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Germal chortled again. “Ah, but in that case, it should honestly be I who is thanking you. Without your intervention at that time, I am not sure that I could have returned to this realm.”

“Oh yeah? Well, you’re welcome, then. But you sure have a funny way of demonstrating your appreciation! Tryin’ to kill me ‘n all!”

“Kehe. Don’t act like you were not already planning to come after me again.”

“That’s hardly fair! Just because I’m planning something doesn’t mean I’ll follow through with it! Do you know how many things I have left on my to-do list?”

“A real shame, that. Anyway, have I answered to your satisfaction? I wish to take my turn, now.”

“Hmm! Almost! Just one little thing I want clarification on!”

“Yes?”

“If you’re all beings of Chaos, then what’s your beef with me, huh? I’m a reasonable fellow. In fact, I would’ve expected us to be on the same side! I happen to love Chaos! Everyone knows us Abolishers are big fans of the Void, of which Chaos is merely one aspect!”

“Calling yourself reasonable has to be a bigger lie than anything I have ever uttered.”

“Now you’re just being hurtful. Sure, my enthusiasm can get away from me, on occasion. But I genuinely think that you and I could have arrived at some quite amicable terms, many years ago, if you’d just tried to reach out. Explained your position a bit. Heck, maybe we still could! Wouldn’t that be neat?!”

“You would have almost certainly tried to capture me.”

“Well, yeah, of course I would have! But I’m tellin’ you: we would have eventually arrived at a place of friendship!”

Germal fell briefly quiet again. “Keheheh...”

“Somethin’ funny?”

“You do bring something out of me, Demon. I’ll grant you that.”

“Oh? Happy to hear it!”

“Unfortunately, that was not a compliment.”

“Aww.”

“I am tempted to play your game here. To indulge your offer of friendship, even. And continue this exchange elsewhere. But no. You are too dangerous to leave alive.”

“Mm. Heard that before. Real shame, coming from you. Was hoping you’d surprise me. Spice things up, somehow. But I guess in the end, you’re just another of those morality-obsessed do-gooders, eh? Despite so much evidence to the contrary! Talk about a letdown!”

“A morality-obsessed do-gooder? Now that is an interesting interpretation. Kehe. I fear you are still quite confused, my ‘demonic’ friend.”

“Am I? How so?”