Chapter 1.5: First Battle I

You decided to engage in close combat, using your sword to fight the Nagual directly.

However, there was a literal hole in your chest as you had sold your heart to the Archdemon of Sloth. Consequently, you no longer felt physical pain. Even if the Nagual took a bite out of your flesh, you would not experience any discomfort. That knowledge reduced your fear, and allowed you to be more rational in your actions.

"Come at me," you said through gritted teeth, as the demonic shapeshifter lunged at you. It was considerably larger and heavier than you, but you were determined to survive.

You could not die yet, not until you had bought back your sister's freedom from the Archdemon of Sloth.

Your sword was made of spell-forged silver, a pure metal that was known to be particularly effective against creatures born from the primordial shadow. It was your most prized possession, and you hoped that it would be enough to slay the Nagual.

However, you also knew your limitations. You were a Demonologist, not a Knight or a Gladiator. You were not particularly skilled or experienced at using the sword. Thus, you would always be at a disadvantage at close combat.

As the Nagual attacked, you blocked its jaws with your sword, barely avoiding its sharp teeth. The creature roared, and you could feel its breath on your face. You focused on your breathing, trying to keep your mind clear despite the adrenaline rush.

The Nagual's movements were unpredictable, and you struggled to keep up with its inhuman agility. You felt the impact of its heavy claws, and stumbled back, almost losing your balance.

---

Roll 1d20 [The Best of First 3 Roll]

Dice 1-4: The Nagual rips out your throat, and you bleed to death. [-100 HP]
Dice 5-12: The Nagual takes a bite out of you, and you are severely wounded. [-50 HP]
Dice 13-18: The Nagual slashes at your arm with its sharp claw, and you are slightly wounded. [-25 HP]
Dice 19-20: You manage to counterattack. [-0 HP]

Chapter 1.6: First Battle II

You quickly regained your footing and attempted a counterattack, but the Nagual was too fast for you. It dodged your swings and leapt out of reach, circling you like a predator stalking its prey. You could sense its malevolence, and knew that it was playing with you, trying to wear you down before going for the kill.

Despite your lack of swordsmanship, you refused to give up. You remembered the words of your mentor, an old Swordsman from your town, who had taught you that fighting was more about the will to survive than the skill to fight. You channeled that willpower and swung your sword with renewed determination, hoping to strike the Nagual.

The creature evaded your strike once again, but this time, you anticipated its movement and feinted in the opposite direction. The Nagual fell for your trap, exposing its flank to you. You seized the opportunity and plunged your silver sword into its side, drawing a roar of pain from the malevolent beast.

However, your victory was short-lived. The Nagual retaliated with a vicious swipe of its claws, knocking your silver sword out of your hand and sending you flying backwards. You crashed onto the ground, the impact jarring your bones, a bloody gash on your arm. You struggled to get up, but the Nagual was already on top of you, its jaws gaping wide.

At that moment, Lian appeared by your side, her pale hand extended towards the Nagual. She muttered a few words under her breath, and the air around the Nagual shimmered. The creature seemed to be trapped in a magical field, unable to move.

"This should give you an opening," Lian said, nodding at you.

You took a deep breath, picked up your sword, and charged forward, slashing your sword at the Nagual.

---

Roll 1d20 [The Best of First 3 Roll]

Dice 1-4: The Nagual quickly heals its wounds.
Dice 5-12: The Nagual takes minor damage.
Dice 13-18: The Nagual is badly wounded.
Dice 19-20: The Nagual is dead.

Chapter 1.7: First Battle III

The spell-forged silver blade cut through the creature's flesh, and it roared in pain. You felt a surge of satisfaction, but you knew the battle was far from over.

The Nagual broke free from Lian's spell and leaped towards Xochitl, who had no way to defend herself. You knew that you had to act fast, if you were to save the Healer's life.

Gritting your teeth, you sprinted towards the Nagual, your sword at the ready. The creature spun around to face you, its golden eyes glowing with malice. You could hear the bones in its body crack as it prepared to pounce.

You knew you only had one chance to stop it. You braced yourself and aimed your sword at its heart, hoping to strike true.

But at the last second, the Nagual shifted its weight, and you missed. The creature's momentum carried it forward, and it slammed into you with all its weight.

You crashed to the ground, the wind knocked out of you. The Nagual pinned you down with its massive paw, its jaws opened wide. You could feel its foul breath on your face as it prepared to deliver the final blow.

---

Roll 1d20 [The Best of First 3 Roll]

Dice 1-4: The Nagual bites your face, leaving you permanently disfigured, and near death. [-50 HP]
Dice 5-12: You feel the Nagual's teeth sink into your shoulder, but you manage to kill it before it kills you. [-25 HP]
Dice 13-18: You manage to raise your sword and plunge it into the Nagual's neck, killing it for good. [-0 HP]
Dice 19-20: You get something more. [-0 HP]

Chapter 1.8: Victory

You felt the Nagual's teeth sink into your shoulder. There was no pain, but you realized that you were rapidly losing blood and growing weaker. The world was fading fast, and darkness was taking its place.

I can't die, not until she is free! You silently remembered the face of your younger sister, who was still a prisoner of the Archdemon of Sloth. That fragment of memory gave you the strength you needed, and you desperately fought back.

You managed to raise your sword and plunge it into the Nagual's neck. The creature let out a deafening howl as it thrashed about, trying to throw you off. You held on tight, refusing to let go. The Nagual's movements gradually slowed down until it finally went still.

You heaved a sigh of relief as you sat up, feeling the weight of victory on your shoulders. You looked over at Xochitl, who was unharmed but visibly shaken.

"Are you all right?" she asked in a concerned voice, extending a hand to help you up.

"I think so," you nodded, taking her hand.

You both stood up, and a wave of dizziness washed over you. You stumbled, and Xochitl caught you before you fell.

"You're bleeding out," she said, supporting you. "Let me heal you."

You looked down at your shoulder and saw the bite mark. It was still bleeding heavily, but the wound was starting to close, thanks to Xochitl's Healing Magic.

"Thank you," you said, trying to stand on your own.

The battle was won, but there was still much to do. You had to find something valuable enough to bargain with the Archdemon of Sloth and save your sister. But for now, you were thankful to be alive.

---

What happened next?

[] You asked Xochitl to heal you.
[] You searched for an entrance to the hidden temple of the Golden Serpent.
[] You set up camp, and interacted with your companions.
[] You ranted about how evil demons are, while Lian nodded sagely in agreement.
[] You pressed Lian about what she really wants.
[] You told your companions the truth about your sister and your missing heart.
[] You drew a summoning circle, and conjured a demon.
[] Write In.