Chapter Text
POV: IRUMA(Kun) SUZUKI [(He? She?) They/Them]
Honestly, if you asked him(her?) about his life, he(she?) couldn’t remember much. She remembers a little bit, though looking back, her(his) memories before the transfer is..foggy. He can remember large skyscrapers and large mountains. Walking down the street and bending his back for others at the mere mention of the word ‘please’. He can remember the woods, and the wildlife within it, how he scraped tooth and nail to get whatever recognition or appreciation from two, blue-haired, shady figures. But she can also remember misty woods and a warm, small wooden house. She can remember the joyful festivities, of people wearing colourful costumes and eating bread-like cakes. She can remember endless nights of studying and getting near-perfect scores, much to her charigan, but he can barely remember going to school at all.
But that didn’t matter here, whoever they were, they had been sold. Taken away from their ordinary life into a fantasy realm of demons. The Netherworld, as the residents call it. They remembered it being called something more sinister. ‘Hell’. Alas, now they sat in front of a Demon. Lord Sullivan, he was called. With a Neko-like servant behind him, looking more like a pompous butler than a slave. Said Lord was now begging them to accept his deal, either become their adoptive grandchild or simply be eaten by them instead.
The choice was obvious.
They watched in vague amusement as the Demon Lord squealed with glee and ran off to… Somewhere, leaving them alone with the Butler Neko. He then introduced himself. “Greetings, you may refer to me as Opera-san.”, the honorific indicating casual formality. Acquaintances of the like. Tilting their head, they emerged to return the greeting, introducing themselves as “Iruma Suzuki, or simply Iruma-San, it’s nice to meet you, Opera-San.” Both of them appreciated the other’s acknowledgement and set out to start the adjustment process to their new life.
They were then led out of the main corridor to a large bedroom, fitted with a large bed, a fancy dresser and extravagant decor. Their socks squished against the velvet carpet that lined the floor, and they appeared to be given silk-red sheets that covered the bed. A large, golden chandelier reigned overhead, with waxed candles that never seemed to melt encased in a protective barrier. Their attention was then turned to Opera-San, where he had opened a closet full of ‘casual’ clothing of all different colours, shapes, and sizes. It looked less casual, and more like a mediaeval cosplay set in his opinion, but who were they to judge?
POV: OPERA(San) [They/Them]
Opera-San blinked and watched as the Young Master picked through the clothing provided, getting a healthy mix of light, pastel shirts and dark navy, sometimes black pants. There were even a couple of skirts selected as well, their preferences completely neutral and boring, by underworld standards. They had picked out 3 wedding-like veils, three pairs of earrings (despite his ears not being pierced), and a single black bonnet. They also gave themselves tall black platform boots and a couple of alternate pairs that were flat-footed against the ground. Truly, the peak of fashion.
They left it at that, nodding in approval at the choices made and left the young master alone so they could change in peace. Once they came out, they walked together, to discuss the... Finer details of their arrangement.
“Ahh!! My adorable grandson, you look amazing!!” The Demon Lord gushed, every second declining his dignity further and further. “Ahem, now then. You, my beloved child, shall be enrolled in school! A school that I just so happen to be the director of! Aha! It starts in three weeks, so I best get to shoppin-”
“Wait a moment,” The young master interrupted, their voice soft yet it still served the same purpose. “You do realise… That I know nothing about demon society, right?”
“Uh…”
“I’m human if you haven’t forgotten. What if I do something that ends up offending someone? What will they say about my lack of demonic features? And that spell you used, yes I can understand the demon language now, but what about participating in class? Are your systems different? What subjects do you teach? Will I be able to keep up with the others?” And on the questions went quite the impressive list in Opera’s opinion. Something Sir Sullivan was completely unprepared for.
“Well. Er, I guess we’ll have to catch you up then! OPERA! BRING OUT THE BEGINNER'S BOOKS!!”
Opera snapped their fingers, it was time to get to work.
POV: IRUMA(San) SUZUKI [They/Them]
Within the next two weeks, Iruma learned many things about demon society. What rankings are and why they matter, the currency, the politics, the basics of demon biology and evolution, (who knew that demons were not originally the dominant species in Hell?) and other stuff that Iruma would’ve sent them floundering in public. But even then, they would still be way far behind the rest of their peers.
Now, they were late at night, trying to find a way to conjure mana for themselves. It was a difficult task, as mana was intrinsic to all creatures of the Netherworld, completely innate to every organism under the tinted sky. The only possible way he could feasibly have some of his own is if he took some from others. Creating an object would be difficult, as it would have to be sturdy enough to keep the mana inside, but flexible enough so it can be used in a variety of situations. Like a wand, of sorts.
For now, they had decided on a modified version of a Cockade fan, made with a brass handle inscribed with runes, and a thin, pleated metal sheet for the actual fan. Of course, it had to be custom-made and personally enchanted (the courtesy of Grandfather Sullivan, who was more than willing to spend thousands of what seems to be coins inscribed with strange symbols to indulge his efforts). It was a fine creation, one they were very happy to have.
But as the days counted down, the orientation day drew near. They became more apprehensive about their attendance. From what they had learned, humans were a great source of nourishment for demons, although they are usually not believed to exist, the mere smell of a human can apparently drive one mad with greed. “But not to worry my darling grandchild!!” Spoke their Grandfather again. “This magnificent perfume shall cover your scent, and make it so that they won’t gobble you up!”
Convenient indeed.
On the last day before Orientation, they were showered with a multitude of gifts, including a uniform (that would later be embroidered by Opera-San and themselves with a silk pattern in the shape of flowers and eyes) multiple textbooks, notebooks, a calligraphy set, a bag, and of course, more perfume. They thanked them for not only the gifts but the chance they were given in their new life. As they awoke the next morning, they were greeted with a window in front of their vision.
[QUEST ACTIVATED -----> TUTORIAL]
-------------------------------------------
Complete your Orientation into Babyls Demon Academy!
>--- Progress 0% --- Tasks --->
❐ Give Orientation Speech
❐ End [???]’s duel in a draw [BONUS if Won]
❐ Summon [Familiar]
❐ Obtain [2] Devotees
❐ Finish [Ranking Test] [BONUS if ???]
-------------------------------------------
REWARDS:
+20 Reputation, 2 Devotees, +1 RANK (Aleph)
BONUS REWARDS:
+50 Reputation, [???]
-------------------------------------------
…Sigh… This is going to be a long couple of days...
END OF PROLOGUE