Norm took a deep breath, slowly released his hand, and set down the briefcase he was holding. One hand gripped a handgun, and the other pulled out a short knife from his waist, striking a pose like a falcon ready to swoop.
This scene resembled a theatrical play; Bologue smashed through the ceiling, and dim light filtered through the mist of the Great Rift, perfectly illuminating Norm.
The audience in the darkness gradually awakened, their bloodthirsty breaths constant, and the heavy scent of decay seemed to fill every corner.
Norm maintained external calm, but his heart churned like a storm; he was not a Demon but a whole human being. Once these Demons awoke, these ravenous beasts would indiscriminately attack, drawn to the deliciousness of souls.
This weapon was originally meant to stall Bologue, but now it dragged Norm into a mire.
As for Bologue, Norm's mind was already full of speculation. From this brief encounter, Bologue had some concealment abilities that allowed him to easily blend into the darkness, to the extent that Norm struggled to pinpoint his location. On the other hand, there was Bologue's destructive power.
Thinking of this, Norm's gaze slightly shifted upwards; never did he expect that, when the door wouldn't open, Bologue chose to tear down the wall to break into the room.
It was Norm's oversight, but it was essential intel: Bologue's power couldn't open the specially crafted iron door, yet could shatter this fragile building, giving Norm a rough estimate of Bologue's strength.
"It's not that bad yet."
Norm reassured himself. He had a vague understanding of Bologue, but now Bologue knew nothing about him or his powers. This was Norm's advantage.
"Are you from the Order Bureau? Since when did the Order Bureau recruit someone like you? I remember their operations are always cautious and secretive."
Norm scanned the surrounding darkness, not acting rashly.
In memory, the Order Bureau's field staff were like silent Death Gods; they rarely spoke unnecessary words, cold tools executing orders. When you saw them, you were already dead.
"I just joined today."
A response rang out, prompting Norm to raise his handgun without hesitation and shoot confidently in the direction of the voice. After the gunshot, the slow return of metal clashing was heard.
"Joined today? So eager to carry out missions?" Norm knew the shot didn't hit and continued, "You really are dedicated."
"Love what you do... Honestly, I quite job."
Bologue knew Norm was probing him, and similarly, Bologue was probing Norm.
The two, one in the light and one in the dark, reminiscent of a Hunter with prey. The difference was, any slight mistake could reverse their roles.
Seeing the glowing patterns on Norm, no explanation was needed; Bologue was aware it was the "Alchemy Matrix," signaling Norm as a Condenser.
So, what is his "Secret Energy"?
Bologue pondered; he could rely on "Blessing" for trial and error, but as Geoffrey said, Bologue didn't wish to overly depend on this power...
No, rather than dependence, it's a poor sense of pride. The first step towards revenge required constant death to make progress, showcasing Bologue's incompetence.
Bologue was an expert; experts could not be so incompetent.
As for the identity of the Condenser opposite?
Bologue was indifferent to these factors; he enjoyed challenges that re-ignited his heart.
The "Concealer" provided shelter, with the Shock Hammer being Bologue's killing tool—more practical than expected, simple yet brutal, its fierce strikes causing walls to tremble and eventually collapse.
With the hammer, Bologue forcibly created a path from the roof down; it made him feel like a raging construction worker.
Tightening his grip on the folded knife and Shock Hammer, a hoarse roar suddenly broke the standoff between Bologue and Norm, as hungry Demons rushed out from the darkness, seeking the deliciousness of souls.
Perhaps due to soul deficiency and the shelter of the "Concealer," most Demons did not notice Bologue's presence, primarily rushing toward Norm, tormented by Bulimia Nervosa, leaving them with only animalistic instincts.
Feeding, greedily and frantically feeding.
Only a few Demons seemed to notice Bologue's presence, gazing blankly at his location.
Bologue remained unmoved; he completely ignored those Demons and carefully watched Norm to observe how he would combat them.
The sound of gunfire echoed.
Norm fired continuously at the approaching Demons. His aim was precise, each bullet striking accurately, exploding the Demon's skull into a mist of blood.
Ferocious figures fell one after another during the charge, their corpses chaotically piled together.
However, ammunition was ultimately limited, and Norm was constantly vigilant of Bologue, which prevented him from focusing entirely on the battle.
Running out of ammo, with Demons closing in, Norm swung the short knife decisively, precisely severing the Demons' limbs, then turning to slice their necks open.
He wanted to conceal his "Secret Energy," but as the pressure mounted rapidly, such concealment wouldn't last much longer.