Entering the room, Vergel saw that he was alone in the meeting hall, which should have already started—but, as always, everyone was late.
'Why is it that every time I call a meeting, they don't seem to care? Maybe it's because I'm in my prince form.'
Either way, he was late himself, but that was because he had fought Enrico, so it was normal to arrive after time. Giving a signal to the two guards he brought with him, Vergel sat down while they stood behind him.
"Why did you call a meeting, brat?"
A black gargoyle with gray lines came flying through the large open window, followed by two smaller gargoyles. Instead of sitting in a chair, she perched on the window frame.
Kirvi, Gargoyle of Judgment — Nartheis Faizes Level 2
Magic: Stone
Unique Ability — Castle Guard: While within the castle or within 100 meters of it, her power increases by 15%.
She was the sixth strongest boss in the dungeon, ranked just below Vergel's power—at least in his prince form. If Vergel used more power, she wouldn't even be able to clean the floor.
"I'll speak once everyone has gathered—it'll be easier that way."
"Well, here come the weakest of the Seven Greats."
Sitting in the chair opposite Vergel, a knight in silver armor took his seat silently, his entire body covered by the small armor.
????, Knight of Silence — Nartheis Faizes Level 2
Magic: Sound
Unique Ability — Field of Silence: Cancels magic within a five-meter radius.
Those two who had appeared were possible for Enrico to defeat, and he already had a plan to start eliminating them separately, away from their guards.
'I think the easiest will be the Silent Knight, since he doesn't bring guards with him.'
His disguise was excellent—it even gave him the same Nartheis aura as the original—but as always, his problem was the duration. He couldn't stay there for too long.
'I need to find a way to leave this place before they get suspicious and before the disguise fades.'
Two more Nartheis took seats in different spots. One was a mechanized priest who gave a half-hearted bow to Vergel, making him snort.
Marcelo, Iron Priest — Nartheis Faizes Level 2
Magic: Healing and Curse
Unique Ability — Salvation: His healing becomes instantaneous, capable of saving anyone on the brink of death.
The other was a knight in black armor who seemed irritated that the prince had summoned him, yet still looked loyal and respectful in a way.
Baltazar, Black Knight of the Gate — Nartheis Faizes Level 2
Magic: Spear
Unique Ability — Gate Guard: Upon activation, his resistance increases by 150% during battle.
"Why did you summon us, Prince Vergel?"
"As polite as always, Baltazar."
The reason most of these Nartheis disliked Vergel was because the king of that castle had "died" because of him—but Enrico knew the truth. Vergel was the king, who had simply grown tired of ruling, created a story about a son who went missing, and was declared dead—only to return later as Vergel.
'Those two—Nathan—I'll need to reach Circle Three to defeat them.'
Both were far too dangerous for him right now—too strong for his current level. The priest was ranked as the fourth strongest, and the knight the third.
'Now, the last two are even stronger and more dangerous.'
"You'd better have called us for something truly important, prince."
Firlanda, Maiden of Chains — Nartheis Faizes Level 2
Magic: Dungeon
Unique Ability — Spiritual Chains: Can manipulate chains that drain mana and seal 20% of the opponent's physical abilities.
A woman with three scars forming the number seven on the right side of her face, from her eyes down to her mouth. She had black hair and brown skin somewhat similar to Vergel's—because she was his daughter.
"Yes, it's important, princess, so let's begin."
"Aren't we going to wait for Lord Silavam?"
"No, because he already knows—he discovered the same thing I did and had to stay behind to stop their advance."
Those words immediately caught everyone's attention. At first, none of them seemed to care—but even Enrico was intrigued, since he had never heard of anything like this in the story. The first to speak was Marcelo.
"What are they?"
"Nartheis from another dungeon who somehow managed to break through a portal and enter."
"Wait, that should be impossible! We Nartheis can't do something like that."
"That's right, we can't—but apparently, whoever gave the order to conquer this place has a way to make it happen."
Someone capable of breaking through a dungeon? That was unbelievable—something every Nartheis wished they could do. But one word Vergel had said made Firlanda especially uneasy.
"What do you mean by 'conquer,' Prince Vergel?"
"Exactly what you heard—they arrived asking us to ally with them, but in exchange, this place would be conquered and sacrificed for something their leader desires."
Baltazar gripped the sword at his waist tightly.
"To sacrifice our land? That's unacceptable! My prince, don't tell me you agreed?"
Having the power to leave and go outside was something no Nartheis could easily reject—if it were only an alliance, that would be one thing. But for them, this place was special; they would never sacrifice the kingdom of the king who had given them purpose, even if they had once been his enemies.
"Of course I didn't agree. Why do you think I left Silavam behind to face them?"
"This is the first time I agree with you, Prince Vergel—we can't let our lands be sacrificed."
"Thank you, princess."
Clenching his fist, Enrico was starting to understand something happening in that world.
[That expression... Tell me, what did you realize?]
'You're quite the curious system. Well, do you remember how many Nartheis have been appearing across the continent?'
[Yes. From what I know, the difficulty has risen and more Nartheis have appeared—but it shouldn't be that many... wait.]
'Exactly. Looks like we've found the cause. Now I just need to find out who it is—after I eliminate the Nartheis in this dungeon—'
"The name of this leader, apparently, is Jago."
In that instant, Enrico froze. His mind went blank for a moment, his disguise began to fade, and he stepped onto the table, shocking everyone.
'System, change of plan.'
[Enrico, what are you going to do?]
"Hey, Prince Vergel—I'd like to offer you something."
All the Nartheis, realizing he was human, stood up ready to attack—but stopped when Vergel raised his hand, curiosity in his eyes as he looked at Enrico's face, which now carried a shadowy expression.
'This human was hiding so well... truly an amusing one.'