The tallest demon took one of the seats without a word, whereas his companions chose to stand behind him.
"Who's the Hero of Metus?" [Tall Demon]
Just as Adam was about to speak, Felix cut in.
"The Hero isn't someone who speaks much. Please refer to me as the stand-in." [Felix]
If Felix wished for negotiations to go smoothly, he can't let the demons control the conversation. Thus, he took the seat across from the tall demon. This caused the female demon to place her hand on a sword strapped to her waist.
"A mere… servant dares to sit at the same table as the Supreme Demon Lord?" [Female Demon]
Felix glanced at the female demon's sword and back to the tall demon.
"Are all your subordinates this unmannered?" [Felix]
The tall demon's gaze fixated itself on Felix, its crimson eyes glowing naturally.
"...That is enough, Satriel." [Supreme Demon Lord]
The tall demon raised a hand, commanding the female demon to withdraw.
"...Yes, my lord." [Satriel]
Though unwillingly, the female demon removed her hand from her weapon.
"You're very brave for a human. Not many are able to speak as bluntly as you before me." [Supreme Demon Lord]
As the Supreme Demon Lord placed his hands on the table, Felix smiled.
"The name's Fable. Comrade of the Hero of Metus." [Felix]
Felix stuck out a hand, inviting the tall demon for a greeting. Such an act seemed to shock the demons.
"...I am Orven, the Supreme Demon Lord." [Supreme Demon Lord]
The tall demon then accepted Felix's greeting.
"Now that the pleasantries are out of the way, let's say we get down to business?" [Felix]
Orven nodded.
"You've called me here for quite an interesting topic. You wish to trade lives?" [Orven]
"It may seem unusual, but I am being sincere with my proposal. In exchange for me returning your soldiers, along with Captain Asil, I wish for human soldiers to be returned. If you don't have any imprisoned, requested supplies will do. " [Felix]
Orven drummed his fingers against the table.
"Hm… And what of Captain Hurgon?" [Orven]
"Unfortunately, he is deceased." [Felix]
As soon as those words passed his lips, Felix felt intense animosity from the demons.
("This is… quite the pressure.") [Felix]
He could feel the piercing glares from the female demon and the old one in the back. With such a reaction, it was strange that the Supreme Demon Lord himself maintained a calm demeanor.
"...I see. How did he die?" [Orven]
"He traded his life with the Hero of Ruitaria, Roderick. Death by decapitation." [Felix]
The Supreme Demon Lord went silent.
"I can assure you that all captives were treated humanely-" [Felix]
"Humanely?" [Orven]
("Ah.") [Felix]
Felix felt the room's atmosphere shift.
"You humans treat any other race as mere objects. What does this… "humanely" mean? I've seen innocent women and children receive the cold end of a blade from your kind... Some were spared to be dissected or flogged and broken as a mere pastime…! Is the meaning of "humanely" to treat the demons according to human tradition?! Have you called me to boast?!" [Orven]
The Supreme Demon Lord began to emit some sort of dark energy, making it somewhat difficult to breathe.
("Compression.") [Adam]
Using his ability, Adam drew away the energy and collected it in his hand.
"You dare-?!" [Satriel]
"Such insolence!" [Old Demon]
The female demon drew her blade while the Old Demon aimed his palms at Adam.
"Stop!" [Felix]
Everyone froze.
"I meant to say that we treated the captive demons as we would humans. No harm has befallen them and they are well fed." [Felix]
The Supreme Demon Lord's energy began to fade as his anger subsided.
"...How am I to be sure you're speaking the truth?" [Orven]
"You will know when we make our trade. Your men, for ours." [Felix]
Orven went silent once again.
"My lord, you can't listen to this man! His words are like poison and his tongue is the instrument that produces it!" [Satiel]
The Supreme Demon Lord motioned for the female demon to be quiet.
"My lord, I am of the same opinion as Satiel. This man is not to be trusted! You know how humans are! He's a cunning and vicious snake!" [Old Demon]
"Hold your tongues. I am thinking." [Orven]
The two demons clamped their mouths shut, stepping back while glaring at Felix. As this was happening, Adam was standing there unsure of what to do with the energy he's collected.
("Do I just keep holding this or…?") [Adam]
"You can just absorb it directly." [Astos]
("...Are you serious?") [Adam]
He stared at the energy, a dark mist swirling in his palm.
("Are you sure there won't be any side effects?") [Adam]
"It's |Demonic Energy|, an offshoot of |Divine Energy|. Something you already have thanks to me. There will be no side effects." [Astos]
("...If you say so.") [Adam]
He then ate it.
"Huh?!" [Old Demon]
Out of everyone in the room, only the old demon witnessed it.
("Did… Did that human just consume the lord's energy?!") [Old Demon]
He stared at Adam, twisting the golden monoscope hanging on his eye to get a better look.
("...Why is that old guy staring at me?") [Adam]
Having consumed the |Demonic Energy|, Adam felt as if something spicy just entered his stomach.
"I thought you'd absorb it through your skin, but that's another way to do it I suppose…" [Astos]
("Did I do something wrong?") [Adam]
"Most people would have rotted inside out if they attempted that." [Astos]
Adam was suddenly filled with worry.
("Am I… Am I going to die?") [Adam]
"I said, most people. You are not most people. Other than mild discomfort, you should be fine." [Astos]
"This is so ridiculous I don't even know what to say." [Krino]
"Then don't speak." [Astos]
Just as they were about to start arguing, they were interrupted with another question.
("Hey, do any of you guys know what that old guy is doing? It's hella suspicious.") [Adam]
A faint light shone in the old demon's monoscope, causing Adam to feel a bit uneasy.
"He's trying to put your strength in numerical values." [Astos]
("...What?") [Adam]
"That demon is trying to read your status." [Krino]
("What?!") [Adam]
"And he's most likely already finished." [Astos]
From the surprised look on the old demon's face, Astos was probably correct.
"Aaaand now he knows your level one." [Krino]
("...Shit.") [Adam]