[CH598+ Continued] Dungeon Diver: Stealing A Monster's Power

The two Demons walk into the center of the lobby with their arms crossed, glancing up at the ceiling while frightened sales workers and customers scatter.

Neither says a word as they enter the elevator to ascend to the trade center's top floor.

A flurry of transmissions ripple throughout the Volterra district, even reaching neighboring lower-class districts. Those on the bottom floor who witnessed their arrival recall the events of days past and understand that whatever is happening now will be even bigger.

As the elevator dings, opening to the top floor, a red-haired human and a massive blue Ogre stand in front of the dueling rooms at the back of the hall, awaiting their guests.

The employees and customers on this floor, however, are not as prepared. The domineering pressure spreading through the room makes even the 2nd Class Red Ogres queasy from hundreds of meters away. Visiting 4th and 3rd Class Lords collapse under the crushing presence of these newly upgraded Avatars.

The tension escalates when a familiar laugh from a purple-horned Demon echoes through the room.

Leonard, the black-horned Demon, speaks as his partner's cackles continue.

"So you have realized your fate. It was nothing but a petty attempt at making the Demons look bad before your very existence was inevitably erased..."

The two walk slowly through the massive hall, and everyone holds their breath, unwilling to shift the focus of this confrontation.

Torvak and Ember stand with indifferent expressions, watching the pair approach.

Myron yells over his cool-headed partner's words.

"That's right! You cheated! Anyone could pull off a cheap shot with an illegal Avatar!"

The two stop directly in front of the human and the Ogre. Leonard grins, shifting his gaze toward Ember.

"You pulled off quite the impressive bluff for a mere human. But I'm sorry to deliver this news personally—today is the day you die..."

Red Ogres shuffle behind them, preparing two of the dueling rooms. Ember responds in a calm tone.

"Is that so? I'm bluffing?"

He cracks a faint smile, just enough for both Demons to see, and then shrugs.

"Go ahead, give us the rundown. I know you have orders to follow."

Ember makes a provoking motion with his hand, then glances toward the ceiling where general surveillance systems capture all video and audio in public areas.

Leonard maintains his composure despite the blatant disrespect, but Myron isn't so level-headed. He yells down at the human.

"These aren't mere orders! What I'm doing today is my duty! The public must know the truth—and fear the Demons in this Citadel once and for all! I challenge you to an all-out duel! Mental, physical, no rules, real deaths, and soul damage allowed!"

His teeth grind as an eerie aura emanates from him, his eyes locked on Ember, who keeps a straight face but inwardly grins.

Leonard steps up to the silent blue Ogre, meeting the 1st Class monster eye-to-eye.

"Your Ogre Conglomeration will no longer be a thorn in our side. The Citadel Lord has declared you an enemy worthy of subjugation. You will not leave this trade center until you accept a duel on my terms."

Without hesitation, the human and Ogre nod, replying in unison.

"Pick your terms. I accept your duel. Let us settle this."