On the tenth floor of the abyss, above the vast chasm, the most chaotic and disorderly demons were engaged in work completely at odds with their demonic nature. They dug up rocks, heaving them into a strange, specialized machine.
Moments later, a thick, inky-black liquid oozed out, viscous and molten. It was quickly collected, poured into grooves, and within moments, cooled into solid, unyielding walls.
With Zogwort's assistance, the construction of the city walls had progressed at an astonishing pace—far beyond what mere stone tablets could achieve.
The efficiency of this process surpassed anything Novak had imagined.
Nearby, Zogwort's projection hovered over an open space, sketching, writing, and calculating.
As the god of transactions and contracts, one of the most formidable deities, and the master of the Goblin Chamber of Commerce, Zogwort naturally commanded many subordinates.
Yet, this—the first city in the abyss, home to the first Goblin Chamber of Commerce within its depths—was the clearest proof of the Chamber's expansion into the abyss.
Its significance was undeniable.
For this reason, Zogwort had personally overseen its design, location, and construction through his projection.
However, at that moment, in the distance, hovering over the massive abyss well, something unexpected occurred.
A phantasmal Abyss Gate slowly materialized.
And from its depths, Novak stepped out.
"My Friend Novak, you've returned so soon?"
Zogwort's surprise was evident.
Novak smiled, but the massive Abyss Gate behind him remained open—its presence lingering ominously.
"Your Highness Zogwort," he said, "allow me to introduce you to a most distinguished existence within the abyss."
Zogwort froze.
Then, from the swirling darkness of the gate, a figure emerged.
It stood three meters tall, a towering colossus.
Compared to Zogwort—merely 1.56 meters in height—the contrast was staggering.
A body sculpted with raw, sinewy muscle.
A massive, bloodied bull's head, its every breath exuding dominance.
His entire form was scarlet, his onyx-black horns pulsing with an ancient, unfathomable power.
Even though the will of the abyss suppressed all divine strength here, the mere presence of this being sent a primal dread coursing through every creature nearby.
This was the breath of the abyss.
The aura of a true god.
And Baphomet made no effort to restrain it.
The moment his presence unfurled, every demon on the tenth floor froze in terror, trembling as they instinctively bowed before him.
"The Lord of Beasts.
The Master of the 279th Layer of the Abyss.
The God of Barbarians—Baphomet!"
Novak stood between Zogwort and Baphomet, a knowing smile on his lips.
Baphomet gazed down at the diminutive goblin god, but not with disdain.
Though Zogwort was young, the power of commerce and contracts was an untapped force, brimming with limitless potential. Especially the power of business—a domain still in its infancy.
Here, within the abyss, where the will of the abyss shackled and suppressed all, Baphomet held the advantage.
But beyond these confines?
Without the abyss's restrictions…
Zogwort would be an opponent he dared not underestimate.
Yet, the goblin god recovered swiftly, offering Baphomet a warm, polished smile as he bowed deeply.
"Lord of Beasts, Zogwort Cole Warlos greets you.
To receive such a distinguished guest—a mighty god of the abyss—is an honor the Goblin Chamber of Commerce could never have imagined!"
Baphomet gave a short nod.
A brute like him was not one for formalities, but even he hadn't expected Novak's words to be true—his relationship with Zogwort was indeed strong.
"A god from beyond the abyss..." Baphomet murmured, his deep voice rumbling.
"So long as you abide by the rules of the abyss, the abyss shall not reject you."
Despite his love for battle and bloodshed, Baphomet was no fool.
Novak's smile deepened.
"For the establishment of the arena, we require your assistance, Lord Baphomet.
Your divine power will serve as a symbol of its authority."
The Second Abyss Conference had concluded successfully.
With a preliminary consensus and a solid alliance of interests established, the next step in building the abyss involved delegating responsibilities and defining key tasks.
At the core of the Abyss Safe Zone, several primary structures would form the foundation of the first city:
The Central Abyss WellThe Abyss ArenaThe Goblin Chamber of CommerceThe Succubus HutThe Demon Lord's Mansion
However, beyond these, six monumental structures would be even more significant—
The statues of the six true gods of the abyss.
Faith was one of the primary sources of divine power, a force essential for pulling authority.
And this, in turn, was the price Novak had to pay to unite the six true gods under one cause.
For now, though, faith was of little concern to him. He had no immediate plans to harness or develop it.
Baphomet wasted no time.
He drove his palm into his horn, and in an instant, black-red blood splattered out, spilling onto the ground.
Yet, instead of forming mere puddles, the blood took shape—coalescing into fully-formed minotaurs, one after another.
It was a sight to behold, yet the flow of abyss energy remained eerily undisturbed.
Novak, unfazed, gestured toward an enormous space near the very heart of the city.
"The Abyss Arena—build it here."
Baphomet nodded.
With a low growl, he issued an order to the newly spawned bull demons, and without hesitation, they set to work.
Having ruled over the 279th layer of the abyss, Baphomet's entire existence revolved around battle and gladiatorial combat.
His followers knew exactly how an arena should be built.
And so, within moments, the blueprint was clear—a colossal arena rising like an Abyss Colosseum, its stands reminiscent of the ancient Roman gladiatorial rings.
Once preparations were complete, Baphomet turned to Novak, his gaze unwavering.
"Human," he rumbled, "the day you can defeat me in the arena is the day I will acknowledge you as my master. Until then, I fight only for the strength of the abyss—and for the promise you made. Do not forget it."
Novak remained composed.
There was no need for words.
Baphomet was right—in this world, nothing held true value except for one thing.
Strength.
Only absolute power could uphold authority. Only true strength could shape destiny.
With his plans in place, Novak wasn't in a hurry to leave.
There was something else he needed to test—
The ten most crucial aspects of power.
Among them, bloodline composition was key.
For those who sought strength beyond levels, bloodlines played an irreplaceable role.
And among them all, the SSS-grade demon bloodline was a force he needed to explore next.