"Alert! Corrosive Bonebirds are heading this way—they're pack monsters, at least twenty strong. Form three-person defensive squads. Stay clear of the deep pits and don't take flight, or the Great Abyss will suck you down!"

Ilidian, who had been controlling his familiar while walking the steep path, suddenly called out. They were halfway through their journey, and this was Rogue's first encounter with monsters.

The moment his voice rang out, the demon squad swiftly formed two warriors and one mage per trio, gripping their gear at the cliff's edge.

Soon, a flock of bizarre birds appeared—skeletons covered in rotting flesh on their wings, with a single horrifying eyeball embedded in their ribcages. That eyeball seemed to be their life source.

Ilidian stepped beside Rogue. "Lord Rogue, your unique human scent might attract these Bonebirds. Be cautious—if hit, Abyssal corruption will cause serious trouble."

"Just focus on commanding the troops. I can handle myself," Rogue replied, pulling out his staff. Hidden behind Ilidian, his face showed a flicker of curiosity.

This was his first direct contact with Abyssal creations. The demon in cell number one had been tainted, but its corruption paled next to these Bonebirds.

What exactly was that moving eyeball? Rogue felt an odd sense of kinship toward it.

As he pondered this, the Bonebirds attacked with ear-splitting shrieks. Corrosive, foul-smelling liquid splattered from their rotting flesh as their wings flapped.

Their small claws suddenly enlarged just before reaching Rogue's group, slicing cleanly through the stone walls they touched.

After all, these were sixth-tier monsters.

The Demon Lord Army squads reacted swiftly, each picking targets. Mages began chanting before the Bonebirds closed in, spells shooting toward their wings and central eyes.

Their coordination was solid, but the monsters charged recklessly, mindless and fearless. One squad got overwhelmed by three Bonebirds—their melee-weak demon mage was torn in half instantly.

Corrosive acid splashed onto two demons, melting their flesh into fiery gore.

Though powerful, Ilidian and Higor were too busy to help. Rogue raised his staff, murmuring softly. A wave of magic spread from him.

Warmth eased the panic and wounds, drawing every demon's gaze to Rogue.

A high-tier healing array, layered with buffs.

The two injured demons would have died, but Rogue's magic halted their wounds instantly.

In that moment, the demons felt their bodies surge with vitality—re-energized and bloodthirsty once more.

The fight lasted about ten minutes. Rogue only cast support spells, keeping casualties to two: the mage, and another demon who instinctively spread his wings to dodge an attack.

The moment he floated over the Great Abyss, an unseen force sucked him down.

"Regroup! We move out in five minutes!" Ilidian approached Rogue, his respect deepening. "Thanks to your aid, Lord Rogue, we avoided heavier losses. Now I see why soldiers you've healed hold you in such esteem."

"It's my duty as a Priest. But I'm curious—are these Bonebirds Abyssal creations? And that eyeball... it seemed almost sentient."

Rogue pressed the question he cared about.

Ilidian replied, "They are indeed from the Abyss, but I know little of it. That eyeball... I've heard rumors it's tied to a Deity."

Could monsters be a Deity's creation?

"And the Great Abyss itself?" Rogue continued. "What do you know?"

"Human scholars speculate it hides an unknown sea, connecting to lands beyond ours—but it's just a theory." Demons rarely valued knowledge; Ilidian, considered a scholar among them, had only skimmed books. His understanding was shallow.

After resting, they resumed the journey. Half a day later, after fending off two more monster waves, they reached a teleportation array. Stepping through, Rogue saw a gloomy, ash-gray sky—utterly unlike the underground world.

Withered trees surrounded them, crows swarming everywhere. Rain threatened, the wind carrying faint, mournful cries.

Rogue tightened his black robe. Caution was vital now—if their true identities were exposed, the trade would fail, causing endless trouble.

"Let's go. Rain will slow us. Aim to reach the trade site today," Ilidian urged, now disguised as a merchant caravan. He glanced at the sky, then shot Rogue a strange look.

Though Rogue's eyes were hidden, Ilidian sensed his curiosity—as if he'd never seen such a place before.

Marsh Wasteland lived up to its name: muddy paths, eerie silence, scarce resources, and abundant monsters. Few creatures dared enter.

It had always been that way—until now.

Less than half an hour in, a violent commotion erupted ahead, laced with magical surges.

"Watch out, friends ahead!" a bright, energetic voice called. A red-haired boy and purple-haired girl sprinted past, chased by enraged monsters.

Their auras suggested mostly fourth-tier threats.

Higor snorted. "Ilidian, can I kill them all?"

Ilidian stroked his chin, glancing at Rogue. "No distractions. Eliminate them."

He meant the humans too—demons saw them as worthless.

But Rogue raised a hand, stopping him. "Spare those two humans."