Virus King [Translation]

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A ray of light appeared, cutting through the darkness.

In the night, it was blinding.

From within the light, a short figure materialized on the empty street, accompanied by a familiar voice.

"My dearest little one, I truly didn't expect to be summoned again so soon. Let me guess – did you meet my expectations and prove your worth, demonstrating your potential and investment value?"

There was unmistakable excitement in the voice.

Novak's face twisted instantly. 

Gone was the previous look of guilt, the respectful flattery he used to show. His expression now was pure anger.

"Oh, little guy, why are you looking at me like that? Could it be that something unexpected happened?" Zogwort, the figure in the light, was grinning, his face alight with excitement. But upon seeing Novak's expression, he hesitated.

Novak fixed his gaze on Zogwort, seething with anger.

"Your Excellency," Novak began, his tone sharp, "I've always respected you, been in awe of you. But you deceived me! You never mentioned that the dungeon was at nightmare level. I didn't even receive any warnings before I went in!

Don't tell me the Cosmic Will just 'forgot' to remind me. Isn't this against your own trading principles and your philosophy of fairness? 

If I hadn't had some tricks up my sleeve, I'd be dead by now—killed by that monster!"

Novak was furious, his face red as he spoke, spittle flying toward the small figure of the goblin in front of him, making the scene even more awkward.

Zogwort, however, quickly waved his hands defensively.

"But you're still alive, my friend! I understand your anger, truly, but this is part of the price you pay! Now that you've seen the value of the dual profession scroll, you can better grasp its significance. 

With that item, your chances of igniting a divine fire in the future may increase by several percent! A treasure like that can't come without some risk. However, I wasn't wrong—your strength, talent, and adaptability in the proving ground have far exceeded my expectations."

Novak seemed to be swayed, the anger on his face gradually easing as he thought about Zogwort's words. Yet, still dissatisfied, he muttered under his breath:

"But it was only the first ring you gave me, and you didn't just hand it over!"

Zogwort shrugged, spreading his hands.

"My dear friend, I wouldn't let you take risks for nothing. When I gave you the task, I was clear that you'd be rewarded when it was completed."

Zogwort's smooth words made it hard for Novak to argue further. He still looked upset, frowning as if searching for a reason to continue complaining, but ultimately finding none.

This reaction was perfect for Zogwort's plan.

The God of Trade was clearly in high spirits, glancing toward De M-anila University from time to time. It seemed that, had Novak not been present, Zogwort would have already rushed there—to the secret realm Novak had conquered and opened to the public.

Sensing Novak's displeasure, Zogwort understood his thoughts immediately. With a quick wave of his hand, he added:

"Alright, alright. Perhaps things weren't handled perfectly. But for you to accomplish such a feat on the very first day of the proving ground—I've seen your potential, witnessed your strength. Your courage and resourcefulness are undeniable! 

So, for the SSS-ranked dual profession scroll, you need only complete two rings. How about it? Fulfill my second request, and the scroll will be yours, no strings attached."

"Really?" Novak's eyes lit up at the offer.

"Of course! Bring me the body part you saved from killing that creature, and I'll process the task submission for you!"

Hearing this, Novak's eyes truly sparkled. 

The dual profession scroll was undeniably important. But wasting too much time on it would hinder his growth. Though it wasn't worthless, dragging it out would certainly do him no good.

In this apocalyptic world, opportunities are everywhere.

But even a single misstep could cost everything.

If Zogwort had been willing to hand over the reward so easily, things would have been much simpler.

However, a sense of unease stirred in Novak's mind. What if all of this was connected to that strange '?? Face'? What exactly was that thing?

Novak's thoughts churned, but he maintained a calm exterior, pretending to ponder the situation. After a moment of hesitation, he reluctantly took out the item.

[Ding!]

[The first round of the ultimate investment in the SSS mission is completed. Mission experience and attribute point rewards will be distributed upon task completion. Zogwort will issue interim rewards.]

Zogwort paid no mind to the item, extending his hand confidently. The familiar selection list appeared before Novak once again.

"How about this," Zogwort said, with a grin. "Last time, your mission reward was limited to a B-level equipment item or skill book, right? This time, there's no such restriction. As long as it's of equivalent value or the same level, you can choose whatever you want as your reward."

Novak's eyes brightened.

Without the usual restrictions, his options widened significantly.

Scanning the list, his eyes landed on something almost immediately. Without hesitation, he pointed at it.

"This one."

Zogwort glanced at the item, momentarily startled. His expression shifted into a pained grimace.

"Why do you want 'that'? Planning to build a city for the Chamber of Commerce?" he asked, half-joking.

Novak chuckled. "You never know when it might come in handy."

Though clearly reluctant, Zogwort sighed and nodded.

"Well, its true value can't be measured by rank alone, so it doesn't have an official rating. But I've got a backup. If you want it, it's yours."

Novak's heart surged with excitement. With this blueprint in hand, things would be much easier for him moving forward.

Tucking the blueprint safely into his coat, Novak turned back to Zogwort, who was finally getting down to business.

"The efficiency and speed with which you completed the first task far exceeded my expectations!" Zogwort exclaimed.

"As such, many of the usual tests are unnecessary. But there is still one crucial point left."

Novak raised an eyebrow, a sense of unease creeping into his thoughts.

"Luck," Zogwort continued, "is always a key ingredient in the growth and promotion of any strong individual. It's only by combining luck with strength that someone can truly become powerful."

Novak's expression tightened. He had a bad feeling about where this was headed.

"The dual profession scroll is my life's work!" Zogwort declared. "The culmination of my goblin industry and alchemical mastery! I won't let it be wasted. If you're just going to use it on some ordinary class, you might as well destroy it!"

Zogwort's eyes gleamed as he delivered his next demand.

"So, the task for the second ring is simple. You must obtain two job transfer scrolls for SSS-level professions. Only then can you take my greatest creation from me!"

"!!!"

Novak stared at Zogwort in disbelief. 

How could this little goblin make such an outrageous demand?!

Was there no limit to his audacity?