Page 14 of Demon Lord's Proposal

I approach it cautiously, fascinated by its intricate design. "It's beautiful," I murmur.

"It's dangerous," Deus corrects. "One wrong move and you could unleash hell. Literally."

I gulp, taking a step back. "Right. Noted."

Deus moves to a workbench, gesturing for me to join him. "Alright, time for your first lesson in demonic alchemy."

Despite my exhaustion, I feel a surge of excitement. This is what I've been waiting for – a chance to expand my knowledge beyond mortal limits.

"Demonic alchemy," Deus begins. "Is similar to what you know, but with a crucial difference. We're not just manipulating physical elements. We're working with the very essence of the underworld."

I nod eagerly. "Like spiritual energy?"

"Sort of," Deus says. "But darker, more potent. It's the stuff of nightmares and desires, of pain and pleasure. And it's incredibly volatile."

He reaches for a vial filled with a shimmering black liquid. "This, for example, is distilled fear. One drop can send a mortal into a panic attack. A full vial could drive them insane."

"Wow," I breathe. "And you use this in drinks?"

Deus nods. "In very small doses, it can create a thrilling sense of excitement. It's all about balance."

I lean in, fascinated. "What else? What other ingredients do you use?"

Deus seems pleased by my enthusiasm. He begins pointing out various items, explaining their properties and uses.

"Powdered phoenix ash – great for renewal elixirs. Essence of chaos – unpredictable, but powerful. Crystallized time – tricky to work with, but essential for certain temporal effects."

My mind is reeling, trying to absorb all this new information. "This is incredible," I say. "I never imagined alchemy could be like this."

Deus nods approvingly. "You've got a good foundation with your hexeblood alchemy. But this... this is a whole new level."

I can't help but ask, "How did you learn all this?"

For a moment, Deus's expression darkens. "That's a story for another time. For now, let's see what you can do."

He begins setting up a simple apparatus – a small burner, a glass beaker, and a few vials of ingredients.

"Alright," he says. "Let's start with something basic. A mood-altering elixir. I want you to create something that will induce a sense of calm and contentment."

I nod, my exhaustion forgotten in the face of this challenge. I examine the ingredients before me – a vial of shimmering blue liquid, a packet of what looks like starlight, and a small bottle of golden dust.

"Okay," I mutter to myself. "Calm and contentment. I can do this."

I start by adding the blue liquid to the beaker, remembering how certain cool colors can induce relaxation. As it heats, I sprinkle in a pinch of the starlight, watching as it dissolves into tiny, twinkling motes.

"Good instincts," Deus comments. "That's the essence of serenity and dream dust. But it needs something more."

I bite my lip, considering. Then, on a hunch, I add just a touch of the golden dust.

"Interesting choice," Deus says. "What made you pick that?"

"Well," I explain. "If it's supposed to induce contentment, I figured a little bit of joy wouldn't hurt. Is that... fulfillment dust?"

Deus nods, looking impressed. "Good eye. Now, how are you going to bind it all together?"

I hesitate, realizing I'm missing a crucial step. In normal alchemy, I'd use a binding agent, but this is different.

Then, an idea strikes me.

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