“So, the one called Sebastian was just some dude loyal to Morgan until something crawled up inside him?” Xia Bai asks.

  Glyn nods. “Yeah. He was a loyal butler who wanted to do what was right for his lonely master. Sadly, he was preyed upon by an outside force that twisted that loyalty.”

  “Is there a way to save him?”

  “No.” Glyn closes the journal. “From everything I’ve observed, this Demonoid is a specific type. A Leech type.”

  “Leech? Like those little bugs that drink blood, right?”

  Glyn nods. “Yes. The naming was done ages ago when they were observed to just drain blood and vitality from their victims. Sadly, that is the least of what they do.”

  “They take over bodies and replace the original person, right?”

  “Not just that. Technically, the body is still alive and so is the original person or the host. The host becomes an outside observer, watching as that thing parasitizes their body and controls their life. In the past, when Demons were everywhere, there were reports of them turning families against each other or causing revolts and riots.”

  “Messy. But why call them Leeches and not Parasites?”

  “Because they were originally observed attacking other Demons.”

  “What!?”

  “Their species were leeches that originally just drained other Demons and Demonoids to fuel themselves. But when Humans and Human-like species entered the picture, they jumped species and began parasitizing us.”

  Xia Bai’s face contorts. “Disgusting.”

  “Yes. And what makes matters worse is their intelligent. But they only have one true thought. Draining the blood and essence of a powerful Demon. If a colony of them survived this long, they were leeching off the remains of a powerful Demon and now they want to bring it back to life.”

  “Is that possible?”

  “The specifics aren’t clear. But in theory, yes. Demons and Demonoids are Mana, or rather, Miasma-based beings. Their bodies are mostly composed of magical energy. So, if one’s body were to remain being fed a study supply of magical energy for long periods, then it could be kept alive, if not comatose, then a large enough dosage could cause it to awaken.” Glyn pauses. “I’ve heard of such treatments being used for medical applications. This would be the Demonic equivalent.”

  Xia Bai pauses. “Then there’s no way to save the host?”

  “No. The host’s body is drained and pushed to its limits, sustaining the invader. On top of that, they can push someone’s body and awaken long-dormant abilities, turning someone into a superhuman overnight. All you can do is just put them out of their misery.”

  Xia Bai clenches her fist and turns away. “I got it.”

  “There’s one last thing that surprises me.”

  “What?”

  “This Great One they mention is definitely a, but they kept it asleep because it definitely would’ve awakened by now.”

  Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.

  “Well, they said they put something inside of Morgan, right?”

  Glyn pauses. “The brain.”

  “Huh?”

  “If the thing is brain dead, then its body would be alive, but it wouldn’t be able to act outside of basic bodily functions. But thanks to their physiology, if their brains are returned to their body, then it will regrow and become active.” Glyn states.

  “So, they put a chunk of its brain inside of her?”

  “More accurately, we ground out the Great One’s damaged mind to help it recover and regrow in a living host. The time is almost upon us. It’s time for the Great One to awaken and return the world to its rightful nature!” A voice cries out.

  The door flies open as several armored beings appear and, amidst them, the figure of ‘Isaac’ stands. He steps on with cracks along his face and his left eye bulging out of his head. Xia Bai flinches, looking at him as Glyn stares at his current state.

  “You're not as precise as your siblings, are you? They must be getting desperate to let a Leech like you have a body.” He states.

  ‘Issac’ laughs. “Oh, tough talk. I have you cornered, surrounded on all sides.”

  “I guess you do. What was this your plan?”

  “I knew Xia Bai would betray us at some point. But all that mattered was getting a tasty morsel such as yourself here. I’m tempted to have a bite of you before we sacrifice you.”

  Glyn smirks. “It’s because my bloodline was cursed by the old Demon Lord. I’m like a walking, talking snack to you guys, aren’t I?”

  “Indeed. I want to munch down. Maybe Sebastian will forgive me for a missing limb or two.” He opens his mouth, stretching it open as the black thing inside opens its mouth, showing rows of jagged teeth. “It’s been so long since I’ve had anything to eat. I’m starving!”

  “Feeding off your host isn’t enough, huh?” Glyn smirks. “You hear that Xia Bai?”

  She nods. “Yeah.”

  “Oh, I have the perfect thing. Xia Bai, I order you to cut off his arm or a leg. If you do it, Sebastian won’t be mad at me.”

  She pauses.

  “Xia Bai….”

  She turns to Glyn, but shakes her head.

  He snarls, holding out his hand as the King Piece emerges. “You bitch, obey my orders or suffer the consequences! While you were gone, I figured out how to use this thing! So, obey me now or suffer the consequences.”

  She turns to ‘Isaac’ and draws her sword, throwing it down to the ground. “I refuse.”

  He glares at her in a rage and squeezes the Piece in his fist. “Then suffer and die!” He yells out.

  Xia Bai clutches at her chest as she falls over in pain, her eyes going red as she convulses. “Isaac….”

  “Are you ready to accept my offer?” Glyn asks, approaching her.

  Xia Bai looks up at him. “You….”

  “Remember. There’s no way to save him. The only thing we can do is put him out of his misery. Remember my promise.”

  Xia Bai’s mind goes back. Back to sitting inside the shack, with Glyn and Anluan sitting at the table. She sits in the corner as Glyn turns to face her, holding out a Knight Piece in his hand.

  “Join me as a Knight. It can be until we stop Morgan. But we’ll need everything we can get to get out of this mess. Besides, leaving that Queen Piece in there is like a ticking time bomb.” Glyn says.

  She stares at it and turns away. “Why would I? Once we save Isaac, I’ll be going home with him.”

  “Listen. Just consider this offer. I want to end his suffering, you know. I can imagine he’s in there trying to fight, even if just to save you.”

  She scoffs. “What would you know?”

  “More than you think.”

  In the present, Glyn stands above Xia Bai, holding out his hand with a Knight Piece floating in his palm. She eyes him and then looks at ‘Isaac’. Forcing herself to stand against the pain the Queen Piece in her chest comes out, exposing itself. Energy crackles out of the Piece as Glyn takes in a breath.

  “Hey let me tell you something. The Contracts of the Pieces are absolute. Outside of several certain scenarios.”

  “What!?” ‘Isaac’ asks.

  “First. If the Contracted is willing to exchange contracts, a loophole can be exploited to steal a Piece and make them your own.”

  “You wouldn’t. She betrayed you. How can you trust her?”

  “Better the beast you know than some unknown monster.” He says, thrusting his hand forward at her chest.

  The two Pieces collide and a burst of energy envelops the room. The armored creatures are thrown back as ‘Isaac’ struggles to stand. As the energy dissipates, a Queen Piece falls to the ground as Xia Bai stands. She clenches her fist as flames come out of her mouth.

  “How do you feel?” Glyn asks.

  She turns to him and nods. Walking forward, she picks up her sword and points it towards ‘Isaac’. “I have to thank you for this chance.”

  “You're welcome.”

  “Hey, what’re you doing?” ‘Isaac’ asks.

  She takes in a breath. “Isaac. I’m going to save you here and now!” She declares at the top of her lungs.