Rearing Demons
Chapter 48: Cost of Rejection

Chapter 48: Cost of Rejection

When Jisvruul relayed her words, Yur wondered what she meant.

Gra? (What do you mean?)

Exactly what I said. I don’t want my demon form—I want only my human form.

Jisvruul continued translating her words to Yur.

Zul, is there a ritual I need for this? And why does she think I can do it? Yur questioned internally.

He was confused because no Heir had existed before; how was she so certain he could do something like that?

[Mal was known for rituals. Although many don’t remember him, the idea of rituals is tied to the Heir!]

I see.

[Host simply needs to turn her into an Ashkavaal, akin to Jisvruul!]

How?

[Ritual of Blood Binding!]

Yur recalled being told that ritual wouldn’t necessarily make someone loyal; it only prevented them from hurting him.

He remembered the explanation from when he considered the same ritual for Ris.

[That was only in that context. The ritual is versatile; it exists to create servants and slaves for the Host!]

I still have to reach Morruk... He saw even more reason to reach the second rank. Jisvruul, tell her I agree, but she must assist me in ranking up.

Jisvruul nodded and relayed Yur’s intentions to Velmira.

Even in her weakened state, Velmira was extremely powerful and could help him gather more Gralith quickly. If not for his personal limits, he might aim higher, but he sensed even one Gralith was tough to seal in a Blood Sigil—a Kyrrath would be beyond him.

Graaa Gra! (My master agrees. However, you must do a blood oath—swear loyalty and help my master achieve his rank-up.)

I will, as long as he meets my demands.

Gra Gra! (He can. Look at me; I can shift forms and not lose strength.)

Studying Jisvruul’s human shape—void of demonic essence—Velmira realized it was legitimately human-like. If not for how it acted, she might have taken it for an actual human.

She nodded, biting her fingertip. "On this droplet of blood, I vow that, as long as the Heir does as promised, I will remain loyal." A droplet glowed with gold and black runes before she swallowed it, then glanced at Jisvruul.

Jisvruul reported this to Yur, who checked with Zul:

[Quest Complete!]

[Quest Complete!]

[Reward: 3000 Demon Points!]

[Reward: 200 Human Points!]

Seeing not one but two completions, Yur asked Zul:

[Afloria Quest: Help Disciples Kill Mother of Pus!

Although Host did not kill the Mother of Pus—the subjugation overshadowed it—rewards are still granted!]

Yur inwardly shrugged. Whatever the logic, at least he profited. Jisvruul, release the human and bring Velmira. We’re heading to the Gravesong Wastes. I also need to find Ris.

Since splitting up, he hadn’t encountered Ris, but the Oath of Blood meant she was likely searching for him. Once they joined forces—alongside Jisvruul and Velmira—he could capture more Gralith or Luminous Heart foes.

At this point, with Demon Brune plus the two Gralith guards, Yur had three out of ten targets secured. If he got seven more and officially claimed Velmira, he would both rank up and seize the Eyes of Dripping Blood for his domain.

Jisvruul complied, releasing Karo and beckoning Velmira. Gra Gra! (Come. We leave now!)

Velmira nodded yet glanced at Karo. "I want you to come with me," she said softly.

"What just happened? I’m totally lost." Karo couldn’t follow any demonic speech aside from seeing Velmira’s Oath of Blood.

"I’m following him now. He’ll protect me—he’ll let me stay human." She reached her frail arms toward him, gaze hopeful. "I’ll be fully human. Come with me."

Looking at her lovely face so close, Karo felt confused. If she really turned human, maybe he’d consider it...but right now?

He sighed and shook his head. "I appreciate it, but my answer is still no."

"Why?!" she nearly wailed. "If I become human, we can be together, yes?"

"Velmira, I’m human—you’re a demon," he said quietly, his expression grim. "I came here to kill you, remember?"

"And I wanted to kill you. That’s all over now." Her voice was close to begging. "I just awakened to my real self, and you’re the only one I care for."

"I’m the only one you met," he murmured with a bitter half-smile. "I don’t know you; you don’t know me. Besides..." He glanced at the entrance, eyes dark. "You caused my friend’s death."

"You mean that vile man?" she muttered, frowning.

"He was my friend," he insisted. "And as of now, I owed you for saving me, but next time...I’ll try to kill you again." As harsh as it sounded, Karo thought it was the truth.

He pried her arms off, stepping back.

"You’re...going to kill me?" she whispered, stunned. "But I thought you were my lover!"

"I’m not," he retorted in frustration. "I told you—your real form is disg—" Before he could finish, blood spilled from his lips. "H-huh?" Eyes wide, he stared at Velmira.

"I did protect you," she said plaintively, stroking his cheek, "didn’t kill you, promised to care for you...and you still reject me, still call me disgusting?"

"W-why?" he rasped, looking down to see a sharpened claw impaling him. It wasn’t Velmira—it was Jisvruul.

"You want me dead?" Her eyes radiated hurt. Ignoring his words, she gently stroked his cheek. "Then sorry—but you’ll have to die."

He tried to speak, but before a word escaped, Jisvruul’s maw gaped and swallowed Karo whole.

[Blood Sigils Complete: 4/10!]

Gra! (Come!)

Jisvruul snatched up Velmira by the nape and exited the cave in a blink. Only the bloody stains and a few paralyzed Zorath remained.

————————————————————————

Fyr stared at the many disciples glaring at him.

"Bro, what the fuck?!" Flames practically glowed behind their eyes, each wanting to kill the man who stole their prey.

"Sorry, I didn’t realize it was a big deal." Scratching his head, he offered a sheepish look. "If you don’t mind, could you tell me where the portal to the Incandescent Caves is?"

"Why the hell would we tell you?" A disciple with flaming red hair and bright emerald eyes retorted. "You literally stole my kill!"

"Calm down." At that, Fyr frowned. "I wasn’t aware of your rules. Besides..." As he spoke, a powerful aura erupted from him, putting pressure on the Seeker of Ember disciples. "I’m being polite, but I’m still your senior."

His aura flared, causing them to scowl yet remain rooted.

"Whoa, whoa. Who’s harassing my cute disciples?" Along with Fyr’s aura, a slightly stronger one welled up, shielding the Seeker of Embers while pressing down on Fyr.

He felt the strain, still not at full strength.

"Nia..." he muttered upon seeing the redhead descending from the sky—ranked second among the core disciples, Nia Drinley.

The beautiful girl landed, and all the Seeker of Embers gazed at her with respect and devotion.

"Fyr Cryslo," she greeted him with a smile, moving gracefully across the grass. "What brings you here? And why are you bullying my disciples?"

"I’m not." He furrowed his brow. "I just need directions to the portal to the Incandescent Caves so I can return to my own sect."

"My, my. So you’re here by accident?" She eyed him with amusement. "Did you flee from a Gralith beyond your ability?"

"Ha... ha, Nia." He scoffed. "Unlike you, I can handle Kyrrath now," he said with a hint of pride.

"Just handle them?" She giggled. Reaching into her spatial ring, she dropped a revolting severed head onto the ground.

It looked vaguely lion-like; a mane of flesh, no eyes, no mouth—only a mesh of human tissue.

"I kill Kyrrath nowadays," she boasted. "This is one of many from the Pride of Faces region."

Fyr frowned. Though he could also kill a Kyrrath, it was borderline suicidal unless Celis was around. "Finished showing off?" he grumbled. "Now, can you lead me to the portal?"

"Why rush to the portal? Stay and farm more points," she said, smiling coyly. "Isn’t this a training session?"

"I’d rather go back to my sect and report what happened," he insisted, recalling Celis’s predicament.

Nia strolled up, stroking his cheek. "Oh, c’mon..." she cooed. "Remember how fun that little competition was?"

"Getting my ass kicked wasn’t fun," he said, rolling his eyes.

"I mean afterward, silly." Leaning in, she spoke softly with a sultry edge. "When you ate mine..."

He shoved her away, scowling. "That was a one-time thing. Don’t get ideas."

"I like ideas," she teased with a grin. "Come, let’s roam around together." With a quick step, she latched onto his arm. "I’ll get you healed up; we’ll make a strong team."

Fyr grumbled but finally agreed. "Fine, but only for a little while." He was worried about Celis, but traveling would take time anyway, so a short delay wouldn’t matter. He should be fine...