"What other deals are you offering?" I asked the demon.

A long, slow blink. Though I knew what he really was, still he somehow managed to exude honesty and benevolence. "I should think one would be obvious."

It took me a few moments to gather his meaning, and then I shot upwards in my seat. "I am not selling my soul! Not at any price."

"Not even that I might willingly and peaceably depart this realm?" His voice was lulling... and completely incongruous and inadequate considering what he was proposing. "You would be a hero. My handsome host would owe you his life. You could save so many lives..."

Um, what? I knew I was no hero. And how could I measure the weight of lives with that of a soul?

Most importantly, the prospect of losing my soul... to demons...

It did not even bear thinking about.

Perhaps sensing his 'arguments' were unconvincing, the demon switched tactics. "I require your sworn word but not your soul until death, when you have no more use for it. Why not relinquish yours for a good cause?"

I stared at him incredulously. Did that line ever actually work? I might be flawed in a lot of ways, but this... "No. I am sorry, but no deal."

"You would give nothing away of true personal value," he insisted. "Souls are simply another, more powerful form of energy, one you mortals are incapable of harnessing. You might live long and fruitfully yet, never knowing any lack. Is that not worth what might be gained?"

He sounded so sincere, but... "Even martyrs sacrifice their lives, not their souls. And forgive me if I do not take you at your unsworn word."

My voice was firm, my heart steady. But then I possibly ruined it by adding: "Um, unless you will swear to answer my questions truthfully and completely and then repeat that. But I know demons never agree to such deals..."

I trailed off and looked at him awkwardly.

He gave only an elegant shrug as though to convey: Can you blame me for trying? "Well then," he said, "My next offer. If you would eliminate just one person for me..."

My jaw dropped. "I am not killing anyone!"

"Not even if they are already marked for death? If they are responsible for my summoning?"

I stared. He... wanted me to kill his summoner? But then the dots connected, and I realized: "Ah. You want their soul."

The smile he bestowed upon me was so warm I felt my cheeks heat, even now. "You speak of what is already mine. I cannot give any more details, such as their identity... you understand. But do this for me, send their soul onwards that I might collect my due without further delay, and you may leave freely. Do we have a deal?"

Find his summoner... and kill that person. I swallowed. "Do you have any more offers?"

"That is all," the demon said. And waited.

I felt paralyzed, facing three monstrous choices, three doors behind which lurked further dangers. His proposed terms were all terrible...

But what else could I expect from a demon?

He wasn't wrong that his first offer remained the most attractive, or rather, least repulsive. Furthermore, I hoped he might be overestimating me. If I did my best but he was discovered... if I swore there was no demon, only for the lie to reveal itself...

No, wait, what was I thinking? That I might outwit my opponent through my own ineptitude? Such foolishness sounded dangerously like what so many before me had done, what I'd sworn I would never do: underestimate a demon.

"What... what was the first offer again?" I asked, as much to fill the strained silence as to clarify my whirling thoughts.

He repeated it, and this time I heard the important words as he spoke them: '...to the best of your ability.' A promise not of objective competence but of subjective effort... which wording could cut both ways.

The trap was so obvious it was scarcely recognizable as one. He had only to propose a likelier plan for guarding his secret existence than any alternative I could conceive or carry out without his cooperation, and I would be forced to play along or renege on our deal. Not to mention if I did by any chance succeed... that would be nothing to celebrate.

So I'd spotted a trap, but that did not mean the other two choices were any better. Which left... what?

The obvious answer was to try presenting an alternative deal. Weren't we considering such a deal with a demon, anyway? And Duni was eager to recruit demonic minions...

...But I couldn't help thinking this situation would require a great deal of finesse, of which I was sadly lacking. That and... or... I lacked confidence. I wasn't ready to do this.

Desperately, I looked around for my friends. I found Tom eating and drinking with Silverlady and locals. Bessie and Hannah dancing. Who knew where Blake was... but thinking of him gave me an idea. If I could get a message to him without the demon's knowledge, maybe...

But when I stretched my senses and located that familiar, distinctive aura, my heart sank at all the people and distance between us. Unless he happened to have [Precision Hearing] active and was eavesdropping on me...

"Blake," I tried, whispering as softly as I could. "Blake, can you hear me?"

No response. As expected, but...

I really, desperately didn't want to shoulder this decision alone.

The demon gave no sign he'd recognized what I had just tried. It was his host that gave him away. I felt the adventurer's sudden surge of pity and sympathy, which made no sense unless...

Of course. On top of his innumerable other advantages, the demon -- likely through his host, which was worse -- had some kind of perception Skill... actually, I'd already known that. But I thought this went further still. His host's total lack of excitement or hope suggested...

I narrowed my eyes and then widened them. Waving a hand through the air confirmed what I thought I sensed.

"You're controlling the air currents," I said, staring at him. "But... how are you doing that? I didn't hear you cast a Skill!"

No wonder I had felt we were in our own private bubble, separate from the partying crowd... In a sense, we were. I doubted any human mage possessed such power... no, such control, born from inhuman experience.

The demon only smiled, even as my next realization hit. "You... you stopped them from hearing me that one time!"

"I could not let you reveal me," he said simply. "Though you did not even truly try, did you?"

"I... you..."

"Oh no, that was all you." The demon seemed only more relaxed as I tensed. His green eyes mocked me. "Even my Skills have limits, particularly in this weak form. You chose not to identify me or to slip away yourself, which tells me everything I need to know. You will do almost anything I ask to save your friends."

Almost. I didn't need the spike of anguish in the body he possessed to ask, "Is that how you obtained your host's 'consent'? You threatened his team?"

He gave nothing away, but again he could not hide the other's reaction. I felt sick for thinking to give him the benefit of the doubt.

As though unconcerned with the silent, involuntary signaling taking place, the demon said, "So tediously predictable you mortals are." His voice sounded so sweetly sincere, like he wished only the best for me despite my unfortunate circumstances. "I wonder if any of you can surprise me anymore."

Part of me wanted to please him... What a foolish notion. But I said, because I wondered: "And if I can?"

Over and over I had felt his attention on me, pressing down like shackles, ready any moment to clap shut.

But now, for perhaps the first time, his eyes focused on me with true intensity. As though, finally, he saw me.

I swallowed, repressed a shiver, and looked back.

"Go on," the creature wearing human skin said. So casually, so threateningly. So terribly ready to dismiss. "Try not to disappoint."

My mouth had gone dry. I had spoken because... because I needed to speak. But at the moment I couldn't imagine brokering a mutually satisfactory deal to tempt him off his current course.

I did not know if such a deal even existed.

Hells... What had Hellsfell offered, or had it? Its soul? Were dungeon souls a thing? Or just... sacrifices?

For obvious reasons, I wasn't willing to offer either.

I could not even open such negotiations without betraying Duni's existence and likely their anomaly, which meant delivering such information into the hands of a scheming demon. A demon that could then trade everything learned away to Hellsfell. Maybe he would foresee more benefit in hedging his bets and dealing with Duni, but... frankly, demons were unpredictable, and I would be a fool to count on that.

But for all my reservations, for all that I still did not feel qualified to broker this deal... there was no one else.

The silence was growing unbearable. I'd heard demons loved nothing more than souls, secrets, and sacrifices, typically in that order... I would just have to go for it. "I think I have a secret you want," I said, "Or would want to know. But... I'd need you first to agree to keep it."

"Oh?" the demon inquired mildly. "What use is a secret that cannot be shared?"

I looked at him squarely and replied: "A good one. One I do believe will interest even you."

He eyed me unblinkingly for a long moment. "You may know something of demons, but you are a thousand years too young to outplay me."

"No, I know I am no player," I said. "Given your obvious Skills, I hope you know I am telling the truth. I am not an expert in demons, or talented with words, or trying to deceive or outwit you. In truth, I have a problem in need of a solution, and how I came to be here... that is, though I think this should be a last resort..." I stumbled over my words, faltering, but it seemed too late not to finish. "I... My whole team with me were looking into demons," I admitted, "With the idea of summoning one to make a deal."

The host stirred with disbelief; the demon was, as usual, unreadable. Could he sense my guilt, my doubts, my truth? Something must have given me away when I first saw him across the plaza, something that prompted him to single me out from the start. I wasn't so arrogant as to dream I could outplay him... but perhaps I did not need to. I was unwilling, uncertain... but I truly believed maybe, just maybe, we could reach a mutually beneficial accord, despite or because of the circumstances.

And perhaps I actually surprised him. I certainly surprised his host: where the poor adventurer had been lying dormant until now like a dead horse, he abruptly bucked and kicked like one startled, or an infant jostled in the womb.

Was that why? For whichever reason, the demon's eyes flashed red, just for an instant. The barest slip... but it did not pass unnoticed.

I felt the shock and fear of someone nearby. Someone had seen! I didn't dare turn to look, inwardly praying...

But it was no use. The demon remained unspeakably poised, long lashes fluttering, as he projected his voice: "Won't you join us? Hannah, was it?"

Feeling like I was moving in slow motion, I turned to look. She was staring at us in horror, frozen as I had been. I felt a painful moment of clarity and empathy with her, knowing exactly what she was thinking, the decision she must surely be weighing. Her hand had fallen to her pack containing her comm-crystal.

I could not say for certain what I wished her to do.

But in the end, she chose as I had. Her steps were reluctant, but all the same she came forward to sit beside me. Together we faced the deadly predator we'd naively thought to make prey, the demon we'd hunted without really expecting to find.

We glanced at each other simultaneously and with equal reluctance. I had never seen -- or felt -- Hannah like this before, and whatever she saw in my face only made hers fall further.

"I'm so sorry, Rena," she whispered in a hollow voice. "If I hadn't told him everything..."

"It's not your fault." I grabbed Hannah's hand and squeezed it comfortingly... and somehow I felt better. "I am the only one who realized what he is. If anyone should have done something--"

"No, this is my fault--"

"How droll," the demon interrupted. "But premature. You were looking to summon a demon?"

"M... Maybe?" Hannah glanced at me again and couldn't repress a shudder. "Just looking."

His green eyes glinted. "In that case, we need more time to discuss... but that shouldn't be a problem. Should it?"

Her hand jerked over her pack. "You expect me to believe you'll let us leave?"

With immortal patience, he repeated the same 'generous' offer he had first made me. I wasn't sure how to feel when Hannah looked to me as for answers, but I slowly shook my head.

"We are still discussing the details," the demon said smoothly. "It would be a shame if our peaceful talk were interrupted."

That was all he said. No overt threats, and he seemed relaxed, serene, rather than domineering or malicious. Then he leaned forward and whispered something into Hannah's ear. I tensed, but she seemed puzzled more than anything. She looked down and away, swallowing, before retrieving her comm-crystal.

Again I tensed. Now seemed the time, if ever there was one, to stop his nefarious scheming. We just needed to... to give up on everybody here...

...for the greater good...

Hannah finished the check-in. I said and did nothing, even when the demon afterwards plucked her crystal from her quivering hands.

"To remove the temptation," he said ever so gently, conveying the strong impression he was doing us a favor.

"How is he...?" Hannah whispered. "But his eyes?"

Yes, their greenness proved... but her cringing meekness struck me as wrong, where mine only confirmed for me my weakness. I frowned at her in thought. I doubted it would do any good, but...

Since I'd taken the trouble to wear my mage robes, I tried suppressing my Empathy.

Instantly, the demon seemed less authoritative... less well-meaning. He still gave off a subtle feeling of both, but he... It was a demon! Who kept us in line by threatening all our lives!

And now I was thinking more clearly, I could also guess how it might hide its glowing red eyes. Quick, silent casts, managed strictly during those long, slow blinks... It would be extremely limited, but a little could be leveraged a long way.

I wondered suddenly whether its host didn't already possess similar and helpful charisma-boosting Skills. Oh, perhaps we were overawed children facing an old master of deceit... but perhaps I was glimpsing the distorted edges of that deception.

It did not lose to me even in perceptiveness, unfortunately. "You were speaking of a deal," the demon said... and I realized our situation hadn't changed.

If anything, waking up to the living nightmare only made the scene that much more nightmarish.

"I, um, don't feel qualified to make one," I said lamely, though this was also the truth.

"Neither of us is team leader," Hannah added supportively.

We both looked away from the handsome monster toward Bessie, as though she would be any more prepared to handle a real live demon up close... and just our luck, she caught sight of us and began to smilingly approach.

"Do you mean she speaks for all of you?" the demon inquired silkily.

I could guess what it saw: a young girl in basic leather armor, clueless, her cheeks flushed from dancing.

Uncertain what to say, I stayed silent. At least she could do no worse and might hopefully do better.

"We need your help--" Hannah burst out when Bessie was within hearing distance.

"You are the leader of this team?" the demon interrupted.

"That's me!" Bessie beamed and joined us at the table. "Wow, what's with all the serious looks?"

"It wants to make a deal," I said.

"A... deal? Wait, it?"

"Your team is keeping heavy secrets," it said. "What do you require a demon for?"

Bessie still looked and felt confused. I could hardly bear to look at her. "Demon," I said, nodding to it.

"I'm so sorry," Hannah said. "It took my comm-crystal."

Bessie blinked, slowly. Another second passed.

And then she leapt to her feet. "Demon!"

Her sudden motion was startling enough; but at the same time, with supernatural swiftness, the demon stood and shouted over her, voice resounding with righteous condemnation: "Brigands!"

A howling wind picked up, accompanying the ringing in my ears. Somehow its words still rang out strong and clear: "Team Thornado, don't let them escape! Townsfolk, seek shelter! Rest assured justice will be served!"

I noticed its eyes were closed during that speech. Though admittedly this was less noticeable as it donned its headgear.

Regardless, people rushed to clear the plaza in probably record time. The winds continued lashing, all sound and fury.

I stared around, dazed. The demon's armor glowed while he leapt clear of Bessie's strike, Hannah's arrow ricocheting uselessly off the metal; Silverlady, now helmeted, bashed her mace against Tom's shield, not far from where they'd earlier been peaceably drinking and talking; their second mage -- also wearing mage armor, the lucky moneybags, his bronze -- had propped up a rune-etched staff and was flashily casting some sort of shield; accusations flew, fast and furious if barely audible, the other side utterly convinced of their leader's innocence and that we opportunists had chased the nettlers into town.

I heard a sound behind me and, turning, nearly fell over in surprise when I discovered Blake grappling with an unfamiliar man in dark armor. Frantically backing away, I released my suppressive hold on my Empathy... but there were no more surprises. All the townspeople had left or were busily leaving, and the single exception appeared to be just hiding and watching... which, come to think of it, might be worth emulating.

Everything was happening too fast! I instinctively went for cover under the table and then hesitated. Should I try to help my team? Or would I only be a liability? From a simple aura comparison, I thought they had a slight edge, discounting the demon. And the fancy armor. But then we numbered five to their four...

Oh, who was I kidding? Like I would be of any use in a pitched battle against real adventurers.

Our only hope was that the demon appeared leery of showing its true power. And that it had ordered taking us alive. Fittingly for adventurers, neither side seemed willing to escalate first.

I hesitated to enter the fray at all.

"[Summon Air Elemental]!"

Oh! I could do something about that! Fortuitously, the plaza's ground was paved and thus suitable for casting a circle. But when I finished clearing away litter, I found Hannah had already dispersed the summons somehow... maybe by drilling it with enough arrows? Which left me...

Back to facing people, apparently.

'Better to do the worse thing quickly than the best action belatedly,' right?

"[Magic Hand]!"

My decision made, I sent my spell confidently flying at Silverlady... who with one mighty swing burst it open into scattered motes of mana. Like stomping on a balloon.

Um... the rats never did that. I dithered and then directed [Fireball] at the bronze mage, who'd started casting a nontrivial spell from his staff; his equipment-enhanced defenses were as formidable as they appeared, and more to the point, he unfortunately failed to so much as stutter in his casting.

Right, then. So what now?

The chaos continued unabated around me while I pondered, grateful nobody was yet targeting me... and that with one demonic exception, my Empathy should help me know if this changed. After reviewing my options, I determined I should cast [Magic Missile]... as it was my one remaining offensive Skill. But where to cast?

I waffled but finally, seeing Bessie floundering, I targeted the foul demon... and wasn't even surprised when it easily deflected my attempt, though I fancied I'd at least helped Bessie catch her breath a little.

Hmm. Now I was out. Surely it would be the height of foolishness to attempt physical engagement. These cooldowns had never seemed so inhibiting; I couldn't believe how fast everything was happening. (Had it been less than a minute since battle was joined? Less than two?)

I could use one of my Scrolls? My best bet was likely Entangling Vines...

But then I realized the second mage was still casting, and the building concentration of mana suggested he should be my first priority. I had the glum certainty Entangling Vines wouldn't be a finishing move here... unlike whatever he was casting.

No, I needed that circle after all.

"[Scribe]," I cast, and then, "[Mana Dome]," for familiar good measure... fortunately and just in time, as a sudden explosion against the shield made me flinch.

I looked over in surprised disbelief at the demon responsible. Its host's obvious air affinity made it far too mobile; between dodging strikes from Bessie and Hannah, it managed to still aim at me. Who presented a nice stationary target.

Just as I'd cast [Fireball] against the bronze mage's superlative defense, I realized the demon was happily expending its host's more damaging Skills on me and my shielding... and unfortunately, his did not only total three.

My shield soon flickered from the onslaught; I was helpless to reinforce it in time.

That was my trouble: time.

I was already casting as my Dome shattered: "[Mana Barrier]! [Mana Shield]!"

But it turned out there was no need. The searing bolt of light did not strike me but instead the nearby ground, ruining my Scribed circle. I hadn't even formulated a plan to stop the bronze mage's casting, at least none better than trying to break his concentration. So losing the circle was no great loss...?

No. This was a loss.

The mage's long casting was finished, and so were we.

The earth suddenly rose up to entomb me up to the neck, leaving only my head free. Worse, my friends were in the same situation. Even Blake was caught along with his black-armored opponent, the latter waiting patiently for extrication, which occurred with an ease and familiarity suggesting long experience.

I could not move my smallest pinky.

The winds began to die down now it was over, finally and so soon. Which also freed my voice...

...and so gave me a choice.

If we stayed quiet, the demon would probably create an opportunity to speak with each of us alone. It had gone through the trouble of capturing us rather than executing us on the spot as supposed bandits, after all. But we would be right back to struggling with an uncertain and lopsided deal, and...

Just as importantly, Bessie had made her call as team leader.

So I drew in a deep breath and went for it. "S-someone should call the guild!"

Curse my own weak voice. Even now, I had trouble shouting at the top of my lungs. Even to save my own life!

I inhaled to try again. But Bessie beat me to it: "Call the guild!"

Faces turned. The air picked back up to stifle my voice, but my friends were joining in the refrain, Tom's bellow the loudest: "Call the guild!"

"Foolishness," the demon said pityingly. "Enough trying to stall. Move them to--"

But it couldn't subtly drown out our shouts: "Call the guild!"

"--the Watch barracks." It was speaking steadily, blinking slowly...

But for the first time doubt flickered in one of its host's teammates. The demon was inhumanly persuasive... but who could deny the logic in calling their own guild, using their own comm-crystal? We were already trapped and helpless, so what could it hurt?

Also, one typically didn't choose the rogue class because one was gullible and trusting.

Eyeing us -- but also his own teammate -- the black-armored rogue made no outward move... but his emotions shifted, and the tiniest flicker of his mana. A distinctive flicker.

Thus I was the only other one prepared for what happened next. A sudden pressure descended, a killing aura that probably would've frozen me in place if I weren't already.

Simultaneously, the rogue's pack exploded, showering bits of what was once presumably his tele-linked crystal.

A stunned silence fell. But I already knew where to look. What I would see.

In the emptied plaza, the demon's eyes glowed red. It smiled.

"Oops."