NABC Chapter 428: 84th Floor, Levinenov’s World (1)
Chapter 428: 84th Floor, Levinenov’s World (1)
"Do you also know about the gods?"
"I know."
Veldenkia nodded. While descending through the maze, they had gathered a lot of information, including about the gods and how they were invading the world.
"My world is one that is being invaded by these gods."
"...Then, you entered the maze to save the world, Taesan."
"No, I’m different. I came into the maze in a slightly different way."
"A different way?"
"It's a complicated explanation. To be precise, at the moment of our world’s destruction, the maze invited our people."
"Invited?"
Veldenkia’s eyes widened.
Taesan slowly explained. They were invited into the maze and, at certain times, returned to Earth to fight against the gods' minions.
"We’re hanging in there for now. But many have died, and many more will die."
The number of survivors would be barely a handful.
Taesan wanted to save as many as possible, but the limitations were clear.
"So you need our help."
"You're both strong. If you help my world, the number of deaths will be significantly reduced. What will you do?"
Taesan spoke calmly.
"I'm not forcing you. After all, we’ll have to fight for our lives anyway. If you’re willing, let me know."
"Hmm. I owe you a debt greater than my life, so I should help you... but..."
Veldenkia looked at Diana.
"In the end, the most important thing to me is the princess. I can’t put her in danger again."
"I know. I don't want to use the debt as an excuse to force you."
The princess had been trapped in the model garden for over a century.
Finally, she had just managed to escape and could enjoy happiness. But the thought of risking her life, fighting against gods who even transcendents couldn’t suppress, was incredibly despairing.
It was the moment when Taesan was about to give up and withdraw.
"Isn't it alright, Veldenkia? Let’s accept it, Taesan."
Diana spoke casually, as if it didn’t matter.
"Princess?"
Veldenkia was surprised.
"Anyway, if it weren't for Taesan, I would never have gotten out of the model garden. I was practically a dead soul. Veldenkia has repaid me, but I’ve been struggling to find a way to repay him. This is good."
"Princess, are you sure? You know better than anyone what the power of transcendent beings can do."
"I told you, didn’t I? I was already dead. Above all, Veldenkia, let’s think about why we entered the maze."
"...To save our world."
Slowly, Diana had led Veldenkia into the maze to save their dying world.
"But we failed. Countless people lost their lives. We couldn’t save the world. So this time... even if they’re people from another world, I want to save them with my own hands."
"...."
Veldenkia was left speechless.
Diana gently wrapped her hand around Veldenkia’s.
"There are people in his world who need our help. Those who can still be saved with our will, those who are not beyond saving. I don’t want to turn a blind eye to the weak."
"...Does that mean you’re willing to risk your life for them?"
"Yes."
Diana smiled softly. At her unwavering answer, Veldenkia let out a hollow laugh.
"You’re that kind of person, Princess. I had forgotten."
"Of course, I’m not thinking of forcing you to come. You live your life..."
"No. Anyway, my life is yours, Princess. Your will is my will, so don’t worry."
"You don’t have to call me Princess. Call me by my name, Veldenkia."
"...Diana."
"Oh, oh."
Lilith, who had been silent until then, spoke up. Her face turned red, as if she were embarrassed, and she glanced away.
"Ahem."
Only then did Veldenkia and Diana cautiously move apart.
"Alright. Taesan, Diana and I will accept your proposal."
"Thank you."
Taesan expressed his gratitude. Facing the gods was a life-or-death challenge. Regardless of whether Taesan saved them or not, it was certainly something to be grateful for.
"By the way, what should we do now? Is there a way for us to go back?"
"Since you were able to summon Minerva and the ghosts, I believe it would be possible if you made a contract."
Taesan called Balbamba to discuss the contract.
[Not bad. Veldenkia also fulfilled his wish, so he has to leave the maze. Fine, I’ll facilitate the contract.]
Balbamba readily accepted.
According to the system of the maze, a contract was formed between Taesan, Veldenkia, and Diana.
---
**[Summoning Contract.]**
[When Taesan returns to Earth, Veldenkia and Diana will also return. If they do not return to Earth, they will temporarily reside in the maze.]
**[Strength -100]**
**[Agility -100]**
**[Intelligence -100]**
[The wearer gains tremendous destructive power, but everything besides power is weakened.]
---
This was the first piece of equipment to decrease stats. However, the attack power was high enough that Taesan, now used to the changes, didn’t mind the stat reductions. He equipped the ring.
---
**[??? Used.]**
[You have obtained Thick Slime that was buried deep beneath.]
---
**[Thick Slime]**
[Slime that had been squirming in the lowest part of the world, exposed to nothing.]
---
As soon as Taesan thought it was a material item, his arm guards moved. In an instant, they devoured the slime and absorbed it as their own.
---
**[World-Changing Arm Guard.]**
[An arm guard created by a witch who infused her power. Using specific conditions and catalysts, it can change the laws of the world around the equipment.]
**[Attack Power +800]**
**[Defense +800]**
[If you have learned the magic of the Green Witch, you can use [Partial World Change].]
---
His attack power rose by 200, and his defense by 300. It was a solid increase.
"Then."
The last thing left to check was one final skill.
---
**[Special Activation Skill: The Fall of All Things]**
[For a certain period of time, causes everything within the user’s range, excluding the user, to fall. Anything of a higher rank than the user cannot be made to fall. This skill has a one-week cooldown after activation.]
---
The Essence’s power. The Fall of All Things.
From the description, it seemed different from the effects used by the apostle. Verification was necessary, and Taesan couldn’t fully check it alone.
So, he went to the Library of All Things and met with Ainztar.
"I have a skill that needs verification. Could you help me?"
"Of course, anytime!"
Ainztar readily agreed.
Taesan explained the general details of the skill. After hearing it, Ainztar’s eyes shook.
"That... That’s incredibly hard to understand. To gain a transcendent’s power."
"Well, it was a deal."
"Seems like the God of Fall really wanted to get rid of you. A troublesome god doesn’t even give their apostle their power."
Ainztar marveled.
"That’s what needs verifying, right? Try using it. I’m curious myself."
There was no need to hesitate. Taesan activated the skill.
---
**[You have activated The Fall of All Things.]**
"Mm."
"Mm?"
A groan echoed.
Ainztar’s eyebrows twitched.
"This is... a strange sensation."
Ainztar gathered golden light. Normally, this light would burn the world, but now, it was faint. The power within was clearly weaker compared to usual.
"It’s a power that negates the manifested strength itself."
If Ainztar was weakened by the Fall of All Things, he could still block and counterattack at full power without issue. The fact that it affected him meant that, unless you were a transcendent, you couldn’t escape.
"Ah. It’s over? The duration isn’t long."
Soon, golden light surged around Ainztar’s sword again. He chuckled.
"An absurd skill."
There were no restrictions on using this skill. Unless you were a transcendent, you couldn’t resist it. Everything that manifested from an opponent would fall.
It was a skill that bound the opponent’s limbs completely.
"That’s what a god’s power is... I used to handle something like that too, but it’s been so long I barely remember."
Ainztar gave a wry smile.
"It’s the next floor."
Taesan spoke.
The 84th floor was where Ainztar said they could save Levinenov.
It was right in front of them. Ainztar’s eyes shimmered.
"...They’re waiting. Please, do it."