So yeah, I'm finally working on the next chapter.

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By the time they reached level S, Inky's steps stopped being full of excitement and became gradually more hesitant and unsure, causing his Creator to drag him by the wrist. Of course, he could easily stop the man, since the demon was far much stronger than him. But, he was afraid that by doing so, he'd make the man angry and get punished.

Besides, he was just worrying over nothing! His Papa was just going to show him something! Surely, nothing bad is going to happen to him.

... Right?

The employees' whispers sure told him otherwise...

"Has the boss finally found a way to kill it?" one of them asked.

"Not sure... That demon sure seemed impossible to kill." replied another.

"Yeah. I mean, we tried shooting it, stabbing it, axing it and even dumping a whole bucket of acetone! Nothing worked!" added someone else.

"Oh god... I hope that Mr. Drew finally gets rid of it. That thing gives me the creep!" a young woman said with a shiver.

Inky looks down, suddenly feeling self-conscious and ashamed of himself.

He then felt a harsh tug on his wrist.

"Quit your stalling and walk faster!"

It was his Papa... And he did not look happy.

The ink demon whined, he didn't mean to slow down. Joey's harsh tone and the way his hand tensed on his cane made the demon whimper and take a step back.

'That's it, I made him angry. And now, I'm gonna get punished...' he thought, already bracing himself for the incoming hits.

... But, nothing came.

Instead, the man just sighed and said with a playful smile:
"Come now, don't you want to see your surprise?"

'Huh?' Inky just blinked at that. He really wasn't expecting that.

The man tugged at his wrist again. But this time, in a more gentle way.
"Come on! Aren't you excited?"

And just like that, all his worries disappeared. He smiled and nodded excitedly.

What a fool was he to doubt his own Creator like that! Of course, nothing bad was going to happen to him!

...

... Right?

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'No...'
'Please...'
'Not this...'
'Not here...'

Inky's whole being froze and he swore his heart skipped several beats.

They were standing right in front of the giant Ink Machine...

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I'm sorry if this is short but I'm gonna end it there since I'm writing this at school.

No worries, it's during lunch break!