57 My Intensions Are Pure! (1/2)
Konrad made sure to focus his spell's offensive power on the five to avoid harming either Nils or Koloman.
”A mid-grade Third Circle Spell? This…how could it be?”
Koloman staggered and fell on his rear. Although he possessed no affinity for magic, as a nobleman of a duke's house. He was well versed on the topic. Using a spell whose level surpassed the caster's cultivation was in theory not impossible, but the results were often disastrous.
Spells first drained the mind, and when it didn't have enough to offer, they siphoned the body, sucking as much life force as necessary to power the circles.
Konrad's spiritual cultivation was only at the Grand Priest Rank. To use a third circle spell of the lowest grade should at best cause him to cripple himself and at worse to die from exhausting his lifeforce.
However, he was safe and sound.
To say nothing of Koloman, even Nils, a spiritual cultivator, had a hard time comprehending the current scene.
”Unless…his physique is powerful enough to completely ignore the strain. But how could that be?”
Konrad paid no heed to their stupor and shifted his attention back onto Nils.
”Apologies.”
Before she could register his voice, he struck the middle of her forehead with his index, causing a stream of spiritual energy to infiltrate her mind and knock her out.
His eyes then fell back on Koloman.
”Do you want to live?”
Those five words restored the gravity of the situation within Koloman's mind.
Sweat quickly spread on his forehead while his limbs trembled, and his eyes widened from fright.
”I already told you, I don't like repeating myself.”
”Yes, yes I want to live! Please spare me!”
Konrad's lips curled into a radiant smile.
”That will depend on your performance. My offer is simple. Your freedom in exchange for your life.”
The pentagrams and demonic glyphs of the Master-Servant contract flew into the air, carrying with them clear demonic energy signature. Sensing it, Koloman almost soiled his pants.
”Demonic…demonic energy…you are…of demonic blood. The Divine Lords have mercy on me.”
”Hahaha, mercy is in short supply. Only my will can save you.
If you choose to willingly sign a contract of eternal servitude, I can spare your life and take you as my servant. That is your only road to survival.”
Konrad's nonchalant stance and indifferent tone further oppressed Koloman who didn't doubt his desire to behead him.
Instinctively, he crawled toward Konrad's feet and kowtowed, keeping his face firmly pressed against the ground in a show of deference.
”I…just want to live. Whatever you want from me, I will give without a second thought.”
His lips quivered, fear coating his every word. In the face of death, there was no trace of dignity left within his body.
Seeing his pathetic display, Konrad sneered.
”Tss, tss, tss. Where is the might and arrogance with which you portrayed yourself? What about the dignity of an Uradel noble? You won't even try to resist?”
If his words caused discomfort within Koloman's heart, he showed none of it.
”I won't take the chance. To be dignified, you first need to breathe. All is smoke and ashes once you're dead. And I cannot die…at least not until I slake my thirst for von Jurgen blood.”
The hatred within the last words was as clear as a waterfall.
”Very well then, let's sign the contract.”
The words were spoken, the pledges made, and the Master-Servant contract established.
”Now, I will not take your life, but considering that you've humiliated my woman in the past and harassed her in the present, you can't escape punishment.
Castrate yourself, remove everything and scram. When I need you, I will let you know.”
Koloman's eyes widened in disbelief. The thought of losing his manhood filled him with dread. However, Konrad's words echoed like divine commands he couldn't resist. He summoned an energy dagger and sliced off both his balls and rod.
”AAAAAAARGH!”
Blood gushed from his groins and his scream pierced the sky. Without another word, Koloman dragged his bloodied, emasculated body and left.
”Why not just kill him?”
The System's voice echoed within Konrad's mind.
”Dead he serves no purpose. Alive, the possibilities are many. Since I can make us of him, why waste his worth? Planting a spy within a duke's house is not easy.
Moreover, dying is simple. It is living that is difficult. Fret not, I have plenty of hardships in stores for him.”
”You truly are a demon.”
”Naturally.”
Konrad placed Nils on his shoulder and left for a more secluded location.
...
Nils woke up to the sight of Konrad half-kneeling by her side. His face stood dangerously close, and his lips almost brushed hers.
”What are you doing?”
She yelped and tried to step away but realized she was far too weak to make a move.
”Relax, I'm just admiring beauty.”
His serious tone and lack of apparent ulterior motive caused Nils to blink for a few seconds.
”You're admiring a man's beauty? I didn't think you'd swing that way.”