The Devil’s Whisper and a Twisted Bargain

“An artifact!? Impossible!”

General Baro’s heart pounded with an uncontrollable shock at those two words. Artifacts had never once appeared in the Klaham Continent’s millennia of recorded history. How could such a thing be real?

Observing Bo Aibiyi’s fervent expression, General Baro’s mind raced. While he doubted Bo Aibiyi would dare deceive him, this intelligence was far too alarming. It could easily be a desperate lie, spun for the sake of survival.

Yet, even a mere sliver of possibility presented an unprecedented, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for him. The revival of his family, the rise of his race, and the grand plans he intended to execute—all would become effortlessly achievable if he truly acquired an artifact.

“Bo Aibiyi! Explain everything you saw to me, clearly and without omission!” General Baro’s voice cut through the silence. He slammed his arms onto the table, his gaze piercing Bo Aibiyi.

“After escaping the heart of the Velsen Forest, my magic reserves were utterly depleted, and I collapsed near Balyaas Village, on the forest’s periphery,” Bo Aibiyi began, his voice earnest. “Perhaps it was the will of the gods that I convey this information to you, General Baro, for I was fortunate enough to be saved by a young woman from that very village.”

“Upon my recovery, I observed the two long blades she carried on her back. They emanated a brilliance so close to pure gold.” He continued, “General Baro, you are aware of my unique talent. I once had the profound privilege of witnessing the red glow of a Holy Relic; its intoxicating crimson light was so captivating, I couldn’t tear my eyes away.”

“Yet, the dazzling, sacred golden radiance emanating from those two long blades on the maiden’s back stirred something within me. It compelled me to worship them from the very depths of my soul.” As Bo Aibiyi recounted the experience, a hint of genuine reverence even touched his features.

“Wait…” General Baro interjected, his voice sharp with suspicion. “You’re saying there were two? And you can’t even confirm they were artifacts? They could simply be blades that happened to glow gold?”

“Are you toying with me, Bo Aibiyi?!” His query was edged with palpable anger.

“No… my lord,” Bo Aibiyi stammered, an involuntary shiver running down his spine at the general’s enraged tone. “This subordinate truly cannot definitively confirm they were artifacts, but the dazzling golden light was undeniably real.”

“It was a brilliance far surpassing the red glow emitted by a Holy Relic. I can stake everything I possess on the veracity of my words; every detail I’ve reported is the absolute truth!” He quickly raised his hand, swearing his assurance.

“Continue,” General Baro commanded, though his anger was merely a pretense. He simply aimed to unnerve Bo Aibiyi. General Baro knew full well that no one had ever truly witnessed an artifact.

Had Bo Aibiyi dared to pound his chest and declare them definitive artifacts, General Baro would not have hesitated to execute the foolish liar on the spot. It was undeniable that Bo Aibiyi was remarkably fortunate; his blend of truth and uncertainty only served to strengthen General Baro’s conviction. Those two blades, he mused, might truly be… artifacts… unlike anything ever seen on the Klaham Continent.

Humans are peculiar creatures. Once they commit to believing in something, or even in a mere possibility, they instinctively filter out any information that might contradict it. They might even construct elaborate explanations to reinforce that possibility, thereby solidifying their chosen belief as truth.

“Yes, my lord,” Bo Aibiyi responded, still cautious after the general’s earlier intimidation. “During my period of recuperation, I thoroughly investigated the young woman’s origins. The maiden wielding those two blades appeared suddenly near Balyaas Village and was subsequently adopted by the local inhabitants.”

“Her parents are said to be deceased, leaving her with no discernible background. Crucially, there are no powerful adventurers residing within Balyaas Village itself.”

“This subordinate could not perceive the maiden’s own strength; she seemed like someone who had never cultivated martial arts. However, I did hear a tale of her defeating a rampaging Uli that burst forth from the Velsen Forest with a single strike of her long blade.”

“While I haven’t personally witnessed her in combat, I believe the maiden may have merely learned a basic blade technique. The true efficacy, I suspect, lies predominantly in the extraordinary power of the long blade itself.” Having delivered his carefully analyzed intelligence, Bo Aibiyi stood motionless, barely daring to breathe, awaiting General Baro’s decree.

General Baro remained silent after hearing the report. He simply sat back on the sofa, stroking his chin, lost in what appeared to be profound contemplation.

“Excellent, Bo Aibiyi,” General Baro finally declared, a faint smile playing on his lips. “The Soul Pact is now active, and your intelligence has indeed proven quite surprising.”

“However, I have other pressing matters to attend to at this time. Nevertheless, those two long blades have piqued my considerable interest. Would it be too much trouble for you to personally retrieve them for me?” He paused, his eyes lifting to meet Bo Aibiyi’s, a hint of amusement dancing in their depths.

“Per… personally…?” Bo Aibiyi faltered, a flicker of surprise crossing his face. “General Baro, my injuries haven’t fully recovered. Moreover, the villagers already know me; it might not proceed as smoothly as you hope.”

His initial plan had been to simply sell the intelligence to General Baro, perhaps acting as a guide at most, and then leave the rest for the general’s forces to resolve. While Bo Aibiyi yearned to touch the dazzling golden blades himself, the prospect of retrieving them alone presented considerable complications.

“What’s wrong?” General Baro inquired, a faint smile playing on his lips. “Could it be you’ve grown fond of the maiden and now find yourself reluctant to act?”

“How could that possibly be, General Baro!” Bo Aibiyi quickly lowered his head, his words dripping with flattery. “That woman is nothing more than a mere tool to be exploited in my eyes. For this subordinate, my only desire is to present those two long blades to you with my own hands!”

“Hahahaha~ Now that’s more like it, Bo Aibiyi.” General Baro rose from his seat, a booming laugh escaping his lips as he approached Bo Aibiyi and leaned in, speaking softly into his ear.

“Do you know why I initially chose you for my service? It wasn’t merely for your talent. More importantly, I had long discerned your despicable nature—your willingness to employ any means, however ruthless, to achieve your objectives.”

“Hahahaha~ But tell me,” he continued, his voice taking on a lower, more conspiratorial tone, “you, who would repay even a life-saver with such malice, will you truly remain loyal to me? I shall observe with great interest.”

“Ge… General Baro,” Bo Aibiyi stammered, his body rigid and unmoving. “My loyalty to you is as clear as the sun and moon themselves!” He spoke with an intense, almost desperate sincerity.

“Heh heh,” General Baro chuckled, patting Bo Aibiyi’s shoulder. “Though I’m sending you alone, I won’t make your task overly difficult.” With that, he opened a door within the room and stepped through it.

Bo Aibiyi watched General Baro disappear into the inner chamber, still not daring to make any sudden moves. He remained rooted to the spot, patiently awaiting the general’s next words.

“Bo Aibiyi,” General Baro’s voice resonated as he re-emerged from the inner chamber, a small, intricate staff held in his hand. “Do you know the most intriguing way to utterly destroy a person?”

He lightly tapped his own temple with a finger. “It’s not through the body, but through the spirit.”

“The most potent method to shatter a person’s spirit,” General Baro continued, his voice dropping to a low, insidious whisper, “is to have them ostracized by everyone, thrust into the merciless glare of public scrutiny. It is to strip them of every single person or thing they once trusted or relied upon, to watch everything they ever possessed dissolve into an ephemeral illusion.”

“To render them utterly forsaken, hated by their former friends, family, and even their own siblings. In such a manner, one can utterly obliterate a person’s spirit, and indeed their very soul, without ever needing to lift a hand.” As he spoke, his voice sounding like a devil’s insidious murmur, General Baro approached Bo Aibiyi and placed the small, exquisitely crafted staff into his trembling hand.

Listening to General Baro’s chilling pronouncements, Bo Aibiyi felt an icy dread seep into his very bones. He clearly recognized the delicate staff offered to him as at least a military-grade artifact, its surface radiating a subtle blue glow.

Though he couldn’t entirely grasp the full implications of General Baro’s words, Bo Aibiyi still clutched the staff tightly, his hands trembling.

“This staff,” General Baro began, observing the artifact clutched in Bo Aibiyi’s hand, “is one of my family’s inherited treasures. While it is merely a military-grade artifact, its power is quite… interesting.” He let the sentence hang, building suspense.

“My lord… what is the function of this staff?” Bo Aibiyi asked, his voice trembling in unison with the peculiar magical fluctuations he felt emanating from the artifact in his grasp.

“This staff… can temporarily… demonize… an ordinary person,” General Baro stated slowly, enunciating each word distinctly.

“De… demonize…?” Bo Aibiyi gasped, instantly grasping General Baro’s meaning. He couldn’t comprehend why such an evil and strange item would be among General Baro’s family treasures, but then he recalled the general’s plan. ‘It’s… truly despicable… but… I like it.’ A twisted smile contorted Bo Aibiyi’s face.

“This is a treasure passed down through my family, so do not lose it under any circumstances. I eagerly await your good news. Once this matter is concluded, you will be amply rewarded with both power and wealth, my dear Mr. Bo Aibiyi.” General Baro smiled faintly at the man with the contorted face, then patted Bo Aibiyi’s shoulder with renewed solemnity, speaking in a warm tone.

“Yes! I will not fail to live up to your expectations, my lord! This subordinate takes his leave!” Bo Aibiyi, anticipating the imminent glory and riches, suppressed his inner excitement. He gripped the staff tightly, bowed deeply to General Baro, and then turned to depart.

****

Watching Bo Aibiyi walk away, General Baro remained standing for a moment, stroking his chin in contemplation. He then turned and sat back on the sofa, emptying the contents of the small package Bo Aibiyi had previously placed on the table.

With a crisp clatter, several red, blood-like fragments scattered across the tabletop. General Baro picked up one of the blood fragments, examining it closely before leaning back into the sofa, idly toying with the shard.

“To think… that dog had such tenacity. And to bring back such unexpected news. Shadow… follow closely behind Bo Aibiyi. Report any intelligence to me at once.” General Baro, still playing with the blood fragment, commanded the empty room.

“Yes! My liege!” A cold voice echoed through the room, though no figure was visible.

“Now then… next, I must consider how to foster good relations with that demon god, who possesses the power to effortlessly shatter blood restraints… Perhaps… I should trouble Dilia to assist me once more, heh heh.” General Baro held the blood fragment he was toying with up to his eye. Through the shard, everything in his vision seemed to take on a sanguine hue, as if some intriguing scene had appeared. General Baro chuckled to himself