Solo Max-Level Newbie - Chapter 331: Taming Master (2)

At the center of the island.

Within a cave filled with stalactites, Axion and Hyssens stood.

“They’re coming in quite smoothly. Completely unaware that this is a trap,” Hyssens muttered, her lips curling into a subtle sneer as she gazed at the massive crystal orb placed in the center.

The more their enemies were deceived, the greater their despair would be.

She could hardly wait to see the faces of Jinhyuk and the rest of the humans contorted in pain.

“How should we kill them to make it the most thrilling? Wouldn’t it be best to watch them struggle desperately to save each other, only to die without achieving anything? Or maybe… should we just torture them slowly, starting from their fingertips?”

The thought of finally being able to kill Alice this time around made Hyssens feel a surge of excitement coursing through her body.

However.

“Everything is going too smoothly,” Axion muttered, seemingly dissatisfied.

Drawing Jinhyuk and Alice deeper into the trap was what they wanted, but the problem was the speed at which it was happening.

“Isn’t it good that things are going well? Why worry about unnecessary things?” Hyssens asked.

“The Divine Beast Silyana and the Dragonkin should have been holding that bastard back much longer. The plan was to delay until the manifestation of Shub-Niggurath, just in case. But at this rate, that foundation could be at risk,” Axion replied.

Even if they failed, as long as they could hold out until the manifestation of Shub-Niggurath, there would be no variables.

The original plan was to set up a perfect trap, layered multiple times.

“Surely, he’s not rushing because he’s calculated all of this? That would be delusional.”

“Yes, perhaps I’m being overly cautious. But remember this clearly. Two heads of families have already underestimated that human and lost their lives,” Axion warned.

“…”

Hyssens fell silent at Axion’s words.

He was right.

Amulam, who led the Decasus family, and Abigail, who led the Levistia family, both confronted Jinhyuk with plans they were certain would succeed.

But the result was total failure.

Only the ashes of the two families remained, lingering in the now empty space.

“Don’t lump me in with those foolish idiots. Our family is on a different level from the start. Besides, you’re here this time—the one who shattered Alice. The forces we’ve prepared are enough to wage war against the deities,” Hyssens said, clenching her fist.

It was then.

Footsteps echoed.

“Seems like the esteemed heads of the families are quite worried.”

A new figure appeared inside the cave.

An old man in a black robe.

It was none other than ‘Nietzsche,’ the head of the Demon Society.

“You… Aren’t you that demon or whatever?”

“I told you to stay outside and keep watch, but it seems you’ve forgotten your role already. If it weren’t for Hastings’ request, we wouldn’t even be working together…”

Axion and Hyssens frowned.

They were only cooperating with the demons out of necessity, and even being in the same place was irksome.

However.

“Please, don’t see me as too much of a thorn in your side. Surely, I wouldn’t have come here without the qualification to match your company?” Nietzsche continued.

“And currently, the deities on the upper floors are moving to find the crowns. As you know, the crowns are key relics that maintain the balance of the tower. Naturally, you vampires will need one of them as well, won’t you? The ‘Original Crown’ that symbolizes you all,” Nietzsche added.

“…!?”

“…!!”

The atmosphere shifted dramatically in an instant.

Who would have thought the name of the treasure all vampires most desperately sought would surface here?

‘The Pureblood Crown.’

Among the seven crowns, it’s known as the most pure and beautiful, often referred to as the Grail containing the ‘Blood of Beginnings.’

“How… do you know about that…?”

“A human shouldn’t know such things.”

The faces of the two heads of families changed completely, cold killing intent radiating from their expressions.

“Ugh…”

Behind Nietzsche, Melena trembled like a leaf, unable to withstand the pressure.

“Heh. This old man has no intention of provoking the wrath of the vampire family. However, to obtain the Pureblood Crown, don’t you think you’ll need a bit of help from us?” Nietzsche suggested.

“Help? What kind of help could a creature like you offer?”

“You might think of us humans as mere insects… But even insects have their own strengths. Like how we know about the existence and name of the crown,” Nietzsche replied.

The speed at which they gathered information.

If there was one aspect where the demons held an advantage over the residents of the tower…

It was their relentless pursuit of information about the tower, using any means necessary.

“Tell us… How did you acquire such information? Did you hear it from those in the demon world?”

“Oh dear, no matter how much, we can’t reveal our secrets so easily, can we?”

However.

A dark purple sphere floated beside Nietzsche.

[Summoning the forgotten elemental spirit, ‘Blackness’!]

Earth, fire, wind, water, light.

It’s common knowledge that a spirit must belong to one of the five elements.

But the spirit before them did not belong to any known category.

An ominous, dark energy emanated from it.

“You… What exactly are you?” Even Axion was genuinely shocked this time.

Knowing about the existence of the crown was one thing.

But to encounter the sixth spirit, hidden within the tower for thousands of years, was unimaginable.

“If you sever your ties with Hastings, who only focuses on the 50th floor, and instead make a deal with me, I’ll make sure the upper-floor deities don’t dare challenge you. Of course, this includes obtaining the crown,” Nietzsche proposed, beginning to weave a new plan.

—

Jinhyuk sprinted through the island’s interior, supported by the spirits.

“Huff. Huff. Huff.”

“Too fast…”

“Is his stamina infinite? He doesn’t even seem tired after hunting all those monsters.”

The raid group followed him with all their might, but it was impossible to keep up with Jinhyuk.

Even Yoo Yeonhwa and Taemin struggled to keep him in sight.

The only one who seemed relatively relaxed was Chun Yoosung.

“We’re short on time, so I’ll go ahead. Don’t push yourselves and fall behind trying to keep up. Focus on holding off the enemies coming from the rear,” Jinhyuk instructed.

“Uh… We can still keep up! We can’t give up here if we want to contribute, even a little…”

“No.”

Chun Yoosung shook his head.

“Rather than helping, you’d just be a burden.”

It was harsh, but it was the reality.

There was a wall that no human could overcome.

Yoo Jinah, knowing this, bit her lip.

“…Understood. We’ll take care of the rear. You go on ahead.”

“A wise decision.”

Chun Yoosung increased his speed even more.

How much time had passed?

Eventually, a massive gate appeared before the two as they reached the inner part of the island.

It was about 20 meters tall.

Red sparks flickered constantly around it.

“The energy coming from within the gate is unusual. It seems to be at least a high-level labyrinth or ruin,” Chun Yoosung observed as he examined the entrance.

The gate, adorned with various runes, exuded a strange feeling he’d never experienced before.

“Yoosung.”

“What is it?”

“Sorry, but could you scout around the gate once?”

“You want me to scout, alone?”

“This gate… I’ve seen this type before, but my memory’s a bit fuzzy. Just circle the area and see if you find any cyan magic stones.”

“Damn it… Fine, I’ll do it.”

Grumbling, Chun Yoosung left the area.

Left alone, Jinhyuk took a step toward the gate.

[Difficulty level: Unmeasurable.]

[A passage leading to ‘????’ opens.]

[The number of players who can enter is limited to 2.]

An immeasurable difficulty level and the uncertainty of where it would lead.

That’s why Jinhyuk had sent Chun Yoosung away with a convenient excuse.

If he had told him that the place was dangerous even for his skills, that guy would have gone berserk.

For a proud fool, it’s better to give a plausible excuse rather than saying it outright.

Wooooong!

As he stepped inside, his vision darkened.

When he opened his eyes again…

The scenery had completely changed.

This is… No way…

Jinhyuk’s pupils shook violently.

It was no wonder he was shocked.

This temple… was not supposed to exist here.

-This… is… my… castle.

Alice, who was within the ‘Ring of Braham,’ spoke.

Simultaneously, as mana was injected, Alice emerged from the ring.

“It’s nostalgic. I once lived here…”

The place where she first established herself as the head of Ataraxia.

At the same time, it was the place where her journey ended due to the betrayal of the other heads.

“Did the vampires recreate this place as a prank? Your former home?”

“No. This isn’t a fake. It seems they’ve linked the space itself.”

Why they would go out of their way to provoke Alice was unclear.

One thing was certain…

Their ploy had hit its mark.

A small flame ignited in Alice’s crimson eyes.

Regret, despair…

…And beyond all that, a rage built up over countless ages.

Just then.

“Growl…”

“Bark! Bark! Bark! Bark!”

“Snarl.”

A growling sound echoed from behind Jinhyuk and Alice.

—

Saliva dripped from between sharp teeth.

A black dog with three heads glared at the intruders.

It was Cerberus, known as the Guardian Hound of Hell.

But more eye-catching than Cerberus was the woman with purple hair standing beside it—a vampire.

“Hyssens!” Alice snarled, baring her fangs.

One of the heads who had once raised a sword against her.

Now, another opportunity for revenge against one of the culprits had presented itself.

“It’s been a while, brat of Ataraxia. Or should I call you the former head now?” Hyssens taunted.

“Where’s Axion?” Alice demanded.

“Still asking about that man as soon as we meet? A bit hurtful that I’m not even considered, don’t you think?”

“Stop with the nonsense and answer the question! Where is he now?” Alice shouted.

“He’s nearby. No need to rush; you’ll see his face soon enough.”

Hyssens smirked.

Then, she turned her gaze toward Jinhyuk.

“So, you’re the human called Kang Jinhyuk? The one who’s been throwing all kinds of wrenches into our plans?”

“Wow, I’m honored. The head of the family remembers my name. But the fact that you have that mutt with you… Does that mean you’ve allied with those Greek fools?” Jinhyuk quipped.

“…Enough talking. This conversation ends now. Kill them all,” Hyssens ordered.

“Growl…!”

At Hyssens’ command, flames erupted from Cerberus’s mouth.

Whoosh!

A tremendous heatwave surged forth.

Crimson flames raged uncontrollably, spreading wildly.

[Cerberus activates ‘Infernal Hellfire’!]

Indeed, it lived up to its name as the Gatekeeper of the Underworld.

The crow creature they had fought earlier had some dignity as a divine beast.

But Cerberus was on a whole different level.

“Let’s go, Alice.”

“Yeah.”

Alice nodded.

“Thank you… for being with me in this moment.”

A heartfelt sincerity in her voice.

Simultaneously.

[Unique Holy Spear ‘Apocalypse Revelation’ is being activated!]

Alice’s appearance began to change slowly.