The Absolute Godspeed of Infinite Worlds

Chapter 580 - 580

Needless to say, the reason Yasaka disappeared was because he became the new Archdemon.Due to the death of a previous Archdemon, a vacancy opened up in hell. Yasaka seized this opportunity, achieving an elevation in status—transforming from the human named Yasaka into the demon Asuk.

Only after his disappearance did the human world gradually return to peace.

No, perhaps "peace" isn't the right word. It merely returned to its normal course, as the war between humans and demons continued to rage fiercely.

Although Yasaka's son later inherited the title of Demon King, his threat paled in comparison to his father's. From then on, humans and the Demon Lord Army entered a three-century-long stalemate.

It wasn't until ten years ago, when Wiz, aided by Barnier, reincarnated as a lich and wreaked havoc in the Demon King's Castle, forcing Yasaka Kyoichi to sign a peace treaty. The Demon Lord Army ceased killing civilians, and humanity's situation finally improved.

"Ultimately, why did he turn to darkness?"

Eiji extracted the key point from this past event and asked Barnier.

"Just two days after defeating the Demon King, he became the new Demon King himself. That's way too sudden, isn't it?"

"Even I don't know the exact details."

Barnier shook his head, his expression one of helplessness.

Asuk's power and status were on par with his own, so Barnier couldn't peer into his past or future. Moreover, Asuk himself never spoke about it, keeping completely silent about the events of that time. To this day, the reason for his fall remains a mystery.

What is known is that his descent into darkness happened in an instant—no prolonged hesitation or doubt. It was as if he had discovered something crucial, had his defenses shattered in a flash, and turned without a second thought.

"However, there is one thing."

Barnier raised a finger, speaking meaningfully.

"After becoming an Archdemon, he actively prepared for war against the celestial realm, as if he wanted to wipe it out entirely. So I suspect his fall might be related to the heavens."

I see.

That does make sense. Earlier, in the dream, Eiji had overheard Asuk's obsession with the war against the celestial realm—why he had his descendants slaughter humans en masse. Since most humans go to hell after death, this would expand his army.

"Anything else?"

"Then I truly know nothing more!"

Barnier shrugged and spread his hands helplessly.

Fair enough.

"Then can you send me to hell?"

Eiji proposed a new request.

"Oh?"

Barnier narrowed his eyes, scrutinizing him.

"You're not planning to go to hell to find Asuk and resolve this head-on, are you?"

"Exactly."

Since he'd been seen through, Eiji admitted it readily.

"Then I must refuse with all my might!"

Barnier crossed his arms into an X-shape, shaking his head decisively.

"The seven Archdemons of hell must unite to oppose the celestial realm. Losing even one would deal a massive blow to hell. If this led to a full-scale invasion by the heavens, it could mean the collapse of hell itself!"

Not all the gods of the celestial realm are benevolent—some are warmongers.

It's those warmongering gods who have been constantly at war with the underworld. If they found out that one of the Archdukes of Hell was missing, they would surely seize the opportunity to launch a fierce attack. If this led to the collapse of the underworld, it would be Barnier's fault.

Standing at the pinnacle of the Seven Archdukes, he had to consider the underworld as a whole.

"Alright then."

Eiji felt a bit regretful but didn't press further.

"No, wait! I've just thought of a brilliant idea!"

Barnier suddenly clapped his hands and chuckled darkly.

"Oh, new Demon King, your power is no less than that of an Archduke of Hell. If you were to gain authority, your strength would surely advance by leaps and bounds! In that case, why don't you reincarnate as a demon? If you're willing, I'll send you to the underworld to settle your grudge with Asuk!"

"Once you deal with Asuk, you can become the new Archduke of Hell!"

Barnier thought this idea was fantastic!

It would resolve the conflict and bring an even stronger Archduke to the underworld—a true win-win!

As for Asuk?

Who's that? Never heard of him!

"I refuse with all my might!"

Eiji crossed his arms emphatically, his face full of rejection.

As someone who can traverse worlds, I have countless opportunities to grow stronger!

There's no need to bet my life's hue for the authority of an Archduke of Hell—it's just not worth it!

...

In a daze, Wiz slowly regained consciousness.

"I'm so tired..."

She struggled to get up from the floor.

"Huh? Mr. Nangou, when did you get back?"

She looked surprised at Eiji, who was chatting animatedly with Barnier.

"Are your eyes just for decoration?"

Eiji retorted helplessly.

What is this?

Does Barnier's killing beam also come with a memory-erasing function?

Can I learn this skill?

"Oh, sorry, I didn't notice at all earlier."

It took Wiz a while to snap out of it, as if suddenly realizing something, and she apologized profusely to Eiji.

"You look like you're about to disappear any second now. Are you okay?"

Eiji crouched beside her and pointed at her increasingly translucent body.

That killing beam was terrifyingly powerful.

Wiz was a lich, after all, yet she was instantly defeated—though not killed. And this was just a clone Barnier had created. If it had been his true self, the outcome might have been different.

"I'll be fine after drinking some sugar water."

Wiz looked weak as she leaned against the counter and made her way into the back room.

After a while, she emerged with a much healthier complexion.

"Really? Just sugar water?"

Eiji was astonished.

"Yes, liches are incredibly resilient. Unless it's holy-attribute power, it's very hard to kill me."

Wiz smiled with a hint of pride.

She used to be self-conscious about her lich identity, but she had long since come to terms with it.

Eiji couldn't help but feel envious.

Incredible immortality, plus skills that could absorb an opponent's magic and stamina—Wiz had even mentioned she could drain their levels and souls, reducing an enemy's level to zero in one move!

Aside from the weakness to holy attributes, the lich race was truly broken—no wonder they stood at the pinnacle of the Undead and could wreak havoc in the Demon King's Castle.

It was a shame the vulnerability to holy power couldn't be removed, or Eiji wouldn't have minded reincarnating as a lich.

"Alright, Wiz, now that you've recovered, let's get down to business!"

Eiji sat across from her with a radiant smile.

"About the rent you owe, you told me the other day you needed time to think it over. Have you made up your mind yet?"

Barnier subtly gave a thumbs-up from the side.

Who would have thought he had already set the stage in advance? From the looks of it, with just a little push from him, this hopeless shop owner could be married off, and he'd never have to worry about the shop's debts again!

"Just answer me straight—are you selling yourself or not?"

Since everyone present was an insider, Eiji dropped the act and put on a villainous expression.

"Oh, so that's what this is about!"

Wiz suddenly seemed to understand and smiled confidently, as if she had everything under control.

"To be honest, I've already sold myself before!"

"..."

"..."

Eiji and Barnier were both utterly speechless.