By the way, after two weeks had passed, both the main world and Hell came to understand that the so-called mysterious Supreme was merely two elusive individuals, one from each camp causing a stir.
The deities of the main world intensified their search efforts. At one point, three deities joined forces to hunt for Sterl. On the Hell side, things were much more casual. After all, those ordinary demigod legends were just cannon fodder; it didn't matter how many died. Another divine-level demon only made a symbolic effort to search when it was their turn.
Conversely, the Succubus Queen was extremely interested in the mysterious Supreme of the main world and even made multiple attempts to charm them with all her power. From the Succubus Queen's perspective, she had struck out completely, only managing to control a few ordinary players, all of whom she quickly eliminated.
However, Sterl was actually mixed in with a small team from the main world and had faced the charm effect head-on. At that moment, he was fully prepared; should his mind undergo any changes, he would immediately ascend to godhood. Fortunately, the Solidification Method, after its qualitative transformation, made him feel like...
Is this it?
The charm ability of a divine-level demon wasn't all that impressive!
Sterl's expression at that time was one of surprise. Had it already begun? No, it seemed to have already ended?
He simply felt that the strange radiance released by the Succubus Queen was quite beautiful with its myriad colors, but beyond that, he had no other reaction. He didn't even go through a process of resisting the abnormal state; he was simply immune.
Instantly, he felt a sense of certainty in his heart, knowing that the upcoming plan was secure, and he no longer needed to flee. Moreover...
Considering how much trust the Succubus Queen placed in the previous Supreme demon, it was evident that this divine-level demon was very confident in their charm ability and was bold enough to employ captured units.
At that moment, Sterl felt an overwhelming sense of stability!
Previously, Sterl had been too afraid to approach the Heavenly Locking Formation because of the Archduke of Blood. Being in proximity to a divine-level demon who controlled the Origin of Chaos posed risks even for him to ascend to godhood. However, if he were to go with the Succubus Queen to the natural formation, things would be different; he certainly wouldn't be the primary target for attack.
When the formation was in play, if anything went awry, he was confident he could escape with the Succubus Queen covering for him.
...
Aside from the Solidification Method, Sterl's seven attribute points were initially invested in some items.
[Stone of Exile]
[Description: When you gaze into the abyss, the abyss gazes back at you.]
[Effect: At the cost of being exiled into the chaotic currents of space, you can trap your opponent in a destructive spatial storm. After entering the chaotic currents, you can choose to exit after a fixed time.]
This is a pure black stone that shines like a starry sky.
The principle of this item is similar to the previous emergency escape device.
Sterl was sent into the chaotic currents due to the side effects of the item, making it nearly impossible for him to be sealed.
As for the destructive spatial storm it creates, it is of no use against enemies that Sterl cannot handle; a spatial storm would not change that.
---
[Soul of Awakening]
[Description: ...]
[Effect: After consumption, your energy and stamina will be set to unlimited, but for every point of energy or stamina you exhaust that equals your maximum limits, you will suffer real damage of 50% of your maximum life force.]
This is a shadow of a person contained in a glass vial, constantly emitting howls and roars.
It is also Sterl's ultimate recovery potion.
The effect is extremely domineering; it directly sets energy to an infinite value, allowing him to unleash any skill he desires.
However, given Sterl's efficiency in consuming energy, the side effects could easily kill him dozens of times over, meaning he would have to sacrifice one resurrection after using this potion.
Lastly...
Countless waves of arcane brilliance rippled through Sterl's soul. While the surrounding scenery remained unchanged, Sterl felt an overwhelming influx of knowledge breaking down and reassembling within him.
In an instant, the proficiency of all his Platinum Skills surged dramatically.
Even the Fission power, enhanced by the flood of arcane knowledge, revealed new applications.
Originally, this technique was best suited for enhancing "bombs" like [Celestial Stars], allowing for continuous Fission and pushing its power to the limit.
Now, however, Sterl realized...
He could also apply Fission to the swinging of ordinary blades, incorporating it into [Shattered Void], maximizing the efficiency of energy conversion into output!
Finally, Sterl slowly opened his eyes. At that moment, the underground cavern where he had once resided was completely obliterated.
All around were shattered stones and dust.
Yet, everything was suspended in the air, forming a static oil painting.
Sterl gently spread his hands, and with a movement, he vanished, reappearing in the Hell players' camp.
It took several hours before the oil painting finally shattered.
Countless stones rumbled, burying all traces of what had just occurred.
...
"Rustle, rustle." Sterl slowly opened his eyes.
Earlier, he had been practicing [Dark King]. Since he wasn't particularly short on blood force at the moment, he decided to spend ten points to boost his proficiency in this Platinum Skill.
He could now wield it with the same ease as when he first activated [Shadow Stealth].
The reason he still needed to practice this Platinum Skill was that, due to a delay in the mailbox system, he had only just received the Shadow Core mailed by Sosia and Sonis yesterday.
At this moment...
Sterl found himself in a lavish giant villa. The carpet beneath his feet was stitched from the skin of some creature, providing a subtle warmth and comfort.
Above him, a faint blue flame flickered, casting light and even benefiting the soul, leaving Sterl with a sense of tranquility.
This was...
The treatment of Mephistopheles!
In Hell, Sterl had never concealed his identity.
The three gods of the main world had all heard the name Mephistopheles and were actively hunting him down, while Sterl's main persona continued to operate discreetly.
Mephistopheles had become one of the strongest leaders beneath the divine level within the Hell faction. Some believed that even the terror demon who had unified the other divine-level camp, reigning as Supreme for a millennium, would only slightly overshadow Mephistopheles.
As a result, within the camp, they had willingly offered him the best house, the finest resources, and the most lucrative missions.
This was the privilege of the strong!
When Sterl stepped out of his villa, from the outside, one would see it was just a modest-sized house, but inside it contained an entire universe.
And upon his appearance...