{Chapter: 245: Choosing a Target}
These nobles, while not overwhelmingly strong, still carried a kind of stubborn pride passed down through generations. Noble blood came with expectations—honor, integrity, restraint. Not so long ago, men like these would have spat in the face of devils and dark gods alike.
"But that pride is cracking," Dex whispered. "The fear must be great."
It was easy enough to guess the cause. Perhaps they had lost faith in the divine protectors of this realm. Perhaps they now saw the gods as weak, distant, or unconcerned with mortal struggles. Or perhaps they simply realized that in the face of true horror, loyalty means little.
Either way, their choice was clear—they were abandoning their beliefs for the promise of protection, or at least survival, under a new master.
Dex leaned back, gazing up at the crumbling ceiling.
"Pathetic, really," he muttered. "Evil gods and demons… Neither are saviors. They're simply the next layer of ruin."
Just as he was contemplating whether he should intervene, a sudden pulse rippled through his soul. It was a sensation he hadn't felt in years—but one he recognized instantly.
The Abyss Contract.
It had activated.
The binding agreement signed two years prior was now issuing its call—soft but insistent, like a distant whisper rising into a roar.
Dex's grin widened.
"So… it's finally time."
The gears that had long remained still had begun to turn.
The plan, dormant for two long years, was finally being set into motion.
Dex stood slowly, the creaking of his chair echoing like thunder in the quiet room.
"I've waited long enough. Augustus has many secrets I've yet to uncover... and now, it looks like I'll get my chance."
He glanced once more toward the distant room where gods and traitors whispered behind curtains.
His eyes gleamed.
"Now… it begins."
---
It was still the same cave where the demons had first assembled. However, this time, the atmosphere was noticeably different.
The number of participants had increased significantly—nearly two hundred demons now occupied the cavernous space, making it far more crowded and tense than before.
Dex swept his gaze across the gathering, his expression unchanged. Looks like a few of the demons who were lured away over the past two years finally made their way back.
He didn't particularly care. Whether they came or not had little impact on his personal plans.
But not all present shared his indifference. Many demons glared at the newcomers with thinly veiled hostility, their expressions twisted in suspicion and malice. For beings of the Abyss, the idea of newcomers joining didn't represent strength in numbers—it meant more competition for power, rewards, and influence.
In truth, most demons wore hostile expressions by default. It was simply in their nature to want to tear apart anyone who entered their field of vision. But the tension here ran deeper than instinct—it was the resentment of predators forced to share territory.
The host of this meeting remained Gewa, but he had altered his appearance this time. No longer did he appear as the old dwarf from before. Instead, he had taken on the form of a well-dressed human man—an polymorphed form that gave him an oddly diplomatic air amidst the chaos of the gathering.
He clapped his hands twice, the sharp sound echoing across the cave, cutting through the low murmurs and growls of the assembled demons. When the group had quieted, he spoke in a calm and authoritative tone.
"First of all, I appreciate you all showing up on time," Gewa began, his voice carrying the weight of command. "Over the past two years, I've completed all of the necessary groundwork. Now, it's time to move forward."
With a casual wave of his hand, he conjured parchment scrolls—one floating down before each demon like a leaf on an unseen breeze.
"These scrolls contain essential information," Gewa continued. "Study them carefully. Afterward, select your target and come to me to register your choice."
Dex didn't bother listening to the rest. As soon as the scroll unfurled before him, he began to read.
The information was detailed and comprehensive—far more so than he had expected. It listed important figures in the city of Augustus, complete with physical descriptions, known strengths, places of residence, and even estimated value in terms of strategic threat or sacrificial potential.
From the ruling City Lord down to the heads of security, military leaders, and department officials—anyone with power or influence was accounted for.
Of course, Dex knew better than to fully trust this kind of intelligence. There were always outliers—hidden threats, cloaked powerhouses, or individuals deliberately masking their strength. It wasn't unusual for a "minor official" to turn out to be a demigod in disguise.
One wrong assumption could turn an easy fight into a desperate battle.
You think you're walking into a one-on-one duel, only to be ambushed by a group of elites lurking in the shadows.
As he scanned the document, Dex also took a moment to mentally gauge the strength of the demons gathered around him.
Thirty-seven [Middle-rank Demons], and one hundred forty-four [Upper-rank Demons].
Not a weak gathering by any means.
And considering these were not ordinary Abyss dwellers—but demons who had survived deep in enemy territory—their actual strength likely exceeded their classifications. Compared to average demigods in this world, these demons were monsters in their own right.
Even if Augustus was hiding additional defenders—perhaps a dozen more demigods—it was unlikely to pose a true threat to this force. Unless a true god suddenly emerged from the shadows, the city didn't stand much of a chance.
Dex smirked slightly.
And even if things go sideways… these guys should make for excellent meat shields while I make my escape.
With that comforting thought in mind, Dex jabbed a clawed finger toward one entry on the parchment and turned to Gewa.
"I'll take this one."
The target he had selected? Augustus' largest library.
Though it sounded mundane to outsiders, it was no ordinary archive. Protected by powerful tower spirits, ancient wards, and housing a wealth of forbidden knowledge, the library was one of the most fortified locations in the city.
According to the scroll, it was guarded by no less than four confirmed demigods. The parchment even advised that any attempt to capture or destroy it should involve no fewer than three Upper-rank Demons.
But Gewa didn't bat an eye at Dex's decision.
Despite Dex being only a [Middle-rank Demon] on paper, Gewa sensed something more from him—a quiet, dangerous confidence. And in the Abyss, appearances could be deceiving. Power wasn't always visible on the surface.
If Dex had the guts to claim such a difficult target, Gewa wouldn't question it. He simply nodded and registered the choice.
Let him take it. If he fails, the backlash will sort him out. If he succeeds... all the better.
With the first target claimed, the rest of the demons began selecting their marks in rapid succession, the air buzzing with dark excitement.
When the final demon had made their choice, Gewa raised his hand for silence.
"Since your targets are now set," he said, "I'll say this only once—keep yourselves restrained during the operation. Do not cause unnecessary casualties among the civilians."
A few demons snorted derisively, but none dared openly challenge the directive.
Gewa's voice became colder.
"The civilians are vital. They are not prey… yet. They are resources—raw material for what we're building. Every death among them is a waste of potential. Control yourselves until your job is done."
It was a rare moment of clarity in a gathering of chaos incarnate.
Everyone present knew the truth: once the powerful defenders of Augustus were eliminated, the fate of the city's civilian population would be sealed.
To the demons, they were nothing more than tools—materials to be processed, not people to be spared. Two Upper-rank Demons could easily raze billions of armed humans. That wasn't the concern here.
No, what mattered was utility.
And in the Abyss, if you weren't strong, your existence could be reduced to one thing—something to be used by those who were.
Just like livestock bred for slaughter.