Marys eyes shot open. The first thing that greeted her vision was a stalactite positioned over her head like a spear. She sat upright as she groped around for her sword, taking in her surroundings. And groped around so more. Her expression stiffened as she lowered her head, her gaze traveling down towards the empty space by the side of her waist. Her forearms and shins were showing, and her sword was nowhere to be found. She bit her trembling lip, and her eyes widened as she leapt to her feet. After making sure she hadnt slept on her sword, she collapsed to her knees. Where?
Oh? Youre awake? a voice asked from the caves entrance. Susan hopped into the cave, tilting her head at Mary. We thought you werent going to wake up.
Mary raised her head, eting the phoenixs gaze with bloodshot eyes. Wheres my sword?
Um, Lindyss took it, Susan said. Shes the elf lady who beat you up.
Mary bit her lower lip until blood ca out, dying her teeth red. Wheres my armor?
Grimmy took that, Susan said. Hes the black dragon.
He didnt even defeat ! How dare he take spoils from ? Marys eyes lit up as she clenched her hands, veins bulging along her skin. Where are they?
Susans head tilted the other way. Are you mad? What are you going to do once you find them?
Im going to beg for my stuff back, Mary said, nodding twice. Its clear I cant beat them, but I cant give up my sword and armor.
Well, youre in luck! a voice bood from behind her. Mary stiffened as her torso straightened, her body twisting towards the back of the cave. Grimmy was lying against the cave walls, but he was unnoticeable earlier because his eyes were closed. A pair of red eyes glead at Mary through the darkness. For the cheap price of being my servant for fifty years, Ill return your sword and armor to you. Not only that, but Ill throw in so bonuses to help you get stronger. What do you say?
Servant? Mary asked, crossing her arms to hide the goosebumps on her skin. What do you want to do as your servant?
Oh, you know, Grimmy said as his head inched forward, coming out of the darkness. A grin was plastered on his face. This and that. Act now while supplies last. This offer wont be available forever, you know? In fact, you have about twenty seconds to make up your mind.
Can
Ten seconds left, Grimmy said, tapping his claws against the ground. He pushed forward a piece of paper. Heres the contract that you should sign. Take your ti and read it over. Oh, there are five second left by the way.
Mary stared at the piece of paper that was taller and wider than herself. Thousands of lines of ink were scrawled upon it, and they were written in the most convoluted font she had ever seen. She raised her head and t Grimmys gaze. Thats a lot of words to spell out this and that, she said.
Two seconds.
Mary shook her head. I dont like being blackmailed.
Grimmy raised an eyebrow. You dont want your armor back? I guess you dont want your precious sword back either. Hmm, so much for begging, huh?
Please, look deep within your heart and dig out every ounce of kindness that you can, Mary said, lowering her head. Id greatly appreciate it if you returned my armor set to . They an a lot to .
Grimmy blinked and looked down at his chest. He poked himself with a claw before raising his head again. I looked, but I couldnt find anything called kindness. Sorry. But you know what I did find? He reached behind his wing and pulled out Marys gauntlets and sabatons. A few pieces of armor that belong to . Really high-quality stuff, Ill take them over kindness any day.
Marys eyes trembled as she stretched her arms out, palms facing the ceiling of the cave. Please.
Grimmy chuckled as he stuffed the armor pieces away. Then he pointed at the contract. All you have to do is sign. You dont even have to read it.
What are you trying to make this poor girl do? Lindyss asked as she walked into the cave, causing Mary to flinch and turn around. Their gazes locked. He didnt do anything strange to you, right?
Hes bullying , Mary said and pouted.
Im not, Grimmy said, shaking his head. Im just trying to get her to willingly give up her soul to . If thats bullying, then call evil.
Lindyss shook her head. Alright, kid, she said, crossing her arms over her chest. Whats your relationship with Vur and Tafel? The phoenixes said you knew them.
Tafels a good friend of mine, Mary said. We had a duel and I won. Then I gave her encouragent. Her hair fluttered as she bobbed her head up and down. But I dont like Vur. He cheats when we fight.
Vur? Cheats? Lindyss asked, raising an eyebrow. Are we talking about the sa person? Hes a stickler for honor, isnt he?
Marys expression dimd. No. When we had a staring contest, he cheated by making Tafel make blink.
Staring contest?
Its when you stare into each others eyes, and whoever blinks first loses.
Why did you get into a staring contest with Vur?
The skeleton said it was an ancient tradition amongst the undead to have staring contests to determine their rankings.
Lindyss expression darkened. You know skeletons dont have eyelids, right? They cant blink. That skeleton was just ssing with you.
Marys eyes widened. No way.
Are you really the sa person who attacked a week ago? Lindyss asked, furrowing her brow. You seem different.
Thats because you beat her to near death, Emile whispered from the cave entrance. Anyone would change their attitude after that.
Lindyss leaned over and picked up Susan. Then she smiled at the phoenix before throwing her at her brother. As I was saying, Lindyss said, dusting flas off of her hands, you seem different. Youre not going to try to take your sword back from ?
If I couldnt beat you with my sword, I cant beat you without it, Mary said, shaking her head. Did you say our fight was a week ago?
Around that, Lindyss said and shrugged. Days arent really important when you can live forever. Maybe its been longer?
My banquet, Mary said, lowering her head. Did I miss it? I hope Tafel doesnt think I stood her up.
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