"What decisiveness, but is this human so insignificant in your eyes?"
Demiurge's eternal smirk beneath his mask seemed to deepen, his interest in Lock growing. Perhaps after capturing him, he could gain more than just information—he could find more fun.
For instance, what would happen if he used mind-control magic to manipulate this human into attacking his own territory?
Such evil thoughts involuntarily surfaced in his mind. Humans were inherently inferior beings. If he could present a spectacular stage play to that esteemed individual, it would be his honor!
The perception of the strong is always exceptionally keen. Lock instantly sensed Demiurge's mocking gaze, even through the mask.
"Hmph! I'm not interested in debating with a demon." Lock snorted. "Are you the one who killed my subordinates before?"
"Oh! It seems my image is deeply etched in your memory. Then my painstaking effort in letting that human go wasn't in vain."
"Then are you ready to pay the price for that?"
Demiurge was not afraid of Lock's threat, because he was not the one at a disadvantage.
"If you have the ability. Then first, please allow me to introduce my companions."
As Demiurge's words fell, behind Lock, Cocytus slowly appeared, exuding chilling air and holding a weapon in each of his four arms, blocking their retreat.
To their left and right were Dark Elf respectively, their faces also wearing the same type of mask as Demiurge.
Surrounding them was a massive number of magical beasts, about a hundred or so, completely encircling Lock and his companions.
Lock looked at the many figures, secretly clicking his tongue.
The Great Tomb must have dispatched more than half of its Guardians here.
What kind of grudge is this?!
Could it be related to the incident where Theocracy attacked Shalltear earlier?
"Your composure is truly admirable."
Demiurge noticed surprise on Lock's face, but despite their encirclement, there was no hint of panic.
"You don't think that numbers alone can take us down, do you? That would be too foolish," Lock said mockingly.
"For the strong, no matter how many weaklings there are, it probably won't have any effect. However, it's a pity. In our judgment, you don't seem to possess that kind of strength."
Demiurge's gaze shifted.
Rather than Lock, it landed on Catherine.
"Rather, the person beside you is the one truly worthy of our attention."
Based on the information gathered so far, Lock appeared at most to be a capable warrior.
By human standards, he was powerful.
But in the eyes of Nazarick's Guardians, he was merely worth a glance.
The Tiger Knights were roughly Level 50.
But judging from Lock's performance, he even seemed weaker than them.
Consideringthe hidden strength, Demiurge estimated Level 70.
The moment she was targeted, Catherine's expression became serious, gripping her staff tightly.
"Alright. State your purpose, demon," Lock said coldly, glaring at Demiurge like someone angered by being underestimated.
"Our purpose is simple."
"Please come with us and assist in investigating some matters."
Lock's face twitched strangely.
A demon talking like a government official…
It felt extremely out of place.
But he also knew the real outcome.
Capture → torture → mind-control interrogation.
At that thought, Lock shivered slightly.
"But I refuse!"
Demiurge waved calmly.
"That's unfortunate. However, our master truly wishes to invite you as guests. Although it may be impolite, please forgive us."
"Enough talk!"
Lock roared, drawing the Staff of Light from his storage space.
"Magic Triple Cast · Barrier of Light!!!"
Three transparent light shields rose instantly, protecting Lock, Catherine, and Vier.
Demiurge immediately felt uneasy.
Humans rarely excelled in both warrior and magic paths.
"Attack!"
Shalltear and Cocytus immediately charged from the ront and rear.
Aura commanded ranged magical beasts to bombard the barrier.
Wind blades.
Stone projectiles.
Acid spit.
Yet the outer barrier did not move at all.
Its brightness barely dimmed.
Shalltear thrusts her Drop Lance.
Cocytus struck with four weapons simultaneously, including the God-Slaying Blade Emperor.
The moment their attacks touched the barrier—
They were repelled.
At the same time, holy light surged into Shalltear's body.
"Hmm!"
She groaned in surprise.
Holy attribute damage.
The Barrier of Light counterattacked evil targets.
With Shalltear's −450 justice value, the damage equaled roughly 8th-tier magic.
Cocytus, whose justice value was positive, suffered no holy damage, only recoil.
This highly specialized magic was Lock's masterpiece.
Most Nazarick NPCs had extremely negative karma values.
Against them, such spells were devastating.
With the Staff of Light amplifying it, Lock was practically the nemesis of evil beings.
Inside the barrie,r the three immediately began buffing.
Magic Caster's Blessing!
Radiant Emerald Body!
Magic Power Boost!
Magic Range Expansion!
Zesshi Zetsumei watched in stunned silence.
She had never needed enhancement magic before due to her God-kin bloodline.
Now it looked excessive.
Lock ignored her thoughts.
She simply lacked real battlefield experience.
Soon she would learn.
Outside, Shalltear and Cocytus escalated.
"Wind Slash!"
"Explosive Shockwave!"
The God-Slaying Blade Emperor struck.
The barrier dimmed heavily.
Shalltear blasted it with shockwave magic.
The barrier nearly collapsed.
She thrust again.
CRACK!
The first barriewas r shattered.
The Guardians intensified their assault.
Meanwhile inside—
Lock finished his buffs.
He now shone with layers of magical light.
He waved his hand.
Two silver-armored golems appeared.
Guardian Golems, crafted from Caloric Stone, are a world-class item.
He issued rapid commands:
"Catherine — the Dark Elf Magic Caster on the left is yours."
"Zesshi Zetsumei, Vier — handle the demon."
"The vampire and insectoid will be blocked by the Guardians."
"I will deal with the Ranger Dark Elf."
"Annea, Shivana — aerial support only. Long-range Dragon Breath."
The second barrier was shattered.
Magical beasts rushed the final shield.
Lock snorted.
"Vier. Catherine."
"Enhancement Ritual."
"Light of Destruction."
The three stood in a triangle formation.
"Enhancement Ritual Magic · Light of Destruction!!!"
A gigantic black sphere of light formed above them.
The magical pressure was terrifying.
Even Zesshi Zetsumei felt death approaching.
Demiurge suddenly sensed danger.
"DEFEND! NOW!"
But it was too late.
The final barrier was shattered.
The ritual is completed.
The black sphere erupted.
Thousands of black beams shot outward in every direction.
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A/N: 40+ Advance Chapter Has Been Uploaded.
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