Chapter 11: Pay?

With a triumphant whoop, Maximus clung to the back of the sandworm he had somehow managed to tame, his laughter echoing through the desert as he revved up full speed, leaving the pursuing horde of monsters far behind.

"Looks like it's just you and me now, buddy!" Maximus shouted to the sandworm, patting its scaly hide affectionately as it surged forward with surprising speed.

As the wind whipped through his hair and the landscape blurred into a dizzying blur, Maximus couldn't help but feel a surge of exhilaration coursing through his veins. This was living, he thought, the thrill of the open desert stretching out before him.

As the sandworm slowed to a stop near the shimmering oasis, Maximus let out a whoop of joy, his spirits lifted by the sight of the peaceful waters and the promise of civilization on the horizon. With a grateful pat on the sandworm's hide, he dismounted and made his way towards the bustling settlement that had sprung up around the oasis.

Maximus wasted no time in seeking out the nearest tavern, its lively atmosphere beckoning him like a siren's call. Pushing open the door with a flourish, he stepped inside, greeted by the hearty laughter and cheerful chatter of the patrons within.

"Ah, finally!," Maximus declared with a grin, making his way to the bar with a confident swagger.

The tavern keeper, a muscular man with a booming voice, greeted him with a warm smile, already anticipating the newcomer's thirst.

"What'll it be, friend?" the tavern keeper asked, wiping down the bar with a rag as he awaited Maximus's order.

Maximus's eyes gleamed with excitement as he surveyed the array of drinks on offer, his mouth watering at the thought of quenching his thirst with a cold, refreshing beverage.

"I'll have one of everything!" he proclaimed, his voice ringing out with infectious enthusiasm. As Maximus savored the last delicious morsels of his meal, his contentment was shattered by the arrival of a hefty bill, its staggering total sending a chill down his spine. He blinked in disbelief, his mind reeling at the outrageous sum he now owed.

"Surely this is a jest!" he exclaimed, his voice rising in disbelief as he scanned the figures before him.

But to his dismay, the tavern keeper's expression remained firm, the weight of the debt pressing heavily upon Maximus's shoulders. With a sinking heart, he realized that he had no means of paying such a hefty sum.

Faced with the prospect of poverty, Maximus swallowed his pride and made a fateful decision. He approached the tavern keeper, his voice heavy with resignation.

"I... I have no money to pay this debt," he admitted, his cheeks burning with shame. "But perhaps... perhaps there's another way I can settle my account."

The tavern keeper's eyes gleamed with a predatory light as he considered Maximus's offer, his lips curling into a sinister grin.

"Ah, I see," he replied, his voice dripping with greed. "Well, lucky for you, we happen to be in need of some new recruits for the slave trade. If you're willing to work off your debt, we might just have a place for you."

Maximus's heart sank as he realized the gravity of his situation. But then, a glimmer of hope sparked within him as he remembered the tavern keeper's words.

"The central capital of the demon continent, you say?" he asked, a mischievous twinkle in his eye.

The tavern keeper nodded, oblivious to Maximus's hidden agenda.

"Yes, that's right. Our caravan is headed there next, and we're always on the lookout for strong laborers to join us," he replied, his tone brimming with satisfaction.

Maximus couldn't help but smile to himself as he formulated a daring plan. If he was to become a slave, then he would do so on his own terms. With a nod of determination, he accepted the tavern keeper's offer, knowing that his journey to the demon continent was only just beginning. And as he prepared to embark on this new chapter of his adventure, he couldn't help but feel a thrill of excitement coursing through his veins, eager to discover what fate had in store for him in the central capital of the demon continent.

As Maximus stood on the bustling docks, his debt paid off but his freedom stripped away, he couldn't help but marvel at the vastness of the sea before him. Joined by other slaves, he boarded a ship bound for the central capital of the demon continent. As the vessel set sail, Maximus felt a mix of apprehension and determination coursing through him.

As Maximus peered out from the small, weathered window of the ship's cabin, his eyes widened with awe at the sight that greeted him: the sprawling port of the central capital, a bustling hub of activity nestled along the coastline. Tall, imposing structures loomed on the horizon, their complex designs and elaborate architecture a testament to the wealth and power of the Demonic empire.

The streets below were a kaleidoscope of colors and movement, filled with demons of all shapes and sizes going about their daily lives. Some walked with purpose, their elegant strides betraying an air of importance, while others rushed about in a flurry of activity, their laughter and chatter filling the air with an infectious energy.

As Maximus watched, a sense of excitement stirred within him, mingled with a hint of apprehension. Here, in the heart of the demon continent, lay endless possibilities and untold dangers. But beneath it all was an undeniable thrill, the promise of adventure and opportunity beckoning him forward.

With a determined smile, Maximus straightened his shoulders and squared his jaw, ready to face whatever challenges awaited him in this unfamiliar land. As the ship drew closer to the bustling port, he felt a surge of anticipation coursing through his veins, eager to step ashore and begin this new chapter of his journey.

In the lofty halls of the floating castle, the mysterious figure stood in silent meditation, his keen senses attuned to the currents of magic that flowed through the world. With a knowing smile, he felt a familiar prick of energy, a sensation that told him Maximus had arrived in the central capital, back in his homeland once more.

"Ah, it seems our young adventurer has found his way home," the figure mused, his voice echoing softly through the grand chambers of the castle.

Turning to his loyal servants, he issued a command with quiet authority.

"Prepare the vessel. We go to the central capital," he declared, his eyes gleaming with anticipation.

The servants bowed in deference, their movements swift and efficient as they set about their tasks. With practiced precision, they ensured that every detail was attended to, from stoking the fires to unfurling the sails.

As the castle's engines roared to life and the vessel began to move, the figure gazed out over the edge of the floating fortress, a sense of purpose driving him forward. Maximus may have returned to the central capital, but his journey was far from over. And with a determined resolve, the mysterious figure set course for the heart of the demon continent, ready to confront whatever fate had in store.