Beyond the Apocalypse
Chapter 153: Faustian bargain (II)

Chapter 153: Faustian bargain (II)

"I see that you seek some form of trade, young man. What is it that you are after?" The Legendary devil finally spoke, her voice smooth and seductive, her eyes probing for any sign of vulnerability.

Vlad’s gaze was steady, unyielding as steel, as he focused on the Legendary devil. When he spoke, it was almost robotic, his face betraying not the slightest flicker of emotion, his vital signs and physical reactions impervious to any chance of exposure. "What I seek are devil bloodlines."

The Legendary devil’s eyes narrowed, a flicker of interest and wariness crossing her features. She had expected a spark of greed or ambition, something she could latch onto and manipulate. Instead, she was met with a disconcerting void. She could not understand how a mere Mortal could perform such a feat worthy of a soulless and emotionless machine.

"Devil bloodlines, you say?" she purred, her mind racing with schemes and contingencies. "And what would a mortal like you offer in exchange for such a rare and potent commodity?"

"Souls," Vlad replied, his tone unchanged, his expression unreadable, relying on the A.I. Chip for every word.

The devil’s smile widened, though it did not reach her eyes. "Souls, you say? That is a tempting offer, indeed. But why should I trust you to deliver what you promise? Do you even know the conditions to send one into Hell?"

"I have the means and the will to deliver. You will find no deceit in my words," Vlad responded with empty eyes.

The devil’s mind whirred with possibilities. She could sense the young man hid something, but his demeanor was unnerving. She decided to probe further. "You are quite an enigma, young man. Most mortals are driven by fear, by greed, by desire. But you... you are different. What drives you? What is your true goal?"

"My goals are my own," Vlad replied, calm and impenetrable. "I have no interest in revealing them for free."

The devil’s smile became predatory. "Very well, let us discuss terms. But be warned, young man, dealing with devils is a dangerous game. One misstep, and you may find yourself bound by more than just a contract."

"I am aware of the risks," Vlad nodded, unperturbed.

The devil, sensing an opportunity to gain the upper hand, leaned closer, her eyes gleaming with a malevolent light. "I see you are resolute. Perhaps I can offer you something more enticing. How about I channel my Devil Force in you?

That power can enhance your abilities, extend your lifespan, and grant you strength beyond your wildest dreams. The price will be lower as I lose nothing, but the benefits will be wondrous, with you reaching the Guardian Tier in a decade."

Vlad’s eyes, though cold and devoid of emotion, reflected a glint of interest. Of course, that was all a ploy by the A.I. Chip, as there was no way Vlad would accept something like that, but it did not hurt to play along. "Devil Force, you say? What would you require in exchange for such power?"

The devil’s smile widened, sensing a potential opening. "A simple exchange. More souls, of course. And perhaps a small binding contract to ensure that when you grow strong enough, you serve under my banner for 100 years. By then, your life span would have risen to millennia, so a century is nothing."

The A.I. Chip continued displaying flashes of interest and desire through Vlad’s eyes, which immediately vanished, making the devil think the young man was hiding them. Vlad’s response was immediate, his tone unchanged. "I see. A tempting offer. But I will need more details before I agree to anything."

The devil’s eyes glittered with anticipation. "Of course, young man. Allow me to elaborate on the benefits you would receive. With Devil Force, you will experience a transformation like no other. Your physical strength will be amplified; your senses will be sharpened to the point where nothing escapes your notice. Your lifespan will be extended far beyond a normal human, granting you time to achieve your greatest ambitions. Once enough of it is channeled into your body, you will become a devil if you so desire, expanding your life span even more."

Vlad, his expression still unreadable, nodded slightly. "And what are the conditions for this gift?"

The devil’s smile widened, sensing his feigned interest. "Ah, nothing too demanding. I just need to leave a mark in your soul to channel my Devil Force."

Vlad allowed a moment of silence, letting the devil’s words hang in the air, making it seem as if he was tempted. Then, he shifted the conversation back to his true objective. "Devil Force is indeed intriguing. However, my primary interest remains in acquiring devil bloodlines for my army. I have yet to gain any knowledge of you, so I cannot accept a binding contract of any type."

The devil’s eyes flickered with annoyance, but a scheming light soon emerged as she smiled again. "Devil bloodlines are much more valuable and rare. They are not something I offer lightly. What makes you believe you are worthy of such a gift?"

"Souls," Vlad reiterated, his tone unwavering. "I can offer a substantial number of souls in exchange for the bloodlines. More than enough to make it worth your while."

The devil considered his words for several minutes before nodding. "I see potential in your path. This might be a good trade, so I am willing to do it."

Vlad replied, his voice as cold and mechanical as ever. "And I am prepared to fulfill my role."

The devil’s mind raced, weighing her schemes. She had hoped to ensnare him with the allure of Devil Force, binding him to her will. However, controlling an entire army was even more enticing, but she needed to be wise and careful as the young man was not ordinary.

"Very well," she said finally, her tone laced with feigned reluctance. "I can offer you devil bloodlines at a low cost."

Vlad nodded, his expression unchanged. "I am prepared to meet those terms. Provide me with the specifics, and we can finalize the deal."

The devil’s eyes gleamed with a mixture of desire and coldness. She had not expected him to be so resolute, so impervious to her usual tactics, but he would fail nonetheless. "Very well," she purred. "Let us discuss the details of our agreement..."