Chapter 16: The First Contract
Oliver leaned in, breath shaky but voice steady, and whispered into the demon's ear. Just a few words—but enough to freeze Accra mid-motion.
The demon's glowing eyes widened like burning coals. Slowly, he turned his head toward the boy.
"You… do you even understand what you're promising?" Accra's voice came low, almost reverent—an ancient rumble laced with caution.
Oliver nodded. "I'm promising to make you a Demon King."
The room fell into silence. Amid the death and dark Aether, even the shadows seemed to still.
Accra narrowed his eyes. "Explain."
"I understand your kind," Oliver said, voice firmer now. "Demons don't rise through chaos. You actually rise through fulfilled contracts. The more you complete, the more powerful you become. But it's not just about numbers—it's quality."
He limped a step forward, pain coursing through the leg Sir Bolton had crushed, and he had stabbed. But he didn't fall.
"A contract's quality depends on the bloodline of the contractor, the stakes involved, the power risked, and the clarity of the rules. A high-ranking contract is like a beacon. It's proof that you're worthy to ascend."
Accra's jaw tensed. He stared at the child like he was seeing something forbidden.
"No demon would reveal such truths to a human."
"And yet," Oliver said, "here we are."
Accra wasn't just shocked—he was curious. Oliver could see it. Those red eyes dilated and contracted, recognizing the truth in his words.
These weren't guesses. They were facts Oliver had learned in his first life—before everything changed, and he was back to this start.
Oliver had been a slave—sold, traded, even gifted—until he reached the royal household of the Somaran Empire. His mistress's consort was too lazy to study, so he made Oliver read for him. Empire secrets. Forbidden documents. Journals of dungeon conquests and failed demonic contracts.
He would spend endless nights so that he could summerize it all in the morning.
That's how Oliver had also learned the true nature of the Staff of Solomon, how he knew the inner workings of demons.
And that's how he recognized the name Accra the moment he overheard his father mention it back when he eaves dropped on them.
"I'll help you get SS-rank contracts that'll make even Demon Kings envy you," Oliver continued. "In fact, the promise I just made—it's already at least S-rank."
Accra's face twitched in surprise.
But then he spoke, voice colder now. "And why should I trust you, child of ruin? Right now, you are less than an insect to me. Why should I stake my future on you?"
Oliver's heart pounded. This was it—the turning point. The demon was no longer dismissive. He was demanding proof.
So Oliver gave it.
"Because I know the truth, Accra. You only have one more chance to remain in this world. One failed attempt, and you'll be dragged back—not just to a dungeon, but possibly back to the Abyss."
Accra went still.
No one should've known that.
And yet Oliver did—because in his past life, Accra failed.
When a demon managed to fulfill the conditions for release into the human world, it was their quickest, and best opportunity to rise in power. In the human world, Contracts were the key.
But signing failed contracts would hurt the demon just as much.
A lot of things could mess up a contract. The contracted dying was one way to go about it. A demon going against a contract was another. Of course this was as rare as a solar eclipse. Demon's were not just built that way. It was as hard as seeing a fish climb a tree.
There were of course other things that could lead to the contract not getting fulfilled by the human.
According to the future oliver was familiar with, Accra would later become trapped as he was sent back to a dungeon.
Consumed by rage, he signed hundreds of desperate contracts just to claw his way back into the human world. Rumors whispered that a botched contract in the human world with a human caused his exile.
And Accra wanted revenge. Considering the time gap, and this meeting, it was safe to say that Richie Von Rich was that human.
"You tried to snitch, didn't you?" Oliver said. "You leaked certain the truths of the Alchemist's seal to the Somaran Empire. You hoped they'd offer you a better deal. But they won't. You won't get a contract. And the loophole you wanted to exploit... it'll ruin you."
Accra bared his teeth, a deep rumble in his throat—but he didn't deny it.
Oliver pressed on, voice calm but merciless. "You'll lose everything. Your access to this world. Your path to climb the demon ranks, dream to Kinghood. All because of one mistake."
The demon's stare turned sharp—then... thoughtful.
And then, he smiled. He did not need any more convincing. Oliver had been bold in striking its heart. Even if he did not want to sign a contract with Oliver, his need for adventure pulled him, and Oliver was indeed presenting incredible stakes. The likes he had never seen.
"Very well," Accra said darkly, amused. "...Let's make it official."
Those words were so sudden. Of course Oliver wanted to sign a contract, but he had thought that he would be needing a bit more to convince a demon.
But looking at Accra, he could tell that it was true what they said about him. Accra was not one to let opportunity pass, no matter how little it seemed. Also, the demon was desperate. If it's contract with Richie Von Rich would get ruined, then why not have a back up plan?
In the very least, he could hold off to going back to the dungeons, and then think up a plan.
Black smoke spiraled upward, carving ancient runes into the air. A blood-red circle ignited beneath their feet, pulsing with dark energy.
"This will be a Rank A contract," Accra intoned.
"Terms are simple. I will not harm you. I will allow you to act freely. In return, you must secure me one S-rank contract within a year."
Oliver's eyes lit up, but he hid his excitement immediately. He had only been back in time a few hours ago, and he was already signing a Rank A contract.
Contracts where in grades A—D, and then S and SS. Contracts were just as useful to demons as they were to humans.
Contracts affected one's bloodline. The more contracts of quality, the greater the bloodline limit that could be broken, or refined. In some cases, contracts came with abilities for the condition.
It was a kind of growth not many in ghis world had knowledge to, and was seen as heretical. Unless of course the person was from the Somaran empire.
Also, by the time many people understood this kind of power, many opportunities were already lost.
Then again they were not to be blamed. Demon contracts were destructive by nature.
But Oliver could careless. Right now, he had to get past Accra to reach the Alchemist's seal.
But Oliver did not just step into the circle. He wanted more. One should always try to get the maximum benefit when dealing with a demon.
"And if I give you an SS-rank contract?" Oliver spoke with a bit more confidence. With his knowledge of the future, such a possibility could indeed raise its head.
Accra's grin turned suddenly sharp. "Then I pledge loyalty to you... as my Contractor."
Oliver's eyes gleamed.
"No. Not as 'my' Contractor. As my servant."
The demon froze for a heartbeat—then laughed, low and dangerous.
"Clever little prince. Very well." He agreed fast. Which made Oliver believe that he had not put enough pressure, but it was already too late.
It was a short, brutal contract. Every word carved in blood.
"And if you fail..."
"You get my soul?"
Accra tapped a claw to his lips, then pointed at Oliver's forehead. "I don't want your soul. Where's the fun in that? I want... that."
Oliver blinked. "My head?"
"No. Something within it. A stain I can't see, but I feel it—burning inside your soul. You carry something not meant... for your time. Something... precious."
Oliver's gut clenched.
The demon could sense his memories from the future?
Of course he could.
Demons had a way of finding value no one else could even detect. This aided them with finding the best for contracts.
Their hands—one human, one clawed—reached out and touched.
The circle erupted in light.
Contract complete.
Oliver stumbled back, the residue of dark energy burning into his veins. But something had changed. He could feel it.
He was no longer just a desperate boy fleeing death.
He was now a Demon Contractor.
And in a world drowning in bloodlines and betrayal—
That would definitely make him...