The great beast lay sprawled across the hard, cold concrete.
[Effect: +500% chance of —Accidents—] [Attack: Damage (-1) Status Effect (Primordial Narcolepsy)]
Huh?! How is that even possible?!
An abrupt sound interrupted Jugo's thoughts. It came from Johan's body; he was still breathing. He alternated between a long, deep inhale and an exhale filled with heavy, rattling snoring.
"It seems the blow didn't hurt him... but it put him to sleep somehow." Jugo sighed in relief, the tension leaving his brittle bones.
"That was impressive, my Lord!" the dragoness shouted from the other corner. Her eyes lit up, revealing the face of a child who had just witnessed a grand action scene. Her serious aura had completely vanished. "Defeating Johan, who stood on equal ground with the great Master Azatoth... with a single blow!" she added in awe.
"Thank you, haha... although I just got lucky!"
Or should I say bad luck? Jugo wasn't sure what to think anymore.
"However..." Whisper shifted her gaze back to the somnolient titan. A look of serious concern crossed her face once more. "I fear you are not safe yet. You didn't end Johan's life... when he wakes up, he..." Her voice trailed off for a moment, her mouth going silent. "And then there are the other factions. They will want to claim the throne now that Lord Azatoth is gone."
The words Whisper whispered to Jugo left him perplexed, making him doubt whether he would truly be able to overcome the challenges ahead. His recent encounter with Johan had made one thing clear: the minotaur was not weak. If it hadn't been for the title's effect activating at the perfect moment, the story might have ended very differently.
Jugo's body froze. He had gathered the strength to face one of the most powerful monsters, yet doubt was tormenting him once again.
No. I won't let my life go back to being what it was before. This time... this time I'm going to take the reins!
A thunderous aura permeated the room. Jugo's will anchored itself deep in his soul and mind, strengthening his resolve.
"Listen to me, Whisper. You and I, we will put this place in order," he exclaimed firmly. "And then... we will open a coffee shop... The End of the World Café!"
The dragoness collapsed from the sudden impact of that proposition. Trying to analyze the sheer magnitude behind those words, all she could do was nod in stunned silence.
Jugo struck a ridiculous pose on the balcony, pointing toward the distant horizon, where the great city of monsters inhabiting that floor could be seen.
A burst of shouting echoed across the entire floor. It seemed the inhabitants had heard the fervor of their new master. The air was thick with a mix of emotions: happiness, grief, and hatred. From the city below, enormous fireballs, bolts of lightning, and storms of pure energy erupted into the sky, forming a chaotic, colorful rainbow.
All those powers collided in the sky, creating a field of magical fireworks behind Jugo's back. Whisper stood on the ground, her mouth agape as she watched the beautiful, chaotic landscape. A single tear fell to the floor as she closed her eyes for a moment.
"You can finally rest in peace now... Father," the dragoness whispered softly.
The little skeleton turned back toward the city, jumping with joy on the balcony railing, lost in his own thoughts.
I wonder if monsters will enjoy coffee as much as humans do... maybe I should try to find a city with real people. But... how will I ever manage to get out of this place?
"This is far from over..."
Suddenly, a horn peeked through the massive gate, revealing the face of the Lord of the Minotaurs once more.