Chapter 90: The Being That Transcends Even Gods! (Patreon)

By the time Jircniv and others regained their senses and were able to move, they were standing before a massive door.

To the right of the door stood a goddess-like figure, and to the left, a bizarre statue of a demon. Around them were numerous statues of what seemed like half-human, half-beast figures. On the ceiling was a detailed painting depicting dragons and demons coexisting in an intricate scene of war.

However, neither of them had the mood to appreciate this sight.

Multiple angels—the same ones they had encountered earlier—stood on either side of the entrance like mere guards, and their mere presence terrified the group.

Jircniv’s servants, who had been standing behind him, stared at the overwhelming sight, unable to hide their shock and fear. Some almost collapsed to their knees, trembling.

Out of four, three Imperial Knights at Jircniv's side immediately stepped forward, forming a protective barrier around him. Though their courage was admirable, they all knew that they couldn’t even hope to defeat a single Angel here. 

Their hands trembled as they gripped their weapons.

Fortunately, before the tension could escalate further, a soft, melodious voice broke the suffocating silence.

“Rest easy, gentlemen. These subordinates won’t attack you... as long as you know your place.”

Immediately, everyone’s attention was drawn to the two figures now approaching from the left side of the hallway.

The women wore traditional maid uniforms, which were elegant but not ostentatious. However, the maids themselves radiated an aura of unearthly beauty and grace, so much so that even Jircniv, an emperor who had seen countless beauties, felt his heart skip a beat.

He couldn’t tear his eyes away from them, as though they had seized his very soul.

‘They’re... too beautiful…’

If they had been noblewomen of the Empire, Jircniv would have showered them with praise without hesitation and likely harbored some ulterior motives. But this was no place for such thoughts—this was the enemy's lair. 

The harsh reality of his helpless abduction from his own castle, the most secure place he knew, immediately brought him back to his senses and filled his heart with unimaginable helplessness and anxiety.

The two women, now only a few meters away, turned towards the huge door and, without any greetings or formalities, spoke just two cold words.

"Follow us."

Such abruptness and indifferently cold tone left Jircniv momentarily taken aback, but he quickly reminded himself: he wasn’t here as an Emperor. In the eyes of these people, he was here to face judgment.

Facing such a situation for the first time in his life, all Jircniv wanted at that moment was to survive and get back to the safety of his home. His mind raced faster than ever, searching for a way out.

“They’ve caught us completely off-guard,” Jircniv muttered to himself.

'With such means and strength, they could crush the Empire. But I can’t let that happen. If they want to negotiate, fine. However, if they choose to punish me, I must persevere through this, regardless of the consequences.'

With a final, resigned thought, Jircniv followed Yuri Alpha, his men following behind him as they entered through the massive door.

What unfolded before their eyes was so breathtaking, it felt like their souls were being drawn into another world—as though they had stepped into a divine realm.

The grandeur of the space was so overwhelming, it dwarfed anything they had ever seen, and despite their fear, they couldn’t resist the urge to glance around as they walked.

Jircniv looked over his shoulder at the group following him.

Baziwood, Leinas, Nimble, Nazami, Fluder, and his secretary, Loune, were with him. But the priests, templars, and many other guards were missing.

The expressions on the faces of those who remained were the same: anxious. In this place, the smallness of their existence weighed heavily on them, and the fear in their hearts only grew. It was as if the sword of Damocles hanging above them had become heavier and its presence ever more oppressive.

Aurelius Nova Lucifer.

The image of him, the magic caster who ruled this place, loomed so large in their minds it was difficult to comprehend.

Jircniv’s suppressed heart now threatened to burst like a volcano under the overwhelming pressure. But he forced a smile, trying to steady himself.

Not only did Aurelius himself have unimaginable strength, possibly compared to a God in history, but he even commanded beings like those Angles—creatures that could single-handedly plunge the Empire into chaos—he had even surpassed the Empire’s finest artistic achievements. 

Every piece of Jircniv's pride was being crushed underfoot.

It felt as though the air around him was tightening and choking him with an unspoken command to submit.

Kneel down and crawl on all four. Swear your allegiance and beg for mercy!

'It's truly humiliating...'

Jircniv’s heart was filled with regret. 

‘Why did I provoke such existence?’

As the impending meeting approached, Jircniv knew he had to gauge the other person’s desires—no, he must discern them. His own survival and even the empire’s very existence hinged on recognizing Aurelius’s true intentions.

But deep down, Jircniv knew there was no way out. Avoiding any kind of hostility was the wisest course of choice at the moment.

While Jircniv was lost in thought, a voice snapped him back to reality.

"This is the Throne Hall. Aurelius-sama is waiting for you."

Yuri indicated that her task was complete.

As she and Lupusregina stepped aside from their front, a grand, expansive chamber came into everyone’s view. Walls of pure white with intricate golden designs supported the hall's high ceilings.

Several lavish chandeliers, crafted from seven-colored jewels, emitted a soft glow. Large banners hung from the walls, cascading from the ceiling to the floor.

This Throne Hall was, quite literally, a space fit for a divine being.

Instantly, everyone’s eyes were drawn to the overwhelming presence that awaited them, and Jircniv and his party turned pale.

A long crimson carpet stretched down the center of the hall. On either side of it stood beings of unimaginable power.

Demons, fallen angels, grotesque humanoid creatures, armored knights, bipedal insects, spirits, dark elves, dragon-like beings, and vampires. Jircniv didn’t even try to count their numbers.

They stood in silence, their eyes locked on Jircniv and his party. 

Each one of these beings was immensely powerful, and their mere presence made it difficult for Jircniv and others to breathe. 

A choked scream erupted from behind Jircniv that echoed eerily through the magnificent chamber.

Sadly, Jircniv couldn’t reprimand them; he understood. The oppressive force was enough to crush anyone's instincts, even his own. He too wanted to run, but he knew the consequences of doing so would be catastrophic.

In Jircniv’s heart, the danger level of Aurelius Nova Lucifer, which had already been at its peak, seemed to rise even higher.

His gaze swept over the crimson carpet.

At the far end, a grand staircase led upward, where Aurelius's entourage stood in formation. 

A beautiful silver-haired girl. A huge bluish-white insect-like creature. A man in a suit, looking like a strange blend between a frog and a human. A pair of dark elves who resembled twins. A white-haired beauty with white wings. 

Finally, his eyes traveled up the staircase, where they locked onto a breathtaking figure—a beautiful woman with black hair and white horns adorning the sides of her head; her black wings spread elegantly behind her.

And then...

Seated on a crystal black throne was an absolute being idly twirling a bizarre staff in his hand. With his silvery white hair, he exuded an aura of beauty, seemingly condensing the essence of perfection into a single form.

His blood-red eyes, darker than Jircniv’s own, gleamed sharply, with vertical pupils that shone like blades.

Wearing a pitch-black uniform that contrasted against his pale skin, he sat casually, one leg crossed over the other, his chin resting lightly on his hand as he gazed down at Jircniv and the others.

‘That... that is Aurelius Nova Lucifer.’

He was a young man who could only be described as divine.

Despite his human-like appearance, it was clear he was a monster beyond comprehension.

"Whoa..."

Jircniv exhaled softly, a sigh of grim determination.

Not much time had passed since the door had opened, though it felt like an eternity. Standing frozen at the entrance forever was not an option. He had to act.

"Let’s go," Jircniv ordered.

His entourage, hearing the command, moved forward with him. But the closer they got, the heavier the weight in their hearts became, as fear wormed its way deeper into their souls.

To think he was so foolish to have sent those Workers to such a place.

This was the location of the Great Underground Tomb of Nazarick. Its inhabitants held power beyond comprehension.

And sitting upon the throne—Aurelius Nova Lucifer.

In that moment, Jircniv truly understood.

‘This is an existence that transcends even the gods.’

As Jircniv observed Aurelius, Aurelius Nova Lucifer was watching him, too.

Jircniv and his men quickened their pace, walking across the plush carpet.

Finally, they arrived at the base of the stairs.

"Aurelius-sama, the Emperor of the Baharuth Empire, Jircniv Rune Farlord El Nix, has come to seek his judgment."

The black-winged beauty beside the throne spoke with a voice as mesmerizing as her appearance.

In response, the absolute being, Aurelius Nova Lucifer, opened his mouth to speak.

"—Demiurge.”

“Understood.”

The man called Demiurge came forward gracefully and turned his gaze to Jircniv and the others.

[Kneel down.]

Chunk! 

At those words, countless metallic sounds erupted, forcing everyone, including Jircniv, to kneel like a servant. He tried to resist but was crushed by an overwhelming force.

"Now, I’m in the mood to talk."

Jircniv raised his head slightly and looked ahead. Aurelius was smiling with a grin of satisfaction spread across his face.

"Emperor Jircniv Rune Farlord El Nix of the Baharuth Empire. Now, how do you plan to compensate me for the damage your little pests caused?"

'Damage? Those fools probably wouldn’t have even been able to move a pebble before getting wiped out, and you still expect compensation? Shameless bastard! Why don’t you just rob me outright?'

Of course, Jircniv could only curse in his heart. Outwardly, he maintained a humble, submissive smile, as if he had no bad intentions whatsoever.

He understood well that, in this moment, survival was more important than pride. He had to placate this man first—everything else could be dealt with later.

So when faced with such a situation, Jircniv swallowed his pride and responded in the most subservient tone he could muster.

"My people have committed a grave sin, and I do not know how I can atone for it. I only beg for your mercy, Lord Aurelius. Please tell me what I can offer to compensate for the damage caused."

In front of a being like Aurelius, Jircniv knew the only path to survival was through complete submission, hoping to be seen as a loyal dog. Maybe Aurelius would toss him a bone, allowing him to keep his life, even if it meant being humiliated in the process.

Sadly, Jircniv had made one fatal miscalculation: Aurelius wasn’t interested in watching him wag his tail at all. He was far greedier than that.

What Aurelius wanted was—

“Everything!"

His tone was filled with amusement.

"Give me everything you have, and I might let you live."