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If there is one thing I've learned during my time at the lab, it's that demons hold an unfair advantage in both alchemy and enchanting.

While attempting to master those crafts mortals would need to study complicated diagrams and formulas for years, often forced to come up with unique spells just to reach a desired effect— Demons can just make thing happen. Granted, demonic magic might not be as reliable in some cases; but just by properly observing it, the mages who are confident - or crazy enough, to summon creatures from hell can learn a lot. Or at least get a hint of what needs to be done.

With inborn sense for magic and instinctual ability to manipulate mana, a task that could have taken months of studying the arcane can be finished with a flex of will. All that the demons need is a concept - magic will do the rest.

Two reagents don't want to mix? -Make them. A magic formation for something esoteric is too complicated if attempted via traditional method, and seems impossible to fit your design? -Find a demon that doesn't know that, to come and do it for you.

The issue is usually when you want the demon to replicate the effect; as our magic can sometimes achieve a desired outcome in a completely unexpected manner. End goal is the same while the path taken was different the second time around -This can lead to some explosive reactions, were the mage unaware of what exactly transpired during the process.

Well, the fact that mortals can teach each other, and with dedicated approach achieve feats demons didn't even imagine possible, scores them some points. A demon that has never seen electricity and didn't know it's even a thing, wouldn't think of using it. Some basic knowledge to start is required.

I think that's the reason why fire is so overused in hell -Just burn your enemy to ashes, it works! Everyone is using it.

Imagination just like mana is in short supply here.

It's not like there are schools in hell -at least I haven't heard about it. And why would there be any reason for an immortal creature to teach others their tricks. Demons aren't famous for their moral compass; teach one about electricity and you might end up with a lightning bolt to the face.

Well, that is a bad example. We do use it plenty around here, even if most don't exactly know what is it that they are actually conjuring. Magical lightning often has more similarity to fire magic then actual electricity.

-I muse about the wonders of electric arcs, as I weld a guard to my new dagger with nothing but my claw.

This is supposed to be a spiritual realm yet for whatever reason it tries very hard to emulate the material world. To the point that we demons bleed when wounded, while our bodies are meant to be made from magic stuff. *Shrug.

That means physics are a thing— at least most of the time. Or I just got it all wrong and that's just how it works, magic or not. Finished, I put the blade down on the bench cobbled together from various scrap.

The bottle is almost ready. My small enchanting setup and usage of runes helps me to keep the process somewhat standardized - avoiding potential explosions. Mana goes in until full and stays there unless I want it out; no building up pressure until everything on the table explodes, and your work goes to proverbial hell - or sometimes the literal one I guess.

My new cloak is also done; nothing fancy, just a piece of silk big enough to cover my form top to bottom, with something to tie it around your neck. I'm no tailor, thanks.

There was just enough material left to wrap the 'bone' handle of the weapon I just finished. -Need to restock on that.

Already packed my last two remaining vials of fiery badness I had stashed around, those went into my limited space. Unfortunate there is no way to make those down here.

Rose is such a good girl, and she started to provide me with a reliable source of mana so I don't have to be as cautious about spending it. With empower in mind I added some rune stones to my inventory – a failed enchanting experiment turned into a weapon.

Are we done here?

"Alright! Let's see what's hiding in the sand."

-Or, not. "Right, I have Attribute points to spend." I remind myself, looking up to the ceiling. After upgrading the Core with mastery there are still two more Trait points to use as well. So much has been happening lately that it feels surreal. Suddenly my power started to rise so fast I can't keep up with all the changes. Instead of being happy about this, it makes me worry. I get that as my strength increase it's easier to get more, but with great power comes a lot of trouble.

Since I want to be properly prepared this time, there is no choice - yet I don't want to knock myself over like last, so let's take it slow. We have time...

10 new Attribute points after the evolution. -Is this the norm when a class changes or did it count as leveling up once, and I will be getting even stronger with each level?

I can now bring Magic to 50, and that's what I should do. Last point will go to Intellect just like last time. I will have to check the skill list to see if something new opened up, so while fighting the headache after accepting the changes I bring up the long window full of mostly useless options.

It's not that bad with attributes alone - the mind numbing pain, I mean. Trait abilities are the most taxing alterations for some reason.

Sifting through this list though? -A pain in the ass. From simple Stab to whole schools of magic, this is just odd.

I passed the Elementalist upgrade last time, but scrolling down I can see that Illusions finally have one available as well. Not to mention a whole lot of new options. Having both Spirit and Magic at 50 must have been a milestone of some sort. Now I'm being spoiled with choice; necromancy, mind magic, shamanism... druidic magic even? How In the hell do demons get access to druid powers? I mean my list was always stupid long but this is simply bizarre.

I would still rather get an upgrade to one of my current skills than go for something completely new, that I would have to learn to use properly. But all the options are getting a bit overwhelming and tempting.

-Mhmm, a lot of new ice and frost skills. Is this because we've gained the Core? Some are interesting but nothing I shouldn't be able to duplicate with Elementalist III. Nice source of inspiration though... -That's the problem with many of them, they are redundant.

Well let's get this over with.

——

The wind is trying to steal my cape as I stand atop of a tall dune, looking out into the sea of dark sand. One thing I didn't consider is how am I supposed to hide from a storm out here. Miasma carried by it isn't such a big issue now, but this still makes things difficult.

Third rank elemental magic is already proving to have been the right choice, as I use it to shield myself from the worst the desert winds have to offer. This is getting annoying though.

> Elementalist III: You have mastered the elements and they follow your will. Conjure and manipulate them with your power. Scales with Magic x Spirit.

The sand is still really getting everywhere, it is surprisingly difficult to control. I keep my mana usage to a bare minimum while pulling the hood deeper over my face. Practically sliding down the slope in a stream of sand, the storm becomes more manageable, as I'm now somewhat protected by the massive mound we've just crossed.

-Now I remember why little me didn't want to come here before. This place sucks; terrain is hard and I've grown used to having solid rock under my paws, I'm forced to dig my roots deep into the ground when a sudden strong gust blows through the valley.

Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.

How can anyone live here?

I keep moving forward but then through the flying sand, I spot an odd rock formation just a bit further down among the damned dunes. Hoping for some cover I make my way there in a haste - only to discover it to be the top of a ruined tower, or of what remains of one. The old thing seem to have lost a floor or two.

-The heck? Some sort of ancient ruin now? Great, just what I needed...

Praying it doesn't come with ancient horrors I make my way to a narrow window, half buried in the ever shifting landscape.

Inside... There is more sand, that's all. At least the wind is gone, old rectangular walls offering shelter. Shaking us off and spitting out the grit I prepare myself to weather the storm in here. -Don't even care if I have to dig myself out after. Whomever build this thing out here knew their craft; time sure has taken its toll but the precisely cut, irregular gray stone blocks are fitted together almost seamlessly without any visible mortar. Fine thorough masonry. Course surface shows hints of runes once decorating the room, now eroded and unreadable.

Just as I've made myself comfortable on a soft pile of sand, a bright red light envelops me. My eyes snap open from a little meditative session and-

"Motherfu―!"

——

In the mountainous region of the Kora kingdom a group of adventurers set up their camp for the evening. Two men and a short woman are sitting around a campfire while discussing an important matter, another young girl is busying herself carving and painting something on the ground nearby. A rabbit stew is slowly boiling in an pot hanging from a wooden rack setup.

"I don't like this. We should just head back to town, find-"

"That could take weeks!" The tall warrior that spoke was interrupted by the high pitched protest of the dwarven woman, the group's rogue. "We are five days away from Markan, and finding someone trustworthy who knows this stuff won't be easy." She looks at the man, with her big eyes filled with horror at the thought of an almost week long march through the mountains... and then back again. "Especially these days. During that time, another party could find this place! Tell him Sebby!"

Slim young boy sitting with them sighs, massaging his temples. His head still hurt, and her squeaks didn't help. "She's right Jim. Now that the dragon is dead, more teams will show up in these mountains." He glanced to their fourth member happily scribbling something on the courtyard's stones that pave this place, some apprehension showing on his handsome face.

The fire casts shifting shadows on the crumbling walls of the ruin they have found; Hidden in a valley on one of the mountains, finding it was a matter of luck.

They've hit the jackpot. But now can't cash in.

"Are you sure about this Circa?" He raised his voice to get the girl's attention.

She looks up from her work. "Hmm? Yea don't worry, I've done this before! It 's perfectly safe." There is a smile on her face as if she wasn't just about to-

Sebastian groans again as a fifth person steps out from the darkness beyond the light of the camp, motioning for them to keep it down - they are in the wilderness after all. Tall half-elf Tyrel, final member of this party. He puts his bow down and stirs the soup. Silent guy, and their ranger.

"You never mentioned practicing this stuff." As the mage of the group it was Sebastian's job to deal with magic issues they face - but he failed miserably. The wards put on the entrance of the underground complex were too much for the young adept of arcane arts, and he suffered a minor backlash trying to understand them.

That's when Circa, their bard, offered a solution― a very, very risky one. He was wary of the prospect just like Jim, but the thought of involving another, more experienced mage didn't sit well with him; almost as much as the prospect of the long trek back didn't for the dwarf Kammi. She is a city girl and hates the wild.

"Not really something that comes up in a casual conversation-" Circa chuckles silently with a wistful smile. Eyes growing distant, recalling some bad memories. "I wouldn't call it practicing. Just another thing I picked up in the past." Her face cheered up a bit. "It will be fine, trust me~" Then she goes back to work.

Jim seems pensive, obviously not convinced but stays quiet. Instead opting to perform some maintenance on his armor. Kimmi is arguing with Tyrel about the seasonings, or rather she keeps complaining while being ignored by the ranger. And they wait under a starry night sky. Surrounded by decrepit, moss covered ruin.

―—

I blink after the light of the ritual fades. There is a dead rabbit laying in front of me...

Its blood is smeared all over the floor. Grass and weeds are growing from between big slabs of weathered stone, still green but the chill in the air marks the beginning of autumn; some fallen leaves litter the place signifying the change of seasons. There is a lot of color.

-I have been forcefully summoned.

Nearby fire provides some light and casts shadows on the half collapsed walls. Not that I need it to see the armed group of four, gathered a small distance away.

There should be only two people out here in the mortal realm that know my name -something you would need for a ritual that could target me like this. One learned it pretty recently - after I actually gave it to the foolish man, but I wouldn't expect him to bring me up here so soon unless something big happened. He didn't seem that big of a fool, just read something stupid and got a very bad idea in a moment of crisis fueled by alcohol.

But seeing the dead rabbit mutilated on the ground, I'm pretty sure I know what's going on. Who decided to drag me out of hell.

-Not the fool, but the idiot.

"Meow?" An uncertain, silent question comes from the fifth mortal standing just outside the mystical pattern drawn around me.

She is wearing a leather armor showing clear signs of wear over a white shirt and high traveling boots. Her curly dark red hair is a mess. Half gathered to the back but some strands hang loose, falling to her shoulder and over the hazel eyes.

"Is that really you?" Her brows furrowed, face scrunched. I'm currently wrapped in my silk cloak with a hood hanging low, sitting cross legged on the stone, so she can't take a good look.

-She got older...How long has it been? *Sigh.

"Circa, you damn idiot!" I'm a bit annoyed as this was not the best time to come here. I take a look around. -From one ruin to another, huh? And an old forest looming over it.

"It's you!" She brightens immediately and puts her hand together in front of her chest. That stupid cheery smile of hers back in full display. What is wrong with her?

The people in the back shift a bit. Some seem to relax and the one covered in robes lowers his staff.

"Wow, you grew up quite a bit since the last time. Almost didn't recognize you." She comes closer to the circle, no caution or fear at all in front of a demon from hell. She just smiles down on me. An idiot, no matter how much time passed.

"What were you thinking, summoning me with other people around? You crazy girl." I scold her, waving my arms at her in exasperation -This could bring trouble to the both of us. And as if remembering we were not alone she turn to the others.

"Don't worry Red, it's fine~" She dismissed my concerns with that happy go lucky attitude. "Those are my teammates and traveling companions!" She seems proud of them, but still used my nickname we came up with in the past, to not reveal my name to outsiders. Good girl.

"Come on guys, meet Red!" She call out, but the group is clearly uneasy about the whole situation. Not paying them any mind she turns back to me, and I can only shake my head. "You seem to have changed a lot, you used to be so small." she looks fondly at me, showing just how short I used to be with one hand.

"A lot happened. So what-" I start to ask the obvious but she does something stupid again.

She crossed the whimsy barrier set around me and... hugs me after getting on her knees. Nya?! The fuck girl?

Then she yelps!

That got the reaction from our peanut gallery; the warrior in half plate-half chain armor seemed ready to jump in and mana started forming in the mage's hand -Arcane magic I notice, some sort of telekinetic spell. The short woman gasped with her eyes wide and the half elf's hand moved closer to the quiver at his hip.

The man's casting speed is rather pitiful for such a basic spell, but he is the most panicked of the bunch and already about to unleash it after the moment it took me to process the situation. Since the circle was compromised by the summoner nothing really stops my magic from reaching out to him.

His invocation gets interrupted and dispelled as I disperse his construct with a lazy wave of my clawed hand and a flex of the surrounding mana. That formula he used was not very solid given his haste, he has much to learn.

But I focus on the more pressing matter, now that I see others aren't about to jump the gun.

"What are you doing you crazy thing!" I whack to idiot on the head; she already released me from her arms after getting pricked by the thorns. "Get out of the circle, you are going to ruin it." She is up and out in a heartbeat.

"What was-?" She starts but I stop her with a gesture. The ritual is already in bad shape, leaking the vitality into the surroundings. I'm gathering it and trying to support the magic but there is only so little I can do.

"Finish the ritual first, so we can have some time, and you can explain what the hell is it you brought me here for." She nods and activates the part you normally wouldn't want to mess with without first striking a proper deal, one that would guarantee your safety.

The mage boy is clearly shaken. Just looking between us and his hand. Other members of the party are on high alert, calling out to Circa, asking for confirmation that everything is alright, and she tries to calm them down while following the necessary steps that will set me free.

The life force that was supporting the formation which keeps me in the mortal realm, is then imbued into me by the magic of the ritual. -Ah, much better. The red glow dims as mystical energies bind me to this world, forming runic chains around my core.

Now we can talk. And I remove the cloak, getting me a look of confusion and interest from the Circa. She soon has a realization as she sees the many thorns on the various vines covering my body. Then she smirks as her eyes move between the many dark red flowers. Questions are clearly written in her expression.

"Wow, I said this already but-" She shuts up and blinks fast when her gaze settles on my face.

"Yes, yes. As I've also mentioned, A Lot happened on my end." Some vines untangle themselves and wave at her to emphasize my statement.

She is all smiles again -of course. And she moves closer. I now reach up to her chest after standing up, last time even with her being younger my horns could just maybe reach to her waist. A tall young lady.

"Glad to see you again, it's been a long time but did you-?" I can already tell what question is coming.

...

"I'm still a man." I deliver deadpan, looking up into her hazel green eyes-

The black haired —dwarf? Makes a strange startled sound, her mouth agape, jaw hanging as she looks and points at me.

The archer almost tripped but immediately looks as if nothing has happened; his face a stoic mask, steel eyes looking nowhere in particular. The blond mage is still in his own world, while the warrior looks at me, eyes narrowed and contemplating. There is some hostility and apprehension in all of them but especially from the big guy.

"So what's going on Circa? Unless you have more offerings prepared let's make this real quick, time is wasting and-" She jumps up clapping her hands once.

"Right! Let's eat everybody!" she looks at everyone gathered.

All you can hear in response to the happy idiot's cheer is the sound of the fire sending sparks up into the night, a merry whisper of a stream bubbling somewhere in the darkness —and a bunch of crickets that decided it's now safe to resume their concert after at least some tension left the place.

-Sigh... This idiot.

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