Virus King [Translation]

"Human! Can you understand me?!"

One of the snake heads, known as Ninth, realized that his older brothers were ignoring him. He turned his gaze toward Novak, who had been silently watching.

Novak's eyelids twitched, but he managed to nod, "I can."

"My older brothers aren't interested in fighting you, and I don't like fighting either. Why don't we have a chat? If the conversation goes well, we'll let you pass. How does that sound?"

"???" 

Wait, is this for real?

It seemed like the Abyss had its own peculiar ways of presenting challenges. And among everything he had encountered so far, this Hydra was undoubtedly the most fascinating creature in the Abyss, hands down!

Still, Novak nodded in agreement. He had nothing to lose.

Worst-case scenario, he'd have to start over again, which he was used to by now. But if he could pass this level without a fight, that would be a huge relief.

"Great! Then how about this—tell me about the world beyond the Abyss! Sound good?"

Are Abyss creatures really this easy to converse with? Looking at the white snake head, which was quite different from the other intimidating heads, Novak nodded again.

"Beyond the Abyss, there are heavens and worlds. In the vast universe, there are entrances, vortexes, and wormholes leading to countless worlds! In these worlds, there are all kinds of races and creatures!"

"Oh... And what about you? Are you a pure-blooded human? Oh, and what's your name?"

"Novak..."

The white snake head nodded thoughtfully. "That's an unusual name, but I'll remember it. So, Novak, what kind of world is the one you live in?"

The conversation between Novak and the snake head flowed easily. It was, without a doubt, the most peaceful moment Novak had experienced since entering the Abyss.

The massive Hydra's other heads were busy with their own affairs, while only the small white snake head kept chatting. Its curiosity about the outside world was almost childlike, like a ten-year-old eager to learn more.

It was, indeed, quite endearing in its own way.

Their discussion covered a wide range of topics, leaving Novak a bit speechless at times. Still, it was better than fighting.

But just as he began describing his homeland, another voice suddenly chimed in from the side.

"Human, you said there are poets in your homeland? Like the bards mentioned in the Traveler's Notes, those who roam the mainland singing songs of adventure?"

The seventh snake head spoke up this time, rolling its eyes curiously. 

Novak nodded. Avoiding a battle with a true god by simply talking seemed like the best possible scenario.

The seventh head's eyes glimmered as it responded, "The Will of the Abyss has tasked us with testing you, and while Ninth is easygoing, I'm not. How about this: recite some of the classic works from your poets, and I'll judge whether you can pass!"

Novak glanced at the seventh snake head, who had interrupted, and asked, "Would you prefer Eastern poetry or Western poetry?"

"Hmm? Does your world have different languages and styles too? So many variations among humans alone? Alright then, let's hear it!"

Without missing a beat, Novak began reciting from the famous works he knows.

"The greatest distance in the world…"

And he didn't expect the poem he recited caused the seventh snake head's eyes to light up with admiration since it's a poem he knows from his school days.

"Good poem, good poem! Do you have more? What about the Eastern poetry you mentioned earlier?"

Without further ado, Novak switched from the Abyssal language to his native language, reciting:

"The sun sets behind the mountains, 

The Yellow River flows into the sea. 

To glimpse a thousand miles further, 

Ascend another level higher."

"???" 

The seventh snake head blinked at Novak in confusion. "This is…?"

"This is from my language. Only through it can the true meaning of the poem be fully expressed."

This time, however, the seventh snake head fell silent, flipping through its book with its tongue. Meanwhile, the fourth head, who had been reading quietly, turned its attention toward Novak.

"What an intriguing language! Its structure and expression are incredibly transparent. Even though I can't fully understand it, I can sense its meaning through mental resonance. Human, do you have books that could teach us this language? Could you show us?"

Novak blinked, a bit taken aback by the sudden interest from three of the snake heads. He shook his head and replied, "No, I don't have any with me. Besides, I'm here to challenge the Abyss! But if you really want them, I could bring some after I leave."

The three snake heads stared at him, one scoffing with a derisive tone, "Are you out of your mind? You, a mere human, think you can challenge the Will of the Abyss? I don't know how you managed to kill that fool Baphomet, but don't think that makes you invincible! And you think you'll leave the Abyss alive? Ha! Keep dreaming!"

The third head's words stung, and Novak's expression tightened. He was growing tired of the insults.

The fourth snake head, in a calmer tone, added, "While my brother's words are harsh, he has a point. Even if you pass our test, the next layers are filled with opponents who are far more difficult than us. You won't get through them so easily."

"So, why don't you stay here a bit longer? Teach me this strange language and explain more poetry to me. What do you think?" 

Novak shook his head resolutely, "When I pass this test, if there's an opportunity, I can have a good conversation with your true form. But here and now? I'd rather not. If you're going to let me pass, then let me pass. If not, then bring it on. 

As for the books you want, if I make it through the Abyss, I'll bring them for you. But that depends on whether I survive."

The snake heads exchanged glances. Under Ninth's gentle persuasion, none of them were particularly eager to take charge of the body and fight Novak. 

In the end, the Hydra's nine heads entangled themselves in a way Novak hadn't expected, and they simply let him go.

Just like that, Novak passed the test.

With a surreal feeling, he continued descending deeper into the Abyss, layer by layer.

On the 350th floor, in a dark, secluded corner, the Hydra's nine heads swayed thoughtfully. The fourth head was the first to speak:

"Do you think, by going easy on him like this, that human can actually make it through?"

"Perhaps, but the chances are slim. Still, that's the nature of life, isn't it? Like moths drawn to a flame—what seems foolish is, in fact, the most magnificent display of existence! Ah, I should compose a poem about that human. What was his name again?"

"Forgot…"

"Novak…"