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“Don’t be nervous, Igor, we’re just here to gather information.”

Alger gently stroked the great eagle’s head to comfort it, then took out a few spell scrolls, casting “Concealment,” “Breath Isolation,” and “Dark Vision” on both himself and the eagle.

“Let’s go.”

They entered the cave, sticky with filth everywhere.

The cave wasn’t narrow; instead, it was quite spectacular. Just the entrance alone had a diameter of nearly a hundred meters, like a gaping giant maw. Only because it was hidden by the towering mountains of Anstica’s depths had it remained unknown.

In fact, centuries ago, this place was called the “Mouth of Anstica,” but as time passed, records of it gradually disappeared.

After Alger and the eagle entered, it took a full half hour to barely pass through the long passage and reach the depths of the cave.

Inside, the corrosive effect of the Abyss was even more evident.

The rock walls were riddled with holes caused by erosion, twisted and grotesque corpses were scattered around, and poisonous spores filled the corners.

The purest form of darkness pervaded the cave, making it resemble a true demonic lair.

Demons resided here. They were embodiments of chaos and evil—or more accurately, sources of destruction crammed into gigantic, bizarre bodies. They knew no pity, sympathy, or mercy, existing solely to destroy. As an extension of chaos, the Abyss itself spawned these demons with filth and slaughter.

Notorious demon species like the Bagura Demon, Kas Demon, and Fro Demon were all present. Some gnawed on the scattered corpses, some wrestled and fought with each other, while others twisted the remains into strange shapes.

In the deepest part of the cave, on a black, pockmarked stone throne, sat a giant figure.

Even seated, the giant was nearly ten meters tall. Though it still had a giant-like form, its ebony, damaged skin, dull yellow tusks, and deep eyes flickering with chaotic fire all marked it as a corrupted demon-like being.

The corrupted giant seemed to notice something, grinning fiercely, slowly parting its lips.

“Who are you?”

“That red dragon’s loyal dog?”

Its mouth stretched all the way to its ears, and a boundless fury appeared in its eyes. The ugly face twisted with rage.

“But—who gave you permission to intrude upon my domain!”

“I am no longer who I once was!”

“Even that red dragon will eventually have its neck snapped by me and be torn to shreds!”

It grew more agitated, even starting to roar.

The corrupted giant suddenly stood up from the stone throne. The ground trembled, and pieces of rubble fell from the ceiling of the cave.

The surrounding demons also seemed to detect prey, converging with manic howls.

Alger’s expression changed drastically as he flipped onto the eagle’s back.

“Not good, we’ve been discovered!

“Quick, get out of here!”

Fortunately, the interior of the cave was spacious enough. With the aid of Dark Vision, Alger maneuvered skillfully through the space, dodging attacks from one demon after another, and entered the long passage. Throughout the process, he practically flew close to the ground.

“Igor!”

With his superb riding skills and a decade of tacit partnership, Alger made sharp turns, sudden changes in direction, and even ground rolls in the passage.

A toad-like demon spat corrosive fluid at him, and Alger dodged merely by relying on his instinct for danger, slightly shifting aside without even looking back.

Deep darkness expanded rapidly behind him.

Once entangled by the power of the Abyss, escape would be almost impossible.

“Go!”

Alger gritted his teeth.

The great eagle’s wings folded tightly, sweeping rapidly across the ground.

The exit was just ahead, only dozens of meters away—a distance he could cover in an instant.

Finally, as the power of the Abyss eroded the eagle’s tail feathers, nearly wrapping around its body, Alger and the great eagle burst out of that terrifying demon nest.

Alger looked back at the cave, which resembled a monstrous maw, breathing heavily with lingering fear.

“That was close.”

“I need to get this information back as soon as possible.”

A sharp eagle cry rang out from the sky, and the great eagle spread its wings once more.

In the “Mouth of Anstica,” or rather the demon’s nest, the corrupted giant retreated to the cave’s deepest part.

The area was filled with intricate runes, emanating a foul aura, and a prism glowing with a strange light hovered midair.

The corrupted giant’s expression turned fanatical. He bowed his head and whispered to the prism.

“Lord Jezal Slak, this way, this way we can lure out that red dragon.”

He was not speaking to himself.

A low, chaotic voice came from the prism, like vibrations echoing from the depths of the earth.

“Yes, Koman, do you feel it? As long as you continue to accept the great power of the Abyss, your revenge will succeed.”

“Come, embrace my blessing, complete your ascension!”

The voice carried undisguised contempt.

Blinding yellow-black light burst from the prism. The corrupted giant spread his arms, embracing the eerie Abyssal power like a devout zealot. He roared in pain as black exoskeleton armor appeared on his body, and demon horns grew from his head.

When the power dissipated, the corrupted giant grinned fiercely, his body trembling with intense ecstasy.

“Revenge.”

“My, my revenge will succeed.”

“Cassius, just wait. I will tear your body to shreds, flatten your kingdom, and slaughter every one of your people!”

He covered his eyes, which were seeping black mist, muttering continuously.

The giant’s name was Koman Eternal Frost.

He had once been a member of the Eternal Frost Tribe, the son of “Bonebreaker” Kasa, and the giant elder Noor’s last hope.

During the “Glacier Annihilation Battle,” young Koman had been hidden in the most secluded corner, watching helplessly as his entire clan was massacred by the dragon’s cataclysmic power, while he could only cower in the shadows.

Later, Koman used a polymorph ring to blend in among the populace, following Elder Noor’s dying wish to head south to the Anstica Mountains in search of the legendary Frost Giant Demon Lord Kostetchi, seeking great power and an opportunity for revenge against the red dragon.

But he never found the giant lord; instead, he found a mysterious being calling itself the “Demon of Vengeance”—Jezal Slak.

As if fate itself were playing a joke, he mistakenly took on the script meant for “Cassius” of the original world.

The last Frost Giant made a pact with the demon, lurking in the mountains, quietly accumulating strength, gradually perfecting the Abyssal rift, waiting for an opportunity to take revenge against the red dragon.

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