I slowly got up, my body feeling too heavy for my legs, as I called out, "W-What are you?"
The man-no, the thing grinned, his sharp teeth flashing in the dim light, "Didn't I introduce myself? I am a Devil, someone who came to offer you a deal."
My mind was so blank right now that I couldn't even think of shouting.
I stared at him with sweat pooling on my neck and forehead.
I have never felt death from this close before.
The Devil, or so he introduced himself, sighed, "Guess, this conversation would go way too slow if I remain like this,"
He suddenly snapped his finger and the man shrank
No, like really
He transformed into a plush.
A red and black plush that moved.
"Now, can we talk?" His presence was no longer pressing on me, so I could breathe normally.
I asked, "A-Are you really a Devil?"
The plush seemed to have a blank expression, "Really, boy? You just saw a ten-foot-long behemoth shrink into this joke. And you ask me that?"
I nodded, "But I can be hallucinating."
The Devil laughed, "Let's consider that. After all, if you disagree with the deal, you will feel all this was an illusion."
I blinked, "But didn't you say if I don't take the deal, I would die?" Or was I hallucinating that too?
"Yes, I said," he nodded, "But that death part was for your brother."
I flinched as I heard him adding, "After all, only I could save him now."
My fist clenched, a scowl forming on my face, "Don't joke about someone's death."
He shook his head, "I wouldn't have approached you if not for him." He suddenly jumped over Dennis to stand on this side of the bed, "Because what I am about to offer you, you will only accept it because of your desperation to save your brother."
I took a strong gulp. I have read things about Devils that they appear when someone is about to die then sign a deal with them.
However, all those books were fictional despite what the author claimed.
I glanced at my brother, "Can you really help him?"
The Devil nodded, "Let me show you a glimpse," he snapped his finger, and suddenly Dennis's heart rate began to grow more rapid
His slowly fading heartbeat suddenly regained vitality.
His hand twitched slightly, and his complexion visibly improved.
"D-Dennis?" I called out, my voice trembling.
I touched his forehead and...I felt his skin was a little warm.
A ray of hope appeared in the distance as I felt his pulse
Is there really a chance?
"You see that? While he is still unconscious, he is better now. And I can easily save him if you sign a contract with me."
I took a deep breath and turned towards the man, "What...do I need to do?"
Murder? Taking revenge? Burglary? I was ready to take any risk if it saved my brother.
Even if I get jailed for the rest of my life, it won't matter. If I get to know that my brother is living a good life, I would be content with it.
I waited patiently for the plush to say what heinous crime I must commit but what he said was completely unexpected,
"You need to seduce women."
"..."
"In particular, those who are being cheated on. Like your landlady."
I stared at him dumbly before asking, "What...nature of Devil are you?"
He laughed, "Didn't you see my hot bod? I am a Devil of Lust, of course."
I leaned back, "....can you really heal my brother?"
"Hey, now, I sense prejudice in that comment." Huffing, he added, "But don't worry, even a regular Devil has enough authority to bring a person back from near death. And here you are talking to a Devil General."
I nodded, not understanding half of the things, before asking, "So...you want me to seduce those who are getting cheated on?"
The Devil nodded twice. It was kind of hilarious how, without a neck, he was bobbing his head up and down.
"Yes, just that. I really hate to see lonely women waiting for their partners at home, while their men are in the arms of another woman."
I wryly smiled, "Can't you do that yourself?"
"Oh, yes, I do that, but this world is so vast, so I ain't enough." With his lips splitting in a grin, he stated, "We are forbidden from sharing our powers with someone else, but fuck that. I am willing to go against the rules for you. How about it?"
Saying so, he offered his small hand.
I took a deep breath.
This was going to be risky and something which, as a human being, I shouldn't be thinking about. I never intended to become a scumbag, and I don't know if I have what it takes to become one.
But...when I wasn't hesitating from taking people's lives for my brother, why should I now when I am just supposed to fill the hole of the mistreated women's hearts, even if temporarily?
"Alright, I-" I was about to take his hand but then he moved his hand away.
"Ah-uh. Not just like that, boy." With a grin, he added, "Before I take the risk of recruiting you, I need to see if you have what it takes to be my pupil."
"In short, a test."