Chapter 11

"Then today, I will summon the 23rd ranked demon, Aim."

The next day after learning the binding spell.

The day to summon the long-desired Aim had finally arrived.

And today is a school holiday, so I can train all day.

"For that, I need to dismiss Orabus first..."

"Master!!! Please don't dismiss me!!!"

As expected, Orabus didn't want to be dismissed.

Well, it's fine.

Now that I've learned the binding spell, I think I can manage to summon two demons at once.

Alright, first, I'll open the page for Aim in the grimoire.

Then, I'll focus on the flow of magic and visualize it in my mind.

But, how do I visualize it?

I don't even know what the demon Aim looks like.

However, I could vaguely sense the unique magic emanating from Aim's page in the grimoire.

I'll try to imagine pulling that magic towards me.

"---I command you in the name of Norman. Appear like a swift wind within the magic circle. Come from wherever you are in the world and answer all my questions rationally. Show yourself in a peaceful form without delay and make my wish a reality. I summon you. O one who commands all things, whose name, when heard, makes the four great spirits tremble, the wind shake, the sea flee, the fire extinguish, the earth tremble, and all spirits of heaven, earth, and hell quake. I command you. Come forth—23rd ranked, Aim!"

I thought I could abbreviate the incantation before, but since this is only the third summoning, I read the entire text to be on the safe side.

Then, the magic circle in the room began to glow.

It seems to have worked.

The one who appeared from the magic circle was a handsome man.

He had silky blonde hair, a high nose, and sharp eyes.

He looked like a typical handsome man.

"Did you call me?"

A hoarse voice that didn't match his handsome appearance.

"Um..."

I was confused for a reason.

At first glance, Aim looked like a typical handsome man.

However, there were two strange points.

The first was that his right hand was a cat's head.

The second was that his left hand was a snake's head.

The cat's head was the one speaking.

The handsome man's mouth was tightly closed, and his expression didn't change.

"Hey, answer me quickly! Human!"

Indeed, the cat's head was the one speaking.

Is the cat's head the main body?

"Yes, it's me. I, Norman, summoned you."

"To summon and command me, you insolent human! I might just burn you!"

He's rebellious.

But maybe this is the true form of demons, unlike the unusual ones like Fullcas and Orabus.

"You!!! How dare you insult Master! Even if Master forgives you, I won't!!!"

"Hmm, so the pervert Orabus is here too."

Ah, so Orabus is considered a pervert even by demons.

"Orabus, calm down. I'll talk to him."

"Understood, Master."

With that, Orabus stepped back.

Despite his quirks, Orabus listens to me, which is appreciated.

"Hmm, you've summoned two demons at once. You're not just a regular human, it seems."

Aim seemed to acknowledge me a bit.

"Mr. Aim, I summoned you because I have a request. Could you please listen to it?"

"Go on, I'll listen."

I asked, and Aim responded after pretending to think.

"No."

It seems the negotiation failed.

"Listen, human! Pay attention! Indeed, I am skilled in fire magic! And I love fire! But what I love even more is burning buildings! I'll start with this house!!!"

"Trouble, he's going berserk!"

I need to cast the binding spell quickly.

But the binding spell takes time.

The house will be burned before I finish!

"Master! Leave it to me!"

Orabus lunged at Aim.

"You! Trying to interfere!"

Aim tried to burn Orabus with fire, but Orabus was unaffected and pinned Aim down.

Now's the time!

"---I command you, 23rd ranked Aim. I bind you. Remain in place and take no action. Listen only to my commands. If you do not obey me, I will curse you and take everything from you in my name."

"Ugh!"

With that, Aim froze.

Phew, the mansion was saved from burning at the last moment.

"Aim, I permit you to speak."

"It's been a long time since a human has treated me so disrespectfully."

Aim glared at me.

"Mr. Aim, if possible, I'd like to build a friendly relationship with you."

"I'm not like that pervert Orabus. I have no intention of being friendly with a human."

Is this the general demon's perspective?

But I don't want to force demons to obey me.

What should I do?

"Then, how about we use each other? I want to learn fire magic from you. Is there anything you want from me?"

"You want an equal relationship...?"

Aim started to think.

"My only desire is one. I love burning buildings. I can't stand the sight of humans screaming and writhing in agony inside burning buildings. Can you fulfill that for me?"

That's impossible.

I can't fulfill that.

But if I say I can't, Aim won't teach me fire magic.

"Mr. Aim, I want to master demon summoning. If I succeed, I might be recognized as a magician. As a magician, I might have the opportunity to participate in wars. Then, I might be able to fulfill your desire."

I know it's a vague promise.

"Hahaha, human. You need to learn better negotiation skills."

Aim said with a rebellious look.

The negotiation seems to have failed.

"Human, is it true that you want to master demon summoning?"

"It's true, but why?"

"Why do you want to master it?"

Why, indeed.

To prove myself to my parents, classmates, and those who called me incompetent?

No, that's not it.

"It's fun. I couldn't do the magic that others could do easily before. But now, I can master my own magic. It's very enjoyable."

"Finding it fun to master demon summoning. Hahaha, it might be interesting to see your fate."

"Um, does that mean you'll cooperate with me?"

"Yes, that's what I mean."

Great, now I can finally learn fire magic.

"Aim, you're free to move."

I said and released the binding on Aim.

"Nice to meet you, Aim."

I said and extended my right hand.

But then I realized that Aim's hands are a cat and a snake, so we can't shake hands.

"Don't get the wrong idea, human. I'll cooperate, but I have no intention of being friendly with you."

Aim turned away.

It seems he has no intention of shaking hands either.

"Master!!! I am deeply moved by your noble and heroic appearance!!!"

Suddenly, Orabus was crying.

I wonder what part of our conversation was so moving...

"Really, this guy is incomprehensible."

Aim muttered.

Yeah, I agree with Aim.