The Fifth Floor of the Great Tomb of Nazarick—this was Naohara's destination.
This layer was a world of ice and snow. Bone-chilling winds howled across the land, and as far as the eye could see, there was nothing but endless white.
Several towering structures stood solemnly amid the blizzard. Snow blanketed them like pristine white cloaks, making the entire scene feel even colder and more severe.
"Too bad Entoma can't handle the cold."
Standing in the snow, Naohara shook his head. Because of her race, Entoma disliked the Fifth Floor's environment, so she hadn't followed him inside.
That left him a little regretful. To be honest, he was quite fond of that adorable insect maid.
After giving her some meat on par with what the Floor Guardians ate, Entoma had happily run off to the First Floor to share it with Grant.
Naohara, meanwhile, came alone to the Fifth Floor to carry out his grand plan.
"This temperature… actually feels pretty refreshing."
He reached out and caught a snowflake in his palm. Not only did he not feel cold, he found it pleasantly cool.
As a top-tier player who had maxed out all resistances with sheer spending power, Naohara's extreme cold resistance allowed him to completely ignore the frigid climate here.
Even if the Fifth Floor's exclusive extreme cold domain buff were activated, at most he would feel a slight chill. Harsh environments had almost no effect on him.
"Naohara-sama."
Several snow-white figures emerged from the swirling blizzard and knelt on one knee before him.
Frost Virgins—the Fifth Floor's exclusive NPCs and subordinates of Cocytus. Though they looked delicate and fragile, they were actually quite powerful.
Because of their race, they naturally carried a low-temperature buff. In battles against opponents of the same level, it was easy for enemies to fall into a severe cold state, making them particularly troublesome to deal with.
And most importantly, they were all white-haired.
"Where is Cocytus?"
After scanning the area and failing to spot him, Naohara looked at the Frost Virgin before him in confusion.
Given Cocytus's personality, he should have come immediately to greet him.
"Cocytus-sama is currently attempting to forge a divine-class item and has not yet been informed of Naohara-sama's arrival. Shall this subordinate notify him?"
"Forging a divine-class item?"
Naohara was genuinely surprised. He knew Cocytus had excellent forging skills, but he hadn't expected him to reach this level. Divine-class items were not something easily created.
"As expected of an NPC created by you, Takemikazuchi."
Thinking of Warrior Takemikazuchi, a master blacksmith, Naohara couldn't help but sigh with emotion. It seemed Cocytus had inherited his creator's forging talent perfectly.
Naohara fully supported Cocytus's attempt. If he truly succeeded in forging a divine-class item, it would be a strategic boost to Nazarick's overall strength.
After all, even the weakest divine-class item in the game was something most players could only dream of obtaining.
If Warrior Takemikazuchi were still here, he would surely be proud.
"Do not disturb Cocytus. Take me directly to the Frozen Prison."
"As you command, Naohara-sama!"
Naohara gave up on the idea of chatting with Cocytus for now. It was better not to interrupt him at this time.
After giving a few instructions, Naohara followed the Frost Virgins until they arrived at a structure buried beneath ice and snow.
The Frozen Prison—his destination—was a uniquely designed facility. Back when it was built, it had consumed a considerable amount of The Great Tomb of Nazarick's resources.
"You may withdraw."
With a casual wave, he dismissed the Frost Virgins, then pushed open the frozen gates and stepped into the silent corridor beyond.
After walking for a while, a figure appeared ahead and rapidly approached him.
"Naohara-sama!"
A slightly hoarse voice rang out, carrying the tone of a refined lady. Yet the moment one saw the speaker, the word "lady" would be the last thing to come to mind.
An octopus-like head. A grotesquely swollen body. Skin a murky white, like a corpse left soaking in water for days. A faint floral fragrance drifted from the perfume applied daily.
This horrifying creature was the Area Guardian of the Frozen Prison—one of the Five Worst of The Great Tomb of Nazarick—the Torturer, Neuronist Painkill.
A genderless being who believed she surpassed every woman in Nazarick in beauty. Naturally, she considered herself female.
"It's been a while, Neuronist. How have you been?"
Naohara's expression remained calm as he looked at the gaudy creature before him. Her appearance was… certainly something. But she was still a child created by his comrade. He wouldn't dislike her over something as superficial as looks.
"Naohara-sama, are you concerned about me?"
Neuronist let out a laugh, her swollen body writhing incessantly as she tried to draw his attention.
"Uh… you could say that."
Naohara's lips twitched. He knew exactly what she was thinking. She was courting him.
Just like Albedo, she was waiting for a Supreme Being's command to share his bed.
He truly had no idea what his friend had been thinking when designing Neuronist this way. It could only be described as mildly unhinged.
"Naohara-sama, this subordinate hopes you might send a few prisoners here."
"Prisoners?"
Naohara looked at Neuronist, who was blatantly flaunting herself, and considered the request.
After all, what kind of Torturer had no one to torture?
"Very well. If any criminals appear, I'll have them delivered to you."
After a brief moment of thought, Naohara agreed. Whoever annoyed him next could take a trip here.
Let them experience the Torturer's special "treatment."
"Thank you, Naohara-sama. This subordinate has no way to repay your kindness, so I can only…"
As she spoke, Neuronist began inching closer in a strange, sliding motion. The intensity in her gaze made Naohara instinctively step back.
"There's no need to repay me. I don't require anything."
He quietly retreated another step, watching her with unease. Why did she look like she was about to throw herself at him?
"This subordinate must repay your benevolence. Therefore, tonight…"
"I have other matters to attend to. I'll be going!"
Knowing exactly what she was about to suggest, Naohara cut her off at once. A chill ran down his spine. She wasn't even pretending to be subtle anymore.
With hurried words, he activated the ring on his finger and teleported away from the Frozen Prison. His objective had already been accomplished.
During their exchange, Naohara had secretly activated a concealed recording device, snapping a barrage of shots of Neuronist from every possible angle. That alone fulfilled the purpose of his visit.
Under Neuronist's resentful gaze, his figure vanished from where he stood.
"Sigh… I could have borne children for the Supreme Beings."
"Why won't the three Supreme Beings summon me to attend them?"
Neuronist stroked her swollen belly and looked regretfully toward the spot where Naohara had disappeared. She had always been ready to devote both body and soul to the Three Supreme Beings.
"Ah~ Momonga-sama~ Herohero-sama~ Naohara-sama~"