After the Lord of the Abyss Awakens - Chapter 49.2

He thought, his father, the great Marbas’s father, should be living in the world’s most luxurious, beautiful, resplendent, and dazzling palace. How could he be relegated to staying in a bustling marketplace, in an ordinary bookstore?

Before anyone else could say anything, Marbas strode into the bookstore. He had thought the bookstore was just a disguise, concealing something grand inside, but upon entering, he saw it was just the same!

It was just an ordinary bookstore, with normal books inside!

Marbas was on the verge of breakdown, shouting, “How can you let Father stay in such an ordinary place!”

Regarding this matter, Samikina didn’t know either, so he turned to look at Inpos.

Inpos instead showed an expression of “you don’t even know this?”, frowning and saying matter-of-factly. “Of course it’s to avoid raising Father’s suspicions.”

Samikina paused, offering no comment on this.

Marbas immediately said, “You’re all stupid. We’ve lived for over 8000 years, do you think it’s reasonable that we haven’t saved any money in all this time? Even if we show great wealth, it would make perfect sense!”

Inpos choked.

Marbas argued righteously. “After living for over 8,000 years, even a pig could become enlightened! What’s wrong with occupying a few mountains of gold and silver?”

His tone was so matter-of-fact, it had a strangely persuasive quality.

Inpos heard this and seemed to waver, hesitating, “Well…”

Marbas pointed at the bookstore entrance and said, “Even if we’re going to open a bookstore, it should be the world’s largest bookstore made of gold!”

Ah! No, how much do you like gold? Looking at your glittering golden appearance, if I punch you, will you explode into gold coins?

Inpos couldn’t help but complain in his mind, but didn’t dare say it out loud, because Marbas was a volatile demon who would really hit him.

Inpos was very confident in his magic, but the key to victory among their kind lay more in hand-to-hand combat, with magical strength having little impact.

Because they all had extremely high magic immunity, it was so difficult to penetrate their defenses with magic!

Although they were all at max level, the stats between max levels were not the same.

Inpos was relatively weak in physical combat. His ability was “Learning”, but this ability was more inclined towards mental learning, rather than acquiring combat experience.

Experience comes from experience, not learning.

Just then.

Fortunately, Samikina finally spoke up.

He actually looked at Marbas and analyzed seriously, “This isn’t good. It’s too eye-catching. Father wouldn’t like it.”

“W-what did you say?!”

Marbas paused, truly pondering whether Father would like it or not.

He liked gold, but did Father like it?

Their father had a gentle personality, without many desires, a kind old soul who loved taking care of others, leveling up steadily and reliably, living a plain and simple life.

Building a golden bookhouse would attract attention… it would cause trouble for Father.

So, was this small bookstore actually the correct answer?

Marbas stared at the bookstore, again not wanting to admit it. He had mountains of gold and silver, how could he not let Father enjoy some luxury?

As he was frantically brainstorming, Samikina suddenly patted his shoulder, “Father is coming back soon. Let’s think about this later.”

“…Alright.”

Marbas, this hot-tempered demon, only listened to Agares and Samikina.

The reason was simple – he had psychological trauma from these two demons. Agares would overwhelm his brain with knowledge, causing him to feel like he was listening to hundreds of monks chanting sutras whenever Agares spoke, even if it was just an ordinary sentence or word. Just hearing Agares’ voice alone would make him unable to hold back the splitting headache.

As for Samikina, this education fanatic, his later Spartan methods surpassed even Baal’s.

In comparison, how normal was he, Marbas! Father having him was worth more than the other twenty-three combined!

The more Marbas thought about it, the happier he became. His lips curved upwards uncontrollably, and his body started glowing golden again.

“…”

Samikina didn’t break Marbas out of his self-indulgence. He didn’t understand, but respected it. The core of education lies in respect.

It’s just, could he not be so flashy? It hurts the eyes.

Most of the time, they would intentionally create some cognitive barriers. Passersby could perceive them, could recognize their appearances, but could never think that they were Abyss Lords.

It wasn’t about hiding, but avoiding unnecessary trouble.

So, even though they were talking like this in front of the bookstore, not many people recognized them as Abyss Lords. They just thought…how could there be two such handsome men.

What are they doing at the bookstore? Could they be friends of the owner?

Several minutes later, Xiu Si walked back to the bookstore entrance. He had just put down the small ragdoll cat when he noticed a patch of golden-ratio light cast on the ground.

It wasn’t natural lamplight, as oil lamps weren’t that bright. It seemed like some kind of… pure gold night pearl?

Just as he thought this, a shimmering golden kitten suddenly ran out from inside the door.

It was so dark outside, but as soon as it appeared, it illuminated the entire alley. Every hair on its body was glowing brightly, looking absolutely dazzling!

It was… it was a short-haired golden tabby!

“Meow meow!”

The little one excitedly rushed over.

Xiu Si recognized the little one at a glance – wasn’t it his beloved golden shiny Marbas?

He caught the little one as it jumped up, supporting its fur, and said happily. “Today is truly a good day, finding both you and Samikina at the same time.”

The golden cat excitedly nuzzled its most beloved father. Hearing the name of the other cub made it a bit unhappy, but it had finally seen Father!

“How did you find this place? I’m discovering that you all are much better at finding things than I am.”

Xiu Si carried the golden cat home, visibly delighted, talking more than usual.

Marbas was overjoyed, its mind full of thoughts of Father.

It’s real, not fake, not an impostor!

Ah, how could I have misunderstood Father, not recognizing the great Father!

After Marbas was placed on the table, it beat its chest and stamped its feet, filled with painful regret, wishing it could undo its mistake!

However, before it could chat with Father for more than a few sentences, the other cats also climbed up.

It almost screamed, don’t you guys know how to give me a little private space for our reunion!

Inpos snorted, “You stupid fifth brother, you couldn’t even recognize Father, called Father an impostor, and you’re asking why?”

Marbas choked, that was because it hadn’t seen him in person.

Inpos gave an even colder look, “You doubted my feelings for Father, how could I possibly find an impostor to replace Father!”

The little ragdoll cat clicked its tongue. “Stupid fifth brother should be beaten up and have his gold coins explode!”

Marbas thought, good grief, none of them are giving me face. But regarding this matter, it was indeed wrong. Even if it was a misunderstanding, it was truly too outrageous! How could it have judged without even seeing?

Thinking of this, Marbas’s eyes darkened, feeling dejected that perhaps after so many years of disappointment, it had subconsciously ruled out that possibility.

But fortunately, no matter what, Father had still been found!

Seeing its excitement, Samikina casually patted the golden cat’s head, reminding it. “I know you’re happy, but be mindful of your light.”

Marbas suddenly realized that the entire bookstore was illuminated by it. What if it blinded Father’s eyes!

Xiu Si hadn’t noticed their secret turmoil, he just asked more questions than before.

How did they escape from the abyss and such, were they mostly in the abyss?

Speaking of which, these questions made them tremble with fear, barely managing to muddle through.

Inpos even wanted to call for Aelioge, as none of the few who stayed behind were good at talking.

Fortunately, Xiu Si’s filter for his cubs was also incredibly thick, believing them after just a few words.

Xiu Si wasn’t actually doubting them, but rather worried if they were concealing something from him, such as perhaps enduring endless suffering in the abyss, yet putting on a brave face and refusing to say.

“Is there really nothing?”

“Are all the siblings you didn’t find alright?”

Just as Marbas was about to speak, little ragdoll leapt up and covered his mouth.

Samikina walked out helplessly, telling His father a… kind lie for the first time.

He indicated that all the siblings were fine.

In His mind, He actually wanted to say that it was the other fellows finding trouble.

However, perhaps… there might be one sibling whose situation was a bit complicated.

The name Lelagin floated in Samikina’s mind.

Lelagin… it had been a long time since He’d seen him, about three thousand years since their last meeting.

That meeting was at the 52nd family gathering. Lelagin, lost in thought about something, had an unusually grim expression. He approached Him, saying he wanted to attempt something no being had ever tried before.

He asked Lelagin what it was at the time, but Lelagin didn’t say. He only mentioned that if successful, they would be able to find their father. He also revealed that it was an extremely dangerous endeavor, one he wasn’t absolutely certain about even for himself.

He inquired how uncertain it was, but Lelagin didn’t answer. He then asked if he needed help, offering to gather some kindred to assist.

Since it was a method to find their father, having more demons involved would increase their chances of success.

But Lelagin hesitated for a long time and didn’t disclose anything, until the meeting ended and they parted ways.

After that, Samikina never saw Lelagin again. Even when Baal tried to capture demons, he couldn’t catch Lelagin. No one knew where this demon had gone.

Lelagin was also the first sibling to miss a family gathering without being caught.

Agares said a meaningful sentence about this. “Perhaps he went to a place where no being could find him.”

He was a bit worried at the time, and had searched all over the world for Lelagin, but couldn’t find him. He only knew that the last place Lelagin appeared was at the end of the Western Continent, the elven dwelling place – the Aurora Island.

Unlike them, Lelagin seemed to be closer to the elven race.

Including Lelagin himself, his light green long hair, pointed ears, white skin, and other transformed characteristics were also quite similar to the elven race.

In a sense, that similarity was unusual.

On the surface, Lelagin’s human form looked exactly like the elven race.

In any case, if something had happened to Lelagin, they as siblings would certainly sense it. Not sensing anything meant that Lelagin was still alive, perhaps still challenging the method he had mentioned.

Samikina thought about many things in an instant, but didn’t tell his father about this matter.

He had been putting off this matter for too long. Today, knowing that his father was alright, he hoped for all their siblings to reunite. So, he had the responsibility to go find Lelagin.

At least to tell Lelagin – “You don’t need to try anymore, because Father has already returned.”

Samikina thought while chatting, silently confirming his idea.

About two hours passed before Xiu Si stopped asking them more questions, saying it was about time to sleep, and turned to go to the bedroom to make the bed.

“You all wait outside for a moment.”

Marbas was about to tiptoe after him, but was caught by Samikina’s paw.

Samikina whispered in Marbas’s cat ear, “Come with me to a place.”

“What what?”

Buer and Inpos simultaneously tilted their heads, not understanding what Samikina suddenly said.

Of course, Marbas didn’t understand either. He had just reunited with Father, why should he go somewhere with you?

No, no!

The glittering golden cat gestured refusal, making a cross with its paws.

If he changed his pose, this glittering golden form would be no different from a beckoning cat.

But Samikina wasn’t asking for his opinion.

Samikina turned his head and said to Buer and Inpos. “You carefully protect Father, we’ll go on a trip and come back.”

Inpos was a bit surprised, not understanding where Samikina wanted to go.

But Samikina didn’t hide it, saying directly. “I’m taking Marbas to find Lelagin.”

The little ragdoll paused, although instinctively wanting to oppose the increase of siblings, but for Lelagin…

She nodded and said. “Alright, you go ahead, we will protect Father well.”

Marbas was confused and argued. “Why? You’re so strong, one demon going should be enough, right?”

Samikina shook her head, “That place is special.”

In the end, Marbas’s protests were ineffective, and after struggling a few times, he was taken away.

Before leaving, Samikina left a message for Buer and Inpos, reminding them, “There’s an extremely faint gaze surrounding father, pay attention to it.”

Buer widened her eyes and asked directly. “A strong enemy?”

Samikina shook his head, “It might be just the opposite, too weak, weak to the point of being hard to detect.”

No sense of existence, but existing.

Buer and Inpos took note, nodding firmly.

Spying on their Father? Hmph, seeking death!

Meanwhile, in the magic laboratory.

The magicians who had just gone out to eat returned.

“Hey? Has this magic circle been modified?”

“It seems so.”

“Who changed it?”

“…I don’t know.”

They stood around the magic circle and, on a whim, attempted to infuse it with magical power.

They didn’t expect it to work, but a shocking thing happened.

The magic circle actually started operating successfully!

They were dumbfounded, their minds blank.

Someone more quick-witted immediately went to call the Great Magician Millard.

Upon hearing this, Millard put aside the research at hand and rushed over, then was also shocked.

“Who, who modified the magic circle?”

Millard looked around at everyone.

They all shook their heads indicating it wasn’t them, and that they didn’t know who had changed it.

Millard was suddenly struck by a thought and voiced a possibility that shocked everyone.

“…It was modified by the number one ranked.”

“Just now, the number one ranked came to our laboratory!”

Ah!!!