Chapter 528: Demons Never Yield

The young demon standing before Vaelor had said something unexpected. He claimed to possess something Vaelor might actually want.

“You? A mere Rank E, claiming to have something of interest to me?” Vaelor scoffed. “I find that hard to believe.”

“Something tells me that you, like the gods, need followers on your Path,” Luke Moon replied calmly. “Otherwise, you wouldn’t be handing out power for free.”

The young demon wasn’t wrong. Still, that alone wasn’t enough.

“So the one who said moments ago that he had no interest in becoming a blacksmith is now willing to submit himself to my Path in exchange for knowledge of the second core?” Vaelor asked, a hint of mockery in his tone, though curiosity slipped through.

Having someone carry his Path into a newly integrated universe would be advantageous, especially if that person was somehow connected to the Order of the Primordial of Darkness.

“No. I’m not interested in the Path of your profession,” Luke Moon said plainly.

Vaelor kept his expression neutral, though inwardly he was confused. “Then you have nothing to offer me. If you were inclined to accept my Path, I might have considered sharing knowledge of the second core.”

“I’m offering something better than a single follower,” Luke said. “I’m offering you the chance to establish a branch of your Order in my universe. Not one disciple, but many.”

“And how, exactly, and why would you do that?” Vaelor asked.

“For my kingdom,” Luke answered. “I will establish one. I can find someone who fits your standards, someone worthy of your interest as a blacksmith, and grant them free passage. Your blacksmiths would be welcome in my realm under my protection, growing along the Path of your profession. Security and resources for your Order would be part of the arrangement.”

Vaelor narrowed his eyes, weighing the words carefully. It was, in truth, an excellent proposal. That universe was newly integrated. His temple had only appeared there by chance, and there was no guarantee that whoever claimed his treasure would spread the name of his Order. It could just as easily end up in the hands of another leech, someone who would exploit his legacy and discard it.

“And you already have a kingdom? Subjects under your banner?” Vaelor asked.

“No,” Luke replied instantly, so fast that for a brief moment Vaelor almost thought he had said yes.

“Oh, let me see if I understand this correctly,” Vaelor said, laughing. “You want ancient knowledge from my clan, and in return you’re offering a position for my Order in a kingdom that doesn’t even exist yet? I see no reason to agree to something like that.”

He stroked his chin thoughtfully. “It would be far more advantageous for me to wait until someone with far greater resources comes along and claims the Profession.”

“You’re absolutely right,” Luke Moon said without hesitation. “Outside, there’s the daughter of a general, there’s even a baron. People with far more political and financial power than I have.” He didn’t seem bothered admitting it. “But I have something they don’t.”

“And what would that be?”

“A territory where your Order is born as a foundation, not an accessory. Gods value investment, and that’s what I’m offering. A high-ranking position in my kingdom for your chosen heir. And to be clear, you will have full authority to approve who inherits your Path. Even if it takes decades, I’ll wait for someone you deem worthy. And of course, I’ll build your Order properly. Statues and all, just like the one I found here.”

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Vaelor studied the young demon in silence, measuring every word.

“And tell me,” Luke Moon said calmly, “are you going to stay here waiting for someone who might use the power of your Path and maybe, just maybe, share it with another… or will you accept my offer and truly establish your Order within an important kingdom? And believe me, I’ll make it the most important one on my world.”

Vaelor considered it for a moment, his gaze drifting to the floating hammer. A branch of my Order in this universe, guaranteed. A tempting offer. Very tempting. Still…

He looked back at the demon. “And what happens if you fail to build your kingdom? What becomes of my side of the deal then?”

“If that happens, I’ll still honor the agreement. I’ll give the hammer to someone of your choosing, even if that person is my enemy.”

Vaelor extended his hand. “I accept the terms.”

“You’ll teach me how to create the core of a Spectral Beast?”

“Yes.”

“And the process that would allow me, somehow, to absorb that core?”

“I will.”

The young demon reached out.