The underground corridor stretches endlessly, beaming with an uneasy darkness. Yet, in my eyes, it is as clear as day.

Hundreds of biological abominations litter the space, growling as they tear one another apart, lacking any resemblance to intelligence. At first glance, I recognize animalistic features on their grotesque bodies. Some even look vaguely humanoid.

Perhaps they have been mutated under a process.

I'd like to pinpoint what exactly has happened to them, but making my way straight inside is probably faster. With that in mind, I take brisk steps forward. Hundreds of ravenous eyes are locked on me as the stench of rotten flesh approaches. Within that terrible scent, I detect a familiar trace, one that definitely belongs to demons.

''How typical...''

It isn't too strange to assume that the cult experiments with demonic stuff. After all, demons in this world don't come from hell, but from space. They're likely extreme cases of corruption, adopted by whoever is wielding the star's power. Some, like Efil, are artificially created.

If this base is really as important as the clues pointed out, I might encounter some genuine demons. How long has it been? I can't believe I'm eager to face those creatures again.

Chuckling to myself, I continue to stroll inside while idly radiating a layer of Nihility.

Monsters lunge at me, only for their bodies to disintegrate the moment they touch the translucent barrier. Yet, they never seem to be discouraged. Like moths flying into a flame, they relentlessly pour in, ending their lives voluntarily.

After some minutes of walking, I finally sense the presence of life ahead. By this point, the abominations have largely perished, and the traps set across the corridor haven't been able to damage me either.

Before me now is another closed entrance. Thrice... no, maybe four times my height.

Like usual, I pierce the array of protective magic with my word, then carve a way in for myself. The moment I kick the chunk of steel away, audible gasps enter my ears.

Fearless, I step inside.

Almost immediately, a chaotic scene greets me. Under the freezing blue light, a space no smaller than a football field is wholly illuminated. Cultists of various figures and ranks crowd the place, surrounding the entrance.

Close-quarter combatants stand at the front, while mages and others neatly pose behind, aiming precisely at me. It seems they've long been alerted, but... what's the deal with this place?

I once again scan my surroundings. Dozens of translucent pillars prop the tall ceiling, inside which giant abominations float, inactive. On the sides, even more tubes of the same type line densely, hosting more monsters. Traces of experimentation remain obvious, those being the worn-out tents whose fabric is dyed with blood.

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A straight path toward the other end of the room, there lies an empty throne. And on the wall behind it... a black sun is depicted. Vivid and clear.

''Heh.'' I can't help but chuckle. ''What is this? You guys worshipping the black sun now? Because the moon was destroyed?''

Ravenous Moon.

Their morale must have been hit quite hard when Leviathan swallowed the false moon.

Clearly stirred by my remark, the cultists, all fanatics, start to lose their control. No longer adhering to any sort of strategy or order, they throw themselves at me, bodies or spells, uncaring of consequences.

Half of them are killed by their own people's attacks, and the other half fry themselves trying to get closer to me.

''Pathetic.'' I mutter. ''Barely above those beasts you shackle.''

I calmly advance toward the throne, subtly avoiding the splashing blood and flesh. Corpses and resentful wails trail behind my steps. Still, my mind remains tranquil.

This much suffering is nothing compared to those moments when a civilization collapses.

In several short minutes, the chamber returns to silence. I stand in front of the throne, gazing at the black sun depicted on the wall. As I stare at it, it also seems to be staring at me, like an eye. The swirling edge of the sun, tinted with a red glint of madness, churns with each passing second.

''Hiss...''

Just then, a sharp inhale sounds behind the tall throne. A figure soon emerged, growing from bitter darkness—a woman with pale skin and black features hiding half her face behind a veil.

''You're a walking calamity, you know that?'' Darkness sneers, though I sense some fright behind those words. ''No wonder she pays so much attention to you, goddess or not.''

''Have you grown since the last time?'' I casually shoot back, my gaze unmoving. ''Did they feed you something?''

My opponent's pupils tremble, her body tense. Soon, a sigh escapes her mouth, wet with helplessness and a sense of acceptance, ''Yeah, well. I'm a goddess now. Isn't that amazing?''

''You don't seem that happy.''

When I finally glance at Darkness, her body shudders. A strange smile spreads beneath that thin veil, ''How could I be? The boss told me to be your opponent. She always babbles about fate and destiny and whatnot, but I didn't believe she would throw me away so carelessly!''

As if venting her frustration, Darkness slams her fist at the throne, ''The Script? The fuck is that?! Why do we have to follow it?!''

''Mind telling me about it?'' I ask, feeling somewhat amused. ''You're set to die here anyway, right?''

''...Right. Even if I'm not killed by you here, that woman will not let me live later.'' Darkness clenches her fists. ''I'll talk, sure. Hah, maybe she even predicted this. Maybe this is all in The Script?''

Her tone, especially at the end, becomes so unstable that it borders on madness. Still, she continues, ''In my eyes, it's a bunch of bullshit Buezrith made up to toy with us. It's a goddamn story inside her fucking head. That... that woman appeared out of nowhere and seized the whole cult. Worst, she carries the essence of the Heavenly Demon's power. That's why we had no choice but to come under her.''

''I see. Is she theatrical?''

''More than that. I've only met her original form once, but she's unhinged. On par with you.''

''I'm flattered.'' I chuckle.

For a bit, both of us laugh, but Darkness quickly falls back into a depressing silence, ''...Enough talking. It's getting late. Let's fight.''

''Sure thing.''

As soon as I raise my sword, the dozens of pillars behind me erupt, sending the underground chamber quaking. It wouldn't hold for long. The abominations, soaked with an unknown liquid, slowly react, rising one by one.

The energy I sense from them nearly rivals that of genuine demons. Pretty close. This must be the cult's best results so far.

In front of me, Darkness opens her arms wide, ''Let's dance, Aurora—a last dance! I trust you'll make it a beautiful one.''

Oh, man... have you become theatrical, too?

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