Chapter 491
by post_apiChapter 491: The King of Hell
“I couldn’t find that person.”
Bai Yan sat quietly in the study of a villa nestled in Annottales. His wrist trembled slightly as a pale blue bracelet projected the interface of the “Babel Tower” game—a virtual display shimmering in the dim room.
AX450.
One of the most enigmatic creations of the advanced civilization known as “Unknown.” Unlike the various Omnics engineered by Amy, AX450 stood out as a masterpiece, even among the peculiarities of its kind. It had been unearthed from ancient ruins by the Noy Military and “revived” within their laboratories.
The situation was reminiscent of an old film, The Fifth Element.
But after Babel Tower seized control of the city, AX450 vanished. Its only trace lay in the military database, revealing it had been transferred to a colony beyond Noah’s world. When Bai Yan sent operatives to the colony, they discovered the Omnic had disappeared once again.
AX450 wasn’t something—or someone—that could be easily found.
This special Omnic, with its origins in a multiverse civilization, possessed a unique essence that transcended the physical. Unlike most entities whose transformations affected only their bodies, AX450 could reshape the very fabric of its soul, granting it extraordinary versatility.
A true marvel of the “Unknown,” AX450 theoretically held the ability to mimic any supernatural power within its reach, making it an unparalleled operator in the Babel Tower. If the concept of “traits” existed within this world, then AX450’s would be “limitless.”
Bai Yan narrowed his eyes, deep in thought. “Ran away? Or… was it something else? Never mind. With the Second Annihilation less than a month away, even a Crown-level operator won’t change much now.”
His heart tightened as he thought of the First Doomsday Crisis. The team had barely survived, hanging on the edge of destruction.
This time would be different. It had to be.
Reaching into his belongings, Bai Yan retrieved a long-forgotten item: an unused Entertainment Card labeled “Endless Treasures.”
Babel Tower, now an undisputed force, held countless hidden opportunities. Bai Yan pondered whether it was time to assemble a team to venture into the advanced dungeon tied to the card—a chance to retrieve treasures beyond imagination.
“The card allows five operators,” Bai Yan murmured, weighing his options. “But only two from the Apocalypse faction. Any more might draw divine attention…”
Tatsumi City.
In the opulent Platinum Zone, Alan’s family resided in a sprawling estate. Just a street away was the city’s renowned luxury food district, where aristocrats and elites dined. The truly influential families, however, rarely ventured here—they preferred summoning renowned chefs directly to their estates.
Yet, unease had recently gripped Tatsumi City. Prominent members of the five ruling families had started disappearing without explanation. Whispers spoke of the Augustus family losing half its members—relocated, some said, to the Giant Hive.
Even amid this tension, Ai sat calmly by a window in a classic Western restaurant. Her black evening gown hugged her elegant frame, soft pink lipstick accentuating her proud demeanor. She adjusted a brooch on her chest, her beauty drawing discreet glances from nearby patrons.
Across from her sat Alan, dressed in a tailored black suit. Handing back the menu, he smiled faintly.
“You succeeded after all,” he said softly.
Ai’s gaze sharpened. “What do you mean by that? Are you saying you’re the one at a disadvantage?”
“Maybe,” Alan hesitated. “It’s possible.”
He stopped short, clearly reluctant to voice his thoughts.
Later that evening, Alan conjured a mesmerizing illusion over their dining table—a miniature version of Tatsumi City bustling with activity.
“Your puppets are everywhere, aren’t they?” Ai remarked, her curiosity piqued as she observed the spectacle.
Alan nodded, explaining, “Thousands of them, scattered throughout the city. They’ve infiltrated every corner, leaving almost nowhere outside my reach.”
But his tone turned grim as he
continued. “This morning, one
of my puppets found bodies
on the food street—mutilated,
their souls devoured. It reeks
of demons. In the alley where
they were found, the air was
thick with sulfur.”
Ai frowned. “Hell’s demons?”
“Likely. And it gets worse,” Alan
said. “I’ve discovered a rift—a
massive black crack
suspended in a sewer. It’s
fresh, but whoever created it is
far more powerful than I am.”
Before Alan could act further, a
familiar voice interrupted.
“Let me help you.”
Both turned in shock to see a
battered figure entering the
room—the Captain of the
Sword-Wielding Troop, a man
Ai had once loyally followed.
“The Cursed String Music…”
His clothes were torn, his
demeanor weary. Yet his
presence commanded silence
as he addressed them directly.
What followed was a chilling
revelation.
“I’ve returned from Hell,” the
captain began, his voice heavy
with foreboding. “And I’ve
uncovered something
terrifying. Within Mr. Xia’s soul
lies an unimaginable force—
one of the four Crown Kings of
Hell.”
Alan’s expression darkened.
“Asmode,” the captain
whispered. “The northern ruler
of Hell, the slayer of gods, and
the wielder of boundless
power. In the ancient legends,
Asmode’s dominion was
unparalleled—conquering all
with a reckless hunger for
destruction.”
The dining room fell silent as
the weight of his words
settled over them.
And so, the shadow of Hell
loomed ever closer over
Tatsumi City.