Why Is He So Arrogant?

"That's another issue entirely. You've probably noticed that you're not the only ones here; there are also three-star, four-star, and even five-star demons with you."

The middle-aged man with white hair smiled.

"The Black Knight and the master of Zhelan Fort are their targets. It has nothing to do with you."

Upon hearing this, Hermes fell silent.

"No wonder. It's likely not that too many died in the last Demon Assessment, but rather they were waiting for the five-star demons and their subordinates to gather their strong fighters."

The strong fighters of Hell didn't trust each other, but once they reached Salif's level, they had accumulated quite a few brothers in life and death over their endless time.

These were companions who had been tested by blood and fire countless times, individuals they could entrust their backs to.

Without companions, they would even refuse to take on high-star demon missions.

Two and a half months later.

A massive Metal Life, engraved with the emblem of the Demon Castle, flew over a boundless desert.

"Clang clang clang~!"

The white-haired middle-aged man rang the alarm bell in the Metal Life's rear compartment, drawing the attention of the demons, whether sitting or standing, who were undergoing the Demon Assessment.

"We've arrived."

"Once you exit, continue flying north for a few miles, and you'll easily find the ancient castle standing in the desert."

"This isn't Yilan City. Be careful with everything you do. Once you obtain the Blocking Gold Saber, you can return to the Metal Life."

"Boom—!"

The colossal Metal Life suddenly split open in the middle, revealing a huge compartment. It was as if there had been no trace of it before.

One had to admit, Metal Life was truly the pinnacle of alchemical creation!

"Whoosh~"

Several strong individuals wearing Demon Medals flew out of the Metal Life first. They were veterans and didn't need the Demon Castle staff to give them lengthy explanations.

Born in Hell, every moment of life was a gamble of epic proportions.

To be alive was itself a miracle.

"Let's go~!"

Salif remained at the back of the group. He glanced at Hermes before leaving without looking back.

"Since you won't listen to advice, don't blame anyone else when you die!"

"Boss, when did you start caring about a rookie who just joined the Demon Assessment?"

"Hahaha, if it weren't for this guy's hair color and build being off, I would have almost thought he was the boss's illegitimate son."

Several demons, also clad in black armor, chatted and teased as they flew out of the Metal Life.

Their voices were unrestrained, and they didn't even bother to avoid Hermes, the subject of their conversation.

"Damn it~!"

Hermes cursed inwardly. "You want to be my old man? You'd have to be at least the level of the Chongxuan Mountain Range."

Fortunately, in this life, He had been reborn as a Golden Mountain, completely free from any worries about random people suddenly appearing to claim kinship.

"Whoosh~!"

A few more figures flew out.

Saba was among them. He was one of the High Gods participating in the three-star demon mission this time.

In Hell, demon rank was determined by a point system after the initial one-star assessment.

Saba was not weak, but he didn't have enough points, so he could only take on three-star demon missions issued by the Demon Castle.

Only by accumulating enough points could he be promoted to a four-star demon. Demon missions of different star levels offered different rewards and points.

"You're going to die, you lowly God (neutral) brat!"

As Saba flew out, a cold voice, as if emanating from a tomb, echoed in Hermes's ears.

"Are you done yet?"

Hermes was speechless.

He really didn't want to kill anyone, but there were always people who wanted to stick their heads out for him to blow off.

After all the star-ranked demons had flown out of the Metal Life's hatch, thousands of God-level Experts participating in the Demon Assessment poured out like schools of fish.

The desert wind and sand howled, as if telling ancient stories, while the ancient castle stood like a silent guardian, quietly rooted in the golden sand.

Waiting for their arrival.

Hermes knew, that this ancient castle hid countless dangers, and perhaps also contained unknown treasures.

He turned his head and glanced at the large Metal Life behind him, a colossal being full of technological flair.

"For this mission, how many will die and how many will return?"

With a slight sigh, Hermes smiled faintly, then leaped forward, transforming into a black shadow, flying rapidly towards the Blocking Ancient Castle.

Clad in black armor and carrying a large black two-handed sword on his back, his attire was standard.

Not ostentatious, not flashy!

At the same time, other Demon Assessors were also proceeding on their own paths.

Some chose to travel together, while others opted for solo action.

Everyone knew the low pass rate for the Demon Assessment, so no one dared to be careless.

The Demon Assessment was not just a test of strength, but also a test of wisdom and courage.

The Demon Castle never recognized people, only tokens; seemingly cruel and heartless, it perfectly aligned with the survival principles of Hell's Supreme Plane.

On his way to the castle, Hermes encountered some other Demon Assessors.

"Want to team up?"

"There's strength in numbers. We can focus on helping one person complete the mission, and at worst, more people can protect our lives and property."

All the invitations were ignored by Hermes.

He didn't even glance at them.

After this, at least over ninety percent of them would die, so what was there to worry about?

Most of those who invited Hermes were God (neutral).

The few High Gods, even those who had only refined their Godhead, flew confidently towards the Blocking Ancient Castle alone.

"Damn it, how can that arrogant guy be so conceited?"

Failing to get an invitation was one thing!

But Hermes's dismissive attitude truly angered this group who were participating in the Demon Assessment for the first time.

Some cast curious glances at him, while others were openly hostile.

"What's he think he is, acting like a High God?"

Frederi transmitted her thoughts to several male High Gods traveling with her.

Relying on her identity as a female Deity, she had indeed gathered a few God (neutral) who lacked confidence in their own strength.

All of them were male.

"Frederi, we'll help you complete the Demon Assessment with all our might later, but you have to help me too!"

said the man with green hair and a hooked nose.

"Of course, the Demon Assessment mission only requires one Blocking Gold Saber. Who else would I help if not you?"

Frederi said with a smile.

"If there's an opportunity, I'll certainly help you. Having a few cannon fodder God (neutral) to boss around is also quite good."

Living in the Snow Bee Tribe near Yilan City, Frederi had thrived thanks to her rather outstanding beauty.

This time, with the Ink Stone accumulated by several male Deities from her tribe.

She finally scraped together the money for the assessment.

Frederi's first dream was, of course, to become a powerful demon, and her second was to marry into the city.

To achieve her goals, she began another round of "fishing."

Unlike the Snow Bee Tribe, no one participating in the Demon Assessment was foolish. If Frederi wanted to "fish," they also needed a bond of interest. If everyone only considered themselves, where would the basis for cooperation lie?

The parties reached a consensus.