The Crucible was mostly empty, and one could walk for hundreds of miles without seeing a single sign of life.
It took a lot of time for Liora to find anything remotely resembling a "landscape" among this nothingness—a massive molten rock that sizzled from the high temperature.
A heatwave blew against her face, yet her crimson hair and pale skin remained untouched by it.
Ignoring the temperature, Liora sat down and crossed her legs, while summoning the System with her mind.
--
[True Name: Liora Veythalis Dranthera Vexira...]
[Rank: Young Devil]
[Race: Unknown(Prototype)]
[Strength: 45(+15)], [Agility: 60(+30)], [Vitality: 40(+10)], [Mana: 50(+20)][1]
[Abilities: Shadow Assimilation, Soul Tear, Void Instinct, Shadow Claws, Combat Instinct, Soul Devouring, Low-Level Regeneration]
[Evolution Points: 42]
[Current Absorption Efficiency: 15x (Normal Devil = 1x)]
--
The increase in her base stats was obvious, partly as a result of the slaughter she unleashed in the River of Oblivion, and partly because of her advancement.
At the same time, three new abilities had appeared. Namely: Shadow Assimilation, Soul Tear, and Void Instinct.
Liora didn't need an introduction to these abilities. She already knew their effects and had even used them during her battle with the Tree Devil.
Shadow Assimilation granted her mobility, giving her the ability to travel through shadows while leaving a phantom behind.
Soul Tear granted her attacks "True Damage", striking directly at the opponent's soul, while Void Instinct enhanced her perception, allowing her to sense things she otherwise wouldn't.
"Offense, mobility, perception. Pretty much every aspect of combat is covered.", Liora whispered, becoming more and more curious regarding the origin of her Unknown Bloodline.
Because of the inherited memories, every Devil was born familiar with the Devil World.
As such, Liora knew of many bloodlines, as well as the abilities that one could obtain by awakening them.
The Scorching Flames of the Flame Devils, the Gale Slash of the Wind Devils, the Blood Manipulation of Blood Devils, etc.
Yet, none of the inherited memories mentioned anything about the Unknown Bloodline or its abilities. It was as if it appeared out of thin air.
Shaking her head, Liora noted this matter down and set it aside for the time being.
"Although 42 points are enough to create one or two abilities, such abilities are destined to be weak, not even as useful as Shadow Claws."
"My current goal should be to become familiar with the Crucible, and devour a few Devils along the way."
Based on her encounter with the Tree Devil, Liora could roughly judge her current place among the Crucible ecosystem.
Although she had just become a Young Devil, her strength was not weak. It was in the middle-upper part among the Devils here.
Compared to the other Devils who had just arrived, her strength was many times stronger.
Closing the System Panel, Liora returned to reality, and while "admiring" the beautiful scenery, she thought about her plans regarding the future.
The Crucibles, much like the River of Oblivion, were also shaped by the chaotic nature of the Demon World.
In them, only Young Devils were allowed while stronger Devils were forbidden from entry.
This was a form of protection for the Young Devils, but it was also a shackle imposed upon them.
To leave the Crucible and enter the real Demon World, a Young Devil had to satisfy at least one of the three conditions set by the Demon World.
They could either advance and become Lesser Devils, survive one thousand life and death battles, or stay at the top one hundred of the Crucible Ranking for a year straight.
The first option was the easiest and most straightforward, while also being the path that most Devils pursued.
"But leaving through becoming a Lesser Devil is more like taking advantage of the rules rather than satisfying the Demon World's conditions."
"A Devil who leaves the Crucible through this method will not receive the Demon World's blessing."
Liora, having just obtained that blessing, understood its value very well. Exactly because of that, she would never choose this method unless necessary.
Her current plan was to try both of the other methods simultaneously and see which one would end up being easier.
Having made her decision, Liora didn't linger any longer. Rising to her feet, she quickly left this place.
--
Liora had to admit that the Crucible deserved its name. As she traveled through its lands, she met many Devils along the way.
Despite their intelligence, these Devils didn't speak, but chose to attack her.
Unfortunately, they misjudged their strength. Although their combat power was higher than the Tree Devil's, their raw power was not much different.
As such, their souls soon became Liora's meal, leaving their lifeless bodies rotting in the desolate land.
It was unknown how much had passed, but Liora's path remained straight throughout this whole time. She followed the instincts engraved on her blood, her destination clear.
It was only a few days later that her travels finally came to an end.
Standing on a hill, Liora raised her head and looked ahead, observing the city in the distance.
It was composed of many uneven, grotesque-looking buildings, as a small wall made of Hellstone surrounded it—a type of stone unique to the Demon World.
Four entrances existed, one for each side of the wall, while a tall, black, square-like instrument stood right next to each of them.
Looking at this city, which seemed to be a rare sign of order among the chaos of the Demon World, Liora knew that she was at the right place.
"Unlike Little Devils, who are mindless beasts with little rationality, Young Devils possess a certain amount of intelligence."
"Although they still yearn for destruction and are guided by hunger, they can suppress these instincts if need be."
This was how the various cities in the Crucible came to be. They were established by powerful Young Devils who wished to form a force and further their goals through it.
Keeping that information in mind, Liora quietly approached the city.
After tossing a wisp of white mist—a soul— into the instrument beside the gate, she strolled into the city.
At the same time, though, her mind couldn't help but wander.
"Each Devil's entry into the city costs one Young Devil soul. I wonder how many souls the Devil in charge gathers each day..."
Thinking of thousands of souls being delivered to her door each day, Liora had to resist the urge to drool.
[1] The actual values of the base stats are somewhat meaningless and only of reference for Liora's growth. They are going to play a role later, but their values don't actually matter much. If anyone thinks that they are too low/high, I can modify them.