Chapter 158
Chapter 158
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 158
Chapter Title: Return
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[In truth, the purity of the heart is an incredibly ambiguous concept. Realistically speaking, no one goes through life without harboring feelings for someone of the opposite sex at least once. People like that are usually asexual or suffer from some antisocial disorder.]
Amdusias turned to Eun-ha as he spoke. The assortment of instruments embedded in his upper body blended with the heavenly song, producing a bizarre yet beautiful melody.
[Of course, on a personal level, I prefer them over ordinary folks. They're an entertaining bunch, after all. It's only natural for a demon like me to be drawn to them.]
"......"
[But... in this modern age, people like that are rare. Most are ordinary, and they might fancy one or two people growing up. If you dismiss even them as impure, you'd have no humans left to contract with. It'd be self-sabotage.]
With that, Amdusias added, stroking his single horn with an arm that resembled a human hand.
[I'm being lenient these days, overlooking up to one person at most.]
"......Even a demon compromises with the ways of the world?"
[From time immemorial, those who can't adapt to the times get weeded out. We're no exception.]
Amdusias shrugged, gazing down at Eun-ha with his crimson eyes. The strings of the gayageum lodged in his back twanged sharply, and notes with distinct forms slowly puffed out like powder. They soon formed sheet music.
[Take it. Reading it will grant you knowledge and talent related to music. My music even includes the ability to control plants, so playing the exact piece should let you adjust the length of trees or flowers, or even accelerate their growth.]
"According to Lemegeton, if the contractor wishes, you'll perform an orchestra anywhere, anytime. Why'd you leave that part out?"
[Ah... that damnable Solomon. He wrote down every little thing.]
Amdusias clicked his tongue and gaped his mouth wide. A long hand crawled out from within, precisely piercing his upper body to forcibly yank out a small flute that had been fused with his organs. He handed it to Eun-ha.
[Blow on it, and the orchestra will play. Remember this: the moment you wonder exactly where it's coming from, you'll become one of the orchestra's members. Just let it play without dwelling on it. Don't think about it.]
"......Got it. I'll keep that in mind."
[Drop that beggarly Solomon speech too. It's irritating to hear. Tch, that debauched king was far from pure. He had 700 wives and 300 concubines. He tricked me into thinking he was celibate, then went full throttle on womanizing after the contract. Solomon was worse than any demon.]
Genuine disgust and contempt laced his voice.
Eun-ha wasn't using that speech pattern by choice either, so she sighed and carefully folded the sheet music before tucking it into her pocket.
"I have no choice but to use it when contracting with demons."
[Tch, a bastard like Solomon should've been cast into hell. I can't fathom why God favored him.]
"Don't mock Him."
[Demons get a pass. More importantly, young mage. How many demons have you contracted with so far? Surely not all 72 great demons. If you had, you wouldn't be the master of your own body right now.]
Brushing off Eun-ha's words, Amdusias leaned in close, staring at her. Her expressionless face was perfectly reflected in his blood-red eyes.
[Even as Solomon's successor, you're not Solomon himself. You're merely borrowing his glory through the grimoire. Greed and desire beyond your limits will taint you.]
"Mind your own business. I'm only making contracts that fit my vessel, so you won't be taking over my body."
[Is that so. What a pity.]
Amdusias licked his lips with his tongue and pulled back.
The summoning duration was nearing its end. The star constellation etched in the sky had dimmed considerably. Mint color was returning to Eun-ha's eyes as well.
She glanced back at her hair, which was starting to blacken again, stowed Lemegeton, and closed her eyes.
"Our business is done. Return to where you came from, Amdusias."
[Gladly, O one backed by the light of God. But don't think I'll kneel at your feet forever. Demons shouldn't be trusted, relied upon, or taken lightly.]
Amdusias replied with a sly tone. The violin embedded in his abdomen played a beautiful concerto.
[May you one day overreach with greed. So that I may tear the flesh you hide beneath Solomon's light, devour your blood and organs, scatter your bones in hell, and hear your screams echo even there. I earnestly pray in the name of God.]
With those words, Amdusias melted away like dark red liquid and vanished, returning to hell. Only the summoning circle left on the ground proved he'd been there.
Eun-ha stood still for a moment, staring at where he'd been, then sighed deeply and opened her eyes.
"......"
His parting words lingered in her mind.
With Lemegeton in her possession, she had no choice but to endure the resentment and hostility from demons. Lesser demons were one thing, but the overt killing intent from a great demon was hard for a human body to withstand. It felt like her head was ringing. In any case, it wasn't easy.
'Excluding Seir, all great demons will be like this. They'll act friendly, but ultimately, they're just waiting to stab me in the back.'
The one demon who treated humans kindly: Seir.
According to Solomon's records, he cherished humans almost like an angel, so the others could betray her at any moment without it being strange. She needed to keep a firm grip on the reins.
"Hoo......"
Eun-ha exhaled deeply and dispelled all her spells. The constellation shattered and scattered, the golden dust filling the air evaporated away. The flames enveloping Ian and Yuna's bodies also died down.
"It's all done. You can come out now."
She turned to the two and said. Ian brushed aside the Reptilian scales scattered at his feet and walked toward her. Yuna stood up as well.
"Did the contract go smoothly?"
"Yes. It was completed without issue. Just read the sheet music, and you'll gain the ability."
"Sheet music...... If I read it, will I gain the power too?"
When Ian voiced his sudden question, Eun-ha gave a wry smile and shook her head.
"A demon's power only works on the contractor. Even if you read it, nothing special will happen. It'll just be sheet music to you."
"I see. Then, could I take a look anyway......?"
"Ah, sure. Of course."
Eun-ha rummaged in her pocket and handed him the sheet music. Ian checked it with Yuna, who had come over.
"......Ugh. What is this? Music......? The notes are all jumbled...... No staff lines......"
"......"
She was right. Hundreds of notes crammed onto the blank white paper, with nothing else that could be called proper sheet music.
If you didn't know it was sheet music, you'd think it was a child's crude scribble.
Staring intently revealed nothing special. It just hurt the eyes.
"What do you think?"
Eun-ha hurried over, tilting her head. Ian glanced at her, smiled wryly, and returned the sheet music.
"It just makes my eyes hurt. That's all I feel."
"Demons can only grant power to the summoner and contractor. To anyone else, it's just harmful."
Eun-ha took the sheet music and slowly scanned it. Her eyes flashed gold before returning to normal.
"Phew...... It's done. Musical talent acquired."
"......That was quicker than expected. No other steps? Like playing the piece on the sheet, or preparing an offering......?"
"Nothing like that. Demon powers are usually gained this simply. Solomon said it's because contracting with demons is hard enough to begin with."
"Ah......"
It made perfect sense.
Lesser demons weren't much of a risk even if summoned. Not completely safe, but nothing that put your life in immediate peril. Since demons' greatness was measured by summoning danger, this proved lesser demons weren't that impressive.
Great demons like Solomon's 72, on the other hand?
Without Lemegeton, summoning one was practically suicide.
Mages might fare differently, but for ordinary people, it was like shouting, "Kill me please!"
Demon summonings inherently brought along their legions, brainwashing, hellfire, malice, mana, and more.
Lemegeton controlled all that to summon only the demon itself, but without the grimoire, you had to endure everything to even attempt a contract.
And if they disliked the terms or summoner, they'd kill you outright...... No need to explain how tough great demon contracts were.
'No wonder the Clock Tower classifies it as a top-tier grimoire......'
Ian nodded, eyeing the grimoire at Eun-ha's waist, then glanced at the scattered Reptilian scales.
"With business done, shall we head back? After picking up the loot first."
"Ah, yes. I'll help."
"M-Me too. Ehehe......"
"Ah, thanks. You too, Yuna."
Ian accepted their help without refusal, and they gathered the scales from the floor together. They ended up with a good amount.
Only scales left was a bit disappointing, but they still sold for a high price, so no big deal.
Reptilians had more value as merchandise anyway. Not using them as materials was fine.
"Here, take some too. Eun-ha, you as well. A gift."
Ian handed a handful to each.
Not too much, just a palmful. More would've felt off.
He'd hunted them solo, after all.
No desire to share profits from a solo anomaly kill at a loss.
"W-Wow...... Thanks, Ian......! I'll put it to good use......!"
"......Thank you. I'll treasure it."
Fortunately, they seemed genuinely pleased. Ian smiled proudly, stuffed the bagged scales into his bag, and stretched.
Now it was truly time to return.
Luckily, exiting was simple—you could leave anytime. Just pass through the mirror like entry.
No need to rack his brains.
The escape mirror was one Eun-ha had brought.
A small round mirror fixed to Gamigin's side. She unfastened it and commanded him coldly.
"You've worked hard getting us here, Gamigin. You can go now."
[What.]
Gamigin's face, who had waited obediently, twisted. It resembled the "ugly horse face" from internet searches.
[I watched you contract another demon while playing word chain with that four-limbed freak, and now that you're done, you're kicking me out?!]
"Yes."
[At least learn necromancy or summoning first! Why contract with me but not take my power?!]
Gamigin wailed. Eun-ha slammed the intact mirror on the ground and replied.
"Because that would pledge my soul to you. Do I look that foolish, Gamigin? I won't fall for your ridiculous act."
Her cold voice restored Gamigin's face to normal.
Clank!
The black horse in armor let out a low chuckle amid the heavy metallic sound.
[Heh, damn Solomon. Wrote down every useless detail.]
"Begone, Gamigin. I'll summon you again if I need transport."
[I'll await that day, successor of Solomon. May you need my power then.]
"Won't happen."
[We shall see.]
With that, Gamigin kicked off the ground and soared into the sky. He shrank to a black dot and vanished like mist. Eun-ha held out the broken mirror to everyone and explained.
"Pass through this mirror, and you'll safely return to your entry point."
"I-Isn't the mirror too small......? Looks hard to fit through......"
"Don't worry. Even sticking a hand in sends you back. Ian, you had some trouble entering, but exit should be fine. I asked Baal—it's confirmed. My vision's a bit blurry now, but glasses will fix that."
She tapped near her eyes with a finger as she answered. Ian nodded and turned to Marion.
"If it returns us to entry points...... Marion will appear elsewhere."
"Probably. If you want to retrieve her, figure out her entry spot."
"Good point. Wait a moment, please."
"Yes."
Ian stepped toward Marion, leaving the two behind. She, sitting quietly, smiled at him.
"Master."
Her voice brimmed with affection and trust. But Ian didn't react, quickly asking only what he needed.
"Where were you right before entering here?"
"Uh...... Incheon. An alley in Incheon."
"Exact address?"
"Ah, yes. I checked my phone before entering. Probably......"
She gave Ian the address she remembered. He pondered, recalled someone living nearby, and sighed.
"That's...... near the cathedral."
The Catholic cathedral and orphanage. Marion's address was less than ten minutes away—where Cecilia was staying.
Fortunately, no need to seek her out personally.