The three scary-looking demons—who’d seemed formidable while lurking in shadows—now looked like children caught stealing cookies. Their intimidating presence evaporated under Lola’s ruby gaze.
They were just apprentice-level mages who got greedy. They didn’t have any business battling a master-level mage. That would be courting death like a certain young master once said.
"We were just walking," the scarred mercenary stammered, his voice carrying all the conviction of wet paper. "Coincidence that we ended up here."
"Pure chance," the mage added, his hands trembling from Lola’s pressure.
Lola’s smile disappeared like sunlight behind storm clouds. The temperature around them dropped several degrees as her aura changed from playful to wrathful.
"Do you take me for a fool?" Her tone could have frozen fire.
"I was planning to let you go after an apology, but not anymore."
Uh oh. They just...signed their death off.
Lola reached into her pocket space and withdrew the Eye of Apollo. The legendary artefact pulsed with truth-detecting energy that made reality itself seem more transparent.
The three demons’ faces went pale as they realised they had truly messed up.
They’d watched the auction. They knew exactly what that orb could accomplish.
"Please! We’re sorry! We didn’t mean any harm!" The mercenary dropped his weapon and fell to his knees.
"Just wanted to see the famous shopkeeper!" the mage added, joining his companion in desperation.
Now they’re grovelling. Too little, too late.
"Enough with your games. You clearly tried to rob him. You know what you’ve done is punishable by death, right?" Lola’s casual tone made the threat infinitely more terrifying.
"Especially if I’m involved."
Death penalty for attempted robbery? Demon justice is harsh.
"Therefore, I won’t let you go scot-free. Unless..." Her smirk promised punishment that would make simple execution seem merciful.
The demon’s eyes widened in happiness.
’We have a chance to survive!’ They thought all together.
"Unless you swear on a demonic oath."
The demons nodded frantically, clearly expecting promises to never attack Noah again. Standard criminal rehabilitation through oath binding.
"We will never attack him again. We s-"
Before the demons could finish, Lola interrupted them.
"That’s not the oath I have in mind," Lola purred.
They think they’re getting off easy. Poor bastards.
Her slender hand settled on Noah’s shoulder.
"I want you to swear an oath that you’ll be his protectors from now on. And don’t worry—I’m sure this man will not treat you badly."
Huh? What’s going on?
Noah blinked in confusion as the situation escalated beyond his comprehension. Three would-be robbers become his personal bodyguards through an oath contract law?
This escalated quickly.
The demons exchanged horrified glances as implications registered. Lifetime servitude versus immediate execution...they weren’t exactly generous terms.
"We..." the mercenary began.
A fireball materialised in Lola’s palm with menace.
"We agree!" all three shouted simultaneously.
Smart choice. That fireball looked dangerous. Noah thought.
"Excellent." Lola’s smile returned with a satisfied nod.
"Proceed with the oath."
The three demons raised their hands in resignation.
"We swear by the only true God that we will serve as protectors of Noah Carter, defending him from harm and serving his interests, as long as he does not treat us harshly or ask us to die."
Demonic oaths. There’s actually such a thing as magically enforced contracts.
Golden light flared around the group as the oath took effect, binding the three former attackers to Noah’s service through mechanisms that he didn’t understand.
Everything’s happening so fast. I went from being robbed to acquiring three bodyguards in under five minutes.
Noah stared at his new protectors with bewildered fascination. The scarred mercenary looked resigned to his fate. The mage seemed to be calculating whether this was better than whatever alternatives Lola might have provided.
Wait. If demonic oaths can force people into service contracts...
The idea hit him like lightning. Magically binding agreements that customers couldn’t break.
It was the perfect solution for his protein bar supply concerns.
First-time buyers would eat inside the store. Second-time buyers would swear not to resell. The problem was solved through supernatural contract law, and the person behind it was once again...Lola.
"Lola, are demonic oaths commonly used for business transactions?" Noah said slowly.
Her grin widened with obvious delight. "Oh, you’re going to love learning about commerce law."
This changes everything.
The slimes continued their innocent hopping, completely oblivious to the life-altering arrangements being finalised around them.
"Demonic oaths can be used for anything," Lola explained, her ruby eyes sparkling.
"Business contracts, personal agreements, political alliances—any situation where absolute certainty is required."
Anything. The applications are endless.
Noah’s mind raced through possibilities.
"The beauty lies in their absolute nature. Once sworn, the oath becomes part of the swearer’s very existence. Breaking it triggers consequences that transcend simple penalties," she continued.
Consequences...that sounds ominous.
"What kind of consequences?" Noah asked, though part of him suspected the answer wouldn’t be pleasant.
Lola’s expression grew serious, her playful demeanour once again evaporating.
"The oath doesn’t simply punish, it destroys. First, the oathbreaker loses their hearing, cut off from the world’s sounds."
Complete deafness...and that’s just the beginning.
"Then their sight fails, darkness becomes their permanent companion, isolating them further from reality."
The three new bodyguards shifted uncomfortably, clearly remembering their recent binding with fresh appreciation for its seriousness.
"Next, their voice disappears entirely. No words, no cries for help, no communication with the outside world."
Sensory deprivation leading to complete isolation.
"Finally, life itself abandons them. Death comes slowly, painfully, inevitably." Lola’s voice dropped to barely a whisper.
Progressive deterioration ending in guaranteed death. That’s absolutely terrifying.
Noah stared at his three protectors with a new understanding of their resigned acceptance. They hadn’t just agreed to service, they’d bound their very survival to keeping their word. Although at the two conditions of good treatment, and non-death resulting commands.
No wonder demonic oaths are taken seriously. Breaking them means slow, painful destruction.
"The process typically takes weeks, plenty of time to contemplate the wisdom of oath-breaking while experiencing each stage of deterioration," Lola added.
Weeks of progressive sensory loss before death. That’s psychological torture on top of physical punishment.
"So when I use oaths for business..." Noah began.
"Your customers will honour every agreement," Lola finished with satisfaction.