Virus King [Translation]

Silence.

Under the streetlights, everything was still.

Emaly stood quietly beside Novak, her gaze shifting between him and the dwarf goblin, Zogwort, who had suddenly appeared. She had no idea what was happening, but the atmosphere had become tense and frozen.

After Novak's rebirth in this apocalyptic world, he had set two major goals for himself in the early stages. The first was to obtain the dual profession scroll—one of the ten SSS-level professions from the Abyss.

However, even now, Novak wasn't confident about completing the mission he had only glimpsed in his previous life. The difficulty was immense.

But beyond the difficulty, what made the SSS-level profession scroll so outrageous was how to even acquire it in the first place.

Turning his gaze to Zogwort, Novak asked, "Can I know Your Excellency profession?"

Zogwort smiled. "SSS-level profession: Machine Creator."

Novak clicked his tongue. "I guess even someone as powerful as Your Excellency didn't start with that, right?"

Every god once rose from the evolutionary phase of mortal existence—there was no exception to this rule.

Zogwort nodded. "That's right. When the Proving Grounds of Gods and Demons came to my world, I was just a regular goblin. My first profession was A-level: Mechanical Reformer. Then, at my second job change at level 30, I advanced to S-class: Mechanical Lord. By level 70, my third change was to SS-class: Mechanic Pioneer.

In the end, when I ignited my divine fire and formed my godhead, my profession underwent its final transformation, becoming a unique and exclusive SSS-class: Machine Creator."

Novak furrowed his brow and asked, "Then Your Excellency should understand that obtaining an SSS-level dual profession before reaching level 10 is nearly impossible!"

Zogwort's expression turned firm. "My little friend, I've made myself very clear. This scroll represents the pinnacle of goblin industry and alchemical technology—it's my life's work! This is the only one of its kind in all of the heavens and worlds, in the boundless universe.

If it can't be set with the highest of medals, I'd rather bury it forever in a storage chest.

So now, my friend, do you accept this challenge? Or, if you choose to refuse, I have other investment options for you—items that match your talent and strength and can be given to you directly!"

Should I accept the challenge?

Novak stared at the goblin with fierce intensity. Once again, he was at a crossroads.

If the mission only required one SSS-level profession, he would have accepted without hesitation. After all, Novak was destined to head to the Abyss and attempt to acquire an SSS-level class. He was willing to gamble on that.

But now, two SSS-level professions? How could he manage that?

Just like the time when he was first reborn and had to choose whether or not to risk his life by injecting the zombie virus, the decision was agonizing. In this world, opportunities to become stronger often came down to making life-altering choices.

Yet, in an instant, Novak's eyes filled with determination. He responded firmly, "I accept."

Even if he failed, he would have given it his all. Most importantly, he had the experience of thousands of years behind him. He needed to carefully recall any clues or memories about SSS-level professions that lingered from his past life.

Novak feared that, in the future, he might regret the choice he made today. But this time, even if he failed, there would be no regrets.

Zogwort's other investment options weren't bad—S-level or even SS-level professions and bloodlines were possible rewards. But could a reborn Novak not get those things on his own?

The dual profession scroll, however, was unique, coveted even by the gods like Dark Mother Goddess.

If he missed this chance, it would be gone forever.

In that moment, as Novak's voice echoed, a notification from the Cosmic Will sounded in his ear.

[You have accepted the final ring of the 'Ultimate Investment' mission!]

Zogwort's eyes gleamed with newfound respect for Novak, and he raised a thumbs-up in approval.

"Incredible! I'm truly looking forward to seeing what you accomplish in the future. Just the courage and determination you've shown today already marks you as extraordinary! I look forward to the day you ignite your divine fire and become one of the gods of this new era. Here—take this summoning scroll. When you complete the task, you can call on me to return!"

As Zogwort's voice faded, his figure gradually disappeared into the night.

Novak stood still, watching the god of trade vanish from sight. Without hesitation, he quickly grabbed Emaly—who still hadn't fully grasped the situation—and ran.

He had clearly noticed the direction Zogwort headed in: toward De M-anila University.

This confirmed his suspicions.

Zogwort, the god of trading, was indeed planning something with that mysterious '??' face.

Although Novak knew that eventually, he'd have to confront Zogwort again upon completing the mission, he hoped to delay that meeting as long as possible.

In the darkness, Novak found a random hotel, and with his ability to move swiftly, he slipped into one of the luxury suites. There, he spent his first night after the end of the world.

The night outside was still pitch black.

Meanwhile, a small figure made its way into De M-anila University. Zogwort, driven by excitement and anticipation, entered through the underground garage, his eyes gleaming with intensity. His destination was clear: the University Morgue.

As he reached the entrance, the cold night air did little to cool the heat and thrill in Zogwort's eyes.

Finally, he stood before the open gates.

In the Proving Grounds of Gods and Demons, gods face severe restrictions. One of the most significant is that they cannot freely enter secret realms dungeons.

This is why, in Novak's previous life, when he fought for the Dark Umbilical Cord, no god could intervene directly—they needed a spokesperson. That was the very purpose of having spokespeople.

But tonight, something was different.

The special secret realm's vortex was slowing, and in the next moment, the swirling energy completely dissipated.

In reality, Zogwort pushed open the door to the incineration room, entering the area that had been transformed into a dungeon.

The massive incinerator remained, ominous and still.

Zogwort placed his hand on the surface of the terrifying machine, running his fingers along its cold, worn exterior. His brow furrowed as he circled the incinerator multiple times, growing increasingly perplexed. Then, with surprising agility, he slipped his small frame into the dark pipe leading inside.

After examining the empty incinerator, Zogwort stood in shock. Finally, he muttered in disbelief, "How is this possible? How could it be gone?!"

"Did that little guy figure it out and take it? No way! That thing is far too dangerous for a low-level evolutionary who hasn't even chosen a profession. How could this happen..."

At that very moment, the "little guy" Zogwort was referring to—Novak—was lying comfortably in bed, completely unaware of the god's bewilderment. 

Ignoring the buzzing woman nearby, Novak turned his attention to the strange and unsettling face stored in his system's warehouse, its lifelike eyes seemingly staring back at him.

His gaze then shifted to the reward he had just wrestled from Zogwort. No, not wrestled—earned.

The City Portal Scroll Production Blueprint!