Dungeon of Pride, Laplace



Even though it had yet to reach the peak level of its rank, a Giga Minotaurus was still a Giga Minotaurus, a powerful [A] rank mutated beast.

Even Aisha beside him who has reached the peak level of her rank, would have some trouble if she were to engage it in a physical fight without using her Spirit skills. However, the little girl in the arena was able to dominate the Giga Minotaurus in a pure physical and raw strength, even though it appeared to him that it was not her forte.

This in itself was enough to tell him that the girl's stats were far higher than the Giga Minotaur's. To be able to best an [A] rank in every way, means that the other party was at the very least also an [A] rank who had reached the peak level of their rank like Aisha or they were a rank above.

That is to say, the little girl called Maybell was an [S] rank subordinate.

It needs to be mentioned that the summoning of a [S] rank subordinate through the Dungeon Menu's [Summon] function was an exceedingly rare and exceptional occurrence within the demon realm.

Even for the most influential and accomplished demons, who have reached the pinnacle of their power and prestige, summoning a [S] rank subordinate was no joke.

The [S] rank is called as [S] rank because of their astronomical rarity. Even for the mightiest Demon Dukes, they would be considered fortunate to summon a [S] rank subordinate even once in their entire lifetime.

No matter how many emblems that they burned in hopes of that, it was the hard truth. The forces of the Demon Dukes mainly consist of [A] rank subordinates who acted as the general for their forces.

For the ancient Demon Archdukes, who had stood as pillars of strength and wisdom for thousands of years, summoning [S] rank subordinates might not be out of their reach. However, even then it would be an uphill challenge with a very negligible probability of summoning one.

A Demon Archduke might have one or two [S] rank subordinates leading their forces, a testament to their unparalleled authority and their ability to command beings of immense power and a mark of their status as legendary figures within the demon hierarchy.

So, it was an astonishing revelation to witness a relatively young demon earl, who hadn't even lived for that long, to actually be able to summon a [S] rank subordinate.

It could be said that it defied all the expectations and norms that had governed the realm for centuries, and would leave even the most experienced demons in awe and disbelief.

"Haha," Oswell laughed dryly coming to a realisation that no other demon here had noticed. Being one of the special demons himself, he knew about the profound connection and the influence the emblems had with the summoning function.

Each dungeon, a manifestation of its master's power and domain, possessed its own distinctive characteristics and energies. The emblem is just one of the conduits which reflects the unique qualities and traits of the demon who ruled over the dungeon, serving as a testament of their power, aspirations, and individuality.

They carried the imprints of the demon's conquests, their strength, and the qualities that set them apart from other demons. The emblems were, in a sense, a reflection of the demon's own prowess and potential.

These conduits produced by a demon noble's dungeon played a pivotal role in the summoning of subordinates through the Dungeon Menu.

Each dungeon has its own menu and [Summon] option that is only accessible to the master of the dungeon. The emblems acted as keys that unlocked the specific frequencies and resonances required to attract and bind certain types of subordinates.

The diversity of dungeons across the demon realm resulted in a vast array of emblems, each with its own distinct properties and potential and specific to that dungeon.

Some emblems radiated fiery energy, attuned to summoning fire-based subordinates of immense power. Others emanated an aura of shadow and darkness, drawing forth stealthy and elusive subordinates who excelled in subterfuge and assassination.

Some brought forth beings specialised in raw power and strength and some elemental creatures of unknown origin.

Taking Arctaurus for example, he was called the father of Minotaurus because of his personal trait and ability that summoned all kinds of Minotaurus. There were also other Demon Dukes like Megera whose personal trait resonates with earth based creatures like the Gargoyles.

The interplay between the emblems and the dungeons themselves was a complex dance, a delicate balance of resonance and attunement.

A demon who nurtured a powerful dungeon, enriched by the spoils of conquest and imbued with their own strength and ambition, would find their emblems resonating with greater potency.

This, in turn, would grant them access to higher ranking subordinates and elevate their summoning prowess. It is because of this reason that the ancient Demon Archdukdes are able to summon a few [S] rank subordinates.

That being said, it is important to note, that the emblems were not the sole determinant of a demon's summoning potential. The demon's own power, knowledge, and a few special factors played a crucial role in the successful summoning of subordinates.

The emblems acted as a conduit, channelling the demon's intention and providing a framework within which the summoning process could unfold.

So for Simon to have summoned a [S] rank subordinate, it spoke much about the latter's potential, personal trait, power, ambition and speciality.

What's more, if the news about this extraordinary feat gets known, it was unknown what kind of ripple it would create through the demon realm.

"As I thought, he is hiding some great secret". Oswell could tell because he too was special in his own way.

"Master, I understand now why you wanted to befriend the demon. He is truly extra ordinary. Establishing a good relationship with him and making him owe you one at this stage when he is still weak, will definitely help you out in the future"

Aisha commented from Oswell's side. Her eyes were glued to the girl with black and red dress, fighting the Giga Minotaur as if it was a plushie made out of cotton.

"That was the case before, right now I really want to make him my friend" Oswell revealed his intentions.

Although at first, it was undeniably true that he had his own motive for approaching Simon. However, the more time he spent and the more he got to know the other, he understood that the other party was just like him.

.

.

Over in the new arena that was personally set up by Gareth with the help of the Demon Lord, the Giga Minotaur was getting the bashing of its life.

Duke Arctaurus who was watching, questioned the unfolding situation with a voice laced with frustration and confusion.

"What... what has happened to the Giga Minotaurus? Why is it not following my orders? This is not how it was supposed to be!".

He urged the Giga Minotaur to regain control and show its true power. However, how could it be easy to snap out of the mind control of an Antediluvian Ancestor?

With each passing moment, Myabell's influence over the mind-controlled Minotaurus grew stronger. Her commands echoed through the Minotaurus's mind, bending its will to her own. Like a docile and obedient pet, the Minotaurus followed the vampire's every directive, its movements no longer driven by its own instincts but rather by the vampire's desires.

The battle continued, each move punctuated by an air of grace and precision from Maybell. With seemingly effortless grace, she sidestepped the Giga Minotaurus's attacks, her movements calculated and fluid.

Her eyes gleamed with a mixture of confidence and amusement as she danced around the lumbering beast. The Giga Minotaurus, despite its tremendous strength and imposing stature, found itself trapped in a web of the Antediluvian Ancestor's control.

Every swing of its massive fists and every charge was met with agile evasion and strategic counterattacks. It was as if Maybell toyed with the creature, exploiting its blind obedience and turning it into a mere puppet in her hands.

The illusion of a battle persisted, the audience watched in awe, unaware that they were witnessing a display of the Vampire Ancestor's dominance, rather than a genuine contest of strength.

Through her shadow arts and mastery of manipulation, Maybell had completely turned the mighty Giga Minotaurus into a mere extension of her will. That said, only a select few in the shadows like Simon and Oswell were privy to this secret.

For other, as far as they knew, it was a masterful battle with both the side giving it their best.

"Alright, with this master's plan should have been completed. Now, its time to end this. Come charging at me like a good boy" Maybell muttered manipulating the Giga Minotaurus to get on all fours and come charging at her like a typhoon.

[Colossal Charge], [Unbreakable Horns]… the Giga Minotaurus used two of its most powerful skills in a bout of its final attack. Its horn glowed with a devastating light and its charge powered by its powerful hind legs and multiple augmenting skills, was a like charge of death itself.

The entire venue trembled as all eyes focused on the lumbering giant of a beast which scared even the most stalwart of the souls here. 

RUMBLE… RUMBLE… as the gigantic beast closed near the girl, the demons saw her execute a flawless set of movements and elegantly dodged the beast.

BANG… With Maybell dodging its charge, the Giga Minotaurus slammed into the barrier, sending numerous cracks and ripples through it.