Disclaimer: I own nothing, this is purely a fanfic for enjoyment.

Cross-over from various games, books, anime, manga, and movies.

The familiar characters you see here belong to their respected authors and owners.

"Active skill name or magic spell"

"Speech"

Time*

Noise*

(Location)

Arc 1 - Chapter 2: How Is This Possible?

(Unknown Town: Abandoned Warehouse)

-Akutabe's POV-

I smirk as I watch the fireball split into two and enter the demon and me, invoking the contracts binding us two together.

"Now, let's see how this work." I mumble to myself as I ignore the talking snowman getting up weakly while making a mental note to limit the damage I deal with this demon and the other ones in the future because it looks this demon don't own a [Grimoire] or something similar to one, to keep it alive from fatal wounds.

Plus, I have no idea if I can revive killed demons, but better be safe than sorry, for now.

I use the [Demon Analysis] on the demon before, who called himself Jack Frost.

DING!*

[Demon Analysis] starting...

0%... 32%... 46%... 60%... 90%... 100%.

DING!*

Successfully scanned the demon!

Name: Jack Frost(1)
Alignment: Neutral
Level: 11
Race: Fairy
HP: 13/124
MP: 72/72
Strength: 14
Magic: 19
Vitality: 13
Intelligence: 11
Agility: 7
Luck: 14
Inherit: Ice
Reflects: None
Absorbs: Ice
Block: Ice
Resists: None
Weak: Fire

I rub my chin, thinking about these numbers and what do they actually represent in reality. They can mean big or small in this world. Furthermore, can the demon's stats be raised manually by training or require something to increase them?

I have somewhat a bit of knowledge about video games, but how much 'experience' does this demon need to level up?

Does the demon even need to fight to gain experience or does his level represent something else? I can't place all my bets on theory without any facts to back it up and they not even be right in the first place.

"Tell me, Jack Frost. What can you do?" I ask the demon before me.

"Hee-ho... Well, I can give a mean punch." Jack Frost gives a weak grin to his Master and winces a little when he tried to throw a punch, and end up regretting it instantly when he felt his arm hurting.

I was not amused by this and wonder if this demon was an outcast among its kin.

Jack Frost noticed his Master's look and quickly explain his other abilities, "I can cast [Bufu]! I know how to use [Counter] and [Defensive Stance] as well! Hee-ho!"

I frown on one of the four things this demon can do. The [Counter] and [Defensive Stance] I can guess what they do by their names, but the [Bufu] baffles me a little.

Then go through a few of the features in the system until I got nothing and guess I may need to do something to gain more information on this demon.

"Explain." I order Jack Frost, who gladly do so.

"Hee-ho! [Bufu] is basic of the [Ice Skills] that allow me to hurls clusters of ice at an enemy, dealing ice-based damage and can freeze the target in place, preventing them from moving for a while. Hee-ho." Jack Frost starts off explaining.

I didn't say anything and kept all my questions at the end.

"[Counter] allow me to reflect any physical and ice-based attacks. This is something most of the demons know how to do and have their own version of it. Like me, I am one of the few ones that include reflecting ice-based attacks! Hee-ho!" Jack Frost said proudly.

So if I'm ever attacked by something related to ice. I know who to use to block the attack.

"Then, there the [Defensive Stance], hee-ho! I take a defensive stance, where I can decrease the attack damage landing me!" Jack Frost finished and tried to dance a little, but wince in panic and had to stop.

"Alright, first question. Does this [Bufu] require you to have ice nearby to use or can you create your own ice?" I didn't outright dismiss this [Bufu] and can be used in various situations I can easily think of, that would occur in the future.

"Hee-ho. I create my own ice. But, I can only do it 10 times in a row before I need to rest." Jack Frost said with pride, but shrink down when he saw his Master looking down with disappointment.

"I want you to train yourself into the ground until you can make at least 100 times in a row in a month." I said to Jack Frost, who looks like he was given an impossible task. "If you fail... You'll find out."

Upon hearing that last part; Jack Frost feels like maybe answering the summon wasn't his best idea. Perhaps he should have let some other demons answer the call and forced into a contract against their will like what happens to him.

"Now, can humans see you? As in this world, we're in." I ask Jack Frost, wondering if this demon is similar to the one he knows back in his previous world.

"Hee-ho, I think so?" Jack Frost didn't know, honestly since this is the first time coming into this realm while he lived most of his life in Expanse(2) up to now.

"Go and find out, then return here, but make sure no one follows you. If I find out that someone is." I didn't bother to make a threat as I release a heavy pressure onto Jack Frost, causing the talking snowman demon to shake in fear.

"Hee-ho! Right away Bossman!" Jack Frost moves to find the humans to find out if he can be seen or not quickly, but with his current injury, he can only speed walk until he recovers back to peak condition.

I watch the first demon I summoned from the [Demon Summoning Program] and wonder if I should try my luck on summoning another demon. Since I got enough Macca to summon ten demons before I need to find a way to get more Macca and Magnetite. Otherwise, I would be left with only 11 total demons at my command.

After thinking about it for a moment, then decide to summon one more just in case. Since I have no ideas if the demons here possess a grimoire or not.

DING!*

[Demon Summoning Program] starting...

DING!*

Host, you had paid 100 Macca to summon a demon.

Process in summoning...

DING!*

A demon has answered your summoning.

I look at what my second demon is and find it's an extremely beautiful woman. She has long purple hair and red eyes and wears a full-body outfit that highlights her curvaceous body.

"Name?" I ask the demon before, wondering this is the demon's true form and hope she not like Undine, dealing that demon was enough for my taste and if it wasn't for her useful ability. I would have longer void the contract between us.

"My name's Scathach(3). Are you my master?" Scathach introduces herself.

"I'm your summoner, yes, but not your master yet until we sign the contract." I replied, causing Scathach to frown and look around, then look back at me.

"Don't you have the [Command Spells](4)?" Scathach asks with confusion in her voice, worrying that maybe that the person before her isn't truly her Master who summoned her.

"The what now? All I did was summoning a demon, which is you unless you were answering my summon for something else that related to these [Command Spells]?" I ask the demon before me, who look shocked that I would call her a demon of all things.

"Demon? I'm no demon." Scathach growl at the person before and summon her [Gae Bolg Alternative](5).

"Then what are you? Because I'm pretty sure I was trying to summon a demon and you answered my call." I said with a bit of annoyance, ready to put this demon in her place. Woman or man, human form or not, they will learn their place when they form a contract with me.

"I am Scathach, I am the Warrior. I am the Queen of the [Land of Shadows]. I am the Witch of Dun Scaith. The Lord of Spirits. I have confronted many existences of a countless number, slaughtering all those near me. Fight. Fight. Fight. Kill. Kill. Kill. In the end, this body was wet with the blood of many victims and became immortal. The territory under my rule, the [Land of Shadows], was ultimately forced out to the outside of the world, and I ended up being promoted into an existence no different than that of a [Divine Spirit](6). No longer able to die as a human. But, I am no demon." Scathach said all this to the person before with eyes of rage for daring to call her such a thing.

I raise an eyebrow at this and use [Demon Analysis] on this Scathach.

DING!*

[Demon Analysis] starting...

Error! Error! Error!

The target is not a demon, please use [Demon Analysis] only on demons.

I frown at this, because I recall correctly, that the [Demon Summoning Program] said it a demon answered my summon.

"Answer me this. Before you answered my summon. Did you feel anything weird about it?" I ask Scathach, not thinking she a demon any longer after the [Demon Analysis] failed to scan the being before me.

Scathach pauses for a moment before she launches herself into a fight with this so-called Demon Summoner is what she thinks he is.

"Nothing I could think of." Scathach thought about it and decided to talk first then fight later.

"Is this the first time you have been summoned?" I ask this question, because if so, then I can guess what's going on.

"Yes. It is. What that has to do with anything? Though, I'm curious how in the world you've summoned me." Scathach said with a hint of confusion and dread.

"Because I think you must have answered the wrong summoning. From what I can understand, I think my [Demon Summoning Program] was trying to summon a demon version of yourself, but you answered before your counterpart could answer it. In a way, I got what I summoned, but at the same time not, because like you said before. You're not a demon, but a [Divine Spirit], who have a connection with the origin of Scathach." I explained what I found out what went wrong.

"What do you mean a demon version of myself?" Scathach demand with rage, to find out there a parallel version of herself that went on the demonic path, something she wouldn't dare think would happen to her.

I didn't like the way this... [Divine Spirit] demanding me of something, which made me kick her in the stomach, causing the [Divine Spirit] to be surprised at my speed and was shocked that I stole her spear so easily, then smack her with it.

Not letting up, I kick her once more, rolling her onto her back as the pain was beyond what she felt in her lifetime. Clouding her mind with pain to be able to think clearly.

Scathach knew right away that if she doesn't do anything, this unbelievable pain would mess up her thinking process to the point she can't even fight back. That would be the worse and shameful on her warrior pride. Being beaten like nothing without fighting back and to make it worse, she had her weapon stolen from her.

A humiliation she would have for as long she can remember it. Even then, Scathach will feel shame whenever she will wield her spear.

"I don't think you understand what position you're in." I said to Scathach as I held the magical red spear in my hand, sensing the amount of blood it had shed. Furthermore, I could tell that this [Divine Spirit] is more powerful compared to the common demons I have faced in the past. Along with other supernatural beings. But, that doesn't mean she stronger than me. Oh no, she not even close. But, she on the top of the list, that for sure. Yet, no way near the top 10 dangerous beings I have to take on serious. "Now, since I wasted precious resources to summon you. I think we'll have to discuss how things going to happen between us." I calmly said to Scathach as she glares at me with hatred, but with something hidden under that hatred. Something I can't seem to pick my finger on.

"Screw off." Scathach snarl at me, but wince when I jab the bottom of Scathach's magical red speed into her stomach, not caring that I'm hurting a beautiful woman.

To me, I only care about what is useful and the result.

"Now, since you're not a demon. I guess I can change a few things in the contract, that I will have you sign." I continue off, ignoring the way she glaring at me, but kept silence.

A few hours later*

"Okay, I have listed down the conditions you will have to follow. Anything you wish in return? I would send you back if I knew how, but all I know is that you're different and can't be turned into data for me to store away and forget about you until I need you. So, what do you wish in exchange for your service?" I ask Scathach as I hand her the contract I created with [Absolute Contract] for her to sign and be bound to me.

Sure, I use demons for my job, but I don't mind using other non-demons to do the job. After all, I did hire a fellow human before I died somehow through food poison of all things. I really wish it was some kind of supernatural beings that made the food poison instead of a normal talentless amateur chef.

Scathach carefully accept the contract after getting a beating like she just started her training in becoming a warrior.

Reading the contract; Scathach frowns a little and wonders if she should even consider the idea of signing this contract at all.

List of Conditions:

1. Scathach, the one that answered the [Demon Summoning Program], will not in any way attack the summoner with hostile intention.

2. Scathach, the one that answered the [Demon Summoning Program], will be given the option to request anything per day, within reasons of the summoner's choosing.

3. If Scathach, the one that answered the [Demon Summoning Program], tries to break the contract in any way, then she will lose a limb at random pick and only can return back if Scathach undo anything that breaks the contract.

4. Scathach, the one that answered the [Demon Summoning Program], will follow the summoner's orders at all time.

5. The summoner of Scathach is allowed of 1-hour free time per day, but must return to the summoner's side right away within 30 minutes or feel soul agony pain, that is increased by each minute late from returning back to the summoner.

If any conditions are conditions are broken more than three times. Then, Scathach, the one that answered the [Demon Summoning Program] will lose her mind and becoming a mindless puppet for the summoner.

The contract is invoked the moment, both Scathach, the one that answered the [Demon Summoning Program] and the summoner sign the contract with their blood.

In fact, Scathach feel like changing the whole thing. As none of these conditions are fair at all, in fact, her summoner that get all the benefit while she has a higher risk of becoming a mindless puppet at the end!

"Before you think about not signing it or think about changing it. Don't. Either sign it now or I have to beat you to the point, you wished you signed while you have the chance. Furthermore, I could have just killed you and take whatever from your corpse is worth taking to be used." I coldly said to Scathach, who looks like she wanted to fight it out, but didn't after being reminded how ruthless she was beaten not long ago.

And it was only due to Scathach knowing how to heal herself instantly or she would be crippled for the rest of her life until she sent back to her previous world before answering the summon or at worse, be killed before she even has the chance to find a way back home. Furthermore, she may have the desire to die, but she wanted a worthy death that's on the battle, not died by the hands of someone who not even a fellow warrior. If anything, Scathach would rather find a way to poison herself to death instead of being killed by this Demon Summoner.

Before Scathach could think of a way to get out of this. A talking snowman enters the building, causing her to look at it with surprise.

"Hee-ho! Hey, Bossman! It looks like no humans can see me!" Jack Frost said with excitement because he did many interesting things after finding this out, but that die out the moment he realized that his summoner was waiting for him for hours, and now? Jack Frost feels like he about to be killed due to wasting so much time. Therefore, he rushed back as soon as possible.

"How about the other demons in this town? Also, while you were gone for hours, did you find out what town this is?" I ask Jack Frost, not caring it has been hours since I sent him out as I was dealing with Scathach at the time.

"Yup, hee-ho! Overheard a few people calling this the Kuoh Town!" Jack Frost relax a little that his Boss didn't harm him for wasting around for hours instead of returning right away after checking if he can be seen by humans or not. Of course, he had to prank a few people and was lucky enough to learn things his boss wanted to know. Talk about lucky!

Interesting. But, I still require more information.

"By the way, Bossman. Who's that?" Jack Frost point at Scathach while making sure to keep a distance away from her, because he can feel how powerful she is.

"Her? Your new coworker after she signs the contract." I replied, not paying any attention to the hatred aiming my way.

"Oh." Jack Frost looks at Scathach in a new light, then look at her with pity eyes and an understanding gaze, knowing that he too was forced to sign an unfaired contract against his will.

Scathach notices the pity and understanding look from the talking snowman. Realizing she wasn't alone, but feel a bit weird that she would find a fellow comrade in the form of a talking snowman.

"You got 10 seconds to sign before I take your silence of wanting a beating first before signing it." I said to Scathach, as I started counting down from ten.

Scathach wanted no more than ram her [Gae Bolg Alternative] straight into the Demon Summoner, but that didn't stop her from sweating from this being. She knew right away that he can't be human, no matter how human-like his appearance is. He must be some kind of a powerful being. If she, a former human, can be turned into a [Divine Spirit] through years of combat, then others can too, through other unknown methods.

"Three. Two." Just as I was about to count to one; I watch Scathach sign the contract, much to her despair, but I can see something in her eyes that says otherwise. But, I didn't pay too much attention to this as I watch the contract formed by the [Absolute Contract] being invoked as it turns into a fireball, but instead of just spitting like before.

The fireball turned colors, with the core being pure white and covered in black flames, then split into two small fireballs of the same color and enter Scathach and me.

I narrow my eyes and wonder if I may not have gained all the knowledge about the [Absolute Contract] and that there are other hidden features I don't know about because this was something I didn't expect to happen. Plus, having it change color could mean a lot of things.

I'll have to experiment with the [Absolute Contract] later.

Ignoring the way Scathach looking very uncomfortable under my gaze. "Now, that's done. We have things to do, and the first thing we need to do is to find a place to stay." I may be many things, but that doesn't mean it would be easy for me to find a place to stay, then find a building to purchase to open a business.

Well, I can always abuse the use of [Absolute Contract] and a bit of a threat to get things done quickly.

Author Note: Here this chapter of descriptions.

1. [Jack Frost] - Jack Frost is a sprite of English folklore that only appears in wintertime. He can appear in many different forms, such as snowman, a child, or an old man. Jack Frost has a mischievous yet innocent personality. He tends to say "hee-ho" frequently and generally acts like a friendly child. he also has a menacing side, though, get him angry, and he'll freeze you solid.

2. [Expanse] - The Expanse, also referred to as Makai (Demon World or Demon Plane), is the world/dimension where demons, spirits and other types of supernatural entities reside in the series. The most accepted translation of Makai means Demon World, and it is sometimes referred to as such. In the original Digital Devil Story novels and in compendium entries in Shin Megami Tensei: Strange Journey and Shin Megami Tensei IV, this plane is referred to as Atziluth.

3. [Scathach] - A female warrior-queen from Celtic Mythology's Ulster Cycle. The queen and gatekeeper of the foreign territory/haunted ground called the [Land of Shadows], she is a prodigy of spearmanship and [Rune]. She possesses a power immense enough to obtain control over and close the gate of [Land of Shadows], which is overflowing with countless ghosts, to ward off the dead. It has been said that she became the mentor of Cu Chulainn, who would later grow into the hero of Ulster, guiding him, teaching all sorts of techniques and even bestowing his favorite magic spear. She also instructed his son Connia.

4. [Command Spells] - The Command Spells, also known as Command Seals, are three claims of absolute obedience, the crystallization of great magic, that a Master has over a Servant in the Holy Grail War system. unable to normally be controlled by humans, they are burdened by the "absolute condition for materialization", the authority of the Command Spell carved into them at the moment of summoning. They are holy marks signifying a magi's status as a Master, a system that was created by Zouken Makiri after the failure of the First Holy Grail War. Only known to the Three Founding Families and Supervisor, their truest purpose is to allow the winner of the Grail to force the servant to kill themselves so that the ritual to reach the Root with all seven Heroic Spirits can be completed.

5. [Gae Bolg Alternative] - This is a spear possessed by Scathach. Although their shapes are similar, this is actually something different from the spear that Cu Chulainn possess, [Gae Bolg]. A specialized weapon one-step older, but of the same model as [Gae Bolg] that has been used since earlier. There is not only one, but many copies of them which Scathach made using the [Branches of Tonelico].

6. [Divine Spirit] - The Divine Spirit is the classification for the highest rank of [Nature Spirit], and is the name for the remnants of gods after the deterioration of the Age of Gods.