The Device

Initialization complete
Attuned to: John Newman
Level: one
Current power: 11/5,000
Detected biological sources: human, demon
Usable component: demon
This system has been outfitted to be compatible with the abilities of the individual known as "The Gamer".
To operate this machine, three fundamental components are required: mana for power, essence to create homunculi, and time for both creation and recharge upon completion. For essence, the user can choose to draw upon the demonic essence already collected or supply this generator with other biological components.
The current maximum level of homunculi is one-third of the user’s level rounded down.
Current demonic essence required per level: 2
Mana required per level: 50
Time required per level: 4 hours

It was a lot of sudden information for John to take in and digest. But after he made sure to read everything twice, he did the math in his head. The strongest possible homunculi he could make currently would be level 2, cost 100 mana and 4 demonic essence, and lastly take 8 hours. However, the resulting creation would be a full level weaker than the lesser imp he first encountered. But it did say the generator was currently only level one. As such, if he managed to upgrade it, he could probably expect it to scale better with his current level.

'Okay. So on one hand, part of me wants to go ahead and just make something that's level one to get it and the quest done faster. But on the other hand, I could probably still use the syringe to bring some of this liquid back to Miss Wentworth. It'll probably be a little messed up by the bits of blood still inside, but that shouldn't matter too much.'

John's hand hovered over the interface, ready to dismiss the screen with a wave. But on the other hand, he could take initiative and start the process now. It did say it was attuned to him after all, so it was his to use. However, he didn't want to use up any of his demonic essence. As such, what he probably would do is wait.

Then he could ask his teacher if he could have the claw dropped by the imp she had him kill. Even if it wasn't worth two points, it would save him one at the very least. John nodded to himself and dismissed the screen. He then took some of the generator's liquid and began to make his way back out of the ruins.

Later

When John arrived back in Wentworth's office, he set down everything he collected onto her desk. Then as she sat behind it, he gave her a brief summary of everything he had found, and then explained in detail everything he knew about the Homunculus Generator, as well as the associated quest he had received.

"So I was wondering if you still had that demon claw and if I could use it for this? Partially because of the quest I got for it, but also because I do really want to see what the final result would actually look and act like."

“Hmmm.” Wentworth tapped her fingers against her desk. “Very well, I have learned all that I could from the claw. There are methods to keep a demon from entirely dissolving, uncommonly used as they may be. While your powers make this much easier, the overall end result remains the same.” She opened her desk drawer and grabbed the item from it. “For any other demonic or organic parts generated by your abilities, I will allow you to use as you see fit. As such, consider term six of our contract no longer necessary in this specific case.”

“Thank you, Miss Wentworth,” John said as he took the claw. “But may I ask you for assistance with one more thing? Regarding the optional part of my quest, what would be the best way to complete it?” he asked as he placed the item into his Inventory.

“By ‘best’, I assume you truly mean the most efficient? To enthrall is to subjugate a being and keep them under your control. If you wish to know the simplest method, then purchase a **** from the Abyss Auction. All you would need is enough money. In your case, you have no need for one in perfect health, so there are surely some for sale that even you can afford. Most will come with a collar that forces them to follow their owner’s commands, so betrayal is not a concern. Does that answer satisfy you, Mr. Newman?”

John only nodded in response as he felt his heart sink. Logically, he fully understood the reasoning behind his teacher’s suggestion. Emotionally, however, the idea of buying an enslaved person filled his chest with lead. The image in his head, of another human being before him with a collar and chains…

‘Wait… the Abyss has all kinds of creatures, so I shouldn’t limit my thoughts to just other humans, right?’ he asked himself. If he were to swap out the mental image in his head for, say, a demon, would that thought still bother him? He let that question stew in his brain for a minute.

If it were a humanoid demon with thoughts and feelings like Ganzac, then yes. But if it was like the two imps he’d encountered, then no, not at all. He compared them to being practically animals, if that. Because at least animals were natural creatures. Whereas demons were born from the emotions of other beings, and then fed on them. And the lesser ones that were seemingly mindless in their hunt for prey? In his mind, John couldn’t help but compare them to parasites.

“Well, Mr. Newman,” Wentworth said. John snapped from his inner thoughts. “I must go attend to other matters. If you wish to return to the generator and begin its process, you are free to do so. If you do choose to order a ****, either station it within the Kingdom or find a way to escort it out of my office when you leave.” She took out a pen and sticky note. “Here is the IP address for the Auction if you do not have it memorized yet, for your reference.” Wentworth stood from her desk and handed the note to John. She turned around and raised her hand, about to leave her office’s Barrier, when she turned back to him.

“Oh, and Mr. Newman, I ask that you refrain from touching anything in here or looking around without permission. I believe we both understand that I would know if you do, yes?”

“Yes, Miss Wentworth. I understand,” John responded. With that, she exited the Barrier. The Gamer was now alone in her office, and he wasn’t quite sure what exactly he wanted to do next. Should he go back into the Kingdom first, or check the Abyss Auction?

John looked down at himself. After Wentworth applied the spell, he had changed back to a spare set of casual clothes. But as for the formal clothing in his Inventory, Wentworth hadn’t directly told him to return it. So for now, he supposed he could just keep it? As he thought about this, he took his phone out. And there in his notifications were several texts and a missed call from Blair.