60.2. Rachel
...it is the summoning collar of a Demon that lets them cross to our plane, the Mortal Realm, from the Netherworld and back; it is the sa summoning collar that binds them to the sacrifices made by the [Cultist] to form a contract. Only Demons with a collar bestowed to them by our King can make this trip or go back those who can do so without it are rare exceptions.
However, if a Demon cos to the Mortal Realm and decides the sacrifice isnt worthy, no contract will be ford and theyll be able to return to the Netherworld as they please. They will not be able to leave their summoning circle until such a contract is ford, kept back by the magical link between the summoning circles and summoning collars.
I leafed through the large to, reading its contents slowly as I tried to figure out how these Demon summoning rituals worked. Lots of long and big words. Maybe I should try speaking like that!
I had tried speaking with the surviving [Cultists] and making them tell how I could do one, but they refused to speak. And Daniel did not let force it out of them, citing sothing about how torture is unethical even if it can be aruged that killing is necessary.
I did not care enough to argue with him since I realized these books kept by the [Cultists] had all the information I needed. I simply read through it, letting him deal with stupid things like feeding the prisoners so they wouldnt starve.
I put down the book I had read through the night and started a new one, more focused on the sacrificial part of the summoning rituals.
Demons co to the Mortal Realm for the sa reason as Spirits: to harvest mana and experience. And that is why Humans, as a master of mana, are considered the best sacrifices for a Demon in a ritual. No other sapient species not the Elves or the Kobolds are born with as much inherent magical potential as a Human. The highest natural Stat of a Human is their [Wisdom], and it is because their [Wisdom] that Demons prefer Humans to be used in their rituals.
Of course, monsters known for their magic would suffice too. A Mindreaper or a Behulder would offer more mana than even a great [Mage] would. But the difference in experience awarded from sapient beings and mindless monsters would counteract any additional mana offered in sacrificing a monster. Furthermore, due to the sacrificial nature of the rituals, the experience awarded from their deaths would not be lessened by any level differentials between Demon and Human.
It is, therefore, more practical to sacrifice a dozen low leveled Humans than to sacrifice a single high leveled Mindreaper
So, if I wanted to carry out a summoning ritual, the best sacrifice would always be a Human. Good thing we have three Humans tied up in the other room. Daniel was open to the idea of using them for to summon a low leveled Demon so I could just rip their summoning collars off them to return, but he wanted it to be done in a humane manner where they were asleep and it was done quickly.
However, having dozens of Humans sacrificed all at once would be impractical in any scenario, and it would be even more difficult if it were a large amount of monsters that were being sacrificed. To comnce a ritual without such impracticalities, [Cultists] would have to have all but one sacrifice killed beforehand, and mix their blood and mana signature into the ink used to create the summoning circle.
This will allow a Demon to
What are you reading?
I glanced up and saw Rachel peering at ; the Human girl had been staying with us over these past few days while I went over everything I needed to prepare for a Demon summoning ritual. I wasnt going to just give up, after all.
Im reading.
She paused, tilting her head up to the ceiling for a mont to consider this. I had expected her to respond with an I see, but instead she ca back with another question.
What are you reading?
Slowly, I raised the book up and gestured for her to co closer. She stepped forward and sat down next to on the bed as I showed her the contents of the to.
Im reading about how to sacrifice Humans to summon Demons into the Mortal Realm.
Arent you already a Demon, Ms Salvos?
Yes I am.
So, why do you want to summon another Demon?
I cocked my head and she mirrored the gesture. I spoke simply, as if it were the most obvious thing in the world.
Because my companion is stuck in the Netherworld.
Rachel cocked her head even further. She spoke softly.
Are you lonely?
Blinking, I furrowed my brows.
No, why would I be lonely?
Because youre a Demon. There arent many Demons here in the Mortal Realm. At least, that was what mommy told when I was young. Before she left daddy and called him one of them. Since there are no Demons here, I thought youd be lonely.
I crossed my arms and huffed.
Well, I am not lonely. I have Human and Spirit companions here too! Like Daniel! And they all know that Im a Demon, so its fine.
Where are your other companions then, Ms Salvos?
She looked at inquisitively it was not ant to be an attack, just a question. However, I couldnt help but hesitate before responding to her.
Theyre not here right now. But I know other Humans too! Like Helen and Saffron! They arent my companions, but theyre my friends? I think.
Do they know that youre a Demon?
I stared at Rachel for a mont, then I deflated.
No.
I sighed, slumping back onto the thin mattress. Rachel just looked at with her big copper-colored eyes. She was curious, and maybe slightly afraid still not processing that her father had left her. Daniel had told that it was apparently a big deal for a Human to have their parents leave them.
I never had any parents so I didnt get it.
But so what? They know that Im Salvos! Thats all that matters, right?
I threw my hands in the air and sat back upright. I looked at Rachel for confirmation, but she simply stared back at .
I dont think so, Ms Salvos. Many people knew my na they knew who I was and who daddy was but I dont think they cared. Ive been gone missing with you and Mr Daniel for a while, but before that, daddy didnt let go out for a long ti. He kept at ho and no one ca to see .
I watched as the Human girl brought a small hand up and fixed her gaze onto it. Her voice cracked as she spoke, sniffling and struggling to get the words out, but she managed to compose herself by the end.
I caught a glint of light from Rachels eyes there was water forming at the edge of her eyelids, above the dark circles underneath her eyes. They did not stream down her face like I had expected them to, but instead a single blink sent a tiny splash in all directions before she lowered her hand.
She was so delicate. I realized that one wrong word now could break her, just like a flower. She wasnt a rock that was hard and sturdy I didnt need to target her joins to shatter like as I would with a Golem. I had to be careful with her.
I did not know why, but I slowly lowered myself to et her gaze and offered her a reassuring smile one that almost reminded of Edithe.
I dont know what the other Humans in your village are like, but they sound stupid. How can they not see you? Youre like a flower! A pretty flower! Anyone would spot you poking out of the bushes! It makes want to pluck you!
Rachel paused, eyeing with an odd look. I grinned and grabbed her by the shoulders, helping her up.
Um, Ms Salvos, what are you doing
Im bored. Ive been doing nothing but reading for a week! I have this General Skill a Title Skill I want to learn. Co on, lets go outside and try it out.
I took a step forward, pulling her with . The little girl blinked and followed , slightly confused. I stopped for a mont and glanced back at her with a smile.
Also, stop calling Ms Salvos. Im Salvos. If you want to call anything, call Princess Salvos!
...p-princess Salvos?
No not just a princess. Princess Salvos! With a Title and all!
I-I see. Princess Salvos I
Rachel closed her mouth, hesitating. Then she shut her eyes and spoke out louder than she had ever spoken before.
I think youre weird!
I laughed and she giggled, following .
Well, I think you Humans are weird too!
Daniel had been feeding the head [Cultist] or well, trying to feed him since he refused to eat when he heard an odd noise coming from the stone corridor that led out of the cave. He frowned and grabbed his sword.
Whats that sound, he thought hurrying out of the cave, attackers? More [Cultists]?
He paused mid step as light from the evening sun shone down on him and stared at the chaotic scene ahead. He saw two girls one young woman and a child laughing and shouting at each other as they ran around just outside of the mouth of the cave.
Salvos pointed at Rachel as she ran from the little girl.
Zealous Call!
Didnt work!
The young man looked on as the scene continued. Salvos easily avoided the little girl as she tried grabbing for her legs, calling out once more.
Oh yeah, how about this? Title Skill: Zealous Call!
Nope! Youre stupid! You dont even know how your Skill works!
Hey! Im trying!
The young woman paused, placing her hands on her hips, and was imdiately pounced on by Rachel.
I caught you! Youre so slow!
No I caught you!
Salvos grabbed the girl, and pulled her up into the air. Rachel squird and laughed as she was spun around by the young woman. Rachel the girl that had almost been sacrificed by [Cultists] just a week before. The sa girl that had been abandoned by both her parents.
Daniel had tried everything to get her to even just smile, but she refused. She barely even spoke to him. And now, here she was playing with Salvos, happily beaming and giggling as they rolled on the dirt together in a hug.
If soone catches you or annoys you, make sure you punch them like this
The young man from Earth shook his head, a smile plastered on his face as he turned around and entered the cave.
Just like her, huh? Except, a little more childish.
Reviews
All reviews (0)