Aok entered a small hidden room attached to Ryu’s workshop. The man stood tall as he took a deep breath. After lighting a torch, he revealed a small altar with a figurine on it. He looked around the room at the runes meant to contain what was sealed in the room. These runes also protect the hidden room from outsiders who got too close. Following a sigh, the man walked to the altar where he knelt down to put his hands on the figurine.

“So the day has finally come for my freedom,” said a voice that echoed in the room. “I know my powers are too enticing to ignore. Which unfortunate soul or souls will suffer your wrath?”

The voice originated from the figurine which had four arms and a feline-like mask. It stood on one foot while the other was elevated slightly above the altar. As soon as the figurine spoke, a blue glow lit up from both of its eyes, serving as its eyeballs. The eyeballs scanned the entire room before they focused on Aok.

“You still have to earn your freedom, demon. I’d suggest you don’t get too attached to the promise of freedom too much. Our contract will be difficult, even for the likes of you.”

Aok kept his hand in contact with the figurine while blue gas emitted from the figurine and flowed to him. A minute later, the blue gas dissipated and the man stood up. He tightened and loosened his fist, trying to get a feel of what had changed. He would need more time to adjust to his new abilities but, for now, he was done with his business in the slums.

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“The contract is signed! I look forward to taking everything from you! Your soul! Your memories! And your delicious power!”

“That’s if you survive the following war.”

“Survive? You think I cannot handle the strongest individuals in the city? Don’t make me laugh! Those insects can do nothing to me!”

“What if the spirits of the Burned Borderlands were involved?”

The demon’s laugh stopped abruptly as soon as Aok mentioned the borderlands that were once a major battlefield. The silence dragged on for a full minute before the demon spoke again.

“What…what did you say? They are free in this city?”

“Yes, and you will assist me in fighting them!”

“No! You cannot do this! I'm not stupid enough to fight them! Don’t drag me into this conflict!”

“The contract is signed, demon! I did tell you to not get too attached to the promise of freedom.”

The demon kept screaming so Aok simply tuned the voice out. He had more important matters to attend to. In a few hours, his group was heading to a neighboring faction territory to find allies. The borderlands spirits had a firm grasp over most of the city so a conflict between the factions was inevitable. If they hoped to survive, they must build up their own military strength to defend against any incursions.