The old demon had a very strange reaction to peering into Adam's status.
"...Human, Fable. Am I correct in assuming that boy over there is the Hero of Metus?" [Old Demon]
Felix raised a brow.
"And why do you ask?" [Felix]
There was something about what the old demon said that reeked of suspicion.
"It is of utmost importance to me." [Old Demon]
Felix shook his head.
"If you are unable to disclose it to us, then there is no reason to give you what you want." [Felix]
The old demon looked like he wanted to say something, but the Supreme Demon Lord cut in.
"Fable, would you please confirm for us if the boy is the Hero of Metus? I understand you were a bit vague in the introductions. However, I am asking you not as the Supreme Demon Lord. I am asking you as an individual." [Orven]
("Is he… serious?") [Felix]
The overly aggressive Supreme Demon Lord was now lowering his head for his subordinate. It was almost surreal to see someone change so drastically in such a short amount of time.
("If I refuse it may lead to negative results.") [Felix]
Letting out a sigh, Felix agreed.
"This boy here is Astos, the Hero of Metus." [Felix]
The old demon immediately whispered something into the Supreme Demon Lord's ear.
"Hm? Are you certain?" [Orven]
"Without a doubt, my lord." [Old Demon]
"I see." [Orven]
The Supreme Demon Lord faced Felix.
"While it may be rude, it has come to my attention that your hero is, in fact, level one." [Orven]
("They found out?!") [Felix]
This wasn't ideal.
"With such strength, you dared to make a deal? With me?" [Orven]
Sensing impending danger, Felix tensed up.
("We may have to fight soon.") [Felix]
Even so, peace was the best option. Felix continued to try to smooth things over.
"Our hero may be lacking in regards to level, but his strength is unmatched." [Felix]
"Unmatched? Are you saying that he can best me in terms of strength?" [Orven]
("Is this guy going to take offense to anything I say?") [Felix]
His mind churned to find a solution as quickly as possible. Even as nothing came up, Felix still tried.
"It appears we've had a misunderstanding. Allow me to-" [Felix]
"Misunderstanding? You believe I made a mistake?" [Orven]
("He just keeps placing more pressure!") [Felix]
As Felix tried to come up with another excuse, Adam placed a hand on his shoulder.
"Supreme Demon Lord. No, actually- Orven. There's no point in beating around the bush looking for an excuse to fight me. Just do it." [Adam]
"Adam…!" [Felix]
His heart sank upon hearing Adam's provocation.
"Hmph…" [Orven]
Though sounding irritated, the Supreme Demon Lord grinned.
"How did you figure it out? I wasn't even looking at you." [Orven]
"A gut feeling." [Adam]
Even without the Supreme Demon Lord's gaze, Adam could feel his attention on him. It felt like several people were watching him, observing all around.
"Your senses are something to be reckoned with. Perhaps even terrifying." [Orven]
The Supreme Demon Lord leaned back.
"You've passed." [Orven]
"...Pardon?" [Felix]
Felix was left feeling both confused and tricked.
"I said you've passed. My test. I can't make a deal with incompetent people now can I?" [Orven]
"...So, you and Astos won't be fighting?" [Felix]
"Of course not. That would be senseless. We're here to negotiate on peaceful terms." [Orven]
Felix was taken aback.
("That was all acting?!") [Felix]
"I do apologize for being so… disruptive. Rambunctious even." [Orven]
"But my lord…!" [Old Demon]
"Enough. It matters not that the hero is level one. The only thing that matters is a person's nature." [Orven]
"What of your image, my lord!" [Satriel]
The Supreme Demon Lord waved his hand dismissively.
"As long as there are results, my image will remain steadfast." [Orven]
"They're humans…! Conniving humans! If not for me, they would've hid the boy's level-" [Old Demon]
The Old Demon froze as the Supreme Demon Lord's eyes laid upon him.
"I've tolerated your ceaseless questions and your constant interruptions for a long while. For now, hold your tongue." [Orven]
The old demon gulped audibly and shrunk away.
"Now, where were we?" [Orven]
"If we're talking about the negotiation, we were speaking about terms." [Felix]
"Ah, right. We'll do it your way. However, our men are to be delivered within our territory." [Orven]
"Within? Not the border?" [Felix]
Considering manpower and danger, Felix would have to send at least five to ten soldiers to escort the prisoners. Even then, they would be in danger of an attack for being deep in demon territory.
"Think of it as a sign of trust. I am trusting you with the lives of my men. You should do the same." [Orven]
("So that's how he'll play it.") [Felix]
"I understand. We'll do it your way with the condition that no harm comes to my people." [Felix]
"I agree. Inscribe an insignia onto your men's armor so that my people know who not to attack. I will also provide you with a route." [Orven]
"Much appreciated." [Felix]
With that, negotiations were sealed.
"It was nice meeting you. The three of you. Even if one of you never spoke a word." [Orven]
He smiled at Tiffany.
"Is this guy picking a fight?!" [Monalia]
("Calm down, calm down. We can't fight.") [Tiffany]
The Supreme Demon Lord then stood, approaching the light they previously emerged from.
"I'll be taking my leave first." [Orven]
As he entered the light, the old demon and Satiel followed. Not without a glare at Felix or Adam.
"We'll meet again, boy." [Old Demon]
Then, he vanished in the light.
("...What did I even do?") [Adam]