Axel and Gizmo took their time deliberating while Lilith observed them patiently. As Gizmo had noted, Lilith's reputation for carnage was known throughout the universe.
[Axel, she's been missing for over fifty years. There were even rumours of her demise. But it appears someone sealed her in this remote location. I doubt it might have been the divines... forget that I said that.]
[Though sealed, she could still end you effortlessly. Given the circumstances, Silas must have known about Lilith and sent you here to die. Yet I doubt he'd go to such lengths just to eliminate you - he could have arranged your death in the mansion easily. Why this elaborate scheme to kill a cripple?] Gizmo often went into contemplation while elaborating things to Axel, as it was trying to consider all possibilities in the shortest time possible.
[I've analyzed the contract. It states you must return here once you reach level 5 Elementalist and perform a ritual to free Lilith. In exchange, she'll transfer one of her own skills to you,] Gizmo explained.
Axel was stunned. He'd been so focused on survival that he hadn't considered Silas's motives, but Gizmo's observation made sense. More surprising was that Lilith's contract appeared fair - even favourable. Knowing he had little choice, Axel considered accepting to escape this perilous situation.
'Gizmo, this skill transfer - how does that work?' Axel asked.
[Skill mechanics are complex. Normally transfer is impossible, but higher lifeforms like Lilith can transfer skills if they choose.]
[Even for beings like her, it's difficult. She'd be transferring the enlightenment behind the skill itself. The danger is that if that enlightenment underpins other abilities, she could lose them all.]
[Imagine a city with tall buildings. Remove the ground floor of a 20-story building - what happens? The whole structure collapses. Skills work similarly. They can't be taught, but at certain levels can be transferred... at a cost.]
'Given all that,' Axel reasoned, 'accepting her offer might be our best option. Not that we truly have a choice, but the terms don't seem terrible.' He remained uneasy under Lilith's unwavering gaze.
[You'd be right... if this came from anyone but a demon. They're cunning negotiators, and I don't think-] Gizmo's voice cut off abruptly.
Axel feared Lilith had silenced him again, but after a tense moment, Gizmo returned. [Axel, tell Lilith you'll accept but want to examine the contract closely. Trust me - I'll explain later.]
Feeling the weight of Lilith's stare, Axel placed his faith in Gizmo as he always had. "Mighty one, I would accept the Soul Contract... if you permit me to examine it more closely," he said with a respectful bow.
Lilith remained silent but lowered the blood-red contract until it hovered just above Axel's head. Neither Axel nor Gizmo knew the terrifying truth about Lilith's special circumstances.
Trapped in this sealing formation for over fifty years, Lilith normally couldn't exert such influence. She'd been gathering elemental energy patiently, certain she'd break free within another century.
But today, she'd sensed something extraordinary in Axel - something worth sacrificing her carefully hoarded energy reserves to obtain. Gizmo was right to suspect the contract's foul nature, but its true complexity exceeded even his understanding.
This was no mere agreement - it was a slave contract that would bind Axel eternally, gradually reshaping his very thoughts to serve Lilith's will. Such was the insidious power of a Soul Contract crafted by the Demonic Queen.
Axel and Gizmo had gravely underestimated their adversary. Axel's earlier consideration of suicide might indeed have been preferable to what Lilith truly planned. Yet even pressed for time, Lilith meticulously ensured every detail was perfect - such was her desire to claim Axel.
To an outsider, such elaborate scheming for a mere Non-Elementalist might seem absurd. But Lilith had sensed something in Axel that even he didn't know about himself.
Axel studied the contract carefully, unsure what Gizmo intended. [Axel, relax control over your core,] Gizmo instructed.
Without question, Axel complied. Elemental energy surged from his body, causing the contract's text to shift and rearrange. When the movement ceased, the contract floated away, the massive blood-red circle of text now suspended midway between them.
There were schemes brewing and in the air remains the scent of deceit and deception 😈. But who was the hunter and who the prey is yet to be determined? But one thing was clear Axel and even Gizmo were mostly in the dark regarding the events.