NOVEL NEXT Chapter 26.2
Perhaps his detached arm had spooked Bastian a little too much, or perhaps it was because their conversation ended on a dour note. For whatever reason, the instant that the two of them parted ways, the rebel went over to visit Katarina, knocking on her door before being let inside.
Simon didn't follow. While he was definitely interested in what Bastian wanted to talk to Kat so urgently about, demanding to be included would be disrespectful to them both. He couldn't intrude on their discussion without appearing as nosy as a bored gossip-monger, and it wasn't like he was going to snoop by pressing his ear against the door – too much risk of getting caught.
That's what Eavesdrop was for.
Activating the Skill in the safety of his personal quarters, Simon was greeted by a featureless white void and the indistinct figures of Katarina and Bastian. Even with her form blurred, the Arcane Rogue's standoffish posture was apparent, her arms crossed and head tilted.
"Start talking," she snapped. "And don't make me regret this. If you try filling my head with nonsense, I'll fill yours with a crossbow bolt."
Bastian winced. "I apologize if I have insulted you in some way. It was not my intention. Truly, I am only here to help."
"Oh, this should be good. Help with *what*, exactly?"
"Your Contract."
The rebel Swordsman glanced over his shoulder, as if fearful that Simon would somehow materialize behind him. His paranoia wasn't that far from the truth.
"My soul is already condemned," Bastian muttered, turning back to face Kat. "There's nothing to be done for me. If I can help free *you* from whatever binding vow the Demon has ensnared you with, though...if there's any chance at all..."
He drew himself up. "Tell me. What are the terms of your Contract? How may I assist you in loosening its chains?"
"I don't have any."
Bastian blinked. "What?"
"I don't have a Contract," Katarina repeated, laughing under her breath. Simon laughed with her. "You're assuming much, here."
"But–you–he bestowed a Boon unto you, correct?"
"Boons don't require Contracts. The 'binding vow' part is optional – if Simon wishes to make it so."
Bastian's mouth fell open, gaping like a fish out of water. "I don't understand. Why would–"
"Because he trusts me," Katarina flatly stated, her mirth evaporating. "And he doesn't trust you. Why else would he include that EXP-sharing Clause in your Contract?"
Simon instantly recalled Bastian's Contract. His Fell mana made memorizing its contents effortless.
'Clause 7: All EXP gained by Bastian Evergray shall be transferred to Simon Cobblestone and Katarina Cartier, split evenly between them.'
"Usually you would grow stronger from killing enemies," Katarina explained. "That's one of the benefits of receiving a Boon. Earn EXP, and your Level increases. Normally, any Experience you accrue would be halfway split between you and Simon."
The Arcane Rogue shook her head. "But not for you. I'll receive your share of the EXP. You won't gain Levels, and you won't get stronger. Simon probably didn't want his *actual* ally to be lower-Level than his guided weapon."
Her guess was accurate. Katarina had already increased to Level 19 as a result of Bastian's slaughter at the stronghold. Wouldn't be long before she overtook him entirely.
"What's the difference between you and I?" the Swordsman asked, sounding genuinely lost. "What kind of Demon offers power without exacting a price?"
"The same Demon who saved my life when I had nothing to offer in return. Then I saved his when I could have run instead, and now we're bound by mutual goals. Our trust was built stone-by-stone."
From within his room, a broad smile stretched across Simon's face.
"You...trust him?" Bastian asked, in a quiet tone. "Truly?"
"As much as I can anyone. Simon has never given me reason to think he'll betray me. Not unless I betray him first, and that isn't happening. He's the last person I'd want as an enemy."
Kat jabbed an accusing finger at Bastian. "And I'd say he's a far sight better than a conman who tried leading us to ruin. I told you outright that I have a supremely low tolerance for liars and swindlers, yet you almost seem surprised that I'm not especially fond of you right now."
The rebel paused. "If this is about not informing you of my affiliation with the Hurricane, Simon knew as well."
"He apologized for not telling me. Took measures to prevent it from happening again. Have you?"
A beat passed.
Bastian pinched the bridge of his nose, slouching as if beset by a wave of sudden tiredness. "You're...right. I've made a great many assumptions today, and I've put the cart before the carriage. Should've opened with an apology before anything else."
He inclined his head. "I am sorry, Katarina. I have done wrong by you."
The Arcane Rogue let him stew for a few seconds before responding. "Doubt that's sincere, but, very well. I accept your apology."
Bastian barked out a self-derisive chuckle. "Am I to be forgiven so easily?"
"You were desperate to rescue a loved one. I...know the feeling. If I were forced to choose between you or my father, I wouldn't hesitate to slip a knife inside your ribs."
"Hah! You're certainly forthright."
Simon ended the Eavesdrop, resolving to be a bit nicer to Bastian in the future. He'd earned a reward for good behavior.
--
Another day went by. The safehouse hadn't been stormed by an army of vengeful soldiers yet, which was probably a good sign.
Cyna was feeling much better now. She seemed to relish the simple joy of standing on two feet without losing her balance, repeatedly walking back and forth across the safehouse to "Stretch her legs", apparently. The only thing blunting her mood was that none of the spare weapons in stock fit her lofty standards, but she intended to rectify that as soon as it was safe to go outside again.
She'd also changed tactics when speaking to Simon, swapping suspicion for interest. "How fast can you run?" she asked him, grinning from ear-to-ear. "Let's say the street outside was clear of people. Ten seconds to sprint from one end to the other? Five?"
This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.
Simon smirked at her. "Haven't really tested it."
"Then take your best guess!"
"Nope."
Cyna let out an exaggerated groan. "You have to give me something, Simon. I'm starting to burn with curiosity. How did you and Katarina help secret me out from one of Helmund's strongholds? What can the two of you do? I've asked Bastian, but he says you made him swear a vow of silence."
'And I can't believe he's kept to it', were the words that went unspoken.
On the surface, Cyna's new act felt less like her prodding for information, but in reality it was much the same. She sorely wanted to know how a pair of random nobodies had the guts and competence to infiltrate a noble stronghold – while intimidating Bastian to the point where he refused to divulge anything about them.
Which was because of the Contract restricting him from saying or even hinting that Simon was a Demon, but Cyna couldn't know that.
Should I throw her a bone? He would have to devise a plausible cover story eventually. The problem was that she seemed as perceptive as you'd expect from a member of the resistance. Any minor plot hole in his retelling would be endlessly scrutinized.
It was still doable...but Simon was having fun tormenting Cyna with the unknown. Between her and Bastian, they'd provided him with a lot of amusement these past few days, and–
Simon!
The transmigrator's eyes bulged wide as a voice loudly boomed inside his head.
Simon of Earth! Can you hear me?! Please, please say yes!
"Gotta go," he mumbled to Cyna, retreating to the privacy of his room. She called after him, but he ignored her.
This was time-sensitive.
Simon slammed the door behind him, locking it tight. He sat on his bed and lowered his voice to an imperceptible whisper.
"Hey there, Voice-In-The-Sky," he said, talking so quietly that he almost couldn't hear himself. "Is this loud enough? Don't want people eavesdropping. Only I'm allowed to do that."
Yes! Perfect!
Voice-In-The-Sky exhaled with audible relief, the godly sound roaring like a thunderclap. At long last. I have been meaning to speak with you! There isn't much time.
Technically, the Voice wasn't supposed to contact Simon at all. Not after the transmigration process had already finished. Voice-In-The-Sky was abusing some sort of cosmic loophole to communicate, but there were severe limitations on both what it could say, and for how long.
"Then let's keep this brief," Simon assented. "Stuff is going well here. Recently hit Level 26."
That is of no import! Simon, when we last conversed, you informed me that you had–
A pause. Wait, Level 26?
"Correct."
Truly? The Voice seemed thrown off-balance. That is...exorbitantly fast. In fact, I've scarcely heard faster.
A hint of worry crept into its tone. How many people have you slain?
"I didn't go murdering an entire town for EXP, if that's what you're implying. Just punched above my weight class a couple times. And all my targets were deserving."
Simon frowned, not bothering to hide his disappointment. "Don't you have more faith in me than that?"
I do, but – that is part of why I have contacted you today. Simon, you told me that you had acquired a Demonic arm. Is this true?
"Yup. Been serving me well."
No! You cannot use it! Do not partake of Fell magic!
Simon glanced over at his right arm, currently in human form. "You probably should've told me that before I invested two Class Advancements into it."
Voice-In-The-Sky made a noise like it was choking on air. Impressive, considering it had no physical form. I, you, don't do that! You must cease using any Skills related to Demons!
"Hmm. Why?"
I cannot tell you. Revealing the finer details would break our accord with the opposing gods, inviting their malignant influence unto Valtia.
Simon laced his fingers together. "Be as vague as you can, then. Is using Fell magic harmful to me? Because your system seems to have integrated it nicely."
Harmful to a transmigrator? Well...no.
"Alright. What about long-term adverse effects?"
Nothing of the sort.
"Subtle mental compulsion? Direct mind control? Anything that might inhibit my capacity to succeed in my mission?"
No, but–
...I don't like where this conversation is headed.
Simon gave the Voice his most sheepish 'what can you do?' grin. "There's not much of a choice in the matter. If I stop using Demon magic, Valtia is toast. Can't take back my two Class Advancements, and I need that power to succeed. If you can't give me a tangible reason to seal it away, then I won't. Sorry."
Voice-In-The-Sky was silent – then abruptly spoke up, as if seizing a lifeline. You should consult Heroic Valor. What would it think of you tapping into power that is clearly of a malevolent persuasion?
Simon's grin turned brittle. "Me and Heroic Valor aren't on the best terms right now."
Another pause. You aren't? The Voice sounded more baffled than ever before. That's not...how can...
It snarled in frustration. My time runs thin. I can see that it would take too long to convince you – if that were even possible, with how little I can say. Just know that while I am pleased to hear you've made significant progress, that is not the end-all.
Agree to disagree.
Promise me but one thing, it beseeched, the Voice already beginning to fade. Tread cautiously, Simon of Earth. Treat your life with care.
He nodded. "I swear that I will."
No response. Voice-In-The-Sky was gone, its presence having completely faded from Simon's mind. He couldn't even be sure if it had heard his parting promise.
Maybe things were better that way. The Voice was...oddly nice. It seemed to earnestly care about his well-being.
Lying to someone like that never felt right.