Chapter 494: Poseidon's request

Chapter 494: Poseidon's request



"You want to become a *demon god*?" Mike's voice was thick with disbelief.

Poseidon retorted. "Can't I be a demon god? Don't I look the part?"

Mike was speechless. From a moral standpoint, Poseidon was certainly no benevolent deity, his actions often leaning towards chaotic evil. Still, Mike couldn't grasp what Poseidon stood to gain.

Poseidon realized he needed to explain himself to get past this hurdle. He had prepared extensively for this conversation, even going to great lengths to acquire, at exorbitant cost through the Mystic Market, a personality analysis report on Thor. Of course, the sale of such reports was authorized by Thor himself. Through this report, Poseidon had gained insight into Thor's character and formulated his persuasion strategy.

"As I mentioned, the Tower of Truth was created by 'Truth,' with the Nine Races responding, and eventually, all races participating."

Mike had his suspicions about this, but this was the first time he'd heard such a clear account of its origins. No wonder the Tower of Truth was so miraculous, possessing near-infinite authority and resources. It was forged by the combined might of all races in this world.

However, Mike had a small question.

"Hold on," he began slowly. "I heard the Tower of Truth was created to suppress a forbidden existence?"

The forbidden existence they both knew was the Supreme Demon God. This contradicted Poseidon's version.Nôv(el)B\\jnn

At the mention of the Supreme Demon God, a flicker of fear crossed Poseidon's face. "That being... is a mistake... I can't speak of it."

Poseidon could disregard the rules of Truth and the Temple's restrictions because he was already planning to defect and become a demon god. But he wouldn't dare speak ill of the Supreme Demon God.

Mike waved his hand dismissively. "Fine, continue." The topic of the Supreme Demon God was set aside.

Poseidon returned to his explanation. "Thor, do you know how many Abysses there were originally?"

"Eighteen," Mike answered.

"Correct. Eighteen Abysses, eighteen demon gods. The weakest among them was level 990. Do you understand now?"

The weakest of the original eighteen demon gods was level 990. When Thor appeared, there were thirteen demon gods remaining, the weakest being level 995!

The deaths of five demon gods had actually *strengthened* the remaining ones! The more demon gods died, the stronger the survivors became!

Apollo had mentioned this, but Mike hadn't paid much attention. Now, looking back, he realized how many demon gods had perished since his arrival!

The third and sixth demon gods died in the previous war. The fourth was sealed as a turtle. The seventh and eighth, after siding with the Supreme Demon God, were killed by Mike and Ares, respectively.

The third, fourth, sixth, and seventh Abysses had been reclaimed by humanity and brought into the Tower of Truth. The number of Abysses had plummeted from thirteen to nine!

"If a large Abyss is permanently lost, the minimum level of a demon god increases by one." Mike calculated. With four Abysses reclaimed, the minimum level would be...

[*995 + 4 = 999!*]

"Exactly." Poseidon saw through Thor's thoughts. "By becoming a demon god, my power will soon reach level 999, infinitely close to 1000."

"A small accident," Poseidon said with a sigh. "There are only two ascension slots per era.

One is occupied by the Supreme Demon God, the other by a human Supreme Being."

The Supreme Demon God taking a slot wasn't surprising. A human Supreme Being... also

made sense!

Mike raised an eyebrow. "So, all the Gods in the Temple of Truth can't ascend?"

Poseidon nodded. "Correct."

This isn't a Temple of Truth, it's a divine prison! These Quasi-Gods and Gods were stuck in a celestial jail. In that light, Poseidon's plan, while crazy, was the only solution!

"This is a big deal. We need to discuss this carefully." Mike gestured for Poseidon to sit down. "Tell me everything you need from me, from humanity. Then I'll give you a price, we'll haggle a bit, and we'll have a deal!"

Poseidon was taken aback. This was the first time he'd heard someone discuss price gouging

so openly and shamelessly.

However, in a way, Thor's direct approach, cutting through the pleasantries and focusing on profit, was the most efficient. There was no need for pretense between them, given their history. If Poseidon ever had a chance for revenge, he wouldn't hesitate. They both knew this, leaving it unspoken. Business was business.

"The complete plan..." Poseidon began. "I need you to kill me eight times, dropping me to level 989. Then, send me out of the Tower of Truth to the Eighth Abyss..." He paused, then added, "That should be all. Once in the Eighth Abyss, I'm confident I can become the Eighth

Demon God!"

Escaping the Temple of Truth came at a steep price: an eight-level drop. And, of course, a

hefty fee for Thor...

"Hold on." Mike interrupted seriously. "I heard that Maxen and the potential Supreme Being Thor are going to the Eighth Abyss. If you compete for the demon god position and encounter them, what if you're struck down by lightning? Wouldn't that ruin everything?"

Poseidon: ???

*Do you think I don't know you're Thor? Are you threatening me?!* Suppressing his anger, Poseidon asked, "Then what do you suggest to ensure my safety?"

Mike presented his pre-prepared solution. "Simple. Pay a safety insurance fee. Once it takes effect, those two will swear an oath, in Shadow Nine's name, not to harm you."

"Can... we use someone else's name?" Poseidon was barely holding it together. An oath in Shadow Nine's name? That was as good as no oath at all!

"Of course!" Mike presented a price list. "An oath on Joseph's life, 200,000 Lord merits. A random human Nine-Star Lord, 300,000. An Ultimate Lord, 400,000. Calderon, 500,000..." Poseidon hesitated, but decided he couldn't skimp on this. "I choose Calderon!" "Good. Two people, a total of 1 million Lord merits." Mike made a note, then continued,

"They won't attack you directly, but they might support another demon creature to become the Eighth Demon God. Would you like to purchase a 'Neutrality Agreement'? Same price, 1% discount for buying two together!"

After a moment, Poseidon gritted his teeth and purchased the "Calderon Oath" package again. In the blink of an eye, he had spent 1.98 million Lord merits. He thought this was the end, but it was only the beginning of his nightmare!

"Alright." Mike pulled out a third agreement. "Here's the Eighth Demon God Dream Fulfillment Fund. Interested in investing? Created by the human Supreme Son Maxen and the potential Supreme Being Thor, investing in this fund can help you achieve your dream of becoming the Eighth Demon God..."