I'm Not the Hands of the Devil

Chapter 7: Gargoyle

“Is this ... a gargoyle?”

Lin Jie took the statue and observed it.

The stone statue was about 30 centimeters tall and 10 centimeters wide. One-third of the statue was the pedestal while the rest was the body of the gargoyle itself, a monster that was part human and part animal, with two horns on its head, a tail with a pointed tip and a pair of bat-like wings, which made it look like a demon seedling.

I really don't know how Old Wil managed to hide it in his clothes, Lin Jie mused to himself.

He could see that the price of this statue was not cheap considering its detailed and exquisite workmanship, which, along with the eerie red glow from its eyes, made it seem as if it would be alive at any moment.

For a moment, Lin Jie's heart was pounding and he felt that something was wrong.

How scary!!

Fortunately, the rough texture of the stone reminded Lin Jie that this was just a statue.

“Ya,” Wildan nodded.

“I know it's worth nothing, and it's nothing compared to the help you've given me so far, but accept this as a sign of my gratitude. I will bring a more precious gift next time I return. ”

Lin Jie's first thought was to reject the gift out of habit, but after some consideration, she realized that her Asian courtesy was inappropriate here. He knew that Old Wil sincerely wanted him to have this gift, and rejecting it would make it seem like he didn't like it or they weren't close enough.

In addition, gargoyles are similar to Chinese stone tablets that ward off evil, conveying Old Wil's blessings and goodwill to him.

There was no reason to reject him, so Lin Jie decided to accept this “local specialty”.

Lin Jie put it back on the table and smiled.

“Truly a good work of art. L like it! I'm really looking forward to what you'll bring me next! ”

Wilde breathed a sigh of relief.

He had kept this gargoyle with him for many years, and it was also part of his graduation when he completed his apprenticeship with his own master. Out of all his creations, this stone gargoyle was his best work, made using the remains of an extinct sect from ancient times as raw material, and infused with the blood, soul, and vitality of 990 people.

Hard skin that was immune to swords and spears, teeth and claws that could tear a person apart, and strong wings provided speed and flexibility; gargoyles were definitely not creatures that could be underestimated. It could even sense killing intent. Overall, his fighting strength was comparable to that of a Pandemonium level warrior.

Wilde had attained a high level of mastery in the creation of magical objects. At first, she was still happy with the opportunity to display her work to Lin Jie, but when she heard the words “works art”, her excitement completely disappeared and she returned to reality.

Indeed, this is just a Pandemonium-ranked gargoyle. Any random book that was on his shelf was easily worth thousands of such gargoyles! It seems that my reward is no big deal in the eyes of higher beings. Lin Jie was really kind, paying attention to my feelings and praising her from another angle. But it's fine!

Wilde had already prepared his next gift, and it would be a very heavy gift. He believed that even the highest ranking beings would appreciate it!

“You will be happy,” said the old man with a twinkle in his eyes before turning around and leaving the bookstore.

Lin Jie waved his hand and sighed.

This should be all business today, Lin Jie thought to himself as he looked at the heavy rain outside. Getting two customers in this bad weather was already a rare occurrence and Lin Jie wouldn't want more.

“Maintaining a good attitude does bring more luck,” muttered Lin Jie with a sigh before sipping her tea. He picked up the gargoyle and played it for a while before putting it back on the table.

Under the blackish light, the statue of a true demon on its pedestal looked like it was ready to spread its wings and hunt at any time.

Surprisingly, this stone gargoyle was quite a match for a bookstore. With such a thought, he twisted the gargoyle in such a way that an evil red light from his eyes faced the entrance. Anyone who tried to break into the bookstore would definitely be scared to death, even if it was broad daylight.

Anti-theft mechanism, amazing!!

Lin Jie nodded in satisfaction before he started tidying up the counter.

As he put down the teacup, his eyes suddenly narrowed.

He noticed that the wet spots on the table flowed slowly by themselves, gathering together to form the words—”A long time ago.”

Lin Jie surged in shock, his eyes still firmly fixated on the table as a familiar sensation swept over him. This was the same sensation he felt when he was taken to a bookstore three years ago.

“That's you!” Lin Jie calmed himself down with a deep breath and sat down once more.

“It has been a long time indeed .. Have you finally decided on the price I have to pay?”

Lin Jie couldn't help but convey his complaint.

“Omong by the way, don't you think it's too much if you bring me here all of a sudden before I can understand what's happening? If not for some rich customer supporting my bookstore, I would have starved to death long ago!”

“Are you some kind of demon? Who's the kind of person who sells his soul?”

Wet spots forming “No”.

“Yes, I think so too. The demons are not this negligent, grumbled Lin Jie.

In mythology, demons always do their best to exploit their contractors to maximize their profits.

“Forget it, let's get straight to the point. What do you need me to do? ” asked Lin Jie. He sat up straight with his arms crossed, noticing the water stains on the table.

He did not mind paying the price he should, even if it came three years late.

First, Lin Jie himself regarded the fulfillment of the contract agreement as important. Although the conditions for their deal have not been clearly set, his dream has indeed come true.

Enjoying the bonus three years before the deal was made was already a win for him. Furthermore, the entity summoned through this ceremony had a rather light disposition. Lin Jie assumes that it might be some kind of “good-hearted spirit” like a genie from Aladdin's magic lamp.

Afterwards, Lin Jie watched in surprise as the water stain formed, “You have finished it. I have awakened.”

All sorts of thoughts filled Lin Jie's mind. “So, after granting my request, you have been asleep for the past three years until I do a certain task, giving you..energy or something that finally woke you up?”.

“Ya.”

“...” Lin Jie tapped his finger on the table.

“Is it because I asked Old Wil to recommend my book to others?”

“Ya.”

“So...is this the price I have to pay? To have others recommend and spread my own book?”

“Ya.”

“Is this in your favor?”

“Ya.”

Only

Good, it's straightforward and concise.

“Haa... absolutely no problem then! I'll work hard.” Lin Jie promised solemnly.

After which, the water spots on the table disappeared instantly, leaving no trace of this exchange ever occurring.

——

Shortly after Wilde's silhouette disappeared into the rain, a hooded figure peeking out of the dark alley, eagle eyes fixed toward Wilde disappeared as he pulled out a cell phone.

The aether rotates in the air, creating a barrier that prevents sound from escaping.

“This is Jack reporting, I've seen 'Faceless Black Scaled Man' Wilde on Norzin23rd Avenue. ”

“Moreover, he stopped at the bookstore for an hour.I suspect that the bookstore might be the secret headquarters of the black magicians.”