The power of the abyss enveloped the entire group of ratmen. As expected, it didn't surprise Novak, and the abyss's will quickly gave him immediate feedback:
"Your level is different compared to the creature being converted. Conversion cannot be completed."
The abyss's transformative power could only alter entities at E-level or below.
Novak hadn't yet attempted to transform souls, but based on the feedback from the abyss, it was clearly possible. Without further thought, he commanded a ratman to leap into the Abyss Well. Simultaneously, he wrapped the creature again in the power of the abyss.
This time, a piercing, shrill scream echoed from within the well, startling the other ratmen gathered around.
To Novak, the Abyss Well was the source of his power. But to any being not native to the abyss, it was the most fearsome pit imaginable—a place where anything that entered would be utterly devoured, leaving not even bones behind.
It was terrifying.
However, this particular ratman carried the residual power of Abyss transformation bestowed by Novak. Though its screams were spine-chilling, he could sense the creature's survival.
Moreover, the ratman continued to evolve, its form shifting and growing as the Abyss Well amplified its Abyss essence.
Novak didn't have to wait long. Standing by the well, he could feel the feedback of his Abyss influence.
[Accepting new species abilities: soul, body, blood—recorded in the abyss.]
Just as he suspected, the abyss had the power to absorb everything, transforming any creature within its realm into a true Abyss species.
This process reminded him of the terrifying Fish Demon he'd previously encountered, which was likely once an ordinary fishman transformed by the abyss's power. Now, he wondered what this mutated ratman would become in the depths of the abyss.
A few moments later, the Abyss Well seemed to "spit" something back out—a fully transformed ratman.
This new creature, while retaining its former height of around 1.12 meters, had undergone radical changes. Its previously scrawny frame had bulked up, its fangs sharpened, and its claws grew razor-sharp.
[Transformation complete. New abyss species recorded: Plague Rat Demon. Abilities: Fangs and Claws, Enhanced Speed, Plague...]
[A new member of this race will be born sporadically with every demon birth.]
Novak's eyes lit up with satisfaction—he had succeeded!
The abyss's transformative power primarily functioned through consuming and altering souls. This abyss acted as a nexus for the universe's dark, hidden forces, devouring and transforming all beings within its reach.
The ratmen, or rather rat demons, were only the beginning.
With his plague authority still allowing him control over these rat demons, Novak felt reassured, nodding with satisfaction. He unleashed the abyss's power again, this time enveloping all the remaining mutant ratmen, guiding them to enter the abyss one by one like an assembly line.
Rather than waiting idly by the well, Novak moved to take action.
On the first level of the abyss, he used his authority for the first time to designate a vast area as the future dominion of the rat demons. Simultaneously, he channeled his influence into the Abyss Well, adjusting it in accordance with the will of the Abyss Master.
When future demon eggs are born, all plague rat demons will populate this vast cave.
Novak intended to establish a temporary territory for the Rat Demon Clan here. However, he wondered if these plague rat demons, transformed by the abyss, would fully inherit the violent tendencies of other demons and perhaps develop a taste for infighting.
If so, he would need to adjust his approach.
For now, he paused his efforts to gather more plague creatures. This was, after all, only an experiment. Even if it didn't go perfectly, there would be no significant harm.
With this in mind, Novak closed his eyes, channeling his senses across the full extent of his Abyss authority from the first through the ninth levels of the abyss.
The abyss was chaotic, its intense internal strife hindering true progress. Though demons became stronger through constant conflict, it kept the abyss from forming any stable civilization. If order were introduced, it could bring more powerful beings into existence.
However, chaos did not necessarily require complete disorder. A degree of structured combat and rule could still retain the essential fierceness of the abyss.
Novak envisioned creating safe zones on each layer of the abyss, building them around the Zogwort Chamber of Commerce. These zones would be supervised by demon lords and enforced by the will of the abyss. Additionally, key facilities such as arenas, shops, and other resources should be available, especially on levels with large demon populations.
Yet this was a vast undertaking for him alone.
Sharing Abyss authority was not an option, nor could outsiders intervene in the abyss, given its unique nature. The challenges of such a transformation were undeniable.
But then Novak thought of several suitable candidates for collaboration. The Succubus Queen, Meikanxie, and Winifred were both powerful forces within the abyss, and, more importantly, highly intelligent. He also considered the God of the Underworld Gabul, whose temperament differed from the usual violent demon nature.
These figures were all promising allies. After all, strengthening the abyss would also benefit the abyss lords.
Without hesitation, Novak resolved to seek them out. Once the rat demons emerged from the abyss and gathered in their newly established cave, he left them under the watch of his plague authority.
Determination flared in his eyes.
Change.
The abyss needed transformation—bold and lasting reform!