Chapter 23: Chapter 22 Unrivaled Nightmares

Helios looked around the gathered crowd. They watched him with predatory expressions. He felt anger and annoyance rising within him for being caught up in this situation. King Beebo stared at him intently, awaiting his answer.

 

“My apologies but I’m in no way associated with this Imp. I have no interest in participating in any competition or becoming a Nightmare artificer, whatever that is,” Helios firmly stated.

 

“Don’t be so hasty, Helios. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Nightmare Tuktuk is a master of the highest calibre. As his apprentice, you will be respected throughout all of Hell. We’ll even provide you with the supplies you’ll need for your studies. You will want for naught within Fastidium, reconsider your answer,” Lady Beebo said, her words heavily weighted with unspoken threats.

 

Shit. How did I end up in the middle of all this drama? Fucking Imps, dragging me down with them. 

 

If I refuse, I’ll likely die at the hands of the crowd. Because if King Beebo declares us outcasts, it won’t just be Dolore demons we’ll have to deal with. While if I accept, I’ll be granted temporary protection. The King and her consort clearly want Tuktuk’s knowledge. 

 

It looks like I have no choice…

 

“I, Helios, acknowledge Nightmare Tuktuk as my master…” Helios began.

 

“Wait, Helios. Nightmare Tuktuk is an Imp. An oath to him holds no weight, Hell will not recognise it. Swear upon the terms of the contest,” King Beebo interrupted, she had a subtle satisfied smile on her lips.

 

“Sigh. I, Helios, swear upon my true name to participate in a competition at the end of my apprenticeship to Tuktuk. I accept the challenge of facing off against Lord Arthrim’s journeyman. The victor is to be decided by a contest of skill. The loser shall serve the victor’s master,” Helios reluctantly said with a heavy sigh, his shoulders slumping in defeat.

 

“Excellent! To leave no doubt of the credibility of the victor, we will select Lord Arthrim’s apprentice from the Dolore among the crowd. Who wishes to volunteer?” Lady Beebo replied, addressing the crowd. 

 

Excitement spread through the crowd like wildfire, Dolore pushed against each other to be the first to present themselves. One successfully overpowered his rivals and stood unchallenged in front of Fastidium’s king. He was a fierce-looking monstrosity with vaguely human features. His skin was covered in a thick texture similar to lava crust. 

 

As the Dolore opened his mouth to speak, red static energy slowly climbed his body. He held up a hand in confusion, electricity arched between his fingertips. A humming sound rose in intensity until the Dolore looked up at King Beebo in panic. She silently watched what was happening with her head slightly tilted in indifferent curiosity.

 

“Save me…” the Dolre started to say.

 

His words were interrupted by a savage pulse of red lightning. His body exploded into a mass of blood and guts, splashing the crowd around him. Demons snickered in amusement while tasting his flesh.  King Beebo’s appearance was miraculously unblemished by the bloodshed in front of her. Gore fanned in a circle from where he had previously stood but split in a wedge to either side of her.

 

“Idiot. Only a magic-user is capable of becoming a Nightmare,” a familiar voice said from the crowd. Demons moved out of the way to allow them passage.

 

“Sogril…” Helios whispered in recognition.

 

Sogril’s appearance changed a lot after reaching the Dolore stage. His skin was no longer directly a red colour. Instead, it was pale with a red light now illuminating it from underneath. Intricate tattoos decorated his body with lightning bolt patterns up to his neck. His throat was exposed muscle and sinew to display the red glow more prominently. The spikes covering his head and back had become small and fine, looking like fur. The crowd tentatively backed away from his intimidating presence.

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“Dolore, what is your name?” Lord Arthrim said, stepping forward to inspect Sogril up and down.

 

“Sogril, my lord,” Sogril replied, dropping to one knee while resting a hand atop it and lowering his head. Electricity danced across the fur-like quills covering his back and scalp.

 

“Well, Sogril. What are you waiting for? Recognise me as your master,” Lord Arthrim coaxed him.

 

“I acknowledge Lord Arthrim as my master until completion of my apprenticeship. I accept the challenge of facing Helios. The victor to be decided by a contest of skill, and the loser shall serve their master. I swear upon my true name, Sogril,” Sogril intoned. Moments later, a Sigil belonging to Lord Arthrim appeared on his throat.

 

“A worthy apprentice. The contest shall commence in a century and one day hence. If either attempts to flee Fastidium during this time, they shall be punished accordingly. Now, disperse. Stop blocking the entrance to my city,” King Beebo decreed. Lord Arthrim offered his hand to assist her in mounting her Vulgaris demon before following suit.

 

“Come along, apprentice,” Lord Artrim instructed.

 

Sogril locked eyes with Helios as the crowd dispersed. He silently climbed to his feet and looked over his shoulder before trailing closely behind his new master. Helios was interrupted by a thump on his shoulder, containing unexpected force. He turned to discover the Imp, Tuktuk’s bearded face grinning up at him.

 

“Welp, Tuktuk is in your debt, friend. He’ll be going now and will see you around,” Tuktuk said before dragging himself across the dirt on four arms, humming a soft tune.

 

“Wait a minute!” Helios shouted, chasing after him. He rounded him and blocked his path. “You just dragged me into this, you can’t just leave.”

 

“Watch Tuktuk. That cunning witch and her pet Nightmare are trying to steal Tuktuk’s tricks. Imagine the look on their faces when their little scheme fails. Hahaha!” Tuktuk replied, jovially laughing. 

 

“Then what happens to me?” Helios asked, turning hostile. He raised his staff, tendrils emerging from his Soul Brand to circle the shaft. 

 

He felt the weapon eagerly urge him to unleash his power. Which was magnified exponentially after being upgraded, taking Helios aback. Noticing Helios staring dumbfounded at the staff in his hands, Tuktuk smirked with pride. He heavily sighed before speaking.

 

“Sigh, Tuktuk will teach you on one condition. You invest yourself completely. Tuktuk respects a demon willing to confront tyranny without fear. All of his other apprentices revealed themselves to be cowards. Skulking away into the shadows after Tuktuk was cheated. Now, follow me and Tuktuk shall open your eyes to a world full of wonder,” Tuktuk replied.

 

“Do I need to swear anything upon my true name?” Helios suspiciously asked.

 

“Hmmph. Don’t be stupid, boy. An oathbreaker cannot accept a contract. Even if Tuktuk could, it’s worthless anyway. All of his students have been disowned. No, we are bound by stronger ties, you and Tuktuk… Honour.  Stand proud, never shy away from a challenge. To be worthy of being my only apprentice, do not forget it,” Tuktuk said. 

 

He turned and made eye contact, his black eyes containing a mysterious magnetism in their depths. A strange feeling welled up inside Helios. He solemnly nodded his head as his companions silently joined the pair as pedestrians passed around them.

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