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An explosion of pink flames burst out of Shichiro’s lab, tearing his door clean off and spilling out into the hall. Any students walking close by shrieked and ran away, trying not to get caught up in the little experiment that had gone awry. Within moments however, the flames dissipated, with Alice Asmodeus heaving a heavy sigh.
“I’m not sure what we’re doing wrong.” He looked down on the worktable filled with vials and plates, wondering for the umpteenth time why things weren’t going to plan.
“Me neither.” Shichiro had his theories of course, but as a teacher, he needed to guide his students into learning how to do this type of research on their own. “Until we find the variable controlling the rate of expansion, we can’t consider this composition viable now can we?”
Asmodeus heaved another sigh, hunching over the table of their experiments in defeat, an unusual show of emotion from the usually uptight demon. “I can’t face Iruma-sama with this. I’m a failure of a demon. I cannot dare to stand by his side!”
That explains it.
“Speaking of, how is Iruma lately? We haven’t had many chances to talk lately.”
“He’s wonderful!” Asmodeus perked up with a blinding smile and a twinkle in his eyes, completely overriding his disappointment. “In fact, Iruma’s been working tirelessly with the rest of our batra on a completely new- oh I can’t say! I promised to blow him away and make strides in our work with this.”
The disappointment returned, Asmodeus slumped once again, putting his face right next to the vials on the table, glaring into the liquids inside like they were the ones to wrong him. “But I cannot begin to impress him if I don’t get any results here.”
Shichiro knew it was time for redirection. The experimentation was exciting, enough to make him lose track of time, but the day was getting on, and he still hadn’t touched on why he invited Alice over to the lab in the first place. “Ah, that reminds me. Have you heard the news? A new problem student has been terrorizing the school lately. ”
Asmodeus shifted his stance, standing up straight. Shichiro didn’t miss the way his fists clenched at his sides. “The succubus running wild, you mean?” He spoke low, all the emotions from earlier completely gone from his tone of voice.
“Yes, that indeed. Several students have been attacked around the school. So far, it seems like the perpetrator has ambushed dozens of first and second years all over campus, and yet none of the Misfits have been harmed. The succubus might even be avoiding Royal One all together.”
The lab grew hotter, but Alice’s flames didn’t erupt just yet. Shichiro knew how sensitive the topic was to Asmodeus, and yet he pressed on.
“Why would-” He could see the anger wash over his student, but Asmodeus was far too composed to let it impact him so soon into the conversation. “I have no insight on the matter. Not I nor any of my classmates have encountered this succubus just yet, and I’ve taken precautions to ensure that Iruma-sama has not either.”
Shichiro smiled under his mask. Asmodeus’s loyalty was something any demon could admire. It was strange to find this level of dedication to another person in someone of the Amaryllis descendancy, but it was still admirable nonetheless.
“I see.” Shichiro turned away from the student, intending to put some research papers away and to give Asmodeus the chance to recompose himself. “Well, if-”
“It worries me,” Alice cut him off. Shichiro turned back to see an unfamiliar worry on Asmodeus’s face. “How have they gone on for so long without being caught? How have they dodged every attempt at trapping and catching them? The student council hasn’t even gotten a glimpse of them, and all the students have conflicting reports on what they look like. I’ve heard that the issue has escalated enough to involve Kalego, or even the Sullivan-sama…
“Them avoiding our class… it must be intentional. I fear that Iruma-sama is the next target. His charm is irresistible, and his aura is undeniable. Even I worry that I fall for him too strongly to protect him…”
Shichiro chuckled, “I see your priorities haven’t changed.”
“Of course not!” It was fascinating to see how talking about Iruma with Asmodeus could make his entire atmosphere shift. “I wouldn’t dare prioritize anything above Iruma-sama and his safety! Everything I endure is for his sake. When Iruma becomes King, he deserves only the strongest and most loyal of servants by his side, and I shall spearhead the charge.”
When, not if, Shichiro noted.
“It’s relieving to see how determined this generation of students is, but I still need to know about the succubus going around. It hasn't escalated to the principle just yet, we teachers are on the case. I was hoping you would help us track them down?”
“You don’t assume that I’m the…?” Asmodeus looked up in surprise.
Shichiro laughed, the sound a little muffled behind his mask. He ruffled the top of Asmodeus’s head as he found the right words.
“It hadn’t crossed my mind to even consider you as the culprit. None of the other teachers had as well. You are too composed in your actions. Not to mention, your intentions are loud and clear, no one could confuse you for an aimless demon wreaking havoc for havoc’s sake.”
Asmodeus smiled, bowing elegantly with a hand on his heart. “I am pleased to be of your assistance.” Asmodeus smiled wider, sharper. A lot more demonic. “especially if it means I protect Iruma from this creep.”
Ah, youth. Shichiro couldn’t help but be reminded of his own schooldays. While they didn’t get into nearly as many adventures as his students, his time with Opera and Kalego was certainly fun.
The two headed out, the failed experiment long forgotten. Shichiro knew how hard Asmodeus had worked on his abilities, and how hard he tried to suppress his bloodline magic. It was his duty to train and prepare his students to face the dangers of the Netherworld.
In fact, Shichiro admired Asmodeus. He couldn’t imagine navigating life without his ability to detect lies and cheats. Even just now, he unintentionally used it to detect the truth in Asmodeus’s words and ambitions.
It looks like the Demon World has a bright future ahead, Shichiro can only hope to be a part of it all.