***The Infernal Plane of Lust***

***Amon***

My back hurt, my head hurt, every single muscle hurt, and it took a lot for a demon to admit that it hurt. So it was only understandable that I groaned when I sat down in the HQ’s canteen with the rest of my group. “I hate spiders.”

“What’s wrong with spiders?” Jebril asked. She pulled her head sideways until there was an unhealthy sounding pop as something realigned itself.

“They have too many legs and no tongue that I could rip out and eat!” I growled. “But if I ever get the better of Ex, I will make sure it hurts. I will rip off something important! They must have something that tastes good.”

“Oh.” The djinn looked around and whispered, “Better don’t say that too loud.”

Uphir looked at us. His face had a lot of similarities to a squished tomato, so I gathered that his tutor hadn’t been any nicer than Ex.

“I guess that your tutor is also an infernal pain in the ass?” he lolled with a swollen tongue.

“Yes,” Kitia confirmed from her spot at the table. “It feels like his goal is to make every cell in our bodies fire off pain-signals.”

“Mine always hits my face!” Uphir complained. “It’s like he dislikes the fact that I am better looking than him. No matter what I do, it’s always the face, and once I die and respawn, he just gives me my souls back and does it all over again!”

It sounded like Uphir bragged about his looks and was now reaping the reward.

“Oh, you poor boy. Don’t they have any healer in your class?” Jebril scooted closer to Uphir and started healing him.

“No! I am the only one who takes Assassination!” Uphir whined. “That means that all of the tutor’s attention is on me! I don’t know why I even listened to Kirnok’s suggestion, but he said that I am too scrawny to be a real warrior.”

I winced. At least Ex gave us some time to come up with new strategies after he delivered a beat-down. And if he was bored, there were three people to split his attention.

My eyes wandered from where Kitia, Jebril, and I were sitting to the other side of the table and the only two people who didn’t look like they had the living Inferno beaten out of them. “Shax, Philomena, you went to Warrior training?”

Shax only nodded and kept shovelling some ground-up meat with vegetables into his mouth.

Philomena decided to enlighten us. “Kirnok is actually the tutor for Physical Combat. He is currently teaching five others aside from us and mostly had us spar with each other while he was watching and giving tips. Only once did he give a personal demonstration and that sent one of the others straight for respawn. He is apparently bad at holding back.”

“You didn’t get a beating!?” Kitia looked up from her bowl with meat-pasta and leaned towards Philomena. “Do you think he would take someone who is half warrior, half mage as a student?”

The large demoness shook her head. “Nah, I wouldn’t try it. He is a chill tutor, but the way he talked about mages gave me the impression that he holds some kind of grudge against them.”

“Damn!” Kitia returned her attention to her food and we fell into a glum silence.

It was only the first day, but it seemed like we set ourselves a high goal. Not to say that we hadn’t learned a lot of things. Ex’s desire was for us to be able to withstand him for at least half an hour before he would accept us. I wasn’t even up to a minute, even after I had followed his advice to the letter.

The main problem was that I didn’t have his experience. But maybe I was too harsh on myself. After all, catching up within a day to a demon who had lived for several thousand years would be hubris.

His suggestions already made a huge difference in my combat potential. I had looked up inner mana manipulation and had to realize that it was a very basic trick to enhance the body. By keeping one’s energies contained inside the body and circulating them through muscles, skin, and bones, a fairly weak magic user could emulate the strength of a honed warrior. Of course, this worked only for a short time, but if used wisely it could make the difference between winning and losing.

The downside was that channelling too much power in this way would inevitably burn out the body’s spiritual conduits that were necessary to manipulate energy outside the body. I could only shudder at the thought of such a thing happening. Any living being’s conduits were not really a physical part of their body, but a metaphysical anchor that served the primary purpose of using magic and doubled as a connection to one’s souls.

I didn’t know enough to be certain, but damaging them might very well cause a permanently crippling effect that even a respawn wouldn’t be able to fix.

Luckily, one would have to channel agonizing amounts of energy through one’s own body until such a thing could happen. If used with measure and consideration, inner mana manipulation could become a basic technique for anyone capable of handling magical energies.

I looked at the spoon in my hand and started shaping the metal like modelling clay while sending mana through my arms and hands. Once I had a firm grip on this ability, the increased strength and physical toughness it provided would be a huge boon in any fight. I only had to get to a point at which I could use it unconsciously because otherwise, I wouldn’t be able to cast spells at the same time.

That was why Ex suggested for us to search our souls for techniques that increased our mental capabilities, something that I already tried to do with my telekinesis training regime. My mistake was that I hadn’t realized that there were more specialized techniques that would allow me to take some shortcuts in that regard.

What I had settled for was a version of inner mana manipulation that would speed up my mind, much like it did enhance the rest of my body. The similarity between the two techniques would make it easier to advance both of them at the same time. No matter how I looked at it, having the ability to watch the world pass by in slow motion was of utter importance when fighting incredibly fast opponents like Ex’zibril.

There was no point in firepower or endurance if I simply couldn’t hit him.

I would still stick to my multi-tasking training, just because the other’s memories told me that once mastered, this ability would give me a considerable power boost. The problem was that it wasn’t some spell or technique that could be easily copied. Much like with juggling, you had to train your mind to get into that special state in which you wouldn’t have to consciously think about what you were doing.

It left me to wonder what other little tricks I had overlooked among the countless years of knowledge that my souls held. But maybe Ex would point out more valuable skills once I mastered my desired combat style.

I looked up and cleared my throat. “Philomena, did Kirnok point out any special techniques for warriors that are important to master?”

The large demoness frowned as she thought. “He saw to it that all of us know inner mana manipulation and some way to enhance our senses. From there, it was pretty much only basic training and sparring. He wants us to develop this skill until we don’t even have to think about it.”

“Sounds a lot like what Ex is doing to us,” Kitia grumbled. “Why are they even separating the combat classes if that’s the case?”

Uphir shrugged. “Combat is combat. There have to be some techniques that are superior to others. I don’t see how there could be anyone who couldn’t profit from something like mana manipulation. Anyone who gets into a fight can’t have enough strength and speed, be it a mage or a warrior. The question is more what the different classes will look like once we get past the initial stage of learning the most basic skills.”

“That would be the question, wouldn’t it?” I groaned and tried to straighten my back, because, I was fairly certain that Jebril had done something wrong when she mended my spine back together earlier that afternoon. “But I think that once I am done eating I will hobble back to my room for today and hope that all the aches and pains go away overnight.”

While the rest of the canteen was filled with tables of laughing and joking warriors, we, the newcomers, kept our heads down and ate our food while worrying about the horror that awaited us in the coming weeks.

Two weeks passed like that.

Two weeks of Ex kicking my ass at least thirty times a day. Because I simply was stubborn like that. As a demonling, my goal was to be free. As an imp, my life’s aspiration was to be a proper demon and to eventually settle my little debt with Sozzudon. And as a demon, I had a new goal now… and that was kicking Ex’s ass even if it was the last thing I did.

It was no wonder that I found myself spread-eagled on the ground yet again after Ex had taught me a lesson. “Something broke… something important…”

“No worries,” the tutor replied with twinkling eyes which I could have sworn were his way of smiling. “Take your time and fix yourself up. I am sure that a real opponent would give you all the time you need to heal.”

“Learning Mend wasn’t meant as a skill to be used in combat, but so that I wouldn’t have to rely on others for fixing myself.” I poked and prodded my side where I was sure that a broken rib had injured a lung. “That’s what I have Death Grasp for.” I gasped as I found the right spot and pushed before I applied Mend, a basic healing skill which I had dug out of my souls’ memories a few days prior.

Ex nodded. “Ah, yes, that direct life-transfer ability of yours. Really useful as a combat heal, and it weakens the opponent at the same time. Unfortunately, totally useless if you can’t touch your enemy. You should learn a major healing spell to fix up fatal injuries during combat. It’s just embarrassing if you bleed out because an artery was cut and your opponent doesn’t allow you the time to fix the bleeding.”

“I don’t think my souls have any,” I admitted.

“Then do you want me to trade you one? Kitia and Jebril already took me up on the offer.” Ex reached out, offering me a hand. “I, Ex’Zibril, offer you one soul with major healing knowledge. In trade, I will get a soul of equal value.”

I frowned. “Isn’t it risky to use a verbal contract for this?”

He shrugged. “The Infernum is an impartial mediator in deals such as this. Much better than writing down a proper contract with hundreds of pages, don’t you think?”

I had to admit that I would never trust a written contract with a trading deal unless I could spend months studying it. The Infernum, on the other hand, was fair as far as the Infernum was concerned. The only problem with verbal contracts arose when one party spoke in jest, not really believing that the other side could actually deliver.

Raising my hand, I took Ex’s offer and felt one of my magic souls depart while I gained one in return. “Thanks, I guess. I will take some time for self-reflection until I can challenge you again.”

Ex’zibril clapped his hands. “Actually, take your time with that and in return, I expect an actual fight when you try again. My skills are needed, so I’ll be on a mission for the next week or two, but there will be a replacement should you really want a beating. Sadly, it won't be me. I would suggest for all of you to use my absence to gather some experience outside HQ. One can only grow so much while constantly pushing his limits, and you guys have been doing so since I met you. It’s time to put your skills to the test in real combat. Once that’s over, we will continue.”

“I see.” I got back to my feet once I was sure that I wouldn’t vomit blood. To have Ex’zibril run out on us like that was a bummer, but if Ebandon assigned him for a mission it couldn’t be helped. “We will be waiting for you then.”

The others had also interrupted their meditations when they heard that our tutor was going away for a time.

“Actually...” Ex tilted his head. “You might also use the chance to check out one of the other classes. I am sure that Kirnok didn’t forbid you from trying yourselves in other skills.” His mandibles rasped together, which was his version of laughing. “Are you even aware of how long it takes the average newcomer to become a full-fledged member?”

“Months?” Jebril winced and rubbed her butt where Ex had kicked her earlier that morning.

“Five to ten years!” Ex replied. “You guys have been going at it like possessed.”

We kept bantering for a while, and I was a little miffed that nobody had told us that we weren’t on a tight time-line. Kirnok had made it sound like we had to give it our all to become acknowledged members of the warband.

But I guess that when someone was essentially immortal, taking a few years to accomplish a goal was actually pretty quick for someone who had all the time in the Infernum.

In the end, we departed with the promise of meeting up again as soon as Ex returned from his mission.

I spent the following days alone while working on my new skills, particularly combat healing. Jebril decided to take another class and Kitia was off to do her own thing. I guess that I could have also taken another class, but I was determined to increase my combat potential so that I wouldn’t be a mewling kitten in front of any strong foe I came across.

It was one night when I was meditating in my room when I felt the tug of a contract which I had eagerly awaited for quite some time. After everything that had happened, I was afraid that the holder would never summon me again.

Answering the summons, I felt myself being whisked away and rematerialize in a flash of Infernal Fire inside a summoning circle. Feeling theatrical, I raised my hands and summoned my wings to spread them wide. “Fear me, mortal, because you have summoned Arrrgh!”

My name came out wrong because I was rewarded with a fist of salt to the face for my efforts.

“Fuck! That’s not Amon, Loretta! What did you do wrong this time!?”

“I did nothing wrong! Help me banish him before he breaks out of the encirclement. I didn’t expect to summon a full demon, so the restrictive barrier won’t be able to hold him for long.”

“Water! Bring me water, you stupid bitches or I will bring down the Infernum on this place!” I screamed while I ineffectually rubbed at my eyes in an attempt to get the salt out. To be brought low by a fist of salt. If any of my minions ever heard about this I would never be able to live it down.

“Like we would be stupid enough to do that!” Loretta, the witch who had helped Betsy to summon me snarled. “What did you do to Amon? Did you take his contract?”

“I am Amon!” I screamed in the general direction of her voice. All I could see right now were blurry outlines.

That brought the two witches who were preparing some banishment ritual to a halt.

“Prove it!” Betsy’s voice demanded. “What was the first thing that you ordered through my online account.”

“A laser!” I replied. “And when you complained I got you a vibrating dildo because you were so uptight about it that I thought you needed a way to relax!”

Betsy gasped. “You weren’t supposed to mention that!”

“I will start mentioning the other stuff which I found on your shopping list if you don’t get me some water!” I hissed in reply and, oh wonder, stomping feet announced a quickly running female and not thirty seconds later I had a keg of water which I could use to rinse out my eyes.

“You are larger than I remember,” Loretta commented once I had restored my vision somewhat.

“Children tend to grow up,” I replied.

“Never seen an imp grow up that quickly.” She crossed her arms, clearly still distrusting me.

“We grow up quickly if we do. Do you want a guide on demonic physiology?” I asked.

“D- don’t agitate him, Loretta.” Betsy grasped her friend's shoulder. “Isn’t this development a good thing? We only wanted Amon to tell us the name of some powerful demon that could be bargained with. Maybe he can help us as he is now?”

“I am not sure if we can trust Amon as it is,” the witch replied, but then she turned to me. “You, we need some muscle to save someone. Are you up for a deal?”

I glared at her and then at the hand which she had hidden inside her pocket. “Only if you put away the salt!”

“It’s the only thing that’s protecting us right now!” she replied. “Demonic creatures are weak against salt.”

“I don’t know any living creature that wouldn’t be if you threw it into their eyes!” I retorted and rubbed my temple. “Look, I already have a running contract with Betsy, can’t we just go with that?”

“I am afraid that I need a little more than that.” Loretta squirmed, visibly uncomfortable with what she had to tell me. “You were such a menace that we didn’t intend to summon you ever again, but this is an emergency.”

I groaned and sat down inside the summoning circle. It appeared that this would take a while.

Betsy apparently decided that her friend was a little too careful and that if she didn't present the facts, things would be going nowhere. “We had some trouble with the paranormal community in town. Loretta got herself a debt with the local fae and yesterday they decided to collect her baby son as insurance.”

I looked at Loretta and studied her carefully. “You have a son?” Indeed, the brunette human looked a little pudgier than I remembered.

“It has been over a year since we summoned you,” Loretta clarified.

My head snapped to Betsy. “You haven’t summoned me for over a year!?” Admittedly, most demons preferred to run their contracts in dimensions which ran on a quicker time-scale than the Infernal Planes, but I hadn’t realized that this world was one such as that.

“Focus!” Betsy reprimanded me. “We have a hostage situation at our hands!”

“So you want me to go and rescue your… baby-thing… demonling?” I asked and frowned at Loretta. The humans called their demonlings babies if I remembered correctly. “Can’t you just make a new one? One year doesn’t sound that bad.”

“No, I can’t replace my baby just like that!” the human hissed back at me, actually looking fierce. From my perspective, it was like an imp had just decided that biting me was better than his own survival.

“Okay! Important offspring, that baby-thing, I understand,” I quickly nodded to appease her.

Betsy got the conversation back on track. “Amon, we originally wanted to ask you whether you know any powerful, trustworthy demon who we could summon to deal with this situation.”

I frowned, but actually this problem didn’t need much consideration. “Powerful, yes. Trustworthy, no.” Then I gestured at myself. “But I am both! I am sure I can deal with some fae, whatever those are.”

Loretta clearly wasn’t convinced and Betsy also tilted her head. “There are a lot of them! A whole court, actually!”

“Well, I could try to summon some of my minions!” I offered. “Together, I am sure that we can kick some fae-ass. Besides, I doubt that you would be able to pay the price of a real Demon Lord.”

“You have minions?” Loretta sounded surprised. “What are you now, a demon lord? And what would be the price of a real one, hypothetically speaking.”

“Just an illustrious manager of a little group, I am afraid,” I corrected. “And as for a real Demon Lord, are you willing to establish a cult and sacrifice a town’s worth of souls for him?”

Loretta looked actually tempted, but Betsy quickly butted in. “I think that would be going a little too far, morally speaking. What would be your price, including your companions?”

I smiled. “We get to keep the souls of all the ones we slay.”