Chapter 162: Firey town

Excerpt from the book “Dimensions” By Seng

I have no doubt, none whatsoever, that there are dimensions I haven’t visited. With dozens under my belt, people assume me to have searched them all. How nieve of them.

I also have no doubt that as many dimensions exist as grains of sand on the shore of my villa.

They call to me, asking to be searched, yet, my bones ache with every step. Age has taken root like corruption. Something few can escape.

Every time I look up, I see a starry sky full of twinkling lights, wondering if each one is a dimension undiscovered.

The reason I hold this belief is simple. I’ve created my own pocket dimensions, I’ve seen hand-made pocket dimensions. Not exactly easy, but if they can be created with such ease by the flawed minds of man, then any random soul can make them. This list includes the very universe we are within.

So, yes, I am a seasoned dimensional explorer. But, I cannot say, I have explored them all.

Sat against a wall, mind occupied with run-away thoughts. I’ve come to realize a grave issue. From what I can tell, demons aren’t actually evil. Sapient, even. So, can I morally trap one within a mirror?

Wouldn’t that be like imprisoning someone based on their race and or species. Yet, I cannot substitute the demon. Perhaps freeing them is possible.

Wait! I could clone one, trap him, kill the demon, sending him to a clone body. Well, I know a dodgy plan.

Lost within my own plan-making, I stumble into an open square. A vast space of white marble, the center has a large crater in the middle. Ruined pillars litter the area, rubble from fallen marble structures litter the area.

Walking through it, finding the place barren, bar a single wooden structure near the crater. Approaching, I see a human, beard to his knees, aged, silver hair, and toned muscles. He is flicking through a slightly singed book, leaning back on a luxury chair.

Approaching him, “hi, what is this place?”

He lowers his book, shooting me a glance. “Howdy a get here, and not know what dis here place be?”

Raising my arms, “took a different door,” shrugging.

He sighs, “weirdo, this is the fallen zone.”

“What is the fallen zone?” Leaning forward slightly, meeting his eyes.

He raises an eyebrow, “ya really don’t know? When you're dragged here, this is where you appear. Damned near everyone gets sacrificed.”

“So, when you get sacrificed, this is where you appear. Okay, what about the demons that are sent to the overworld?”

He lets out a sad sigh, “the poor souls rarely return. Only hopes a wild demon gets picked.”

Interest piqued, “what are wild demons?”

“Those barbarians that live out in da sticks. Damned pests, ya hear me! Rob ya Stallvines if ya let em.” He spits against the side.

“I see, good to know. Where can I find a wild demon.”

“Anywhere you cant find buildings.”

“I see, thank you-“

I am interrupted by a flash of bright light. The crater came to life like ignited thermite. As fast as it appeared, the light disappeared. A single man lies in the middle, wearing patched trousers and nothing else.

The older man stands up from his chair, mumbling under his breath. “Another! Damn it, only just got off from the last one! What’s a man gotta do for a break!”

He approaches the dazed man, who slowly opens his eyes. Looking around in a panic, tears falling down his face. It isn’t long before he spotted the aged old man, struck with pure fear, back-peddling with all his feeble might. “Stay away, demon!” He shouts and cries.

“Shut ya yapping, boy! I ant no demon, ya safe here.” He grabs the man by the shoulder, hoisting him up like a feather. Shaking him slightly, “pull ya self together!”

He finally comes to, looking around with rational, calm eyes. “Where am I? I thought I was being sent to inferno?”

“You are in Inferno, dumbass. Just not as bad as ya thought. Come on, I will fill you in over a full stomach.”

Like a puppy, he follows the man with his head down. Me, still stood there a little bewildered. At least I know how humans get here. They have a whole system to welcome them.

Leaving the area and wandering through some rather large streets, I see a wide variety of buildings.

They all seemed to be an exotic counterpart to businesses in the overworld. Armories are selling armor tinged with red, food stalls selling fruits I have never seen before, tailers selling clothing in human and demon sizes.

Just looking around, feeling like a kid in a candy store. Choosing to walk into the armory, quickly spotting the red theme continues. Redwood floors with paintings of firey creatures, flame embosses weapons, really going for the fire theme. Approaching the counter on the left, a tall demon with a little muscle. A tool belt around his waist, a black apron, and loincloth as his only other coverings.

Thanking my foresight to craft a devil’s tongue charm. Made it the other week, already coming in handy.

“Hello, nice to meet you.” Nodding my head slightly forward towards him.

He gives me a thumb’s up, “better than a handshake. Well met.” His voice warm with a slight animalistic growl to it.

“I was wondering what you make your gear out of?”

“Infernal iron and black copper.” Crossing his arms as he speaks.

“I see, thank you. Can you tell me a little about both?”

“Infernal iron, red, like iron. Black copper is softer, better for blunt force, terrible insulator.”

“Best avoid lightning in black copper, then.”

“Most definitely.”

“Thank you, here, take this.” Handing him a phone and charger, internally chuckling.

He reaches out and takes the phone, twirling it in his big hands. “What’s this?” He asks.

“A phone, figure it out,” I say mysteriously; before skipping out of the store. I do wonder what a demonic demographic will do, given access to the internet.

Walking along the large street, I begin dropping phones and chargers on the floor.

Thousands of phones, ripe for the taking; which people did, picking them up and taking them. It wasn’t long before the hesitant crowd started taking the phones by the dozen.

Thousands of phones were taken in minutes, causing quite the spectacle. As they were taken, I dropped more.

Once I felt that enough had been dropped, I simply stopped. Walking off, leaving the commotion behind me. Many pairs of eyes watched me with curiosity and concern. Not that I blame them after the stunt I pulled.

With that done, it is time to go grab me one of those wild demons. With haste, leaving the strange city. Finding the largest road and following it, using flight to hover slightly to move at great speed.

Quickly finding a large bone-like gate, no guards, just walking creatures. As the gate became a distant sight, the barren red land opened up into a large forest. Many shades of reds, purples, and yellows, make up the forest. The plants all feeding off the red glow of the sky. Peering up, “Is that even a sky?”

I’ll check if they have a ceiling another day. Let's get the demons and go.

Quickly realizing I lack the means to capture them. Hastily crafting a safari net before continuing on.

At first, I expect to just walk into one, yet that is not happening. Checking my clock, finding time how flown away in my frenzied search for a wild demon. Sitting on a lonely stump and sighing in frustration. “Where are those damned demons!” Feeling slightly better at the rage-induced outburst.

Looking around and seeing the eternal appearing forest all around. The errant calls of wild animals, the buzz of large insects, “you could hide forever in here.”

With my foot search failure apparent, this time, I’ll attempt an aerial search. Flying up and cresting the overhead canopy. Seeing the sky clear of even a single cloud, “does it rain here?” I can’t help but wonder.

Shaking the errant thoughts from my head, “I've got a job to do.” Looking around and quickly realizing the dense canopy is obscuring any possible wild demons. “This is annoying.”

Looking around, by sheer chance, a wisp of smoke seeps through a part of the distant canopy. A sigh of life, which I follow like a blood-hound.

Descending through the canopy, spotting an odd sight. A group of demons huddled around a smoldering fire, bones of some animal strewn about. Almost like monkeys, they fight over food, push each other around. Barly sapient, check.

Guess these are the wild demons. With a heavy heart, I captured them. It took seconds, they all disappeared into the safari nets.

Idly looking around at their shoddy encampment before leaving. A simple fire, unsecured, with a few bits of leaves to sit on.

Suddenly, I hear rustling. Turning around to see a fireball coming at my face. Blinded by the suddenly bright light.

I feel a backward force as I am flung against the earth. Eyes full of sunspots, ears ringing; “Guess another demon is around.”

Standing up and shaking my head, attempting to clear the dizziness. With blurry eyes, I see a snarling demon rushing towards me. Fist-sized fireballs hover over their hands.

It isn’t long before those fireballs are shot at me, forcing me to fly up. Avoiding them by a narrow margin, as my senses are still shot.

Taking out my power staff, I swoop down and strike at the demon. They attempt to tank the blow but get slashed easily by the razor-sharp wings of the staff. A black gash is left along their chest, causing them to fall to their knees. Gasping for air while shooting those fireballs at me.

Avoiding the barrage of fireballs, I get in close. With a clean strike, I remove the head of the creature. Ending its suffering in one clean hit. The kill feels a little dirty, but they did attack me first.

Having gathered the demons I needed for the mirror, I return to my Tardis. Having already marked this dimension with my dislocator for future visits.

The Tardis as expected still has a crowd of curious onlookers. Some of the braver have taken to touching it; one is even attempting to pry the door open with sheet metal.

Unconcerned, I walk up. Grabbing the brave souls' shoulders and pushing them to the side. Getting an annoyed snarl as the Imp goes to shout at me.

Before I get any of the verbal abuse, I open the door and enter. Closing it behind me.

Setting my coordinates for home; leaving it on autopilot so I can fit a nap in. I’m really having great fun working towards this super awesome cube of unbreaking. War is a reason, creativity the fuel. Cant justify making something like this without an excuse. Would look like I was preparing to start a war. Perhaps I should add some antimatter missiles or something.

Now, the hard part of making a magic mirror. I need a brew of flowing spirits. Well, technically, a brew of hollow tears that requires the previously mentioned item. The only caveat? You can only craft it in the spirit dimension. You cant take items into it, as it is literally a spiritual dimension. I will have to start from scratch, crafting the stuff to make it.

Sighing heavily at how annoying this is gonna be. Putting the book I was reading to the side, so I can sulk.

Chic takes this chance to sit on my chest; Me having already lied down on the large sofa. “What are you doing?”

She just spins around like a dog and closes her eyes. Forcing me to lie back down and relax.

“Do I really have to start from scratch again?”