Chapter 394 — Ultimate Slime, Fragile Honor, and Pikachu Under Tension
Mira opened her eyes.
Her pupils glowed softly, as if absorbing the desert's heat.
The light around her seemed to bend slightly toward her silhouette.
Her presence… breathed.
Haya narrowed her eyes.
— A primordial slime?
My eye.
How could that be primordial?
Mister Mind crossed his arms, proud.
— It's a figure of speech.
Let's say… an ultimate slime.
She possesses the abilities of all monster races in this desert.
Mira looked at her hands.
Melted them into jelly.
Reformed them.
— …I was born thirty seconds ago.
Nightmare stared at Mister Mind.
— You really turned a break into the creation of a cosmic entity.
Haya sighed.
— That was excessive.
And now poor Nightmare…
Honestly, that's not fair.
She placed a hand on Nightmare's shoulder.
— I'll help you.
I'll share my curse powers with you.
Mister Mind immediately raised his hand.
— Don't do that.
You know Nightmare is perfect.
And you can't do that.
Think of his pride. His honor.
Silence.
Bloodweaver stared at him.
— Did you get heatstroke or something?
You're talking nonsense.
Nightmare nodded.
— Confirmed.
He's completely rambling.
Mister Mind slowly turned his head.
— How did you hear me?
Nightmare blinked.
— …You said it out loud.
A short silence.
Mister Mind suddenly clapped.
— Good!
The time for nonsense is over.
Come with me. We'll join Father.
If he manages to retrieve Brakk… we'll return.
Mira timidly raised her hand.
— Do I have to come too?
Haya looked at her.
— Yes. You're part of the problems now.
Mira seemed to think.
— Alright.
---
A little further away, negotiations were still ongoing.
Samael stared at Zahkariel.
— If I offer you something in exchange… will you accept?
Liora observed the scene.
— Is it just me or is there a problem?
Since when is Brakk worth so much?
Nova answered calmly.
— From what I've heard, Brakk possesses an artifact… or something like that…
That attracts these assassins.
Evans shrugged.
— Who cares about artifacts.
What matters are the fights.
Lya slowly turned her head toward him.
— Him again.
He's starting to wear us out with his fights.
If you want to fight, go fight.
No one's stopping you.
Evans pointed at Zahkariel.
— Actually, yes.
My opponent is interested in Brakk.
He's negotiating.
Brakk, in the middle:
— I'd like to remind everyone that I'm here.
No one looked at him.
Lya sighed.
— I suggest you fight the Frost Dragon in the meantime.
Elvis raised an icy eyebrow.
— Sorry.
I already have an opponent.
Ryn added calmly:
— Too bad.
You'll have to wait.
And I doubt you'll get a new opponent.
If Zahkariel concludes an exchange, he'll leave.
And your fight will end.
Lightning around Evans began to crackle more intensely.
The sand slightly melted beneath his feet.
— Then I'll find a new opponent.
Lya gave a small smile.
— Good luck with that, Pikachu.
Silence.
Lightning briefly exploded around Evans.
— Stop. Calling. Me. Pikachu.
Valor raised his hand.
— Technically, you have yellow hair and you use electricity.
Nova turned his head to hide his laughter.
Elvis exhaled a light icy breeze.
— At least Pikachu is cute.
A lightning bolt struck the ground a centimeter from Elvis.
— I am not cute.
Mira watched the scene.
— Is it always like this?
Nightmare sighed.
— No.
Sometimes it's worse.
At the center of the diplomatic chaos, Brakk timidly raised his hand once again.
— Could someone explain why my life depends on an interdimensional negotiation while we're debating electric nicknames?
Samael answered without looking at him:
— Because you're special.
Zahkariel added:
— Because you belong to me.
Mister Mind concluded calmly:
— Because you have something I want.
Brakk stared at the sky.
— I miss the days when I was insignificant.
The narrator concluded:
— In this ruined desert…
The greatest danger was neither a dragon, nor an assassin, nor a primordial slime.
It was a poorly chosen nickname.
Chapter 395 — Pacts, Forbidden Book, and Cosmic Bargaining
Samael wore a calm smile.
A smile that promised nothing reassuring.
— If I offer you an artifact… will you accept?
Zahkariel slowly set his incandescent gaze on him.
— I'm tough in business.
I, the jinn Zahkariel… the End of Oaths.
I won't take my eyes off Brakk unless it's truly worth it.
Brakk raised his hand.
— I'd like to remind everyone I'm still here.
Elvis replied without looking at him:
— Yes. That's the problem.
A dark breeze announced the arrival of Mister Mind, followed by Mira, Nightmare, and Haya.
Mister Mind landed softly.
— How's the negotiation going, Father?
— I offered him an artifact in exchange.
Haya narrowed her eyes.
— Which artifact exactly, Father?
Samael slowly raised his hand.
An object appeared.
A book.
Ancient.
Black cover, almost alive.
Silver runes engraved in spirals.
The leather seemed… to breathe.
The sand around the book withered slightly.
— I present to you the Codex Thanatys.
Nova's eyes widened.
— What.
What kind of insane artifact is this now?
Samael continued calmly:
— A book tied to the laws of death.
It allows its user to see the vital threads of beings.
To shorten those threads.
To extend them.
To seal a soul.
Or to prevent a resurrection.
A heavy silence fell.
Nightmare stepped back.
— Ah.
So we're dealing with something subtle.
Mister Mind tilted his head slightly.
— Interesting.
Samael added:
— It can also inscribe a name in its pages.
Once inscribed…
The death of the target becomes inevitable.
Sooner or later.
Brakk swallowed hard.
— I suggest we close that book.
Very far away from me.
Zahkariel studied the Codex.
His inner flames flickered slightly.
— I recognize its value.
This artifact is… impressive.
Nova murmured:
— "Impressive" is a light word for "cosmic weapon."
Haya stared at her father.
— How long have you kept that?
— Always keep a bargaining chip.
The negotiation began.
Zahkariel crossed his arms.
— You think a book will suffice?
— It's not just a book.
— I no longer need a host.
I no longer need borrowed power.
— It's not just about power.
It's about control.
Zahkariel smiled.
— I am control.
Brakk whispered:
— Modesty level: divinity.
Mister Mind observed silently.
Mira tugged lightly at his sleeve.
— Is it always this dramatic?
— Yes.
It's their basic language.
Samael continued:
— With this Codex, even a being like you could lock your existence.
No god.
No mage.
No anomaly could manipulate your end.
Zahkariel narrowed his eyes.
— You imply someone could manipulate me?
— I suggest that no one is above fundamental laws.
A short silence.
Elvis murmured:
— I think it's a good deal.
Nova replied:
— You always think it's a good deal when it involves someone's death.
— It's consistent with my theme.
Zahkariel stepped forward.
— And if I accept… Brakk goes to you?
— Yes.
Brakk raised his arms.
— Could someone ask my opinion at some point?
No one answered.
Zahkariel studied the book for a long moment.
Then he smiled.
— No.
Silence.
Samael raised an eyebrow.
— No?
— I don't need an artifact.
He rested his sword on his shoulder.
— I am Zahkariel.
I don't need a book to decide who dies.
Nova sighed.
— We expected that.
Samael gently closed the Codex.
— Very well.
He stepped toward Zahkariel.
— Then give him to me.
And I'll owe you something.
The wind seemed to stop.
Zahkariel tilted his head slightly.
— You want to make a pact?
Brakk turned pale.
— Oh no.
Pacts with ancient entities never end well.
Valor intervened from the back:
— The Great Valor could supervise this pact.
Everyone ignored him.
Zahkariel stared at Samael.
— A pact with the Angel of Death…
That's risky.
Samael smiled.
— Everything of value is.
Mister Mind observed the scene.
— Pacts are fascinating.
Especially when they involve unpredictable consequences.
Haya crossed her arms.
— You're smiling too much.
Nightmare whispered to Mira:
— If they sign, be ready.
It'll go badly.
Mira tilted her head.
— Is it always like this?
— Yes.
Zahkariel extended his hand slightly.
— And if I refuse?
Samael answered without hesitation:
— Then we'll continue this discussion another way.
Auras rose.
Lightning crackled.
Cold spread.
Shadows lengthened.
Brakk closed his eyes.
— I just wanted a simple life.
The narrator concluded:
— In a desert already destroyed,
the most dangerous thing was neither a dragon, nor an artifact, nor a primordial slime.
It was two ancient beings…
considering a pact.
Chapter 396 — Clause 1: "Never Read the Fine Print"
The wind had stopped.
Even the sand seemed to wait.
Zahkariel stared at Samael's outstretched hand.
— A pact, he repeated slowly.
Samael held his gaze.
— A pact.
Brakk timidly raised his hand.
— Quick question.
Can I *not* be the main clause?
No one answered.
Mister Mind tilted his head slightly.
— Pacts are fascinating.
They always reveal who is most confident.
— Or most reckless, added Nova.
Evans cracked his fingers, electricity running along his arms.
— If you're going to fight, do it quickly.
I still have energy to burn.
Lya sighed.
— You always have energy to burn.
— It's a talent.
— It's a problem.
Zahkariel finally spoke.
— If I make a pact…
What are the conditions?
Samael answered calmly:
— I take Brakk.
You take my debt.
Elvis tilted his head.
— A debt from the Angel of Death…
That could be worth more than an artifact.
Ryn murmured:
— Or cost more.
Haya watched her father.
— Are you sure you want to owe him something?
Samael replied without hesitation:
— I always choose my debts carefully.
Brakk took a deep breath.
— I'd like to remind everyone I'm a person.
Zahkariel's burning gaze fell on him.
— You're a stake.
— That's insulting.
The ground vibrated faintly.
Ancient energy began to circulate between Samael and Zahkariel.
Symbols appeared in the air.
Luminous lines.
Runes.
Nova stepped back.
— Oh no. They're invoking cosmic legal conditions.
Valor raised a finger.
— The Great Valor could—
— No, three voices cut him off at once.
Mister Mind watched the runes intently.
Mira tugged gently at his sleeve.
— Is it dangerous?
— Yes.
— Will it explode?
— Probably not.
Pause.
— Well… maybe.
Nightmare sighed.
— Comforting.
Zahkariel spoke in a deeper voice.
— I want a clear clause.
If I call on your debt… you answer.
Without delay.
Without evasion.
Samael nodded.
— Accepted.
— No matter the price.
— Accepted.
Silence.
Liora finally intervened.
— Do you realize you're creating a bigger problem than the one you're trying to avoid?
No one answered.
Brakk began to sweat.
— I have a bad feeling.
Evans shrugged.
— I just hope it ends in a fight.
Lya looked at him.
— You have a problem.
— Maybe.
The runes began to stabilize.
A dark light enveloped the two entities.
The pact was taking shape.
Then—
A small voice.
— Excuse me.
Everyone turned.
Mira timidly raised her hand.
— If Brakk goes with us…
Does that mean he officially becomes a member?
Silence.
Haya blinked.
— We never talked about that.
Nightmare muttered:
— We don't even have a registration form.
Mister Mind thought aloud.
— We could create one.
Brakk's eyes widened.
— No.
No no no.
I refuse any automatic membership.
Zahkariel chuckled.
— Too late.
The light of the pact intensified.
Samael declared:
— Deal concluded.
The runes exploded into luminous particles that dissipated into the air.
The pact was sealed.
Silence.
The wind returned.
Zahkariel withdrew his hand.
— Take him.
He pointed at Brakk.
Brakk froze.
— …Is this official?
Samael answered calmly:
— Yes.
Brakk looked at Zahkariel.
— You just traded me for a debt?
— Don't take it personally.
— It's literally personal.
Evans sighed.
— So no fight?
Lya crossed her arms.
— No.
— Seriously?
Nova placed a hand on his shoulder.
— Pikachu, accept defeat.
Electricity crackled violently.
— STOP WITH THAT NICKNAME.
Elvis blew a cold breeze.
— He's going to fry us eventually.
Mira looked at Brakk.
— Welcome to the team.
Brakk stared at the sky.
— I feel like my life just took a turn I didn't approve.
The narrator concluded:
— Thus, in a desert destroyed by monsters and egos,
it was neither strength, nor magic, nor a forbidden artifact…
that decided Brakk's fate.
It was a contract.
And as always…
No one had read the fine print.
Chapter 397 — Disturbing Laughter and Pikachu Overheating
Mister Mind tapped his temple.
— Father…
You really made a contract with the End of Oaths.
You've got some nerve.
I hope you're prepared for every eventuality.
Samael slowly turned his head toward him, a calm smile on his lips.
— Don't worry about that, my son.
I'm not foolish enough to trust that one.
He narrowed his eyes slightly.
— Do you doubt your father?
Behind his mask, a smile spread across Mister Mind's face.
— No.
I was just thinking it would be too simple if you'd been tricked like that.
Samael let out a soft laugh.
— They don't call me the Angel of Death for nothing.
Mister Mind tilted his head.
— And they don't call him the End of Oaths for nothing either.
They stared at each other.
Then began to laugh.
A calm laugh.
Too calm.
Mira watched the scene, slightly tense.
— Do they usually do that?
It's… weird.
Nightmare crossed his arms.
— Don't worry.
You'll get used to it.
Haya raised an eyebrow.
— What do you know about it?
You were born a few hours before Mira.
And now you're playing the wise elder with experience.
Nightmare remained still.
— Experience is relative.
Bloodweaver stepped behind him and ruffled his hair.
— Don't listen to her.
She's always been like that.
No filter.
She says whatever comes to mind.
Mira looked at the exchanges, shocked.
— …Are you all like this?
Bloodweaver patted her shoulder.
— Yes.
But me, I'm lucid.
And maybe Brakk too.
Brakk raised his hand.
— Thank you.
Finally someone recognizes my mental balance.
Mister Mind, in the background:
— That remains to be proven.
A little further away, Zahkariel smiled.
— I came out of this well.
Elvis slowly nodded.
— I think it's time for us to leave.
The lightning around Evans immediately crackled more fiercely.
— Leave?
When I'm not finished with you?
You want to run?
Zahkariel raised an eyebrow.
— Me? Run?
Why would I?
I've obtained something precious.
I can leave peacefully, can't I?
Brakk coughed.
— I'm the "something precious," aren't I?
— In part, Zahkariel replied calmly.
Evans clenched his fists.
— Absolutely not!
I'm not satisfied.
Liora sighed.
— Let it go, Evans.
You'll surely have another chance to fight him.
Evans growled.
The electricity around him intensified.
The sand began to melt beneath his feet.
Lya raised her hand.
— Calm down, Pikachu.
Silence.
Lightning exploded briefly.
— I AM NOT PIKACHU.
Nova tried to keep a straight face.
— Calm down.
Maybe you could ask for a fight against a hunter.
Evans' eyes lit up.
— I can choose?
Valor nodded.
— He's too obsessed with fighting.
Ryn added calmly:
— It's an addiction.
Elvis blew a cold breeze.
— He should seek counseling.
Evans pointed at everyone.
— You're all jealous.
Lya raised an eyebrow.
— Jealous of what?
— Of my motivation.
Nova stifled a laugh.
— Yes, of course.
Mira discreetly approached Nightmare.
— Is he always like this?
Nightmare answered without hesitation:
— No.
Pause.
— Sometimes it's worse.
Zahkariel began to walk away.
— We're leaving.
Evans stepped forward.
— We're not finished!
Zahkariel turned his head slightly.
— We haven't even started.
Brakk raised his hand once more.
— Can someone explain why I feel like my life just turned into a series with too many seasons?
Mister Mind replied calmly:
— Because it has.
The narrator concluded:
— In this ruined desert,
pacts were sealed,
artifacts stored,
alliances fragile…
But the real danger remained the same:
A certain electric hunter
desperate for combat.