These Demons Do it for Free Chapter 21

They witnessed it.

A mage, drawing on the power of demons, extending a lifeline of salvation.

His blood was red. Just like theirs.

Roman, casually waving his hand to reassure his teammates, wiped the blood that had trickled down with his fingers. As if it was nothing.

Soon, Leif called upon Undine and used the water she summoned to gently wash Roman’s hand. chanically, he looked for the next person in line.

Number 12.

The first in the rear ranks, nearly at the end, was none other than Juan, the brown-haired mber of Alejandra’s team.

His face was twisted as if he felt his life slipping away.

“…Number 12, Juan Blasco.”

Amaia was the one calling out numbers and nas.

Aside from his own team, Roman had only introduced himself to a few survivors: Arthur, Alejandra, and Fiona. If you counted brief encounters, Amaia and Juan would also be included.

That’s why it was different now.

Unlike Amaia, who had half-jokingly called out her number and na, from number 4 onward, everyone had started announcing their number and na seriously.

As if telling him to rember who owed him a debt. As if saying to co find them and collect repaynt for the grace they had received.

Starting from number 4, then number 5, 6, and so on, they all introduced themselves.

So ntioned the guild they belonged to, while others talked about the school and dorm they stayed at.

So even started explaining what they planned to do once they left. That was mainly because, like Roman, they didn’t belong to any guild or school.

Juan, however, wasn’t as excessive.

But, like those before him, he didn’t hesitate to ntion his affiliation.

“I’m from the Alexandria School, part of the Departnt of Cold Magic. You can find there if you co looking.”

“I’ll rember that.”

That’s all Roman said.

It was the sa before.

Even when an applicant openly asked what he wanted in return for the favor, Roman didn’t demand anything. And this applicant, like Juan and Alejandra, ca from the prestigious Celsus School, which could offer him plenty.

‘This guy is on a different level….’

Juan muttered to himself bitterly.

She had been right.

Alejandra. The woman Juan served. The heir apparent who would beco the next head of the Alexandria School.

When Alejandra first showed interest in Roman, Juan was envious. How could a lowly demon warlock dare to take up Alejandra’s ti and energy?

But now, Juan admitted it.

Roman was worthy of Alejandra’s attention!

“You, I recognize.”

Just as Juan was about to speak in a deeper tone, a voice cut through.

“Cut the crap and move on already.”

She says what needs to be said. Ray doesn’t hold back.

“Don’t you see people waiting?”

“…We’ll talk later.”

With Fiona, who was on the sa level—or perhaps higher—than Alejandra waiting, Juan couldn’t afford to drag things out.

With Juan leaving, only three people remained.

Leif, Ray, and Fiona.

During the brief ti Roman spent outside, Fiona didn’t waste a mont.

“You two.”

At Fiona’s voice, both Leif and Ray turned their heads toward her. It was almost like erkats turning their heads in unison.

They looked like little mongoose cubs waiting for the leader.

Yet, despite their behavior, Fiona’s expression remained unchanged. Her calmness, rarely disturbed by anything, remained intact. That’s who Fiona was by nature.

The slightly awkward side she showed in front of Roman had been an exception.

“Are you planning to continue teaming up with Roman?”

The answer to Fiona’s question ca imdiately.

“…Yes.” “That’s right.”

Leif’s voice wavered slightly, while Ray spoke as if it were a given.

Leif wasn’t sure if Roman would stay with them, a temporary team ford at the training center.

On the other hand, Ray was confident.

“So, I’d appreciate it if you didn’t try to take him away. One redhead is enough for that.”

“Of course.”

Despite Ray’s almost threatening warning, Fiona remained unfazed. She had no reason to be.

I’m a Grand Duchess. Third in line to the Les Rin family.

However, given Roman’s team and the incredible magic he displayed during the fight against the necromancer, Fiona made an offer.

“How about all three of you?”

This ti, there was no imdiate answer.

Instead, soone asked a question in return.

“Next? Isn’t it Ray’s turn?”

Now, there were only four left, including . Maybe it was because the group was smaller, but the atmosphere felt heavier than before.

As Ray ca closer for us to move on, I asked quietly.

“Did sothing happen?”

“No? Not really….”

Ray, co on, don’t lie. Your ears and tail say it all.

‘So sothing did happen.’

It’s unlikely there was an issue between Leif and Ray, so it must’ve been sothing with Fiona. Maybe she made a recruitnt offer?

Ray’s magic, Argentus, is paradoxically magic that destroys other magic.

Considering Fiona’s likely future in the City Army, it wouldn’t be strange for her to be interested in Ray, who could be the ultimate counter to mages.

‘What should I do….’

Honestly, I wanted to go down to the Abyss with this team as it was. The balance was good, and each mber’s abilities were outstanding.

Ray and Leif, despite their personal issues and personalities, were capable enough to be recognized as rising stars in any guild and would be heavily supported to beco aces.

If I could keep this team together, it would make it much easier to reach the depths of the Abyss, my ultimate goal.

But I can’t say that aloud because I know that the path ahead may offer better choices for them.

Could I support them like a large guild could? Is it really right to appeal to their feelings and ask them to stay with , instead of choosing a safer and more successful path?

Probably not.

They each have their own destinies. Ray has her revenge against the uncle and the warlock who killed her family and enslaved her. Leif, I don’t know the details, but it’s probably related to her half-elf heritage.

‘An old team. A connection that could help when I need it. That should be enough.’

Like the people I saved today.

"By the way, Roman, are you really okay?" "If you're asking about my condition, there's nothing to worry about. You know, it's not like my lifespan is the price." "You… no, forget it. I know you won’t tell anyway. But seriously, don’t you think you should at least take so kind of reward? They’d willingly give you 100 gold coins each if you asked." "Do you even realize how much 100 gold coins are? Only the top three could afford to pay that." "The top three? What is this? First you ntion sothing like the 'Three Heavenly Kings,' and now this?" "You're really clueless. Fiona, Arthur, and Alejandra."

With those three, asking for 100 gold coins would be a basic request. Even if I asked for 1,000, they’d probably just think about it for a mont and pay.

As for the others, it wouldn’t be easy. For people like Juan or Amaia, that amount would be quite burdenso.

'And setting a fixed price for a favor is the move of an amateur.'

If you demand a reward, the deal ends there. From that mont, the favor disappears, and only a transaction remains.

If you later need help, they’ll respond with, ‘Didn’t I already pay you back for that?’

The world runs on connections. More so in this world than back on Earth. Earth at least tries to pretend that connections aren't everything, but here, flaunting your connections and using them to get things done is the norm.

I’ll be descending into the Abyss, facing conflicts and interactions with many people along the way. I might even have to compete for ruins or team up with others to take down powerful monsters.

At that ti, what I’ll need isn’t money, but connections. There are so things in the Abyss that can’t be solved with money. It’s a closed-off environnt where violence becos the law, not a society governed by order, laws, or currency.

But connections are different.

If I’m Fiona’s benefactor, the City Army will back up. If I’m Arthur’s benefactor, the Frontier Guild will offer a position.

‘As long as I don’t demand paynt, those who owe will continue to feel indebted.’

Of course, there will always be those who ignore that and say, ‘Screw you,’ but it doesn’t matter. The really important connections, like Arthur and Fiona, won’t act that way. Alejandra? Well, I’m not sure about her.

Anyway.

‘I’ll make the most of this. Milk it for all it’s worth. There’s no way I’ll settle for a few coins.’

"I’ve had enough rest. Let’s get going." "…Alright."

As always, I moved to put my hand on Ray’s shoulder, but the sensation that greeted my palm wasn’t the rough fabric of Ray’s cloak.

"What, what is it?"

Says the one who grabbed ?

"Nothing. Just… let’s go then."

After dropping Ray off, Leif’s turn was quick.

Leif seed deep in thought.

Unlike Ray, who expresses her feelings imdiately, Leif tends to brood over things on her own.

All the way to the exit, Leif didn’t say a word.

Finally, it was the last one’s turn.

"Number 15. Fiona McManus. I live at the Grand Duchy."

"…Is that really necessary for a Grand Duchess?"

We all already know that.

At my comnt, Fiona smiled faintly.

"It has aning, you know. I’m sure everyone will rember this number for the rest of their lives. I will, too."

Fiona stopped in front of and turned to look back.

The space, still bearing the scars of destruction.

Is she trying to etch this place into her mory?

To never forget the atrocities committed here by the Abyss-worshipping cultists who targeted her?

"There’s so much I want to say, but this isn’t the right ti. It’d be better for you to finish up and rest, Roman. Let’s go. Outside."

"Yes, my lady, I’ll escort you."

Feeling elated by the fact that it was all finally over, I mimicked a formal gesture I’d once seen, awkwardly saying my words, which made Fiona laugh for the first ti, offering her hand gracefully.

"I’ll allow it. Lead the way."

My hand rested over hers.

And we left the underground behind for good.

[Contractor.] ‘Yes, Lord Seir?’ [Did you secure it?] ‘Of course.’

As I looked up at the now darkened sky, I answered Seir’s question with satisfaction.

In my arms was a round stone.

That was the core controlling the space underground. I wasn’t sure if it had been there from the beginning or if the Abyss-worshippers had modified the place and installed it… but probably the latter. I picked it up from right under the necromancer’s feet.

Since I didn’t know what would happen to the underground if I removed it, I took it right at the end.

I gained battle experience, crafted new spells, built valuable connections, and secured the final prize.

I felt like laughing at how much I had gained from this trial.

‘Oh, right, I also won the bet.’

Now all that was left was to wrap things up.

But I guess that was my limit. Or maybe I’d already surpassed it long ago.

The tension that had been holding up finally snapped.

‘Ah….’

My vision darkened.

The last thing I saw before everything went black was the sight of the commander, Arthur, running toward .

"Where’s Roman?" "In the healing chamber." "Alright, with Roman’s team here, we can begin discussing things in earnest."

Of the sixteen survivors underground, Roman had passed out, leaving fourteen gathered, along with Commander Davenport.

Arthur spoke.

"Let’s bury Roman’s na in this."