MMORPG: Rise of the Peerless Pumpkinmancer

The Butcher's basement was almost a war zone.

Jack was akin to a legendary general as he barked orders at his troops:

"Get the blood ready!"

"Bring the magical catalysts over!"

"Igor and the florist stay. Everyone else goes out!"

"Secure the perimeter. I do not want anyone interrupting!

"CPR dude, you're in charge out there. I'm counting on you!"

"Whatever you see or hear in the upcoming minutes, do not come in!"

His series of shouts made them vividly feel how important this step was. Most were still completely baffled, but they complied theless.

The old potion lady gave him one last meaningful glance as she brought along the ex-chief. He looked like a tied-up roast: quite silly!

A few undesirables remained in the room. For some reason, even after all this tumult, the cheerleader squad was still there.

The female players were encouragingly moving their makeshifts pompoms. They shook their asses, made their breasts jiggled, and looked surprisingly happy to be there.

"Why are you still here?" Jack questioned, perplexed.

"You asked us to cheer like the world was ending?" Their representative seemed confused too.

"Yeah, that was before. Hurry up and get out." He ruthlessly drove them away, not minding the puppy eyes.

On their way out, they encountered the Assassin Seraphine. She was on the metallic stairs, guarding the basement.

Wait, why wasn't she asked to leave?! Had this temptress already managed to get to the leader?!

While they were cheering, many had low-key been trying to seduce the Demon King. But no amount of enticing glances had been enough to draw his attention. Was it because of her?

The girls stared at her with jealousy as they left. Then again, it couldn't be helped. They knew she was part of the inner circle along with CPR dude.

But as Jack kicked them out, he saw the head cultist hovering near the door with a longing look on his face. He was proudly wearing his flashy red robe now that they had dealt with the chief.

Looking at him, Jack's heart suddenly softened…as he remembered the 20k credits! He pointed his way.

"You, do you want to help inside?"

The cultist's red hood shook in trepidation. Was the Demon King really talking to him?! He wanted his help?!

"R-really?! Yes! YES!!!" His eyes sparkled in pure ecstasy.

This was a dream coming true for him! He would be able to see his idol at work! He skipped forward as happy as a man tasting maple syrup for the first time.

The cheerleaders couldn't help but gasp in shock. They could accept Seraphine….but how were they also losing to some random old dude in an oversized red poncho?! At this moment, they felt….lacking.

Then the doors closed, the Butcher shop was now completely sealed.

The people outside were already softly discussing what would happen inside. It was so mysterious! All they knew was:

1. It would be dangerous

2. It would be batshit insane

3. It frightened even the OP NPCs.

Then again, didn't this apply to everything he did?!

They kept guessing…

━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━

Inside, Jack looked incredibly solemn.

"Listen up. We're about to summon a devil!"

"What we're about to accomplish is very easy!"

A devil?! Oh god! ….Wait, easy?! They all showed confused expressions. Wasn't this supposed to be hard?

"Summoning will be easy, and losing your soul will be even easier!" He smiled.

Oh….damn! That kind of easy?! They couldn't help but shudder as they pictured the dire consequences.

"Luckily, there's also an easy way to remain unharmed." He paused as they listened with incredible attention.

"Stay put and shut up." He spat out.

That was it?! He seemed serious...

As they all nodded in understanding, he gave a satisfied sigh before signaling the NPCs to begin.

Igor approached and began feeding mana to the magic circle. The quantity was incredible, but the control he showed was even more so!

The blue energy swirled seemingly chaotically in the runic circle they had previously drawn. It enveloped the demonic altar, making it shine with an otherworldly glow.

The few trinkets on it shook, seemingly rejoicing. There were small traps, intricate metallic chains, and the devil's symbol: a torch with four lines.

"Now chant the incantation," Jack ordered, the florist getting to work.

The words of power echoed in the sealed basement and made the mana swirl even faster. It almost looked like it would come alive!

Then the rest was all up to Jack.

At his feet were buckets full of foul blood. He threw it all toward the altar in one swift movement, drenching it completely.

A blood mist spread and permeated the entire room. It stuck to their clothes, their hair, and their skin alike. But it also made the mana bubble. It turned dark, corrupted, and it was all devilish demonic energy in a matter of seconds.

It was oppressive, perverse, and so goddamn powerful!

Even contained inside the magic circle, it made everyone tremble as their stomachs churned in disgust.

This thing was evil! So goddamn evil! They had to force themselves not to run away screaming.

Yet Jack relaxedly advanced toward the circle.

Instantly the florist opened his mouth to scream a warning— only to freeze under the man's stern gaze. The "stay put and shut up" was still in order.

How?! The florist gasped, feeling as if his world had been turned upside down. It should have been impossible for anyone to remain sane in there!

Yet…there he was.

Jack nodded, seeing as the NPC was behaving, and headed even deeper. Perverse demonic mana surrounded his entire body, but he didn't care.

This devilish energy was easier to resist than the death one— physically, that was. It had other dangers.

As he reached the altar, the mana churned.

The trial was staring.

[Successfully Summoned A Devil!]

[Exalted Hunting Lord Appearing!]

[Brace Yourself! The End is Near!]

The formless devilish energy suddenly floated over the altar as it formed a grinning visage.

It playfully glanced at the fool who had summoned it. Oh, this would be fun!

It couldn't wait to play with this mortal, to drive him crazy! The man would forever come to regret this moment...

━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━

[A/N] Hype! Feb Mass Release Time! ?

Day 2: Reckless Typing Mantra ? (2/4)