Chapter 88

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Chapter 88: You’re Lying

The Light Curtain Art that lit up the entire room has dissipated, and the dungeon has returned to its previous dimness, with only a few torches providing faint light. The rumbling impact and the roars have ceased, even the echoes have faded away. The pine resin-soaked wooden stick occasionally makes a crackling sound as it is licked by flames, the only sound in the silent moment.

After a long while, the Angry Demon squeezed out a few syllables from between its teeth, "What do you want?"

Finally, Simon compromised.

"I already said it before." Victor’s tone remained unchanged, as if this compromise was completely expected by him, showing no joy or surprise. "If it were any other great demon standing here, they would understand my meaning – of course, as long as Angry Demon is present, I cannot expect a more conversational partner. In case you don’t understand, let me explain clearly: I have shown my sincerity, so you can hold my key and stand here. Now, it’s your turn to show some sincerity."

"You know very well that those conditions are impossible to meet!" Simon sighed impatiently, a small whirlwind of heat rising from the ground. "No one knows which demons took your things! Let alone getting the demon who succeeded in taking them to give them back! Most of your things have either been used up or turned into ashes in the competition. The Abyss has always been like this, don’t you know?"

"That’s true," Victor clicked his tongue. "So, what should we do?"

He pretended to think for a moment, and then with a snap of his fingers, the pages of the book rustled.

"Let’s catch up first," he said. "It’s been so many years since the Abyss was expelled, how have my old pals from the Abyss been faring?"

"’Shadow Walker’ Kaspar took down ‘Fire Wing Balrog’ Osgar, and pushed its territory further west. ‘Thousand-Faced’ Sa had disappeared for many years but reappeared this time, ‘Unidentifiable Object’ Rasheda didn’t die, that mean Terralynn is still alive, ‘Chaos Stomach’ was cut in half and still half remains, ‘Six Mouth Moya’ is alive, and a few others, I can’t remember." Simon said bluntly, "Everyone else is gone, I can’t even count the useless dead!"

Among these names that are hard to remember, lies the history of significant changes in the abyss.

The "old friends" mentioned by the two great demons are naturally also great demons.

The darlings of the abyss, the rulers of the abyss, or more commonly known as the "Abyss Lord". Great demons do not need to deliberately collect followers or build territories, their very existence is the rare order within the chaos of the abyss. The activities of the two great demons will not overlap much unless they want to fight. The non-interference zones delineated by their strength and character are the "territories" of the Abyss Lord, where other weaker demons and creatures instinctively survive in the territories best suited for them.

The growth of demons is influenced by the abyssal environment, and fully grown great demons will impact the environment. The divided territories in the abyss resemble a constantly changing ecosystem more than formal territories.

For example, a flame demon residing in the territory of Balrog might evolve one day. If it evolves into a Fire Salamander that enjoys high temperatures, it would happily continue to inhabit that territory. However, if it transforms into a Phantom Shadow evolving towards a Shadow Fiend, it would instinctively leave the land that repels its new attributes and seek a more suitable corner to live in, entering the area where the Shadow Fiend lord resides.

When a battle is necessary, great demons can mobilize all demons and creatures within their influence range. This range overlaps with the environment changed by them, and all residents of the "territories" will fight under the control of the ruler of that area. From this perspective, calling the great demons lords is extremely fitting.

Additionally, the mentioned names are not their true names.

Mr. Abyss Researcher Webster carried notes containing research on demon names. Every Abyssal Demon has a true name given by the abyss, which may be randomly generated when the Abyssal Demon Seed is born, or may appear when a creature evolves into a mid-level demon – after all, no creature has ever mentioned if it has a name. A demon’s true name is like a unique and lengthy serial number assigned by the abyss, carrying a kind of magical spell.

Demons can use it to make demon contracts, while some spells can find demons’ true identities through their real names, and even use their real names to control demons. Although big demons won’t be forced to work for anyone just because of a name, things can get quite tricky if their real names are known by equally powerful opponents. When experts face off, the outcome hangs by a thread. If unfortunately caught in a tight spot with a master of true name spells, even a slight delay could lead to defeat on the spot.

Many researchers have tried to exploit demons’ weaknesses here in a quick, convenient, and pollution-free way, but the results were disappointing. Demons’ true names are protected by Abyssal Law, no spell can force them to reveal it. This kind of protective world rule, similar to the rules protecting souls on the Primary Material Plane, is solid. Unless the demon itself willingly gives it up (deceiving demons might work, as long as you can outsmart them), no one can use a demon’s true name.

So, demons definitely won’t reveal their true names when meeting others.

They give themselves a common external name, and the naming methods vary widely, based on their whims. High-level demons aspiring to become Demon Lords give themselves epithets to differentiate themselves from countless others with similar common names. When advancing to become a great demon, those who didn’t give themselves an epithet will receive nicknames from others based on their fighting style, achievements, appearance, etc. Victor’s common name is Victor, which coincidentally is the same as the name Tasha casually picked.

But looking at unimaginative and edgy epithets like "Shadow Walker" or "Fire-winged Balrog," it’s not surprising that dungeon slime was called "Devourer of All Things".

"What about ‘Reaper’?" Victor asked, "Still just ‘Pale Anmeng’ for now?"

"Of course, didn’t you leave ‘King of No Destiny’ Acce down there?" Simon replied.

"But it seems like there are quite a few Reapers ready to advance," Victor calmly mentioned, "Haven’t seen any new great demons in all these years?"

"Of course not, what nonsense are you talking about?" Angry Demon replied impatiently, "Is that enough?"

"But you just started talking," Victor said, "Have you forgotten everything else? That answer doesn’t seem right."

Ragehorn Simon let out a frustrated growl, then punched the wall again.

"You need to answer me too! I told you about the Abyss, but you haven’t shared anything about the Primary Material Plane. What are you hiding? Who is not being sincere?" it shouted angrily.

"Makes sense." Victor looked up, paused for a moment with a drawn-out sound, and said, "If I tell you, will you believe me?"

Angry Demon got stuck.

"You see, that’s the issue." the book flipped its pages, "They never planned to encounter me here, so they chose you to face me first. Angry Demon is indeed tough and durable, the cause of death analysis from the teleportation back is enough for them to have a report, but pardon my bluntness, you are not quite proficient in magic and contracts. It’s just the way it is, no demon is perfect, you are mediocre in battle, and can’t be expected to have a large brain capacity. Thankfully, I am a kind person, if you are willing to make a deal with me…"

"No!!" Simon’s loud shout interrupted him.

"Why refuse so quickly?" Victor innocently said, "Do you really believe I can change the terms of the contract? That’s just rumors, shifting the terms towards the drafter after the contract is completed, that’s something only ignorant creatures from the Primary Material Plane would fabricate, it’s paranoia, Abyssal demons believe in Abyssal Law, don’t you agree? I can swear upon the Abyss, even if there is a soul that ended up losing everything due to a contract with me, that’s because they didn’t read the terms clearly when they initially signed."

After this speech, Angry Demon looked more cautious, its spines on its back stood up again.

"You seem determined not to sign a contract with me." Victor sighed, looking genuinely regretful. "What can be done about it? Perhaps you can only act as a messenger for me, taking my requests back to the depths."

"Once I go there, I can’t come back!" Angry Demon raised his voice.

"Yes, that’s how the portal works, it’s quite unfortunate," Victor said. "But since you’re unwilling to make a deal with me…"

"Don’t push your luck!" Simon angrily interrupted him. "The portal has been constructed, the doors will eventually open completely, even if you try to stop it, it’s only a matter of time!"

"But there’s still a difference between one year and a few thousand years, isn’t there?" Victor said.

"How dare you!" Simon exclaimed in anger. "Do you not value your life?!"

"Using such low-level threats at this point isn’t very meaningful," Victor said lightly.

Ragehorn Simon stopped, suddenly looking puzzled.

Its facial muscles tightened strangely, just as ferocious as before. If Tasha were to look at it, she wouldn’t be able to discern any expression on the monster’s face, but former demon Victor could.

The confused expression made his heart skip a beat.

So far, everything looked smooth. Victor seemed to be handling Ragehorn Simon effortlessly. To onlookers, it seemed like Victor had the upper hand, but Victor himself knew better. The reality might be different from what it appeared to be.

It’s not just about strength.

Beasts only have a faint soul fire, demons have souls similar to creatures on the Primary Material Plane, and the souls of archdemons can exist independently. But the power of archdemons is closely tied to their souls. When their souls are greatly damaged, it affects not only their strength but also their memories and wisdom.

Simon was not entirely wrong in what he said. Victor was not the same as before. His past glory was just that – the past. Compared to the former archdemon Victor from the Book of Dungeons, his intelligence may have been significantly reduced, and his memory was in disarray, missing a large chunk. His memories of the Abyss were incomplete, and the names he mentioned were just a few he could remember. He spoke cautiously, risking being exposed as a fraud.

Victor didn’t completely understand what Ragehorn Simon was saying. Similarly, he had no idea why the other person looked confused.

"Joking time is over. Let’s finish this quickly," Victor said. "I will open this passage because it needs to be opened, just like you said. I will pay the price for ‘opening the door’ without a doubt. In return, I only need ‘that thing,’ the most important one."

Uncertain of what went wrong, Victor activated the backup plan and continued swiftly.

Indeed, Simon’s attention was diverted.

"That thing is not in my hands," it said rudely.

"So all you need to do is help me deliver a message," Victor said calmly, as if he had made a big concession, "On the day the passage is fully open, I want to see my belongings. I’m not worried about you breaking the agreement because if I can open a closed passage, I can also close an open one again. Feel free to try it – I personally don’t recommend anyone trying that, everyone’s time is precious."

"Alright!" Angry Demon reluctantly said, "Rasheda will probably consider ‘Unidentifiable Object’, when the passage opens, your skin will be returned to you!"

What an unexpected outcome.

Bringing up the so-called "most important thing" was just an excuse; Victor didn’t actually remember what important item he had placed in the abyss. However, Ragehorn Simon gave an unexpected answer, "Your skin."

The "skin" mentioned here is not literally the outer layer of skin.

It means "body".

The Primary Material Plane cannot sustain the presence of gods and major demons for long; they will eventually be expelled, and may even suffer serious injuries. So, how can one enter the Primary Material Plane? Gods can use the Divine Descent Technique, while major demons can use various tricky spells to skirt the rules.

A common method is to scatter their bodies around; the entire major demon cannot come, but the split parts of their body can remain in the Primary Material Plane. Otherwise, there wouldn’t be Divine Artifacts crafted from major demons. So, creatures on the ground find materials from the major demon’s body, thinking they are incredibly lucky.

The small characters who mistakenly believed they had the fate of the main character were excited as they collected materials like horns, nails, hair, scales, etc. from the big demon. They listened to mysterious voices in their heads and used special materials to improve their bodies. Finally, they drew a magic circle to transform themselves, but the owner of the materials showed up. The big demon possessed these silly characters, who went through a lot of hardships to make themselves suitable for the demon, like a cow being trained for better taste.

This body could be worn for a longer time than the Divine Descent Technique, although it couldn’t unleash full power, it allowed the Demon Lord to stay on Earth for several months to a year.

Another way was to focus on the soul.

This type of method was not common, very mysterious, so much so that even the amnesiac big demon couldn’t remember it momentarily. It wasn’t until Angry Demon mentioned it that Victor suddenly remembered he had thrown his body into the abyss.

The soul of the big demon could exist independently, and Victor’s soul came to the Primary Material Plane, but he was left here for some reason. His body remained in the abyss, being fought over by people for centuries – considering Victor’s current condition, the body might be more appropriately called a "shed husk."

Victor’s shed husk was in the hands of the "Unidentifiable Object" Rasheda, unfortunately, she was a Magic Demon Lord.

"Okay, go back," Victor said.

"Is that all you have to say to me?" Simon said angrily.

"What else do you want me to say?" Victor replied, sounding magnanimous, "You’re afraid I’ll play tricks on you. Now, you won’t believe anything you see or hear, right? It’s so sad how demons lack trust among each other."

"Don’t get too cocky!" Simon clicked his sharp teeth, "You may have the upper hand for now, but when the passage opens, I will gladly watch your head placed in front of the big gate."

It sounded scary, but it was actually like saying "you better wait for me," Angry Demon was trying to save face.

"Let’s wait and see," Victor replied in agreement.

Ragehorn Simon glared fiercely at the book and then turned away.

It wasn’t until now that Victor finally breathed a sigh of relief.

Things went better than planned – sending away the Demon Lord’s clone peacefully was like celebrating with fireworks. Overcoming the unexpected crisis, scaring off the huge army with a decoy strategy, and when Angry Demon left, the first crack of the passage closed with a snap, unable to reopen for a while. As soon as it left, the entire dungeon would frantically try to suppress the passage. Even though they couldn’t completely sever the connection between the Abyss and the Primary Material Plane, they could at least suppress it for about three to five years.

Just like barely passing a practice exam before the big test, looking on the bright side, it was very likely that in these three to five years, they could find a permanent solution to sever the passage again. Even in the worst case scenario, they could at least live a few more years.

Angry Demon dragged its feet a little as it walked away, its figure starting to slowly flicker, this was the peaceful way of dispersing its clone. It flickered a few times before gradually coming to a stop.

"What’s wrong?" Victor asked with a foreboding feeling, "Did you forget something?"

Ragehorn Simon suddenly turned around.

The patterns on his deep red skin lit up abruptly, faster than the first change. The patterns and bone spurs broke through his skin in a breath, turning Angry Demon into a raging porcupine.

"You’re lying!" Simon shouted angrily, "You – are – lying -!"

His voice was deafening, the elongated shout still lingering as his entire body shot out towards Victor, who was floating in midair. Lightning slashed through the dungeon’s shadows, another Light Curtain Art was activated, Saro’s divine power shining on the demon as if flames licked butter.

The exoskeleton transformed, the skin and muscles softened slightly, but their regeneration speed was astonishing. If this scene were played in slow motion, onlookers could see layers of skin being peeled off and regenerated. The latter’s speed gradually surpassed the former until eventually, the attacks of Holy Light only caused ripples on the body of Angry Demon, already smoothing out before dissipating. The visual effects lasted only a few seconds, as the Light Curtain Art receded, the thrown Angry Demon leaping up once again.

This time, the claws successfully grabbed the Book of Dungeons.

"You deceiver!" Angry Demon roared once again.

It repeated the same lines, but the tone shifted from shock and anger to manic joy. The demon’s avatar grabbed hold of the Book of Dungeons, forcefully pulling it down from midair and pressing it onto the ground, claws sinking into the pages. Ragehorn Simon opened his mouth, the lower half of his face seemingly split in half by a blade, a huge crack running across his terrifying visage, this time, the expression was crystal clear.

It was the demon’s smile.

"You’re not as powerful as you think!" Simon twisted his smile, "You were just banished by the abyss! That’s why you don’t have the abyss aura, that’s why Saro didn’t reject you!"

Victor wanted to say something, but he couldn’t speak for now. The claws kept sinking like staples, piercing through the thick pages layer by layer.

"You’re not hiding perfectly, you are the very book itself!" Angry Demon laughed wildly, saliva dripping like a beast, "You don’t remember at all, because the rumors are true, hahaha! You were really killed!"

"Don’t speak too soon," Victor hoarse, "Since I became a great demon, news of my death has been spreading every year, but…hiss!"

Angry Demon had no intention of listening at all.

It had confirmed what it wanted to know, the truth exposed, the dreaded opponent revealed his trump card, nothing could hold back Simon’s anger. Deceived! Fooled! Once again played by the same demon, almost becoming a laughingstock! Angry Demon Lord laughed in rage, claws suddenly pulled out from the book, leaving a deep crack.

Then, the raised claws came down again.

Several chapters of pages were torn off haphazardly, followed by several more pages. The flexible and sturdy pages tore under the violent force of Angry Demon, paper bits flying, the yellow eyes on the book twisted in pain.

"Snake of Lies Victor! The once great Demon Lord has turned into such a pitiful clown!" Simon’s roar made the dungeon tremble, his laughter drowning out the crisp sound of tearing fabric, "Regret! Wail! Linger like this, you might as well have died under a human’s sword back then!"

"I have a different opinion about this," Victor whispered. "Actually, I regret something earlier… Why didn’t I just break your neck right then and there."

The voice trembled but remained defiant. He once again stepped on Simon’s sore foot, making Simon furious. He was just a loser! Pretentious trash! The claw of the Angry Demon plunged into the book, almost piercing the cover, then slashed at an angle, making the book scream in pain continuously.

"Now, take me to the core of this dungeon!" Simon growled, his claws clutching the book as if grabbing an old rival’s neck. "Stop wasting my time, I will give you a quick death, tell me where the core is!"

The book in his hand murmured vaguely, as if truly choked and unable to speak. Simon loosened his grip a little, only to hear Victor say with difficulty, "Why don’t you guess?"

Anger surged again, almost consuming Simon’s entire head. Its claws once again pierced the book, this time very close to the spine, dangerously close to that yellow eyeball. If only the remaining sanity did not warn the Angry Demon of the trouble that directly doing so might cause, it would have already acted.

"I’m happy to continue enjoying tearing you apart a little bit, and then find it myself!" Simon threatened. "Now, tell me where the heart of the dungeon is!"

"It’s up there."

The voice came from behind.

Ragehorn Simon turned his head and looked at the winged creature behind him.

Without intent to kill or threaten, and without any noticeable presence, the creature spoke and Simon finally noticed its existence. How could she blend so smoothly into the dungeon? Simon stared at the creature, who looked like a female human with hollow and flat eyes.

Victor cursed in Simon’s hand.

In the corner of his mind squeezed by anger, Simon quickly found the answer.

"Haha, the ownerless Nest Mother," it smirked, "very well, lead me to the Dungeon Core!"