Imprisoned for a Trillion Years, I Was Worshipped by All Gods!

"You knew I was coming here?"

Alan looked at the Third Princess with curiosity.

The Third Princess nodded and gave Alan a few extra glances. "Alice told me before she left—this secret realm suits you well."

Only then did Alan recall how close the Third Princess and Alice were. It made perfect sense that she would know.

With her around, Alan didn't feel so lost in this unfamiliar place, and he stepped up to stand beside her.

The Third Princess looked out across the plain. "Do you know who left behind this secret realm?"

Alan shook his head. He only knew that it was extraordinary—left behind by a forbidden magus—and highly coveted by various kingdoms and factions.

The Third Princess's eyes filled with reverence.

"Nicolas. This secret realm was left behind by the legendary Forbidden Magus Nicolas—not in his prime, but sometime during the earlier years of his life. It's incredibly valuable."

Hearing that name again, Alan's expression grew serious. Nicolas had once been the warden of Hell's first layer—a terrifying figure beyond imagination.

"Normally, a secret realm this valuable wouldn't be open to people like us," she continued. "But so many forces are fighting over it, and there are special rules here that give us a chance."

"But make no mistake, while it's an opportunity—it's also extremely dangerous. Every faction has sent their top talents. The competition will be fierce, and death is to be expected."

Alan nodded, then asked, "Third Princess, do we know who Lioncrest Academy sent this time?"

She shook her head. "Not yet. But we're here for the opportunities in this secret realm, not to pick fights."

Alan understood what she meant and shrugged helplessly.

"It's not that I want to go looking for trouble—but they probably won't leave me alone. I'm sure you've heard of the grudge between our academies?"

The Third Princess thought for a moment. "We'll see. I imagine they'll be more interested in the rewards."

She glanced over at him. "You're a magus, aren't you?"

Alan raised a brow. "What's odd about that?"

Her expression grew a bit more serious. "This place was left behind by Nicolas, a Forbidden Magus. Since you share the same path, your odds of gaining something here are higher than most. You'd best not reveal your identity too soon."

Alan nodded thoughtfully.

"In any case," she continued, "this secret realm is unclaimed territory. The rewards inside belong to whoever claims them." As she spoke, she handed him a potion.

"We don't know what we'll encounter inside. This is an antidote—drink it now and it'll protect you from poison for a while. Better safe than sorry."

Alan accepted it, gave it a quick look, and then drank it down in one gulp.

The Third Princess blinked, surprised. "Aren't you afraid I poisoned it?"

Alan shook his head without hesitation. "No. You're Alice's friend, and that's enough reason to trust you."

"Oh?" The Third Princess gave him an amused look, clearly intrigued. "Do you like Alice?"

Alan: "..."

"We're… friends, I suppose," he replied.

The Third Princess drank her own potion, then offered a word of encouragement. "If you like her, go for it."

Just as she spoke, a rushing sound broke the air. A fat young man came barreling toward them, his rolls of flesh wobbling like water-filled sacks.

He wore ornate clothing bearing the insignia of the Barton Kingdom.

Clearly a mage from Barton.

As soon as he arrived, he froze—completely captivated by the Third Princess's beauty. He licked his lips, excited by the sight of her military uniform from the Plantagenet Kingdom.

"A female general from the Plantagenet Kingdom! Damn, the rumors must be true—your women are fine, but generals? I bet they're extra juicy!"

With that, the blubbery brute charged toward the Third Princess like a moving mountain of meat.

Alan stepped forward and punched without hesitation.

The air cracked as his fist exploded forward—his [Blade Spirit] cutting through the air with unstoppable momentum.

The fat mage didn't take him seriously. He laughed coldly,

"A skinny little monkey like you, trying to play hero?"

As he spoke, he threw a punch of his own.

Green light surged across his arm, making it resemble a tough, wooden branch.

Boom!

The fists collided.

Alan stood firm, unmoving, while the fat mage was sent flying, crashing into the ground. Dust exploded, and his body rippled like a water balloon.

In the next moment, Alan's foot came down hard on his chest.

"You think you're worthy of insulting a woman from the Plantagenet Kingdom? Today, I'll take one of your arms!"

With that, he raised his staff-sword to strike.

Terrified, the fat mage trembled uncontrollably.

But the Third Princess shook her head.

"There's no need to cripple him… I say kill him instead."

The mage had just breathed a sigh of relief, thinking she was merciful—but her next action proved otherwise.

In the blink of an eye, the Third Princess drew her long blade from her waist. A pale flash of steel swept through the air, and all sensation left the fat mage's body.

Splurt!

His head flew skyward—and the Third Princess casually kicked it like a ball.

"You're still too soft with your enemies. Come with me. I'll teach you how to kill."

Alan stood there, stunned.

He had grown up in House Roan, fought in countless battles, and was always known for being ruthless.

But this was the first time someone had told him he wasn't ruthless enough.

Compared to the Third Princess, maybe he was a bit soft.

Without another word, he followed her lead.

As they passed the dead mage, Alan stooped down and looted the body.

He found over a hundred gold coins and dozens of level 2 mana stones.

A solid haul.

Truly, robbing others was still the fastest way to make money.

Soon after, led by the Third Princess, Alan reached the center of the plains. Beneath a massive boulder, two men stood waiting.

They wore Barton Kingdom uniforms, both burly and full-bearded, with an unmistakable air of ferocity.

They had been silently waiting—until they saw Alan and the Third Princess approaching. Their faces darkened, and they rushed forward.

At the same time, the Third Princess kicked over the severed head.

When the two saw the face of the fallen man, their eyes filled with shock and disbelief, quickly giving way to seething rage.

Alan and the Third Princess were openly provoking the Barton Kingdom!

Before either man could act, the Third Princess charged forward like lightning. In a blink, she was in front of one of them—and her blade flashed!

Alan was shocked.

From the moment she moved to the moment she reached her target, it had taken only an instant. Her explosiveness was terrifying.

Not to be outdone, Alan dashed toward the other man.

Though they'd been caught off guard, anyone who made it here was no ordinary warrior. Despite the ambush, their reflexes were sharp.

Boom!

As Alan slashed horizontally, the other man—wearing iron gauntlets—punched forward.

When their blows collided, shockwaves rippled outward!

The ground beneath the gauntleted man shattered, cracks spiderwebbing around him as he was forced back several steps.

He steadied himself, staring at Alan in shock.

That sword strike—its speed and power—had utterly overwhelmed him!

Realizing he couldn't afford to hold back, he drew a deep breath. Pale jade light spread across his skin, hardening him like a living gemstone.

Then he launched forward like a streak of light, charging Alan head-on!

The last exchange may have put him at a disadvantage, but that had been without preparation. Now, going all out, he was confident Alan would fall!

Whoosh!

He tore through the air, fists raining down like a storm, locking onto every vital point of Alan's body!

Alan raised his sword to block, sparks and shockwaves exploding from every collision with the man's hardened fists!