[B1] Chapter 16: A Blood Pact
As he left, the girl shrank back to her seat, her shoulders trembling. Droplets of tears began to fall from her eyes, wiping away the dust that clung to her cheeks.
If Theo had been there, he would have found it hard to believe that this fierce girl was crying in such a way. She wept like a child who had lost her favorite toy and her only hope of escape.
The empty room seemed to fill with her soft sobs. A voice in her mind, perhaps a remnant of her normal self, whispered how she had pushed away her only chance of freedom with her crazy behavior.
After several hours passed, her eyes dried and a new, sly glint took their place. With a new resolve, she wiped away her tears and a cunning smile began to dance on her lips, as if crafting some devious plan.
***
As Theo left the basement, he made sure to lock the door securely. 'This will all fall apart if Elena discovers these seals are missing,' He thought. 'I just hope that she doesn't find this anytime soon.'
After reaching his room, he went to take a shower. Elena had already left a set of clothes in the bathroom for him, knowing his routine of showering after a workout and before bed to avoid the difficulty of sleeping with the rancid smell of a sweating body caused by arduous exercise.
After the shower, he tried to sleep. He kept tossing and turning on the bed. Today’s events kept replaying in his mind. The obvious duality in her behavior disturbed him; her fierce, Yandere nature clashing with the vulnerable woman desperate for freedom.
How the girl had suddenly bested him, treating him like a mere rag-doll. And when he disciplined her, how her crying had affected him so deeply. Yet amidst all that, the way her voice lowered to a whisper, almost begging, when she expressed her desire to possess him, made him realize the depth of her obsession. But, he couldn’t push away the image of her desperate plea for release.
Remembering the peculiar yearning and mania in her eyes, Theo found himself wrestling with his own emotions. 'I'm not attracted to her beauty, but something—my intuition, which has never steered me wrong before—urges me to help her,' he thought.
The realization of her Yandere tendencies added a layer of complexity to his decision-making process. He knew he needed to approach this situation thoughtfully. He was aware that the girl could be a double-edged sword, beneficial yet potentially dangerous.
'She could be a valuable ally if I can gain her trust while ensuring my own safety from that demoness. It’s clear she’s still in a sealed state, trapped by those chains.'
Having spoken with her, he was convinced that he could ally with her. He could also tell that she had likely ended up sealed there in the locked basement through some devious plot.
After contemplating through the night, sleep didn't embrace Theo until late. But eventually, his tired muscles and the painful injuries finally weighed heavy enough to grant him rest.
The next day, after freshening up and stepping into the hallway for breakfast, Theo asked Elena for help.
"Master, how did you get hurt? What happened?" Elena asked, her voice tinged with genuine concern.
"I slipped on the mountain's terrain while descending," Theo replied calmly, masking the truth shamelessly.
"Ah... You should have been more careful," The girl said, her tone warm and nurturing. "Let me tend to these injuries."
As Elena started to cast a healing spell on his body, he gazed at her innocent and sweet face and thought, "I can tell that she hasn't discovered the anomaly of the basement yet." He knew she typically focused her attention on maintaining the second floor, letting the first floor, including the basement, rest beyond her usual concern.
<<<<
[Quest Complete: "The Weight of Destiny"]
[~ Congratulations! You've successfully tackled the challenge to counteract the mysterious bug's poison. The sweat-soaked clothes and aching muscles are proof of your will power. Your determination and commitment have paid off.]
[Reward: +1 Agility Gained]
[Quest Complete: "Trailblazing Beyond Limits"]
[~By pushing your body beyond its limits, you've unlocked untapped potential within. Your perseverance has yielded results that go beyond mere physical strength.]
[Reward: +1 Stats Point Gained]
>>>>
After finishing his daily routine, pushing himself enough to finish the breaking barrier quest, and completing his workout, Theo didn't make an excuse to Elena about staying outside. Instead, he went straight to his room to take a shower. Meanwhile, Elena decided it was time for her to turn in for the night.
The boy took a shower and changed into a fresh set of clothes. Moving silently, he navigated to the first floor. Opening the basement door that had been previously sealed, he entered once again.
As soon as he stepped into the chamber, the girl's eyes glimmered with faint hope. This was her chance to make an impression. However, memories of their previous night's encounter quickly resurfaced, causing her eyes to dull once again. Although she harbored a devious plan in her mind, the intensity of her feelings to claim him as her own made her uncertain of its effectiveness.
He had returned and repositioned himself at his original spot where the chained girl couldn’t reach him. She was both relieved and frustrated; wanting him closer but also knowing the danger it posed.
"So, how about you share a bit about yourself?" he asked, breaking the silence. His voice was calm, but there was an urgency deep down in his heart.
He was well aware that the girl's pride and obsessive nature wouldn't let her initiate this conversation, and he needed to take care of this situation before Elena found out about this secret chamber.
He could tell Elena was probably stronger than this girl in her sealed state, so he wasn't worried about Elena getting hurt by her. He had assessed this girl's strength from the beating, the sour memory of which still burned in his mind.
Moreover, he couldn't shake the feeling that she might try to manipulate or use him in a more sinister way, a feeling heightened by her intense possessive, gaze.
"I don't want to," she replied, her tone icy, her chin lifting defiantly as she quickly shut him down.
"Should I just pack up and leave then?" he probed in calm manner, knowing she needed him more than he needed her.
"No, don't go!" she pleaded, her voice breaking for the first time, clear desperation replacing her earlier haughty tone. The desperation wasn't just to be free, but also a growing obsession with him. Her hands, which were poised to defend her, softened and almost reached out towards him.
"So, what now?" he asked, his stance relaxed but ready for any possible turn.
"What about a deal?" she suggested, her eyes lighting up with hopeful expectation. She felt the urge to bind him to her in any way she could.
"What kind?" he asked, curiosity getting the better of him.
"I'll help you gain control of this realm if you set me free," she proposed, a cunning grin playing on her lips. She was convinced the allure of power would tempt any human. But her true desire was to be close to him, to have him all to herself.
Once freed, she planned to toy with him a little, but she also intended to uphold her end of the bargain and assist him as promised. The malevolence behind her smile was enhanced by the dried blood from the previous night that still stained her lips and face, giving her an eerie yet captivating appearance.
"Sorry to disappoint, but I don't have any such aspirations," he replied, his words shattering her hopes.
"Then what can I offer to secure my freedom?" she inquired, her eyes searching his face for any clue. Her gaze then drifted to his huge, mountain-like frame.
Theo simply looked at her with a small, knowing smile. Sensing his gaze, she instinctively covered her ample chest. Yet behind the defensive action, there was a flicker of possessiveness in her eyes, as if wanting to be the only one he ever laid eyes on.
In her mind, an intense image formed: his large, mountain-like body pressing down upon her. While the idea frightened her, there was also a part of her that craved that closeness, that dominance. She wanted to be the center of his world, to monopolize his attention.
'Why do I even entertain such thoughts? He should be begging for my favor. It's he who should be chasing me, longing for my attention. But letting him close... only if he's mine and mine alone,' she mentally asserted, her strange nature creeping into her thoughts. The very idea of having him entirely under her control, with no room for rejection, was tantalizing.
She leaned slightly forward and asked, "Do you want to see more? If you do, then perhaps you should earn that privilege. Only if you truly submit yourself to me then I can grant you such benefits."
Theo brought his palm up to his forehead, clearly exasperated by her assumptions. "Wow, someone's got quite the imagination, don't they?" he said
"For the record, you are indeed attractive, but don't flatter yourself too much. I harbor no such desires, and I am not some animal driven by lust," he replied, his face impassive. Though, he couldn't deny the intensity in her gaze and the strange allure it held.
Seeing his calm and nonchalant reaction, she felt a pang of irritation. How dare he not react more to her? Why wasn't he panicking or at the very least, pleading? But as her eyes met his clear, straightforward gaze, some of her suspicion waned. The intense need to claim him, however, still blazed fiercely within her.
"Then how can I secure my release? I don't want to stay trapped here forever!" she exclaimed, desperation seeping into her voice.
Theo could clearly see it, the yearning, the craving, especially for him. An idea formed in his mind, pondering the possibility of leveraging this odd desire against her.
He didn't understand what made his blood so special to attract her towards him.
'Is my blood unique due to my lack of mana? Or perhaps, it's linked to my half-unknown race.'
He wasn't sure, but one thing was clear: he intended to exploit this advantage. After all, for a girl who was so feared that someone felt the need to seal her away, he would need every edge he could get.
"If you could provide a reliable way that would ensure my safety from you," he responded thoughtfully, crossing his arms as he considered her plea.
She moved closer, her chains clinking softly. Her gaze never leaving his, she murmured, "If I promise to make you the center of my world, to obsess over you and only you, to ensure no harm befalls you as long as you're by my side, would that be enough?"
"That's not very convincing enough, my dear demoness lady," Theo retorted, standing up to leave. "You want me close, but you're asking me to trade my freedom for yours." He couldn't help but feel her desperate pull, but he was aware of the dangers of getting too close to her unpredictable crazy nature.
"Wait! Please! You're my only hope," she pleaded, her voice carrying genuine emotion, but also a tone that hinted at her longing to possess him entirely. She was at a loss for how to make him stay.
Her plan to entice him with the promise of power had crumbled to dust because of her intense craving for him that got activated all of a sudden as she tasted his blood. Moreover, this boy, it seemed, was immune to the lures of power, wealth, and even her own allure.
Without another word, he turned his back on her and began to walk away. His departure felt like a finality, a chapter closing that she wasn't ready to end.
Her gaze, now heavy with sadness, lingered on the slowly closing exit door. As it sealed shut, so did her hopes, leaving her alone in the chilly stillness of the room. It was in this moment, with the door’s final click, that she allowed herself to cry. Her tears flowed silently, as if each one carried a piece of her broken plan and her fading hope.
Theo's strategy was clear: by leaving her alone for a while and showing that he wasn't swayed by her offers, she would eventually need to devise a more agreeable plan, and he would maintain the upper hand. It was a safety precaution, and a game of patience. Several days of solitude, he surmised, would dampen her mischievous streak and increase her desperation.
In the following days, he didn't revisit the basement, leaving her alone with her thoughts and the oppressive gloom.
On the 4th day, when he entered the basement, the girl was looking in his direction with a melancholic expression. However, upon seeing him, a spark of hope and a hint of obsession revived in her eyes.
‘I thought he had left this place,’ she mumbled. ‘That’s why he wasn’t visiting me anymore... but he left me here on purpose...knowing I’m trapped... What a devil.’
Without waiting for Theo to settle into his usual position, she was already speaking, "Let’s make a blood pact for the time being," she proposed.
Theo frowned at this sudden proposal. "Blood pact? Is that the dark version of a pinky promise?"
"No! It's serious! Fifty-fifty deal," she hurriedly explained. "It's a binding oath where neither can harm the other. Think of it as a partnership. We support each other."
"How about a 90-10 deal instead?" Theo suggested, a frosty smile on his face, taking his usual position on the ground.
"No!" She snapped. "That’s akin to enslavement. I’d rather die."
Her sudden outburst surprised Theo, but he remained cool. "Then how about a deal better than fifty-fifty?" he proposed calmly.
"I can't," she replied, her eyes darting away.
"Why not?" he probed, raising his brows.
She hesitated before replying, "Only as equals can I even entertain the thought of... letting you in." She hinted at something, like desiring control but also craving a mutual bond.
"If it's anything less, you'd have the upper hand that will put me in a submissive position and who knows what you might demand. Taking over my mind, my heart... perhaps even my body," she whispered, her eyes darting away.
She didn't want him to see her vulnerability, yet she wanted to make clear the exclusivity she expected if they entered such a pact.
"I’m not agreeing to a fifty-fifty pact. Besides, you’re not my type," Theo responded, clearly indicating his genuine lack of interest in the girl.
She looked up, her gaze fixing on him, as she tried to gauge his sincerity. A dangerous glint shone in her eyes for a split second before it was replaced by a more subdued demeanor. "But I cannot agree to anything lower than a fifty-fifty pact.” She responded, her eyes filled with sadness.
She had thought that Theo would agree, but her hope quickly crumbled. To her dismay, she saw him stand up to leave, which made her face lose their glow.
"Please don't go," she pleaded, her voice quivering with desperation.
"Why?" he asked coldly, turning to give her a questioning look, gauging the depth of her emotions.
[B1] Chapter 16: A Blood Pact
As he left, the girl shrank back to her seat, her shoulders trembling. Droplets of tears began to fall from her eyes, wiping away the dust that clung to her cheeks.
If Theo had been there, he would have found it hard to believe that this fierce girl was crying in such a way. She wept like a child who had lost her favorite toy and her only hope of escape.
The empty room seemed to fill with her soft sobs. A voice in her mind, perhaps a remnant of her normal self, whispered how she had pushed away her only chance of freedom with her crazy behavior.
After several hours passed, her eyes dried and a new, sly glint took their place. With a new resolve, she wiped away her tears and a cunning smile began to dance on her lips, as if crafting some devious plan.
***
As Theo left the basement, he made sure to lock the door securely. 'This will all fall apart if Elena discovers these seals are missing,' He thought. 'I just hope that she doesn't find this anytime soon.'
After reaching his room, he went to take a shower. Elena had already left a set of clothes in the bathroom for him, knowing his routine of showering after a workout and before bed to avoid the difficulty of sleeping with the rancid smell of a sweating body caused by arduous exercise.
After the shower, he tried to sleep. He kept tossing and turning on the bed. Today’s events kept replaying in his mind. The obvious duality in her behavior disturbed him; her fierce, Yandere nature clashing with the vulnerable woman desperate for freedom.
How the girl had suddenly bested him, treating him like a mere rag-doll. And when he disciplined her, how her crying had affected him so deeply. Yet amidst all that, the way her voice lowered to a whisper, almost begging, when she expressed her desire to possess him, made him realize the depth of her obsession. But, he couldn’t push away the image of her desperate plea for release.
Remembering the peculiar yearning and mania in her eyes, Theo found himself wrestling with his own emotions. 'I'm not attracted to her beauty, but something—my intuition, which has never steered me wrong before—urges me to help her,' he thought.
The realization of her Yandere tendencies added a layer of complexity to his decision-making process. He knew he needed to approach this situation thoughtfully. He was aware that the girl could be a double-edged sword, beneficial yet potentially dangerous.
'She could be a valuable ally if I can gain her trust while ensuring my own safety from that demoness. It’s clear she’s still in a sealed state, trapped by those chains.'
Having spoken with her, he was convinced that he could ally with her. He could also tell that she had likely ended up sealed there in the locked basement through some devious plot.
After contemplating through the night, sleep didn't embrace Theo until late. But eventually, his tired muscles and the painful injuries finally weighed heavy enough to grant him rest.
The next day, after freshening up and stepping into the hallway for breakfast, Theo asked Elena for help.
"Master, how did you get hurt? What happened?" Elena asked, her voice tinged with genuine concern.
"I slipped on the mountain's terrain while descending," Theo replied calmly, masking the truth shamelessly.
"Ah... You should have been more careful," The girl said, her tone warm and nurturing. "Let me tend to these injuries."
As Elena started to cast a healing spell on his body, he gazed at her innocent and sweet face and thought, "I can tell that she hasn't discovered the anomaly of the basement yet." He knew she typically focused her attention on maintaining the second floor, letting the first floor, including the basement, rest beyond her usual concern.
<<<<
[Quest Complete: "The Weight of Destiny"]
[~ Congratulations! You've successfully tackled the challenge to counteract the mysterious bug's poison. The sweat-soaked clothes and aching muscles are proof of your will power. Your determination and commitment have paid off.]
[Reward: +1 Agility Gained]
[Quest Complete: "Trailblazing Beyond Limits"]
[~By pushing your body beyond its limits, you've unlocked untapped potential within. Your perseverance has yielded results that go beyond mere physical strength.]
[Reward: +1 Stats Point Gained]
>>>>
After finishing his daily routine, pushing himself enough to finish the breaking barrier quest, and completing his workout, Theo didn't make an excuse to Elena about staying outside. Instead, he went straight to his room to take a shower. Meanwhile, Elena decided it was time for her to turn in for the night.
The boy took a shower and changed into a fresh set of clothes. Moving silently, he navigated to the first floor. Opening the basement door that had been previously sealed, he entered once again.
As soon as he stepped into the chamber, the girl's eyes glimmered with faint hope. This was her chance to make an impression. However, memories of their previous night's encounter quickly resurfaced, causing her eyes to dull once again. Although she harbored a devious plan in her mind, the intensity of her feelings to claim him as her own made her uncertain of its effectiveness.
He had returned and repositioned himself at his original spot where the chained girl couldn’t reach him. She was both relieved and frustrated; wanting him closer but also knowing the danger it posed.
"So, how about you share a bit about yourself?" he asked, breaking the silence. His voice was calm, but there was an urgency deep down in his heart.
He was well aware that the girl's pride and obsessive nature wouldn't let her initiate this conversation, and he needed to take care of this situation before Elena found out about this secret chamber.
He could tell Elena was probably stronger than this girl in her sealed state, so he wasn't worried about Elena getting hurt by her. He had assessed this girl's strength from the beating, the sour memory of which still burned in his mind.
Moreover, he couldn't shake the feeling that she might try to manipulate or use him in a more sinister way, a feeling heightened by her intense possessive, gaze.
"I don't want to," she replied, her tone icy, her chin lifting defiantly as she quickly shut him down.
"Should I just pack up and leave then?" he probed in calm manner, knowing she needed him more than he needed her.
"No, don't go!" she pleaded, her voice breaking for the first time, clear desperation replacing her earlier haughty tone. The desperation wasn't just to be free, but also a growing obsession with him. Her hands, which were poised to defend her, softened and almost reached out towards him.
"So, what now?" he asked, his stance relaxed but ready for any possible turn.
"What about a deal?" she suggested, her eyes lighting up with hopeful expectation. She felt the urge to bind him to her in any way she could.
"What kind?" he asked, curiosity getting the better of him.
"I'll help you gain control of this realm if you set me free," she proposed, a cunning grin playing on her lips. She was convinced the allure of power would tempt any human. But her true desire was to be close to him, to have him all to herself.
Once freed, she planned to toy with him a little, but she also intended to uphold her end of the bargain and assist him as promised. The malevolence behind her smile was enhanced by the dried blood from the previous night that still stained her lips and face, giving her an eerie yet captivating appearance.
"Sorry to disappoint, but I don't have any such aspirations," he replied, his words shattering her hopes.
"Then what can I offer to secure my freedom?" she inquired, her eyes searching his face for any clue. Her gaze then drifted to his huge, mountain-like frame.
Theo simply looked at her with a small, knowing smile. Sensing his gaze, she instinctively covered her ample chest. Yet behind the defensive action, there was a flicker of possessiveness in her eyes, as if wanting to be the only one he ever laid eyes on.
In her mind, an intense image formed: his large, mountain-like body pressing down upon her. While the idea frightened her, there was also a part of her that craved that closeness, that dominance. She wanted to be the center of his world, to monopolize his attention.
'Why do I even entertain such thoughts? He should be begging for my favor. It's he who should be chasing me, longing for my attention. But letting him close... only if he's mine and mine alone,' she mentally asserted, her strange nature creeping into her thoughts. The very idea of having him entirely under her control, with no room for rejection, was tantalizing.
She leaned slightly forward and asked, "Do you want to see more? If you do, then perhaps you should earn that privilege. Only if you truly submit yourself to me then I can grant you such benefits."
Theo brought his palm up to his forehead, clearly exasperated by her assumptions. "Wow, someone's got quite the imagination, don't they?" he said
"For the record, you are indeed attractive, but don't flatter yourself too much. I harbor no such desires, and I am not some animal driven by lust," he replied, his face impassive. Though, he couldn't deny the intensity in her gaze and the strange allure it held.
Seeing his calm and nonchalant reaction, she felt a pang of irritation. How dare he not react more to her? Why wasn't he panicking or at the very least, pleading? But as her eyes met his clear, straightforward gaze, some of her suspicion waned. The intense need to claim him, however, still blazed fiercely within her.
"Then how can I secure my release? I don't want to stay trapped here forever!" she exclaimed, desperation seeping into her voice.
Theo could clearly see it, the yearning, the craving, especially for him. An idea formed in his mind, pondering the possibility of leveraging this odd desire against her.
He didn't understand what made his blood so special to attract her towards him.
'Is my blood unique due to my lack of mana? Or perhaps, it's linked to my half-unknown race.'
He wasn't sure, but one thing was clear: he intended to exploit this advantage. After all, for a girl who was so feared that someone felt the need to seal her away, he would need every edge he could get.
"If you could provide a reliable way that would ensure my safety from you," he responded thoughtfully, crossing his arms as he considered her plea.
She moved closer, her chains clinking softly. Her gaze never leaving his, she murmured, "If I promise to make you the center of my world, to obsess over you and only you, to ensure no harm befalls you as long as you're by my side, would that be enough?"
"That's not very convincing enough, my dear demoness lady," Theo retorted, standing up to leave. "You want me close, but you're asking me to trade my freedom for yours." He couldn't help but feel her desperate pull, but he was aware of the dangers of getting too close to her unpredictable crazy nature.
"Wait! Please! You're my only hope," she pleaded, her voice carrying genuine emotion, but also a tone that hinted at her longing to possess him entirely. She was at a loss for how to make him stay.
Her plan to entice him with the promise of power had crumbled to dust because of her intense craving for him that got activated all of a sudden as she tasted his blood. Moreover, this boy, it seemed, was immune to the lures of power, wealth, and even her own allure.
Without another word, he turned his back on her and began to walk away. His departure felt like a finality, a chapter closing that she wasn't ready to end.
Her gaze, now heavy with sadness, lingered on the slowly closing exit door. As it sealed shut, so did her hopes, leaving her alone in the chilly stillness of the room. It was in this moment, with the door’s final click, that she allowed herself to cry. Her tears flowed silently, as if each one carried a piece of her broken plan and her fading hope.
Theo's strategy was clear: by leaving her alone for a while and showing that he wasn't swayed by her offers, she would eventually need to devise a more agreeable plan, and he would maintain the upper hand. It was a safety precaution, and a game of patience. Several days of solitude, he surmised, would dampen her mischievous streak and increase her desperation.
In the following days, he didn't revisit the basement, leaving her alone with her thoughts and the oppressive gloom.
On the 4th day, when he entered the basement, the girl was looking in his direction with a melancholic expression. However, upon seeing him, a spark of hope and a hint of obsession revived in her eyes.
‘I thought he had left this place,’ she mumbled. ‘That’s why he wasn’t visiting me anymore... but he left me here on purpose...knowing I’m trapped... What a devil.’
Without waiting for Theo to settle into his usual position, she was already speaking, "Let’s make a blood pact for the time being," she proposed.
Theo frowned at this sudden proposal. "Blood pact? Is that the dark version of a pinky promise?"
"No! It's serious! Fifty-fifty deal," she hurriedly explained. "It's a binding oath where neither can harm the other. Think of it as a partnership. We support each other."
"How about a 90-10 deal instead?" Theo suggested, a frosty smile on his face, taking his usual position on the ground.
"No!" She snapped. "That’s akin to enslavement. I’d rather die."
Her sudden outburst surprised Theo, but he remained cool. "Then how about a deal better than fifty-fifty?" he proposed calmly.
"I can't," she replied, her eyes darting away.
"Why not?" he probed, raising his brows.
She hesitated before replying, "Only as equals can I even entertain the thought of... letting you in." She hinted at something, like desiring control but also craving a mutual bond.
"If it's anything less, you'd have the upper hand that will put me in a submissive position and who knows what you might demand. Taking over my mind, my heart... perhaps even my body," she whispered, her eyes darting away.
She didn't want him to see her vulnerability, yet she wanted to make clear the exclusivity she expected if they entered such a pact.
"I’m not agreeing to a fifty-fifty pact. Besides, you’re not my type," Theo responded, clearly indicating his genuine lack of interest in the girl.
She looked up, her gaze fixing on him, as she tried to gauge his sincerity. A dangerous glint shone in her eyes for a split second before it was replaced by a more subdued demeanor. "But I cannot agree to anything lower than a fifty-fifty pact.” She responded, her eyes filled with sadness.
She had thought that Theo would agree, but her hope quickly crumbled. To her dismay, she saw him stand up to leave, which made her face lose their glow.
"Please don't go," she pleaded, her voice quivering with desperation.
"Why?" he asked coldly, turning to give her a questioning look, gauging the depth of her emotions.
