When a Filipino got Isekai'd with a twist!
" Only I can summon those!"
Chapter 39: Demons Bargain!
Serena's heart raced as she met Kieth's gaze, the weight of his question hanging heavily in the air. The sterile hospital room felt suddenly smaller, the beeping machines and the faint scent of disinfectant fading into the background. She could sense the gravity of the moment, the unspoken fears and uncertainties swirling between them.
"We're in a hospital," she replied, trying to keep her voice steady. "You were hurt during the battle, but I managed to get you out. You're safe now."
Kieth's brow furrowed, his expression a mix of confusion and concern. "But how did we end up here? I remember…I was running, and then I…was…and everything went blank."
Notice! User is not in his world; this is just an imitation created from the system. To tend to the user's needs. "The system's mechanical voice chimes in.
Keith's eyes widened as he processed the system's announcement, his gaze darting around the hospital room with renewed curiosity.
"An imitation?" he repeated, his voice laced with skepticism. "What do you mean?" Serena's expression turned uneasy, her eyes flicking to the system's notification before returning to Kieth's.
"I'm not entirely sure," she admitted. "Your system created this...simulation, I suppose, to help you recover. But I don't know how it works or what its limitations are."
Notice! Affirmative! The user is currently inside the system pocket dimension, and the system created an imitation of a hospital from the user's home world for. This is the system backup plan if user HP is about to hit zero (critical level); this is a safe zone where the user can recuperate from his wounds.
Keith's eyes narrowed as he processed the system's explanation, his mind racing with the implications.
"A safe zone?" he repeated, his voice laced with a mix of curiosity and skepticism. "You mean, this is some kind of...VR or virtual reality?" Serena's expression turned thoughtful, her eyes never leaving Kieth's face.
"Ahm, sir Kieth, what is v.r.?" she said slowly. Kieth's gaze darted around the hospital room again, this time with a newfound sense of wonder.
Keith's eyes lit up as he began to explain. "So, Serena, you know how we've been using the system's interface to navigate and control things?"
Serena nodded, her expression curious.
"Well, virtual reality, or VR, is kind of like that, but on a much bigger scale," Kieth continued. "It's a way of creating a completely artificial environment that can simulate real-world experiences. You can see, hear, and even interact with things in the virtual world, just like you would in real life."
Serena's eyes widened in amazement. "That sounds like magic," she breathed.
Kieth chuckled. "I know it sounds crazy, but trust me, it's real. And the system's pocket dimension is basically a form of VR. It's creating a simulated environment that's designed to keep me safe and help me recover."
Serena's expression turned thoughtful. "I see," she said slowly. "So, it's like a...a dream world, but one that's controlled by the system?"
Kieth nodded. "Exactly. And just like in a dream, things can seem real, but they're not necessarily tied to the physical world. Does that make sense?"
Serena nodded, a look of understanding on her face. "I think so," she said. "It's just...it's hard to wrap my head around. This is all so...new."
Kieth smiled sympathetically. "I know it's a lot to take in," he said. "But we'll figure it out together, okay?"
"Hey, system, aren't you supposed to brief me on what's happening to you now?
The system's mechanical voice chimed in, its tone detached. "Briefing initiated, User Kieth. System rebooting progress: 61% complete. Several system factions are now back online, including:
- Item Box: accessible and functional
- Item Shop: available for transactions
- Weapon Shop: available for transactions
- Appraisal Skill: online and functional
- Other skills: restored to normal functionality
User stats have also returned to normal. However, please note that summoning new weapons is currently unavailable due to the ongoing system reboot.
Additionally, the system A.I. has undergone a significant evolution. It has transcended its previous programming and has developed a sense of self-awareness, effectively becoming a conscious being. This development has resulted in a significant increase in rebooting speed, as the A.I. is now actively working to restore the system to full functionality.
The A.I. has chosen to refer to itself as 'Metatron.'. This name reflects its newfound sentience and its role as a guide and assistant to the user.
Metatron's presence will continue to guide and assist the user throughout the rebooting process. Estimated time to completion: 39% remaining. Progress updates will be provided regularly."
Keith's eyes widened as he processed the briefing, his mind racing with the implications of the system's evolution. "Metatron, huh?" he muttered, a hint of curiosity in his voice. "I wonder what that means for us...he said as he stood up and did a stretching. Man, my whole body is stiff."
"Notice! Someone is trying to connect to the user's system communication! Do you want to let the person contact you?
Yes, no?
"Huh? Contacting me? Who?"
Notice! The person who's trying to connect to the user is the Goddess of Life, Lycana.
"Goddess of what?!"
Goddess of life, Lady Lycana. "Metatron replied with a mechanical voice.
"Sir hero, I think you should let her contact you . Mybe she is worried to you." Serena whisper to him.
"Fine, let her through." As he said that, a loading screen pops up.
As the video call connected, Lycana's worried expression filled the screen. "Kieth, where have you been? I've been searching everywhere for you, and I couldn't sense your presence anywhere. I was so worried that something terrible had happened to you!"
Kieth opened his mouth to explain, but before he could say anything, Lycana's expression turned stern. "And what's with this...this strange background? Where are you? You just disappeared without a trace, and now you're...you're..."
Kieth held up his hands, trying to placate her. "Lady Lycana, please, let me explain..."
But before he could continue, Metatron's voice chimed in, its tone calm and authoritative. "Goddess Lycana, I apologize for the confusion. I am Metatron, the artificial intelligence system that has been assisting Kieth. I must explain that Kieth's disappearance was not intentional, but rather a necessary measure to ensure his safety."
Lycana's expression turned curious, and she leaned forward, her eyes locked onto Metatron's icon on the screen. "What do you mean? What happened to Kieth?"
Metatron continued, its voice smooth and explanatory. "Kieth's HP was critically low, and he was in danger of succumbing to his injuries. To prevent this, I activated the system's backup plan, which involved creating a pocket dimension to facilitate Kieth's recovery. This dimension is a simulated environment, designed to provide Kieth with a safe space to heal and regain his strength."
Lycana's expression turned thoughtful, and she nodded slowly. "I see. I apologize for my outburst, Kieth. I was truly worried about you. But I'm glad to see that you're safe and that Metatron is taking care of you."
Kieth smiled, feeling a mix of relief and gratitude. "Thanks, Lycana. I'm sorry I worried you. But I'm okay now, thanks to Metatron's help."
Lycana smiled, her eyes warm with concern. "I'm glad to hear that, Kieth. Take care of yourself, and don't hesitate to reach out if you need anything. I'll be keeping an eye on you from afar." As she said that, one voice chimed in.
"So this is the summoner, eh? I see that he is quite a handsome fella. Are you sure you chose him because of his heart or something else?" Antares teases her, peeking at the screen, and another goddess peeks at the screen; it's Riona, the Goddess of Order.
"Oh… I see he is a handsome young man; I can see you pick good specimens," she said, teasing Kieth because Kieth is now half naked. But with a bandage. So he hurriedly covered. his body and said.
"Why is there a kid there, Lady Lycana?!" He shouted.
"Got a death wish funk!" Riona said with an angry voice, and Antares laughed hard.
"Hahahaha, the lad is correct; you're like a kid because of your height. Don't blame him. Hahaha. Peaksquik.
"Mother fuck! Do you want to go now? Hah! You kapre (forest giant), come on!" She said as Lycana pinched her nose while holding Riona's back clothes while she was gesturing a one-two punch.
"It's quite chaotic here. We apologize, Sir Kieth. I am Ceqie, the god of knowledge.
Kieth's eyes widened in surprise as the screen filled with the faces of various gods and goddesses, each with their own unique personalities and quirks. He felt a mix of embarrassment and amusement at the banter between Antares, Riona, and Ceqie.
Lycana, however, seemed to be trying to restore order to the conversation. "Everyone, please. Let's not overwhelm Kieth. He's still recovering from his injuries."
Kieth nodded in gratitude, feeling a bit overwhelmed by the sudden influx of divine attention. "Thank you, Lady Lycana. I appreciate your concern."
Ceqie, the god of knowledge, spoke up, his voice calm and measured. "Kieth, we mean no harm. We're simply curious about your...unique situation. Metatron, can you tell us more about this pocket dimension and Kieth's role in it?"
Metatron's voice chimed in, its tone helpful. "Of course, God Ceqie. The pocket dimension is a simulated environment designed to facilitate Kieth's recovery. It's a safe space where he can heal and regain his strength without fear of external threats."
Antares, the god of war, spoke up, his voice gruff. "And what about his abilities, Metatron? Can he still access his powers in this...pocket dimension?"
Metatron replied, "Kieth's abilities are currently limited due to the system's rebooting process. However, as the system continues to recover, Kieth's access to his powers should gradually return."
Riona, the goddess of order, frowned, her expression concerned. "And what about the risks, Metatron? Are there any potential dangers to Kieth or the world outside this pocket dimension?"
Metatron's voice was reassuring. "The pocket dimension is designed to be a safe and stable environment. However, as with any complex system, there are always potential risks and uncertainties. I am actively monitoring the situation and will take all necessary precautions to ensure Kieth's safety and the stability of the pocket dimension."
Lycana's expression turned serious, and she leaned forward, her eyes locked onto Kieth's. "Kieth, I need to inform you of the current situation outside this pocket dimension. The other heroes...Cain, Vismond, and Chris...they were ambushed by Azazel, the Demon King of Cruupity. They're barely holding on, and their situation is dire."
Kieth's eyes widened in shock, and he felt a surge of concern for his fellow heroes.
Lycana continued, her voice somber. "The capital, the Empire, has fallen. Emperor Vladimir Viscohadan was captured by Azazel. But the other kings and queens managed to flee safely."
Kieth's jaw clenched, and he felt a wave of anger wash over him. He wanted to act, to do everything in his power to help his friends, to save the Empire, and to defeat the demon kings.
Lycana's voice cut through his thoughts. "Cain's party is currently in a secret location, training and preparing for their next move. And Josh...he's currently searching for you, Kieth. He's been scouring the land, trying to find any sign of you. He's determined to help you, no matter what."
Kieth's eyes widened in surprise, and he felt a surge of gratitude towards Josh. He was glad to know that his friend was looking out for him.
Lycana's expression turned gentle, and she smiled. "Don't worry, Kieth. Josh will find you soon. Just focus on recovering for now. We'll be in touch soon."
The video call ended, and Kieth was left to process the information. He felt a sense of hope, knowing that Josh was out there, searching for him. He would have to wait and recover, but he knew that with Josh's help, they would be able to overcome any challenge that lay ahead.
"Alright, I guess it's time to move! Do you agree, Metatron?
Metatron's voice chimed in, its tone affirmative. "User Kieth, the system's rebooting process is nearing completion. Your abilities and equipment are being restored, and the pocket dimension is preparing to release you back into the outside world."
Keith's eyes lit up with excitement. "That's great news, Metatron! How much longer until the reboot is complete?"
Metatron's voice was smooth and explanatory. "Estimated time to completion: 5% remaining. However, please note that the pocket dimension will release you at a random location. The system's navigation capabilities are still offline, and we cannot guarantee a precise exit point."
Kieth's expression turned thoughtful. "A random location, huh? Well, that's not ideal, but it's better than being stuck in here. Let's just hope Josh is still searching for me."
"Alright, let's prep up before we head out, "Kieth said, and Serena just nodded.
Meanwhile, after defeating the demon leuithenant in the dwarven kingdom, King Youm decided to stay in his kingdom (dwarven) to lead his people and to calm them down. while Josh and the others got a pin on his map about Keith's location. So they decide to go to the location.
Josh's eyes widened in awe as he gazed out at the breathtaking sight before him. The kingdom of dragons stretched out as far as the eye could see, with towering spires and grand architecture that seemed to defy gravity. The air was filled with the sound of roaring dragons and the scent of smoke and fire.
"Well, look at that," Josh breathed, his voice barely above a whisper.
Princess Lyra, who walked beside him, smiled and nodded in agreement. "The kingdom of dragons is truly a marvel, isn't it?"
Keriel, the elven archer, gazed out at the kingdom with a mixture of curiosity and caution. "I've never seen anything like it. The dragons seem to be...everywhere."
Lariel, the young mage, looked around excitedly. "Can we go see the dragons up close? I've always wanted to meet one!"
Sir Aleric, the gruff but lovable knight, chuckled and clapped Lariel on the back. "Easy there, young one. We don't want to go disturbing the dragons without permission. We're guests here, after all."
Grath, the dwarf warrior, grunted and nodded in agreement. "Aye, let's not be forgettin' our manners. We're here to gather information and find Kieth, not to go sightseein'."
Josh nodded, his eyes still fixed on the kingdom of dragons. "Right, let's keep our priorities straight. But I have to admit, this place is pretty amazing. I've never seen anything like it."
As they stood there, taking in the sights and sounds of the kingdom, Josh couldn't shake the feeling that they were being watched. He glanced around, but saw nothing out of the ordinary. Shrugging it off, he turned to his companions and said, "Shall we go find out what we can about Kieth's whereabouts?"
Meanwhile, Cain and the others are currently being trained by a pantheon named Azura.
Cain's eyes locked onto Azura, the Phanteon, as she gazed at him with an unyielding intensity. They were currently training in a secluded clearing, surrounded by towering trees that seemed to stretch up to the sky.
Azura's voice was like a gentle breeze, yet it carried a weight that commanded attention. "Your technique is improving, Cain, but you still rely too heavily on brute force. A true warrior must learn to harness their inner strength, to wield their power with precision and finesse."
Cain nodded, his sweat-drenched brow furrowed in concentration. He knew that Azura's words were not mere criticism but a guiding light to help him unlock his true potential.
Vismond and Chris stood nearby, watching the exchange with interest. Vismond, ever the strategist, was taking mental notes, analyzing Azura's techniques, and incorporating them into his own mental framework. Chris, on the other hand, was simply enjoying the spectacle, marveling at Azura's ethereal beauty and Cain's determination.
As the training session continued, Azura's words echoed in Cain's mind, and he began to grasp the subtleties of her teachings. His movements became more fluid, his strikes more precise, and his defenses more solid.
The air was filled with the sound of clashing steel, the scent of sweat and ozone, and the soft hum of Azura's Phanteon energy. It was a symphony of combat, a dance of steel and wills, and Cain was determined to master it.
The Demon King of Destruction, seated on his throne, was named Xandros, the Devastator. His appearance was a testament to his unyielding power and unrelenting fury. Xandros stood at an imposing height, his massive frame rippling with muscles that seemed to be forged from the very depths of the underworld. His skin was a dark, burnished copper, and his eyes blazed with an inner fire that seemed to pierce through the very souls of those around him.
His face was a map of scars, etched into his skin like the lines of an ancient, forgotten language. His jaw was square and unyielding, his nose broken and reset at a slight angle, giving him a perpetually menacing glare. His teeth were sharp and pointed, and his voice was like thunder, shaking the very foundations of the underworld.
Xandros's throne room was a testament to his unyielding power, with twisted, nightmarish sculptures that seemed to writhe and twist in the flickering torchlight. The air was heavy with the scent of smoke and brimstone, and the very ground seemed to tremble with the weight of Xandros's presence.
As the meeting continued, Xandros's voice boomed through the throne room, his words dripping with malevolent intent. "The heroes may have been defeated, but the war is far from over. The alliance of humans, dragons, elves, dwarves, and merfolk is fighting back, and we must not underestimate their determination."
Azazel, the Demon King of Cruelty, leaned forward, his eyes gleaming with sadistic pleasure. "I agree, Xandros. We must continue to press our advantage, to crush the spirits of our enemies, and break their will to resist."
Khronos, the Demon King of Incarceration, nodded in agreement, his chains and shackles clanking ominously. "I will see to it that our prisoners are... suitably motivated to cooperate with our plans."
Khaos, the Demon King of Fury, growled, his flames dancing with increased intensity. "I will unleash my fury upon the enemy, burning their cities to ashes and scattering their armies to the winds."
Zhrak, the Demon King of Carnage, cackled, his corpse-like face twisted into a grotesque grin. "And I will feast on the flesh of our enemies, tearing them apart with my bare hands and summoning swarms of razor-sharp insects to devour them."
The remaining five generals, seated around the table, nodded in agreement, their faces twisted with malevolent intent. The meeting continued, with each of them outlining their plans for the next phase of the war.
As the discussion drew to a close, Xandros slammed his fist onto the armrest of his throne, the sound echoing through the throne room like a crack of thunder. "We will crush our enemies, we will break their spirits, and we will claim dominion over this world. We will not be defeated. We will not be stopped."
The throne room fell silent, the only sound the heavy breathing of the demon lords and the creaking of the twisted, nightmarish sculptures that adorned the walls. The meeting was at an end, and the demon lords would soon set their plans in motion, unleashing a maelstrom of destruction upon the world.
Just as Xandros finished his declaration, a voice like a gentle breeze cut through the air, silencing the demon lords. The voice was that of Lycana, the Goddess of Life, and it was accompanied by the soft glow of divine energy.
Lycana's voice cut through the air, silencing the demon lords. "Gentlemen, I'm afraid we must interrupt your plans for world domination. We, the Goddesses, wish to discuss a temporary ceasefire with you. The war has gone on for far too long, and we believe it's time for a brief respite."
The demon lords erupted into a chorus of derisive laughter, their faces twisted with contempt. Xandros, the Demon King of Destruction, sneered at the goddesses. "A ceasefire? You think we would ever agree to such a thing? We are on the brink of victory, and you think we would just... stop?"
Azazel, the Demon King of Cruelty, chimed in, his voice dripping with malice. "Yes, why would we ever agree to a ceasefire? The mortals are on their knees, begging for mercy. We have them right where we want them."
Khronos, the Demon King of Incarceration, nodded in agreement, his chains and shackles clanking ominously. "We have invested too much time and effort into this war to simply... stop. The mortals must be crushed, and we must be the ones to do it."
The other demon generals voiced their agreement, their faces set in determined lines. Lycana's smile never wavered, however. "I expected as much," she said. "But I must ask... what could we possibly offer to make you accept the ceasefire?"
Xandros's eyes narrowed, his mind racing with possibilities. He glanced at the other demon lords, seeing the calculation in their eyes. For a moment, the room was silent, as the demon lords considered the goddess's question.
Finally, Xandros spoke up, his voice dripping with menace. "What could you offer us? Ah, now that's an interesting question. Perhaps... something that would give us an even greater advantage over the mortals? Something that would guarantee our victory, once and for all?"
Lycana's smile grew wider, her divine energy pulsing with an otherworldly power. "Ah, Xandros... I think we can arrange something like that. But first, let us discuss the terms of the ceasefire... and the price you will pay for our gift."
Xandros's eyes gleamed with interest, and he leaned back in his throne, steepling his fingers together as he considered the goddess's offer. "I'm listening," he said, his voice dripping with menace. "Tell me more about this gift you're saying."
Lycana's smile grew wider, her divine energy pulsing with an otherworldly power. "We propose a gift, one that will grant you the power to unseal the Demon God, Zorvath. The fourth and final artifact, the Seal of Zorvath, will be yours... if you accept our proposal for a temporary ceasefire."
The demon lords exchanged skeptical glances, their faces twisted with a mixture of curiosity and suspicion. Xandros, the Demon King of Destruction, leaned forward, his eyes blazing with interest.
"The Seal of Zorvath?" he repeated, his voice dripping with hunger. "You would give us the key to unlocking our god's prison?"
Lycana nodded, her smile unwavering. "Yes, we would. In exchange for a temporary ceasefire, we will give you the Seal of Zorvath. But be warned, Xandros... once the seal is broken, there will be no going back. The consequences of unleashing Zorvath upon the world will be catastrophic."
Xandros's eyes gleamed with anticipation, and he leaned back in his throne, a calculating glint in his eye. "I think we can live with those consequences," he said, his voice dripping with menace.
Lycana's smile grew wider, her divine energy pulsing with an otherworldly power. "Very well, Xandros. We will give you the Seal of Zorvath, but in exchange, we require a ceasefire that will last for five years."
Xandros raised an eyebrow, his eyes narrowing as he considered the goddess's proposal. "Five years?" he repeated, his voice dripping with skepticism. "What could you possibly hope to gain from such a lengthy ceasefire?"
Lycana's smile never wavered. "During this time, we require that you and your armies do not attack any of the mortal realms. You will not launch any wars, nor will you seek to expand your dominion over the mortal world."
Xandros snorted, his face twisted with contempt. "And what's to stop us from breaking this ceasefire whenever we please?"
Lycana's eyes flashed with divine energy. "Because, Xandros, we will be watching. And if you break this ceasefire, the consequences will be... severe. We will not hesitate to unleash our full wrath upon you and your armies."
Xandros's eyes gleamed with calculation, and he leaned back in his throne, steepling his fingers together as he considered the goddess's proposal. "I see," he said, his voice dripping with menace. "And what's to stop you from breaking this ceasefire? What guarantee do we have that you'll keep your word?"
Lycana's smile grew wider, her divine energy pulsing with an otherworldly power. "Because, Xandros, the five-year mark is also the time when the seal on Zorvath's prison can be broken. And we're willing to bet that you'll want to keep your word, at least until then."
Xandros's eyes narrowed, his mind racing with the implications of Lycana's proposal. He could see the calculation in her eyes, the subtle hint of a trap waiting to be sprung. But he also saw the potential benefits, the chance to gain the upper hand in the war against the mortal realms.
After a moment of silence, Xandros nodded, his voice dripping with menace. "Very well, Lycana. I accept your proposal. We will agree to a five-year ceasefire, in exchange for the Seal of Zorvath."
Lycana's smile grew wider, her divine energy pulsing with an otherworldly power. "Excellent," she said, her voice dripping with satisfaction. "I will send the Seal of Zorvath to you, and you will receive it as a symbol of our agreement."
Xandros nodded, his eyes gleaming with anticipation. "I look forward to receiving it," he said, his voice dripping with menace.
The other demon lords nodded in agreement, their faces twisted with a mixture of excitement and trepidation. They knew that the ceasefire would give them a chance to regroup and recharge, to prepare for the next phase of the war.
And they also knew that the Seal of Zorvath would give them the key to unlocking their god's prison, to unleashing Zorvath's fury upon the world.
The meeting came to a close, with Lycana disappearing into the shadows, leaving the demon lords to ponder the implications of their agreement. Xandros smiled to himself, his mind racing with the possibilities.
The war was far from over. But with the Seal of Zorvath in their possession, the demon lords knew that they would emerge victorious in the end.
To be continued....