Shrouded in Darkness(1)

--- Ren's POV ---

As we ventured deeper toward the Lower Floors, a palpable shift in the atmosphere became evident.

Upon reaching the 40th floor threshold, a potent "force" pervaded the air—a power that instinctively resonated with my innermost sense of unease. I couldn't shake the feeling that serpents would coil around my body in a matter of seconds if I let my guard down.

I longed to hold Ais's hand at that moment, to offer her protection should any harm befall us. Yet, I understood that focusing solely on her safety would render our endeavors futile, achieving far less than what I had initially set out to accomplish.

I took on the mantle of leadership, placing myself before the rest of the group. "From this point onward, follow my lead," I commanded. "This power is beyond what any of you can face alone. It only reacts to our presence, which means it cannot be wielded against us deliberately, just as we surmised. However, do not be swayed by it, for it has the potential to devour your very soul."

With these words, I redirected Lucy's attention away from fruitless research, urging her to focus on the well-being of the party. Though Lucy lacked autonomous interaction with the outside world, I shared with her the sensations I perceived.

While I maintained a focused presence within the present circumstances, Lucy could strictly monitor them.

[Ais Wallenstein

Current Condition: Stable

Risks: 0%]

[Finn Deimne

Current Condition: Stable

Risks: 0%]

.

.

.

[Riveria Ljos Alf

Current Condition: Stable

Risks: 0.1%]

Thus, Lucy would promptly notify me if any member of our party were on the brink of having their soul devoured.

In this manner, I shielded our group from the insidious influence of this "Divinity," and it didn't take long for us to trace its origins to a singular source.

Finally, my gaze beheld the orchestrator responsible for this unfolding ordeal.

An otherworldly throne crafted from an unfamiliar material, its composition defying any comparison.

Seated upon the throne was the figure of a man with sleek, obsidian-black hair and piercing, benevolent eyes, his head tilted slightly as he rested it upon his hand.

His face, flawlessly composed, seemed untouched by the darkness that clung to his presence.

White wings, with each feather meticulously aligned and shimmering with otherworldly luminescence, extended gracefully from his back, as if attempting to conceal the taint of rotten energy that emanated from him.

The irony of it almost made me laugh. The man's trashy disguise only served to emphasize how ugly he truly was.

My immediate impulse to subject this God to intense torture flickered briefly in my mind. However, before we could prepare to confront him, the God smiled.

[...You must be the one. Greetings, Loki Familia members. I see you are all still alive and well. I'm glad. Especially because of you, Ais Wallenste-]

His sentence was abruptly cut off as countless shadow needles tore through his throat, shredding it to pieces.

"How dare you utter her name with that filthy mouth of yours..." I uttered.

Yet, I refrained from acting further, choosing to wait and observe. Unsurprisingly, the man simply laughed it off.

[...You can't even wait for the enemy to introduce himself? You're quite hasty! Don't you want to know what's happening? Why the plot is totally different from what you thought?]

...Damn, you're one of those enemies who love to talk?

Why should I bother listening to you? Lucy can extract information from your brain once I get a good look at it. I have no reason to waste time with you.

I noticed Riveria preparing some kind of magic. It was time to put it to the test.

"...You must be itching to tell me something, but I'm not interested. Why do you hide behind that ugly disguise of yours? Pfft. We can all see that you're nothing but a repulsive piece of trash. At least own up to it."

I could see the veins on his forehead throbbing with an eerie light as if they were the conduits of some dark power.

Did my words strike a nerve? A wicked satisfaction curled the corners of my lips, although I couldn't truly fathom what that expression looked like.

My rage seethed within, yet I knew I had to gauge the extent of his divine abilities.

Even if I managed to strike him down, it remained uncertain if I could truly inflict substantial damage or bring about his demise...

Amidst the tension, I observed the enigmatic God almost dismissively laughing off my provocation, teetering on the brink of mirth.

[...So, you wish to see my true form? How audacious of a mere "Special One" like you. What possessed you to think it wise to provoke me!? I had extended the courtesy of introducing myself prior to these insignificant ants. How dare you. If you yearn so desperately to witness my genuine visage, then I shall oblige.]

And with those words, his appearance underwent a violent metamorphosis. The once fair and pristine countenance cracked open as if a dam had burst, unleashing an effluence of putrid divinity. His wings contorted and twisted, their once radiant light swallowed by an abyss of darkness.

I recoiled in disgust as his revolting form unfolded before my eyes, threatening to overwhelm my senses. But what was even more abhorrent was the sound of his voice, dripping with malice.

[This is the fate the so-called benevolent Gods inflict upon us. Do you believe you were blessed to be reincarnated in this World, you wretched piece of refuse?! You are naught but a pawn in their insidious game, a means to fuel their insatiable power. I shall be the one to devour everything—your Familia, your Dreams, this World itself.]

...Confusion clouded my mind. Did he believe I willingly chose to be reborn in Danmachi like one of those normal Special Ones? Well, the less accurate information he possessed, the better.

The air crackled with ominous energy, a harbinger of an impending clash.

With a palpable sense of anticipation, weapons were raised, and Riveria completed her incantation, ready to unleash her formidable magic...

---

Author's Note:

I honestly couldn't bother to have this arrogant bastard start explaining endlessly how he did everything. He's quite the arrogant one and has reasons to be like that since he can't be killed or injured by normal means, as even the new ability shown by Ren was totally useless, for now.

Still, real fight scene next chap :)

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