The Seven Demon's Tamer

"Now tell me, which is it? Join me and I'll save you so you'll enjoy peace, or refuse and I'll work alongside the FSG to put you down."

The village square had gone deathly silent, as if the entire world was holding its breath, waiting for Ryder's response. Even the usual chirping and crowing of birds seemed to have ceased, creating an unnatural stillness.

Mara stood frozen, her heart hammering against her ribcage, so proud that she could hear it like a distant drum. Her mind was a whirlwind of emotions—shock, fear, confusion—all crashing into one another like waves in a violent storm.

Despite the fact that the village is deprived from electronic gadgets, It didn't take her long to realize the shocking news that the man standing before them is none other than the leader of the fast-rising red Eastern guild.

He was a living legend, a figure spoken of in hushed tones—someone you would hope to maybe glimpse from a distance one day if you were extraordinarily lucky, was standing right before her.

Most would be astonished and overjoyed to ever come across such an imposing figure, respected by the world, but she was more afraid than anything. And yet, here he was, in their tiny village, drawn to Ryder of all people—the quiet, withdrawn boy who had always seemed more comfortable in the shadows than the spotlight.

'This isn't right,' Mara thought, her fingernails digging into her palms. 'This man is giving Ryder a choice between servitude and death. What kind of choice is that?'

Why the hell would a guild leader, feared and respected, be interested in someone like Ryder? Someone who had lived his whole life in this village and mostly at home or school. It's confusing.

Why!? What makes Ryder so special that a guild leader would come personally to recruit him? What happened to him after he disappeared?

With fixed gaze, Ryder finally broke the silence that gad been stretching for a while now. "I've lived my whole life like an introvert which I am not."

The statement hung in the air, sounding simple yet carrying years of suppressed frustration.

Mara found herself being drawn by the raw honesty in Ryder's voice. She had known him for years, but in this moment, it felt like she was truly seeing him for the first time.

"I've hidden from summoners and the stronger ones who abuse their power here and there, waiting for my turn."

"I've craved for being a summoner and as luck would have it, I contracted the strongest summoning beast in all mankind."

The declaration sent murmurs rippling through the crowd gathered around them. Mara's eyes widened in disbelief. The strongest? Is that even possible?! Was that why Ryder was running away after contracting his familiar back at the conjuring room!!!

"Now, I am happy for my freedom because I am finally at the top of the food chain, you think I would let you make me change the way I want to live my life?"

Ryder took a fighting stance, his movements fluid and natural, as if he had been born for combat rather than spent years avoiding it. His eyes glinted red—not the warm gleam but the vibrant, terrifying red of fresh blood.

"You think you contracted the strongest beast because it's from the demon plain?" Dwang Sung inquired with a questioning look that got no reply.

For a moment, the guild leader gave Ryder a questionable look, his head tilted slightly to one side, his eyes searching Ryder's face for something—understanding, perhaps, or any sign of doubt. When he found neither, he sighed and began.

"Have you ever heard of crimson monarchs? They are the monarchs from the red marked plain, however as strong as familiars from the plain above them."

"I contracted four, Ryder. Four among the crimson monarchs. You are strong but you are not at the top, learn to make wise decisions even if it feels like it is being forced on you by people."

"So you want me to keep living like a coward, don't you?" said Ryder, sharply with craze in his eyes.

Monarchs are extraordinary being and that I know, I've seen the difference between a monarch and the beings that exists in same plain as it firsthand. Dracogon, Hollow, but still, I don't care.

Ryder's fist clenched with a firm resolve and he concluded. "Well, sorry about that but unfortunately..."

His mind flashed to Luxy who was currently outside his soul at Leo's apartment. "I am not being controlled by anyone to help me make decisions this time."

Leo gulped, unable to interrupt the duo, not with his broken arm at least. Ryder is about to make a rash decision. His emotion is controlling him, his rage is helping him decide.

Mara wanted to call out, to beg him to reconsider, to think about what he was doing. This wasn't a schoolyard bully he was standing up to—this was Dwang Sung, the leader of the Red-Eastern guild, a man who could command four crimson monarchs, but unfortunately, Mia couldn't seem to move her lips.

"For your stupid proposal, I do not...."

***

"Attack!!!"

Luxy remained on his spot coldly. Lucian's command to all the red mark summoners' familiars to attack echoed in the air.

The ground rumbled as so many beasts came in unison towards him, filled with killer intent.

Luxy, the devil-viper bunny remained motionless, his posture relaxed, almost bored, as he watched the horde approach.

"Don't you think this is an overkill?" Mia blurted out to Lucian while she kept her gaze fixed on the horde of creatures approaching the little rabbit. "The rabbit isn't making any move, it must have realized it have no other option."

"Do you know what that thing is?" Lucian gritted his teeth. "Do you know whose familiar it is?"

Mia placed a slender finger on her chin as if deep in thought then replied. "No, tell me."

Lucian fist clenched subconsciously as the force the other words through his teeth. "It is the familiar of Ryder."

Oh right, now she's lost.