Faustian Bargain for a Halcyon Future [Part 1]

It’s been four days since Vapula made the announcement that an attack on the mansion may occur. I feel a lot more confident than I did the day after his announcement. These past days have been productive as well. There is still a pretty steep learning curve with Mana, so I don’t think I should make it a priority, and just practice for an hour a day. That way I can focus on other ways to protect the mansion without any abilities that are equal to the other members. The best I can provide is to develop a plan and I’ll be able to finalize it as soon as I get to have a conversation with Vapula.

Even though I can’t manipulate Mana yet. Seeing how hard everyone is actually preparing themselves has truly given me a great deal of confidence. Quen has even given the assurance I didn't even know I needed. Right now, I think this is an opportune time to finally ask some questions.

I wonder how I should Knock… Whatever! Not important.

I’ve been preparing this entire discussion. I should be able to get the answers I want. I’ve never been much of a conversationalist. Unless. I have a goal in mind.

“Enter.” Vapula's deep menacing voice shook my body through the doors.

Okay. Here we go.

As soon as I walked in his dark room, I felt a pinch in my gut again when I first met Vapula. Same chilling, candle lit room. The mysterious books and objects were in the same position as last. The curtains were closed again but motionless; he must have the windows closed as well.

“Good afternoon...” He uttered with intensity.

“Hello, Vapula. I’d like to have your audience.”

“... ”

Well? Say something! ... I stood there for a moment.

“... Very well. But make it short.” What a domineering tone.

“Thank you. I’ve been doing research on the Infernalior but only so much information is available. So, I’m hoping that I can get a few of my questions answered about them.”

“...”

Okay. I guess he won’t be very interactive. I suppose I’ll just start asking questions.

“My first question is: What happens when an Infernalior gets to the first ranked position?”

“...”

Is he ignoring me?! Stop looking at your book and pay attention to your Guild!

“My second question: What is the purpose of the Infernalior? There were many well functioning governments and societies before the first Infernalior appeared.”

“...”

This is unbelievable. I shouldn't get so close to him but I need to get answers!

“Infernalior Vapula. I understand your goals, and we want to help you with your plan. But we need some kind of guidance from you. Because I know we can return you to your rightful rank, taking back what was stolen from—!!!!”

Not a moment for my mind to process what happened as my body knew instantly to scream at every neuron in my mind that I was in danger. The cold, crushing sensation in my lungs. The loss of function in my throat. The utter haze in my sight. Vapula is that danger.

WHAT IS HE DOING?!! WHY IS THIS MONSTER CHOKING ME?!!

It was impossible for me to utter a word. It was amazing that I could still think. Far from the floor, my entire body was simply dangling like broken tree branches. My legs were thrashing back and forth, hoping for something to secure my footing on. Out of instinct, I was forced to grip onto his arm with both my hands so that I wouldn’t pass out.

“How did you know that about me?” He demanded.

I started to frantically see strange shapes and colors. I must be losing consciousness. I fought to just get one single inhale for my collapsing lungs. But Vapula’s grip was perfect around my windpipe.

“A—h—I—ah—Did—nt!” I still struggled to get words out.

“I just—thought—everyone—knew!” He loosened his grip slightly to hear my reasoning.

He released his hand off my neck. The moment my seemingly lifeless body struck the floor, my body was forced to hyperventilate. I lost all control over my body at that moment. Every organ was completely focused on recovering from the air I had lost. Wholly absorbed with the normal idea to breathe. Breathe. Breathe. Stop moving and breathe. Breathe.

“Speak...” Vapula interrogated, towering over my shuddering body.

Clasping on my neck, the gulps of air that I needed were like a drug, entering so intensely that I felt my hair aggressively invading my mouth as I lay on the floor… And yet… I still was able to conceptualize his emotional state. I amaze myself. He may have looked calm… If, but for a moment. What a truly frightened look he had.

I started to involuntarily cough as if there was something in my throat... I slowly could breathe without struggle as my neck reconfigured back to normal.

I can breathe. But all that did was piss me off. I could hear my teeth grinding on one another. I can feel my face twisting into strife. My hair covered my face so he couldn’t see it. What made me the angriest was that I had to remain calm because if Vapula wanted to, he could easily snap my neck.

“How… Pitiful.” Still recovering, my breathing is staggered. “You've… Lived for such a long time… But still fearful of a little girl.” I remarked with a slow spite, still on the floor helpless.

This small statement was only meant to hurt Vapula and for no other reason. He had no interest in meager insults; completely ignoring it. He wanted information. Simply staring at me, waiting to see if he needs to kill me.

“I’m just… Observant… I came to that conclusion from little details that I've noticed, and your social behaviors.” Finally regaining my normal breathing rhythm.

“I've retained this position for over 257 years. The information you claim has been lost to time, only few other Infernalior would even retain that knowledge. But somehow, you were able to come to that conclusion with the tiniest of clues that you gathered in just a few days of living here?”

Whatever... I feel so pathetic myself, rubbing my newly bruised neck and coughing like a sick dog. What an incredibly irritating situation I found myself in at this moment.

“What are you going to do now?” I moved the hair from my face.

The monster walked to one of his bookshelves. What is he going to do?

“If what you said is true and figured out my past with relative ease. It is clear to me that you will be adequately useful, but first… I’d like to hear how you came to your conclusion.” He pulled one of his chairs in front of me to sit, while he looked down on me.

I kept wheezing for air. That was starting to annoy me.

“The fact that you have this Mansion bolsters some type of status... I know you’ve been around for a long time too… And let’s not forget about that extensive library. One does not simply inherit something like that…” I postulated with an irritated scowl.

“And the social cues?“ He asked in relative ease as he went back to scan through his bookshelf while I gave my explanations.

“Well, at my first dinner here, you seemed incredibly confident when you made your speech. I figured you had some type of grand plan ready, especially with so few members. The plan must be well thought out. And not just an ordinary plan of domination, but one of revenge... I’ll admit, the revenge part was just a shot in the dark.” I felt like I was rambling on to a wall, the way he averted his eyes away from me.

Now what? Is he offering his hand to help me up? Well, let’s finish—

“AHH!! What are you-!” I quickly gasped in slight pain from taking his hand. Like I grabbed onto red hot steel.

“I believe you. However, it will be necessary for me to take some precautions… call it insurance.” He tilted his head, with an elitist demeanor.

What did he do to my hand? His hand was still grabbed tightly around mine; it felt like I just stuck my fingers in an electrical outlet!

“Form a contract with me.” He pronounced.

What does that even mean?! Why would I do something like that?

“Assist me in securing one of the Top Twelve Positions.”

“What do I get in return?” I quickly asked.

“I answer 99% of your questions as well as a prominent position in any Consociation where I am the Infernalior.”

What is with this guy? Why 99%? Regardless, what he's offering seems to be too good to pass up. I hate to keep reverting back to this survivalistic way of thinking, but it's just an unfortunate fact. It's my best option. I had a feeling that if I refused, he would kill me on the spot… I just need to make sure of one thing. In reality, this wasn’t a choice, but an ultimatum.

“If I agree. Then, you can’t use any of the Consociation members as any type of sacrifice or plan any of their demise, or harm them in any way.” I hastily endorsed the idea.

“I agree with your terms. Ryōsuke Matsushita.”

“I agree with your terms. Infernalior Duke Vapula the 8th.”

“AHhh! Ouch!”

Again, some more crazy Mana stuff with static and pain.

“Didn’t that hurt?” I asked.

“Yes… Now… before you leave, I’d like to ask you some questions…” He responded with ease as he moved back to his desk.

Does he have to be so dramatic? He’s just sitting back at his desk.

“To get to know you a little better. Then I’ll answer some of your questions after the fact.” He mentioned.

“Alright, let’s begin.” I slowly stood up.