Neither oblivion nor paradise awaited Henry upon his untimely demise. Instead, he found himself once more looking out over a blood soaked wasteland. Momentarily forgotten, the traumatic events he had just experienced soon came flooding back to the front of his mind. He quickly looked down at his body, but found no visible wounds, nor was he experiencing any pain. His thoughts, clear once more, raced, trying to understand what was happening.

I was just… dying? Dead? And here I am in that same dream again. What the hell is going on?

Henry turned around and once more looked upon the sinister blood spewing form of Lord Gyxr.

“Greetings, Human.”

“Am I dead?” Henry inquired.

Lord Gyxr paused before responding.

“The meagre life force contained within your Human body, is indeed completely spent.”

I’m dead? … How can I even be having such a thought? Is the mind not tied to the physical body after all!? Hmm, in that case...

“So, erm, you’re a demon right? Is there an afterlife? You know, paradise?”

Lord Gyxr seemed to ignore his questions.

“Pathetic weakling. You foolishly failed to accept my deal, and paid the price. Falling before such feeble enemies is truly reprehensible. However, despite your failure to accept my deal, I am still willing to offer you something. Your inherent weakness disgusts me, yet, I do see some potential for growth. However, the deal has changed. I have already chosen another champion.”

I don’t actually seem to remember what the previous deal was. Something about power? Well, if I am being denied paradise… I suppose another chance at life, with whatever this ‘power’ entails might be a decent deal. Hopefully, it involves physical strength or something that will help me against those pesky imps.

Henry recoiled, suddenly aware of the absurdity of his train of thought.

What am I thinking? I am really evaluating my own ability to fight and kill hellish monstrosities!? I’ve never even been in a fight in my life… before those imps attacked me anyway.

Henry let out another longer sigh.

If that’s what it takes to live again, I suppose I have little choice. I have to at least try. What’s the worst that can happen? I die again?

“Well, what say you?” Lord Gyxr inquired.

“What?”

“The terms of the deal, will you accept Human!?”

“What terms?”

“Already I wonder if I am wasting my precious time with you, Human.” Gyxr’s voice quite obviously revealed how unhappy he was that Henry had seemingly missed his explanation. “To reiterate for your pitiful excuse of a brain: As my Champion you will be granted great gifts, that will allow you to survive against the invaders of your world. In return you will complete tasks at my behest, in order to further my goals. Outside of those tasks, I care little what you do.”

Shit, great gifts and all I have to do is complete some tasks? Sounds a bit too good to be true.

“Great gifts sounds, well, great. But, could you maybe give me some clues as to what I might actually receive?”

“My gift to you, is the ability to acquire the power of creatures, or the properties of objects, via physical contact.”

“Shit. Seriously!?”

Damn. I mean sure it’s not super strength, or flying. Or is it? If I can find a ‘creature’ with that kind of power? The properties of objects is a bit less clear, but damn… Steel skin? Diamond-hard bones? Heh, maybe I’m getting ahead of myself a bit here.

“So, what kind of tasks? And what are these goals?” Henry asked.

“The only goal you need be aware of for now, is my desire to hinder the efforts of the other Demon Lords. The tasks I demand of you will be focussed around preparing you for future tasks, or working towards that goal, and possibly others. Does that satisfy you, Human?”

The other Demon Lords? So, they are demons after all.

“That doesn’t sound so bad,” Henry admitted. “Was there anything else I should know before I make a decision?”

“As I have already stated: Due to your inability to accept my decision earlier, I have chosen another Champion. As such, you will enter my service as a Supplicant. To become my Champion, you must seek out and destroy the current bearer of that title.”

“Woah, what? You want me to kill someone? Shit, I know you’re a demon and all, but is that really necessary?”

“If you wish to become my Champion, then yes, it is absolutely necessary. Had you accepted my deal earlier, things would have been different.”

“Oh, come on! How was I supposed to know those dreams were real. No one in their right mind would believe something like that! Not to mention they kept getting cut short.”

“Spare me your incoherent ramblings Human. You had ample opportunity to accept my deal! Now, will you accept or not?”

Fuck! I knew it was too good to be true. Of course my second chance at life comes with the small caveat of having to kill someone. I’m no murderer… Could I do it? Kill another to save my own skin? Someone sick or evil, sure. But, what if it’s someone innocent, like me?

“If I refuse, I’m dead, right?” Henry asked, though he was almost entirely sure of the answer.

“That is correct, Human.”

Judging from this freak’s attitude, it could be a damn child he wants me to murder! It’s not really much of a choice… Fuck. I’ll just have to take the deal and hope this champion of his is some obviously evil asshole. Wishful thinking? Hah.

“Alright. I accept your deal.”

“Very well, Human. I grant you the title of Supplicant.”

“Thanks, I guess. How do I find your champion?”

“I cannot give you the exact whereabouts. However, you will find them close by, and you may recognise them by the mark they bear.”

As Gyxr spoke of the mark, a vivid image appeared inside Henry’s mind: A gleaming white skull, dripping blood from every hole.

“Now begone!”

And with that Henry slipped back into unconsciousness.