Rick was carried forward, and his body didn't like the gentle motion. He was carefully put down in front of the Demon King.
He could barely stand, but he wouldn't let himself fall all the way down.
Zork looked at him for a long time, and those ancient eyes seemed to see right through to Rick's core. The Demon King smiled slowly after that.
"You are either the bravest idiot I've ever met or the dumbest brave person."
"I still haven't made up my mind." Rick felt power flow through Zork's giant hand on his shoulder.
Not power that hurt him, but healing energy that calmed his pain and fixed his broken ribs. "But you have earned my respect, human. Not many demons can say that, even from the Demon King himself."
Rick found his voice, but it was hoarse. "I just did what needed to be done."
"Exactly," Zork said. "Real warriors don't care about glory or reward."
