Chapter 430: I was Thor, and Thor was me

Chapter 430: I was Thor, and Thor was me



After wrapping up their conversation, Mike and Shadow Three continued their "leisurely stroll" through the Ninth Abyss. The demon army trailing behind them remained at a steady ten million, no longer growing in size.

Suddenly, a gust of wind swept past them.

"Joseph?" Mike's eyes lit up as he saw Joseph and Ace approaching. "Want an Abyssal Core?" Joseph: ???

Wasn't his mission to help Thor purify the Abyssal Core? Why was he being asked to purchase it on the battlefield?

Sensing Joseph's confusion, Mike smiled warmly. "Let me explain."

Ace shot Thor a knowing look.

Keep spinning those yarns, buddy.

"The basic Abyssal Core purification service is, of course, free of charge," Mike began, his tone reminiscent of a shady mobile game ad. "But we also offer a premium purification package that can boost your own power! And for the truly discerning customer, our deluxe package can even help you level up!"

Normally, achieving such feats would be incredibly difficult.

But Mike had the [Eye of Truth], allowing him to maximize the Abyssal Core's potential. Joseph's eyes widened, his heart pounding in his chest.

Damn! He was tempted!

Joseph would do anything to become stronger.

He stared at Mike, his voice trembling slightly. "Name your price."

"Straight to the point, I like it!"

Mike offered a "friend" discount. "I'll teach you a special purification technique. Once you successfully purify the Abyssal Core, you're guaranteed to level up at least once. As for the price, just sign this contract."

Ace was impressed.

Thor had even prepared a contract beforehand? Talk about professionalism!

Joseph scanned the document, finding the terms surprisingly reasonable.

He would transfer his after-tax income for the next ten years to Thor via the Mystic Market.

The contract would be automatically voided upon fulfilling one of the following conditions:

1. Accumulate a total transfer of 50,000 Lord merits.

2. Make a one-time payment of 50,000 Lord merits.

3. Save Thor's life.

Essentially, Joseph was paying 50,000 Lord merits for a guaranteed level up.

What a bargain!

After carefully reviewing the terms, Joseph felt reassured.

"I'm in!"

*Swish*

He signed the contract with a flourish, befitting a Nine-Star Lord.

Mike pocketed the contract and, following the Eye of Truth's guidance, began instructing Joseph on how to purify the Abyssal Core and convert its energy into personal power.

As he taught Joseph, a question lingered in Mike's mind.

Why did it have to be a human?

Other races couldn't purify the Abyssal Core. They would be corrupted.

Only human Lords were immune to demonization, even gaining strength from the process. Why?

[I know!]

The Eye of Truth, eager to contribute, chimed in.

[Because only the human Supreme Being remains untainted by the Abyss!]

Thor's legend throughout the world!"

He turned to leave, shooting Joseph a meaningful glance.

What are you waiting for? Let's get out of here!

Was Ace actually going to dine with the Ninth Demon God?

He is now Mike; what do Thor's plans have to do with Mike?

Retreat!

Joseph, understanding the unspoken message, prepared to follow Mike.

As for Ace's fate... no need to worry!

As long as Old Calderon was alive, the Ninth Demon God wouldn't dare harm Ace.

"Hold it right there. You're not going anywhere." The demon Lord who had delivered the invitation blocked Mike's path. "My master specifically requested Thor's presence." "Who said I was Thor?" Mike retorted, his mind racing, searching for an escape route.

The demon Lord, however, refused to budge. He insisted on Mike attending the feast.

"Shadow Three."

Mike's shadow stretched, taking the form of a hulking figure adorned with bone ornaments. Despite his imposing appearance, his face held a gentle, almost naive expression.

The demon creatures surrounding them stumbled back, dropping to their knees, their bodies

trembling uncontrollably.

"My lord... was unaware of your presence..." the demon Lord stammered, his forehead beaded

with sweat.

It seemed his fear of Shadow Three surpassed even his fear of Ares!

This was the raw power of a superior being, the overwhelming pressure a higher-ranking

demon exerted over its inferiors.

Shadow Three, seemingly ignoring the demon Lord's pleas, turned to Mike. "He doesn't know you're Thor, and he doesn't intend to harm you. Therefore, I cannot kill him."

Well, that was certainly Shadow Three logic.

Mike thought for a moment, playing along. "What if the Ninth Demon God tries to kill me?"

"I will take you away," Shadow Three replied without hesitation.

Shadow Three's definition of "taking away" was probably different from what most people

imagined.

Normal people's "taking away": a desperate escape from a life-or-death situation. Shadow Three's "taking away": obliterating the enemy and casually strolling out the front

door.

Shadow Three's assurance calmed Mike's nerves slightly. He turned to Ace, his voice serious. "If the Ninth Demon God tries to kill me, can I survive by hiding in my private space?"

Ace nodded. "Yes."

[Confirmed.]

With both Ace and the Eye of Truth confirming his escape route, Mike nodded resolutely.

Surrounded by a ten-million-strong demon army, invited to a feast by the Ninth Demon God

himself...

He didn't have much choice.

It seemed he was about to enter the dragon's lair.

"Let's go!" Mike clapped Ace on the shoulder. "What are we waiting for?"

That's right! I was Thor, and Thor was me!