Kassandra knocked on Rey's forehead. "Anyone in here?"

  Rey gave her a sideways glance.

  "Hey, don't get mad at me. You seem to zone out a lot in the middle of conversations. Felt like I had to bring you back to earth, uh Hell."

  Rey rolled his eyes. "Told you I'm a think-think type of guy. I watch my words carefully."

  She laughed out loud. It sounded so strange yet musical as it echoed in this slime-infested castle. And it brought so many happy memories that he couldn't help smiling.

  No…Bad Rey. He scolded himself. Tell her about the Element and send her on her way.

  "So, I guess I shouldn't tell you about the Element, right," Rey said, cutting her laughter short.

  "What?" Her eyes widened in disbelief

  "Well, it is not the Holy Element exactly but functions quite like it. Would you like to know about it?"

  "Of course."

  "The price is…" Rey couldn't form the words. "I'll tell you that later. As for the Element, it's the Moonlight Element." He brought it up in his Elements menu.

  [Moonlight: You can channel the celestial force of the moon into your weapons, imbuing them with radiant energy that enhances their lethality and purifies wicked souls. It is a force feared by creatures of darkness. Your weapons will deal extra damage to demons, monsters, and evil souls. This Element can only be accessed by humans. If you fall into demonhood, you will lose access to this Element and all its subsequent skills.]

  Kassandra raised an eyebrow and let out a low whistle. "That is sweet."

  "It is," Rey confirmed. "It's not Holy magic, but it's close enough. Pair this Element with a bow, and you will be a nightmare to any demon that dares to cross your path. So, what do you think?"

  Please say yes.

  "I'll think about it," she said. "I need more time to look at other Elements and see if I don't find something else I might like more."

  You won't. Rey almost cried out. Here he was, giving her a super secret Element that anyone would die for, and she wanted to think about it some more.

  Somehow, he kept his cool and shrugged. "Your call."

  "What about you?" She asked. "Why don't you take this Element?"

  "It doesn't interest me," he replied casually. "Besides, I'm looking for something else."

  She frowned. "What are you looking for?"

  He sighed lightly. He didn't know how to put this in a way that wouldn't make him sound suspicious. If the Chaos demon were listening in, he would undoubtedly know something was up with Rey. But she may have seen something that would help him in the long run.

  "I don't know," Rey tried slowly. "Something that will counter fast-moving enemies. You know, render their speed useless. I'm sure some people have teleportation. I saw that Element. It's interesting but not my style. I would want something that could counter that. I was trying to find if there was a time element, but it looks like that type of magic doesn't exist."

  "That is a tall order," she said. "But I'll let you know if I find something. Say, what did you want in return for telling me about the Moonlight element?"

  "I want you…" Rey had to force the words out of his throat. "…to stay away from me. It's for your own good, really."

  She frowned and leaned away from him. Her look said, 'What is the matter with you?' She stood, looked blankly at him, and folded her arms. "Fine. I'll leave you alone." Then she stormed off.

  That hurt worse than the time he got his fingers clipped by Darrogh. He hadn't realized how difficult it would be. But it was for the best. If she had stayed away from him, she would never have gone on that expedition.

  It's for the best. He reminded himself for the hundredth time.

  He rested his head on the wall and shut his eyes. He didn't know if what he was doing was right. If the future were an immovable object, no matter how much he tried to meddle with it, it would eventually course correct. Or if his choices were making an actual difference in the grand scheme of things.

  Guess I'll find out soon enough.

  The blonde girl stood at the entrance, glaring at everyone as if they were beneath her. She wore a Louis Vuitton belt, and though he couldn't see the brands of her shirt and jeans, he figured they were expensive as well.

  Poor girl must be frothing at the mouth to complain to Daddy about her situation. Too bad her daddy was probably already demon food.

  She noticed him looking. He gave her a little salute with a nod. She huffed and turned away. He figured she didn't like the accommodations and must've gone to complain to the manager. Though, she had been mostly quiet ever since they arrived here. He didn't know if it was a good sign or a bad one. She had been a little vocal against Zalathar. One thing was for sure, she was a loose cannon and one to be watched.

  This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

  *****

  "We need water," Jerry stated. "My throat is parched."

  "And food," Latoria, the middle-aged Jamaican woman, added.

  The whole castle had been searched, and when no demon had been found lurking in its corners, it had been unanimously decided that they should make this their humble abode. Rey hadn't moved from his nice, dry spot, while the others had gathered basically right in front of him to discuss their next steps.

  Of course, Kassandra was here as well, and she refused to look at him or even acknowledge his presence. So, he had no way of knowing if she had taken his advice and taken on the Moonlight Element. It was a strong element with a variety of skills to vanquish all demons, if not vanquish them, then hurt them greatly.

  This was all great and well for Kassandra. He was still nowhere close to figuring out an element for himself. Something that would counter Zarius's teleporting and, if not counter, at least nullify it. Then there was Zalathar, whose whole skillset relied on creating as much chaos as possible by littering the battlefield with weapons and void orbs. Not to mention, he might as well be the flash in demon form.

  While Rey was busy planning the destruction of S Tier demons, these people needed things like water and food.

  Just drink the fucking blood of the demons we've killed, and you'll be fine. He almost blurted out but remembered that it only worked if you were a demon.

  "Is there even is such a thing as water in this cursed place?" Maria growled.

  She had taken her current predicament the hardest. Rey almost thought it was best to let the Vorclaws bite her face off. Then he subdued those demonic thoughts.

  "There must be," Kassandra said. "Or why else would Zalathar drop us here, knowing we'd die without it."

  "We must send out a party to look for it," Filomena said.

  "I agree," Kassandra stated. "But not more than two or three people while the rest stay here and guard this place."

  That's like my Kassi.

  Filomena nodded in agreement. "We should also take shifts in standing watch. We never know when we might be set upon by demons wanting to reclaim the castle."

  "Hey, wait a minute. Who made you boss?" Jerry demanded, making Rey wish he had a cat named Tom who would keep this overgrown mouse busy.

  "Someone has to," she retorted. "Or we'll all end up dead."

  "Whoever wants Jerry to be the boss, raise their hands," Rey called out, surprising everyone by speaking for the first time. He raised his hand, but no one else did. "Well, I tried. Let's move on from this tired old conversation to something more productive."

  People slowly peeled their eyes away from Rey. This was exactly what it was like last time. Jerry and Filomena's arguments went on and on until they put it to a vote, and just like now, no one voted for Jerry. Of course, he was salty about the loss, but he didn't last long after his loss.

  Rey wondered if the same would happen now, as the next demon attack should've happened at any moment.

  "He's right," Filomena said. "We must vote on a leader."

  "Why?" the blondie practically barked, whose name he had recently learned was Tia. "I don't know any of you. Why should I follow your commands?"

  "Point," Rey said, pointing at her, but she just scowled in return.

  "Yes, we don't need to vote on a leader right now, but we need each other to survive," Kassandra said. "I say we split up and search the surrounding areas for water and some supplies, but let's not wander off too far."

  Filomena nodded. "Anyone have any objections?"

  "No objections, oh cute and electrifying one!" Rey exclaimed. "I will search the castle for supplies."

  "The castle has already been searched," she declared.

  "But not by me," Rey grinned. He picked up his scythe and walked towards the left-most corridor.

  "But—" Filomena began, but Kassandra cut him off.

  "Leave him, he's half-cracked."

  "Only half?" Rey turned and flashed her a goofy smile. "You clearly don't know me that well. Give it time."

  He whistled a tune his father used to sing. He forgot most of what his father used to do, but he did remember the tune. The only part of the walls that wasn't slick with black slime was the ceiling, as that was the only area the Neraths couldn't get to. The stone walls were grimy and would take a lot of time to clean up, but not yet. They needed material to clean with, and it was coming soon.

  The corridor ended in a small hallway with three doors. Each had a tear-shaped drop carved into it, and all three were locked. He moved for the middle door. The other doors had their own gifts to give, but there was no point in opening them now. It would just overload their tiny brains.

  He spat on the teardrop. There was a sound of a lock unclicking.

  He opened the door and walked into a small open veranda. There was actual green grass surrounding a stone well. A wooden bucket lay by the well. He threw the bucket into the dark waters of the well and pulled on the rope, and out came a bucket of cool, clean water. He drank until he couldn't drink anymore. He burped loudly and filled another bucket of water.

  Time to blow my bucket load all over their faces.

  ******

  "H-How?" Jerry stammered. "Where did you find this?"

  "And you said you had searched the whole castle and missed the well." Rey kissed his teeth.

  Jerry was the first to drink, and no one wanted to contest his decision, for they wanted all their teeth intact. Then, one by one, they all had their share.

  "But how did you get that door open?" Phil asked. "I tried pushing all three but couldn't get any of them to open."

  "I figured there was a trick to it, oh loveable Daddio. So, I just spat on it by accident because otherwise, I only spit to polish my tool before I use it." Rey winked. "Anyways, the door unlocked, and voila, I found a well with that bucket beside it. So, there, I've solved the water problem for you. The food problem will solve itself very soon."

  He sat in his spot again, which had another visitor. Ajay was sitting there and quickly tried to hobble away, but Rey waved him down.

  "Sit, sit, my awkward Talent Maharaja." Rey snuggled in beside him. "I feel like it's about time we get to know each other." He leaned in and whispered in his ear. "I have a lot to teach you, like how not to pass out when talking to girls, especially our resident Italian hottie."

  Ajay's cheeks flushed, and his eyes snapped to Filomena to see if she had heard. Thankfully for him, she had not. She was busy conversing with some of the others while water droplets dripped from her fingers.

  "What are you—"

  "Shh... It's about to happen at any time now," Rey said.

  "What's about to happen?"

  "Keep your palms hot and be ready to fry some demon fritters."

  "Are you insane?" Ajay asked.

  "Oh, you have no idea how insane I can truly get."

  Almost on cue, there was a loud howl outside, followed by some growling and snarling as if a pack of wolves had come to visit them.

  "Let me guess," Rey called. "You all were so excited by water that no one was standing watch by the windows."

  Everyone looked around sheepishly, for it was the truth. All twelve of them were here. Rey wondered if they had even closed the main door properly or left it open for any demon to stride in for dinner. Needless to say, they were said dinner.

  Rey gripped his weapon's shaft and stood. "Stat points, here I come. Ajay, it's time to show off for the ladies."