12. Two of Us
I returned to the scene where I had left Haec behind, fleeing to save my own life from the [Djinn]. The magical ash on the ground was still there, but it was vanishing the magic holding it together diffusing back to the surroundings. My footsteps dispersed what was left of the ashes as I stepped to the small pool of black liquid at the base of the hill.
There was a trail here; the wound I had left on the Greater Demon, while not severe, drew enough blood to leave a path to follow. So I followed it, distributing my Stat and Skill Points as I did.
Stats:
[Available Stat Points: 5]
[Vitality]: 17
[Strength]: 12
[Endurance]: 20
[Wisdom]: 24
[Agility]: 40
Skills:
[Available Skill Points: 3]
[Basic Fire Creation] - Lvl. 5
[Double Step] - Lvl. 5
[Fire Strike] - Lvl. 10 (Maxed)
[Fire Blast] - Lvl. 4
[Passive - General Tool Proficiency] - Lvl. 2
[Unused Skill Slot] x2
I thought about it, just barely. I had been as fast as the [Djinn] was or maybe even slightly slower before I raised my [Agility] as I fled. But I spent everything I had on it, and while I was probably faster now, it couldnt hurt to raise it even more. So I spent another 2 Stat Points on it.
[Strength] was useless here. And so was [Endurance]. That left [Vitality] and [Wisdom]. Which would I spend more on?
[Vitality] seed tempting I was fain to raise it after having nearly died just earlier. But then I wouldnt be able to harm the [Djinn]. And I did have a way to harm him.
[Basic Fire Creation].
It was a taxing Skill. And I couldnt conjure up as large of a fla as I was able to with even [Basic Fire Conjuration]. Yet it could hurt the Greater Demon, even if slightly. With that in mind, I decided: I added all of my Skill Points to [Basic Fire Creation] and 2 Stat Points to my [Wisdom], leaving the last Stat Point to [Vitality].
Satisfied, I glanced back up at the terrain around , still following the trail of blood the [Djinn] had left behind. It was more difficult to track now. But I was getting close.
Now Entering [Demon Kings Domain].
I continued my run even with the notification in my head, not even pausing slightly as the words settled in and phased out. And finally, I arrived.
The trail of blood led to an opening on the side of the hill. I stopped right outside of it, staring into the illuminated cavern; crystals of light hung on the side of the white walls, shining as bright as a fire. Taking one last look around to ensure the sa trail I had been following led into the cave, I entered it.
Now Entering [Lair: Lucernas Lamp].
This place was a lair? I eyed the side of the seemingly natural walls dubiously; it definitely seed to be smoothed out but refined, not made. The [Djinn] was his na Lucerna? had appropriated this place as his own. I thought for a mont to ask him how he did that, but dismissed it quickly.
No, I told myself, materializing a small spike made of fire. All that matters now is I get Haec out of here.
Maybe we could have our own lair to ourselves in the future. But that wasnt important at the mont. I could not lose focus. And I was glad I didnt.
My ears perked up as I heard a distant voice echoing from the end of the tunnel. I tensed, backing up thinking that Lucerna had found out. But then I realized he was not calling out he was talking to soone.
I hugged the side of the wall and crept up slowly to the end of the tunnel before it expanded into a large cave chamber. I stopped as I saw a large shadow moving just ahead of . The shadow stopped as a booming voice spoke out.
Yes, yes. This is certainly a weapon fitting a Greater Demon such as I. Smaller than Im used to, but its advantages it is terrific.
There was a pause a mont of silence. Then a second, more familiar voice ca.
...Salvos told it was a dium Grade Weapon. Doesnt sound too terrific to .
Haec. I tried to peer over the corner to get a glance of my companion. But I moved back as the large shadow of the [Djinn] moved.
Hrmph, perhaps to a simpleminded fool such as you.
Lucerna harrumphed as he moved further away from , his shadow disappearing towards the end of the cave chamber. I edged closer as he continued.
Tell , [Fiend]. When you pick up a rock and identify it, does it tell you the Grade of the rock? Or does it simply describe it as it is a rock?
I peeked over the corner and caught a glimpse of my companion, confined inside of a structure of bars made of tal. It was a cage a cell to hold him in. While the [Djinn]s back was turned, I waved at my companion, getting his attention. Haecs eyes widened as he saw .
No response? Maybe Ive overestimated even your intelligence. It is expected for a newborn to be ignorant, but as undiscerning as you?
I backed up as Lucerna dropped sothing heavy loudly onto the ground. He turned back to Haec, strutting up to the cage.
Think, [Fiend]. A rock can be used as a weapon, yet it has no Grade. No only a weapon crafted with at least a modicum of skill and mastery would be qualified as a Low Grade Weapon. A simple mass produced sword by a low leveled [Blacksmith] wouldnt ever get a Grade.
My companion just stared up at the Greater Demon, staying silent. Lucerna scoffed, stepping back and away from him.
My Burning Mace has been a useful weapon. A rather powerful weapon for being Low Grade. But even compared to this
The [Djinn] held up the Spear of Flas, admiring it against a crystal of light.
To think soone was capable of magically creating such a weapon. It will last till the end of the Desolation, even as it degrades to below a Low Grade Weapon by then. Is it is it perhaps the work of an Archdemon?
He mused to himself before shaking his head. As he did this, I finally stepped into the room and ducked behind the cover of so tall rocks.
I poked my head out briefly, getting a full view of the room for once. There was a stack of cages to the right of the room, closest to and where Haec was being held in. To the left was where Lucerna was standing, by a large table of stone with a pile of objects strewn all over. There were clumps of small items made of gold and silver; weapons of various shapes and sizes; and other cloth things that seed similar to what he wore clothes?
I ducked my head back down as the [Djinn] looked back down. I kept my head low as I slowly edged around the side to more rocks, getting close to my companion. As I did, I caught a glimpse of what was at the end of the room. There was sothing drawn onto the ground. A black kind of ink forming a circle with symbols within was it blood? I couldnt really tell. But it was there.
Haec turned to as I stopped a few rocks away from him. I gestured at him to remain quiet as the [Djinn] walked to the end of the room. There was sothing on the bars of his cage sothing that I could tell was preventing him from just swinging it open. I gave him a look and he pointed towards a ringed object with a glistening object on it. It was a key.
I could sense the mana emanating off it. There was sothing about it that made it magical. And so was there sothing that made the cage magical. Well, there were a lot of magical things in the room, like the circle that was on the ground. But it was my companions insistent nodding that made decide that the key was necessary to open the cage.
I started to the left side of the room, still keeping low and hoping that Lucerna didnt see . The Greater Demon was now standing over the circle, inspecting the symbols on it. The ringed object around his neck suddenly glowed. He nodded to himself.
Well then, lets see what contract there is for .
Lucerna tapped on the object and it stopped glowing. Suddenly, the circle flashed. I felt an imnse amount of mana more than I had ever felt before tear into the ground. Then the symbols on it shift. It spun faster and faster, the circle seemingly sinking into the ground, until finally it stopped. The circle vanished, and in its place was suddenly an image.
The [Djinn] looked down at the image and I could almost hear him frown.
Whats this? This is the contract that I had been offered? The sacrifice that I had co back here for? Ridiculous.
I had just reached the table and was about to grab the key when he whirled around. I caught myself, ducking back into cover just ti.
Do they really believe that such a sacrifice is worthy of . A Greater Demon? As if being a virgin makes a woman give any more experience or mana. No I require more. A family, at least. And even that is an offering to a Lesser Demon. Or perhaps if she were higher leveled. But alas, it was a waste of ti to co here. Co, [Fiend]. You get to et your King sooner than expected.
I panicked as I realized the [Djinn] was heading for the key. What do I do? He could discover . And even if he didnt discover , he was going to just grab Haec and leave once again. Did I attack him once he let my companion go? I didnt think things would go differently from last ti if it ca down to that. Luckily for , I didnt need to do anything as my companion spoke out, stopping him in his tracks.
What are you going to do to ?
The Greater Demon paused, just before the table. Then he turned around and started back in the direction of the cage. Haec must have realized my dilemma and was trying to distract him. This was my chance!
I got up and quickly grabbed the key before disappearing back behind the rocks as Lucerna stopped right in front of the cage.
What am I going to do to you? Are you not listening, fool? I will take you to our King. And when you et him, make sure that youve learned your lesson and address him with respect. King Regnorex is sure to reward if I bring back even a single Lesser Demon but if you prove your worthlessness by insulting him? You will be killed on the spot, and I shall be punished too.
My companion didnt respond imdiately, which seed to anger the [Djinn]. The Greater Demon banged once on the cage, rocking it and knocking the stack of cages behind him onto the ground.
Do you understand? Or will I have to make you understand again?
...I understand.
Good.
Lucerna left my companion and went back to the stone table. The mont he did, I leapt out from behind the rocks and started to fumble at the rocks with the key. I nodded at Haec to not say a word as I tried to get him out, as the Greater Demon was angrily muttering to himself.
Now where did I leave it? I know I left it here sowhere
Click.
The key turned and the door swung open. But before that could happen as I unlocked the cage there was a sound. A sound that alerted the [Djinn]. He whirled around as I yelled.
Whats
Run!
I threw the fla spike I had on my hand at Lucerna, aiming for his eyes. I wasnt sure how, but I sohow knew how to throw it in a way that made it dart through the air faster than even I could move. He blinked then reached up to cover his face. But he was too slow. He scread in pain as the small spike pierced into his eye.
Aggggggggggghhhh!
Haec burst out of the cage behind , sprinting as fast as he could for the tunnel that would lead to the exit. He had a brief head start, but even then I caught up to him quickly enough. I grabbed him by the hand and pulled him as I ran ahead, trying to make him go faster.
A ball of ash flew over our heads, exploding right before the tunnel. I stopped just in ti to avoid the impact of the blast. Even if I had healed sowhat, that would have still killed . Before I could try to continue past the cloud of smoldering ash left behind from the attack, a large mace ca crashing between and my companion.
I rolled to the side, picking myself up as fast as I could while Haec rubbed at his bloodied arms.
You
The Greater Demon grabbed his stone table, lifting the entire thing with everything still on it, and flung it at .
You dare co to my lair and attack ? I will make you pay!
He backed up and almost stumbled onto the image on the ground. The [Djinn] caught himself and I narrowed my eyes. But before I could do anything, the table crashed to the side of , just barely missing .
He wasnt able to see well I had blinded him in one eye. If we wanted to escape I spun to my companion.
Go! Ill catch up to you!
But
Haec stopped himself. He eyed hesitantly, but eventually nodded. He ran for the door as the [Djinn] raced to stop him. I flung another two more fire spikes at the Greater Demon, stopping him as he successfully blocked his face this ti.
Lucerna angrily turned his gaze to . His one remaining eye was bulging with hatred, almost as if it was about to explode. He brought his spear to the ground, sending a line of burning smoke at . I jumped over it, landing amongst the scattered pile of cages.
The Greater Demon sent more balls of ash at , but I weaved between the cages. The accumulation of ash ford a light haze where I was. I grinned as my plan began to work.
Where are you?!
He bellowed, stopping after he sent one last ball of ash. It exploded, but this ti, not anywhere close to . I lowered my body behind so rocks, away from the cages. He wasnt able to see anymore, his vision too obscured by his own ash.
I saw Haec begin to turn the corner, finally reaching the tunnel. Lucernas gaze snapped to this and I threw a fire spike at him. The Greater Demon jumped back, having anticipated this. Then I leapt out of my cover, running across the room to my companions side
The [Djinn] grinned.
[Burning Haze].
Smoke burst out in all directions around him. I was thrown back as the hot smoke burned my skin. I scread as I felt the scalding heat exacerbate the wounds I had previously suffered. I collapsed to the ground, my vision a blur and ears ringing.
I thought I heard Haec call out to , but everything was spinning. I struggled to get to my feet but a shadow lood over . I looked up and saw Lucerna raising my spear at .
Goodbye, imp.
I saw the ash appear and begin to form a ball. My eyes widened and I almost went straight to what my instinct told to do. [Double Step]! Get out of the way no, I wouldnt be able to get far enough to avoid the impact. The blast would still reach . And if it didnt kill right off, whatever ca next from him would.
There was a scream from behind . My companion was shouting and running to help . But he would be too slow. There was nothing I could do. I would die here. At least, that was what I thought until I looked between the [Djinn]s legs.
Behind him was the image on the ground. The circle that beca a hole. It was the reason he had co back here except he didnt think it was worth coming back over now. And when he almost fell into it, he panicked, even for just a mont.
I glanced back up at Lucerna, the ball of ash finally finished forming. Then back at my companion who was still halfway to . Then I made my decision.
[Double Step]!
I pushed myself off the ground, charging forward at the Greater Demon. I struck him across the chest with all my shoulder, throwing my entire body behind it together with my increased speed. The [Djinn] went staggering back, losing his balance as I pushed him with what little strength I had.
There was a forced exhale as his ball of ash launched to the ceiling of the cave. He stumbled as he tried to regain his footing on the edge of the circle and I ran into him once again, this ti unaided by Skill. He slipped and fell into the hole on the floor.
I wasnt sure if it would work. I had no idea what it would do. But as the Greater Demon went falling into the hole, the image vanished and was replaced by a void of darkness. The ring around his neck flashed as he scread at .
I tried to back up to get away from the hole before it would consu too. But suddenly a hand grabbed by the leg. I looked down, and to my horror, I saw Lucerna clutching at my leg.
He was pulling with him. I tried to claw at the ground stop myself from falling with him. But he was bigger than . He was heavier than . And he dragged with him.
I went falling through the hole too. I tried to claw the Greater Demons hands off , but he was laughing cackling like crazy. [Fire Strike]! [Fire Strike]! [Fire Strike]! Eventually, he lost his grip. Then from the top of the hole, I heard a voice.
Salvos grab my hand!
I glanced up and saw Haec reaching for . I tried to swim out of the darkness out of the black ocean that was closing in on . My companion reached out for and I reached for him
And the circle closed.
Everything went black. There was no more light. I felt like I was being born once again, stuck in an infinite void. I tried to break out of it. I swung my arms, scratching at the surface, but nothing broke. Nothing except for the silence in my head.
Now Leaving [Lair: Lucernas Lamp].
Now Leaving [Demon Kings Domain].
.
.
.
Now Leaving [Nexeus: Netherworld].
After those words ca, there was nothing for a mont. Just a mont.
Then I heard a crack.
Now Entering [Nexeus: Mortal Realm].
I suddenly found myself on solid ground, bent over on my hands and knees. I was staring at a circle on the floor a black circle with so red liquid spilling by my claws. I glanced up at the [Cultist] who was spreading his arms wide in a declaration.
Oh mighty Lucerna! Greater Demon of the Netherworld! Youve accepted this offering, and now we implore you
The man paused. He looked down at , then looked past . He blinked.
Wait, why are there two of you?
Did we just get two for the price of one? Aweso!
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