Bab 194: Walk into the trap to see the truth
Tower of Truth, private space.
Mike felt right at home.
Seeing Thor appear, everyone gathered around.
"Everyone's here?"
Mike nodded to the crowd, smiling,
"I'm in a good mood today. Let's have the vampires work a bit extra and enjoy the blessings."
Such devilish words coming from Thor's mouth didn't surprise Vladimir; he was already used to it.
Vladimir bowed slightly, "It is our great honor. Thank you for your generosity."
Mike waved impatiently, "Enough talk, get to work."
"As you wish."
After sending Vladimir off, Mike met with everyone else, giving each person specific instructions.
He might be away for several days, so he needed to set things up in advance.
The Tower of Truth's power system culminates in godhood, and a divine kingdom is one of the conditions for becoming a god.
The private space was crucial for Mike.
Fool was the last to meet with Mike.
Before Mike could speak, Fool spoke first, surprised, "You've grown stronger, five times, no, ten times at least!"
Mike retorted, "Is that so strange?"
Fool shook her head, "No, I just didn't expect him to allow you to grow at such a pace..."
Him. Even without Fool saying it, Mike understood.
Apollo.
"First, I don't like beating around the bush. I prefer straightforward talk."
Catching the implication in Fool's words, Mike said seriously, "Second, don't try to sow discord between me and anyone else."
Sensing the seriousness in Mike's tone, Fool gave a self-deprecating smile, "I spoke out of turn. Heh, I'm just a fool, aren't I?"
"Hard to disagree."
Mike nodded, then said, "But you're a smart demon. Name your price."
A small iron hammer appeared in Fool's hand, spinning between her fingers as she spoke casually,
"You've grown tenfold overnight, likely completing your third class change, yet I didn't hear a global announcement. By the way, before coming to Earth, I never believed anyone could achieve an SSSS rating. But you did..."
The spinning hammer suddenly stopped, gripped tightly in her palm.
Fool's tone shifted, becoming sharp and urgent,
"Which means you have something very important to do, requiring you to maximize your strength. The lack of a global announcement means you've found a way to hide or delay it.
Thor completing the third class change is information that, if unknown, could cause significant losses for many demon creatures. You're meticulous, and I'm from the demon race. By meeting me, you acknowledge the risk of being discovered or leaking information. Even so, you still did it, which leaves only one possibility!"
The demon race master smith, Fool, spoke each word clearly, "You need my help, even at the risk of leaking information!"
Listening to everything, Mike couldn't help but applaud, "Brilliant, brilliant."
Not becoming a detective and choosing to be a blacksmith was a waste of her talent. Despite her name, Fool, she was anything but foolish.
In less than a minute, Fool had seen through Mike's trump card.
Mike had long known that the demon race master smith Ares 'invited' was no ordinary character.
This demon race master smith had met Apollo before coming to Mike's private space.
In other words: she survived encounters with two human Supreme Beings! She was no ordinary demon race member.
For Mike, making a deal with her was like playing with fire.
But Mike had no choice.
Even without Shadow Nine's reminder, Mike could sense it.
This rescue mission was far from simple!
One thing was clear: the Eye of Truth couldn't provide an accurate survival rate!
Mike's chances of returning unscathed from the abyss were below 50%!
Even with relaxed conditions, including [Professor Gregory's successful second awakening and safe return], the probability was below 15%!
There was undoubtedly unknown danger awaiting Mike.
The Eye of Truth was too far from that abyss to give accurate hints.
Mike had to get close, even walk into the trap, to see the truth!
The problem was, sometimes, seeing the truth could also mean the moment of death!
Therefore, even knowing the demon race master smith was no saint, Mike still came.
To maximize his strength, he needed to make a deal with the demon race master smith.
"Ladies first."
Mike made a gesture of invitation, "State your terms."
"I liked what you said earlier."
Fool suddenly said something seemingly unrelated, then returned to the topic, stating her conditions.
"I want freedom of movement. When Teemo and the others go on expeditions, I want to go with them."
Mike added, "I have one condition: you cannot harm anyone, whether by action or intent."
"No problem."
Fool continued, "Also, after the fourth Abyssal Plane is purified and merged with your private space, I want to explore the fourth Abyssal Plane, of course, with the main group."
Mike frowned; this was pushing his limits, but he could adjust his boundaries flexibly.
"Not until I return. Also, when exploring the fourth Abyssal Plane, you must go with me."
Fool nodded in agreement, "No problem."
Fool said seriously, "One last thing: I want you to swear in Apollo's presence that all these conditions will be fulfilled. You will abide by all the oaths you've made in the past seven days."
"Deal!"
Mike had great confidence in his own integrity. He always kept his word and followed through on his promises.
Oaths, if carefully crafted, always had loopholes!
For instance, the second condition of their deal had a clear loophole.
As long as Mike didn't enter the fourth Abyssal Plane, Fool couldn't go there either!
Mike didn't plan to go to such a dangerous place until he became a Battle Lord.
Fool extended her hand, and they shook briefly, reaching a verbal agreement.
"What do you need me to do?"
Fool knew well.
The conditions she set, which Thor agreed to after a brief negotiation, indicated that what Thor needed her to do was significant, leaving her little room to refuse.
Mike was prepared.
"First, I have a staff that needs four seeds embedded for an upgrade. With your help, the effect should be better.
Second, I need a sword."
"Wait!"
Fool interrupted Mike, frowning, "I've already told you, with the Thunderclap Hammer, you can't wield a sword."
She casually took out an S-tier sword and tossed it to Mike.
"Try it."
As soon as Mike held the sword, the Thunderclap Hammer at his waist emitted lightning, slicing the S-tier sword in half!
What a domineering weapon!
Mike liked the hammer even more.
Fool sneered,
"The Thunderclap Hammer has the potential to be an SSS-tier equipment, and it has a bad temper. As its owner, you didn't know that?"
Putting the broken S-tier sword into his storage space, Mike continued,
"I told you, the sword is for a friend. Why don't you believe me? Don't we have even the most basic trust?"
Fool couldn't understand how Thor could shamelessly say such things.
Even the most despicable, shameless second demon god couldn't match Thor's level.
Fool asked irritably, "What's your friend's name?"
"Maxen."
"Pfft—"
Fool burst into laughter, "The entire abyss knows Maxen can't use a sword. Are you really his friend?
Do you know what happens when Maxen gets a sword?"
Fool recalled a funny story.
Since becoming a Battle Lord, Maxen had been obsessed with using a sword.
But he had a second godfather.
So, in one battle, the scheming Maxen pulled off a crazy stunt!
He disarmed a ninth-tier demon race Battle Lord and took his sword!!
Before Maxen could swing it, Supreme Being Ares descended, glanced at Maxen, and casually swung his sword.
The unlucky demon race Battle Lord, along with the sword, turned to dust, dead beyond dead!
Since that day, no demon creature in the abyss dared to use a sword as a weapon.