Chapter 12

After my materialization over a pool of tar I swore to myself that I would do my best at being a better demon. The torturous torment of scalding tar, coupled with that one moment… I shook my head to try and forget Lylah's face twisted in disgust.  Somehow all the events since my death made something within me snap, forcing me to accept one simple truth. -’ My old life was gone. ‘ It was a disturbing thought, but at the same time, a liberating one.

Falling into pool of boiling tar was bad, crawling out of it was incomparably worse, but I managed. Somehow, after countless tries, I was able to find an opening in the stone, that was  wide enough for my claw to fit, and allow me enough leverage to pull myself up, and then find another and another. I was worn down after climbing measly meter, but having to do it while covered in scalding liquid was an extremely hard and painful ordeal.

I was somewhat recovered after spending some time on the ground near the tar pit. Finally I managed to gather enough strength to look around. I saw a small. petite figure of the Soul Keeper impassively sitting on a nearby stone throne and reading a book.

A real book, not the strange book that was used for work and levitating nearby, though it certainly had a medieval look to it. I felt a sting of dismay appearing in my mind, but I pushed it away, not wanting to end up in a worse situation than I was.

-” Khm, excuseme? “ I tried to interrupt politely and was rewarded with a frightening look of the eyes that burned with yellow light and were pursed into thin, angry slits. -” I d-don’t want to interrupt, b-but I don’t know how to return to my post. ‘ I asked uncertainly and stuttered twice despite my utmost effort. -” I am really sorry! “ I exclaimed and fell to my knees, deciding that it's better to be subservient than sorry and in pain.

-” It’s you again… “ The thoughtful words filled the air with a growing tension. I was unsure what was going to happen. -” You know it's troublesome to handle you every time… “ My heart would probably froze from dread which I heard upon hearing those words.

-” Just let me know how to return, I won’t bother you! I swear! “ I pleaded desperately.

-” Hmm… “ I could almost feel evaluating gaze passing over me. -” ...I can sell you a tracking amulet… “ Soul Keeper seemed to weigh its options, speaking slowly, bringing me on a verge of tears which I couldn’t shed . -” ...But, can you pay for it? “

-” I-i don’t know. No one explained anything to me! “ My voice was weak and I sighed in my mind, already accepting the fact that some sort of punishment was unavoidable.

The Soul Keeper sighed in annoyance. -” Let me check you then… “ After a moment, of nothing happening, the Keeper exclaimed in a satisfied voice. -” You have some! Enough for the amulet and my trouble. Here’s the item. “

I heard a thud in front of my face and I looked at a small, stone attached to a metal chain that was lying before me. -” It’s going to show you the route to any place you desire, in hell of course. That way you will never get lost and bother me again. “ The suddenly prideful and cheerful voice of Keeper freaked me out, it was scary to see the sudden changes of the mood.

-” A-and how do I pay up? “ I asked uncertainly.

-” Oh right ,there’s that… “ Keeper looked at me measuringly and clicked the tongue loudly. -” You got enough for a plate or I can just drain you, which one’s you prefer? “

I didn’t like the mention of draining so I asked. -” What’s that plate that you have mentioned? “

-” A minor magical item, it allows you to pour your mana into it and creates mana crystal of corresponding mass. “ The Keeper’s eyes were shining, or rather it was almost as if they were sparkling.

-” Where do you get them from? “ I asked gripped by sudden curiosity.

-” I make them! “ The Keeper smiled widely, presenting a wide array of needle-like teeth.

-” I will gladly buy both items from you, if you are sure that I can afford them. “ I spoke cautiously, while picking the amulet from the ground.

Whole thing seemed like a dream, with scarily jubilant Soul Keeper jumping around and explaining how the items work.  I hoped that it wasn’t a scam, as I was not in a position to negotiate. The deal was soon concluded and I hurriedly left the cave.

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The amulet seemed to work, though its use was… peculiar. It was like following a car navigation system that spoke left, right, up and down in a shrill voice of the Soul Keeper which only I could hear. Still, it allowed me to quickly find my way to the imp cave. Taught by my previous ordeal I was extremely cautious while on the road and I managed to get into the crowd and avoid any troubles. I sighed in satisfaction when the cave entrance appeared before me and I managed to get into it safely.

After venturing deeper in I got into a place where imps from my shift rested. Actually I wasn’t sure that those were from my shift, but there was the one with a glowing horns sleeping in a corner.

As if woken up by my presence the imp jumped up and rushed to me.  I wasn’t sure how I could tell, but he seemed… ragged.

-” Wha… “ I started but he interrupted me instantly.

-” Give it! You must give it back. “ He almost pleaded at my feet.

-” What? “ I asked again and was rewarded with being grabbed by the shoulders and shaken fervently.

-” The seal! I need it back! “ He spoke desperately. -” I don’t want to dig anymore! Summonings’ better than the new Overseer! “

-” If you really want it… “ I started uncertainly and was shaken violently again.

Annoyed by the overbearing imp I pushed him back, only then realizing that he was now smaller than me. I watched in surprise as he crashed on a nearby wall, though he was back on his feet, and me, almost instantly.

-” Please give it to me! “ The imp with glowing horns changed the attitude and asked in a fervent, pleading tone. -” If this keeps up I will have to sell my horns! And I am already half my original size! “

-” Ok, ok! I will give it back! “ I said while trying to keep the imp away from hugging my feet. -” You hear? I will give it back! “

-’ I wasn’t sure what had happened, but the new Overseer didn’t seem like that bad of a guy. ‘ Still, I felt a bit uncertain when I handed the seal back to the imp, who would have probably cried the tears of joy if it could.

The imp put a seal on itself and it adhered to its body. -” Gotta grab the mana back and grow, gonna get the bastard! “ He whispered, suddenly collected, and, before I could blink, the imp was already at the cave exit.

I shook my head in wonder, trying to comprehend strange and chaotic event. -’ I guess that I should get my seal… oh shit! “ I suddenly remembered that the horned imp was still owing me half the mana from the summoning! Without thinking I started chasing the imp, who was nowhere in sight.  

I stopped for a moment and touched my new tracking medallion, imagining the imp I was trying to pursue. Without warning a shrill, predatory voice that brimmed with promise of pain and menace resounded seemingly next to my ear, almost giving me a heart attack. -” Let the hunt begin~ “

I stopped for a moment, collecting my traumatized thoughts. -’ Never again! ‘ I promised to myself upon realizing that the menacing voice belonged to the Soul Keeper, when it was in a particularly sadistic mood.

I left the cave and arrived at a junction, unsure where I should be heading. When Soul Keeper’s voice resounded next to my ear I instantly gave up on the chase. I just couldn’t handle the menacing glee and returning memories. -” Did you know that drowning an imp in the cauldron of burning tar never seems to kill it? And the one’s you're looking for is to the left!  “

I shook my head to dispel the nasty thought and returned to the cave, wondering what I should do now…

My gaze traveled over the sleeping imps, some big, some small and some around my size. A truly demonic thought appeared in my mind as I headed for a small one, who looked like it haven’t been doing well recently. -’ Gotta get some answers! ‘ I smiled to myself, and scowled at the other thought. -’ ...finally. ‘

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Hey~, Author's here~

I hope you liked today's developments.

Cheers,

Mea

NEXT CHAPTER: Chapter 13