"Survive? Would it kill you to not be vague?"
"I apologize, but this lack of knowledge is also your own trial. All I am capable of saying is that for the foreseeable future, you will have no tasks directed to you. Those are for when you are grown as a demon, as an adult. For now you are immature, and your only responsibility is to survive."
While the old man's words sounded simple, they actually filled one with questions. How was he supposed to survive in Hell? Where was he even headed, what was he supposed to do, and how was he supposed to do it?
"In essence, you must merely exist. You must also follow your duties as a demon under the Prince of Greed, but looking at you, I'm sure that will be no problem."
"By duties you mean…?"
"Tempting the mortals. If you would like me to put it simply, it means to follow as you did in life as a conman. Extract as much money as you can out of them. Live to follow your desires in greed as much as you possibly can."
"That… sounds easy. But aren't demons supposed to work unseen, like God? How am I supposed to extract money from people if I can't talk to them? How am I even supposed to meet a human in Hell?"
Sirius shook his head gently.
"I do not know how it worked in your world, but it likely was a test of faith. Here, it isn't like that. There are many realms infinitely close to life and death. There is also one singular overworld, where the power of mortals are blended within the divine. The lines are blended."
"So what I'm gathering is that people can see and talk to me. But then what would be the difference from life and death? Aren't I already dead? And how can 'the power of mortals' blend with the divine?"
"This is why I called it an opportunity to be a demon. It is not a curse, we are following God's will." After saying that, the old man shook his head with a solemn look on his face, "As for the other powers, I do not know. I warn you, do not assume to know of what the One above plans, it will never end well. The only ones capable of that are the Princes, and perhaps a select few others. Focus on yourself for now."
Cyril scratched the back of his head. It wasn't itchy, but more of a habit he had in life whenever he was confused. There was too little information to process the large pieces that were given to him.
As a merchant, he felt uncomfortable not knowing. After all, knowledge was one of the greatest strengths as a businessman.
"In finding a mortal in Hell… I have already gone beyond my duties. I have said more than I should have."
Cyril rubbed his chin, perturbed.
"Wait. I'm sure that if you're doing this for me then you've done this for other people. Please tell me, what were their chances compared to their capabilities? What are mine? You can tell me at least that, can't you?"
"…Not high. I will not say by how much. However, you are under Lord Mammon personally, and it would do you well to remember that fact."
The answer was, once again, vague. It seemed to have substance but spoke of very little.
"I know it's been explained, but why me? And excuse me if I'm being rude, but why would Lord Mammon be willing to invest so much in me if he's just going to throw me to die so easily?"
Mammon had been willing to pay Lucifer any price he desired, yet he wouldn't so much as groom him even slightly. As a businessman, it made no sense to Cyril at all. It was a wasted investment.
"Sir Surrey, you must be careful with your words. They could be taken as a sign of disrespect to the Princes." Sirius stroked his beard, giving Cyril a sympathetic look. "However, I understand your worries. I will explain it like this; you are far from the only potential retainer that the Lord has chosen. There are more than you can possibly imagine, but how many do you think really survive?"
"Judging by what you said, probably very few?"
"Indeed. There is a reason as to why Lord Lucifer has not had a chosen in many, many years. He works differently from Lord Mammon. The former prefers to personally choose and groom potential candidates he deems worthy, while the latter is willing to choose as many as he can get his hands on, throwing them at the wall to see what sticks. Do you understand what I'm saying?"
"I… think I see. A high-risk, high-rewards investment, right?"
"Correct you are, Sir Surrey."
Cyril understood the thought process behind it. Just from the golden example in front of him, he understood that the returns must have been unfathomably high.
"While it may be pricey, who do you think the Lord is? He is the embodiment of greed, beyond your understanding. Perhaps you will be able to see him for yourself one day, personally."
A strange look was in Sirius' eyes as he spoke. Cyril recognized it from his time in life as fanaticism. It was strong and unreasonable.
"But before you go, I have one more thing I must inform you of. It is of utmost importance, so you must keep it in mind for the rest of your entire existence," Sirius' tone quickly took on a solemn one, and the change was sudden enough that it forced Cyril's attention.
"What is it?"
"Your mortal given name is Cyril Surrey, and you may use that one if you like, but you have been given another name, one for your existence as a demon. It will be granted to you by Lord Mammon himself, though I do not know how."
"A true name?" Cyril spoke in surprise.
He was familiar with the term from mythology in his life.
"Ah, you are already aware of what it is. That saves me the trouble of explaining. I will say this only once, but you must guard it with your entire soul, lest you wish to have your very being at the mercy of others. Now then, I have spoke enough."
After his words, the old man waved his hand once in the air. After that, a humming began in the small corridor as the space in front of the two began distorting into a red portal, similar to the other one if not for the colour.
"It may be sudden, but adaptability is one of, if not the most important quality in a business man. You of all people know what I mean." Cyril bent his body in a slight bow, gesturing towards the portal in front of him. "Adapt well to your sudden circumstances."
As the portal opened, it seemed to have some pulling force that slowly sucked Cyril towards it. It was irresistible, and he moved forwards despite not taking a step.
But the middle-aged man wasn't quite finished yet. He wracked his mind for any way to gleam just another hint of information.
"Wait. You said that while my chances weren't high, they weren't none at all, right?"
"I did."
"Then just one hint. A single hint is all I ask for. If I succeed, I'm certain that my wealth will be beyond even what's here. You get what I'm saying?"
Sirius raised a brow in reply to his words, seemingly doing a double-take before bursting out into laughter.
"Bribing me? You truly are a chosen one. Very well." The old man composed himself before continuing, a smile still on his face. "Accept all summons that come your way, no matter how small. They will be your opportunity."
As the portal slowly enveloped Cyril, the old man's voice spoke one more time, echoing in his ears as he disappeared from Cyril's sight. From once loud, it quickly died out to just barely a whisper.
"I pray we meet again, Sir Surrey."