World Item (Part 2)

"World Item: Gate of Demons."

"Activating this item allows for the continuous summoning of demons capable of drowning an entire world. The summoning will not cease unless the holder stops it."

"The summoned demons range from level 50 to level 90 and include all known species. The demons will obey the summoner's commands."

"Cooldown: 12 months."

A small door carved with demons floated silently before the three of them. After reading the description, a figure simultaneously appeared in all of their minds.

Calamity Demon: Ulbert.

As his companions, they knew he had been searching for this World Item for a long time and had even attempted to create an item with the same abilities, though unfortunately, he never succeeded.

"Ulbert-san would definitely be happy if he were here!"

"After all, this was the World Item he wanted most back then."

Herohero felt a bit emotional. Based on his understanding of his former companion, if Ulbert had obtained this item, he would likely be jumping for joy right now while reciting some chuunibyou incantation.

But unfortunately, only he had logged back in today; the others had not returned. It was truly a pity.

"Indeed. I had originally intended to give this item to Ulbert as a gift today, but it's a shame he didn't log on."

Naiyuan sighed. He had originally thought that with his and Momonga's invitations, there was a chance the others might return, so he had specifically gone out to find this World Item, hoping to give them a surprise.

Looking at Herohero, who was currently critiquing the item, Naiyuan felt a little better. At least one companion had remained to share this joy with him.

"Everyone has their own lives to deal with; it's normal that they didn't respond. Don't be sad, Naiyuan. At least Herohero-san was willing to come back in the end."

Momonga comforted him in a slightly low voice. Although he also felt some regret, there was nothing he could do. The only consolation was that their companions hadn't completely abandoned them.

After his conversation with Naiyuan just now, he had come to terms with it. Rather than longing for the companions who had already left, it was better to cherish what was right in front of him.

Since the past could not be recovered, he would ensure that the present remained at its best moment forever.

"Alright, there is one last item."

Putting away the small door, a delicate scepter appeared in Momonga's hand.

The scepter was small and entirely golden, with an eyeball-like ornament carved into the center that gave people the illusion of being watched by it.

"World Item: Staff of Millennium."

"Possesses the ability of absolute alteration. Anything struck by it will be subconsciously modified and will hold absolute loyalty to the user. It can even briefly influence the judgment of World Bosses."

"Passive: The favorability of living beings in the vicinity toward the holder is increased."

"Cooldown after use: 3 months. Passive has no cooldown."

"The effect of this item seems a bit familiar."

"It seems very similar to the effect of a World Item. What was the name of that item again?"

Herohero scratched his head, speaking with some confusion. Having not logged in for two and a half years, he had forgotten quite a few things.

"It's Downfall of Country and Castle, isn't it? The effects are about the same."

"Right, that's the one. It seems my memory has been declining lately."

Hearing Naiyuan's words, Herohero spoke with a sudden realization, then immediately began to complain about his recent work.

"At least you still remember that there's a similar World Item, Herohero. That's quite impressive in itself."

Naiyuan patted him on the shoulder to comfort him, and Momonga chimed in as well.

"Still, these seven World Items are truly amazing. You've both really worked hard, Naiyuan-san and Momonga-san."

After complaining for a while, Herohero sighed with emotion toward the two of them.

Although the server was about to shut down, being able to see several World Items at the very end filled him with deep emotion. After all, he had once been obsessed with these items, though unfortunately, he hadn't been able to keep at it and had quit the game. Today, it could be considered fulfilling his original wish.

He didn't know how his two friends had managed to persist over these past two years, but he was deeply moved by their dedication. Especially when he received their messages, he had even felt a momentary sense of trance.

"Alright, since Herohero has finished looking, it's time for us to head to the Throne Room."

Naiyuan clapped his hands to draw their attention and said solemnly.

The time on the system interface had reached forty minutes past the hour; in another twenty minutes, the server would shut down.

"The Throne Room, huh? I haven't been there in a long time. The last time was several years ago; I've almost forgotten what it looks like."

Herohero tried to recall the appearance of the Throne Room, but his muddled brain made him feel quite uncomfortable. Frequent overtime and staying up late had caused him to lose most of the impressions in his memory.

"You'll know once we get there, Herohero."

Momonga raised the ring on his finger. In Nazarick, where teleportation was restricted, one could only teleport if they were wearing the ring.

"Fair enough. Thinking about it any longer will only make my head hurt more."

Herohero gave up on thinking and said helplessly.

"Then let's go."

A flash of red light swept by, and the three of them instantly vanished from the Arena.

On the tenth floor, accompanied by a burst of light, three figures slowly emerged.

A Dragonoid covered in black scales, a terrifying skeletal Undead, and a constantly writhing mass of pitch-black slime.

The three of them stood before a massive gate. One side was carved with an angel, the other with a demon, creating an abrupt yet peculiar aesthetic.

"I remember this gate was designed by Lucifer, wasn't it? It really suits his personality."

"His ID is the name of a demon, but his race is an Angelic Doll. It gives off a sense of inversion."

"Don't you two underestimate this gate. The angels and demons on it can actually come out to fight!"

"Oh, is that so? I always thought it was just a normal door."

"As expected, it's not that simple. I suppose that's just like Lucifer."

Momonga and Herohero looked at the gate before them in surprise; they truly hadn't known that the demons and angels inside were real.

"Lucifer told me this in secret when we were chatting back then, but he said it was just a hidden Easter egg. After all, it seemed like no one would ever be able to make it this far."

Naiyuan replied. Suffering from "Guild Supremacy Syndrome," he knew the little secrets of every single member like the back of his hand.

"That's true. If someone could actually fight their way here, Nazarick would basically be at the moment of life and death."

"But that's impossible, right, my Guildmaster?"

"After all, the most dangerous moment in Nazarick's history was only when it was pushed to the eighth floor."

Herohero recalled that even thousands of players had only managed to reach the eighth floor at most; the tenth floor was essentially impossible.

"Then, welcome back to this place, Herohero."

Naiyuan stood before the gate, slowly pushed open the ancient, simple doors, and smiled at Herohero.