"I was counting on having years to prepare for the invasion. Any ideas on how I could delay them?"

Vacker says "The only thing I can think of would be to disrupt the alliance somehow, but I'm not sure how you could."

"Thanks, I'll keep it in mind. For now I need to figure out a way to escape."

Vacker says "Good luck! If you succeed you will be the first."

"As to that, anything you can tell me about the layout of this place would help."

Vacker says "This is the top level of the prison, there are five levels each one has one hundred cells. The only exit from the prison is the stairs that lead into the great hall."

"Hm, what about the mines?"

Vacker says "The entrance of the mines is on the lowest level of the prison, but there is no exit from the mines."

"What about air for the mines?"

Vacker says "Magic."

"Figures. By the way, why don't you have manacles?"

Vacker says "Those are made of rare metal and Xinun only has five sets. So they are only used on important prisoners."

"I wish I wasn't so important, these manacles are a pain."

Vacker says "The only thing I can tell you that might help is that they are maxed out already. Meaning the suppression will not increase, so if you can increase your strength you can overcome it."

"That does help actually, thanks, Vacker."

Vacker says "No problem. Now put the stone back, food should be coming around soon."

"Alright, talk to you later."

After replacing the stone I sit and think over what Vacker told me until the slot opens and the food comes through. After forcing myself to eat I go back to trying to do some simple exercises. I quickly realize I can't do anything big so I switch to small movements that I can manage.

Due to intense exercise Str +1!

Vacker was right, after my strength increases I can move the tiniest bit easier. For now I will just focus on raising my strength, once I can move better I will look for a way to escape. So for now I keep doing simple exercises until my muscles can't take anymore.

*DING*

Congratulations! Skill Fitness has progressed to level 6!

Fitness

Level 6

Str +6 End +6

Not what I was aiming for but I will take it! Why do I keep forgetting I have that skill? Well, for now anything that raises my strength is a good thing. Before I rest I try again to create a soulscape, I fail again, but I am going to keep at it.

I try until I pass out, and when I wake up I hurt all over, I am stiff from sleeping on the floor. My muscles hurt from the work yesterday, and my chest and back hurt from the whip wounds. I push all the pain to the back of my mind and continue exercising.

*DING*

Congratulations! Skill Pain Resist has progressed to level 8!

Pain Resist

Level 8

You feel 80% less pain.

Physical damage reduced by 8%.

'Been a long time since that leveled up, it picked a good time though!'

With the pain fading a little bit it makes it easier to focus on trying to exercise. As I exercise I realize something is wrong, the demon never came back last night for my second whipping. It is also past time that he should have come for the first whipping today.

As much as I don't want to be whipped, the change in routine worries me. No way has Lady Xinun given up already, she must be planning something new. Well, it's not like I can do anything about it, I will just have to deal with it when it happens.

Due to intense exercise Str +1 End +1!

With the latest strenght increase I am finally able to stand under the pressure of the manacles. I can't really move around, just standing still is my limit, but I am improving. As I am standing there congratulating myself the cell door opens and two human guards walk in.

For a second I think of summoning Bones and letting him kill them but then I think better of it. I stay still and let them grab me and drag me out of the cell and up the stairs. They drag me into the great hall and force me to my knees before Lady Xinun.

Lady Xinun says "My torturer tells me you can now resist the pain of his whipping."

"Maybe he is just getting old."

Lady Xinun says "If anything it seems like your spirit is getting stronger, and under torture no less."

Trezon says "Mistress, I told you there was something weird about this one."

Lady Xinun says "Yes, he is quite interesting. I wish to speak with him alone, leave us!"

Trezon, the two guards holding me and a dozen others around the room all leave at her command. It worries me that she wants to speak with me alone. If it wasn't for these manacles I would try fighting her even if she is stronger than Trezon.

Lady Xinun says "Now, before I do something drastic, how about we just chat. If you would be willing to join me I would treat you very well."

"Why would I want to join the weakest of the demon lords?"

Lady Xinun says "True, currently I am the weakest of the demon lords. I am also the youngest of the demon lords. In time I will catch up to them and eventually I will surpass them and become the first demon queen."

"Quite ambitious aren't you?"

Lady Xinun says "Yes I am, and if you were my lieutenant you would grow in power right along with me."

"You want to make me a lieutenant?"

Lady Xinun says "Yes, you will find serving me has many benefits. If you serve me well I may even take you as a lover."

"While that sounds like a very good offer, it isn't worth my soul. I will take the torture."

Lady Xinun says "You should think carefully before making your choice, you have no idea what real torture is."

"I am sorry but I am disinclined to acquiesce to your request."

Lady Xinun says "Huh?"

"It means no!"

Lady Xinun says "Fine, let's see how you feel after a session with me. Create Soulscape!"