The reason Demian knew so much about this artifact was because he had observed Dorogo’s research during his days as a Death Knight.

“I think I understand why you fell so easily to Rubia.”

Since Rubia was the woman most favored by the Mercenary King, there must have been plenty of opportunities for contact.

Perhaps every time the Mercenary King sought her out, Rubia would gather the scent of the lamp and have him inhale it.

Demian extinguished the lamp’s flame. Instantly, the smoke ceased to billow from it.

Yet, the Mercenary King remained in a deep slumber, unable to awaken.

“It’ll take some time to break free from the artifact’s influence.”

Wondering if it might come in handy later, Demian stored the lamp in his dimensional pocket.

He then hoisted the sleeping Mercenary King onto his back and headed out of the cave.

But he had to stop abruptly. Someone was standing outside.

It was a man with a gaunt frame.

His skin clung tightly to his facial bones, and his bare chest revealed prominent ribs.

Thick iron chains coiled around his emaciated limbs.

“Where are you rushing off to?” the man asked Demian with a mocking tone.

Demian clicked his tongue in annoyance as he looked at the man.

“Just my luck.”

He recognized who this man was.

A villain affiliated with Pandemonium.

A criminal pursued by the Empire’s ducal family.

One of the lovers under the command of the notorious Slaga.

A dark knight who had reached the master class.

Valentino Michele, the Iron Spider, stood before him.