Without spiritual flight, I had no way of getting near my new enemy, who was floating in the air. I attempted to use > after imbuing fire, but it didn't reach. At the same time, the lich began shooting lightning at me. It was difficult to dodge, and I was unsure how much of it I could withstand. I was able to use my > to paralyze it, and, even though it stopped the lightning, it was not enough for me.

I was surprised by how long the paralysis lasted, but I didn't think about it too much. I decided it was finally time to bring out my friend. Since it was spirit magic that originally summoned it, I wasn't sure if it would work. There was no harm in trying, though.

"Spiritual serpent of the void, Samantha, descend upon this land and rein down your destruction. I, Roberto, summon you, my familiar, through our contract. Appear!"

From my hand, I felt a stinging pain. Surrounded by the fog of the void, a giant serpent came out. With water and the void overflowing, it raised its wings and flew around me.

"Hello, Samantha. I decided to let you play a little. Do you see the enemy in the sky above? Please fetch her for me."

After I asked, Samantha rose up and dashed, extremely fast, towards the lich. With the lich barely dodging, I thought of something to help!

I had a few MP recovery potions in my inventory, so I drank them to appropriately restore my MP. Then, I cast >! In the minute that everything was frozen, Samantha crashed into the lich, encircling it and strangling it at the same time.

My serpent brought the lich towards me, and, using Blackmail, I > towards it. I could hear her bones breaking as I pushed forward. Samantha kept squeezing, not letting her captive escape. Finally, the lich was defeated. For loot, I got the dagger.

Death Energy Absorbing Dagger (DEAD)

Rank: B+

Description: imparts death energy on every contact; 50% chance to corrode part contacted by dagger; sharpness intermediate and does not deteriorate; durability automatically regenerates using death energy; curses those who touch it without any death energy, leading to their demise; curses all holders to have a lessened lifespan, bad luck, and a poison that slowly removes energy and vitality

The dagger had some good effects and some terrible. I didn't sell it, but I also didn't want to use it. As such, I used the sealing rune to seal it before sending it to the warehouse. Done with that, Samantha returned to my hand, seemingly having enjoyed the experience. Simultaneously, Noah arrived back.

"I am astonished that you defeated my challenge so easily. I thought it would surely trap you for many decades. I don't know how you did it, but, congratulations, you have passed my challenge. I'll bypass some parts of the dungeon up ahead and let you ascend to the next floor."

The supreme arch lich flicked the impenetrable dome, and it shattered as if it was made of glass. I don't know how, but I ended up absorbing the fragments that fell.

Once the dome disappeared, and there were no more effects of the domain, I could see my status.

"Punishment?" Noah asked perplexed, "I guess I have to go. I had too much fun with you, so goodbye for now. I'll see you later."

When he disappeared, I heard the system.

[Due to the effect of class: ???, level restrictions bypassed. Domain congealing is now authorized. Domain randomly being selected. Unknown interference. Domain: Domain of Infallible Death. Progress: 5%]

Sure enough, with the message, my status also showed a new domain section. Bella also began explaining about her mother.

"My mom has the domain of life. Too bad you couldn't inherit hers."

"Why can't I have both?"

"Usually, everyone has their own domain. Just like classes, it takes many levels before being assigned another domain, and, usually, you need to be at least level fifty to get your first. I haven't even gotten any, and my mother has only one. Even after you get it, you need to congeal it."

"I have two classes, so, maybe, I can also have two domains. The system said that level restrictions were bypassed. If I get the chance, I'll have your mother trap us in her domain for a little, and I'll see if I can learn it."

"K," she responded, hugging me.

We walked forward a little, and we then encountered another orb, blocking the way to the next floor's stairs.

[Floor four complete. Authority level for floor four recognized.]

[Achievement: first time fourth floor conquered by Earth explorer. Reward calculated. Reward: clairvoyance Lv 1: see one second into the future]

As always, the silver ring turned back into its six-pointed star form. A second later, a bright white light came up from the ring and engulfed the orb.

[Unknown interference detected. Crystal orb error]

"I am Duke Amdusias, it is a pleasure to meet you, new master," a new voice resounded from my ring.

"Interesting. You now have command of a prince, marquis, president, and duke."

"It's my pleasure to serve alongside you, Prince Seere, Marquis Amon, President Foras."

"Likewise," Amon said.

"And me as well, Duke Amdusias," Foras stated.

"Master, please allow me to gift you the God's gloves," Amdusias stated, passing me a pair of gloves.

God's gloves (broken/growth) (soul bound/unnamed) (Armor)

Durability: infinite

Description: allows touching anything, including fire itself, with no damage when equipped. Can absorb pure elements into body of equipped, allowing full use. Can store and use magic directed at gloves at 50% effectiveness. Will never break or tear. Feeling transmitted as if gloves were not worn.

I equipped the gloves and named them Mantra. I also, as normal, received a new demonic technique from my new demon.

Demon nose

Description: Can smell all smells and identify them. Can regulate smelling ability, including turning it completely off. Smelling ability will auto-regulate as needed. Can smell and trace blood, including determining how old it is, and, if blood previously seen, owner of the blood.

I went to immediately check out the fifth floor, excited to continue; however, once I attempted to do so, a large, black space appeared near me. It was in the shape of a door, with magnificent pillars on both sides. Emanating from all around it was a large amount of void fog.

"Bella, go to my spiritual home. I'll be there soon," I sternly requested her.

Seeing my reaction, she seemed scared, but she still listened and went there. I was too afraid of what the void was doing. The space around me changed, and I was suddenly on a circular stone platform, still in front of the door. I drew Blackmail and had Samantha come out. I was worried it may be Keith coming back!

"We mean no harm. We only wish to talk to you. You couldn't harm us anyway, so please put down your weapon." It was an ancient voice from beyond the door.

While saying so, a being that appeared to be an old man came from the space. He had white hair and a long, white beard. He was dressed in a black robe and was at least 2.5 meters tall. The void fog circulated around him, but it didn't dare come into contact with him.

He raised his hand, and Samantha was bathed in the fog. I was going to get the man to stop, but it seemed Samantha liked the void fog, so I let her continue bathing in it.

"I am from the Council of the Void," the man responded.

At first confused, I remembered the chant I used to summon Bella. I was worried he was here to take my soul.

As if he could read my mind, the man stated, "Do not be afraid. We have taken your original soul, but we have no wish to forcefully take your new soul."

"What's the council of the void?" I asked.

"We are those in charge of the void. Anyone who traverses the void unharmed would be a void master, but only the most powerful among us get to serve on our council. We have ultimate authority in the void, higher than that of most planets and even that of these small dungeons!"

"What do you want with me, then, if not my soul? Do you want Bella? I won't let you have her!"

"We do not wish to interfere with the old war. We find it very amusing how you control and are so close to your pet. We have come to make you an offer. By changing the dungeon's parameters, we will bestow you the class of void apprentice at level twenty. You will then walk the path of the void master, joining us for eternity. If you can beat the one hundred fiftieth floor, we will acknowledge you as a void master. You already possess the major requirement, the very rare quality of void affinity. In fact, it is also one of the requirements to be the controller or owner of a dungeon. It's based on similar laws. Enough of that for now. Do not discuss this with anyone. It's not a choice. It's an order. Remember, with a thought, I could destroy your entire planet and this dungeon millions of times."

As he was rambling, the dungeon shook.

[Level nine authority detected. Request approved. Level twenty class selection has been decided.]

"That should do it. If you somehow beat the odds and survive, we will give you a reward once you reach such a level. Until then, goodbye."

Just as mysteriously as the man entered, he left. I didn't even get his name. In the place of the door was a jewel, shining red and green among the void fog. Picking it up, I learned the new spell void wall.

Void wall

Rank: S

Level: 1

Mana use: 250/minute

DE use: 20/minute

V use: -1

Description: Using void energy summon, summons a wall made of the void. Nothing can pass, unless it can also traverse the void. Wall will also decrease HP after extended use until level five is reached. Mana use decreases by 25/minute/level.

My status also showed "V" below death energy, with its appropriate regeneration. The value was -1, just like my void affinity.

I quickly got Bella and told her everything's fine.

"What happened?" She asked.

"The void seemed to be entering the dungeon, and I didn't want you to get hurt."

"The void? I've only heard a little from my mom. She said it's her boss's job to deal with it, as it requires level six authority at a minimum. Her boss's subordinates are level five or six, with him being level seven. What did they want? How did you escape alive?"

"The person just messed with my class selection for level twenty. He seems to have some connection with Samantha, as well."

We went back to the dungeon, but we were still unable to get to the next floor.

[Level seven authority has summoned the following dungeon entities: Fairy Queen, Supreme Arch Lich, Fairy Bella, Fairy Roberto (Earth01), Spiritual Titan Tiffany, Spiritual Titan Richard]

We were surrounded in a beam of light, and I barely was able to ask Bella what a spiritual titan is.

Luckily, she had time to respond as we ascended up the pillar, like an elevator, "If I remember correctly, the spiritual titans are spirits underneath Mom's boss."

The light rescinded, and I found myself in a familiar meeting room, with Bella; Isaac, the goblin chieftain; the fairy queen; Noah, the Supreme Arch Lich; and three other individuals. Two of them were gigantic, bigger than skyscrapers. There was no roof due to their size. They were the color of sand, seemingly made of the ground. They seemed impenetrable and incomparably strong. Looking at them, I didn’t think all of the nuclear warheads on earth could even leave a scratch.

Suddenly, the two figures assumed human form.

"Sorry about that," the third figure, who was in a golden-brown cape with a cane in his hand said. "We don't normally meet in this form, but we had to suddenly call all of those who may have been involved with a void master invading our dungeon. Tiffany and Richard were in charge of investigating."

He pointed towards the two giants.

"They are spiritual titans and my level six subordinates who deal with such high-level issues. We will soon report this directly to the controller, so I hope everyone is honest. Tiffany stated she saw fairies Roberto and Bella when the void arrived. The fog shrouded everything after, so we don't know what happened. Suddenly, the master left. We don't know who it was or what it wanted. We hope you can enlighten us. The queen has informed us of your situation, so there is no need to explain that."

"First, what are spiritual titans?" I asked

The fairy queen responded, "May I explain, boss?"

"Go ahead. I'll authorize the exception."

"Besides the controller, the dungeon is run from behind the scene by many different monster tribes, all with powerful leaders capable of defeating most floors of the dungeons. These leaders are under the seven generals, each representing an element of ice, fire, water, electricity, dark, ground, and air, respectively. I won't reveal his race, but my boss is the head of the spiritual titans, level six-authority beings. They are in charge of the ground element and over invasion coordination, reporting directly to the controller. Only those with level six or above authority can manage the floors above one hundred."

"Very good explanation," the boss praised.

"Was it you who allowed the fight between Noah and me?" I inquired.

"No, that was the boss of darkness," Noah answered for the present boss.

"I am Craig," the boss stated. "Bella, Roberto, please tell us what happened. Don't worry. For his actions, Noah will be reprimanded. That's all, Noah. You may leave."

Noah left, and Craig continued, "Isaac and the fairy queen have close ties with both of you, so, if anything is a lie, they will tell me. They are also here to support you and provide counseling in case of any trauma inflicted, though, I could tell at a glance that you are both fine. The man, though, has a peculiar aura around him."

When Craig finished, Seere spoke in my mind, "Interesting. It seems he may be able to sense us. Do not worry, Amdusias, as a Duke, can easily hide our aura."

"Done," Amdusias said.

"The strange aura suddenly vanished. It was different from the void. As such, I won't pry, but, young fairy, be careful. If I find where it was from and it's not the void, there may be punishment. My guess, though, is that the residual void energy just left you."

"Yes, of course," I sheepishly responded, trying to look alarmed.

"Now, please begin explaining what happened," Craig commanded.

"I saw a large door with strange fog coming out. Worried for Bella, I told her to go into my spiritual home. After the lich, I was afraid of what the next trick may be from Isaac."

"Is this true, Bella?" Craig questioned.

"Yes, husband valiantly protected me," Bella responded, holding my hand.

"As the fairy queen, I am able to tell that Bella entered a spiritual home shortly before Roberto around the correct time period."

"Young man, just what happened to you?" Isaac asked.

"Continue," Craig sternly told me.

"A door appeared, and I somehow found myself on a stone circle. Samantha came out and seemed to like the fog displayed by the door."

"Samantha?" asked Craig.

I summoned Samantha.

"Nice familiar, young man," Isaac commented.

"I see the void energy flowing through it. How did you get such a familiar?" Craig continued his interrogation.

"I don't know. I just summoned it to protect Bella when I thought I was going to die."

"You didn't summon it through the door that appeared?"

"No. You can review your records or whatever, but Samantha was there for my fight against the lich."

"Thank you, please continue explaining."

I continued to explain how Samantha liked the fog and how the door soon vanished. I left out any mention of the being from the void or my new spell.

"Thank you. For your contribution, I will reward you. You may choose from these," Craig stated as he waved his hand and a lot of spell and skill books appeared, as well as quite a few odd items.

"You may choose one skill and one spell. These will be given to you," Craig continued while moving the objects closer to me.

I drank the potions that were presented to me, which raised my maximum MP by fifty, maximum SF by one hundred, and maximum DE by seventy-five. There were also potions to restore all of them to the maximum. Bella received potions, which increased her MP by one hundred and SF by fifty.

Next, I looked at the spell scrolls available. I couldn't see the spells inside, but some of them glowed with strange colors.

"Interesting. I didn't think they would give you a demonic technique."

"Which one is that? Should I choose it?"

"The one with the black glow," Foras told me.

"Yes," Amon stated.

Listening to their advice, I choose the skill book with the black glow.

Golden demonic authority

Description: absolute command authority over all demons lesser than gold rank

"Let me upgrade that," Amdusias stated. I noticed a change at the same time.

"We, demon royalty below the duke level, are considered platinum ranked. We will swear our allegiance to you before our full powers return, but, now you can control any other demon. The color ranking depends on our race, but it's complicated."

Platinum demonic authority

Description: absolute command authority over all demons lesser than platinum rank (powerful hellfire demon)

As for the spell, I chose one with a golden light surrounding it.

Heaven's terraforming

Level: 1

Rank: SS/WU

Mana use: 500/square meter

Requirements: heavenly affinity 110% (human)

Description: changes terrain within range of spell to make it more suitable for spirits and heavenly beings and damaging towards undead and lesser demons.

I didn't know if this one would be useful, but it was at least rare enough to be ranked as world unique.

Thinking about my new technique, I decided to ask Amdusias about the Ancient sword techniques.

"You need to wield different powers to use the appropriate ancient sword techniques. Once you start to gain demonic power, I will teach you the techniques I know. I can help your existing sword techniques by adding death energy. I'll show you soon."

Even if I couldn't learn skills such as baptism, it would at least be better for my main weapon to gain a new skill.

Bella's new skill was spiritual hypnotism, which uses her SF to hypnotize and control other non-spirits.

"Thank you for all these rewards, but I don't know if we really deserve all of this," I told Craig.

"With the fairy queen's blessing, we do not suspect you of having any interaction with the void. Your choice of skills and spells was a test, which showed some odd results. You chose two completely opposite ones. One was on the side of demons and the other heaven. I am interested to see what happens next," Craig replied.

One of the spiritual titans responded, "It is rare for the door to appear, but for neither masters nor monsters to appear is quite odd. All of us here are glad and astonished that you made it back from that encounter. These are for your protection."

"He's right," the queen stated, "Here's my reward to you. These cubes upgrade resistances, and this will be useful to you much later."

Receiving the cubes, I saw that my resistances did increase. Specifically, paralysis, death, burn, pain, and HP decrease went up by one level.

The other item was a pink powder.

"What's this powder?" I inquired.

"Once you reach an appropriate level, you will begin congealing a domain. This will boost your progress when you are ready."

I could use it now! I immediately ate the powder, and I saw the congealing rose to twenty-five percent!

"Thank you, queen."

"It's not a problem. I wanted to give both of you more, but the rules and my boss," she said, pointing towards Craig, "Wouldn't allow it. I will pass on my domain to Bella whenever she is ready."

On Craig's orders, Bella and I left the room. We went to the training field, where Amdusias began instructing me on some new sword techniques. It took a few days, but, eventually, I got the hang of it. I was then able to inflict the flesh corrosion status on enemies I encountered with my slashes, stabs, and pierces. I also got level one nullification of the same. During the training, I learned the next basic soul technique, soul seal. This technique puts a seal on another's soul, which can have varied effects, such as stopping the soul from leaving the body, stopping all powers emanating from the soul, or restricting body movements.

Since death energy is an inferior form of demonic energy, the demons also took turns teaching me different spells using death energy.

Death pulverizer

Rank: C+

Level: 1

DE use: 35/body

Description: turns a body into death energy

Death shot

Rank: B

Level: 1

DE use: 60/shot

Description: shoots a ball of death energy, which can pass through defensive armor

Death pollution

Rank: A+

Level: 1

DE use: 250/square meter/minute

Description: pollutes the air with death energy, making the caster more powerful and absorbing all energy from the living in the surrounding area. All living instantly weaken by fifty percent.

Death wish pathfinder

Rank: D-

Level: 1

Requirements: clairvoyance Lv 5

DE use: 75/use

Description: creates an arrow pointing in the general direction of one who wishes for death. Will get more accurate with level increase.

With my new magic and skills, I was ready for floor five. Unfortunately, I would not be able to immediately head there. It was almost Sunday morning. I couldn't miss the religious service, or else my pastor and parents would be very mad at me. Bella and I both wondered what the service was going to be about today. Bella knew of a few dragons, so she would also be able to enlighten me regarding how correct the knowledge I garnered during service would be. It would be fun to correct the pastor afterward.