The Second Devil

Whoooosh—

“Will we be able to enter the pyramid?”

Finding our destination was good in itself. The problem was how to actually get in there.

The storm made it difficult to see clearly, but above all, the collapse of the surrounding ground made it nearly impossible to even approach.

“It looks tricky.”

The pyramid looked precarious, like a castle built on sand. It seemed like it could collapse at any moment.

Below it was a deep hole like a swamp, where water and sand mixed to create large turbulence.

Gulp—

The moment you fell in there, you would certainly die. That place was nothing short of hell.

“Master. There’s a path over there, though it looks unstable.”

Looking at where Inis pointed, there was indeed a path made of sand. However, it was gradually being washed away by the pouring rain.

“If we’re going to try, it has to be now. Otherwise, we’ll need to find higher ground nearby and wait until the storm ends.”

“Who knows when this rain will stop. We’d have to wait. Even if it ends, we’d have to wait for that path to be restored.”

The ground around the pyramid would be restored someday. After all, the labyrinth always craves adventurers’ lives. But who could say when that would happen?

Moreover, our remaining food supply wasn’t very abundant. We could eat and drink for a few days, but it wasn’t a large amount.

Whoooosh—

The rain poured down in torrents. I contemplated. Should I make a bold decision? Or should I retreat?

“Let’s cross.”

I ultimately chose to reach the pyramid. At this point, even if we turned back, we wouldn’t know when we could find an exit.

If both directions were uncertain and dangerous, it made sense to move toward the one with more benefits.

“Yes. Understood.”

“Yes, sir!”

Neither of my slaves objected to my decision. They simply followed my choice. It was both grateful and a bit burdensome.

We slowly walked towards the precariously remaining sand path in the distance. Upon arrival, I put down the bag I had been carrying.

“Just a moment.”

The items that came out were those used to contract with devils.

Goat’s blood and horns. Human fingers and some creature’s eyeballs. And various specially processed items. It wasn’t for nothing that they were expensive. They were difficult items to obtain.

It wasn’t for nothing that I had spent a year as a mercenary to save money.

After laying out all the items, I began drawing a magic circle beneath them. The continuous downpour kept washing away the magic circle.

“We’ll cover for you.”

Inis and Isabella gathered on both sides to create a small shade. I thanked them and slowly began drawing again.

‘I never dreamed I’d be using this here.’

After completing the magic circle, I knelt on it. I clasped my hands together and placed my elbows on my thighs.

Just before I could pray, Egun’s existence held me back.

I’d heard devils greatly value their authority and resignation, and are extremely possessive. The stronger they are, the more pronounced these traits become.

I don’t know what kind of being Egun is. I just know she’s incredibly powerful and once ruled the world as a devil. Would someone like her accept another devil?

‘It doesn’t seem likely.’

There was a situation where I might lose Egun by trying to contract with another devil. Should I stop the contract now?

I pondered briefly. Then shook my head. That didn’t seem right either. To escape this crisis, I needed the power of a devil other than Egun.

‘I’ll think about the consequences later.’

First act, then deal with the aftermath. After all, they say it’s easier to ask for forgiveness than permission. Considering Egun’s sexual preferences, I might be able to persuade her if I play my cards right.

The question was, what kind of devil would want a contractor who already has a contract with another devil? They too would be very proud. Would one even come to me?

‘That’s what I need to test now.’

I composed myself. I clenched my hands tightly and mumbled softly.

“I offer these to you.”

The moment the words left my mouth, a large amount of magical power drained from my body.

“…Huh?”

At the same time, I could no longer hear the sound of rain. Looking around, I saw that the raindrops had frozen in place.

Faced with this strange sight, I was dumbfounded. Isabella cautiously touched a raindrop. When her finger made contact, it shattered into pieces.

“…Ice?”

Woooosh—

While we were all overwhelmed by this scene, a blue space opened before my eyes.

Gulp—

Having experienced this once before, I knew. A devil was coming out from there. What kind of devil would it be?

Given the incredible power already displayed here, it definitely wouldn’t be a weak devil. But would the devil be favorable to me? That was the problem.

The first thing I saw was armor. My momentary confusion at this unexpected appearance dissipated when the devil fully revealed itself.

It was a devil with human form, like Egun. It had horns on its head. Its hair was quite short. Its face was, as expected, unrealistically beautiful, but I couldn’t see its body because of the armor.

What was particularly impressive were the blue wings visible behind it. They were made of ice, beautiful like an intricate sculpture.

『Hmm.』

Her blue eyes fixed on me. When the devil exhaled, white breath emerged and fluttered. The surroundings began to grow rapidly colder.

『So it’s you. Egun’s contractor.』

The devil’s voice was as cold as her appearance. The monotone voice felt like a cold wave sweeping through.

“That’s right.”

I bowed my head, responding as respectfully as possible.

『You have a contract with Egun.』

『Yet you want a contract with me too?』

“Yes, that’s correct.”

『How impudent.』

With those words, my body suddenly began to stiffen. I opened my eyes wide at the feeling of my limbs freezing. A body without any sensation.

『How dare a mere human try to contract with two devils. Pathetic.』

“Master!”

Inis and Isabella quickly drew their weapons. Just as they were about to rush at the devil, a wind blew and froze them. My slaves trapped in ice.

“What the hell do you think you’re doing!”

『These two are important to you, aren’t they?』

I nodded at the emotionless question.

『If you want to save them, break your contract with Egun. And contract only with me.』

“What?”

I frowned as much as I could. What kind of bullshit was this?

『Then I’ll give you powerful divine powers. And I’ll save your slaves. I’ll even bestow my blessing on you.』

『This shouldn’t be a bad offer for you. So decide now.』

I bit my lip at her words.

She was threatening with the lives of two people yet claiming it wasn’t a bad offer? What kind of thug was this? And the condition was breaking my contract with Egun?

‘I was careless.’

I knew how dangerous it was to contract with two devils. Yet I had attempted this because we might die crossing the sand path.

I had decided to contract with a new devil to prevent such a crisis. I never expected things to turn out like this.

It was like avoiding a ghost only to meet a tiger.

『What will you do? Decide quickly.』

The devil kept urging me while I was contemplating. Her behavior seemed a bit strange. In the current situation, the devil held all the cards. Why would she need to pressure me like this?

‘She wouldn’t.’

There must be a reason she was rushing. And it was probably because of Egun.

The devil before me was certainly strong. But would she be stronger than Egun? I didn’t think so.

“I refuse.”

Once I reached that conclusion, I refused the devil’s offer.

『What?』

She who had shown no expression until now was taken aback. Just as her face was about to twist with anger, the sound of high heels approached as if on cue.

Click, clack—

The ice that restrained my body, as well as the ice that imprisoned Inis and Isabella, all melted away.

“Huh?”

The two who had collapsed on the floor looked around in confusion. Their attitude suggested they didn’t understand the current situation.

“Well done.”

Someone patted my head. When I looked up, I saw red hair and a black dress.

“Gelo. You dare try to steal my contractor?”

Egun’s voice, sharp as I’d never heard before. I felt a very cold anger.

『Sis-Sister. Th-that’s not it.』

She rolled her eyes.

『This is, I mean, Ah! Yes! I was testing the loyalty of your contractor!』

The flustered devil. She waved her hands and made excuses, but they fell on deaf ears.

『Would I be crazy enough to try to steal your contractor? Right? Huh?』

“Right.”

Egun replied. At those words, the devil briefly let out a sigh of relief. However, the subsequent reply made her face pale again.

“You must have finally gone crazy to do something like this. Living for so many ages must make the world seem boring and trivial. Right? That’s why you’re acting out without any sense, right?”

『N-no!』

“You’re still telling obvious lies? You must have forgotten your fear of your sister because you haven’t been beaten in a while.”

Egun strode over and grabbed the devil by the hair.

『Aaah!』

“Come with me. I’ll give you a proper education today.”

With those words, a red portal opened. I could glimpse what was beyond—a place like hell where everything was burning.

『J-just a moment! I was wrong! I was wrong! Let’s just stop here—aaaahh! Contractor. Save me—!!!』

The devil begged me as she was dragged towards the portal. I stared blankly at the scene, then carefully raised my middle finger.

Get lost, you crazy bitch.