Chapter 31

Chapter 31

[Translator Peptobismol]

[Proofreader Zain]

The demon, flung tens of meters, crashed into three pillars before slamming into the ground.

The shock wasnt absorbed by the tower; instead, it swayed in all directions. Stone shards rained down from the ceiling like morning dew in spring. Where the demon landed, dust billowed from the floor like mist.

Devourer walked slowly towards the mist.

The pace didnt seem hurried, with narrow strides indicating no rush. The hesitant steps didnt veer far from Devourers usual demeanor, except for the firmly shut mouth, devoid of words or any apparent thought.

The complexion was dark. No, the absence of expressions made it appear erratic and dark.

Isnt the most terrifying expression a blank one?

As if proving that point, Devourers expression was so devoid of emotion it was chilling. It seemed to have no thoughts at all, almost as if masked, making it difficult to decipher the hidden intentions.

Devourer, who approached the demon, slowly reached out his arm.

As Devourer reached out slowly, suddenly dozens of stakes shot up, piercing through its arm. The demon roared. Despite almost half its body bursting out, it had already regenerated to its original form.

Unperturbed, Devourer grabbed the demon.

Lifting up it briefly, Devourer struck it down forcefully onto the floor.

Crash! The area struck by the impact sank. Devourer lifted the demon again, striking the same spot. Unable to withstand the two impacts, the floor gave way below. Holding onto the demon, Devourer dragged it several meters.

And once again, Devourer struck the demon.

As if flicking off moisture from his hand, Devourer lightly shook it off. Yet, the floor had several gaping holes. After a while of pounding, just as signs of the collapsing floor became evident through the numerous holes, Devourer lifted the demon to check its condition.

Despite most of its body bursting and oozing brownish mucus onto the ground, the demons body continued to regenerate.

Endlessly.

With a slightly furrowed brow, Devourer, this time, exerted considerable force, hurling the demon downwards. The surrounding floor made a series of sinking sounds. Six consecutive clattering noises. Given that it was thrown through the holes precisely, it likely slammed down to the first floor.

Once the tremors from the tower ceased, Devourer dusted off his hands. Silent, he stood for a few seconds before turning around. Only then did Devourer slowly step towards Renee. Walked. And then,

Above the gaping hole behind, a crimson light surged.

He halted his steps. Devourer furrowed his brow, scratching the back of his head. The expression was pleading. Disgusting, it seemed to say.

From the hole where the demon was thrown, the demon rose again. This time in a winged form. It had reduced in size from before, but the intensity of ominous aura had doubled. A huge mana flow surged in front of the demon.

It was magic. And not the standardized kind used by humans.

The unrefined, unpleasant mana condensed into a shape akin to the advanced magic [Black Elimination], yet the intensity seemed incomparable.

Devourer could somewhat perceive what the demon was thinking. The demons magic didnt account for the aftermath. Thats why its called raw magic. If that unprocessed black sphere made of scraped energy from the tower were to be expelled, the entire area would become a wasteland. It was an established fact.

Oh, I see.

Devourer turned back to look at the sphere.

You, the source of your power, was the towers mana.

Having realizedthere was no need to wait.

Devourer opened his mouth.

This, too, was instantaneous.

From Devourers face, a gaping, grotesque black mouth burst forth, revealing thousands of teeth towards the demon and its magic. Engulfing the demon, its magic, and a quarter of the tower.

Thus, the gaping maw devoured the things it touched without a sound.

The collapsed space within the gaping tower now filled with cold air. There was nothing, only the echo of wind hitting the walls.

Devourer turned back and walked towards Renee.

Renee.

Thats how the first breath was finally let out.

* * *

Amidst the crumbling tower, only the two of them remained motionless.

Renee had buried her head between her knees in a crouching position. The warmth felt against her back was not false. Devourer, whom she longed to see so much, was sitting right behind, leaning against her.

I had so much to say when we finally met.

Devourer spoke.

But now that were here, my minds a blank canvas.

He continued.

If only I had written it down before we met.

.

Oh, right. I suddenly remembered something. On my way up here earlier, I encountered a green-haired human. I saw him and killed him, but there shouldnt be any issues or repercussions, right?

Speaking nothing but unadulterated truths, Devourer continued to express himself. There was a slight tremor in his voice, but Renee couldnt hear it.

.Haa.

Once again, silence settled.

From the crumbling ceiling, bits of stone fell sporadically. A small fragment tapped Devourers shoulder. It felt almost as if urging for a proper conversation. Devourer flinched.

Renee.

Im listening, Mr Devourer.

This time, there was a somewhat solemn tone. A low voice lingered in the air. Finally, from Renees parched throat, a dry voice emerged.

Im sorry for what happened a few days ago.

Renee is no longer qualified to see Mr Devourer.

The Ancient Core needs a Gatekeeper named Renee, and I need you, Renee.

Renee is not confident that she can live up to those expectations.

Once again, silence passed between them.

Mr Devourer.

Im listening.

Patrick.

As expected, Devourer, who had been tossing and turning, subtly initiated the conversation.

I met Renee in the human village.

You did meet her, after all.

So, what happened? They dont ask the same question. If it ended well, they would have come back together. But currently, Renee isnt present at the Core.

Theres no reprimanding here. They dont inquire about the circumstances. DevourerBoss doesnt think, not because they lack thoughts, but because the current situation is the result brought back by the Boss, and Patrick merely respects that.

Is she hurt?

She seemed exhausted.

After a sigh, Devourer added.

Patrick, perhaps weve been constraining Renees life.

If it were, you could simply say so without being so poetic.

Annoying.

Thats incredibly constraining.

Stop it

Nevertheless, the denial in the end felt somewhat suspiciously sympathetic.

Now, you have to wear a maids outfit and manage the dungeon

Are you planning to hire two Gatekeepers?

Saying so gave Patrick shivered. If he had skin, hed have goosebumps. He mentally visualized himself in a maids outfit, stirred by a mix of guilt and horror.

So, what are your plans now?

What else can I do?

Even though Renee is gone, it doesnt mean the Core will collapse. Frankly, the Core will return even without Renee. It has to return. Humans should not set foot at the Cores end.

Until all 116 Black Tentacles regenerate, guard the three forks and the entrance to Route 4. Once theyve all healed, break down two paths to create one.

Are you not going to fill Renees place?

Keep it empty. We dont know when shell return.

If the Boss says so.

It was strategically the worst move, but when the dungeons boss commands, one must act.

It was silent. The Core without Renee was strangely silent. Even though Renee wasnt usually talkative, it was odd how her absence made it so chilly. But still, the core continued to function.

Even during the hundreds of years without Renee, the core continued to function perfectly. Though it might have been exhausting and melancholic for a long time, eventually, it would be forgotten. Devourer isnt a creature that lives for just a few decades and then dies.

The colossal figure, the owner of the dungeon, rolled a few times and then settled into a position. Patrick also got up silently from his place. Leaving Devourer in this state was the best course of action.

There might not be any more conversation. Patrick walked towards the three forks.

And then, Patricks footsteps halted.

Boss.

Boss?

Keep talking.

Theyve arrived.

Who?

Who else?

The silhouette slowly approaching in the darkness

The one Boss has been waiting for the most.

Wearing the usual attire, with the same voice and expressionno, with a slightly happier expression, traces of unshed tears, and a slightly more hesitant gait.

Mr Devourer, have you had your meal?

She repeated the usual question.

If you havent, shall I prepare it now?

Renee Rello smiled.

Only then did Patrick face Devourer directly. Then he looked at Renee. He turned his head again to look at Devourer.

To offer that. Is she in her right mind? Or is she in her right mind enough to offer

Was that sincere.

He muttered faintly.

Renee, your right eye. Its completely damaged.

If I could see properly, would I have been able to distinguish the truth?

That statement you made back then. If Im still holding onto that feeling.

Anytime you want.

Next time, bring a real love stone.

Lying beside the sharp fangs was a black eyeball.

Its vividly visible now. The flow of mana, the stars in the sky, and even Devourers figure, all appear much clearer than they did before.

A smile formed on the maid with the same right eye as an ancient monster.

Its really with Mr Devourer, indeed.

[Translator Peptobismol]

[Proofreader Zain]

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