Chapter Text
“This must be… the Babyls that I’ve long dreamed of!” A cheerful demon exclaims, admiring the grand school ahead of him with such joy that his eyes are partially sparkling. Grinning, he happily continued his walk towards the school. At the same time, our familiar pair of ‘twins’ are flying up above towards school.
“Iruma, hurry up or we’re not going to have enough time to finish the latest book of ‘First Love Memories’ with Ameri before classes start!” May shouted, picking up speed with a few flaps of her wings. “We told her we would be at school early so we could finish up the last few pages.”
“I know May! Ugh, I can’t believe we slept past our alarms.” Iruma grumbled. “Those alarms are designed to not be slept through, how did we manage it?” Picking up speed to match May, he continued to wonder how the seemingly impossible happened.
“Never underestimate the power of the sleepworld. At least we remember to ask Opera to wake us if we weren’t up by a certain time.” Slowing down, May started her descent to school grounds shortly followed by Iruma. “Come on, we’re almost there.” Landing firmly on the ground, May jogged the rest of the way. Iruma quickly followed behind, pushing the memories of the rushed morning behind him. It’s not like anything will be out of the ordinary today.
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“Today is… Today is the day that I tell him how I really feel!” May exclaimed, getting into character as she read the chapter out loud.
“Badump, badump.”
“Step, step.”
“Kakeru-kun… Oh, my gosh. I’m so scared. What should I do? But I can’t retreat… Even though I’m scared.”
“Clench.”
“Shake, shake.”
“I need to just go for it! Kakeru-kun is getting closer. And he’s with his friends. My heart’s pounding! What should I do? What should I do? What should I do?” Before May could continue on the school monster bell began to sing, signaling the start of class.
“Aww. I’m very curious as to what happens next, but classes are about to start, so it must wait. We can plan another meeting later.” Ameri stood from her chair and walked over to Iruma and May. “Before you head to class, I must ask, how are things going with both of you at rank Bet(2)?”
“Uh, well… It’s nice to be at the same rank now and the more variety of food in the cafeteria is great as well.” Iruma commented, thinking about the delicious food that he can now order.
“Heh, other than the food. I would say it's pretty nice being in the same rank, though I wish the comments of our ‘twin power’ wasn’t a thing.” May sighed, closing the book and setting it aside so it can be put back later. “It’s starting to sound like we shared some cryptid bond with each other."
Laughing a little, Ameri continued to walk towards the door. “Well who knows, maybe you can use those comments to benefit yourself. After all, if enough people believe it to be true then in time it slowly becomes true.”
“That’s exactly what I’m worried about.” May complained. Hunching over with her head in her hands. *I really don’t want to drag any unnecessary attention toward us. I want to keep the story the same as much is possible.* Iruma patted her shoulder with a look of acceptance.
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“Nice to meet you, everyone! I am your new teacher on the subject of familiars… Balse Robin!” The cheerful demon from earlier announced. “It’s a pleasure to meet you all!”
*A new teacher! He seems really motivated.*
*He’s so cheerful like Clara. I wonder if his family is somehow related to Clara’s?*
“Yes, I was so wrapped up in preparing to teach that I forgot about the entrance ceremony.” Robin shared, reminiscing on it. “Oh, no! That day already passed!” Everyone sweat dropped at the revelation.
“Sorry my first day ended up being so late!” Robin apologized, positioned himself in front of the broken rows of windows. “My attention span is really bad at times," He said, looking at the windows as a beam of light shined through, illuminating him as if he was some sort of old sensei. “but I’ll make sure classes are conducted properly!“ He cheerfully added as he ran back to the desk. “Let’s all do our best together! Hip, hip, hooray!”
“Sharp sensei, yeah!” Clara said excitedly, jumping up with her hands in the air.
“Now, listen. If you want to say that line properly, it’s actually ‘sharp focus sensei’!” Robin corrected, Clara smiled and nodded.
“I see! Sharp sharp!” Clara cheered.
“Okay, let’s get started! Our first lesson is… interacting with your familiars.” Robin said, unaware of the dread that statement brought.
*Huh? Interacting with our familiars? I don’t have a good feeling about this.* Iruma thought.
Now outside in an open area with plenty of space for the class and their familiars, Robin begins his lesson. “Listen well. Your familiar is basically your partner. Your one and only partner. Today, you’re going to get some special bonding time with them!” He explained, then looked at his list. “Let’s start with…Asmodeus Alice-kun!”
“Yes, sir.” Asmodeus replied, stepping forward. “Gorgon Snake!” Asmodeus commanded, as a familiar’s seal appeared and smoke erupted, a familiar silhouette with red eyes appeared and slither next to its master.
“Amazing! You have a Gorgon Snake!” Robin said, astonished, the potential of the abnormal class starting to shine.
“Hmph! Mine is even more amazing!” Sabnock boasted, soon biting into his thumb and creating his familiar’s seal. “Come forth, Kelbie!”
“Whoa, a Kelbie!” Robin exclaimed. "They’re both excellent familiars! We're off to an awesome start!”
Asmodeus and Sabnock stood front and center of each other, the threatening and dangerous aura of their own familiars roaming through the atmosphere like a suffocating fog.
“Unlike your familiar, Kelbie actually has legs! And behold it’s mane!” Sabnock taunted, petting the head of his partner with a proud look on his face.
“Behold my Gorgon Snake! Look at how it admires me so.” Asmodeus said, petting the snake’s head with a proud look as well.
As the two familiar hiss and neigh at each other, ready to prove that they are the best. The rest of the class looks in awe of the two magnificent beasts.
“There they go again.” Shax says, smiling as another competition forms between the two.
“Let’s just watch and relax until it’s our turn.” Gaap comments.
“Next up, we have… Valac Clara-san?” Robin said, looking around.
“You betcha!” Clara announced popping out of nowhere.
“S-S-S-Summoning!!” Clara yelled, as a green familiar seal appeared and burst into smoke. “Falfal!” Out of the smoke a green smiling beast appeared announcing its presence with a small ‘Falfal’, it resembled a dinosaur with the spikes along its spine and the claw hands.
“A Falfal! What a rare find!” Robin said, amazed. “A familiar whose words and actions are a complete mystery! I wonder how she tamed it.” He said, as he looked towards Clara petting Falfal's head. A second later Falfal takes the ball from Clara's hand and throws it, causing Clara to chase after it. “She hasn’t tamed it at all!” Robin exclaims as he sees Clara return with the ball in her mouth. “There are so many interesting students here!”
Falfal suddenly looked up, drawing Clara’s attention towards him. “What’s the matter, Falfal?” Staring into his eyes as he stared into hers a silent conversation was held. “Roger!” Clara exclaimed, as she ran off.
“Hey, you! Um, what was your name again?” Robin called out, getting completely ignored.
Back inside the school, where Camu Camu was organizing his stand, a loud noise drew his attention. Turning his head to the left he is greeted with the sight of Clara running at him on all fours with no intention of slowing down.
“Come-Come!”
“Stab.” Camu Camu said as he thrust the bamboo spear towards Clara.
Clara stops just in front of the spear and proceeds to jump on it, hugging it tightly. As Camu Camu raised up the spear, Clara slowly spinned down. “Come-Come, one red bean bun, please!”
“Do you want chunky or smooth? Choose one.”
“Let’s see…”
Back with Falfal as he waits for Clara. “Heya! I bought a red bean bun! The chunky kind, just like you wanted!” Clara proudly announces, presenting the bun towards Falfal as he takes a bite out of it. “How is it? How is it?”
“Ooh. To think that they can communicate without words! This exceeds my expectations!” Robin exclaimed, amazed at the interaction he just witnessed.
Falfal happily offers the bun to Clara. “Are you sure? I humbly accept!” Clara bows her head and proceeds to bite the bun.
Robin looked at his list, ignoring the one upping competition behind him between Asmodeus and Sabnock.
“Okay, next up… We have Iruma-kun!” Robin said, looking to his right.
Iruma had his hands clasped and his head down, as he stood alone.
“Iruma-kun?”
“Oh, right…”
“What’s the matter? Where’s your familiar?” Robin asks.
Iruma let out a small whimper, “W-Well…”
“Come on Iruma. Don’t be nervous.” May said, as she patted his back. Leaning closer to his ear. “Besides, Uncle Kalego would want you to do well in your classes even if he is the familiar.”
Jazz and Shax appeared next to Robin. “Oh right.”
“I guess you don’t know, huh, Sensei? Iruma-kun’s familiar is…” Before Shax could finish his sentence, a purple familiar seal appeared and began to glow.
“Let’s get this over with.” Iruma says as he focuses on the summoning. “I’m sorry uncle.” He quietly apologized, hoping that he wasn’t interrupting. With a poof of purple smoke and sparkles, a familiar fluffy bird appeared.
“Whoa!” Robin exclaimed, clearly surprised at the unprecedented appearance of Iruma’s familiar.
“Hey, it’s Familiar-sensei.”
“Hey, Familiar-sensei.”
“He’s so soft and fluffy.” Jazz, Shax and Elizabetta greeted. Smiling at the adorable form that is their sensei.
“Wow, what a cute little familiar!” Robin said, clearly enamoured by the creature in his hands. “He’s so fluffy!”
Kalego grunts and struggles for freedom as he is toyed and cuddled by the new teacher. “Stop that! Bastard, how dare you…”
“Huh? Whoa! This familiar can talk!” Robin exclaimed. Looking even more amazed with stars in his eyes.
“Ok, that’s enough.” Iruma says as he quickly grabs Kalego and steps away from Robin before he gets struck by lightning. “Sensei, I understand that your… amazed. But he doesn’t enjoy being grabbed out of nowhere and treated like some fluffy toy.” Gently releasing his hold, Kalego flies in place next to Iruma, clearly unhappy with the sudden grab after being summoned.
“Ah, I apologize. You see by the Babyls Teachers’ Guidelines. No matter the reason, it’s my job to always be dignified when I’m teaching.” Robin dictates, holding the manual close as rays of light shine above him.
You might have guessed already, but the person who wrote the Babyls Teachers’ Guidelines was none other than the familiar Kalego… Er, Kalego himself.
“Robin-sensei is new, so he must not know that’s Kalego-sensei.” Elizabetta says.
“We should probably tell him!” Kamui exclaimed, admiring Elizabetta.
“Nah, let’s keep quiet. This seems like fun.” Shax said, wanting to see how the class will go on.
“I concur.” Gaap agreed.
“Yeah.” Jazz nodded, wanting to see what happens next.
“Alright. Last we have is May-san! Let’s see your familiar.” Robin announced, not hearing any of the previous chatter.
“Right.” Lifting her thumb to her mouth, May pierces her thumb and begins the summoning. A forest green familiar seal appears and dissipates into smoke. As the smoke clears the skeleton body of a panda is revealed and is quickly covered by pieces of dirt, rock, and grass.
“Wah! A skeleton beast. These are super rare and uncommon during summoning rituals. Amazing!” Robin exclaimed, rapidly looking around the familiar. “This class is just filled with so much potential."
All the chatter from the class seems to draw the attention of another set of students nearby. “Hey, isn’t that Familiar-sensei?” The pink haired demon asked.
“Huh. Kalego-sensei turns into something that cute?” Momonoki, the teacher accompanying the student said. Staring at how much cuter Kalego's familiar form appears in person. *If only Balam-sensei was here, he would enjoy this as well. Too bad I couldn’t find him.*
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Iruma sighed as he was finally able to escape his class as they went off to individually bond with their familiars. “I’m sorry uncle. I really hope I didn’t interrupt you.”
Kalego sighed, “It’s quite alright Iruma. Your Grandfather and Father knew there would be a possibility that you would have to summon me during your Familiar class, so the principal made sure to schedule my prepping time at the same time as your class. Truthfully, all I was doing was getting ahead of some paperwork, so there was no disturbance.” Kalego assured, knowing how anxious Iruma could get even with the etiquette lessons from Opera. “Besides, it goes against my policy to disturb a place of learning for personal reasons. Therefore! In every single familiar lesson from now on, only get the highest score possible! Get one high score after another, and get a lot more credits in supplemental classes. Don’t you dare mess up in front of that fool.” Kalego commands, as he backs away from Iruma's face.
“Yes, sir. I know most of the basics when it comes to familiars, Uncle Balam books really helped with that, but is there anything else I need to know?” Iruma says, taking a more relaxed position.
“As you know the blood pact runs deep. A summon from the master is absolute. Its shape and form is also influenced by its master. Which means that this humiliating form of mine is all because of you!” Kalego shouted. His form being the picture of innocence. “Also, the only time a familiar must obey its master is when it is summoned. Don’t think I will be letting you do whatever you want or help you sneak extra cookies away from Opera.”
“Hey, guys! Let’s play with this!” Robin called out, holding a frisbee in his hand. “It’s the perfect exercise to build trust with your familiar!”
“Yeah! I wanna play!” Clara cheered, followed by Falfal. Taking the frisbee, Falfal readies themselves and throws it. Clara exactly catches it with her mouth. Laughing and clapping, Robin congratulates the two.
“I’m not sure if that’s how sensei pictured this activity to go.” May commented, looking at the scene in disbelief.
“Okay, you guys are up next.” Robin said, looking at Iruma and Kalego.
“Um, sensei, is there a different activity we can do instead of this one? It’s not that we don’t want to do it but he can’t really throw or catch with his little arms and beak.” Iruma pointed out, gesturing to Kalego short hands and little beak, not really made for frisbee.
“Ah. I see your point, well we can substitute some of the activities that should better fit you two. Good job knowing what your familiar can and can’t do Iruma-kun you get an extra point for it.” Robin happily says, looking at his clipboard and marking some notes down. “How about you brush your familiar fur. Taking care of one another is an important part in building trust and forming a bond.” Robin says, offering a brush towards Iruma.
“Yes, sir. Thank you.” Bowing, Iruma quickly grabs the brush and heads a bit further away with Kalego. “At least we won’t be marked down on any points, what a relief.”
Kalego simply sits near Iruma and lets him brush out his fur. Refusing to admit that it is a bit relaxing. After a bit, “Hey.” Kalego started,“When you were about to be attacked by the Guardian of Cutthroat Valley, why didn’t you summon me?” He asked. Iruma stared at him with a confused look on his face. “Is it because you think I look weak?”
“Oh, no, no! Of course not! I know how strong you are Uncle. I guess… I just didn’t want either you or the Guardian of Cutthroat Valley to get hurt.” Iruma confessed.
“Idiot child. I am your Uncle, and now your familiar. It is my job to protect you from dangers that you can not yet face. Do not forget that, if another situation arrives where you need help do not hesitate to summon me. Understand?” Kalego says, firmly looking at Iruma and looking away once he sees Iruma nod his head.
Suddenly students let out distress gasps and calls, catching both Iruma’s and Kalego’s attention. Back to where Asmodeus and Sabnock were, their familiars are now firmly in competition with one another. A whirlwind of fire and water erupted where the one up-ing competition escalated.
“This is too much trouble! Let us settle this by force!” Sabnock stated, a proud grin on his face.
“Very well. I’ll reduce that horse to ash!” Asmodeus replied, a smug look plastered on his face, not phased by what’s happening around them.
“Hey, hey, hey, hey! What are you doing?! You’re not supposed to use your familiars to fight!” Robin said as he runned over.
“Oh, shut up!!” The two replied disrespectfully, not even bothering to look at their teacher as the two stared each other down.
“Wha-”
The Gorgon Snake and the Kelbie hissed at each other coming in for a strike, until two un-welcomed fellows came between them. Little black claws hit both familiars on the head with a force to be reckoned with along with some earth and rocks, effectively bringing them down to the ground. “Silence!” Kalego demanded. Robin looked at the scene in surprise, as Iruma stared in amazement. Recomposing himself, “Pathetic…” Kalego begins to scold the two masters of the familiars. “Think of the situation you’re in, you fools!” Kalego turned to Robin “Hey, newbie.”
“Yes?” Robin responded, the awkwardly cute intimidating air around Kalego making him unsure what to feel.
“Explain why trust is so important when it comes to familiars.” Kalego stated.
“Huh? Well, a familiar is a partner-”
“Wrong!” Kalego interjected, “It’s so no one is devoured.” He restated.
“But if familiars disobey their masters, they’ll be punished…”
“Who said anything about their masters?” Kalego cut him off “I’m talking about those around them.” He continued.
“Around them?”
“Familiars are not pets nor partners. They are magical beasts who can turn violent at any moment if their masters aren’t careful.” Kalego explained. Drilling the information into the new teacher’s head. “Fear your familiars, you brats. That is what true trust is.” Kalego said and soon sighed. “It appears that only one of you had the right idea about this.” Kalego said, looking at Iruma. “If you understand, then start treating your familiars with respect! Right now!” Kalego demanded, to which everyone instantly followed.
And so, interaction with familiars was revised, and masters and familiars became closer. Meanwhile…
“Start over.” Kalego says, dropping a mountain of papers into Robin’s hands.
“You’re so strict! Why, though?” Robin cried out.
And the rift between the senior and his junior grew wider.
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“331, 330…”
In a tower of Babyls and ominous chant of numbers is being counted down.
“329, 328…”
As a door opens, the sharp teeth of a demon are visible with their grin.
“327, 326…”
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“A Bet(2) meal! It’s so much fancier! Let’s dig in!” Iruma cheers as he happily digs into his meal. “It’s so good!”
“Good for you, Iruma-chi!” Clara cheered, smiling at Iruma.
“Hey, I have a question, Azz-kun.” May said looking over to Alice.
“What is it May-sama?” Asmodeus asked, looking up from his plate.
“Why aren’t there many people here? I’ve never seen the first-year cafeteria this empty.” May said, as she looked around the empty room.
“Well, you see..” Before Asmodeus could respond, he was interrupted by a female voice.
“It’s Asmodeus-sama!”
“He’s so hot! Please, shake my hand!”
“There’s finally a guy who’s in my league.”
As Asmodeuse looked at the girls in confusion he noticed Iruma being squished against the table. “Iruma-sama! Such insolence! Begone!” With the three girls backing up a bit from confusion, Iruma was able to sit up a bit more. “Iruma-sama, are you hurt?!”
“I’m fine…”
“Iruma-kun.”
“You’re here? Hey, isn’t Iruma…The super evil demon who has teachers at his beck and call, controlled the Guardian of the Valley, and attacked his fellow classmate?!” The blond haired demon exclaimed, backing up even more.
“Whoa, those stories seemed to become even more exaggerated. Where are you getting these ridiculous ideas?” May asked, standing up from the table and facing the demon.
“Uh, well… Some of the other students have been talking about it so…”
“See that’s the problem. You took information that you overheard from other students, who mind you, wasn’t even there or are a part of the class. You're playing a big game of ‘they said this’ with no clear idea on who said what.” May interrupted, wanting to shut down the crazier side of rumors as soon as possible.
“Oh, we're sorry.” The demons bowed before an ominous feeling washed over the room. With that they left in a hurry wanting to get away as quickly as they could.
“Uh, why did they leave so suddenly?” Iruma asked, looking at the retreating forms.
“Ah, yes. Here, take a look at this.” Asmodeus says, passing over a flyer with the word ‘Battlers’ on it. “I brought you to the cafeteria because I wanted to talk to you about this. Battlers are basically a group that concentrates on raising their ranks. Students with similar talents, interests, and ideals get together and interact. For example, Flight Battlers, Magical Creature Battlers, and Pharmaceutical Studies Battlers. They also do leadership training and training to improve magical power, wisdom, and physical strength. Their activities as Battlers help them raise their ranks.”
“Huh.”
“There is a group promotion exam that’s reserved for Battlers, but it’s possible to raise your rank through personal achievements, as well. About 60% of the student body is in some kind of Battler group, and it’s also great for forging connections with upperclassmen.”
“Group activities where you’re with upperclassmen… That sounds like fun!” Iruma exclaims, getting excited for the possibility of trying new things.
“Yes, well the upperclassmen should start recruiting in a bi-” A loud sound interrupted Asmodeus. Turning around to the door, Opera is found standing with a determined look on their face.
“Opera?!” Iruma and May cried out as Opera suddenly ran and picked them up.
“Apologies, but the time where upperclassmen recruit new students, known as the rookie hunt, is about to begin and some can get quite intense or rough with it. Your grandfather does not want to take any risks so I will be taking you two to his office till things have calmed down a bit. Of course, your friends are allowed to join as well.” Opera says, as they readjust Iruma and May that way they are sitting in his arms. “Hurry on now, must not delay.” With that Opera rushes out of the cafeteria room closely followed by Asmodeus and Clara, arriving at Sullivan’s office just in time. As the door closed behind them the sound of stomping feet and yells filled the hall.
“T-Thanks Opera. I’m not sure how we would have dealt with that.” May said, sitting down on the couch and resting for a bit. “I didn’t know upperclassmen got that intense when it comes to recruiting new members.”
“Regretably I did not know the full extent either. I apologize, had I known I would have made sure to be somewhere farther from them.” Asmodeus bowed his head. *I can’t believe I almost put them at risk!*
“It’s alright Azz-kun. You didn’t know.” Iruma reassured, putting a comforting hand on Asmodeus' arm.
“Yes, yes. Well now if you are interested in joining a battler then you are all free to go after a few minutes , if you do not wish to join a battler then feel free to stay here. Now who wants cookies?” Sullivan cheerfully asked, holding up a plate of cookies.
“Oh, oh. Me! I do.” Clara exclaimed, jumping up and down and waving her hand.
“Joining a battler…”