Gelda said,
"Lord, there are various ways to attain power—but for that, the devil must be present. Normally, it would be impossible, but through the use of these relics and astral projection, you may summon the devil if you call for it. However, it can only access the amount of power you ask for.
So, if you ask for 50%, it will only be able to use 50%—and you must fight it. If you win, Lord, you will be able to command that 50%. But unfortunately, if you fail… the attribute will take control of you, and you will become a monster under the devil's command."
Liebe said,
"Understood."
Lilith added,
"The devil you will be fighting today is the ruler of the 17th floor of the Underworld. Don't try your luck with anything above 2%."
Liebe nodded.
"Understood."
Lilith handed him a bracelet.
"Here. This is the relic you need. The devil we are challenging is Arteos, and his magic is Attribute Metal—an attribute that allows the usage of every type of metal.
My contract with Arteos grants me access to over 90%, but you aren't there yet. For the next three days, until your departure, you will train here—learning the arts and testing how far you can go. I certainly hope, as my firstborn, that you can at least surpass 10%."
Liebe said firmly,
"I will not fail, ma'am. The orders of Captain Lilith Faust take priority above all."
Lilith continued,
"This bracelet will allow you to use the chant. But look at this—this is the second greatest treasure of our house: The Book of Faust.
The only reason the sword is ranked higher is because it is a God-Slaying Sword—a weapon forged even before the devils were cast into the Underworld. It is said that the Gray Sword Durendal, whose true name is The God-Slaying Sword Durendal, was created so that humanity could rise above the gods themselves.
Zeus, Hades, Loki, Thor, Odin, Vishnu—all are phantoms, masks that grant people power like gods but never true godhood. But this sword... it is far beyond them."
Liebe whispered in awe,
"Our treasure… is it really that strong?"
Lilith nodded.
"So the legends say. But the sword has been fossilized inside a crystal for millennia. It is said that one day, the true heir to the House of Faust will be born. When that day comes, the sword will serve its true purpose.
But for the past hundred millennia, no such heir has appeared. However, this book—The Book of Faust—has been used all this time. It contains information on every Supreme Devil of each floor of the Underworld—all 25 floors.
All their relics… all their strengths… all their weaknesses. Even the ultimate offerings—the Eye of Sin, the Eye of Purity, the Wings of Salvation, the Armor of Lucifer, and all the Lost Vile Armors—are listed within."
Lilith held out the bracelet.
"Use it now. Summon the devil Arteos."
Liebe stepped forward and raised his hand, speaking the chant:
"I am a weak human that values power above all.
Let my fragile soul be the price for strength unearned.
From the depths of frostbitten ruins and rusted thrones, I call.
Now summon the God of Cold and Steel — the ruler of the 17th floor, Arteos.
Beneath the shattered ice and broken blades, awaken your will.
Even if it might be at 2%, lend me your merciless judgment.
Let iron rain and winter howl in your name.
Arteos, bind with me — and rewrite my fate in steel."
The devil was summoned at the altar.
Lilith said,
"Win this, and attain the power you need. Remember, a summoned devil can only interact with the one who initiated the Devil Binding Ritual."
Arteos emerged from the smoke and shadows.
"Who dares summon me?"
Liebe replied,
"I am Liebe, and I want your power."
Arteos laughed.
"So what will it be? A sacrifice—or combat?"
Liebe answered with no hesitation,
"Combat."
The battle was swift. Liebe emerged victorious in just under two minutes.
Lilith warned,
"Remember—when you summon again for a greater portion, you'll lose the percentage you currently hold and must rely on the attribute alone. So, if you try for 3%, you won't get any help from the 2%."
Liebe said,
"Let's do this."
And so the challenge continued. Each time, Liebe demanded more. Each time, he grew stronger.
Finally, when he reached 33%, it took him more than 35 hours to claim victory. It was then declared too dangerous to push any further, as the risk of defeat—and possession—had become real.