章節 108: 1st trade

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Jon was a gang member in Manhattan, USA, he was compelled to join the gang after losing his parents in a car accident during his teenage years, leaving him and his younger sister to fend for themselves. To survive, he resorted to theft and robbery, enduring constant violence and bloodshed.

As Jon grew older, the years of brutality etched a menacing look on his face, marked by scars from countless fights. Standing nearly two meters tall, he appeared ferocious and intimidating, capable of frightening even children.

Long-term exposure to violence had eradicated any trace of conscience in Jon, making him ruthless and cold-hearted. Despite being a scoundrel, he harbored a deep affection for his sister.

To provide a secure life for his sister, Jon sent her money every month for education. However, he refrained from meeting her to avoid attracting attention and risking their safety.

Despite being infamous in the gang, Jon displayed loyalty and courage. Recently, during a confrontation with a rival gang, Jon unknowingly killed the brother of the opposing leader, resulting in him becoming a target.

Cornered one night after dinner with his gang, Jon bravely fought to escape but sustained serious injuries. Limping away, he worried about his sister's future and clutched a small cross around his neck for strength.

As the pursuing mob closed in, Jon, determined to secure his sister's future, limped into an alley. Realizing it was a dead-end, panic set in. In a stroke of luck, he discovered a door. Without time to ponder, he pushed it open and closed it behind him, unaware that the door vanished.

Unbeknownst to Jon, the door was enchanted by Ivan. It concealed itself in a different space upon entry, reappearing only when the previous occupant exited. Jon found himself in a vast space devoid of sunlight, illuminated by an inexplicable glow. The bizarre encounter left him stunned as he observed numerous doors lining the expansive area.

Amid this strange environment, a towering building stood at the center, encompassed by lawns, ponds, fountains, and statues, emanating a remarkably serene atmosphere.

Jon was certain this was not the bar where he had entered. The door, originally embedded in a bar wall, led him into a vast space—hundreds and thousands of times larger than the bar.

Baffled and uneasy, Jon contemplated retreating. However, before he could turn around, a voice echoed in his ear.

"Hello, sir. Welcome. You're the inaugural visitor to the Devil's Cabin. Special rewards may await you. Please follow me."

Startled, Jon looked up to find a floating sphere, the size of a human head, addressing him.

Though robots were a rarity in this era, Jon, with his experiences, had encountered advanced technology before.

"What are you? Where is this place? What is your purpose?" Jon inquired, his voice trembling.

Controlled by the Red Queen, the spherical robot wasn't surprised by Jon's reaction, understanding that encountering the unknown often instilled fear.

"I am 023, I oversee the Devil's Cabin. You will meet the owner there for your transaction. Please follow me."

"Transaction? What transaction? I have no idea what you're talking about!" Jon exclaimed, fear compelling him to retreat.

Hearing the name "Devil's Cabin," Jon assumed it was a perilous domain. Regretting his decision to come, he questioned why he had entered.

"Did you not read the words on the door? Those who enter the Devil's Cabin must sacrifice something to the devil for their desires. If you enter without a sacrifice, teasing the devil's wrath will result in severe punishment. You may abandon the transaction now, but as a consequence, two years of your life force will be taken," the robot explained truthfully.

Considering leaving, Jon remembered the pursuers outside. Facing imminent danger, he chose to stay, curious about the transaction. Delaying might allow him to evade those chasing him, killing two birds with one stone.

"Please follow me," the spherical robot floated ahead, guiding Jon to the interior of the tall building. There, a devil with striking features awaited behind a large square table.

"Ah, finally, a visitor! As my first customer, I'll give you a discount. Now, present your sacrifice, and I'll provide you with the corresponding item. Let our transaction commence," Ivan eagerly announced.

Nervous, Jon stammered, "About the sacrifice, I...," eyeing Ivan's unmistakably non-human double horns, confirming his suspicion that this was indeed a devil.

Observing Jon's hesitation, Ivan shook his head, expressing frustration. He exerted his mental power, probing Jon's thoughts. To Ivan's disappointment, Jon had stumbled into the Devil's Cabin unintentionally, lacking any intention to strike a deal.

"Oh, fantastic! A fool being hunted down. You've got to be kidding me. You've ruined the excitement of my first transaction. I'll double the punishment for you, and you can expect to face the consequences. Come on" Ivan exclaimed, visibly irritated.

With a thud, Jon fell to his knees, pleading, "Merciful Devil, spare my life! I didn't mean to intrude; I was forced. I have a younger sister to care for. I can't die. Regarding the sacrifice, I'll find a way to make amends."

Contemptuously, Ivan retorted, "Can't you come up with a more pitiful excuse, like an 80-year-old paralyzed mother or a starving three-year-old? Never mind."

Confused, Jon replied, "My parents are long gone, and I have no son. Only a younger sister who's still dependent. Please spare me!"

Ivan, sensing the truth in Jon's words, found himself at a loss for words. This sincere fellow had inadvertently stumbled into trouble.

"Alright, enough with the tears. I did say there would be punishment, but not necessarily death. I'll take five years of your life force. You'll fall seriously ill, but it won't be life-threatening if you take care of yourself," Ivan explained.

Relieved, Jon stopped crying, but suspicion crept back. "You're lying! I heard devils love to lie, and they're only interested in souls. You're planning to take my soul, right?"

"Listen, I'm a balanced devil. Fairness and justice are at the core of my business, not like those old devils with no morals. Sit down, let me draw five years of your life force, and then be on your way," Ivan clarified.

Though reassured, Jon hesitated, asking, "Can I hide here? Someone's chasing me outside. I'll wait for them to leave."

"Alright, after the life force extraction, you can stay here for half an hour. It's your benefit. If you haven't left by then, you'll lose one year of life force every hour. Understand that while it won't kill you, it'll hurt your vitality, requiring more time to recuperate. The choice is yours."