Chapter 20: The Wheel Turns Again
Ding
[Talent's daily use available. Use: Yes/No]
Adam grumbled as the notification awakened him at sunrise once more.
Fortunately, he slept early. Still, a few more minutes wouldn't hurt him, especially after yesterday's training.
Begrudgingly, he opened his sleepy eyes and sat, feeling the morning cold permeating the stony floor spread through his feet.
Yet, a wave of uncontrollable excitement gripped him as the familiar wheel condensed before him and spun.
'Am I addicted?'
A wry smile stretched his lips, and his eyes narrowed at the needle as he prayed for another good item like yesterday's summoning book.
Gradually, the wheel slowed down and stopped.
His narrowed eyes enlarged. Then he punched the wheel, adrenaline rushing through his veins as the system congratulated him.
[Congratulations on obtaining an express mail coupon!]
"What do you want me to use it for?!"
He roared in anger, his tail raising and lowering with each burning breath he took.
In an MMORPG, he always kept a few of these tickets in his inventory for a pretty stupid but life-saving reason.
Since he played archer, he had to carry bundles of arrows on him. However, like most gamers, he never checked how many he had until the game warned him about the mere 200 left.
Using the coupon, he mailed his idle guildmates a few gold coins and a request to buy arrows and, through a few clicks, they sent the messenger back, saving the dungeon's run.
Yet, in a realm in which he knew no one and could use the market to trade, why would he need the coupon?
'I played mage and warriors in other games! Why didn't you send me something related to those classes? No, even a bow would have been good!'
He cursed under his breath, jumping to his feet.
Amidst his outrage, he finally noticed his muscles didn't ache after a good night's sleep.
'Is it because demons recover faster than humans or because of my increased vitality?'
He pondered the question with a pensive frown as he stepped out of his hut.
'Probably a mix of both.'
He nodded, meeting Shihan's green eyes in front of the campfire.
"Good morning, my lord."
Her charming smile sent a wave of freshness into his thought, alleviating the anger from the bad draw.
"Morning. Did you have a pleasant sleep?"
"Surprisingly, yes."
Her sleeve fluttered as she pointed her finger at the imp she slept with, making him notice its unusual calmness.
"What's wrong with it?"
Confused, he scratched his head.
The six of them were full of energy, jumping around everywhere in a comedic show during yesterday's meal. Yet, today it looked depressed, almost on the brink of ending its life.
Before she could answer, the imp turned, its green eyes locking onto his as a bright smile split its lips.
Without warning, it lunged at him like an excited wildcat and climbed on his shoulders, making him freeze in disbelief.
'The heck?'
"Hahaha."
Shihan's light chuckle illuminated the crackling campfire as she explained.
"Imps are social demons. Since they hate being away from their brethren, they depress and wait for the others return."
He nodded in understanding as the imp hugged his head as if it met with a long-lost friend, making him giggle.
"We were all against your decision to keep them. But now? I don't think they deserve to die when I see how cute they can be."
Shihan added, patting the short imp's fiery hair and giggling at its contented growl.
He noticed her bright smile and the gentleness in her eyes as his heart hastened in his chest.
Coughing to mask it, he stepped back and spoke.
"Let's wake the others up. We have a lot to do today and must divide the task around breakfast."
With a determined nod, she went from one house to another, gathering the demons except Luna.
Since she clearly stated she wouldn't hunt, they knew better than to disturb the powerful succubus.
Soon, his subjects gathered. The djinn heated the leftover meat from yesterday and distributed it before he started.
"As I told you, we'll split into two groups. Those who want to chop wood, raise your hand."
Without surprise, no one raised his hand. Well... a few excited imps did, mainly to express their happiness to reunite with their friends.
'I should have guessed that much.'
As he shook his head, Bart's voice broke the silence.
"I'll do it even if I don't want to."
Then, he turned to the others.
"We can't focus on our selfish desires if we want the territory to prosper. Asna and Puck, come with me. The tomte will supervise the imps. Does everyone agree with this arrangement?"
Adam gazed at Bart, eyes wide and lips stretching.
That's how he would have split them. The imps lacked the discipline to follow them on a hunt, and he wanted to focus on Shihan and Garduck's strengths. The satyr had to show them the way, and the djinn... let's say the furthest he stood from wood, the more likely he could get logs.
However, he knew how loyal Bart was. So, when he forsook his chance to follow him for the territory's good, a wave of respect warmed his heart.
'I need capable leaders like Bart. It's a shame he won't get the experience points, but I'll focus on him next.'
He raised his thumbs after noticing the other demons nod.
"Since everyone agreed, let's go. Satyr, lead the way. Shihan, Garduck and djinn follow me!"
Raising his fist to command attention, he turned and stepped towards the territory's ethereal walls.
The noise of his subjects' determined steps echoed behind as the satyr blurred in front.
Meanwhile, Bart led the others to the territory's southern edges, where the satyr spotted no notable enemies to complete his mission.
On the way, Adam's eyes sparkled at the levels and benefits he would reap through the market today.
Yet, dark clouds obscured his mind's clear sky.
With individuals like Pharaoh giving the other lords good advice, he knew the rates would drop sooner rather than later.
He just hoped it wouldn't be today...
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