if the beggar on the street will flap wings to hunt passersby after nightfall.

The hidden evils here are beyond even the clean-up capability of Green City's Extraordinary Existence.

On the second floor of Drucker Tavern, the Heart-eating Demon Wales, dressed in luxurious black noble attire with a cream-white napkin, sat elegantly at a round table covered with a white tablecloth, a picture of nobility as he held knife and fork.

In a room adorned in Central European Noble style, four mysterious beings, hidden under cloaks, stood in the shadows. Their presence was evil and fearsome.

Beneath the cloaks, their cold eyes seemed like venomous snakes lurking in the dark, causing hearts to race.

“Master, your food…”

A cart was pushed through the door, and a pale-faced maid served the food onto the round table.

After slightly adjusting the position, she respectfully lifted the semi-circular silver dish cover at the top of the plate.

Wales nodded in satisfaction and waved his hand, beginning to cut the food with utmost gentlemanly demeanor.

In conjunction with the surroundings that were elegantly decorated, the drastic contrast was enough to make any ordinary person's legs buckle.

“Have the people from the Dark Covenant arrived yet?”

Four young maids dressed in simple servant clothes immediately came forward to clear the table.

In the room lit by pale red magic lamps, a tall bald man at the door immediately entered upon hearing the question, “Lord Wales, the people from the Dark Covenant haven't arrived yet.”

Wales slightly lifted his head and looked at the bald man before him, a trace of cruelty flashing in his crimson eyes.

“Viscount Bernard dares to infuriate the Extraordinary, I think he must have been blinded by the Goddess of Calamity.

The Dark Covenant has stood off against the Demon Heart for decades; it's time to put an end to it.

Pause the action of passing the news of the Dark Covenant's base to the Green City army, a shattered Dark Covenant now suits the interests of the Demon Heart more.

Next, after dealing with Grot and Emi, these two rats, I will devour the entire Dark Covenant.”

“Hahaha, what a pleasant night, praise the Abyss!”

The expression on Wales's face carried a hint of savage pleasure and in the light of the pale red magic lamps, looked particularly eerie and bizarre.

This being, with half a demon bloodline, could no longer be considered human.

The bald man in a black dress suit bowed deeply, clutching his chest,

“Your greatness is enough to catch the Extraordinary's attention, the Dark Covenant is destined to be your prey… Praise you, my master”

Thud, thud, thud~

At this moment, a series of footsteps was heard from outside the room.

“My lord, the people from the Dark Covenant, have come.”

Excitement flashed through Wales's eyes as he waved to the fully armored guard, “Let them in.”

After speaking, he glanced around, and the four maids in pure white servant attire immediately came forward to tidy up, then retreated backwards out of the room after cleaning.

Only the bald man in the black suit and four mysterious figures hidden beneath their cloaks remained inside.

Wales didn't speak, his eyes showing a hint of intoxication.

After several minutes…

Bang~ The door opened.

The atmosphere in the room immediately grew tense.

The bald man in the black suit looked around with eyes filled with vigilance and malice, while the mysterious figures beneath the shadows turned their gaze towards the door.

At that moment, Grot, wearing full-body armor crafted by dwarves, entered the room.

Cradling a broadsword three palms wide that flickered with sharp brilliance, no one doubted the lethality of the weapon.

There was no attempt to hide the hostility in this Northern warrior's eyes.

After looking around to ensure there was no threat, he stood to the left, resting his hands on the hilt of his sword, the point plunged into the ground like a sculpture of a man drawing a blade from the earth.

Once Grot had taken his position, Emi, wearing black priestly robes, appeared in the room, and Wales immediately recognized the two.

He was not unfamiliar with these two vice presidents of the Dark Covenant.

A trace of coldness flashed through his eyes. After dealing with these two filthy rats tonight, he could devour the Dark Covenant without any reservations.

But an unexpected situation arose as another figure stepped in from outside.

The newcomer, dressed in temple priest robes with an average build, captivated his attention with a scar slashing down diagonally from his forehead, nearly splitting half of his face.

Stanley, Wales recognized this Shadow Priest from the Late Bell Church; in fact, the Demon Heart had many dealings with the Late Bell Church, which had previously turned to the Demon Heart to purchase many offerings.

But it was not over yet; a woman appeared behind Stanley, her upper body clad in a black leather jacket, her lower body in leather pants, her face covered with a pure black mask, holding a greatsword just slightly smaller than Grot's.

A wild aura hit them squarely.

Wales looked at the masked lady intently, he felt an indescribable danger emanating from this female warrior he had never seen before.

To his surprise, he had thought that with Viscount Bernard's Dark Contract gone and the hunting of Green City's army, there wouldn't be so many top-level professionals showing up. But unexpectedly, four had come today.

And one of them posed a fatal threat to him.

Wales straightened his clothes, preparing to stand up.

But then, a surprising scene unfolded.

The masked lady, just like the others, went to the door and stood as if she were a servant awaiting the arrival of her master.

Wales felt a measure of unease.

Could it be that Viscount Bernard had already returned to Green City? His thoughts raced wildly.

Tap, tap–

He appeared.

An attractive figure appeared before Wales, illuminated by the pale red magic lamp.

Tall, with impeccable beauty and handsomeness, elegant and noble manners, every movement carried a strong air of nobility,

But that wasn't the key point; what attracted Wales was the sharp fang at the corner of this figure's mouth.

This was a Vampire, not Viscount Bernard.

Tap, tap, stepping into the room.

Just as Wales was about to speak, a scene occurred that made his gaze grow heavy–the first four to enter the room bowed in unison to the last Vampire to enter.

As if the most humble subjects were welcoming their king.

Wales sniffed slightly, his spiritual power spreading out wildly. He wanted to see just what level of existence this Vampire was, considering that even for Viscount Bernard, he had never seen these top-level professionals show him such respect.

A strange Vampire, on what basis?

But moments later, Wales's eyes filled with shock; he couldn't sense any aura from this Vampire at all.

This Vampire seemed like an ordinary human–yes, an ordinary human!!

But could it be possible? A mysterious existence who could be greeted by four top-level professionals was a powerless ordinary human??

In a moment, a layer of extreme mystery veiled this last Vampire to enter the room in Wales's mind.

After Lide entered the room, he looked directly at the room's master and unhesitatingly took his seat opposite Wales.

His gaze was piercing as he looked at the legendary Heart-eating Demon, the master of the Demon Heart, a Dark Boss on par with Viscount Bernard–Wales.

Knowing the seriousness of the issue after receiving a message from Emi overnight, he immediately contemplated a response.

A month had passed since he had first embraced Grot, and to maximally enhance his strength, he returned to Dawn City at the quickest pace to transform Stanley, the Late Bell Church's Dark Priest, into a Bloodline.

Once Stanley had awakened, he immediately returned to Green City with him and Betty to confront Wales, the powerful Heart-eating Demon.

Subduing the Dark Contract was his new idea, but it was also a crucial part of his future plans, where there was no room for failure.

He had to win this victory.

Wales's expression was immensely complex at this moment; he had initially thought that the most imposing Betty would be tonight's true host.

But unexpectedly, this Vampire, whose aura could not be discerned in the slightest, sat in the position of honor amidst the respectful gazes of all.

This strange Vampire was the master of this group of people!!

This was too surprising, even Viscount Bernard couldn't make these top-level professionals show such reverence.

Wales's eyes flashed with intense confusion, but no matter how he sensed, this Vampire before him was just an ordinary person, without the slightest trace of magical fluctuation.

He was half a Demon, and demons' sensitivity to energy was dozens of times greater than that of humans.

Yet even so, he could detect nothing.

Even when sensing with all his might, he faintly detected a holy power contained within this Vampire's body, akin to the power of the Light Gods.

Yes, the Light Gods!!

By the demons above, he must be mad!

He actually sensed the power that only believers who worship the Divine Gods possess in a vampire!

Is it his demon bloodline that's causing turmoil within him?

Wales, who had originally treated tonight's meeting with contempt and carelessness, now became somber at this moment.

The heart-eating demon, infamous alongside Viscount Bernard and possessing a half-demon bloodline, treated Lide as a formidable enemy after he entered the room.

Wales wouldn't be so agitated if it were merely the inability to sense Lide's presence, but he could tell that Grot and the others respected this vampire from the bottom of their hearts.

In the dark world, only strength could command respect.

This once again proved his guess; this vampire must be a powerful being whose presence he couldn't fathom!

And if he couldn't sense his presence, there was only one possibility… Extraordinary.

The word that came to mind made him hold his breath for a moment.

In the few seconds after Lide took his seat, some cold sweat silently trickled down Wales' forehead.

Lide's expression did not change in the slightest, with Grot Betty standing on his left and right, and Stanley and Emi standing behind him.

He had long concealed his aura; possessing the power of faith, Lide was absolutely confident in hiding his presence if he chose not to be found, even from the Extraordinary.

After all, he was worshipped by thousands, and under his command were Holy Divine Priests and zealots. Though before this god, the term “pseudo” should be prefixed.

But the power of faith was of a higher level, indistinguishable to those who had not touched that tier.

Even the favored child of nature, a level 17 elf, couldn't detect it, so how could a human with only a half-demon bloodline notice his anomaly?

Taking this moment, Lide opened Wales' attribute panel.

Wales Ronal (half-demon)

Level: 19

A simple attribute panel, all question marks.

But as expected, this legendary heart-eating demon was on par with Viscount Bernard and Spark.

Lide took a deep breath. As the Crimson Mage Tower and Dawn City progressed, the strength of the enemies he had to face was increasing.

Now he had to directly confront one of the top figures in the city, a level 19 heart-eating demon, a Dark Giant with demon bloodline.

Lide was certain that even if you counted everyone in Green City, there were probably only about a dozen or so who reached level 19.

These were the real Dark Giants of Green City, like Spark, the level 19 who was the Vice President of the Mage Association, and Viscount Bernard, who was the President of the Dark Contract with six top level 15 professionals.

This heart-eating demon Wales was the master of one of the three major powers in the western district, “Demon Heart,” and also a powerful being with half-demon bloodline.

The higher the level he stood on, the stronger the enemies he faced; this was unavoidable.

Lide was not one to shy away; rather, he was eager to test his mettle against a level 19 being, a thrill akin to facing an entity nearly transcendent.

“Wales, I am the new master of the Dark Contract–Lord Ilo.”

Lide spoke with a calm tone. If Viscount Bernard were here, this name would certainly have felt familiar to him. In a gathering of the Dark Contract, Bernard had stopped Emi and Lide; on that occasion, Lide had introduced himself as Ilo.

“Master of 'Demon Heart,' state your intentions clearly. Your actions are now infringing upon the interests of the Dark Contract.”

His sharp gaze was like that of a hunting falcon.

“Otherwise, the Dark Contract will consider you enemies and will launch indiscriminate attacks.”

After Lide finished speaking, his aura became even more sanctified, with the power of faith nearly saturating his entire being, his eyes displaying intense dignity–the dignity of a god.

Yet paired with the vampire fangs that peeked out of his mouth, under the pale red light, it appeared so bizarre and eerie.

Wales, caught in that majestic gaze, felt an urge to look away, especially sensing the sanctified aura from Lide that filled him with instinctive disgust and an inescapable sense of dread.

Just how powerful was this being who could assimilate the Light Gods' faith within his own body?!!

Could it be that this entity was about to break through from Extraordinary to Legendary, preparing to ascend to demigod status?

The power of the Light Gods was lethally effective against dark life, a fact that even the Dark Gods had to acknowledge, as well as a fundamental understanding handed down through the epochs in Glory.

Yet now, an astonishing presence of power that only the Light Gods were known to possess was manifesting on the Vampire before him, complemented by the reverent expressions of the four top-tier professionals of level 15 and above at his side.

Wales was frantically imagining and deducing at this moment, and the conclusion he eventually reached nearly made him want to flee this place.

This one must certainly be laying the foundation for his future ascension to demigod status!

To harbor the Power of Faith of the Light Gods within his body, what a formidable being he must be.

He had once heard some dubious rumors among high-level demons, claiming that dark creatures, especially demons and vampires, these evil beings, found it difficult to possess faith.

They could not ascend to divinity through the power of faith.

Yet, to break through to higher realms, certain evil and mighty beings would forcibly occupy the temples of divinities, stealing the Power of Faith within to decipher the laws of faith, thus ascending to demigod status.

He had always thought these legends were false, but upon seeing the vampire before him, redolent of the aura of the Light Gods, he immediately began to waver.

“Respected Lord Ilo, the Heart of the Demon holds no ill will towards the Dark Contract…”

Upon hearing Wales's words, Lide's heart stirred, especially upon seeing the other party's face which barely concealed its panic, he immediately sensed something.

This is quite interesting.

Lide's gaze narrowed slightly.

“No ill will??”

Wales felt a shiver in his heart upon meeting Lide's chilly gaze.

The one opposite him was very likely an existence about to transcend and enter the Legendary realm.

For the mighty, one must maintain sufficient reverence; this is the rule of survival in Glory.

“Yes, Lord Ilo, Viscount Bernard was once a comrade of the Heart of the Demon,

but now he is being hunted by the Transcendent, and the Dark Contract is thrown into disarray. If the Heart of the Demon does not act, perhaps the Dark Contract will not survive the encircling of Green City's military until the return of Viscount Bernard…”

Wales's face was full of righteousness, as if signaling to Green City's military about the Dark Contract's hideout was not his doing.

“So the Heart of the Demon is to assist the Dark Contract.

Lord Ilo, that Extraordinary Mage from Green City thoroughly detests the Dark Contract. Perhaps you need to take the Dark Contract into hiding with you to avoid trouble.

I have several estates in the west district that I could offer to you…”

Lide's eyes narrowed slightly upon hearing this, Wales's expression just then was different compared to now, a test??

His tone was righteous, with a hint of authority and dominance.

“Wales, after I arrived, the Dark Contract no longer has to worry about that Extraordinary Mage.

Hiding?

Heh, I have never taken a single step back even when facing a mature Black Dragon.

Wales, you are already level 19; without a steadfast heart, how could you break through to higher ranks, let alone achieve eternity…”

His tone carried a faint hint of melancholy, exuding a sense of lonely grandeur from the high perch.

Become eternal??

Wales's lips twitched fiercely, his eyes filled with undisguisable panic. What in this world could be eternal??

Gods!

Feeling the genuinely Holy Power emanating from Lide, not something external forces could mask, the respect in his eyes intensified

“Whether human or demon, the mighty never retreat at will, even if known for their schemes like the Snake Race, they too will be fearless at the crucial moment…”

Lide's tone subtly suggested deeper meanings, causing Wales to pause, then his face revealed an excitement incomprehensible to outsiders, and he impulsively asked.

“Lord Ilo, how did you break through the Transcendent level in the beginning?”

After speaking, he instantly felt a tinge of regret, watching Lide carefully, fearful of offending this powerful being.

But he had been trapped at level 19 for far too long; he was already level 19 before he had even obtained the Demon Bloodline.

He transformed himself into a half-demon lifeform, hoping to use the power of demons to become Transcendent.

But transcending is too difficult, even with the strong bloodline of demons, it could not offer him greater assistance.

So even with the slightest chance, Wales didn't want to give up.

Lide was somewhat bewildered by these words. How had it suddenly turned into a request for advice on a Transcendent breakthrough?

They were just negotiating moments ago.

How would I know how to achieve a Transcendent breakthrough? I haven't even reached level 15.

Maybe I've oversold it…

But looking into Wales's passionate eyes, Lide cleared his throat.

“Wales,” Lide began, “do you know the difference between Transcendent and those below it?”

Difference? Wales had thought Lide wouldn't bother with him, but unexpectedly, the other man responded.

Containing his joy, Wales pondered deeply.

After a long while, he answered with some hesitation, “The control of power?”

Those red eyes were filled with intense hope. He was so desperate to ascend to Transcendence. Now, to receive guidance from a powerful being who could command the faith of the Light Gods was like being favored by the Goddess of Luck.

Lide shook his head.

“No, power control is important, but it's not everything.”

Wales furrowed his brow, reflecting deeply before speaking cautiously.

“Is it the accumulation of energy in the body?”

Lide continued to shake his head.

“No, a One-eyed Giant's internal energy is far more abundant than a human's, but they are still mere mortals.”

“Lord Ilo, please guide me. I am willing to give everything you desire.”

Wales could no longer hold back. He stood up, and before everyone's eyes, he gave Lide a deep bow.

Grot and Betty exchanged glances, all somewhat confused.

How was this different than what they had imagined?

This level 19 Heart-eating Demon was asking their level 13 boss how to become Transcendent?

This…

Lide, of course, didn't know their complicated thoughts and nodded with satisfaction, giving advice like someone who had been through it all.

“Your sincerity has moved me, Wales. The Goddess of Luck has favored you tonight. I'll make an exception and give you some guidance.”

This statement made Emi and the others twitch at the corners of their mouths.

Lide's tone became increasingly solemn, as if he were recalling his own glorious past.

“To break through to level 15, what's needed is an accumulation of strength and skillful use.

But to become Transcendent, what's required is a heart brave and fearless.”

“A heart that does not shrink back even before the gods.”

“A heart that knows no taboos, invincible in this world.”

“A heart that shatters eternity, ahem, that overcomes time, without fear or trepidation.”

“A heart…”

As Wales listened, he became entranced, feeling as if these were whispers from the Divine, a blessing from the Abyss.

Suddenly, as if struck by endless revelation, he realized that he had been on the wrong path all along.

Lord Ilo was truly powerful beyond belief, to share such vital secrets with him.

Wales was filled with indescribable excitement at this moment.

Praise the Demon, praise Lord Ilo!

Just as Lide was puffing himself up, Wales's demeanor suddenly shifted.

A terrifying and savage aura filled the room, as if a giant dragon lurked within.

Lide was shocked. Could this bastard really be on the verge of a Transcendent breakthrough??

Chapter end