Mathew was sitting down outside the Dungeon for the Lightning Dinosaurs. Currently a team led by Lucas was inside. He checked his watch.

“Hmm. They should be out by now. The average team clear time is just a little over two hours. That’s with them taking it slow and killing almost everything within.”

He wanted to talk to the lightning bladesman. His newest nickname after his most recent Level 20 skill. Lucas could create an actual blade of lightning, no longer needed to use a real sword. Not that he didn’t.

Mathew shrugged, and went back to his more recent practice. One ability he acquired during his time fighting the undead was the upgrade to his [Conjure Weapon] ability.

Creating a mana weapon was so far the most difficult task Mathew has ever attempted. The entire process required heavy amounts of mana. Forcing Mathew to take it slow, and was only able to attempt it a few times a day.

His first priority was just creating something that stayed. A simple stick was his current goal. Drawing up the mana, it slowly congealed in his hand. He wiggled his fingers, pushing it around to form a straight line.

Yet, just before it solidified, the entire construct dissipated. All the mana he pulled out of his body faded away into nothing. Mathew clenched his fist in frustration.

“Damn it. Once again it just doesn’t solidify. What am I doing wrong?”

Nobody Mathew talked to about the upgrade had any inkling or advice. Ragnork just shrugged saying, “Sounds like you are doing it wrong.”

Di, and the other two shopkeepers had nothing on the topic. Ni pretended he knew, pulling out a picture of his niece saying Mathew needed to pay for the information, so she could go to college.

Mathew pointedly reminded him he used the same picture as his cousin's roommate's sister last time.

He was at a difficult impasse with the upgrade. At first, he tried to just conjure a simple dagger or knife. The two weapons he knew best. When that happened a weapon did appear, then simply melted away after a few seconds.

Mathew wanted something more permanent. A weapon that stayed until he no longer required it. So he started to mold the weapons directly. The process would work until just as it did moments ago. Fading away.

There was only one other person with a similar ability, and that was Lucas. Him being here was two fold. The first was to start the timer for his own delve into the dungeon. This was his make or break for getting Level 25 before the World Quest. The other was to question the man on his own magical blade.

As he grumbled, the yellow portal lurched, and a group of seven people walked out. A few marks of battle dotted the group, but everyone was walking on their own legs. A few looked extremely happy.

Lucas opened his arms up in surprise. “Mathew! What are you doing here?”

“Came to talk to the newest Lightning Blade.” Mathew said with a smile and shook the man's hand. He needed to be nice to Lucas. Some of his upcoming questions will seem odd. Plus, Mathew had no clue if Lucas was still close to Henderson.

Everyone in the group stood awkwardly. Lucas gave them a wave. “You know the deal. Meet up at the new guild. We can give a report later. Get checked up by the medics before you all rest.”

As everyone left, Lucas turned to Mathew. “That was a smart idea with the building by the way. I’ve enjoyed my new role. Leading teams to the place is great. Before too long, I’ll be strong as you are.”

Mathew’s mouth grew into a friendly smile. “Sure you will. So, let’s walk and talk. I need some pointers.”

“The powerful McGonald requires my assistance? I never would have thought.”

Agnox was currently laying in one of his favorite spots. It was just outside the cafeteria. He was waiting for the doors to open for lunch. Today was one of his favorite meals: Chili. If he was lucky, they would make it spicy.

Today was fruitful when it came to his training with that Captain lady. He liked her. Too bad Mathew didn’t care enough to accept her advances.

Jeffery sighed next to him. The two were close. Very close. Two best pals of the only of their kind left on the planet as far as either of them knew.

Mathew let them hang out together. Primarily to ensure neither was causing a problem. Agnox couldn’t cause any problems, thanks to his bond with him. Jeffery was a bit more lucky with what he could or couldn’t do.

Neither of them complained. Mathew was a great master. Not a single day went by where Agnox regretted his choice. Jeffery didn’t like him at first, since he killed his old pack leader. After a while, the red furred summon realized that it wasn’t anger or malice Mathew had. It was power. He was the true alpha. Jeffery would follow his pack leader anywhere.

Another perk of his hiding spot was that no other non flying, or very athletic jumper, person could reach here. Not without being very obvious with a ladder.

Many of the others in Blue Oaks at this point ignored Agnox. Sure, his people attacked, killed, and almost defeated them. But he belonged to Mathew. The man who was large and in charge!

Agnox knew better than to test how far he could go with being Mathew’s familiar. Plus, he didn’t want to make things harder on Mathew. That man needed to relax. He was always too worked up.

The past week, Agnox has noticed the stress, even if he hides it well enough. Ever since he started reading that manual and practicing Cultivation, Mathew has been anxious. Agnox knew due to his newest connection with his Summoner.

He didn’t say anything. Mathew would get over it eventually. Agnox had a basic and simple job: Keep Mathew alive. All other tasks and requirements of his duty as a familiar all fell under that one thing.

Even his newest path was for that reason. He enjoyed his new powers. Granted, the ability to hurl balls of fire is deeply missed, his [Firebolt] spell does enough for now. His training with the Captain was amazing.

Agnox never has been truly pushed like he is now. A small part of him wonders just how far he can go with Mathew. With his first Master, Agnox didn’t care about reaching the top of power. He enjoyed spending time, and being an honest to good familiar.

Small menial tasks, the occasional task to fight. Nothing too strenuous. Once he died, Morthrus’s father changed things. He was changed into a battle hardened leader. If Morthrus died, so did he. Even if he lived at first.

With Mathew, it was in between. Mathew pushed them to be strong. Soon their training would be put to the ultimate test. Yet, he was given time to do his own personal escapades. Like being able to eat human food.

Agnox eyed the doors opening and sat up with a bolt. “Jackpot. Lunch time Jeffy!”

Jeffery huffed at the nickname, but stood up with a long stretch. The wolf hopped down the thirty foot building with a little effort. Agnox floated down and landed on his back. The two sauntered inside where a few other humans were waiting in line.

Only one turned back to see them and nearly jumped out of his skin. “Fuck! Monster!”

A laugh from behind the food line was heard, “Honey, that’s just Agnox and Jeffery. They are not monsters. You must be new here. Here, just leave them alone. Those sweet things are just hungry.”

“Last I checked a devil and his hellhound are not sweet innocent children.” THe man said, still edging further away from the two Infernals.

The head cook, an older lady who refused to be called anything other than Mama, shook her head. “They belong to Mr. McGonald. It’s a new world hun, those two are the least of your worries. Wait till you see the dinosaurs.”

“What?!”

Agnox couldn’t help but laugh at the man's surprise. “If only they knew just what is really out there. Dinosaurs and two mortal creatures are the least of their worries. If they saw Morthrus’s father, they wouldn’t have anything left in their bowels.”

“Mama, what’s for lunch today?” Agnox asked sweetly, putting on his best looks.

For an Imp, that was very difficult. His pig-like face just scrunched up more. For normal humans, he just looked constipated.

“Chili today. We have some spices and the gardeners finally grew some vegetables, so tomatoes are in season! It’s spicy meat soup to best explain it. Does Jeffery want some, or his usual?”

Jeffery gave a small *ruff*, which came out as a deep sounding threat to the man. Agnox nodded as if agreeing. “His usual. Just put it on Mathew’s tab.”

“If he keeps things running this smoothly, he has no tab with me.” Mama served up a bowl of chili and placed a large slab of raw meat on another tray, sliding them both to Agnox. “I have a better work environment than before The System showed up. Plus I feel twenty again! You should have him actually come here and eat like a normal person for once.”

“Ahh, well he's been super busy lately. I told you how stressed he was.”

“That boy needs him a good woman. If I was still young, I would jump on his bones in a heartbeat. Alas, those days are long gone for me. If my daughter ever shows up, I’ll pair them up. Just a few years older than he is, but she’s good for him.”

Agnox gave a wink back. “Sure thing Mama. I’ll pass along the message. Any chance of what’s for dinner?”

“Leftover Chili and salads.”

Agnox refrained from scowling at the mention of a salad. Little was it known, Imps are heavily carnivorous. They can eat some plants, but primarily for flavoring. Hence him trying this ‘chili’. The last time he downspoken vegetables, Mama made him eat two whole servings of some.

He shivered at the memory of her iron grip on his shoulder. “No woman that low level should be that strong. No wonder we lost to them.”

Agnox finished his lunch with a full belly. He wished it was spicer. Apparently humans just can’t handle spice like he can. Jeffery was chewing at the bone from his meal. Gnawing on it to keep his teeth clean and healthy.

The two left the building, walking past several others waiting in line for food. Most people knew who they belonged to, and paid them no mind. Today, however, was not a good day.

“Hey, red skin!” A group of four men walked out of the line to intercept Agnox and Jeffery. “I thought we told you that only people can eat here.”

“And I could have sworn I left a nice note with your father last night.” Agnox crossed his arms. “Damn, I’m good at this human banter.”

The leader of the group blinked. “Don’t show up here again, or we will ensure it will be your last meal.”

Agnox blinked. “Do…do you not know who I am?” He looked around himself, just being sure the man was still talking to him. “If you kill me, you won’t be able to breathe with your own lungs. Mathew is going to ensure pain and suffering upon you for years!”

“Ha! That alien sympathizer deserves to get taken out too. Who lets someone like him be in charge?”

Agnox shrugged, “Then why not kill him?”

The man stuttered for a moment, not expecting that response. “Why should I? It would be too easy, I’m sure someone else will do it instead. No use getting attacked by other sympathizers.”

“Oh, so if he is so weak, why are you here in line, waiting for free food? My old clan didn’t have such niceties. We had to claw and maim our own food.” Agnox said with a wiggle of his fingers. “Years of suffering and starvation. Children would be eaten. Men would kill their own wives, just to sate their hunger! You think we came here for resources? No, my clan came here because we were starving.”

Agnox pulled out a fork from his bag, and licked his lips. “What do you say Jeffery? Time for seconds?”

The group of four men took a few steps back. “You wouldn’t attack us in public! You can’t!”

“I can’t? Says who? Mathew? My weak master?”

“No! I mean…yes!”

Agnox ignited his other hand with a [Firebolt], “So then if I have a weak master, then you can defend yourself against me, right? Come on dinner, I love a meal that still kicks!”

Jeffery let out a loud bark and growled hungrily.

“The two fuckers are trying to eat us! Someone stop them!” The group shouted and ran away. Several onlookers just chuckled, knowing Agnox wouldn't hurt anyone. Mathew made a declaration that it wouldn’t happen. Thus far, the two infernals were the perfect duo. Granted, Agnox’s mouth could use some fixin when near children.

Agnox pointed his fork at them. “As if, I don’t eat spoiled meat!”

Jeffery and Agnox walked off laughing. They returned to Mathew’s new home to see the maid folding laundry.

She nodded at the two. “Agnox. Jeffery. Welcome home. Is Master Mathew not with you?”

“Nah, he’s off talking to someone. Just us two. Is my bed made?”

“Of course, your ‘hammock’ is finished.” The maid pointed to a newly made hammock. Agnox lept into it and started to rock back and forth. “Ahhh, this is the life! I even have my own personal maid! Well, by proxy anyways.”

He was slightly interested in what other Rituals Mathew could make. One of them granted by his skill upgrade was exactly what Mathew wanted. A combat ritual. If he set it up right, Agnox could be even faster.

As he does every day, Agnox opened his menu to reflect on his choices thus far. Not true cultivating, but it’s how he always started it. Being able to see progression helped him internalize everything.

Name: Agnox

Race: Infernal Imp [Beginner]

Class: Flaming Swordsman

Profession: Bound Familiar

Level: 17

Universal Currency: 20,721

Titles: Dungeoneer III, Soul Bonded, Traitor

Strength:

25

Vitality:

45

Dexterity:

71

Endurance:

39

Intelligence:

42

Wisdom:

42

Unallotted Stat Points: 0

Abilities:

Backstab | Novice 4

Fire Immunity | Unranked

Ignite Blade | Novice 8

Soul Bound Familiar | Beginner 2

Skills:

Dodge | Beginner 5

Light Armor | Novice 8

Parry | Novice 2

Swords | Beginner 3

Spells:

Fire Bolt | Beginner 7

Flare | Beginner 1

Agnox’s eyed the lone title of [Traitor]. Yet he pushed it away from his mind and laid down with his eyes closed.

A few hours later, the door opened and Mathew was home. Agnox stretched and floated over to Mathew. “Heyo Boss. How did the research go?”

Mathew walked over to the kitchen and started to pull things out from his bag. “Great! I know what I need to start preparing for. How was your day?”

“Eh, a few knuckle hands tried to cause a problem. I did the ‘eating each other’ story.”

“You didn’t start it this time did you?” Mathew glared at Agnox. He didn’t need the imp to cause problems.

“Of course not! We were sweet and innocent. Mama said ‘Hi’ again by the way.”

“She says hi to everyone, Agnox. You are not special because of the way she treats you.” Mathew pulled off his robes, and threw them in the general direction of the maid. She deftly caught them and went to clean them. Even if it’s been two days, Mathew was heavily used to the maid’s presence. As if he had one before.

“So, what’s our plan?”

“Our plan is simple. The Dungeon will open again in three days. We have that long to prepare. Luckily I am mostly ready. I want to practice a couple more times to really test that Acceleration Ritual. I also will be having a guest over tomorrow night, so you can either be dismissed, or find something to keep yourself busy.”

“Oh? We are having someone other than Bob for once?” Agnox jokingly asked.

“Yes. I need a break. Before every big case, I would go out on a date to destress. This is no different.”

“Ooo, Boss is having a lady friend over.”

Mathew waved Agnox off. “None of that. Do Infernals not date?”

“Of course they did. Just remember, my clan was a bit more forceful with things. Humans dance around the subject. Just like your word games. Be glad I’m learning them like a perfectionist.”

“You said knuckle hands, when it’s knuckle head.”

“Oh come on! That one is a language issue!”

“Still counts.” Mathew said before he disappeared into his bedroom to shower.

Agnox grumbled and looked down at Jeffery. “Well, at least we understand each other. No need for fancy words.”

Jeffery let out a huff, and walked outside. The maid in turn huffed in annoyance as well, looking at all the fur left behind by Jeffery.