A pitch-black darkness devoid of any light.
Whoosh!
Only the cold wind unique to the afterlife fluttered his hair and clothes.
And,
『Six Constellations observing you express their admiration.』
‘Admiring? What’s there to admire…’
The reactions of the Constellations appearing before his eyes reminded Shimun that he was falling.
Then, ‘Wait a minute.’
Shimun tilted his head. The reason was simple.
‘Six? Not seven, but six?’
The Constellations currently observing him should total seven with the recent addition of Michael.
Of course, ‘Michael hasn’t quite joined the Chosen by the Constellations yet…’
The renewable title ‘Chosen by the Constellations’. With stats that change based on the number of Constellations in the alliance, the current additional stat for Chosen by the Constellations was +6.
Michael was not yet included. This wasn’t unusual. Even though he had formed a Divine Relic, he hadn’t yet completed Michael’s mission.
Still, this only applied to the title ‘Chosen by the Constellations’. It shouldn’t affect the number of Constellations observing him. Though there was a plausible explanation.
‘It must be because of the Heavenly Demon…’
The Heavenly Demon descended after receiving Sun Wukong’s hair strands. Even though it was an avatar, the fact of its descent remained unchanged.
‘It seems his avatar is still in Speech Hell.’
Since his avatar was still active, Shimun assumed that was why it displayed six Constellations.
“Hahaha!”
He looked up as laughter pierced through the endless fall. Was it because they were falling together?
Or because of the massive 18-meter stature?
“Ugh! Hahaha!”
Not far away, Velyaz was unable to contain his laughter.
He said, “Kim Shimun. I don’t know how you endured against the Servant of King Enma and even summoned the Heavenly Demon….”
Despite his seemingly hopeless words, “Those antics end here.”
He wore a thick smile. But it wasn’t a completely joyful smile.
“The Abyssal Hell! Here, where even gods shun… a mortal’s sanity will be lost instantly!”
The Abyssal Hell, the last of the Ten Hells.
As he mentioned it, Velyaz’s lips drooled thickly, like a madman or beast.
Because of this, “Indeed. A mortal probably wouldn’t survive here, but… isn’t that the same for you?”
Shimun chuckled softly and asked, “From the looks of it, you’re not a demigod Giants but an awakened giant Jotunn, right?”
Compared to the demigod giants Giants he met in the main arena, Jotunn, even as awakened giants, seemed somewhat inferior.
Just as species are classified by their inherent nature, the difference between Jotunn and the naturally born demigod Giants was substantial.
It was akin to the difference between a high-tier dragon Drak and the highest-tier Draconian among dragonkin. Of course, in terms of sheer skill, Velyaz was stronger than the Giants he saw in the Nemean Valley.
Back then, the Giants were Diamond Rank, while Velyaz was a Master Rank, and a participant in a debut match, no less.
However, “Well, you might be a high-tier Jotunn, but in the end, you’re still just a Jotunn.”
Just like the difference between a Draconic and its evolved forms, the difference between a Jotunn and a demigod was fundamentally significant.
Naturally, “This Abyssal Hell should be effective on you, a Jotunn, as well?”
There was no way to remain unaffected by the influence of the Abyssal Hell.
In fact, “Hehe, you seem to know quite well about us.”
Despite his laughter, Velyaz’s face was starting to contort.
But,
“Well, considering you wield Mjolnir, it’s not surprising.”
Did he have some hidden ace?
Despite his facial muscles beginning to twitch separately, Velyaz spoke leisurely.
He said, “As you mentioned, given my origin as a Jotunn, I can feel my mind and senses being encroached upon.”
He barely managed to focus his eyes which had started to cross slightly, looking down at his large hands. More precisely, “But my situation is quite different from yours.”
He referred to the dark key in his big hand.
Staring at it, Velyaz said, “I have an opportunity to escape from this place. Of course…”
Thunk.
The surroundings where they had been falling suddenly stopped. The pitch-black surroundings that had been all they could see, had transformed.
“King Enma has to grant this lowly one the opportunity, though.”
Into an enormous, majestic palace of Eastern style. And then, the giant presence approached in a single step, making even the 18-meter Jotunn Velyaz look like a child.
Thud!
『Without any prior notice… how have you come straight here from Speech Hell, without passing through the subsequent hells?』
The enormous being arrived swiftly, its head covered in masks like faces.
And with multiple legs and a menacing appearance comparable to the giants, its intimidating presence was undeniable as it took in Shimun and Velyaz with its four blazing eyes.
『What kind of heinous criminals are these… hmm?』
It tilted its head naturally. The reason was simple. The two beings before it were not supposed to be here, considering the sequence of the Ten Hells.
『Living beings? How did the living get here…! No, how did they set foot in Hell to begin with?』
They weren’t the kind of beings meant for Hell. However, the giant’s confusion didn’t last long. From beyond the grand, eastern-style palace that towered over its massive frame,
『Enough. Gatekeeper, open the gates.』
A voice as commanding as King Enma’s echoed. Despite its fearsome and terrifying appearance,
『Understood!』
The gatekeeper responded promptly, knocking on the palace doors behind it. Like throwing a stone into a pond, the rippling waves spread from the palace’s surface, echoing outwards.
Shimun and Velyaz’s surroundings shifted violently. In place of the giant gatekeeper and the majestic palace,
Swish.
An imposing and sturdy corridor appeared.
And then,
『Enma rarely delegates her duties to others…』
A voice as authoritative as King Enma’s boomed again.
As Shimun turned his head,
『A fragment of the Abyssal Hell with a giant? What an outrageous act…』
He saw a presence so immense that it dwarfed the already massive gatekeeper.
Fitting his commanding voice, he was clad head to toe in solid armor, resembling a colossal mobile fortress.
Clang.
Velyaz immediately bowed respectfully upon facing him.
“Your humble servant greets King Wudao Zhuanlun.”
King Wudao Zhuanlun (五道轉輪大王).
The ruler of the Abyssal Hell, the last of the Ten Hells.
Perhaps because they had entered his palace, Velyaz’s previously unfocused gaze and drooling stopped.
“I am Velyaz, a Jotunn serving the great demigod Lord Shennong.”
He spoke elegantly and respectfully as he always did.
To this,
『There’s no need for such formalities. I have a rough idea of what’s going on.』
King Wudao Zhuanlun waved his hand dismissively. But even that simple gesture,
Whoosh.
Sent a gentle breeze spreading from him, rustling Shimun and Velyaz’s hair.
Then,
『No matter how great Lord Shennong might be, this is still the realm of hell.』
Regardless of Velyaz’s polite demeanor, King Wudao Zhuanlun seemed displeased by the situation.
『That Enma… How dare she meddle in the affairs of the living…』
Tsk!
He clicked his tongue briefly. His already fearsome face frowned even more.
Seeing this, Velyaz,
Gulp.
Involuntarily swallowed hard.
It was understandable.
‘Even though I have the Abyssal Hell fragment and Lord Shennong’s relic…’
The fragment of the Abyssal Hell that guided him to this palace of the Abyssal Hell’s ruler. And the relic of Lord Shennong that protected his mind and body from the corrupting darkness, which could devour even a strong high-tier Jotunn.
Despite having both, which allowed him to arrive before King Wudao Zhuanlun, that was all it was.
‘If King Wudao Zhuanlun does not grant permission, I will not leave this place alive.’
From the beginning, whispers of Hell was a place where Lord Shennong had arranged safety through discussions with King Enma. Entering the Abyssal Hell was a consequence of worsening circumstances.
Naturally,
『Foolish Jotunn. Though Enma paved the way, it was your choice to step here.』
There were no prior conversations with Lord Shennong. Even King Enma, who permitted entry to the Abyssal Hell, gave no hint or assurance.
『Just because you show courtesy, I have no obligation to forgive your folly.』
King Wudao Zhuanlun had no duty to be considerate to Velyaz.
On the contrary,
『Daring to disturb Hell for the sake of the Constellations’ entertainment as a living being… that might be a different matter.』
Straying beyond the realms regulated by the Galaxy Arena and entering the Abyssal Hell might be a punishable offense.
Perhaps aware of this?
“Indeed, King Wudao Zhuanlun.”
Velyaz maintained his composed bow. Despite the terrifying declarations from King Wudao Zhuanlun that could easily intimidate him,
“I have no intention of disrespecting the ruler of the Abyssal Hell.”
He continued speaking without a quiver in his voice.
“However, I only have one request for consideration.”
With steady eyes, he looked straight into the gaze of the gargantuan figure, King Wudao Zhuanlun, who towered several times larger than himself.
Was his confident demeanor interesting?
『Consideration?』
One of King Wudao Zhuanlun’s rocky eyebrows raised slightly.
At that,
“Yes.”
Velyaz’s eyes sparkled as he quickly replied.
“In the past, the Three Sovereigns had close relationships with the Kings of the Underworld.”
『Indeed, that was the case. Not just with Shennong, but fundamentally, we the Kings of Hell have always been close to the Celestial Realm.』
King Wudao Zhuanlun nodded his head slowly, resembling an iron fortress.
But that was all.
『But that was a long time ago, even for Constellations. It’s not a matter for you to bring up.』
He drew a firm line.
“Of course. I simply wanted to make it known that I have received great favor from Lord Shennong and exist to repay that favor.”
Velyaz continued without showing any signs of fluster.
『Favor?』
Did that pique his interest?
『So, you’re saying that the reason you, a living being, have come to the Abyssal Hell is to repay Shennong’s favor?』
Soft curves began to appear on the previously ironclad face of King Wudao Zhuanlun.
“Yes.”
Velyaz hurriedly bowed his head, affirming his point.
Indeed, it was because, “I entered the Sword Trees Hell through the Arena but stepped into Speech Hell following Shennong’s will.”
Velyaz had not given up even the debut match to fulfill Lord Shennong’s mission. Being one of the Kings of Hell who discern the sins of the dead,
『I see. It is the truth.』
A mortal couldn’t lie before his presence.
“If you hold me accountable for stepping into this realm, I will accept the punishment. However, please let me repay the favor I owe to Lord Shennong.”
King Wudao Zhuanlun confirmed the authenticity of Velyaz’s words.
『Indeed… Your loyalty and heartfelt devotion are commendable!』
Contrary to his massive and fortress-like appearance, he teared up slightly.
Naturally, ‘Yes!’
Velyaz inwardly celebrated.
‘Lord Shennong had said that King Wudao Zhuanlun highly values the repayment of favors.’
The stories he had once heard about the Kings of Hell while serving Lord Shennong were now bearing fruit.
‘My loyalty to Lord Shennong is genuine. There’s no falsehood. So….’
Velyaz bowed his head lower and cast a sidelong glance at Shimun, who stood silently with his arms crossed, observing the situation.
‘I might escape from this Abyssal Hell, but Kim Shimun, you…’
Very subtly,
‘This is the end for you.’
He smirked slightly.
As expected,
『Indeed, you do have a connection with Shennong, and your deep loyalty is commendable…』
King Wudao Zhuanlun said, tapping his large fingers thoughtfully.
『Velyaz, I will permit you to repay your favor.』
“I sincerely thank the King for his deep generosity.”
Velyaz nodded slightly in gratitude.
『However, Kim Shimun, you shall not receive the same fate.』
King Wudao Zhuanlun directed his gaze towards Shimun, who stood silently at the back.
『Even though you possess a ‘Fragment of Tartaros’, the laws of Hell are strict.』
Perhaps because he had already granted Velyaz’s pardon,
『You must undergo proper procedures to rectify the disturbance you have caused in Hell.』
Invoking the notion of proper procedures, King Wudao Zhuanlun spoke of putting Shimun on trial.
A smug smile played on Velyaz’s lips.
However,
“……”
Shimun remained silent, calmly observing the situation. Eventually, “This is interesting.”
Shimun offered a small smile. In truth, had he chosen to argue, there were plenty of reasons to protest against King Wudao Zhuanlun’s words.
‘I had no idea there was a connection between Shennong and the Kings of Hell…’
Though Velyaz had mentioned repaying a favor, his pardon was also influenced by Shennong’s connection with the Kings of Hell.
But much like life itself, the Galaxy Arena, too, had its share of unfairness.
‘Well, connections with Constellations are a form of power as well.’
Anything linked to Constellations highlighted this most sharply.
‘I’ve also enjoyed some benefits from it…’
Given that Shimun had also reaped benefits from such connections, ‘I have no reason to complain.’
He merely shrugged his shoulders in acceptance. Yes, it was purely ‘acceptance’ of the situation.
So, ‘If I have complaints…’
He didn’t feel this situation was entirely unjust.
‘I’ll do it too.’
If he felt it was unfair, couldn’t he do the same?
With this thought in mind, Shimun pulled out the ‘Fragment of Tartaros’ from his inventory.
Swish.
Seeing this, King Wudao Zhuanlun’s eyes twitched.
『I clearly told you, didn’t I? With a ‘Fragment of Tartaros’ alone…』
“I understand.”
Shimun boldly interrupted King Wudao Zhuanlun. Before Velyaz or King Wudao Zhuanlun could react, “I simply have something I’d like you to ‘consider’.”
He repeated Velyaz’s earlier words verbatim.
Swoosh.
Shimun infused his spirit into the Fragment of Tartaros. To this,
『How foolish and insolent! How did such a simpleton come to possess such a precious artifact…』
King Wudao Zhuanlun’s face contorted openly in displeasure.
『No need for a trial. I can see you’ve lived arrogantly, relying solely on the Fragment of Tartaros!』
Boom!
He slammed his enormous fist down.
『The Fragment of Tartaros is a kind of idol, a token!』
Roaring like a demon of any hell, King Wudao Zhuanlun bellowed.
Yet still,
『Even if you infuse your spirit into it, nothing will…』
“I am aware of that as well. But.”
Once more, Shimun cut him off.
“As I mentioned earlier, I have something you should ‘consider.’”
Because of this, even Velyaz, who had been sneering, withdrew his smirk. The atmosphere in the palace grew tense.
‘Thi-this madman!’
Velyaz, now pale, involuntarily took a step back.
True to his shock,
『You insolent…!』
Just as King Wudao Zhuanlun’s fury was about to erupt,
Thud.
As if time itself had stopped, the massive form of King Wudao Zhuanlun, who seemed ready to explode, halted as if frozen.
It was no illusion.
Ssss…
Just as when they first arrived at the palace, the surroundings began to ripple, like waves.
The ground shook, as if an earthquake had struck.
『No way…!』
King Wudao Zhuanlun’s giant figure trembled.
The reason was simple.
In the center of the rippling space, “Last time you came through Styx. Now it’s Abyssal Hell, is it?”
A voice so sweet it made his eyes close involuntarily.
“Shimun? Even though you are not a departed soul, visiting the underworld so often is troubling.”
An unimaginable presence walked forward.
TL’s Corner:
If they play unfairly, just call in the adults.