Dekan decided to follow his heart.
“Now, what about the information on the Warden?”
Dekan decided not to get caught up on the fourth layer any longer.
At worst, he could just speed through the fourth layer; it wasn’t that big of a deal.
Although he might miss some crucial information, he would gain a significant time advantage.
Whether that was good or bad, he couldn’t tell.
The Warden responded, “No magician can defeat the Warden.”
“…That’s it?”
Dekan didn’t hold out much hope for any amazing intelligence.
However, spending 2000 Demon Points led to a Cornelia-style summary of information!
But that was certainly better than the riddles from the first layer.
This information was easy to infer.
The Warden had absolute resistance to spells.
Or could possibly dispel spells.
That gave Dekan a headache.
Most of his methods relied on spells.
If he could only use equipment and summons to confront a ninth-tier demon, he couldn’t think of a strategy on the spot.
He needed more information.
Then Dekan inquired about supplies that could be bought from the Warden on the third layer.
However, according to the Warden, aside from the special meals in the restaurant, everything else was similar to what could be bought on the first layer.
So, the other levels likely had these common supplies available too.
There was no need to burden himself with a pile of items right now.
Just as Dekan was about to leave, the Warden suddenly asked him from behind:
“Are you interested in something outside of supplies and information?”
“Please, go on.”
Dekan paused, turning back, feeling somewhat surprised.
“I can grant you delivery service for this layer, for 3000 Demon Points.”
The Warden said.
Although the cost-effectiveness of such a delivery service was generally not considered by Prison Guards, she thought that Dekan must have an unimaginable amount of Demon Points for someone who had arrived at the third layer, so she asked.
“For example, can you deliver special meals from the third layer to other layers?”
Dekan quickly walked back to the Warden and asked.
Although this function sounded absurd, Dekan couldn’t deny that he was indeed tempted!
“Yes, once you activate this permission, you can order using the Demon Bracelet in other layers, and I will promptly send what you need to any teleport portal in the lower layers via a special channel.”
The Warden nodded affirmatively.
“Buy it!”
There was no reason to hesitate!
He had the resources!
While enjoying himself, he couldn’t treat his companions poorly!
Everyone had to eat well!
Originally, Dekan thought about buying some snacks to take with him, but considering that carrying a bunch of meals down was inconvenient.
It would be perfect if delivery was an option!
Moreover, this delivery service could reach any layer.
It could even be sent to the Exile Zone!
He didn’t know if the subsequent layers would have any that couldn’t be traded; having a portable shop would indeed be great!
So, Dekan spent a total of 5400 Demon Points to buy two pieces of information and the delivery service.
With Demon Points still sufficient, after deducting 3000 for the teleport to the fourth layer, he would still have 10965 left.
He had to thank the few bosses on this layer for their tips.
Otherwise, he couldn’t be this comfortable.
Dekan happily walked to the teleport portal on the third layer and headed toward the fourth layer.
After being guided by his Master, he had come to understand.
Now he felt a sense of calm, a feeling that his mind was open and free.
He really didn’t need to trouble himself or Tarta anymore.
Some things were predetermined from the beginning.
The more he tried to stir things up, the more likely he’d achieve the opposite.
He would sincerely apologize to Tarta when he returned.
Everything would be alright.
Soon, Dekan arrived at the fourth layer.
According to the patterns of the first three layers, Dekan prepared himself mentally for a dire environment on the fourth layer.
Yet he was surprised that the fourth layer felt every bit as good as the third layer.
The spacious area before him was like a maze, but every wall was lined with tall bookshelves, giving off a sense of an ancient library.
At a glance, everything from the carpets to the light fixtures was particularly clean; someone must have been regularly maintaining it.
Stepping into this area, a faint fragrance wafted through the air, seemingly helping him relax even more. He could enjoy a cup of tea and find a good book for a pleasant afternoon here.
This feeling quickly put Dekan on alert.
The Warden of this layer seemed not simple; she had given him the illusion that this layer was very safe.
At this moment, he was finally able to see the rules of this layer.
[Greed Prison]
[Prison Guards in this layer cannot actively attack prisoners or other Guards, or destroy facilities, otherwise, 90% of their current Demon Points will be deducted each time, or 100 Demon Points, whichever is greater.]
[The Warden can execute Guards and prisoners at her discretion without restrictions.]
[The Warden can assign tasks at her will. Completing tasks earns Demon Points, which can be exchanged for supplies. Demon Points can be freely traded.]
[To proceed to the fifth layer, one must pay 4000 Demon Points or have the authority of the Warden of the fourth layer.]
“What sort of rules are these… why can the Warden of the fourth layer act so freely…”
Dekan muttered.
Leaving aside the strict limitations imposed on incoming Guards—no active attacks and no destruction of facilities.
The Warden faced no restrictions whatsoever!
While Guards wouldn’t have their Demon Points deducted daily like in the first and third layers.
The Warden also might not provide you with tasks to earn Demon Points!
If the Demon Points weren’t enough to cover the teleportation fee, one could easily fall into a deadlock!
It would be like being stuck, unable to go up or down, trapped on the fourth layer.
If the Warden got irritated, she might even directly eliminate a Guard!
Luckily, Dekan was aware that the Warden on this layer didn’t seem to have a violent temper.
As long as he didn’t provoke her, she likely wouldn’t take action.
He thought to circumvent her and head forth to the fifth layer.
An eighth-tier Warden; he didn’t want to take on a boss solo.
So, Dekan wandered through this surprisingly comfortable maze.
He originally thought this maze would be very complicated.
However, he quickly realized which way to go.
The reason was simple.
There were signs along the way!
They pointed directly to how to reach the fifth layer!
And these signs were genuine; Dekan didn’t take long to follow them to find the teleport portal leading to the fifth layer.
All along the way, these signs were evidently placed by the Warden.
She seemingly just wanted the incoming Guards to leave quickly and not bother her.
“What kind of slacker Warden is this…”
Dekan was momentarily curious about what kind of mechanism this Warden operated under.
It turned out that the sense of security in this layer wasn’t an illusion.
It was genuinely safe!
