NOVEL WEB Chapter 40
After the majestic introductory cutscene passed by, a grand BGM echoed as the boss from the Seven Lairs approached with heavy steps.
According to the newbies, the entrance scene of the Seven Lairs boss makes you sweat bullets.
I guarantee you, the tension I’m feeling right now could be more intense, if not less.
This isn’t a game; it’s reality. Moreover, inside, there were five bosses of the Seven Lairs.
As the door closed, I took in the scene before me.
The hall was far more expansive than I had anticipated, its height unmeasurable.
At the center, there was a massive round table occupied by numerous lords.
Each had companions solemnly standing by their sides.
Among them was a seat that bore no resemblance to an ordinary chair, evoking thoughts of a ruler’s throne.
Seven seats in total. High seats exclusive for the Seven Lairs.
Naturally, my gaze was drawn to each of the high seats.
The Succubus Queen, waving her hand at me with a flutter.
The Lich King, silently glaring at me with eyes reminiscent of a conversion ceremony.
I turned my gaze away from those familiar yet strange faces.
Thud.
A giant filled my vision, creating a heavy impact with even the slightest movement.
There’s a thing called cosmic horror. It’s said that when one sees something beyond human understanding, primal fear arises.
I felt the exact meaning of that. In front of me, my existence shrank to an infinitely small size, trapped in a sense of powerlessness.
[Lv. 94]
He seemed to be around 20 meters tall and occupied most of the space by himself.
On the other hand, I was simply shocked that such a custom throne existed.
The fourth-ranking of the Seven Lairs, the Abyssal Tomb of the Millennium. Great King Daron.
His level was a light green, indicating a slight friendliness towards me.
That provided me with a little relief.
“That’s him, right? The new seventh?”
“Yep! That’s right!”
Next to the Great King was a contrasting pair of men and women.
Their body sizes, along with their demeanor, were indescribably light.
While they looked childlike, giggling and sticking together, they sat in the high seats.
[Lv. 95]
The third-ranking of the Seven Lairs, Temporal Nova, the Twin Homunculi Ren and Lin.
Interestingly, just as seen in the game, the two shared a single level.
Their heights were less than half of mine, yet their potential was likely massive compared to the Great King.
From my perspective, the most awkward opponents would be the twin Ren and Lin, as they could expose my weaknesses with their ability to discern truth from lies.
Fortunately, I took a breath of relief upon noticing their level was darker green than that of Great King Daron.
A piercing gaze directed my head to the right.
There, a woman was glaring at me with sharp eyes.
Her outfit, a murky dress blending with shadows and her long black hair down to her waist.
The two horns jutting from her head resembled those of a demon but were also distinct.
Currently taking on a polymorphed human form, she was even broader than the Great King in every possible way.
[Lv. 97]
The second-ranking of the Seven Lairs, the 10 Abysses. Dragon Lord Roxanne Dietrich.
For a moment, my gaze was fixated on her level.
Undoubtedly the strongest here, her level shone a faint red.
It wasn’t just vigilance; it was hostility. Moreover, knowing I was facing Roxanne posed a massive threat.
‘…So, the report on the lair has flown out the window.’
The boss room of the 10 Abysses was the Dragon Lair’s treasure.
Her strength was one thing, but being on good terms with her could mean some delicious leftovers falling my way.
It seemed she didn’t even care for the antique stuff. I had been hoping to cleverly negotiate for a holy relic or something… but I got off on the wrong foot right from the start.
Yeah. It was a completely hopeless desire from the start.
Let’s just be thankful there’s no killing intent directed at me.
Besides these, the companions within the Seven Lairs ranged from levels as low as 80 to as high as 89.
Needless to say, every single gaze in the hall was focused squarely on me.
Without a word, all eyes in the room turned to me.
I pretended to be nonchalant as I walked to the head of the round table.
Receiving the awkward gazes, I leaned back against the empty chair.
Soon, Charlotte and Balutak settled in behind me.
“Hey there?”
From the diagonal right, Roseha waved her hand gently.
I nodded, feigning indifference.
Suddenly, it hit me. The reality that I, a nobody, was now placed on the same level as the strongest in this world.
“Looks like everyone’s here except for the proxy.”
A calm yet majestic voice resonated.
The deep tone with a cavernous echo belonged to Daron.
With such grand stature, even the slightest movement drew everyone’s gazes.
“Shall we start the meeting now?”
“Not yet.”
Roxanne crossed her arms, wearing a nonchalant expression.
The way her legs were crossed seemed to flaunt her authority, transcending mere arrogance.
Her high rank made it impossible for anyone to raise a question.
“We’ve gathered here after a hundred years; we should stick to the rules, shouldn’t we?”
“Hmmm… What do the others think?”
“I share the same sentiment as the elder.”
“I agree.”
“Well, of all things, we’re in sync for once.”
Calandas and Roseha expressed their agreement in succession.
While the Lairs of Mu-gan exchanged words, the 72 Lords silently observed, waiting for a chance to speak.
From what I saw at the assembly, they could only open their mouths if they held the speaking rights.
I felt a dryness in my throat and a bit of suffocation. I struggled to keep my cool, even as someone seated at the head.
I had no clue where to direct my gaze.
As an Undead, I didn’t need to breathe, yet I felt suffocated.
“I wish to have a discussion until the proxy arrives.”
The Great King’s golden gaze hit me square on.
Not only that, but all attention around the round table was now on me.
An indescribable, unspoken pressure bore down on me.
“What, shall I make Barugore introduce himself?”
Roxanne chuckled as she finished her sentence.
I appreciated her help earlier, but right now, I desperately wished she’d just shut up.
Keeping silent while trying to look serious was nerve-wracking.
“First of all, welcome the birth of the new Seven Lairs of Mu-gan. I believe everyone around the table shares the same sentiment. It truly fills my heart with joy to have a new ally to fulfill our mission.”
“…”
The silence amplified the weight of authority, serving as bait against any potential deceit.
The saying “better to be quiet and let half the truth pass” was clearly meant for moments like this.
“I never expected the first newly born Mu-gan 7 Lairs to be a single entity. Did you not kill Balmunk in one blow without even trying?”
“That holds true.”
Suddenly, Roxanne interjected, glaring at me as if she wanted to kill me.
I felt wronged despite not having done anything.
Thinking back on Roxanne’s personality, the root of her hostility was simple and straightforward.
She just found the new powerhouse insufferable.
Cough, cough. Daron cleared his throat and asked.
“Barugore, do you think we could have some light banter until the proxy arrives? Everyone here seems quite interested in you.”
Once Daron finished, he shifted his gaze around, seeking agreement.
Roxanne nodded, and the twins, Ren and Lin, bobbed their heads enthusiastically.
Calandas and Roseha silently watched me instead of speaking.
Daron, once again focusing on me, smiled contentedly.
“I’ve been curious for a long time. Just how strong is a single entity Mu-gan 7 Lairs? I’d love to hear your honest opinion. Assuming we were to duel individually, what rank do you think you could surpass?”
What the heck is this god-awful question?
I almost thought my ears were malfunctioning from that unexpected query.
Suddenly, unpleasant memories from my military service came flooding back.
A seasoned veteran once asked me, as a rookie, to pick one person from among them that I could beat in a fight.
And here, such a question emerged from the boss of the Mu-gan Lairs during a meeting.
As absurd as it was, all eyes at the head table were now fixed on me.
Thinking about it, these were the Mu-gan 7 Lairs that belonged to the ranks of the strongest in the world.
The Seven Lairs ranks among the strongest in the realm.
They were probably puffed up with pride in their strength.
It was clear that chaos would erupt at my words, but backing down would only allow them to take the upper hand.
“I heard you’re already acquainted with Roseha and Eldritch. Do you think you can defeat them? You can’t possibly expect to take out the twins and even Lord Roxanne over this old man—”
“Shut up.”
Roxanne’s gaze sharpened further.
That deadly look wasn’t aimed at Daron, who was speaking, but at me.
Why the hell do they keep picking on me while I’m just minding my own business?
“That guy’s ranked seventh. Have you forgotten her rank?”
“However, Lord Roxanne, isn’t it a solo dungeon? He’s managed to crack the Seven Lairs all by himself.”
“And so?”
Roxanne stood up abruptly.
Clack, clack.
The sound of her heels echoed through the silence.
Roxanne stopped in front of me, standing tall.
“Shall we test it right here?”
“….”
With just a wave of her hand, I would be turned to ash without a trace left.
So please, save me.
With that inner plea, I looked around, but everyone seemed too fascinated to intervene.
Even Roseha maintained her cheerful smile.
Someone please stop this madness!
Just then, the stone door opened at the perfect moment.
All eyes that were on me shifted toward the silhouette emerging from the door.
‘That was a near-death experience…’
In just one sneeze from Roxanne, I would be obliterated to dust.
Swallowing a sigh of relief, I focused on the approaching silhouette.
Dressed in a neat suit, but the moment I caught sight of its face, an instinctive revulsion washed over me.
Its long, squid-like face was adorned with five pairs of eyes, both above and below.
Thick, slimy tentacles dripped gooey mucus in real-time.
“I greet the lords of the Seven Lairs.”
[Lv. 92]
That octopus-headed creature was the Old One’s Lieutenant, ranked first.
When it came to levels, it was certainly on par with the bosses of the Seven Lairs.
Just as I was about to look away from its grotesque appearance, I noticed something.
[Old One’s Ancient Artifact (No. 3)]
[Enhancement Probability: 0%]
[※Warning! If you attempt to enhance the target, it will be destroyed without exception!]
[If enhancement fails, cooldown will reset.]
[Would you like to enhance the Old One’s Ancient Artifact (No. 3)?]
[YES/NO]
At first, I was taken aback, then I thought it was something the Lieutenant was carrying.
But no matter how I looked, there were no visible items on him, and the notification popped up directly from the Lieutenant.
Now that I realized, even the name was ‘Old One’s Artifact.’
This was clearly a notification that originated from the Lieutenant himself.
…Why this wasn’t an item but rather from the Lieutenant?
The probability being 0% and the unclear No. 3 clearly indicated something.
No, I know exactly what that means.
‘It’s a sacred artifact.’
The sacred artifacts I was familiar with were No. 5 and No. 4.
Those two were the sacred artifacts I encountered in the Ten Orders of Hell and the Imperial Holy See.
Now, one of the remaining artifacts, shrouded in mystery, was right before my eyes.
And worse yet, it was a living being—none other than the Old One’s Lieutenant.
I had suspected the Old One might possess sacred artifacts.
It was strange that all the gossip surrounded Roxanne without anything belonging to the Old One.
However, I never dreamed I’d see it in this living form, under the title of Lieutenant.
What was more astonishing was that if I clicked ‘enhance,’ the Old One’s Lieutenant would vanish without a trace.
Of course, there was no way I would actually use enhancement in this situation.
Regardless, the information I garnered from enhancement needed to be kept a secret.
Bringing it up carelessly would surely end poorly for me.
Before I could shake off this bewilderment, the Lieutenant seated himself at the empty table.
Roxanne returned to her place and addressed him.
“It’s been a while, Blizz.”
“Greetings, my lord sends his regards.”
“I will always convey that it’s fine.”
The subordinate known as Blizz exchanged greetings in order of rank.
Watching from the side, I felt utterly awkward.
Still, thanks to Blizz, I managed to avoid a clash with Roxanne.
I almost got into real trouble.
Just by maintaining a blank expression while staring into the void, I ended up provoking Roxanne.
Is this level of intimidation asking me not to breathe at all?
‘Ah. I really shouldn’t have come.’
I should have skipped the gathering and stayed home.
“You are the Lord of the newly established Mukang Palace.”
Before I knew it, Blizz, after greeting Roseha, approached me.
“Nice to meet you. I am Blizz, subordinate of the Old One.”
“Nice to meet you. It’s Barugore.”
“Please, be at ease with me.”
After a light handshake, Blizz returned to his seat.
My unconsciously fixing my gaze on the level above Blizz’s head.
The once pure white level had turned a deep black shade.
…What just happened?
A bug? Yeah, definitely a bug.
Why would he be scared of me when I haven’t done anything?
A faint black might be understandable, but a shade that dark is something I’ve rarely seen. Yet, his demeanor was unsettlingly calm.
No matter how I think about it, this was a bug.
“Blizz, you…”
Roxanne stared at Blizz with eyes wide as lanterns.
Though her gaze was on Blizz, for some reason, her finger was pointing at me.
“Why are you afraid of that guy?”
For a moment, I was flustered, and then Roxanne’s insight flashed in my mind.
Roxanne, rank two, had penetrating intuition about fear.
Not just who was scared of whom, but the very intensity of that fear.
What I could verify with levels only applied to myself.
On the contrary, Roxanne’s insight penetrated who held fear over whom.
This meant Blizz’s level wasn’t a bug after all.
He was genuinely terrified of me.
A silence filled with questions settled in the hall.
Even as time passed, no one dared speak up.
In the pressing atmosphere for an answer, Blizz finally opened his mouth.
“Indeed, a solitary Mukang Palace.”
Roxanne’s gaze bounced between Blizz and me.
I had no clue what that even meant.
“Just like Miss Roxanne’s insight, the Lords of the Mukang have divine insight. I possess that insight as well.”
This was news to me.
I had only thought it was the exclusive property of the Lords.
“In my case, it’s not emotions I see, but numbers. Specifically, the chances of that target being able to kill me.”
It wasn’t just about whether someone wanted to kill me. Sensing the threat to my life was even less accurate.
It was something deeper, the probability that the opponent could kill me.
If Blizz were to use enhancement techniques, he’d die without even realizing it.
With a probability greater than that against Balmunk, an absolute 100%.
“Based on the existing figures, Miss Roxanne seemed the most threatening. No matter what means are used, there’s an 80% chance of death. However…”
Pausing, Blizz locked eyes with me.
“If Barugore intends to kill me, I’d die instantly, no matter what means I’d employ.”
The feeling he had toward me wasn’t simple fear; it was fear derived from death.
The instant death technique was limited to Blizz.
It applied only to the blessed one, with a probability of 0%.
To the Lords who were unaware of my true capabilities, I must have seemed like an enormous powerhouse.
Just from the gazes fixed on me, the answer was clear.
“So among us, are you saying Barugore is the strongest?”
“At least, from my perspective…”
Daron added, and cautiously, Blizz chimed in.
“I believe there is no Lord who can defeat that individual alone.”
Ah.
This atmosphere truly feels unsettling.