Chapter 20

"Unjustly killed…?" Theodore swallowed an invisible lump down his throat, he hadn't read Asclepius' story so he had no idea how the god had died, he only knew that he was the god of medicine and that was it.

Asclepius huffed. "Yep, apparently even the most powerful being in the universe fears the strength of man."

"But why?"

"I, Asclepius, was and still am one of the greatest doctors in history. I was so good that the gods thought I could grant humans immortality." His voice was filled with grief, although his expression remained smiling.

"…That's it?" Theodore crooked his head slightly.

"Alas, yes. That was the reason I died." Asclepius sighed. "They tried to compensate me for it though, they turned me into a star."

Theodore stared down at the god, despite not having expressions, the confusion was clear on his face. "...I thought you were a god?"

"Yes, and also a constellation, have you ever heard of the Ophiuchus? The thirteenth zodiac?"

"That's you?"

"Ah huh, that's me!"

Theodore went silent for a moment. "A–Anyway! You said you were going to help me? How?"

"Well, like how Ouroboros has been helping you!"

[...So that's why you let me in.]

"Ouroboros?" Theo was curious what the god inside his mind had meant.

Asclepius simply smiled. "Mm, I want to negotiate a bit."

[Why? Do you not like what 'he' had offered us?]

"Frankly, yes." The blonde shrugged. "I mean, it's 'him' we're talking about here, who knows what sort of things he had planned. For a god to sacrifice everything on this bet…One must be truly desperate to take the offer."

"Guys…?" Theodore spoke up, he didn't understand what they were talking about at all. He would've asked about it but decided that it was most likely a matter between gods, getting entangled with their drama might not end well for him.

"Oh, I'm sorry, but I'm also afraid of 'him' despite not being in a contract…He's quite the terrifying god." Asclepius chuckled nervously.

[So you are taking a huge gamble as well.]

"Yes…But I'm confident that 'he' won't mind me striking a deal with him through Theodore." Asclepius' expression suddenly turned neutral as he stared into the snake's eyes. "...You're usually not this quiet, they call you 'System' now a days right?"

[...What is it that you wish to negotiate with Master?] The System's voice rang out.

"Oh, nothing much. I just want to change one term of the contract."

[Speak.]

Asclepius' lips slightly curled up. "Let me keep my divine body."

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Divine body, from what Theodore had heard from Ouroboros, it's basically a god's main form, without it a god would be severely limited to what they could influence in the mortal world, just like how Ouroboros couldn't prove his existence because he didn't have a divine body.

[...I can't tell if you're bold or stupid.] The System's tone went low as it spoke.

Asclepius let out a chuckle, he didn't seem to be taking this seriously despite his stern expression. "Oh, I'm not an idiot, unlike Ouroboros I have something to lose making a contract with you, I'm simply trying to make it a little more…comfortable for me."

[Fool, if you're not dedicated to the clause then don't even think about joining us. Let Theodore Varon go this instant.]

"Wait, wait…Why are you in such a hurry? I'm doing this for my and his safety." Asclepius insisted as he pointed his finger towards Theo. "He doesn't have enough 'Fame' to house my power."

[Master can deal with that drawback.] The System was starting to sound impatient.

"Okay, at least let me keep the Asclepius name." The god let out a sigh. "I'll give him everything related to the Serpent Bearer, how about that?"

[...]

[...Master…Master said he would accept your deal under one condition.]

A hint of fear flashed across Asclepius' expression, although it only lasted for a moment. "What is it?"

[You must take on the 'consequences' of him using your power instead of Master.]

"Oh, that's it?" The god let out a sigh of relief. "I thought he would ask for something much bigger. Of course, I can accept that."

[Then it's a deal.]

Theodore was confused as to what they were talking about, he only knew that Asclepius would be giving him a part of his power, but that was it. "...What's going on?"

"I'll explain later," Asclepius held his hand out until it touched Theo's scales. "But right now, you have some unfinished business to attend to, don't you?"

Without warning, warm bright lights emerged from the god's palm, they made their way up and around Theodore's frame until they eventually covered his whole body.

"See you on the other side."

His consciousness suddenly disappeared.

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[You have awakened the power of the Serpent Bearer!]

[Fame increased! Your stats will increase by 10 Points each!]

[Gained 1 new Personal Attribute!]

[Gained 1 new Skill!]

[Gained 1 new Bloodline Skill!]

[All abilities relating to 'Healing' have gained 1 Level!]

The multiple notifications rang inside his head, his visions returned to him and what he saw were panels describing the newly acquired skills that he had gotten.

Questions were swirling in his mind, but for now he needed to focus on the matter at hand. He first glanced around, realizing that the black pillars were still there and that Lucifer was now sitting on his throne, seemingly asleep with his head resting on his fist. 'He didn't even bother to clean up my corpse?'

Theodore didn't waste this opportunity and began reading through what his new skills were.

<<Personal Attribute: Asclepius' Guidance

Lvl. MAX

Type: Passive Skill [Blessing]

Requirement for Upgrade: Strength of a god's blessings depends on favorability.

Cooldown: None.

Description: The god of medicine has showered you with his divine grace. You can now fully utilize some of Asclepius' skills with his guidance, any healing abilities will have their effects buffed significantly, and due to this, Super Regeneration's restriction has been lifted.>>

<<Skill: Asclepius' Secrets

Lvl. 2

Type: Active Skill [Magic]

Requirements for Upgrade: Understandings in the medical field.

Cooldown: Depends on usage. 30 Seconds to 1 Week.

Description: Nothing can top Asclepius' skills as a physician, with this ability, you have the potential to access all of his miraculous healing abilities including resurrecting the dead and even making people immortal, however, you must respect the laws of the universe when using this ability since Asclepius' talents are seen as a great taboo in the divine world.

Sub-Skills: Basic healing spells (Healing, curse dispel, minor buffs)>>

<<Bloodline Skill: Forgotten Star

Lvl. 1

Type: Passive Skill [Body Transmutation]

Requirements for Upgrade: Unknown.

Cooldown: None.

Description: You have inherited the name of the Serpent Bearer from its original owner, with this ability, you're now considered to be a youngling deity. However, do not get full of yourself since you're nowhere near the realm of godhood. Still, your strength has now surpassed those of regular mortals, their tools cannot harm you and you now have the potential to learn the 'Magic of the Gods'.

Sub-Skills: Deity's Body (Adds 50 Points to Defense). Deity's Strength (Adds 50 Points to Attack). Deity's Magic (Increase Mana Capacity by 60%).

Given Skill: 13th's Knowledge (Potential to learn Celestial Magic and Unique Magic, including the 13th's spells prior to transaction. Increase understanding in the Arcane.)

Given Element: Divine.>>

After reading through everything, he turned his attention towards the resting Lucifer, that was when he noticed that something was off. Theodore cleared the mental panels in front of him before he finally spotted another window among the others.

It was a notification bar.

[The Personal Attribute 'Will to Live' has been activated!]

<<HP: 2/305,000 (!)>>

Then a few more announcements rang out in his head.

[The Bloodline Skill 'Super Regeneration' has been forcefully activated!]

[Your Hit Points are recovering rapidly!]

<<HP: 100,000/305,000>>

<<HP: 120,000/305,000>>

What surprised him the most though, was the notification that came afterward.

[Your body is still undergoing evolution. Time has slowed down.]

'Evolution? But I didn't have any choices?'

[You inherited my name, remember?]

Asclepius' voice startled Theodore.

'You…Are you inside my head?'

[Nope, I didn't sacrifice myself like Ouroboros, I only gave you my blessings, that's all.]

'You forced it on me.'

A wholehearted laughter was heard afterward.

[Haha! But I still saved your life though, after you've successfully bonded with the Serpent Bearer's existence, you'll need to fight him immediately.]

That was when Theodore realized that Lucifer wasn't nonchalantly resting on his throne, he must've flown down and collapsed from whatever drawback that major spell had inflicted on him.

'Isn't he weakened?'

[That's Lucifer we're talking about here, even though he's just another being's creation, his power is on par with a lesser deity.]

Theodore swallowed nervously. 'Can I even fight him in this state? I have no mana left.'

[Maybe, maybe not, all I can do is give you my blessing.] Asclepius laughed afterward, apparently what he'd just said was supposed to be a joke.

Theodore didn't find that funny though. 'Can you tell me more about this 13th's Knowledge? What does it do?'

[Ah, you haven't learnt any spells yet.]

'…' Theo was speechless, he was expecting some other answers since it was supposedly a god's magic. 'So it's useless?'

[No, no! It'll come to you once your adjustments are completed, don't worry, when the time comes you'll know what to do.]

That was when a notification rang out.

[Evolution Completed! You are now the 13th Zodiac: Serpent Bearer!]

[Your length has increased to 25 Meters!]

[Two powerful Bloodlines detected! Comparing…]

…

[The Ouroboros Serpent is stronger! Placing your new name under 'Titles']

<<Titles: 13th Zodiac: Serpent Bearer.>>

[What the f*ck?]

[Hahaha!! My bloodline is actually stronger]

[Silence! This is within my expectations, nothing can top Chaos and Order after all.]

[Oh, just admit it, you thought yours would be stronger because you're an actual god?]

[N—No?]

Theodore ignored the two deities inside his head and focused on the matter at hand, he could tell that time was starting to flow normally now and it wouldn't be long until his fight with Lucifer resumed.

First, he checked his status window.

<<Name: Theodore Varon

Species: The Ouroboros Serpent (25 Meters)

Titles: 13th Zodiac: Serpent Bearer.

Lvl: 38

EXP: 2,180,000/2,300,000

Skill Points: 1,195

HP: 305,000/305,000

MP: 1,880/1,880

[Evolution has resetted all abnormalities.]

Rank: S

Attack: 565 (A)

Speed: 425 (B+)

Defense: 905 (S-)

Charm: 75 (E+)

Intelligence: 145 (D-)

Magic: 435 (B+)

Elements: Ice. Fire. Draconic. Lightning. Divine. [NEW!]

Personal Attributes: Gaze of Wisdom (Lvl.6). Thermal Vision (Lvl.MAX). Venom (Lvl.5). Agility (Lvl. 3). Tongue Receptor (Lvl.5). Will to Live (Lvl.2). Deitify (Lvl.MAX). All-Speak (Lvl.MAX). Greater than Dragons (Lvl.MAX). Dragon's Heart (LVL.MAX). Scales of the Serpent (Lvl.1). Apex Predator (Lvl.MAX). Asclepius' Guidance (Lvl.MAX). [NEW!]

Skills: Ice Magic (Lvl.5). Ambitious Snake: Devour (Lvl.3). Master of Poison (Lvl.2). Persistence (Lvl.2). Flames of Pride (Lvl.3). Uriel's Blessings (Lvl.2). Wild Thunder (Lvl.1). Asclepius' Secrets (Lvl.2). 13th's Knowledge (Lvl.1). [NEW!]

Bloodline Skills: Embodiment of Chaos (Lvl.3). Super Regeneration (Lvl.MAX). Corrupting Touch [50%] (Lvl. 3). Divine Blaze (Lvl.2). Coldest Death (Lvl.2). Predator of All (Lvl.2). The Great Cycle (Lvl.1). Forgotten Star (Lvl. 1). [NEW!]>>

The amount of panels he'd seen today was enough to make his head spin, although gaining new abilities was a good thing so he didn't mind. He lifted his head from the floor and looked at Lucifer, whose gaze slowly shifted towards him as a notification sounded out.

[The flow of time has resumed.]

'Let's try this again, shall we?'

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"…" Lucifer narrowed his eyes as he stood up from his throne. "How are you still alive?"

For him, it'd only been a few minutes and the trace of his final spell still lingers on the battlefield. The black pillars surrounded the serpent and continued giving off an eerie air, although if one were to look closer, some of the towers were slowly dispersing into dust starting from the top.

The snake raised his head and stared at him, his eyes void of emotions but full of life, as if he was never at death's door in the first place. "It's not that hard when one of your abilities lets you survive any attack at two HP."

Lucifer didn't know what the term 'HP' meant, but he could at the very least understand that the snake had some sort of magic that kept him alive despite taking such a devastating attack. "…You're quite tenacious, surviving my 'Evil Vanquish' spell isn't something an ordinary monster could do."

Dark mist began emitting from his finger until the particles gathered around his palms. "No matter, I just need to kill you again."

A dark red magic circle appeared in front of him and a beam of sanguine energy shot forward from the middle, it traveled towards its target at high speed until it eventually struck, causing a loud explosion and smoke to cover the battlefield.

However, much to his surprise, the serpent still held his head high even after getting hit by his attack. "What…?"

That was when he noticed something lying on the floor, it was charred black but it still held its shape. 'He shedded? In that short amount of time?'

Apparently, the snake had used his own molt as a shield, managing to use it as a decoy for Lucifer's magic. "I'm not as weak as before, you won't kill me that easily." As soon as the snake finished speaking, multiple blue circles appeared around his body and spears of ice shot towards Lucifer.

"We'll see about that." He concentrated on his own magic, and with a wave of his hand, the spikes exploded mid-air before it could hit him. "You can never defeat me, I am the creator of the Demon Arts, no magic can ever beat mine."

The snake didn't reply as it summoned more magic circles, this time, frozen chains shot from the ground and tried to wrap themselves around their target. Lucifer waved again and the ice shattered. "Have you not learned your lesson? Your measly ice can never—"

The temperature around them suddenly dropped to an abnormal degree, it went so low that even Lucifer could feel himself shiver.

Frost burst from the serpent's body and the entire throne room was once again covered with ice and snow, the sky above began raining down flakes, as if responding to its call.

It was the same spell that was used before and Lucifer could easily overpowered it, but for some reason, he felt that something was different. 'Wait, he didn't chant anything?'

More ice spears and chains flew towards him, although when he tried to disable them like before, he found that his magic didn't work. Luckily for him, he wasn't underestimating his opponent and was able to weave out of the way just in time, the ice spikes hit his throne but the chains persisted and turned to follow his movements.

"You're annoying…!" A blade of crimson flames appeared in his hand and he easily cleaved through the incoming attacks.

But then he suddenly felt a sharp pain coming from his side, and when he came to his senses, something had hit him on his abdomen and sent him flying against a wall.

At first, Lucifer thought that he was merely caught off guard, he stood up and readied his sword but then he realized a bit later that he was bleeding from where the surprise attack had struck him. "How…?"

His eyes widened with shock, it was impossible for mere elemental spells to inflict this much damage to him, he took a closer look at his wound and saw that around the gaping hole were burn marks. 'But his holy magic was too weak to hurt me before!'

When the smoke cleared, a giant serpent was staring right at him, its expression unreadable and its eyes still without any emotions, Lucifer stared back with his flaming sword in front of him in a defensive stance. 'Is it my imagination? The snake is larger now…'

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Theodore was just testing out his new strength, he didn't expect his power to spike up that high just from one evolution. 'I don't need to say an incantation for Devouring Winter anymore too.'

The 'Forgotten Star' Bloodline Skill had greatly increased his magic's proficiency, his spells felt more fluid and he didn't need to concentrate as much to cast them.

[Your 'Divine' element allows you to smite anything you consider your target!]

Theodore couldn't be sure about the difference between 'Holy' and 'Divine', but from the effects, it must be similar to one another. 'I'll worry about that later, it's effective against Lucifer so I'm not complaining.'

He immediately noticed the wound on the demon king's right side when the smoke dispersed; he'd tried out the 'Wild Thunder' skill since its trajectory was faster than any of his other magic.

Besides that, now that he'd managed to land a hit on Lucifer, 'it' should start taking effect now.

[The Fragment of the Original is responding to the Bloodline Skil 'Embodiment of Chaos'!]

[Your attacks will now inflict the Status Condition: Discord.]

[Your opponent' level is too high, the effects will be reduced.]

[Demon King of Pride: Lucifer is inflicted with 'Magic Disarray'!]

Theodore would've left this dungeon if he could since he'd already gotten what he initially came here for, with Asclepius' help, he wouldn't have to worry about any of his friends getting hurt ever again.

The only problem was that there was no exit, he tried going out the way he came in but the gates were closed shut. Following the normal dungeon rules, he would most likely need to defeat 'The Boss' if he wants to leave.

<<Time Limit: 49 Minutes.>>

'Let's hope this round doesn't take as long.'

Theodore took a deep breath and casted all of the basic ice spells he had.

[Freeze]

[Ice Chains]

[Frost Spear]

[Frost Bullet]

Under the influence of 'Devouring Winter', they won't cost any mana to use, however he thought it would be best to save the more powerful attacks for when Lucifer was caught off guard. From what he's seeing, the fallen angel had truly started to see him as a viable threat.

His ice constructs emerged from the many magic circles that'd appeared all around his figure, the attacks burst toward their target like rows of arrows emerging from behind a wall, fast and unavoidable. It would be impossible for anyone to dodge this many spells all at once, especially when it came from all four sides.

'It should be over soon.'

That's where he's wrong though.

Suddenly, Theodore's fight or flight instincts were suddenly screaming at all. 'What…?'

[Warning! A large amount of Demonic energy was detected!]

[That doesn't look good.]

Even Asclepius didn't like what he was seeing, Lucifer was engulfed in a ball made from what looked to be black fire with dark red flares, all the ice attacks that came within its vicinity melted away in almost an instance until even the areas affected by Devouring Winter was defrosting too.

[Demon King of Pride: Lucifer had negated the effects of 'Magic Disarray'!]

[Demonic energy is growing within the area!]

"You have forced my hands, serpent."

The glow of Lucifer's red eyes could be seen within his fiery cocoon as it unfurled, releasing a huge amount of power in every direction. Standing on ground zero was the demon king, although his appearance had changed, as he slowly rose from the ground, his wings spreaded, revealing charred marks at the end of their feathers. His arms were black, as if heavily burned, and his hands were shaped like a beast's claws.

His red eyes now looked more sinister than ever and his scarlet halo now looked like a crown hovering above his head with the three spikes that'd grown at the front of the ring.

Those minor changes couldn't compare to how large his aura had grown, it felt suffocating just being near him, Theodore even subconsciously edged backward despite their already wide distance.

It was a little late, but the System's notification had prompted in his mind.

[The Demon King of Pride: Lucifer has unleashed his true strength!]

[You are now facing 'the First Fallen'.]