After the Lord of the Abyss Awakens - Chapter 112.2

The Garfield cat thought, insufficient computing power was normal. However, this was indeed a difficult problem to solve.

Not just for creators, but also for magicians and alchemists, wanting to upgrade meant necessarily mastering more complex things and understanding deeper knowledge.

But human talent was limited. Throughout their life, they could at most reach the peak of their innate talent, with extremely few able to exceed their talent, surpass their own limits, and achieve unprecedented accomplishments.

That would require an enormous price, one in ten thousand, a life-and-death journey, a path full of thorns.

The Garfield cat looked at Xiu Si worriedly, seeming to really not want His father to challenge that realm.

Xiu Si, perhaps unaware, lowered his eyes and said, “But even so, Father wants to become stronger.”

Because only by becoming stronger could he protect them, shield them from any bad things.

Xiu Si’s eyes revealed a resolute awareness.

****

Meanwhile, on a bustling street in the Imperial City of the Hammurabi Empire, people came and went.

Paimon and Ayni walked side by side, naturally blending into the crowd, brushing past countless humans.

Paimon’s gaze swept across some places, seeming to calculate something in Her mind, thinking. “How strange, They have scattered. Some in the Oedipus Empire, some in the Aust Empire, and some in the subspace. Ayni, which one do you think we should go to first?”

Saying this, She looked at Ayni.

Ayni’s thoughts were active, boldly saying, “Let’s go to the Aust Empire first? They were initially there.”

Paimon stopped walking, nodded and said, “Speaking of which, you last mentioned that matter—”

Ayni naturally knew what Paimon was referring to, so immediately answered. “It’s true! Sister Buer said They gathered to rebel against Big Brother.”

Paimon: “Haha, I thought it was a joke.”

“But They really gathered together.”

Ayni raised her hand to display the mental shared domain, pointing at the cat head icon, “Sister Paimon, look, this is Their group.”

“Every time They assimilate a demon, a cat head increases here. Look, even Brother Gusin was assimilated, turning into a Garfield cat.”

Ayni was observing Them, just not knowing exactly what They were doing, always feeling something was fishy, but Brother Marbas would not tell her, hmph, how distant!

Paimon also glanced at the Garfield cat head, finding it hard to evaluate, thinking to Herself, “Fortunately, Fourth Brother Samikina did not join Them, although Third Brother Vassago had already joined, turning into a… huh? A lynx? Wasn’t he a white cat before?”

Wait, wasn’t a lynx not a cat? Paimon was shocked. “I didn’t expect such a lazy demon like Vassago to join Them.”

Ayni turned her head, speaking confidently. “Right? It’s so strange. They might really want to rebel against Big Brother.”

Paimon nodded, Her gaze stopping on the black cat head icon, “If so, the demon leading the organization should be Aelioge.”

“Why?”

Ayni was surprised.

Paimon smiled slightly, “Because Aelioge has the most organizational skills and motive. He was beaten by Big Brother many times when He was young, probably harboring resentment and nursing a grudge for a long time.”

When She said “beaten,” it was not a figure of speech, but a fact. After all, They were magical beings with extreme resilience, truly capable of being flattened, and Big Brother’s fists… those who knew, understood.

As Paimon passed through the street, countless people turned to look at Her.

Because Her appearance was too heroic, burning like the scorching sun, as if Her very existence carried an impact.

They had never seen such a dazzling being, leaving a deep impression, simply unable to look away.

“I also think Brother Aelioge is the leading demon. He is so bold!” Ayni agreed.

“He has been bold since childhood.”

Paimon’s tone was calm, “I just don’t know what the motive is. However, in challenging Big Brother, I will stand on His side. I haven’t sparred with Big Brother for a long time.”

Ayni excitedly said, “Sister Paimon is so persistent!” She had naturally seen what was hanging on Paimon’s punching bag – wasn’t it a tiger’s head? Sister Paimon was indeed persistent about defeating Big Brother!

Paimon curved Her lips, gazing into the distance, speaking cheerfully. “Of course, being warlike is what demons are. My dream is to defeat Big Brother and become the number one demon in the universe!”

“I support Sister Paimon!”

Ayni was eager for chaos but also a bit worried, leaning in to ask, “Big Brother is the demon among demons, the ruler, the sovereign, the king! Does Sister have a chance of winning?”

Paimon smiled faintly, raising an eyebrow. “That depends on what aspect you’re challenging. There are many kinds of battles.”

She was composed, Her eyes revealing an innate confidence, and Her eyes lit up when talking about battle.

Ayni did not quite understand, only knowing that Sister Paimon had been good at fighting since childhood, her bellicosity second only to Big Brother, sometimes even more warlike than Big Brother, and aspiring to become the number one demon in the universe.

“Sister Paimon will definitely beat Big Brother!”

Ayni exclaimed excitedly.

Paimon smiled without speaking, Her eyes flashing a few shades of depth, as if there were other reasons behind Her persistent desire to defeat Big Brother.

At this moment, the street was full of clamor, with some shouting, as if humans were discussing the Continental Alliance, and people suddenly called out the name of the Hero Wang Chang’er, causing numerous applause.

“Speaking of which, there have been quite a few human kingdom affairs recently,” Paimon swept Her eyes around, expression thoughtful.

“Yes! I heard the Hero Wang Chang’er has returned.”

Honestly, this news greatly interested Ayni.

When Ayni spoke of Chang’er, Her eyes sparkled, as if She really liked this uncle.

Ayni tightly hugged Paimon’s hand, excitedly recalling, “When I was little, Uncle Chang’er even gave me candy!”

The “when I was little” in Ayni’s words was already a thousand-year-old memory, when They had just scattered from the abyss to different places.

For Them, all heroes were Father’s friends, and anything related to their father would arouse Their curiosity. During their days in the abyss, their father often told stories about Chang’er, leaving a deep impression.

One day, Ayni happened to pass by a human kingdom and saw the Hero Wang Chang’er from afar. Her inner curiosity was piqued, and on a whim, She transformed into the appearance of a small child, quietly approaching Chang’er to observe this uncle up close.

Of course, Ayni was not a foolish demon like Sister Buer. She knew that in the eyes of heroes, the Abyss Lords were entities to be wary of. Therefore, when approaching Chang’er, She carefully concealed Her true identity to avoid unnecessary misunderstandings and conflicts.

At that time, Chang’er had just returned triumphantly from the subspace, revered by ten thousand people in the city. The streets were packed with people coming to see him, so dense that She could not get close to Chang’er.

What could She do? She secretly sneaked into the inn where Chang’er was staying and coincidentally saw Chang’er teaching some children how to sword fight, gentle, patient, and amiable – truly the hero among heroes!

She was stunned, forgetting to restrain Her magical power. When She came back to her senses, Chang’er had already discovered Her and walked over, smiling and greeting Her, even offering Her candy, asking why She hadn’t gone home as it was getting dark, and whether She needed him to accompany Her home.

She was deeply impressed at the time, but also felt a pain in Her heart because She had no home. Her father was Her home, and without Her father, where could She find Her home?

So She ran away, not knowing what Chang’er thought afterward.

Honestly, in Ayni’s eyes, most heroes were not purely good people. Beyond their honor and merits, each had their own flaws, but Chang’er was different. This uncle was inherently a good person.

How could a good friend of Her father be a bad person?

Ayni brought up the old story, sharing it with Paimon.

Paimon was not surprised at all, and said, “Haha, I’ve fought with him, and he’s very strong.”

Ayni was astonished, “Did Sister win in the end?”

Paimon nodded. “I won, but he didn’t lose either. He had many backup plans, ones he wouldn’t use unless it was a matter of life and death. So unless I truly fought him to the death, the victory could never be truly determined.”

“I see.”

Ayni half-understood. She was not a warlike demon and was completely clueless about what She was talking about.

As they chatted, Ayni suddenly stopped, gazing blankly towards the end of the alley.

Paimon noticed Ayni’s abnormality and followed Her gaze. She saw an adult holding the hands of two children, chatting and laughing, looking warm and happy.

The adult’s face was filled with loving smiles, while the children were innocent and carefree, with cute dimples appearing on their cheeks.

Ayni quietly watched this scene, Her gaze revealing a hint of melancholy.

How could Paimon not understand Ayni’s feelings at this moment? She softly asked, “Missing Father?”

Ayni gently nodded, a look of loneliness crossing Her face. Her childlike face revealed an expression that evoked sympathy.

Paimon comforted Ayni, Her gaze revealing determination, “We will find our father, don’t worry.”

Ayni turned to look at Paimon, Her eyes sparkling with anticipation, “Really? But it’s been over eight thousand years.”

Paimon smiled and nodded, “Of course. I’ve always felt that Father is safe and sound. We just haven’t found him yet.”

“Mm.”

Ayni nodded, unable to help but think of what Brother Marbas had previously mentioned – the surprise of the family meeting.

What could Brother Marbas be talking about?

****

At the same time, in the Aust Empire.

Aelioge, Vassago, and Inpos went to the library to ask Barbatos about the investigation results.

Unfortunately, Barbatos had not yet discovered any effective intelligence and asked Them to wait outside.

Before Aelioge could even sit down, Vassago suddenly said, “Aelioge, Paimon and Ayni have returned to the continent.”

“…I know.”

Aelioge nodded.

“So what?”

Vassago was curious.

Aelioge seriously said, “Paimon is a necessary battle force in opposing Big Brother.”

Good buddies. They were already counting on Paimon. Aelioge, you’re starting to use any means necessary. Vassago thought this, but did not deny Aelioge’s idea.

At this moment, Aelioge suddenly stood up, “I’ll go find Paimon and ask about Her situation.”

Anyway, Barbatos’ side had no progress yet.

“Okay.”

****

Ten minutes later, in a quiet alley, Aelioge walked out from the void, silently watching the two demons before Him.

Just as Ayni was about to speak, Paimon stepped forward first, declaring without hesitation. “Are you challenging Big Brother?”

Aelioge nodded frankly, His eyes showing no deception.

Paimon smiled, “In that case, let me lend you my strength.”

“Paimon, why do you choose to fight alongside us?”

Aelioge raised the question.

Several cat-headed demons had already infiltrated Their group, making it difficult not to question Paimon’s motives.

However, Paimon seemed unconcerned about this, frowning and asking in return. “Aren’t you planning to fight Big Brother? Since our goals align, why not join forces?”

Aelioge carefully observed Paimon, trying to discern Her true intentions from Her words and actions.

But Paimon’s attitude was straightforward, seemingly unbothered by Aelioge’s scrutiny.

Suddenly, Aelioge changed the subject, asking directly. “Paimon, why do you want to defeat Big Brother?”

Paimon was slightly stunned, then answered. “Haven’t I said it before? I just want to prove my strength.”

But Aelioge wasn’t satisfied with this answer, staring into Paimon’s eyes, seemingly trying to see through Her true thoughts.

Unlike Him, Paimon wasn’t a scheming demon, Her personality was direct and open, never concealing anything, always showing Her most authentic self.

Paimon smiled, seemingly unwilling to explain Her motives further, saying casually, “Anyway, I’ll help you. Big Brother will probably return in five or six days. I heard He recently defeated the God of Universe. I can’t wait to see Big Brother.”

“…”

Aelioge contemplated internally whether to tell Paimon about Father.

However, while Aelioge was hesitating, Paimon had already turned and left.

Aelioge pondered briefly, quickly understanding Paimon’s thoughts.

His eyes darkened slightly as He said in a deep voice. “So that’s what you were thinking.”

It wasn’t surprising at all, it was exactly what their Sister Paimon would think. However…

Aelioge fell silent, His eyes flashing with complexity.

A few minutes later, Aelioge returned to the library.

By then, Vassago was already asleep. The remaining Inpos also seemed exhausted – digesting memories from so many years naturally caused mental strain, so taking a nap was good.

Aelioge took out two blankets from the void, covering Them one by one.

They were all demons, naturally not afraid of cold, but sometimes using blankets wasn’t about staying warm.

Blankets were companions during sleep, weren’t they?

Aelioge remained silent for a moment, then looked back at the mental shared domain.

Good, no demon had said anything in the group chat, it was still safe for now.

If things went smoothly with Barbatos, They might be able to catch the mastermind before Big Brother returned and make up for their actions. Perhaps then Big Brother would shift His attention and overlook Their matters.

Aelioge was pushing all His schemes to the limit, showing quite the desperate determination.

His eyes seemed to say that with enough effort, even little kittens could defeat big tigers!

“Six days is just right. Once Amon returns to normal, we can implement that plan.”

Aelioge was confident.

****

Meanwhile, terrifying lightning instantly pierced through dozens of stars, illuminating the entire cosmic domain.

The original return journey of six days was forcibly compressed to three days!