Chapter 84
After finishing some light stretches, I called for the family to prepare for the tower climb.
My younger sister and Lillian sluggishly emerged from their rooms.
Darami was in the living room watching TV, and Nika was already nestled in my arms, so everyone was gathered.
“Alright, let’s climb the tower with energy today!”
“Bro.”
“What?”
My younger sister gave me a pointed look.
“You look like you’re on the verge of collapse. What happened?”
“It’s nothing.”
Heavenly Demon said it was the training intensity of a child, but I nearly died.
But a strong body nurtures a healthy mind.
And that’s why today, too, I climb the tower.
Because that’s what a hunter does.
“Enter.”
【You are entering the tower.】
We reached the massive tower entrance, opened the doors, and stepped inside to a message appearing before us.
【Would you like to enter the 66th floor?】
Accept / Decline
“Accept!”
【Entering the 66th Floor, the ‘Burning World.’】
【The 66th floor is dominated by the ‘Demon Clan.’】
【Beware of the treacherous demons.】
───────────────
【66th Floor Mission: ???】
【Time Limit: None.】
【Conditions: None.】
【Equipment Restrictions: None.】
【Regulations: None.】
───────────────
With a flash of light, we were transported to a world engulfed in flames.
Even the ground had flames bursting forth, but strangely, it wasn’t hot.
Just mildly warm.
Is this a characteristic of this map?
“So, where do we find these demons?”
“Good question.”
All that remained were the remnants of a ruined civilization.
Not a single living creature or demon was in sight.
It was like a scene I vaguely remembered seeing before—or not.
…Right, it resembled the gate where I met Nika. I had forgotten.
Well, a lot has happened since then.
“See anything?”
【Nothing.】
Nika flew high into the sky to scout the area but reported no trace of life.
We spent one hour… two hours… exploring the area but found absolutely nothing.
How are we supposed to find demons at this rate?!
“Administrator, show yourself! Where are the demons?!”
As I was stomping around in frustration, a strange phenomenon occurred.
The burning world suddenly extinguished, and everything was swallowed by pitch-black darkness, taking us along with it.
When I opened my eyes, we were in the middle of a bustling market filled with splendid buildings and various species selling goods.
Confused, I looked around at the demons glancing curiously at us.
Although their appearances varied, they all shared one feature: horns on their heads.
“Oh, we have visitors!”
A cheerful voice drew closer as a woman with small wings fluttering on her back approached us.
She asked if we needed a guide for the city, and honestly, we did.
“What’s your fee?”
“I don’t ask for much. How about three Magic Stones?”
She requested fist-sized stones. I handed her one in advance from my spatial inventory, and her eyes lit up as she told us to trust her and follow.
We trailed after her, each reacting differently.
My younger sister glared suspiciously at the demon, while Heavenly Demon and Lillian remained expressionless.
Nika closed her eyes in my arms, and Darami was glancing around, claiming there were many tasty-looking things. What was she seeing?
I didn’t spot anything particularly appetizing.
“Oh, it’s demons. Eating them wasn’t bad at times.”
So what Darami referred to as “tasty things” were demons, huh?
…Well, she was once part of a high-ranking species herself—a queen, no less.
I often forget because of her unassuming appearance.
“Nyo-oh… I feel strange. Master, you’re not bad-mouthing me, are you?”
“Me? Never.”
The telepathic connection has its perks, but it can also be inconvenient.
Since it came to mind, I decided to test the skill.
【Activating Unique Ability: Telepathy.】
【Activating Unique Ability: Shadow Pouch.】
What kind of ability is this?
【Unique Ability: Shadow Pouch.】
Using shadows to store anything.
Is this like an inventory feature?
As soon as I decided to use the shadows, they started to ripple.
So, this is how you use it?
“Oh wow, my master is using my ability; this is so fascinating.”
Darami looked delighted as she watched me manipulate the shadows.
“But is this ability only for storing items?”
“Of course not.”
Darami explained that while it’s excellent for storage, it can also be used for offensive and defensive purposes.
Of course, such usage requires a high degree of proficiency, but once mastered, it’s incredibly convenient.
“Alright, here we are! The first stop I’ll guide you to! The highlight of our city! The Black Market!”
The guide, who enthusiastically volunteered, suggested the Black Market as the first destination.
Couldn’t it be a more ordinary place?
“What do they sell at the Black Market?”
“They sell everything!”
Her straightforward answer left me dizzy.
Of course, the Black Market would sell everything… suspicious items or even humans…
…Wait a minute, humans?
“Don’t tell me ‘we’ are included in what’s sold there?”
“Oh… you catch on quickly.”
With a sly smile, she snapped her fingers, and demons emerged from all sides.
Each one held restraints made of chains in their hands, clearly intending to sell us as slaves.
“Humans are considered a delicacy, especially the brains…”
I take back what I said.
They didn’t plan to sell us as slaves—they planned to sell us as food.
So, in the end, my life’s menu isn’t complete without me being on it, huh?
“Heavenly Demon.”
“Already cut.”
In an instant, all the demons around us collapsed to the ground, their upper bodies severed.
The scene quickly turned into a bloodbath.
Except for one.
“Uh…?”
The guide demon, now drenched in the blood of her companions, stared at us in stunned silence.
“Well, shall we begin negotiations? This time, it’s your life on the line.”
I needed a guide to navigate this city, and killing everyone wouldn’t be ideal.
“We want to proceed to the next floor. Do we need to wipe out all the demons here to do that?”
I turned to her for confirmation.
Reflexively, she shook her head.
“N-no… You can use a ‘pass’ kept at the castle to go to the next floor.”
She provided the precise answer we needed.
“And the location of this castle?”
“Th-that way…”
She pointed toward the largest building.
They certainly made it easy to spot.
With a nod to Heavenly Demon, the demon’s body shattered into pieces.
Once betrayed, the possibility of a second or third betrayal is too high, so I cut it at the root.
Betrayal… it always hurts, no matter when it happens.
“Alright, let’s go.”
“Understood.”
Leading my companions, we arrived at the castle mentioned by the demon.
Guards at the entrance pointed their spears at us.
“No further entry is allowed.”
“What’s required for entry?”
“An invitation.”
Where on earth am I supposed to get an invitation now?
…Should I check the Black Market?
As I was pondering, another demon hurriedly ran up to the guards, whispered something, and the guards stepped aside.
“You may enter.”
This feels suspicious—like they’re openly advertising, “We have a shady plan.”
“I don’t want to.”
“Why?”
“I don’t have an invitation.”
Didn’t you just say moments ago that without an invitation, I couldn’t enter?
The demon stared at me incredulously before stating, “The higher-ups have granted you passage.”
But I stood firm.
“I will not enter unless I am given the invitation you requested!”
“Haven’t I told you it’s not needed anymore?!”
“What do you mean?! Rules exist to be followed!”
As the argument escalated, my companions and the rushing demon looked at me with dumbfounded expressions.
“Just go in already! How many times do I have to tell you?!”
“I told you I don’t have an invitation!”
“I said you don’t need one anymore!”
“Then why did you ask for it earlier?!”
I glared at the bewildered guard, declaring, “I will not move a step without the required invitation!”
At that moment, the demon who had run inside returned, panting.
“H-here’s your invitation…”
“If you had given it earlier, none of this trouble would have happened.”
“……”
Whether human or demon, the way they glare with contempt is the same.
Receiving the invitation, I handed it to the guard, who looked like they were about to lose their mind.
【You have achieved a special accomplishment!】
Another day, another demon loses their job.
Well, it happens.
—
Read More at – GENZNOVEL.COM!!
PLEASE JOIN OUR DISCORD AND SUBSCRIBE THE ROLE TO RECEIVE LATEST NOTIFICATIONS!!
Click here -> https://discord.gg/S8c2kGVr2g
Comment