Bargaining with Monsters

The outburst surprises Alex as well, and he responses in kind. "Who the fuck would, you dumbass!?"

Intelligent monsters are not that rare, considering that they are just part of another race, existing with humanity across plenty of dimensions. However, for a monster to be able to recall some of its past life despite its mind has been devoured and dominated, that is another story all together.

And perhaps with that, it can be reasoned with.

I am a Merchant, and I have learned long ago that my forte does not lies in combat. It lies in the power to persuade others to buy things that they do not know they need.

But before any bartering can take place, I must get its attention first, and knowing exactly who it was before its monsterification helps, but unfortunately, I cannot narrow down the list of possible suspects alone.

"Hey Alex! It seems to have a huge grudge against you," I call out while readying my weapon. If all else fails, getting my hand bloody is also an option. "Who did you piss off recently!?"

"How! How the fuck would I know!? Huff. Do something man! Shit!" Alex shouts back before managing to trip over and crashing against the ground. "Fuck!"

I curse as well and rush at the monster to save Alex, but surprisingly, it backs away to avoid me.

"Fuck off Zander. This is between me and Alex," the creature growls and shows its deadly claws. Deadly enough to tear a man apart within seconds. Through identify, I learn that its level is beyond normal. Is this also done on purpose by the Ruler of Life?

I exhale and lower my weapon. "Seriously bro, Alex is just an idiot. Why do you need to get upset over an idiot? Whatever happens between you and him is all in the past, and you should be worrying about the future. Like food for example."

"Food?" the creature growls and looks around. Its brothers and sisters are happily devouring everyone who manages to get caught and torn apart, allowing many others to escape. Only idiots would stay to fight and get eaten.

The awful stench of blood and gore combining with its ravenous hunger finally overcomes its grudges against Alex.

It roars and about to charge at me, but I raise my weapon and narrow my eyes. "I have killed many of your kinds before, and if you think you have the strength to have this meal then come, but it will not be simple. At least, not simple as that one over there."

I leer over at a person who has pissed his pant. He is paralyzed in fear and unable to escape. He is also completely defenseless unlike me.

The creature roars at me before launching itself at that easier meal, and in instant, that person is torn apart and devoured. While it is busy, I make my escape alongside with Alex.

"Did you… did you just throw that guy under the bus?" Alex questions breathlessly as he runs alongside with me. He does not approve of what I just did, and I do not need his approval. I need him to survive.

I sigh. "I told you things are not always simple. It is either you or him, and I choose you, so if you don't want to make that difficult choice in the future then have the strength make your own choice."