Passing through the Floors in the 90s, I was facing Demons with high levels of difficulty.
Thanks to the <Interpretation> Skill I had, I was able to communicate with Niggaruth, as well as the others I captured. They told me how they were the close aides and generals of the Pale Rider.
They worshipped him as their master.
Of course, they already swore fealty to me and had switched ships, but their words made me anticipate my encounter with the Demon they so highly revered.
But, before that, I needed to beat the 99th Floor.
Usually, I would have information on all these Demons with me, since I knew the future, but there were gaps in my memory. It could have been due to the fact that I was human and I couldn’t possibly remember everything. Still, I felt uneasy about it.
Like it was something else entirely.
Once I raised the question of the identity of my foe on the 99th Floor, all 7 of the Death Generals said the same thing.
“Helios.”
Apparently, none of them knew which Floors they had been stationed in. However, by deducing the remaining member of their ranks that wasn’t present—as well as the most powerful of them—only the Helios guy fit the bill.
“Who is he?” I asked.
Obtaining information on the enemy prior to an encounter was a strategy that the wise employed.
“He’s the lead general of Death.”
“He’s incredibly powerful.”
“He’s immune to all attacks.”
“He could be stronger than all of us combined.”
“I mean… he is the Mighty Helios.”
“They say he is the greatest undead besides Death.”
They kept singing the guy’s praises, but I simply rolled my eyes.
“What Grade?”
“Five.” They said unanimously.
“I see…”
Demon races had their cap. While races like Dragons could go as far as the 9th Grade, Undead were different. The limit was Grade 6, but that was plenty strong. No human would be capable of defeating such monsters until probably the 3rd Scenario.
Still, every other General present was Grade 4. Since they had been nerfed after their death, it was only natural. I intended to feed them with Souls until they were properly nourished, though, so it was fine.
Even among Grades, there existed a vast difference in power. This was made evident in Levels and Races. So, even two beings of the same Grade could have power differences as vast as heaven and earth.
The Generals spoke highly of Helios because even when they were all Grade 5 Demons, Helios could trump them easily—possibly even beat all of them at once.
I was intrigued by this prospect.
‘How far can a Level 535 go against him?’
Still, there was no need to be impatient. Unlike in the past, I had more resources and subordinates. It was important to utilize them properly.
As soon as I made up my mind, I turned in the direction of my fellow Gifteds. As expected, they awaited my command.
“Let’s go.”
They nodded and drew closer to me—then we entered the swirling portal before us.
The scenery was completely different from the other places, enough for me to break into a wry smile.
“Where are we?” I asked Niggaruth.
Of every General in my possession, I somehow preferred him. Perhaps it was due to his wealth of knowledge or his enthusiasm, but it seemed like he was being the most cooperative.
That made me feel like he was more reliable than the rest.
‘He’s too clingy, though…’
“This is the Temple Of Death. As you know, Death is a deity we undead worship. This is basically the area dedicated to that worship.”
‘Oh? I see… makes sense.’ I nodded slightly, looking around.
Since we were transported within the Temple, I had no idea what the exterior looked like, but the interior was incredibly huge.
As big as a soccer field—no, even larger.
Of course, it wasn’t an open area, as a massive ceiling spread across the top area, having beautiful murals of darkness spread across.
The walls and surroundings were painted in shiny black and grey—like marbles, and I could even see my reflection on the tiles beneath me.
Light was sent throughout the hall thanks to crystals bung across the walls and chandeliers above.
An altar was erected at the center of the large hall—having a lovely threshing floor meant for a sacrifice. It was so religious-looking that I almost laughed at the cringe-worthy scene.
One would consider this sight beautiful, if not downright transient if not for the unimaginably evil aura that the surroundings emanated.
“Damn… all to worship Death, uh?” I murmured.
“You are correct.” A deep, dark voice echoed across the room, causing my eyes to bulge and my position to switch instantly.
Someone just replied to my inquisition… and I knew who.
“I was wondering when you would show up… Helios.”
The Demon known as Helios began materializing. His hooded form, shrouded in darkness, manifested.
Dark wings aided in its flight, and it slowly descended to the area in front of the elevated altar.
I couldn’t see its face, or any part of its body for that matter—except for the hands—thanks to the long robe it wore, and the hood that covered its face.
Still, the aura of malevolence that this being was exuding was phenomenal. I truly hadn’t felt anything to this degree since climbing the Tower. Truly, this Helios character was worthy of being the ‘Final Boss’ of the Tower.
I saw its glowing eyes fixated on me. One was colored bright crimson, and the other was brimming with purple light.
He stretched both hands, as though greeting us.
“Welcome, people of the living, to the Temple Of Death.”
His voice was surprisingly lacking malice, but I couldn’t let my guard down. The most amazing part was… his choice of language.
“You’re not using your Demon tongue?” I asked with a rueful smile.
“You know Demon Tongue? No matter… my choice in language is simply because I wish to have a conversation with you humans.”
I was surprised. This would be the first time a monster would do that. But that only made it all the more dangerous.
“Oh? What is it about?”
From the corner of my eyes, I also observed the group behind me. They were equally shaken and curious about Helios’ offer.
“It is simple…” His deep voice started, sounding as amicable as possible.
“… Sacrifice one of your members, kneel, and swear fealty to the god known as Death. Do that, and not only will you survive this ordeal, but your reward shall be great.”
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