48 Contract

"Whoa, a high-rank demon?!" Alexander exclaimed with wide-eyed surprise. He had suspected as much before, given how his Bloodlust effect had proven too much for even a middle-rank demon to dispel with a single spell. But hearing the confirmation left him utterly amazed.

"Talk about a twist of fate," he mumbled to himself. "If I'd known it was a high-rank demon summoning me, I wouldn't have set foot in that magic formation, responding to the summon."

Alexander was well aware of how high-level demons typically treated their lower-ranked counterparts - with two options, either kill or enslave. He didn't need to read the contract to know that it was an enslavement pact.

The idea of becoming anyone's slave, even a high-rank demon's, didn't sit well with Alexander. He was a true outlier among demons; his mindset was resolute, and he'd never willingly submit to enslavement.

Determined to resist, Alexander prepared for a risky gamble. Even if it meant potential damage to his soul, he was ready to fight back. He believed he could return as long as the other demon wasn't an archenemy of demons like angels. His faith lay in the protection of the Ouroborus Mark on his soul.

Yet, the conundrum remained: Xeron's magic was a formidable obstacle. One spell from Xeron could weaken Alexander's power substantially, rendering him powerless. What could Alexander do under such circumstances? Moreover, it appeared Xeron had no intention of killing him.

Alexander could refuse to sign the contract, but then he'd be stuck in this world for a year, likely under Xeron's lock and key. That didn't seem much different from being imprisoned.

After careful consideration, Alexander saw only one viable option - activating the magic formation himself to return. While Xeron was still talking, Alexander surreptitiously placed his hand on the formation and attempted to infuse it with his magic energy. He recalled that even the weakest magic power could activate the summoning formation.

But to his dismay, nothing happened.

"What's going on? Is it because there was no ritual, or is there a different summoning ritual for a demon trying to send itself back?" Alexander pondered aloud, still baffled by the situation.

Xeron, sensing Alexander's attempt to infuse magic energy, appeared surprised and asked, "You can output magic power? Ah, right, you have the bloodline of a high-rank demon, so having an output circuit isn't surprising, but..."

Xeron touched his demon horns with a perplexed expression. "When I activated the magic formation, it was meant to summon in the upper Abyss. How did a demon like you, with high-rank blood, end up in the upper Abyss?"

His gaze then fell upon the Leo nestled in Alexander's arms. "And this hellhound with demon wings. I've never seen a hellhound like this before. What kind of variant is this?"

Alexander was an enigma wrapped in mysteries. While Xeron had his doubts, he never questioned Alexander's true identity. Alexander exuded a distinct demonic aura, unmistakably from the Abyss of the Demon World. The vastness of the Abyss held numerous peculiarities, and Xeron decided to let the matter rest, growing increasingly eager to subdue Alexander.

Even though Alexander might be a low-rank demon, Xeron saw him as an elite among his kind. There were instances of such elite demons among lower ranks, and Xeron had patience enough to give Alexander one last chance.

"I've said it before," Xeron began, growing impatient. "Don't waste your energy. If you're truly intent on sending yourself back, you'll need to reverse the magic input in the summoning formation. But this requires not just a little magic; it demands a tremendous amount. Don't underestimate the task."

Xeron's patience wore thin, and he continued, "I have my limits. Here's your final choice: sign the contract and submit to me, or I'll bind you and drop you in the human countries. Those angels up in the city in the clouds will be more than happy to host you."

With no other way out, Alexander found himself fixated on the contract's wording, a heavy decision hanging over him.

The terms of this demonic pact were clear and unyielding. Alexander found himself in a position of submission to Xeron. During his sojourn in this realm, he was bound to obey Xeron's commands and serve as his loyal subordinate until death or expulsion. As part of this arrangement, all the souls he collected on the battlefield were to be surrendered to Xeron, and in return, Alexander would receive set meals.

However, in an attempt to entice Alexander, an elite demon, Xeron introduced a compelling addition to the contract: if they emerged victorious in battle, Alexander would also be entitled to 10% of the souls gathered during that conflict as a reward.

Upon scrutinizing the pact, Alexander suddenly grasped the reason why high-ranking demons like Xeron ventured into this world. They had the ability to linger in this realm for extended periods, which prompted them to amass armies and wage wars. Each victory resulted in a bounty of souls from the battlefield, a much swifter method of soul harvesting compared to a solitary demon.

If Alexander were just an ordinary, low-ranking demon, Xeron would have exploited him ruthlessly, treating him as a mere slave. But Alexander's unique modifications, including his added demon wings and complex bloodline, made him a valuable asset in Xeron's eyes.

Though the contract still appeared to be one of enslavement, it was a far more favorable deal than what most summoned demons received. The 10% share of souls meant that Alexander had transitioned from a slave to a contractor. With no apparent traps or hidden pitfalls, Alexander affixed his signature to the pact.

As Alexander signed the contract, Xeron displayed an air of satisfaction. He removed his helmet, revealing a humanoid visage. Were it not for his demonic horns, Alexander might have mistaken him for a human. This human-like appearance was often a characteristic of high-ranking demons.

"Descend. I must continue with recruitment!" Xeron pointed at Alexander. "You are the master of that hellhound, so I won't establish a contract with it. From now on, you are responsible for it. Whatever orders I issue apply to it as well!"

Alexander had no choice but to obey this directive after signing the contract, and he nodded in agreement. However, Alexander knew that Leo was no true hellhound and couldn't enter into contracts. Fortunately, Xeron remained unaware of this fact, as he hadn't signed a contract with the creature.

"I have a task for you now. Go to the surface and monitor the progress of the volcanic crater!" Xeron continued, "Once I've summoned enough troops, I will trigger the volcano's eruption!"

Alexander couldn't fathom Xeron's motives for detonating the volcano, but he didn't question the command. With Leo in tow, he departed.

Emerging from the summoning formation, Alexander sensed the searing heat from the volcano. This place seemed to be situated near one of the underground magma rivers, and following its course led to the volcano's base.

Upon ascending to the crater, Alexander observed a multitude of Abyss creatures. Most of them were low-level demons, meticulously following intricate patterns and pouring a mercury-like liquid onto them, forming an expansive magic formation surrounding the volcano.

Alexander deduced the purpose of this magic formation. It was designed to forcefully trigger the volcano's eruption, as it would not happen naturally in the near future.

Alexander chose not to interfere with the work of the lower-level demons and ascended into the sky with Leo. As he surveyed the surroundings of the volcano, he couldn't help but reflect on the precarious nature of this world, the Heroes of Might and Magic universe. For a demon like himself, it was a perilous realm, and he silently challenged Xeron's assumption of safety as a high-ranking demon.

The desire to enslave him would prove to be a daunting task indeed.

.....

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