Chapter 35
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Following his usual penchant of giving one-sided monologues, Kizorik stretched like a cat and yawned, then paused, looking at the stunned boy expectantly.
"Well...? Why'd you stop rubbing? Come on, come on!"
The little guy sighed in contentment and walked Lars through how the contract arrangement worked.
---
The Ritual of Sacrifice
1. As the demon (henceforth the contracted) has no battle capabilities, the contractor will need to secure rare natural materials such as herbs, ores, metals or gemstones. Alternatively, sources of concentrated mana, blood energy or life force are also acceptable, such as powerful living creatures, dead or alive.
---
2. As the rightful owner of said items or materials, the contractor will need to verbally or mentally authorise the contracted to devour the item or alternatively, absorb the energy from the item. This process is called the Ritual of Sacrifice and the item or the energy will then be transmitted to the Abyss.
Three-quarters of the energy will be provided to the contracted as payment for the sacrifice to the Abyss. If an item was offered, half of the items worth in energy will be given to the contracted instead.
---
3. Based on the agreed sharing ratio, the contracted will transmute and accumulate the absorbed energy. The contracted's portion will be used for the growth of the contracted.
---
4. Once a month on the night of the new moon, the contractor may utilise the accumulated energy to "trade" with items or blessings from the Abyss.
These include but are not limited to:
-Various Abyssal Blessings such as Flaming Touch or Mastery of Shadows,
-Increases in attributes and aptitude of the contractor,
-Bloodlines both Abyssal and Natural,
-Items, runes or knowledge stored in the Abyssal Treasury. The availability of items depends on what has been offered up to the Abyss through the Ritual of Sacrifice.
---
5. Units of value. The most basic unit is a freshly deceased common human's body. The value of such a sacrifice would be considered as 1 unit.
---
"Wait, what? Human lives...??!" He was appalled when he heard this line from Kizorik, drawing a condescending glare from the penguin.
"What do you think I am, a penguin? I'm a demon for crying out loud! Of course I eat animals like humans! And no, I don't do souls. Souls are for the All-Father or the God of Light and Darkness, yuck!"
Then, realising that it was speaking to a human right now, Kizorik explained further. "N-now, don't get me wrong, it's not that humans are preferred - it's just that human bodies are the baseline of what will be accepted by the Abyss. Anything smaller doesn't count." The puny demon lifted up its wings to shrug its shoulders.
"Phew... Now that that is done, it's just your luck - since its a new moon tonight, you can take a first peek at what's available to be exchanged." Somehow Lars felt that the penguin's grin was a little sinister, like a swindler who was about to hook a big fish with his elaborate scheme, or a loan shark at the gates of a casino encouraging an already-broke customer to "just try your luck one more time! I'll lend you money!".
But he nodded. What harm could come from just looking, anyway?
Turned out, a lot.
The list seemed eerily like it were tailor-made for him, to suit exactly what he needed.
One look was enough to turn a miser into a greed-filled spendthrift, jacked from the rush of newfound riches and addicted to SHOPPING.
ABYSS TREASURY MOON #213,058,951
AP = Abyssal Points
---
1. Coordinates to Planet: Earth (185,000 AP): Coordinates for a safe teleportation and the starmap for the journey from current location to the destination.
---
2. Perfect Love Potion (350,000 AP): The imbiber will be 1,000% in love and helplessly infatuated with the first person seen for ~800 years.
---
3. Millenia Planetary Shield (8,500,000 AP): When activated on a planet, conceals and protects from all forms of intrusions except as explicitly configured by the user. Warranty period of 900 years.
---
4. <DISCOUNT 50%> Decree of War (34,112,575 AP): When the name and location of a person, organisation or entity is written on it, a Greater Portal to the Abyss will be opened at the designated location unleashing millions of demons against the named enemy.
Warning: Recommended to be used when within 1,000 kilometres of the designated location. Good luck escaping.
---
5. Hell Bomb - Level 6 (134,700,000 AP): When detonated, unleashes hellfire in a radius of 180 Astronomical Units (AU) or 27 billion kilometres. In comparison, the solar system of the contractor is merely 122 AU in radius.
.
.
.
17. Teleportation Device to Planet: Earth (1,725,000 AP)...
.
.
.
36. Lance of Longinus - Ascendant (2,700,524 AP)...
.
.
.
99. Demon King's Bloodline - Complete (860,000,000 AP): Complete bloodline of a Demon King will be infused into the user's body. The minimum level of strength for a Demon King is at the lower Star realm.
---
END OF TREASURY LIST #213,058,951
"....." a boy was left with mouth agape, speechless and aghast at the items available and the prices.
The shell-shocked young legendary mage then turned to the penguin and said.
"I need money (Abyss Points)."
He blinked.
"LOTS of it."
And then: "...Is there like, a bargain bin list...? For, you know... Newbies..."
The penguin sighed, then said, "Kid. Don't worry about it. The treasury list for every first timer is always ludicrously expensive and shows the deepest, darkest desires of one's heart... I know, it's been the same for my past 9 contractors too..."
Then the devious penguin's eyes narrowed then lit up with a sinister glow as it lowered its voice to a half-whisper, "...And you *do* have some pretty valuable treasures on you right now..."
Lars' smallish eyes widened further, looking like round silver coins as his mouth widened slowly. "You mean..."
Kizorik rubbed its hands in glee, sniggering as it knew it had the boy hooked!
The avian demon cleared its throat as it tried to show an honest and down-to-earth front to the young man and shared its mind, "Ahem ahem, yup, that's right you do! Like that magnificent necklace-turned-birthmark on your flesh - though it'll hurt a little bit when removing the spiritual form from your body..."
Sensing the ominous tone in his partner's voice, Lars felt a chill up his spine as he asked, "...H-how painful w-will it be...?"
The creature smiled warmly and reassured his contractor. "Oh, nothing much, nothing much. Just a little painful, really! Just a little!"
"Erm... What... Does just a little mean...? Like, specifically?"
"You know, a little! Not a lot? Do you understand? Same as not much?!" The penguin seemed reluctant to share further, ornery and putting on a show of stubborn irritation.
But the even more stubborn boy pressed on despite his characteristic shyness and awkwardness, insisting to ask again: "Kizorik! I mean, S-Sir Kizorik!" He corrected himself when the bird opened its mouth and revealed its sharp teeth threateningly, then closed its mouth again in pleasure at his addition of the "Sir".
Continuing, Lars reiterated his question, "Sir Kizorik! Tell me, please! What level of pain will it be...?" He was curious - would he be able to extract the necklace someday when he returned to Earth...?
He... Didn't want to continue to owe Sara anything.
The little infernal shrugged its shoulders and spoke comfortingly, "Not much. Just like getting run over by a train with triangular wheels? While lying on a bed of glass shards..."
Lars gulped at hearing the insanely painful sounding explanation, visibly shaken and disturbed at the thought of... No! He didn't even want to think about it, much less imagine that horrendous scene!
Then he was shocked even further.
The slightly embarrassed penguin hadn't finished its analogy.
"...While being eaten inside out by rats...?"
The mage waved his hands frantically before him, nearly shouting in the middle of the night as he exclaimed, "Forget I asked! Forget it, forget it!" He was speaking as much to himself as to his partner.
Then he trembled with fear and shook his head when Kizorik asked if he wanted to offer it as a sacrifice - would anyone in their right mind ever subject themselves to such pain?
Anyway, it wasn't his to sacrifice. But it looked like he would need to find another way to return the necklace to her...
"Okay okay, then how about that ring...? It's not as world-shakingly precious as that necklace but it *is* worth a lot too... Speaking of that necklace, you really need to bring me to Earth with you to find out where that girl or her family got it from... There's bound to be some *incredible* secret there~!" The adorable downy feathered creature bristled with excitement and eagerness as it spoke, infecting even Lars with its attitude.
He thought about it for but an instant before he made his decision: "No, no... This ring... It's more important to me than anything right now... Sorry Kizorik -- I mean, Sir Kizorik!" He added after he saw the birds angry stare.
"Hmmph! But won't you change your mind when you hear about how many Abyssal Points the ring is worth...?" A cunning and sleazy smile was painted across its face as it spoke, then waited for him to take the bait - which he did.
"...Erm... H-how many points *is* it worth...?" He asked in anticipation, curious despite his decision not to exchange it.
The black-and-white critter folded its arms like a little boss and spoke, "400,000 AP."
Then it threw the line in, along with the hook to reel the sorely tempted boy in.
"So... Are you *sure* you don't want to offer up the ring...? Maybe... Just part of it...?"
Its voice lowered to a raspy tone as it seduced him further.
"You'll get the path to go home, save the Earth with enough leftover to power up..."
Murmuring softly into the boys ear and shaking his conscience and confidence, the demon continued, "Or... You could exchange for that love potion that you humans like so much... And snare that little princess to be yours forever and ever... Don't you want to have her as yours? Wholly? 100%? With not the slightest amount of doubt...?"
It showed a malicious toothy grin as it gave one last push. "And you could even gain enough power to exact your *revenge* on those bastards of the All-Heaven Divine Empire who killed all your comrades and ravaged your home world, before enticing over your big bro Robin to betray you, betray your brothers and sisters..."
"Lars my boy..."
"Don't you want to go home...?"
"Don't you want more power...?"
"Don't you want to possess and dominate that succulent, delicious girl forever as yours and yours alone...?"
"All these could be yours..." The now no longer so cute penguin turned into a snake-charmer, only, it was mesmerising the boy instead of a snake as it closed off its proposition.
"...All you need to do is just say the word and it'll be yours... All yours..."
Lars scalp grew numb, prickling feelings shooting across his entire body.
His mind raced as he weighed his options, overwhelmed by the enormity of the wealth and the weight of the decision before him.
To exchange?
Or not to exchange?
Was the keepsake more important?
...Or to return to Earth immediately...?
Or the power to go in with his mighty magics to lay waste to every hindrance between him and Moira - immediately...?
...Or the potion to - he gulped at the thought - possess the girl? Body, mind and soul...
Lars gulped. He tossed the various incredibly bewitching ideas back and forth in his mind, again and again and again in the short few seconds that he stood before his contracted demon, making use of his 10 times increased thinking and processing speed despite the fatigue it caused him.
Then he fixed his mind on his objective.
He knew exactly what he wanted, and he spoke with full determination and affirmation.
"I choose to..."
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Following his usual penchant of giving one-sided monologues, Kizorik stretched like a cat and yawned, then paused, looking at the stunned boy expectantly.
"Well...? Why'd you stop rubbing? Come on, come on!"
The little guy sighed in contentment and walked Lars through how the contract arrangement worked.
---
The Ritual of Sacrifice
1. As the demon (henceforth the contracted) has no battle capabilities, the contractor will need to secure rare natural materials such as herbs, ores, metals or gemstones. Alternatively, sources of concentrated mana, blood energy or life force are also acceptable, such as powerful living creatures, dead or alive.
---
2. As the rightful owner of said items or materials, the contractor will need to verbally or mentally authorise the contracted to devour the item or alternatively, absorb the energy from the item. This process is called the Ritual of Sacrifice and the item or the energy will then be transmitted to the Abyss.
Three-quarters of the energy will be provided to the contracted as payment for the sacrifice to the Abyss. If an item was offered, half of the items worth in energy will be given to the contracted instead.
---
3. Based on the agreed sharing ratio, the contracted will transmute and accumulate the absorbed energy. The contracted's portion will be used for the growth of the contracted.
---
4. Once a month on the night of the new moon, the contractor may utilise the accumulated energy to "trade" with items or blessings from the Abyss.
These include but are not limited to:
-Various Abyssal Blessings such as Flaming Touch or Mastery of Shadows,
-Increases in attributes and aptitude of the contractor,
-Bloodlines both Abyssal and Natural,
-Items, runes or knowledge stored in the Abyssal Treasury. The availability of items depends on what has been offered up to the Abyss through the Ritual of Sacrifice.
---
5. Units of value. The most basic unit is a freshly deceased common human's body. The value of such a sacrifice would be considered as 1 unit.
---
"Wait, what? Human lives...??!" He was appalled when he heard this line from Kizorik, drawing a condescending glare from the penguin.
"What do you think I am, a penguin? I'm a demon for crying out loud! Of course I eat animals like humans! And no, I don't do souls. Souls are for the All-Father or the God of Light and Darkness, yuck!"
Then, realising that it was speaking to a human right now, Kizorik explained further. "N-now, don't get me wrong, it's not that humans are preferred - it's just that human bodies are the baseline of what will be accepted by the Abyss. Anything smaller doesn't count." The puny demon lifted up its wings to shrug its shoulders.
"Phew... Now that that is done, it's just your luck - since its a new moon tonight, you can take a first peek at what's available to be exchanged." Somehow Lars felt that the penguin's grin was a little sinister, like a swindler who was about to hook a big fish with his elaborate scheme, or a loan shark at the gates of a casino encouraging an already-broke customer to "just try your luck one more time! I'll lend you money!".
But he nodded. What harm could come from just looking, anyway?
Turned out, a lot.
The list seemed eerily like it were tailor-made for him, to suit exactly what he needed.
One look was enough to turn a miser into a greed-filled spendthrift, jacked from the rush of newfound riches and addicted to SHOPPING.
ABYSS TREASURY MOON #213,058,951
AP = Abyssal Points
---
1. Coordinates to Planet: Earth (185,000 AP): Coordinates for a safe teleportation and the starmap for the journey from current location to the destination.
---
2. Perfect Love Potion (350,000 AP): The imbiber will be 1,000% in love and helplessly infatuated with the first person seen for ~800 years.
---
3. Millenia Planetary Shield (8,500,000 AP): When activated on a planet, conceals and protects from all forms of intrusions except as explicitly configured by the user. Warranty period of 900 years.
---
4. <DISCOUNT 50%> Decree of War (34,112,575 AP): When the name and location of a person, organisation or entity is written on it, a Greater Portal to the Abyss will be opened at the designated location unleashing millions of demons against the named enemy.
Warning: Recommended to be used when within 1,000 kilometres of the designated location. Good luck escaping.
---
5. Hell Bomb - Level 6 (134,700,000 AP): When detonated, unleashes hellfire in a radius of 180 Astronomical Units (AU) or 27 billion kilometres. In comparison, the solar system of the contractor is merely 122 AU in radius.
.
.
.
17. Teleportation Device to Planet: Earth (1,725,000 AP)...
.
.
.
36. Lance of Longinus - Ascendant (2,700,524 AP)...
.
.
.
99. Demon King's Bloodline - Complete (860,000,000 AP): Complete bloodline of a Demon King will be infused into the user's body. The minimum level of strength for a Demon King is at the lower Star realm.
---
END OF TREASURY LIST #213,058,951
"....." a boy was left with mouth agape, speechless and aghast at the items available and the prices.
The shell-shocked young legendary mage then turned to the penguin and said.
"I need money (Abyss Points)."
He blinked.
"LOTS of it."
And then: "...Is there like, a bargain bin list...? For, you know... Newbies..."
The penguin sighed, then said, "Kid. Don't worry about it. The treasury list for every first timer is always ludicrously expensive and shows the deepest, darkest desires of one's heart... I know, it's been the same for my past 9 contractors too..."
Then the devious penguin's eyes narrowed then lit up with a sinister glow as it lowered its voice to a half-whisper, "...And you *do* have some pretty valuable treasures on you right now..."
Lars' smallish eyes widened further, looking like round silver coins as his mouth widened slowly. "You mean..."
Kizorik rubbed its hands in glee, sniggering as it knew it had the boy hooked!
The avian demon cleared its throat as it tried to show an honest and down-to-earth front to the young man and shared its mind, "Ahem ahem, yup, that's right you do! Like that magnificent necklace-turned-birthmark on your flesh - though it'll hurt a little bit when removing the spiritual form from your body..."
Sensing the ominous tone in his partner's voice, Lars felt a chill up his spine as he asked, "...H-how painful w-will it be...?"
The creature smiled warmly and reassured his contractor. "Oh, nothing much, nothing much. Just a little painful, really! Just a little!"
"Erm... What... Does just a little mean...? Like, specifically?"
"You know, a little! Not a lot? Do you understand? Same as not much?!" The penguin seemed reluctant to share further, ornery and putting on a show of stubborn irritation.
But the even more stubborn boy pressed on despite his characteristic shyness and awkwardness, insisting to ask again: "Kizorik! I mean, S-Sir Kizorik!" He corrected himself when the bird opened its mouth and revealed its sharp teeth threateningly, then closed its mouth again in pleasure at his addition of the "Sir".
Continuing, Lars reiterated his question, "Sir Kizorik! Tell me, please! What level of pain will it be...?" He was curious - would he be able to extract the necklace someday when he returned to Earth...?
He... Didn't want to continue to owe Sara anything.
The little infernal shrugged its shoulders and spoke comfortingly, "Not much. Just like getting run over by a train with triangular wheels? While lying on a bed of glass shards..."
Lars gulped at hearing the insanely painful sounding explanation, visibly shaken and disturbed at the thought of... No! He didn't even want to think about it, much less imagine that horrendous scene!
Then he was shocked even further.
The slightly embarrassed penguin hadn't finished its analogy.
"...While being eaten inside out by rats...?"
The mage waved his hands frantically before him, nearly shouting in the middle of the night as he exclaimed, "Forget I asked! Forget it, forget it!" He was speaking as much to himself as to his partner.
Then he trembled with fear and shook his head when Kizorik asked if he wanted to offer it as a sacrifice - would anyone in their right mind ever subject themselves to such pain?
Anyway, it wasn't his to sacrifice. But it looked like he would need to find another way to return the necklace to her...
"Okay okay, then how about that ring...? It's not as world-shakingly precious as that necklace but it *is* worth a lot too... Speaking of that necklace, you really need to bring me to Earth with you to find out where that girl or her family got it from... There's bound to be some *incredible* secret there~!" The adorable downy feathered creature bristled with excitement and eagerness as it spoke, infecting even Lars with its attitude.
He thought about it for but an instant before he made his decision: "No, no... This ring... It's more important to me than anything right now... Sorry Kizorik -- I mean, Sir Kizorik!" He added after he saw the birds angry stare.
"Hmmph! But won't you change your mind when you hear about how many Abyssal Points the ring is worth...?" A cunning and sleazy smile was painted across its face as it spoke, then waited for him to take the bait - which he did.
"...Erm... H-how many points *is* it worth...?" He asked in anticipation, curious despite his decision not to exchange it.
The black-and-white critter folded its arms like a little boss and spoke, "400,000 AP."
Then it threw the line in, along with the hook to reel the sorely tempted boy in.
"So... Are you *sure* you don't want to offer up the ring...? Maybe... Just part of it...?"
Its voice lowered to a raspy tone as it seduced him further.
"You'll get the path to go home, save the Earth with enough leftover to power up..."
Murmuring softly into the boys ear and shaking his conscience and confidence, the demon continued, "Or... You could exchange for that love potion that you humans like so much... And snare that little princess to be yours forever and ever... Don't you want to have her as yours? Wholly? 100%? With not the slightest amount of doubt...?"
It showed a malicious toothy grin as it gave one last push. "And you could even gain enough power to exact your *revenge* on those bastards of the All-Heaven Divine Empire who killed all your comrades and ravaged your home world, before enticing over your big bro Robin to betray you, betray your brothers and sisters..."
"Lars my boy..."
"Don't you want to go home...?"
"Don't you want more power...?"
"Don't you want to possess and dominate that succulent, delicious girl forever as yours and yours alone...?"
"All these could be yours..." The now no longer so cute penguin turned into a snake-charmer, only, it was mesmerising the boy instead of a snake as it closed off its proposition.
"...All you need to do is just say the word and it'll be yours... All yours..."
Lars scalp grew numb, prickling feelings shooting across his entire body.
His mind raced as he weighed his options, overwhelmed by the enormity of the wealth and the weight of the decision before him.
To exchange?
Or not to exchange?
Was the keepsake more important?
...Or to return to Earth immediately...?
Or the power to go in with his mighty magics to lay waste to every hindrance between him and Moira - immediately...?
...Or the potion to - he gulped at the thought - possess the girl? Body, mind and soul...
Lars gulped. He tossed the various incredibly bewitching ideas back and forth in his mind, again and again and again in the short few seconds that he stood before his contracted demon, making use of his 10 times increased thinking and processing speed despite the fatigue it caused him.
Then he fixed his mind on his objective.
He knew exactly what he wanted, and he spoke with full determination and affirmation.
"I choose to..."
Following his usual penchant of giving one-sided monologues, Kizorik stretched like a cat and yawned, then paused, looking at the stunned boy expectantly."Well...? Why'd you stop rubbing? Come on, come on!"The little guy sighed in contentment and walked Lars through how the contract arrangement worked.---The Ritual of Sacrifice1. As the demon henceforth the contracted has no battle capabilities, the contractor will need to secure rare natural materials such as herbs, ores, metals or gemstones. Alternatively, sources of concentrated mana, blood energy or life force are also acceptable, such as powerful living creatures, dead or alive.---2. As the rightful owner of said items or materials, the contractor will need to verbally or mentally authorise the contracted to devour the item or alternatively, absorb the energy from the item. This process is called the Ritual of Sacrifice and the item or the energy will then be transmitted to the Abyss.Three-quarters of the energy will be provided to the contracted as payment for the sacrifice to the Abyss. If an item was offered, half of the items worth in energy will be given to the contracted instead.---3. Based on the agreed sharing ratio, the contracted will transmute and accumulate the absorbed energy. The contracted's portion will be used for the growth of the contracted.---4. Once a month on the night of the new moon, the contractor may utilise the accumulated energy to "trade" with items or blessings from the Abyss.These include but are not limited to:-Various Abyssal Blessings such as Flaming Touch or Mastery of Shadows,-Increases in attributes and aptitude of the contractor,-Bloodlines both Abyssal and Natural,-Items, runes or knowledge stored in the Abyssal Treasury. The availability of items depends on what has been offered up to the Abyss through the Ritual of Sacrifice.---5. Units of value. The most basic unit is a freshly deceased common human's body. The value of such a sacrifice would be considered as 1 unit.---"Wait, what? Human lives...??!" He was appalled when he heard this line from Kizorik, drawing a condescending glare from the penguin."What do you think I am, a penguin? I'm a demon for crying out loud! Of course I eat animals like humans! And no, I don't do souls. Souls are for the All-Father or the God of Light and Darkness, yuck!"Then, realising that it was speaking to a human right now, Kizorik explained further. "N-now, don't get me wrong, it's not that humans are preferred - it's just that human bodies are the baseline of what will be accepted by the Abyss. Anything smaller doesn't count." The puny demon lifted up its wings to shrug its shoulders."Phew... Now that that is done, it's just your luck - since its a new moon tonight, you can take a first peek at what's available to be exchanged." Somehow Lars felt that the penguin's grin was a little sinister, like a swindler who was about to hook a big fish with his elaborate scheme, or a loan shark at the gates of a casino encouraging an already-broke customer to "just try your luck one more time! I'll lend you money!".But he nodded. What harm could come from just looking, anyway?Turned out, a lot.The list seemed eerily like it were tailor-made for him, to suit exactly what he needed.One look was enough to turn a miser into a greed-filled spendthrift, jacked from the rush of newfound riches and addicted to SHOPPING.ABYSS TREASURY MOON #213,058,951AP = Abyssal Points---1. Coordinates to Planet: Earth 185,000 AP: Coordinates for a safe teleportation and the starmap for the journey from current location to the destination.---2. Perfect Love Potion 350,000 AP: The imbiber will be 1,000% in love and helplessly infatuated with the first person seen for ~800 years.---3. Millenia Planetary Shield 8,500,000 AP: When activated on a planet, conceals and protects from all forms of intrusions except as explicitly configured by the user. Warranty period of 900 years.---4. DISCOUNT 50% Decree of War 34,112,575 AP: When the name and location of a person, organisation or entity is written on it, a Greater Portal to the Abyss will be opened at the designated location unleashing millions of demons against the named enemy.Warning: Recommended to be used when within 1,000 kilometres of the designated location. Good luck escaping.---5. Hell Bomb - Level 6 134,700,000 AP: When detonated, unleashes hellfire in a radius of 180 Astronomical Units AU or 27 billion kilometres. In comparison, the solar system of the contractor is merely 122 AU in radius....17. Teleportation Device to Planet: Earth 1,725,000 AP......36. Lance of Longinus - Ascendant 2,700,524 AP......99. Demon King's Bloodline - Complete 860,000,000 AP: Complete bloodline of a Demon King will be infused into the user's body. The minimum level of strength for a Demon King is at the lower Star realm.---END OF TREASURY LIST #213,058,951"....." a boy was left with mouth agape, speechless and aghast at the items available and the prices.The shell-shocked young legendary mage then turned to the penguin and said."I need money Abyss Points."He blinked."LOTS of it."And then: "...Is there like, a bargain bin list...? For, you know... Newbies..."The penguin sighed, then said, "Kid. Don't worry about it. The treasury list for every first timer is always ludicrously expensive and shows the deepest, darkest desires of one's heart... I know, it's been the same for my past 9 contractors too..."Then the devious penguin's eyes narrowed then lit up with a sinister glow as it lowered its voice to a half-whisper, "...And you *do* have some pretty valuable treasures on you right now..."Lars' smallish eyes widened further, looking like round silver coins as his mouth widened slowly. "You mean..."Kizorik rubbed its hands in glee, sniggering as it knew it had the boy hooked!The avian demon cleared its throat as it tried to show an honest and down-to-earth front to the young man and shared its mind, "Ahem ahem, yup, that's right you do! Like that magnificent necklace-turned-birthmark on your flesh - though it'll hurt a little bit when removing the spiritual form from your body..."Sensing the ominous tone in his partner's voice, Lars felt a chill up his spine as he asked, "...H-how painful w-will it be...?"The creature smiled warmly and reassured his contractor. "Oh, nothing much, nothing much. Just a little painful, really! Just a little!""Erm... What... Does just a little mean...? Like, specifically?""You know, a little! Not a lot? Do you understand? Same as not much?!" The penguin seemed reluctant to share further, ornery and putting on a show of stubborn irritation.But the even more stubborn boy pressed on despite his characteristic shyness and awkwardness, insisting to ask again: "Kizorik! I mean, S-Sir Kizorik!" He corrected himself when the bird opened its mouth and revealed its sharp teeth threateningly, then closed its mouth again in pleasure at his addition of the "Sir".Continuing, Lars reiterated his question, "Sir Kizorik! Tell me, please! What level of pain will it be...?" He was curious - would he be able to extract the necklace someday when he returned to Earth...?He... Didn't want to continue to owe Sara anything.The little infernal shrugged its shoulders and spoke comfortingly, "Not much. Just like getting run over by a train with triangular wheels? While lying on a bed of glass shards..."Lars gulped at hearing the insanely painful sounding explanation, visibly shaken and disturbed at the thought of... No! He didn't even want to think about it, much less imagine that horrendous scene!Then he was shocked even further.The slightly embarrassed penguin hadn't finished its analogy."...While being eaten inside out by rats...?"The mage waved his hands frantically before him, nearly shouting in the middle of the night as he exclaimed, "Forget I asked! Forget it, forget it!" He was speaking as much to himself as to his partner.Then he trembled with fear and shook his head when Kizorik asked if he wanted to offer it as a sacrifice - would anyone in their right mind ever subject themselves to such pain?Anyway, it wasn't his to sacrifice. But it looked like he would need to find another way to return the necklace to her..."Okay okay, then how about that ring...? It's not as world-shakingly precious as that necklace but it *is* worth a lot too... Speaking of that necklace, you really need to bring me to Earth with you to find out where that girl or her family got it from... There's bound to be some *incredible* secret there~!" The adorable downy feathered creature bristled with excitement and eagerness as it spoke, infecting even Lars with its attitude.He thought about it for but an instant before he made his decision: "No, no... This ring... It's more important to me than anything right now... Sorry Kizorik -- I mean, Sir Kizorik!" He added after he saw the birds angry stare."Hmmph! But won't you change your mind when you hear about how many Abyssal Points the ring is worth...?" A cunning and sleazy smile was painted across its face as it spoke, then waited for him to take the bait - which he did."...Erm... H-how many points *is* it worth...?" He asked in anticipation, curious despite his decision not to exchange it.The black-and-white critter folded its arms like a little boss and spoke, "400,000 AP."Then it threw the line in, along with the hook to reel the sorely tempted boy in."So... Are you *sure* you don't want to offer up the ring...? Maybe... Just part of it...?"Its voice lowered to a raspy tone as it seduced him further."You'll get the path to go home, save the Earth with enough leftover to power up..."Murmuring softly into the boys ear and shaking his conscience and confidence, the demon continued, "Or... You could exchange for that love potion that you humans like so much... And snare that little princess to be yours forever and ever... Don't you want to have her as yours? Wholly? 100%? With not the slightest amount of doubt...?"It showed a malicious toothy grin as it gave one last push. "And you could even gain enough power to exact your *revenge* on those bastards of the All-Heaven Divine Empire who killed all your comrades and ravaged your home world, before enticing over your big bro Robin to betray you, betray your brothers and sisters...""Lars my boy...""Don't you want to go home...?""Don't you want more power...?""Don't you want to possess and dominate that succulent, delicious girl forever as yours and yours alone...?""All these could be yours..." The now no longer so cute penguin turned into a snake-charmer, only, it was mesmerising the boy instead of a snake as it closed off its proposition."...All you need to do is just say the word and it'll be yours... All yours..."Lars scalp grew numb, prickling feelings shooting across his entire body.His mind raced as he weighed his options, overwhelmed by the enormity of the wealth and the weight of the decision before him.To exchange?Or not to exchange?Was the keepsake more important?...Or to return to Earth immediately...?Or the power to go in with his mighty magics to lay waste to every hindrance between him and Moira - immediately...?...Or the potion to - he gulped at the thought - possess the girl? Body, mind and soul...Lars gulped. He tossed the various incredibly bewitching ideas back and forth in his mind, again and again and again in the short few seconds that he stood before his contracted demon, making use of his 10 times increased thinking and processing speed despite the fatigue it caused him.Then he fixed his mind on his objective.He knew exactly what he wanted, and he spoke with full determination and affirmation."I choose to..."
