Yeah. Thank goodness... Reis thought while rubbing the spot on his scalp. It was the most peaceful he had felt in days. Lasting the very long seconds until the words finally set their new home in his mind. Suffice for the day. He thought his ears were playing tricks. "The day?"
The mocking gaze didn't even bother him this time. Nor did the arch of those perfect eyebrows. It just scared him further. Cause what was this creature even saying?
"Didn't you promise offerings for the rest of your life?"
Reis's brain short-circuited in real time. Life? He said such a thing? No way—
|You indeed made a promise when asking for help.|
|"I promise to give you offerings for the rest of my life." Would you like audio proof? That will take a day to process.|
Rest of my life?!
|Precisely.|
The ghostlike human looked at his guardian with the kind of betrayal that was reserved for special occasions. Eyes wide and shimmering like a wounded puppy. He'd probably slap himself in the face if he knew what he looked like, but that wasn't important. "That's unfair..." he croaked, voice cracking. "You said you would help me...but..."
The divine debt collector stepped closer, his shadow swallowing Reis's. "Helping you is a separate deal. I'll do that as I am supposed to." He spoke, voice smooth and terrifying at the same time. "So stop your pitiful act and state your wish."
The generosity almost brought him to tears. But couldn't in the end. After all, it still felt like an unfair deal to pay for a loan he didn't apply for.
Reis swallowed hard, looking away from the man to calm his heart. At the kidnappers and at the distant light of the palace.
Make a wish. That never went well for Reis. Or most other people, always ending in a moral lesson, scratch that, immoral lesson.
"...I already told you," he whispered, his exhaustion finally winning over. "The throne. Get me away from it. I don't want the crown, I don't want the trial, and I definitely don't want to be the reason people are trying to kill me."
The silver eyes shimmered in the dark again. He reached out, his cold finger pressing into Reis's forehead again, and another flash of coldness passed through, this time sharper. "No matter the consequences?"
Now that was just a conning question. As if he could press die when the option said 'throne or death'. But Reis had long since known he was out of options. "Yes."
A white rune planted itself on Reis's forehead, flaring with a blinding white light. It burned, a searing cold that felt like a brand being pressed into his very soul. He gasped, his grip tightening on the kitten until it let out a protesting squeak.
The mark sank slowly into his skin, disappearing beneath the surface, embedding slowly before disappearing.
|You have agreed to a soul contract with Lord ƴæðəĵøþߥ#**€çį#Error#|
Throw in more letters while you're at it.
"Since I cannot interfere with a trial held by the gods, I'll assist you in other ways. In return, you must not swear allegiance to any divine beings other than me. Do you accept?"
Reis wouldn't have accepted this one if he had a choice. It was one thing if it were a direct way out...
He looked up instantly after the thought crossed his mind. "Yes...Mr. Lord Guardian Sir."
The now human-looking man simply crossed his arms. "Did the blue demon not tell you my name?"
Name? The ƴæðəĵøþߥabcd something? Did he have the required vocal capacity to say that? What did it even say?
Reis didn't think he had the right to call this creature by his name either. That must come with a price, too. And he was just too broke.
"Yvaion, by human terms." The now human-looking man informed like a decree.
Ivaion? Wayvion? Wyvern?
Not that the human version of it made it any easier for this human to pronounce. No one knew this, but Reis still couldn't pronounce the prince's first name right. Getting this one right was too much to ask from him.
|You have successfully given a higher being a psychological headache. |
"Shut up, you blue demon, before I break you," Yvaion muttered, though his gaze remained fixed on Reis.
Well, at least the guardian and his subject had something in common.
|Your Task Categories have been revised. Target has been decided. The Guardian has granted you a gift after taking pity on you.|
|A new task has been issued.|
A task? Now? Reis groaned. "I just recovered from the last one! Can't I get a ten-minute break for a nap and–"
"Someone from your home is approaching."
Reis's heart hammered against his ribs just by hearing the words from this scary voice. He stood up almost instantly, his legs shaking. He was planning to make a run for it and make the kidnappers take the blame. They actually found him so soon?
He didn't bother himself with the questioning glare of the man as he scrambled to his feet, scooped up the furball, and scanned the dense brush for an escape route like a desperate rabbit looking for a hole.
|That's not what he meant.|
|You still do not have the financial means to survive outside. |
Ok, so the guardian won't give me funds.
|...|
The trees in the north shook violently, as if assailed by some strong force. Then the bush exploded as someone ran out of it like a lawn mower, covered in dirt, leaves, and miscellaneous small objects. "I'll get you, you monsters!"
Reis took a once-over to make sure there weren't any monsters around. Only then did he look at the person covered in leaves and dirt, much like himself. Another creature followed behind as if trying to stop him from falling over. The boy slid to a temporary stop, his chest heaving. His eyes scanned the unconscious kidnappers, the blood on the grass, and finally settled on Reis.
Their eyes met from two sides of the slaughter ground.
|You have found a comrade from Odyssey.|
Reis watched as the boy's eyes lit up like a manastone. The fear vanished, replaced by a look of pure, unadulterated curiosity.
Really? Now?