3 Chapter 3

I've been waiting for about three days for Kukani to wake up. It was easier than I expected to survive, seeing as I didn't really have to eat. Can demons go longer without food than humans? It seems that way. During this time, I've been cautious when leaving, so it's been a little hard to keep track of the time. I learned better control over my wings though. Also, I discovered that certain insects have souls too when I accidently stepped on a centipede after being startled by it. Turns out, I automatically absorb the soul of what I kill--the body vaporizes and shoots towards my chest in a ball of lightning. I summoned it and have been playing random games with it. From what I can tell, it was a type of monster with shockingly high intelligence, but is unable to speak. Tic-tac-toe got boring eventually, so I'd then told it to find and bring me fruit. This is what boredom does to you--you start talking to, and playing games with, a monster centipede. Its body is a bit thicker than my index finger...and I think it's about 30 centimeters, give or take. I haven't seen it since I gave it that order, but I haven't felt it die either. There's something else I've been wondering about for a while now though. If I'm living here, is this a type of dungeon? Like those labyrinths adventurers explore and conquer? Well...if so, then it's a bit sad. Hmmm...say, if the angel can create a game-like status (sort of) for me, then can they help me change up this place? Do I...have any options or something? Can you grant me a few skills to do all of this?

[{Dungeon Control}Granted]

[Demon Lord Zai Is Unable To Handle Stress Of {System}]

So I can have one right now, but not the other...alright, I'll take it. If all I have to do is get stronger to have a system, then that's what I'll do. Now, to start using it… "Master…" I flinched, then turned to Kukani. His eyes are open! Finally! My boredom can end! Elated, I went over to him with a smile. "Why were you mumbling and drawing in the dirt, master Zai?"

Rather triggered, I grabbed his shoulder and got closer. "I've been dying on the inside from a lack of entertainment. I miss the internet!"

He blinked at me. "Master, your expression is very dark. Have you found your true nature while I was out of commission? And what is the internet?"

Ignoring the former comment, I answered the latter with, "Something I desire greatly but can never have. Besides that, I've gained a new skill. I want to try it out."

He started to struggle to his paws. "I would very much enjoy witnessing my Master's power."

"Okay, okay, but stay down. You're clearly not well enough to get up." I motioned for him to lie down. I said that...but...how do I use it? Um...active Dungeon Control.

[{Dungeon Control} Activated]

[Providing Assistance In Use--Successful]

I gasped when a thin screen showed up, displaying the layout of the cave we were in and our position in it. So cool! now...I would like to add at least one room, and, if possible, make this one smaller. If it works the way games do, then I've got this!

{Adding a room. Proportion change?}

So now it's not the angel, but the skill that's messaging me? So weird. well...I want this one halved, and the new one the size of this one.

{Proceeding with arrangements. Taking a portion of host's mana in exchange.}

Host? Oh, because...alright. Everything began to shake, throwing me off balance momentarily.

[Warning--Dangerous Action Detected]

[Demon Lord Zai Must Retreat To The Center]

[Altering Command To Ensure Safety]

Oops! I grabbed Kukani and ran for the middle of the cave. When I got there, I crouched down and covered us with my wings. Debris bounced off the tough membrane, not a single piece getting through. When it all settled down after a few minutes, I received: [Danger Cleared]

{Remodeling Complete}

I hesitated, but soon opened my wings to take a look. The room had shrunk significantly, but was still bigger than an office. A staircase had appeared off to the side, hidden in the shadows. You have to look at it just right to see it. The angel said they changed the command...what'd they do? I stood up and wandered over to the stairs, peering down curiously. There weren't any lights, but I only noticed that after realizing there wasn't anything on the sides to keep it bright. I like being able to see in the dark, but it makes it a bit hard to tell the difference between night and day. "Master, what is this?" I jolted when Kukani's voice came from beside me.

He still looks like he's sick. "A skill I learned from the angel. I don't know what it did." I should know, but the angel changed something. Taking a breath, I started down the steps, unsure what I'd find at the bottom. After a few minutes of walking, I began to wonder just how deep this went...like...seriously...I can't even see the bottom. It took another five minutes before the base appeared abruptly, stopping me in front of two giant doors. What kind of doorway is this?! The massive doors were black with intricate golden designs depicting two dragons with their jaws open, breathing fire at each other--the flames met where the doors touched, remaining completely symmetrical. I never asked for something like this…

"Amazing, Master!" Of course he approves of it. I gave up and walked up to it, wondering how it was supposed to open. When my finger barely brushed the door, a light sparked from the contact and zipped around, causing the gold designs to glow. With a loud creak and a sound like the release of pent up air, the doors swung open, revealing a shocking sight. What is this?!

[Throne Room Created To Stabilize The Mountain]

But I don't want one! Take it back! There weren't really very many things, but what got me the most was the actual throne at the far side directly across from the door. Why do I need something like that?! Already aware that I couldn't change it, I gave up and went over to the throne, looking at it skeptically. Was this really necessary?

[Not At All]

Now this angel's actually messing with me?! On purpose?! That's just cruel--I can't even smack you for it!

[As The Demon Lord, Image Is Everything]

Oh, so now the messages are normal! Obviously! "..." I've been bored for too long. "Kukani--"

"Whatever are you waiting for, master Zai? Take a seat upon your magnificent throne!" I shot a glare at him, totally done with this. As I was rather defeated, I grumbled and sat down moodily. Can I float around in an endless abyss after all?!