What an extraordinary control of space.
Such an attack, even Knull dared not neglect. He distorted the time around him and swiftly cast a spell, transforming his entire body into a peculiar dark dome.
The dome was adorned with intricate planet patterns, resembling a miniature universe. The moment the dragons touched the door, they were instantly absorbed and transformed into mere "bugs" clinging to its surface.
This technique is Knull's unique trick, known as the Living Abyss. The planets within the dome are genuine celestial bodies that he has devoured and assimilated.
Knull's purpose in creating this move is to bring about the destruction of the universe. It should be noted that he arrived at this location first.
"Did you not inquire about my capacity for devouring? Let me enlighten you: I can consume the entire universe."
Knull chuckled. "Space controller, the more I consume, the greater my strength becomes. Thank you for assisting me in augmenting my power."
"You're welcome. As an esteemed Elder god, it is only natural for me to treat you well."
Far from ceasing his assault, Bert's offensive attacks grew increasingly ferocious, with dazzling thunderbolts crackling throughout the realm.
Bert, too, possesses the concept of devouring. He is well aware that there is a limit to consumption, much like how humans require a digestion process after eating. Regardless of Knull's ability to swallow and merge, it remains impossible for him to instantaneously consume and digest everything.
What's more, Bert's power is limitless, with the entirety of Hell supporting him.
You think you can devour all of Hell?
"Damn, is this guy the bastard child of Hell?" exclaimed Mephisto, who observed the battle from a distance. Not only his realm, but all the realms of Hell were backing Bert, and what was even more astonishing was the sheer magnitude of support they provided, surpassing even the aid granted by the Demon King of Hell.
That's why Bert chose Hell as his battlefield.
Knull also sensed that something was amiss. He felt very puzzled. Why were the forces of Hell supporting him so fiercely? There didn't seem to be a logical reason for it. Could this guy be the reincarnation of Hell's Will?
"No wonder he's so powerful. Wait, there doesn't seem to be any trace of Hell's power in his energy source."
Knull furrowed his brow. If things continued like this, he feared that he would end up losing on both fronts.
After pondering for a moment, Knull disengaged from the Living Abyss and quietly flew toward Mephisto. Due to his merging with the void, Bert failed to notice his movements.
As Knull drew near, he transformed into a mass of black mist, enveloping Mephisto's entire body, before swiftly infiltrating Mephisto's being.
Mephisto was taken aback and tried to resist the intrusion of the black mist. He asked angrily, "What are you doing? I was just spectating."
"I've never heard of any risks associated with spectating. Do you need to be cautious while watching?"
Knull sneered. "I will borrow your body temporarily. Once the battle is over, I will return it to you unharmed."
"You want to use my body? What do you intend to do?" Mephisto asked in astonishment. "I'll have you know, I'm not just any random demon."
"Are you truly the Demon King of Hell? Why do you seem so pitiful?"
Knull scolded. "You hold authority over this layer of Hell. I want to use your authority to interfere with the Blood God's control over Hell. Don't resist, allow me to enter your body willingly, and I will reward you handsomely once it's done.
Of course, you can resist if you wish, but then I'll have to use force. It's just a hassle for me."
"You seem to be in a more pitiful state than me, don't you?" Mephisto complained inwardly. His eyes flashed, and he said, "You owe me a favor. You will assist me in the future."
Knull snorted coldly. "You're not worth that much."
"I am worth it. If you refuse, I will immediately call for help." Mephisto stated, "If you want to outmaneuver the Blood God, you cannot let him discover your plan."
"You're quite shrewd. Fine, I agree."
Knull snorted and agreed. Mephisto ceased his resistance and said, "Proceed."
"Get lost."
Knull scolded and merged with Mephisto. He felt the connection with Hell (Only Mephisto's Hell) and couldn't help but rejoice. "The victor is determined. Space controller is finished."
"The outcome has already been decided."
Bert suddenly grinned, and the dragons that filled the sky reconverged into a massive pool of thunder, with countless lightning bolts crackling within, instilling terror in onlookers.
"Huh? Why did the Blood God suddenly cease his attack?"
Knull sensed that something was amiss and furrowed his brow. At that moment, Bert turned his gaze toward Mephisto (Knull) and said with a smile, "Knull, you've lost."
"This guy discovered me." Knull was shocked, but he maintained a sneer on his face. "I've lost? Do you know who I am?"
"I do. The Elder Gods that have existed longer than the universe itself." Bert couldn't contain his anticipation and said, "In another universe, we have crossed paths before. But I never expected you would become Thanos' lackey."
"That's a joke. It's merely a business arrangement."
Knull replied, secretly harnessing the power of Hell. In that moment, he noticed that his body and Mephisto's body were decaying and emitting a putrid stench. His expression suddenly changed. "Decay poison?"
"Yes, a rotting poison capable of corrupting even gods and planets."
Bert nodded and said, "From the beginning, I infused the poison of decay into Mephisto's body, awaiting the moment you merged with him. Once you merged, the decay poison would spread to you."
The poison of decay, derived from the Dragon God, is exceedingly rare. Once infected, even gods will rot. With a sufficient quantity, it can bring about the destruction of entire universes, heralding doomsday.
Bert possessed only two small portions of the decay poison (obtained by slaying two dragon gods) in total, and he used them both this time, confident that he could acquire more in the future.
Knull felt fear and anger coursing through him, desperately trying to escape Mephisto's body. However, Mephisto used the power of Hell to seal Knull within himself.
"What are you doing? Don't you realize that you're also infected with the decay poison?" Knull roared. "Wait, are you under his control?"
"Perhaps." Mephisto's eyes gleamed with a yellow light as he replied, "In short, I won't let you leave my body. We shall die together."
"Die together?"
Knull was momentarily stunned, then a realization struck him. "You were being controlled by that guy?"
"Indeed, I controlled him, yet he remained unaware of it. Even his agreement to allow you possession was my doing." Bert smiled and explained, "You see, even if he consented to your possession, it was at my behest."
"You can even control the Demon King of Hell?"
Knull was thoroughly shocked. As he spoke, he attempted to attack Mephisto's soul with mental magic in a bid to regain his clarity.
However, his spiritual magic was met with resistance — an impenetrable yellow barrier, powered by the Mind Stone.
Some may wonder why Bert still has access to the Mind Stone. The reason is simple: Bert doesn't possess multiple Mind Stones. The one he just employed belongs to the main universe.
With the power of the Mind Stone, it is only natural that he can control a Demon King of Hell.
"Blood God, I concede defeat."
Realizing his spiritual magic was blocked, Knull understood that the battle was lost. Reluctantly, he admitted defeat.
Under different circumstances, Mephisto would not have been able to seal him. Unfortunately, they were in Hell, and what's more, he was "merged" with Mephisto.
"You admit defeat. Should I accept it?" Bert sneered. "You have been infected with the decay poison. Your decay is imminent, and you'll lose a significant portion of your strength. Furthermore, with Mephisto aiding me, it won't be difficult for me to kill you."
"Elder Gods are not so easily slain; otherwise, I would have perished long ago. You can only destroy my body, but not my soul."
Knull retorted, "The question is, do you have time to waste on me? Earth is engaged in a decisive battle. With Thanos's might, Earth will soon be destroyed."
Bert maintained his composure. "I believe in my people."
"Belief? How amusing. Thanos is entwined with Death."
Knull stated, "Blood God, I concede defeat and will accompany you to confront Thanos. Additionally, I promise to never be an enemy of Earth again."
"Is that so?"
Bert hesitated, then after a while, he said, "There is one more condition — I want your concept of devouring."
"What? You want my concept of devouring?"
Knull's expression turned exceedingly ugly. As mentioned before, concepts were more significant to the Elder Gods than even their spouses.
Despite Knull's resistance to giving away his incomplete concept of devouring, Bert remained adamant. He scoffed, "Dream on. I will never hand over my concept of devouring."
"Knull, I've been courteous enough not to ask for your concept of fusion."
Bert sneered, "If you refuse, I will destroy your body and trap you within this layer of Hell. Once Thanos is dealt with, I will return and deal with you slowly."
After a pause, Bert added, "Others can only seal you, but I am different."
Knull sneered, "How are you different?"
Bert smiled faintly, a dark dragon head emerged from his neck, and he addressed Nar, "Do you see how I am different?"
"You also possess the concept of devouring?"
Knull's expression subtly changed. The fact that the other party also possessed the concept of devouring meant they could consume him. Although it would take time, for a god, time was of utmost importance.
"Hand over the concept of devouring, or I will take it by force."
Bert stated coldly. Simultaneously, the thunderous pool in the sky descended with immense pressure, making the entire world feel as if it were on the brink of destruction.
Gritting his teeth, Knull said, "Fine, I'll give you the concept of devouring, but you must let me go."
"No problem, we'll make a contract."
Bert nodded with satisfaction, using half a Reality Stone to write the contract in the air and signing it with his true name.
"Hand over the concept of devouring, release me, and I promise to never be an enemy of the Blood God and to never set foot on Earth.
Note: During the transaction, any underhanded tricks are prohibited. Otherwise, not only will the contract become invalid, but the transgressor will also be punished and lose all concepts."
After carefully reading the entire text, Knull frowned slightly, finding everything else acceptable. However, he thought the punishment might be a bit excessive.
"This is to ensure the interests of both parties," Bert remarked lightly. "Knull, as long as you refrain from playing tricks, the punishment won't take effect."
"This contract is too simple and lacks rigor. There are many ways to render the punishment ineffective."
Knull's eyes flickered subtly as he signed his name using his mental power. The contract transformed into two chains that flew between their brows.
Excitedly reaching out his hand, Bert exclaimed, "Concept of devouring!"
An indiscernible fierceness flashed in Knull's eyes. He tore off his own concept of devouring, turning it into a ball of black light that he hurled at Bert.
"You think you can take my concept? Dream on. I want you dead."
A hideousness filled the depths of Knull's eyes. The act of stealing one's concept was far more serious to him than stealing a spouse.
"Why do people always try to deceive me? Do I appear so foolish?"
Bert disdainfully smiled as the Shield of God materialized in his hand. The shield exerted its power, enveloping the concept of devouring and keeping it safely within.
No one could breach the impenetrable defenses of the Shield of God.
Knull's expression shifted, and he shouted loudly, "Blood God, what are you doing? We signed a contract."
"You think I'm unaware that within that black light, along with the concept of devouring, there lies your soul and the majority of your fusion concepts?" Bert sneered. "You intended to take control of my body while I absorbed the concept. Hmph, do you think I'm so easily fooled? Knull, you're playing tricks, rendering the contract invalid and activating the punishment."
With Bert's words, Knull's connection to the concept was severed. The concept and most of the fusion concepts were consumed, no longer belonging to him.
This was the penalty of the contract.
"No, it's impossible!" Knull roared in disbelief. "How do you know my intentions?"
"Because I know everything that goes on in your mind, including your schemes and how to render the punishment ineffective."
Bert laughed. The Mind Stone was within Mephisto's body, and when Knull fused with Mephisto, the Mind Stone's effect transferred to him.
Although the Mind Stone couldn't control Knull directly, it allowed for easy eavesdropping on his thoughts, akin to planting a bug in his brain.
"Damn you, Blood God! Return my concept, or I will never rest until you're dead." Knull roared, but without most of his concepts, he could barely maintain the power of the Elder Gods.
"Sorry, you won't have the opportunity for eternal rest."
Bert's body rapidly expanded, transforming into a colossal three-headed dragon. He opened his mouth, swallowing the concept and Mephisto together, beginning his devouring.
"You dare to consume me?"
Knull struggled and shouted, "Fine, I'll let you consume me, and I'll haunt you for a hundred years. By the time you return, there won't be a single living soul left on Earth."
"Do you think I'm as foolish as you? Reality Stone, I sacrifice Mephisto and this realm of Hell to accelerate my devouring."
Bert uttered disdainfully, "First, I'll consume the 'devouring' concept, then the fusion concept, and finally. Hah, Knull, Knull, thank you for walking right into my clutches as my meal. I'm delighted, hahaha."
The crimson light of the half-Reality gem radiated brilliantly, causing both Mephisto and this realm of Hell to swiftly vanish as they were sacrificed.
On the brink of death, Mephisto regained consciousness through the veil of darkness. He recollected what had transpired and couldn't help but exclaim, "Blood God, you're despicable! You used me to poison Knull, used me to ensnare Knull, used me to eavesdrop on Knull's thoughts.
And in the end, you sacrificed me! Are you even human? To commit such acts... no wonder the will of Hell favors you so greatly. You're nothing but scum, a born devil."
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