"Now, what exactly would a low-leveled human such as yourself be doing in a place like this?"

....

....

"Huh?"

"Ah, apologies. You humans often introduce yourselves prior to any further conversation, correct? In that case, you may address me as... Kehlhra."

I stared blankly, my mouth hanging open. To be honest, I think I was pretty catatonic at that moment.

"Hm. The translation spell seems to have activated, but you are not responding. Did the Young Mother strike your head? It would be quite troublesome if you have received brain damage."

....

This demon is talking.

What the fuck.

"..."

"..."

We stared at each other for a few more seconds, an awkward silence quickly growing, before I managed to force out a few choked words.

"Uh, hi. I- I don't have brain damage, I don't think, so, uh, you don't have to worry. Um, my name's Lake?"

I have such a way with words.

"Obliged. Now, I assume that you received enough experience from the Young Mother to level up. In that case, it would be wise to allocate your stat points and start the process quickly. Those injuries of yours look quite life-threatening, and I don't believe either of us wants you dead just yet."

The demon's- Kehlhra's- voice was raspy and low, and had a way of slithering down my ears and making me shiver. It was emotionless and had an undercurrent of pressure, yet he spoke slowly and with intent.

It was fucking creepy, is what I'm saying.

"Um, yeah. Sure thing, dude. I'll, uh, I'll just get on that now, I guess. I mean, you okay with that?"

"I would not have suggested it unless I was 'okay' with it. Please, start right away. I'll keep watch."

The demon then turned away from me and flew towards the cavern entrance, hovering above the ground and peering into the dark cave system. I couldn't suppress a shudder before opening up my menu and checking out my stats.

Lake Rogers

Age: 19

Level: 5 (39/500)

HP: 2/17 (Regen/Day: 7)

SP: 0/14 (Regen/Day 28)

MP: 6/13 (Regen/Day: 20)

Power: 17

Endurance: 17

Agility: 20

Vitality: 16

Manipulation: 11

Concentration: 10

Willpower: 26

Skills:

Perception - 3, Foresight - 2, Climbing - 1, Contemplation - 1, Punching - 3, Kicking - 3, Jumping - 2, Stomping - 2, Analyze - 1, Demon Killer - 3, Abyss Sanctum; Mastery of Death - 1, Demonic Envelopment - 1, Sprint - 2, Explosive Artist - 1, Grappler - 1, Slayer - 4, Persistence - 1, Stealth - 1, Reflexes - 5, Time Dilation - 1, Deception - 1, Blood Rush - 1, Scavenging - 1, Tracking - 1, Taunt - 1, Regenerate - 1, Quick Feet - 3, Tenacity - 2, Iron Stomach - 3, Double Hit - 1, Block - 1, Counter - 1, Beginner Water Magic - 2, Beginner Ice Magic - 1, Beginner Blood Magic - 1, Fire Absorption - 5,

Fear Resistance - 1, Heat Resistance - 5, Bludgeoning Resistance - 1, Pain Resistance - 3, Slashing Resistance - 2

Reflexes Has Reached Level 5, Enable Stat Increase?

+6 Base States

Okay. Let's start figuring this out.

I'll probably go into Agility and Power since those were the two stats that kept me alive during the boss fight. Because of my high speed, I could dodge the attacks, and the Power allowed me to actually deal damage.

Even if I try putting a few points into Endurance, so my defense is better, it's not going to do much since my enemies are so much stronger than I am. It would be smarter to just avoid the attacks altogether instead of tanking them.

That being said, I don't want to neglect my defense-oriented stats. I will get hit at least a few times, no matter how fast I am, and I would feel slightly uncomfortable being a glass cannon in a place with no respawns. That seems like it would be terrifying.

Alright! In that case, let's put three points into Power, two into Agility, and one into Endurance.

Instantly, a golden light burst outwards from my body and curled around me, rippling like water and flowing upwards through my skin. My wounds closed, my bones were knit together, and I stood straight. Having all of that pain just... vanish like that, was something extraordinary.

And it didn't even stop at healing me! With all of those stats increasing at once, I could physically feel my body being enhanced. I felt my muscles grow and harden, the fat slipping off my frame, and the feeling of lightness come into me.

Oh, there's also the other stat increase thing.

"Enable stat increase."

Along with the golden light from leveling up, a lighter, white light flared and enhanced me as well, increasing the effect of my body strengthening.

Sadly, it was all over too soon, and the light faded away.

The Imp flew back over to me, staring with those black eyes like he was assessing me. It was vaguely uncomfortable; I wouldn't say I liked the idea of being analyzed.

"Lake. Please do not take this harshly, but I would like to bring your attention to a few important observations of mine."

"Uh, sure, I guess. Go for it, man, I won't be offended."

"Hm. Very well. You are level 5, and you do not possess any high-quality gear or armor at all. Assessing your palor and overall condition, I assume you have been stuck here without outside assistance for at least ten Khaut, and you do not have any noteworthy items to use. Am I correct?"

"I mean, yeah?" I didn't really get why he was insulting me, though...

"Please do not take this the wrong way. I am complimenting you."

Not gonna lie; that is a pretty weird way to compliment someone.

"You see, for a creature like you, who seems to have had no outside help, to survive here at such a low level, you must have a few special skills at your disposal. I want to enter a... partnership, of sorts. I will protect you to the best of my ability, and you will aid me in my goals."

Wow. Those are some serious red flags. A literal devil is asking me to make a deal with him. He even said it in a super sketchy way, too! Like goddamn, be a little subtle, dude!

I calmed myself down and swallowed before answering.

"Um, and what exactly would this, partnership, entail?"

"As I said before, I will defend you against hostile threats in return for your help."

Yeah, that was totally not enough information. Sure, I liked the idea of having someone to watch my back. Actually, I really liked that idea. The only problem was that this thing was an actual demon, and it was trying to make me go into some agreement with it. And one thing that fiction has always said is that deals with demons are bad news.

But I wanted a friend so much, goddamnit!

"Okay then, how about we just agree to protect each other, but we aren't allowed to tell each other what to do. Oh, and this doesn't have to be an official agreement or anything, just, if one of us breaks the deal, the other has no obligation to follow through."

Khelhra eyed me carefully, already assessing me again and thinking about my words. Seriously, that guy was super creepy.

"Very well. Not an official partnership, but a small agreement to help one another. I am... satisfied with those conditions."

"Awesome! In that case, let's get outta here and head to my place! I've got these delicious Cirilka meat-chunks that are holed up in my cave, and wow, they are honestly like nothing I have ever had before."

The demon gave me a look and decided not to respond, which was probably smart.

Well, at least now I've managed to get someone to talk to! Even if it's a terrifying, emotionless demon, who can throw lightning and probably kill me in five seconds.

I'm sure we're going to have a great time.