"LET THE COURT BEGIN."

"FIRST ORDER OF BUSINESS, HOW DO OUR ASSOCIATES ON THE FIFTH AND THIRD STAND AGAINST THE INCREASING FLUX PRESSURE?"

"Steadfast, great demons Arritrix and Valum have yet to intervene with the flux. Their presence unnecessary, similar to your own." A demon from the crowd of monsters answered the question immediately.

"HM. VERY WELL. NEXT, WHAT ARE THE EXPECTED FLUX TIERS WITHIN THE NEXT CYCLE?"

"Rising, they've been steadily increasing within the past few cycles. Just two cycles ago the average flux tier was only at two. We are defending against a tier four flux as we speak. And tier fives and fours respectively are commonplace. We can only expect tier six flux events soon. If that scenario were to pass we may need additional assistance in flux defense."

"THAT IS TROUBLING NEWS, VERY WELL. ADDITIONAL SUPPORT SHALL BE PROVIDED TO THE DEFENSE OF THE CITY. NEXT, BELLAU, HOW FAIR THE GREED OBSESSIONS OF THE POPULACE?"

Another demon, Bellau, the demon in charge of sating the cities obsessions responded.

"They are growing a bit out of hand. Our demons with an aspect of greed have not had the chance to hoard or collect for many days now. And if their needs are not met soon we may be met with rebellion."

"HM, IF PROVIDED WITH THE APPROPRIATE RESOURCES MAY YOU RESOLVE THIS ISSUE?"

"Yes, it would be simple."

"VERY WELL, IMP."

Up to this point Leo had been standing diligently at the bottom of Argos's throne. Barely even visible against the backdrop of stone. Upon hearing Argos's voice, he straightened to a fault.

"TAKE THE TRINKETS TO BELLAU, DO NOT DAWDLE."

"Yes sir."

Without delay Leo was off, he gently carried the bag and walked down the winding stairs as calmly as possible. Making sure to move with as much grace as he could possibly muster. Argos continued to question and be answered as the council proceeded. But Leo knew eyes were still on him, it wouldn't do to let up. But mercifully, he was rewarded for his efforts.

Level up!

+1 dexterity, +1 constitution, +1 wisdom, +3 capacity, +2 intelligence, +1 charisma, +3 manipulation.

Lets GO! Level nine, just one more level and I can be done with this shit show. Maybe if I'm lucky I can get it in a week.

With a bit more pep in his step Leo continued down the stairs as he struggled to contain his enthusiasm. With just one more level to leave the city it would be a shame to die now of all times. So with a great effort he silenced his inner whimsy, and carried on as professionally as possible. Eventually reaching the bottom of the steps.

He'd seen Bellau a few times before. Even done this same delivery once or twice during a council session. So he knew exactly where to go.

"Bellau. The items Argos has entrusted you." Leo spoke while holding up the bag with telekinesis. He would level faster if Bellau was impressed by it, magic skills at a low level were rare after all. "If you would take them?"

Bellau grinned at Leo, and despite it not seeming outright malicious, it still made him deeply uncomfortable. Maybe it was because he had eight eyes and teeth sharp enough to skewer him with minimal effort. Who knows? That would be Leo's theory anyways.

Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.

"Of course little imp. Would you prefer to keep the bag?"

Oh god damnit...

"If I were to own it then it wouldn't matter to me. However, this is Argos's bag, not mine. As I am compelled to serve sir Argos untill further notice, I am obligated to tell you that you would have to ask him. Otherwise, please return it once you have taken what you need."

Bellau let out a rumbling laugh before plucking the bag from Leo's telekinetic grasp. "Ever the diplomat hm? Good, you'll survive that way. I look forward to seeing what you can do."

Level up!

+1 dexterity, +1 constitution, +1 wisdom, +3 capacity, +2 intelligence, +1 charisma, +3 manipulation.

Level cap reached! Class advancement possible!

Leo blinked in surprise at the level up. That soon? Seriously? Was a higher demons acknowledgement worth that much? A smile almost broke on his face but Leo reigned it in at the last second. "Thank you, but I'm afraid I'm not nearly that great." Yes I am.

Once Bellau finished with the bag, he set it down on the ground. Leo picked it back up with his magic, and returned up the long winding stairs, back to Argos's side. Or his feet, given his towering over him. Once he'd finally gone down and then all the way back up the stairs. The meeting itself was winding to a close. And Leo could FINALLY go get on with his life after weeks of this!

When I'm a greater demon one of these days... I'll definitely treat my prospective imps better then the old fart treats me.

Leo continued to stand stone still at the foot of Argos's throne, until mercifully..

"THE COURT IS CONCLUDED. RETURN TO YOUR ACTIVITIES."

Unceremoniously, all of the demons just got up and left. Immediately dispersing the moment they were dismissed. The demons may uphold strict rules, but they seemed to have little love for the practice itself. It worked just fine for Leo, he could finally relax a bit.

Right as Leo's body eased up he heard a rumbling laugh from Argos. Which instantly made him straighten up again. He'd... totally forgotten about Argos for a second there.

"SOMETHING ON THE MIND, IMP? NORMALLY YOU WOULDN'T DARE TO RELAX UNTILL YOU'RE OUT OF MY SIGHT. PERHAPS YOU HAVE SOMETHING TO TELL ME?"

Argos asked Leo in a rhetorical tone as he stood up from his throne. An amused look crossing his face.

Well shit, if I lie to his face who knows what happens, he hasn't told me what he'll do when I hit level ten either... God I'll have to risk it.

"Yes sir. I reached level ten just a moment ago."

Another rumbling laugh traveled through the empty hall. "VERY WELL THEN, TELL ME YOUR CHOICES LITTLE IMP."

Leo blanched for the slightest moment before reigning it in and nodding. This earned yet another laugh, though one with a hint of malice.

"DO NOT THINK SO LITTLE OF ME AS TO CARE FOR THE FIRST EVOLUTION OF AN INSIGNIFCANT IMP. I BARELY CARE FOR WHAT YOU BECOME, AND DO NOT DESIRE TO INFLUENCE IT. I MERELY WISH TO HEAR, FOOLISH IMP."

"...Yes sir."

And with slight delay as he figured out how to even open the page in the first place. He opened it up, and began.