After spending time honing the new gameplay and helping Daphne develop her abilities, Novak felt satisfied. Having thoroughly explored the potential of her 'Empathy' and 'Doom Clones' skills in various scenarios, he left the villa
He stood atop Ocean Blue, overlooking the Bay River. The Twin's villa site had already been chosen nearby, and in his 'Ring of the King of Hell', Satan was busy instructing the Soul Sisters in advanced techniques. For now, they weren't expected to rejoin him.
His gaze then shifted to the old sewer entrance, visible nearby. What was once a desolate area had transformed into a thriving hub, meticulously developed and buzzing with activity.
Daphne's influence was undeniable. The first Secret Realm to catch the attention of White Emperor City's residents was the low-level Common Secret Realm known as the 'Old Sewer'. This fixed dungeon had quickly accelerated the growth of White Emperor City's evolutionaries.
After all, the old sewer was filled with plague-infested giant rats, and players had already posted countless walkthroughs and strategies for clearing the area. By now, most were intimately familiar with the enemies lurking inside. Many had ventured into it numerous times.
Thus, entering the old sewer had become a routine. Ordinary evolutionaries paid 20 copper coins per entry, while White Emperor City's guardian evolutionaries enjoyed free access. This entry fee was a significant revenue source for White Emperor City.
Despite what some might assume, Daphne's pricing wasn't unreasonable. For most evolutionaries, the fee was affordable, especially given that defeating enough plague rats inside could easily cover this cost.
Though most regular evolutionaries entered in teams, the spoils and ticket fees were shared. With a bit of luck, they might even find rare equipment.
For example, the 'Plague Set' included pieces like the highly coveted 'White Emperor's Bird Beak Mask'. Finding one was an instant windfall. Although equipment from the old sewer dungeon was now more common due to its popularity, the Plague mask remained rare. Its appearance on the market could fetch a gold coin from White Emperor City's elite or wealthy evolutionaries.
Thus, the old sewer dungeon entrance had become one of the most popular locations in White Emperor City. The lively calls of vendors and traders made it feel almost like a bustling, post-apocalyptic bazaar.
Novak was pleased with this transformation.
Behind him, only Nicole and a few original team members followed, as Daphne was recuperating in the villa.
As they walked, the many evolutionaries around immediately recognized Nicole. Even those who hadn't seen Novak in person knew that anyone receiving such deference from Nicole could only be White Emperor himself.
Instantly, the crowd's gaze grew intense with admiration. Yet no one dared to approach. The reverence for such a powerful figure—and the new social order emerging from the apocalypse—was deeply ingrained.
"Master, the plague sewer fully formed five days ago. Deep within the sewer entrance, it's still a fair distance from the old sewer in the Secret Realm. For now, it's been sealed off."
"Understood. You don't need to follow; go back," Novak said, waving a hand dismissively as he slowly entered the sewer.
However, Nicole hesitated, concerned. "Master, this plague sewer is a hell-level Secret Realm, and only evolutionaries at levels 15 to 35 are allowed to enter. It's extremely dangerous. If you're planning to go in, let me accompany you!"
Novak chuckled, appreciating her worry. He was well aware of the dangers that lurked within. If he hadn't possessed the Abyss Master abilities, he might have reconsidered entering—it was no trivial thing to risk his life in this manner. Still, Nicole's genuine offer to "risk death" alongside him—even if unneeded—made him feel an unexpected warmth toward this short-haired, long-legged bodyguard.
"Don't worry, I'm not so easy to kill. Wait for me here, and once I'm finished, I'll take you somewhere that will help you fully develop your professional skills," he assured her.
The place Novak had in mind was none other than the abyss itself. In his previous life, after becoming a Demon Hunter, he'd had limited access to the abyss, making it challenging to hunt demons and grow stronger. Now, however, as the ruler of the abyss, he regarded its denizens as little more than feral subjects. While powerful, their loyalty paled in comparison to his hand-picked team members.
After Nicole and his other confidants left, Novak made his way into the sewer's depths. Finally, he reached a side pipe where a swirling black-green vortex appeared, pulsing with an ominous energy.
Novak was familiar with this aura—there was no mistaking it. It was the unmistakable signature of the plague's corruption.
His eyes glinted with interest.
As the remains of the Plague Sect's plague messenger decomposed, it released a virulent infection that reanimated the sewer, allowing the plague virus and fungi to spark a chemical transformation. This was the real reason for the formation of this hell-level dungeon.
'Plague Sect, Plaguebringer.'
The death of a Plaguebringer had yielded a hell-level dungeon—a unique opportunity. Perhaps, even after his job change, the SSS-level quests from the Plague Sect would keep refreshing. There would be much to gain from further study here.
This was the first true hell-level Secret Realm he had encountered in this life.
Taking a deep breath, Novak plunged into the swirling black-green vortex.
[You have entered the Hell-level Secret Realm Dungeon: Plague Sewers (15-35)!]
[Warning: Exposure to the fungal virus will temporarily reduce your Constitution attribute with each passing second!]
'So this is a hell-level dungeon...' he mused, impressed by the sheer hostility of the environment. But before he could finish the thought, another notification appeared:
[Virus King talent activated... You are immune to any plague infection. Absorbing ambient plague viruses. Evolution points +2.]