Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Right now, Iruma was very confused, because ‘what implies being rank 5.5? Is something going to happen to Ali? If so, what?’ and other worries about the scala, but right now there was also another more dominating thought, and that was…

‘…WHAT THE HELL IS HAPPENING RIGHT NOW?’, that single thought was going through the blue haired human, because two seconds ago, he was in his room, and now he was in some kind of theater room where more people seemed to be appearing out of thin air.

“Iruma-sama!!” was the first thing he heard as soon as Azz appeared which was followed by “How glad I am to see you here” while crying of emotion. They would’ve talked more about the situation but suddenly they were both knocked over by something they immediately recognized as Clara.

“Yaaay, I found Iruma-chi and Azz-Azz, I win. What do we play now? Do you think we can play with that big screen?” Said the girl once she got a strike on her friends.

“As fun as that sounds Clarin, I think you have to calm down for now” said a new voice in the zone, which upon turning around they could see it was Lied who was reunited with the rest of the misfit class and teachers Robin, Shiina, and Balam who were trying and failing to calm down the confused and scared students, and Kalego, who was attempting to silence the turbulent students.

“Guys! You’re here too! What a relief…” Exclaimed Iruma to which Jazz intruded to say “well… I wouldn’t call it a relief, we still don’t know where we are or how to go back home”. “A-and somehow more people k-keep a-ap-appearing, suddenl-” Said Kerori who was interrupted by a sudden light as if to prove the point.

“E-eh?” spoke a female voice with a silhouette of long red hair and ear-like horns.

The student council president, Ameri Azazel, was completely clueless as to what was happening, but instead of trying to figure things out herself, the moment she saw that figure, with blue in eyes and hair and that rebel hair, Ameri blurted out immediately.

“Iruma!? How are you here!? Where are we!?” “Huh? Well, uhh…” needless to say Iruma had no Idea at all of how to answer to any of those questions, not like it seemed necessary anyway because other figure who was with Ameri spoke “of course you’d be involved in this stupid student of mine.” Bachiko Barbatos, the master of Iruma, said with a tone that felt like a mix of disappointment and anger “What kind of mess did you get yourself into this time, huh?” continued the member of the 13 crowns.

“Now, now, there’s no need to get mad like that” spoke a voice that wasn’t here just a moment before.

“The chairman is right, there are more important matters at hand” Spoke a cat looking demon with a not very expressive face.

“Yes, like the two beautiful ladies that have joined us!” said a bird demon who had nothing to do with the previous two.

“I don’t think that’s the point Opera-san is trying to make……WAIT! OPERA!? GRAMPA!?” said Iruma as if dumbfounded by the fact that he hadn’t noticed them there because unlike the others he didn’t seem to appear, from one moment to other they were just… there.

“Well, looks like everyone is here” suddenly said a voice no one could place or recognize “The exhibition will start soon” it declared.

“Exhibition? What exhibition? And who may you be?” asked Goemon more in curiosity than actual worry, because who knows? Maybe this weird entity was friendly.

“Hey, don’t be so careless!” reprimanded Kalego after seeing the lackadaisical attitude of his student, but instead of the monotone tone that they were expecting, the voice spoke with an almost abnormal friendliness with a fully playful demeanor. “Oh, yeah, those details, well it doesn’t really matter since I’m not gonna speak to any of you after starting so you don’t need to call me anything”

“So can I just sleep through this?” asked Agares who was starting to get tired of this nonsense and just wanted to sleep, besides, it was clear that whatever that was had no actual interest in them.

“Oh, c’mon don’t be like that~ besides I just want to show you things that happened since the day before last year classes started”

“Hm, why such a specific time huh?” inquired a rather curious Sabro, because there must be a reason for such a creature to want something of that exact time, but what?

Meanwhile Iruma was starting to get pretty nervous. (He knew what had happened that day)

“Well, I just know some of your secrets I decided to show you as it were a TV show, thoughts included, oh but we’ll skip the intro and ending songs, but in exchange a little extra called “sukima””

‘Why?!’ Thought Iruma already knowing that his secret was absolutely going to be revealed, but being more nervous than scared.

“Y-you m-m-must know that is an invasion of privacy, we have no reason to comply!” said Ameri, who could barely refrain from blushing thinking about if her crush on Iruma would be revealed to him (sheisnotreadysheisnotreadysheis-) “Is that right chair-demon?”

“I’m afraid we have no better option” declared Sullivan but internally he was just glad for any excuse too see again the coolest moments of his grandson, besides he knew his grandchild’s friends, they wouldn’t try to do anything to him (and if someone tried, he could do some “things” to deal with it)

“Really!? Well, no problem for me, I missed the first days so I would love to see what happened!” proclaimed an overly excited Robin to which the only response he got was kalego frying his face to what no one batted an eye.

Shiina was panicking. It was safe to say that she was nervous the last time she was suspected for an attack against the students, but she had managed to clear her suspicions, but if this “exposition” thing revealed that she was a member of the six fingers, she and the plan would be done for, but it seemed that there was no way of escaping that room.

“One cannot collect too much knowledge, I say we start an get this over with no judgements for what those “secrets” may be” suggested Allocer trying to get to an optimal solution.

Balam didn’t like this, neither did Bachiko, if it was revealed that Iruma was human, who knows what the other demons would do?

Still, as Iruma’s master Bachiko would fight anyone who actually tried to eat her one and only student if they dared.

Balam couldn’t do the same, but as a teacher he had to try to protect Iruma (but how was he supposed to?)

Seeing as Sullivan wasn’t going to do anything to avoid it, Opera decided to take at least some measurement. “I suggest an agreement to not hold or use the secrets revealed against anyone with repercussions on anyone who tries to use them” Opera insisted as to make at least some resistance to impulsive actions.

“Tsk, you’re the one who would usually use them, so if you’re serious, then fine” said an already tired Kalego, how long was this going to be again?

Azz and Clara were very uncomfortable with the situation, they had talked with Iruma about each having their secrets and they knew Iruma wouldn’t change a thing of their relationship at all, after all, they’re Iruma’s soulmates, and they wouldn’t treat Iruma any different either. (Doesn’t change the fact that they were very uncomfortable with something so personal being shown like that to everyone)

“W-well, i-if th-th-there’s no way around then I guess…” said a rather stuttering kerori who was absolutely convinced this was going to show her as kuromu, at the very least she could feel satisfied by the fact that probably Irumi, Alice and Clarin were also gonna be exposed.

“Well, if there aren’t any objections, then…” said Lied as he embraced himself to be shown crossdressing those two times with Iruma.

“Then roll it!” finished Jazz, knowing very well that he was going to be teasing everyone for their secrets, but nothing more. He wasn’t an insensitive jerk like his brother.

“Ah, wait!” tried to interrupt Shiina, but it didn’t matter

“Great! Then, here we go!”

And so, the exhibition begins…

Chapter Text

[Rather than the purple sky of the netherworld, the screen first showed a dark grey sky, with a boat in the middle of a turbulent sea]

‘So, we begin from here uh?’ thought Iruma. It would be bad enough if it began with Sullivan asking him to become his grandchild, but it seemed they were getting a full explanation.

“Eh? Does anyone recognize this place? Doesn’t look familiar to me” asked a genuinely curious Robin, who was just excited about getting to understand his students better.

“I do not know of it” answered an eager allocer because, this was more than a secret, this was a whole place he hadn’t ever heard about.

Ameri recognized such place, not because she had been there, but rather because it was the same way it was portrayed in First love memories, the human world. (She immediately decided to stay quiet about that)

“Nope, no idea” answered instead a more relaxed Lied upon seeing he wasn’t on the focus of attention.

“If no one does, then why is it showing it to us?” Sabro was dealing with enough nonsense as it was, he didn’t need a “This never happened” thing now to leave him more confused.

[As if to answer Sabro’s question, the screen showed Iruma and someone else working with some kind of fish “Iruma, I leave this to you! Don’t let a single one drop” said who appeared to be a coworker “No!” “If you let one fall, I’m paying you half salary” was the only thing the coworker said before running off.]

“Huh?” was the sound that left the mouth of almost every demon at once, those who knew he was human were surprised at seeing a 14 year old boy working in such unsafe situation, was it something normal for humans?

But those who didn’t couldn’t even form a question in their heads, let alone voice it (Why was iruma in a place no one even knew it existed? Maybe that was a good start)

“That’s mean how can you trat him like that you meanie” Sullivan said hotly, as he seemed not a bit surprised.

[“Iruma Suzuki, 14 years.” spoke an unknown voice which everyone was quick to see as a narrator “He is being forced to work on a tuna fishing boat. Speaking bluntly, his parents were scum and forced him to sustain them”]

“Suzuki? But you appear as Sullivan at the school’s registers.” Commented a doubtful Robin, who didn’t understand much. This casual remark raised everyone’s confusion.

“Could it be that his parents go for another last name?” Azz gave an explanation that not even himself was convinced, but he was too confused.

Azz had believed this whole that the reason Iruma was not so knowledgeable was due to the fact that his grandfather sheltered from the outside world, yet here he was, seeing Iruma working in a completely unknown place. Did he make too many assumptions?

Meanwhile, Lied was thinking something else. ‘Was this a secret of Iruma?’ Why wouldn’t he tell them about it? They had reassured him (after clearing Azz misunderstood) that they were friends.

“Oh, how did you end up there, Iruma-kun?” asked Elizabetta who looked at a nervous Iruma.

“Actually, I think I can see how that happened” jumped in Jazz wanting to poke a bit at Iruma. “Eh, Iruma come with me to a completely unknown and mysterious place to do hard work with fish!” “Ooh, of course!” joined an amused Clara at the chance to play mimicking Iruma-chi.

Iruma himself couldn’t even be embarrassed because that was pretty much how it happened

(No one wanted to address the fact that his parents were such a piece of trash)

[“I can’t lose half my salary” said a worried iruma before fish started falling from everywhere in the storage and he had to maneuver to dodge them, in one moment he stumbled and rolled to avoid one, but another one was about to fall on him when all of the sudden everything stopped]

If his parents were usually like that, Robin questioned to himself while failing to be subtle at looking at the chair-demon, was Iruma nearly getting actually hurt the last straw for his grandfather to act? He wondered that upon recognizing that magic.

Come to think of it, Goemon realized, they didn’t even know who Iruma’s parents were. At the batras exhibition, had only been his gramps and Opera, that is a pretty big contrast.

Not for the first time bachiko thought about how such parents were trash.

[Iruma seemed rather taken aback for that when reality itself began morphing and he found himself tied and in front of a slim figure with two horns on his head, who slapped a sign on him that read ‘sold’. “Sold?! What is…?!” Asked a now very scared Iruma to which the demon in front of him just laughed before the two of them disappeared.]

That same question the blue-haired boy once asked was surging through a lot of heads right now.

Jazz thought that such a situation somehow looked familiar, though he couldn’t quite point out why, Allocer could, but decided not to speak.

‘What did that stupid demon decided to do this time?’ This exhibition had only started and Kalego already felt too tired to continue.

Seeing this, Ameri came to understand quickly that this is how Iruma arrived at the netherworld ‘did he feel like a hostage or an item in a shop?’ She didn’t like this line of thought, mostly because she couldn’t outright deny it.

The whole misfit class seemed to freeze at once, because what they were seeing right now was probably the most absurd thing they will ever see.

[Sullivan was now carrying his new bargain through magic to what Iruma could only look in shock as they travelled across the netherworld when he was able to pull himself together to ask “Where am I? Who are you?”  to which all Sullivan did was reciting a spell that Iruma did not understand because he could only answer with a confused “What?” before the powerful demon snapped his fingers]

Iruma… did not know Sullivan? Even Shiina could tell that was strange, and she could see that in everyone’s face.

Even Kalego was shocked, even Balam was surprised, even Agares was jolted awake by this.

“Uh? Why Iruma-chi does not know his old folk?” Clara was the only one capable of voicing the question out loud

“I don’t know Clara” answered Asmodeus too confused to even mock her for her attitude towards one of the most powerful demons that existed.

[Not giving them any time to process the information, the Sullivan onscreen told Iruma “Now you will understand the demon language. Iruma Suzuki, you are in the netherworld.” the confused human could only ask at the absurd statement “The netherworld?” which the former then referred as “The world of demons.” Iruma was alarmed by this as he asked in shock, “D-demon...? I understand you now.” he managed to understand through the chaos. Sullivan proceeded to explain “Because I put a spell on you.”]

Sabro noticed something. ‘More than not being familiar with his own grandparents, he seemed not to know what demons were.’ How was that possible?

‘No, surely not even him would do something THAT stupid’ Kalego thought already imagining what kind of stupid thing the irresponsible chair-demon had done.

‘So that is how he did it.’ Balam realized, it was bad enough to bring a human to the netherworld, but it was worse to drag him out of the blue like he did.

Bachiko admired Sullivan greatly, really, but it was hard to defend something like that.

Lied was confused. Did this mean that Iruma was not a Demon? If so, what exactly is he?

The person in question was doubting how to explain the situation to everyone now that it was probably necessary. ‘Sorry guys, I didn’t told you because I was afraid of you because I thought you might try to eat me if I had told you I’m human’ did NOT sound like a good way.

[“As a demon, I can use magic.” Explained Sullivan to a boy who had no notion of magic at all. It seemed that only NOW Iruma was starting to understand the creature in front of him “A demon?! He asked, scared. “That’s right, a demon. My name is Sullivan. Iruma, your parents sold your soul to me.” Finished explaining the situation the demon before laughing]

Non-demons capable of making deals with demons. No, it couldn’t be, humans were myths, Alice tried to convince himself, legends, they did NOT exist, and even IF they did, no matter how irresponsible, they probably would not be idiotic enough to give the soul of their son to a creature that was considered their predator.

Contrary to the shock everyone was having, Clara only felt distressed at the thought of a parent selling their kid like that, no matter to who, family love was one of, if not the more Important thing for a child. If her mama were to sell her, she would DEFINETILY cry for weeks.

Probably because Opera had never thought about it, Opera had never realized how, had it been any other demon, Iruma would have been very probably dead for some time by now.

‘Humans do not exist so there must be other explanation.’ Asmodeus tried to find another explanation!

‘Surely, even if they were bad parents, Iruma-chi’s parents wouldn’t!’ Clara refused to believe that a parent could do such a thing.

[Iruma too, seemed in disbelief. “My parents sold my soul…?” he couldn’t believe it either. “They would never…”]

And just like that Azz fears were deemed true, Iruma-sama seemed to believe that such thing was at the very least, possible to do, and the only creatures who could partake in deals with demons without being demons themselves… were the mythical humans.

Sabnock had also tied the knots, as did those who were smarter in class. It made sense then, for Iruma not to tell them this secret, the fact that humans are considered no more than food for demons was well known in the netherworld, it was even in the anthem. Had Iruma feared that they.

Azz knew he did not left a good first impression on Iruma-sama that first day with his aggression, so he wasn’t really offended by such a thought, after all, everyone would be as careful as possible when put together with his predators, but the knowledge that Iruma and him were not even from the same SPECIES… it felt like he had been just made aware of a distance between them he never even knew existed.

“He really did it, he really had to go and…” muttered Kalego to himself but everyone heard it

“I-I don’t get it, what’s going on?” Asked Lied, who didn’t have a clue on whatever was happening. He wasn’t the only one, those in the misfit class who weren’t that smart were also lost on the information.

Clara, meanwhile, had her mind somewhere else ‘Yeah, they wouldn’t! They cannot!’

[Yet her hopes were crushed by the very own Iruma when he stopped midsentence with a deadpanned look on his face, to an angry and bitter look and thought. ‘Actually, they totally would…’ as if to answering Clara’s thoughts himself]

With that Jazz jolted, finally remembering, it was similar to how Furfur had sold him and Allocer before the harvest festival, so he reminded him of his brother and he hated it, and it seemed Iruma’s parents were of the same kind.

Clara was on the verge of crying. ‘They would, they DID!’ But she had to keep herself together, it definitely was rougher for Iruma-chi and if his parents hadn’t given him any love, then she would!

Ameri was angry, how could ANYONE get rid of Iruma? Even worse his parents! Even when she had a duty that demanded it after speaking with him just a few times she had decided against it. Had they even bothered at all?

“Could anyone answer us? We still don’t know what all of this means” requested rather shyly Goemon, who wanted everyone to be on the same page.

Professor Robin was the first to snap out of his thoughts to answer. “Creatures capable of holding deals like this with demons while not being demons only exist in myths, legends…” “Humans.” Finished professor Shiina for him.

Iruma tensed, Sullivan started eyeing everyone, those who had tied the knots finally started to settle the thought, those who didn’t were rendered speechless, and those who already knew were embracing for worst case scenario.

“WHAAT?!” In the end, Lied was the first to react. To Lied Iruma was like a little brother. Hell, they had even argued about who was the little brother of the relationship! (With a stubbornness he didn’t think Iruma was capable of) and if he was human then he probably, no scratch that, DEFINETELY had been, at least at some point, scared half to dead of them, of HIM! He felt really sick right now.

Chaos then began. “How?!” “Is it really possible?!” “But what about the magic?!” “-The ring of gluttony!!” Questions and theories shot from everywhere in the misfit class and only more doubt raised out of this surrealism.

“Sir, I think you should give them an explanation” Opera recommended to Sullivan, who just chuckled a bit before statin “It’s fine, besides soon it’s the part where I explain it to Iruma-kun.”

That explanation would not do much, Opera knew, but didn’t press further.

“Silence!” an extremely dark voice cut off not only the voices, but also the thoughts of everyone who turned to the source of said voice.

[“What is that?” Iruma asked upon seeing a mysterious building, unlike anything he had ever seen. “It’s my mansion.” Answered Sullivan before smiling darkly” which only scared Iruma even more as he screamed. “What are you going to do with me?!” as they arrived.]

Kalego was looking furiously at Iruma, not with the usual unfriendly face, but rather a look of pure rage, as if the moment he did a wrong movement, he would be done for. “Is that true, Iruma?”

“…yes” managed Iruma after what everyone considered the longest few seconds of their lives.

 “Just what do you think you- ngh?! No, it is clear you had no say in all of this” Kalego managed to tone himself down just barely, familiar or not, human or not, Kalego was a teacher and Iruma a student, his policies as a teacher made no exceptions and would act fairly, but there something he had to address, to which he turned to face Sullivan.

“What the hell were you thinking?! Not only is Illegal, but also incredibly dangerous to bring a human to the netherworld! Do you even realize the amount of damage you could have caused?! Not only Iruma! You could have ruined the 13 crowns good name and reputation among demons and also babyls’! Just, what were you thinking?!” The professor demanded him to answer if only for some peace of mind.

At first, Opera had thought similarly, at first Opera had asked Sullivan why, with the amount of orphan demons, adopt a human. Now Opera understood, now Opera saw the amount of impressive traits that no demon held. Opera also knew that it had to be Iruma’s actions the ones to explain it.

“Ah well, you see…” Sullivan started.

[“Do you want to be my grandson?” Asked Sullivan to a shocked Iruma, whose mind couldn’t process the absurd turn of events]

It was so absurd, that even though for the last year Iruma HAD been Sullivan’s grandson everyone just turned to the screen dumbfounded, they stopped whatever discussion they were having along questions and thoughts died in their minds.

“Huh?” Lied muttered.

“What?” Jazz asked, mostly to himself.

“Did he just…?” kerori couldn’t even think of a way to finish that question.

“Buy himself a grandson?” but Goemon could.

“Looks like it?” half answered, half doubted himself Agares. This was too confusing, he seriously could’n go to sleep?

Kalego, having given up, just went back to his place. He would figure out how to deal with the situation.

“Y-yeah, I was pretty surprised too.” Iruma suddenly joined. Understandably, he had not said anything since the reveal, and no one knew how to address him. Should they get to the point? Do a little banter to ease tension?

“If you wanted to bring a human, you could have at least brought a fine young lady!!” Suddenly burst Kamui.

“No! If anyone was to come it should be definitely be Iruma-sama!” Azz said hotly, ignoring how such an in character from the birdlike demon, brought him a sense of normalcy and relief.

[“I have been alone for a long time. And it’s always been my dream to have a grandchild!” Started explaining now his request Sullivan.]

Feeling now a bit more at ease, Lied said “Well, why not both? If it was the chair-demon’s dream to have a grandchild, why not two that looked for each other as brother and sister?” he played along trying to keep the mood light.

Sullivan suddenly perked his head up as if he had just been granted with the most valuable piece of wisdom of all time.

“No sir, you will not.” Opera said to him.

“But…” “No sir, you will not” and just like that he had been shot down as fast as he got the idea.

[“A grandchild…?” was the only thing Iruma was capable of grasping, before Sullivan got on his knees and started bawling his eyes out. “I get dead envious when Levy and Belial brag about their children! I’ll buy you anything you want, and I’ll spoil you to death! So please? Please? Come on, come on, say yes.”]

‘That’s better.’ Clara thought to herself while nodding. Clearly Iruma-chi’s parents couldn’t even be called that, but the old demon clearly loved Iruma-chi, just like her and Azz-Azz. She didn’t know anything about humans outside of the school anthem, but Iruma-chi was anything but food, he played with her more than anyone else, and he was head over heels for her, she was head over heels for him too, and…

(Azz-Azz still loved Iruma-chi, right? He wouldn’t leave them both now, right?)

[Iruma tried to get some personal space from the demon before asking. “You bought me, isn’t that right? Can I refuse?” “I’ll respect your decision. If you don’t want to, you can say no!” reassured him Sullivan]

‘He wouldn’t say no’ Ameri knew. Ever since that first “please” Sullivan was basically guaranteed a grandson. (The entire last year was just the final evidence.)

The misfit class was well aware of Iruma’s inability to say “no” but had the chair-demon known or had it been a happy coincidence?

No matter what the case, this was clearly the same Iruma they all knew, Azz concluded, so maybe it was alright to keep treating him like usual. ‘Ahh, to lack the strength of a demon, be unable to fly and yet be able to get through a scala exam, truly something Iruma-sama can do!’

[Iruma started to panic as he realized something. ‘What do I do…? In my whole life, I have never said no!’ thought the human being adopted already fearing his own answer.]

“Yup, that does sound like Iruma alright, he’ll just need his big brother to look out for him more carefully now.” Lied joked having reached a similar conclusion to Asmodeus.

“The evidence is solid.” Followed Allocer referring to the last year’s reiterated affirmation that Sullivan was Iruma’s grandfather.

“Yes, Iruma is really a kind kid huh?” Finished Elizabetta, without any mischievous intention as opposed as her tone suggested.

She was right, Kerori knew. Iruma had told her that he wanted not to draw attention to himself, and yet he had drawn attention to himself multiple times to help them.

-Iruma didn’t want to draw attention to himself! Was it because of this?

Bachiko thought that they were taking it suspiciously well, some looked indifferent, some looked like they were trying to accept it and there were some that even looked to have completely accepted it. She hadn’t cared much besides the shock when Sullivan told her, but with a group this large of demons, either they all really cared for Iruma enough to not let it change their behavior… or someone was up to something.

She hoped, really hoped, that it was the former. But, in case it was the latter, she would have to be prepared.

‘Do not try to fix what is not broken.’ That applied especially to living beings, Balam thought. Whenever a word of concern or appreciation towards Iruma came, he couldn’t feel his buzzer going off, so they were honest. If someone tried to interfere with a being that had no problems, they could end up creating a problem themselves, so it was probably better to let them work this out themselves.

[“Exactly.” The narrator… well, narrated. “Iruma Suzuki is a complete pushover.” The scene cut to a flashback of Iruma in a boat brooming while another person told him “I leave it to you.” while iruma calmly said. “Alright.” “When they ask him something…” then, the flashback changed to Iruma trying to help an old lady “Sorry…” said the old lady who didn’t want to bother too much. Iruma only replied once again with “It’s alright!” “Even if he isn’t asked at all…”]

Agares didn’t understand Iruma at all. “Don’t you ever get tired?” he asked Iruma. As a demon helping strangers wasn’t something that came naturally, and he specifically wasn’t one to make such efforts, but who knows? Maybe it’s normal for humans.

[The scene changed drastically to Iruma escaping while crying, obviously scared of some people in suits while gunshots were heard in the background. “Don’t worry about chasing me!” the narrator then followed with “Even in ridiculous situations… He never refuses anything.”]

“…Perhaps it would be good for you to learn to say no to some things” said Robin for once without his usual excitement. He didn’t know how humans’ minds worked, so, he didn’t know if he should change the way he teaches Iruma, but he had the feeling that he did not messed up this time, mostly because Kalego wasn’t frying his face, but also from a gut feeling.

“Right, as for example, when a demon… asks you to become his grandson!” Kalego himself confirmed, he knew Iruma’s bad habit of taking too much by himself, but THIS… was just ridiculous.

[“He’s such a pushover that even he finds it sad.” finally concluded the narrator, while the flashback finished and it came back to a nervous Iruma.]

‘So it wasn’t common among humans either.’ Ameri noted. She had always seen that characteristic attitude of him uncommon in demons, and her only other reference to humans was “First love memories” so it was strange to see that it wasn’t common either for them. (Truly, Iruma was one of a kind no matter the race huh?)

Iruma had never been more grateful for his inability to say no, after all, ever since Sullivan had adopted him, his life became wonderful, with friends who cared about him, even seeing everyone so worried about him even if they didn’t say it out loud made him feel like his worries at first were nonsensical and baseless, he even had forgotten about justifying why Lied was his little brother, lost in his own delight.

[Opposite at his present self, his past self was scared thinking ‘This is too crazy, anyone would refuse, right? If I can say no…’]

“Yes, they would, and yes, you should have.” Shiina did not hesitate. Not refusing to that would be like walking to the nearest alleyway and asking the most dangerous thug in the place. “Hey! Could you stab me in my most vital organ?” But she knew “Iruma” and “basic survival instincts” did not really get along.

[Now Iruma started speaking aloud. “W-well…” but he was interrupted by Sullivan “However! That’s why I ask you from the bottom of my heart!” he continued in a messy non-dignified way. “I beg of you! Think of it as helping a dying old man, Iruma-kun! Please!”]

With that, Jazz knew, the chair-demon had just pushed the three Iruma buttons. He had begged of him, asked him for help and asked with “please” he knew that ranking of words of memory by now. He decided for a bit of teasing, now that everyone but Kalego was back on good spirits. “Well, looks like he got you good eh Iruma-kun?”

Iruma sensed his cheeks turning reddish from the embarrassment. “Eh? Oh-um y-yeah, I guess so, ha ha.” not that he regretted it, but it would be nice if he wasn’t so easy to read.

[While Iruma’s despairing face was clear to everybody, the narrator returned. “The words that affected him the most are:” then Iruma gave a shocked reaction because he knew wat was coming.

“In first place, “please”.”

“Second place, “help”.”

“Third place, “I beg of you”.”

Next thing that happened, Iruma was stamping a contract to become Sullivan’s grandson. Sullivan celebrated, while Iruma slumped and thought sadly ‘I’m now the grandson of a demon…’ to which the narrator finished wit a “His 14 years of misfortunes conditioned him to accept everything.”]

Bachiko groaned, she had the feeling that if another demon found out about him and asked him, “Hey, can I eat you? Please.” He was very much capable of accepting.

‘If Iruma-chi had not lived that bad… he would have said no?’ that mere thought of Iruma-chi choosing a life without them, if not for those things she couldn’t even call parents, Clara wanted to cry, badly, she was already sobbing and tearing up.

“Clara?! What’s wrong?! Calm down!” Iruma was the first to notice and try to comfort her.

“Clara, what’s gotten into you?! Everything is fine! We’re here! See?!” Asmodeus tried to calm her down since he was a bit more collected than Iruma and knew how this girl needed more than she let out, the reassurance that they would not leave her.

“Clarin, if you’re worried about someone turning on Iruma, no one is going to do that.”

Even though it was meant as reassurance, the atmosphere became tense, everyone had avoided acknowledgement of Iruma’s origin after the reveal, because of that.

However, it seemed that that or Azz words seemed to snap her out of her cries. “Really?” she asked, although no one knew if to Azz, to Lied, or to who.

It didn’t mattered to Iruma, the answer was the same anyways “Of course, I won’t go anywhere” he promised, and he meant it.

“F-fine, don’t you back down!” Clara said as she finally calmed down, believing what her friends told her.

[“Now that that’s solved…” Sullivan said before snapping his fingers, then, the room transformed into a luxury bedroom. Iruma was very confused as he asked. “What happened here?” Sullivan didn’t acknowledge the question as he just decided to explain the arrangement for the future.

“As my first grandson, I’ll give you food, clothes, shelter…” he snapped his fingers again, and Iruma found himself with the babyls uniform. “What happened?” Asked once again Iruma, Sullivan decided to just finish the previous statement. “And education! You’re perfect! How adorable!”]

Balam suddenly remembered that all of this was just the day before classes started. Iruma had been inscribed as the honor student, most likely because of the short notice, but he wasn’t even familiar with magic. It was honestly astonishing that he learned so quickly from him.

[“I’ll enroll you in a demon school.” Finished explaining Sullivan, Iruma trying to keep calm asked. “A demon school?” Sullivan had started to cry while explaining. “Your parents forced you to work since you were little and you never went to school, right? But don’t worry! I already did all the paperwork! I’m your grandpa, after all!”]

“Wow…” Sabnock had a newfound respect towards his rival, not only did he lack culture for being of another species, but also, he didn’t even have basic education, however that was for humans, and yet his grades were the ones to improve the most at the theorical exams of the first year.

A king needed knowledge, Sabro truly believed that, and Iruma was getting it surprisingly fast, considering that he just had his first contact with the netherworld.

[The grandchild was dumbfounded. “Grandpa…?” he asked perplexed at such familiarity. The grandparent hugged himself and trembled ““Grandpa” sounds so good! Let’s take a photo on your first day!” he said clearly exited.

“H-hold o…” Iruma tried to stop him in vain. “Although there has never been humans in the school, they won’t eat you if they don’t discover you’re human.” “They’ll eat me if I’m found out?!” Iruma was]

With that, the light mood suddenly vanished as if by the very magic of the chair-demon.

“No! to most, even if you told them, they would laugh at the idea of humans existing. A teacher would call the authorities, and surely there aren’t students stupid enough to try to EAT another student!” Ameri tried to calm down the panicking Iruma, momentarily forgetting that this was a memory from over a year ago.

There absolutely were idiots who would try, Sabro considered, after all he had been such an idiot a year ago. He had tried to beat down a teacher on the first day to try to prove that he was the strongest. If he had known about a human at school back then he probably would have tried to eat him, just to prove he was better than other demons. He knew better now, and he wouldn’t do such a thing now, but he knew there were students stupid enough to try.

(Fortunately, he was also not stupid enough to say this aloud right now.)

“I-I see” contrary to the comfort Ameri hoped to give him, the thought of being reported, scared him out of his mind, his breath was ragged, the possibility of not being able to be with everybody made his body unable to move.

“Iruma-sama” Azz placed himself at arms reach of Iruma to comfort him, he didn’t know what was scaring him so much,but he didn’t need to. After all, all he needed was Iruma to feel comforted and not scared. It didn’t mattered that at least at the beginning, he had been afraid of them, when clearly, he needed him right now.

“Iruma-chi don’t worry! I will deal with this!” Clara suspected what he was scared of because of what the redhaired lady said, so just as Iruma-chi would be there for her, she would be there for Iruma-chi.

Ameri was confused, that was not the reaction she had expected, had she said something wrong? Had something happened to him that made her reassuring comment that they wouldn’t eat him, scary?

For once the misfits felt lost on what was going on with Iruma, usually, he’s an open book, but now… what was he so scared of, if not being eaten?

Iruma’s breath stabilized and he just said. “Thank you, guys, really.” He would figure out what to do when they get out, but for now, this was enough.

With a confused mind and an uneasy concern, the rest of misfits and Ameri turned back to the screen after seeing Iruma calm down.

Sullivan eyed everyone and smiled softly ‘ah, how wonderful it is to have friends.’

Opera decided to warn him of his bad habit. “Sir, I suggest you start getting more careful with your wording, sir”

Sullivan, pretended not to hear it.

[“Tah-dah!” Said Sullivan, before pouring a purple liquid on Iruma which then he explained. “This perfume has hidden your human smell, don’t worry.” “W-wait, I think, actually…” Iruma tried to protest]

“Hm, how does a human even smell? How could someone recognize it? If a human lady approached me, how would I recognize it, to approach her properly?” Kamui asked, and he did it genuinely. To be able to communicate with all species, you had had to understand the species, after all no matter what, a lady is a lady.

“I think it would be better to treat them like normal” answered a cheerful iruma who knew that, despite some of their… habits, all his friends were really good people who would get along just fine even with humans. “Besides, I think the perfume is more for the beasts than anything else.”

Ameri could attest to that, she hadn’t noticed any change in his smell during their date, but that beast had tried to eat Iruma. At the time, it seemed like a reaction out of nowhere, but had the perfume worn off with the water?

[“It’s a relief you’re such a good kid.” Sullivan said, interrupting Iruma who turned around in confusion. “Had you refused… you wouldn’t have left me any choice but to eat you for dinner…” finished the demon, now on a scary and dark tone with his wings out.]

“T-that was a joke, right? Y-you wouldn’t have actually done that right?” Asked not Iruma, but Asmodeus. He did not know how it worked, but he really, REALLY didn’t want it to be like that, and so he really, REALLY hoped that was no more than a rotten joke of that carefree playful demon, even if he had no evidence of that being the case.

Ameri could see her father tell a joke like that in a similar way, so somehow, it made it easier to see as a joke. After all, even if he surely wouldn’t confess trespassing to the human world, he could make up an excuse to ‘send back a strayed human who somehow wandered his way to the netherworld.’

The other misfits could only turn to Sullivan in disbelief, except Clara who was glaring daggers regardless of the fact that he was one of the three most powerful demons.

“No comments.” With a light and unserious tone, Sullivan answered, as if to say “yes, I would, but that’s not a problem anymore.” Opera noticed that last detail, while criticizing mentally the poor sense and timing of the chair-demon’s humor.

‘He gives nothing but headaches.' Kalego thought in a condemning sense.

Iruma could list at least two reasons to understand that that had been a joke. Not only had Ameri’s father (The one responsible for sending humans back to the human world) made a similar joke to him, but also, with his wings open like that and such an exaggerated pose, it was similar to when he wanted to draw his attention, whenever he spent more time with Opera.

[His past self did not have such information, as such, he stopped himself from continuing speaking with a yelp, Sullivan only noticed that and he asked. “What were you saying?” To which Iruma could only answer scared “It was nothing!”]

Iruma turned around, with the intention of explaining that it was only was a joke, but one quick glance at everyone’s face and his honed instincts from 14 years of misfortune (Even though he’s 15) told him that it was probably better to wait for everyone to calm down a bit.

Iruma turned back to the screen and for now he only got out an awkward laugh trying to communicate to everyone that it was alright if they found it funny or they saw it purely as a joke, it didn’t really work.

Clara was the only from the misfits who could look at Sullivan right now, but it was a cold stare with no playfulness, she didn’t even say anything which worried Iruma the most, because that felt really out of character for such a cheerful girl. Ameri was doing her best not to do the same, barely restraining herself. To scare his own grandson with a joke so bad after having known each other for barely an hour. It was hard not to get mad.

Alice Asmodeus was mad, but unlike the green haired idiot, he could not glare at a demon in such an important position, so instead, he looked down and wondered about… a lot of things actually. He was not someone to cling to past mistakes, but, if that’s how he had seen the grandparent who loved to dote on him more than anything else, what had he seen that first day, in the place of who he saw as a dignified, proper, noble and upstanding demon? He felt like he didn’t want an answer.

[“This will be your room.” Things were starting to calm down. “It’s mine?” asked now Iruma with his thoughts a bit more collected. “As tomorrow you have to wake up early, make sure to sleep well. Good night.” Finished now Sullivan, although Iruma tried to say more. “U-um…” But the door was shut right in front of him.]

“That sure was a way to spend your first day here.” Thought aloud Jazz, his own experience getting sold for money was not that pleasant and he still hadn’t beaten his brother or Furfur even once, well he had a plan to beat his brother next time, so it was fine.

“I already knew the outcome, I did not experience that firsthand, and yet, I remain confused” followed his partner in suffering.

After that brief exchange, the room was dead silent, though it was not a comfortable silence, neither was it tense. The only way anyone of the presents could describe this silence was… awkward.

[The screen did not care about that, Sullivan went humming through the hallway when he passed by Opera who bluntly told him “This whim of yours is truly mad.” Sullivan didn’t seem to acknowledge what he was just told, so instead, he just blurted. “Opera.” The latter did not pay it any mind “With the number of demons you could adopt, why did you settle for a human? What were you thinking” asked the cat-like demon.]

“What do you think Kalego-sensei?” Asked Robin to his coworker.

“He wasn’t thinking at all” Was the only response he could believe as of now.

“Pera-sensei! You knew!?” Asked a surprised Clara. Before she could get a proper response, Kamui stood up and spoke “It seems that this is a good time to clear things, so, is there anybody else that already knew?”

“I’ll protect Iruma-chi!” screamed a green blurry figure before latching onto Iruma as if her life (or his) depended on it.

“Oi, stupid Clara don’t latch like that, you will bother Iruma-sama! I’ll just make a barrier like at the rookie hunt.” reprimanded Azz

Iruma was really happy right now, in fact, he was probably the least awkward right now after Sullivan, who was fawning next to Opera about how “Iruma had so many great friends.” Seriously. Things might be uncomfortable, but-

‘Go away human.’

- No one was giving in to their demon instincts to eat him-

‘You lied to us’

- No one was rejecting him-

‘Humans and demons cannot coexist.’

- They weren’t-

‘You don’t belong here.’

- He was glad, up until now, whenever he thought about telling people things just took a turn for the worse, first kiriwo-sempai and then his own trauma, he was so, so, SO glad now that he didn’t even know what kind of face he was doing right now. He felt like mixing crying, laughter, relief and pure joy.

“I-it’s fine guys” he managed to say. And then the two of them reluctantly let go.

[Sullivan did not look as cheerful as a second ago, even so, his only response was. “Nothing. You’ll understand someday, Opera.” And then he walked off while letting a cheerful “I’m so exited for tomorrow!” and Opera just sighed, not understanding.]

Indeed, one day Opera understood.

“I knew.” Cut abruptly Bachiko.

Iruma, confused, stuttered. “E-eh? Master?!”

“If they are gonna know, then might as well spill the beans already” she explained.

“That is way too reckless miss!” Panicked Balam.

“Eh, not like they weren’t gonna know anyways, is better if we work it out now, besides, you already knew.” Said the archer. It wasn’t as if she didn’t understand where that worry was coming from, but trying to keep that secret was a lost cause from the start, so it was better to prepare for what was coming now.

“Huh?!” Was the only sound to come from Balam’s students. Eventually, Sabnok found himself capable of asking “Are all the masters aware of this?”

“No, no, at least I didn’t.” Robin confirmed.

“I can confirm that only the four of us were aware of this fact” Opera informed the others.

“Glad to know.” Said Allocer. He didn’t even want to imagine what could Furfur pull if he got hand of this information.

“No fair!” Clara screamed.

[Iruma found himself contemplating the room. “My own room… I had never had one. My whole life has been hell.”]

Kalego found himself frowning at his companion. “How exactly did you find out Shichiro?” he asked. Instead of Balam, Iruma answered. “I-um, I slipped up” he hadn’t looked this nervous, looking at the floor for quite some time.

Azz found himself dizzy, Iruma-sama had let his guard that much with one of the teachers, but not with him? Why? But he had let him know he had a secret, maybe he should consider that enough.

Kalego could feel his migraine getting worse. “Are you not aware of your situation!? How many times have I told you to stop taking unnecessary risks huh?! Have you no sense of self-preservation?!” Seriously, telling a demon that you were human was probably one of the fastest ways to die. Only a few like Shichiro would not act on instincts like that genuinely. Had it been himself, the only reason why he would not get rid of him was because Naberius Kalego, as a teacher, did not make exceptions of any kind to students’ treatment.

“I-I’m sorry sir!” apologized the one in danger of such situation.

‘What should I say?’ Ameri pondered. ‘On the one hand I imagined that Iruma could be human.’ she recalled their firsts times they spoke. ‘But on the other, I never confronted Iruma about that.’ Should she say it? It didn’t matter anyways since it was ALL going to be shown apparently.

[Iruma accommodated himself in bed, but he looked uneasy. “It feels like a dream. A weird dream” And with that, he went to sleep.]

“Yeah, I would’ve just assumed I was dreaming a while ago” Stated Lied “I can practically hear you go “It wasn’t a dream!” at least if it were me, I wouldn’t have to deal with my sister’s…you know.”

Jazz followed suit with “I get what you’re saying, really… my brother is someone I could get behind not having to deal with anymore.” He said with a hint of venom in his voice, seriously, his brother only knew how to make a fool out of anybody without any shame.

“Huh? No, it’s not like that” Lied corrected his classmate “It’s just that sometimes I’d wish she weren’t so… intense.” Seriously, she was the kind of demon that was easy to trick by a good presentation.

“I get what you mean.” Surprisingly said Iruma who had a mixed look between tired and serious.

“Oh, what is this about? Mind letting me into the details?” Tried to blend Elizabetta.

“That is private information Nee-san!” Lied had never sound so panicked, not even during the walter park attack.

[After waking up and examining his surroundings, Iruma shouted in disbelief “It wasn’t a dream!”]

“Hey, you were right Lied-dono” Goemon exclaimed. It didn’t truly matter what Iruma was, he still only wanted to make a hundred friends, so it didn’t look like eating a human would help with that, if anything, the opposite.

“Of course I was, I also got right how many weapons would hit him in the first day. Didn’ I? Didn’t I?” Proclaimed proudly the controller user. Meanwhile Iruma could only chuckle at the memory of how that first interaction with the misfits had been.

“Can you predict my success rate with the ladies?!” Kamui butted in. Lied without even turning to look at him just said. “Zero.” He answered without missing a beat.

“WHY?!” he complained. Loudly.

[“Iiruma-kun! Good morning! Did you sleep well?” Greeted Sullivan excitedly while Opera just stood past the door.]

Iruma stopped to remember how back then at those first days, Opera didn’t really warm up to him, it was weird to see that now since they were a lot closer, but in a strange way, it was nostalgic.

[They were now near the entrance ceremony sign. Sullivan was submerged in delight from this new experience. “What a joy! My grandson’s going to school! I want a photo. Stand next to that Iruma-kun.” Iruma did just that while pointing at the sign and asked. “Next to this?” Then, Sullivan raised his hand, shrouded in magic and quickly launched a spell on Iruma who suddenly found himself capable of understanding that the sign read. “Entrance ceremony…” He realized this fact and thought to himself. ‘Oh, I can read it!’ He turned to look at his new grandfather. ‘This must be another of Sulli… of grandpa’s spells’]

“Wait, Iruma.” Ameri addressed the boy. “You can’t actually understand the demon language?” she asked, feeling slightly embarrassed despite not even having finished what she was about to say. “Well, if you want… I can spare some time to teach you properly… not for any specific reason!” Now blushing a lot offered.

“That’s not necessary, I’ve been teaching Iruma a lot of the netherworld, so I can add that if it proves to be necessary, besides, a teacher should be the one to take care of that.” Balam said trying to get some weight out of the ones close to Iruma.

“Oh, don’t worry, Opera has actually been teaching me” Iruma tried to ease them both.

Then everyone turned to see Opera, who was oddly pale with downcast ears and a tired surprisingly easy to read expression. Opera then said with an uncharacteristically low voice. “Yes, good job, may we change the subject.”

Kalego found himself glad to be able to see this right now.

“Ah, I-I see.” Ameri replied while lamenting the loss of a chance to get closer to Iruma.

[Iruma went with a simple peace sign, while Sullivan went with a triple 6 with his hand. Opera took the photo. “What a joy! My grandson’s going to school!” Repeated Sullivan. “His firs little bag! How cute!”]

“Wait isn’t this…?” Started Kerori.

“The photo that the chair-demon showed at the ceremony? Yes it is” Purson shot back.

A lot of the presents startled back from the shock of remembering that Purson Soi, was in fact, there.

“If you were there, you could’ve said something before!” Shot Kamui who got shocked the hardest because he was right next to him.

“I was too shocked.” revealed the easy to miss demon.

[While on the way Iruma decided to try and talk to Opera. “E-excuse me, your name was Opera-san,, right? The school…?” Opera didn’t wait for him to finish, instead, pointing forward Opera said. “That way.” Iruma looked and became shocked at the look of the school.]

“Hm, how different are human schools Iruma? You seem too shocked” Asked Lied, who was starting to get used to the new information.

“Um, well… they… it’s hard to explain… they…look more average buildings I guess? Oh! And they have no magic” Iruma did his best at explaining with simple terms and his limited knowledge of school. He did not need more misunderstood like with “Friends” and “Fireworks”.

“That clears nothing Iruma.” Told him Bachiko, and he knew that was right, but he couldn’t explain better.

[“The demon school Babyls.” Said Sullivan to Iruma while some demons flew over them on the way to school.]

“Looks like we’re gonna appear soon!” Lied exclaimed while bopping childishly. “I hope I get an introduction fit of the main cast with a close up!”

“Hm, indeed, that would be fit for a demon king so I should get a presentation as such!” agreed Sabnok.

“Yay, we’re gonna meet soon Iruma-chi! We’re gonna meet soon!” Cheered Clara when…

“Hm, Azz-Azz?”

Asmodeus was nervous. He remembered that day clearly as one of the most valued days of his life, but what were Iruma’s true thoughts on it? If an objective analysis was anything to go by, then nothing good. At first even after he started serving Iruma-sama up until the first exam, he had never stopped to see anyone’s perspective, but his.

“It’s nothing” he managed to say.

“Are you sure?” Iruma asked, clearly worried about his friend.

“Let him be rival. Right now, he needs to confront his own thoughts” Advised Sabro, who knew how it was to regret a fight of the first day.

“A-alright.” He conceded.

[The student council was greeting students at the entrance. “Good morning, everyone!” “Morning…” “I don’t hear you!” “Good morning!” The trio had arrived and Sullivan spoke. “I’ve gotta prepare some things, so I’m leaving.” After that he teleported, leaving a confused Iruma and an uncaring Opera, who the former tried to speak to. “U-um, what about you Opera-san?” “Have a nice day.” The latter said back, not even halfhearted “Th-thanks”.]

It was weird to see Opera being so distanced with Iruma. By the time the battlers’ exhibition began, they were as close as a normal family, and that was known to everyone.

‘It’s just like Iruma-kun huh?’ Lied realized. After all, he himself had went from seeing him as a mere classmate, to his own younger brother.

Jazz could see how that went, after all, he also cared a lot about Iruma. Iruma was at the top of his list of people who he cannot allow his brother to meet.

[Iruma braced himself while going in. The student council noticed him. “Hey, you” they called Iruma, which terrified him. “M-me?” he asked already scared.]

Ameri considered this really sad. After all every member of the student council was a really good demon, so seeing Iruma so scared and trying to avoid them… it stung.

Iruma didn’t like the uncomfortable looks of everyone, he had to show that he wasn’t that scared anymore. But how could he prove something like THAT while not looking forced?

[Sullivan’s words resonated within Iruma (“they won’t eat you if they don’t discover you’re human.”) ‘Th-they’re gonna eat me…!’ thought Iruma scared out of any rational thought.]

“The have no reason to!” Purson said. “Most demons don’t even believe in humans! And there’s no reason to believe you specifically, are one!” He finished arguing. Logically, he was right, emotionally, it made sense for Iruma to be scared, but it really hurts, the panicked members of the misfit class seemed to agree.

Such fear was the most basic of survival instincts, after all, Kalego thought that when facing a danger with unknown variables, it was best to expect the worst.

“Well, they’re not so hard to get along once you know them, right?” Ameri asked Iruma in a hurried attempt to calm everyone even a bit.

“Yeah, they were really kind when I was in the student council.” Iruma reassured, glad that Ameri had given him such a head up.

“I-I see” Asmodeus said, trying to sound like he was not just recovering from a heart attack, he was failing miserably.

[But instead, all Johnny said was “The auditorium is that way.” While pointing past Iruma. The latter took the chance to run away. “Yes, I’m sorry!” he apologized before running, while thinking. ‘Thank goodness! They don’t know I’m human!’]

‘What would he think of this?’ That was the main doubt crossing through Ameri’s mind right now. They were all honorable, but they take their job just as seriously as her. Would they report him? Would they stand by the anthem? (She tried to ignore the shiver that went up her spine the instant the thought entered her head) If her theory had been proven right from the start, she would only have to report it to her father, but she did not know much more of the process, and that terrified her.

[In the background, Ameri could be seen walking to the rest of the council when she noticed the blue hair student.]

“Oh, you were there Ameri-san?” questioned Iruma without any real thought about it, besides. ‘Meeting her like this could have probably avoided a few misunderstandings.’

“Yes, I didn’t think much of it at the time… but, probably it would have been a clearer introduction.” She responded, also without too much thought.

“Huh? How did you two meet then?” Curiosity got the best of Clara. Kerori and Elizabetta raised their heads clearly interested in the story.

“Idiot, that is not something you can ask so casually!” Azz reprimanded the green haired demon, as usual.

“Why not?” “Yeah, I got quite curious myself” “Mhm! Mhm!” shot back the trio of girls.

Ameri was quick to shoot back to the traitors, even if fully embarrassed. “It’s not something relevant right now, so I see no need to explain.”

[True to what Ameri had told Iruma, when she was asked. “Is something wrong, president?” She just answered. “No, it’s nothing.”]

“Really?” Much to Bachiko’s embarrassment, her cousin had been the one to ask.

“Really!”

Jazz suddenly intervened, with a clear smirk. “Well then. Iruma-kun! Help us out with this, tell us how you met pleeease.”

“Iruma! I beg you, please don’t tell them!” With the president so panicked, Lied thought that maybe this was more interesting than he thought.

Conflicted with two opposites requests, the only thing Iruma could say in the end was. “It was chaotic.” And that was that.

Lied was giggling to himself when he finally spoke. “You know, with the way you’re tell it, I think I want to see it spoilerless, if only for it to be funnier.”

[An axe was swung against a teacher, missing and damaging the floor. “What is the meaning of this?” the teacher asked.]

“Ugh!” Sabnock choked out, professor Buer and him were on good terms after he properly apologized, but it remained one of his most shameful memories to date.

“Eh?! A fight with a teacher on the first day?” Robin was the only one surprised by this.

“And we know who that idiot is.” Muttered Kalego feeling that all the stress of the last year was going to come back at him tenfold.

“That doesn’t even seems like a secret.” Complained Bachiko. Up until now, it seemed that Iruma had been the only exposed one.

“It is not.” Sabro replied in a serious tone with no humor to it.

[As opposite to his present self, Sabro was smirking while he explained. “I’m putting my skills to the test before the entrance ceremony. I’ll be famous if I defeat a teacher! Strength is everything!”]

[“I see. You’re an Idiot.”]

“I see. You’re an Idiot.” Said both Blushenko and Bachiko who didn’t know all that well the student.

“He is.” Kalego said.

“Kalego-sensei, that’s no way to address a student.” Robin tried to defend.

“Silence.”

He tried.

[Iruma arrived at the auditorium, he looked like he wanted to cry and was trying his best not to shake. “Hey, doesn’t something smell good?” A bull-like demon asked, this caused another demon to sniff around and Iruma to let out a squeal.]

“Oh yeah, the staff was trying some new dishes for the menu” Sullivan explained to the now uneasy crowd.

Opera just sighed.

“With all due respect sir, couldn’t you… choose a less troubling timing?” expressed Balam.

“Ho ho.” He just laughed off.

“How many nerve-wrecking moments like that are left?” Lied asked. He knew there were scary moments in the misfits’ class, but this was JUST BEFORE THE ENTRANCE CEREMONY.

“I don’t know if I want an answer to that” Kamui refused.

“Actually, it gets better around the ranks assignment.” Iruma explained, although most of his classmates did not know what to do with the information.

Asmodeus had memorized his face, if he dared do anything to Iruma-sama he would make sure that he regrets it in his final moments.

[‘Don’t stand out… Don’t stand out!’ Iruma tried to make himself as small as possible.]

“So much for that.” Purson mocked, he knew how it ended, with Iruma drawing himself to the center of attention of every situation, and dragging him to it too, even when he was an expert of going unnoticed.

[An overall view of the students was shown as Eiko was talking to Gaako. “I hope we get in the same class.” “Right? I’m so nervous!” Iruma noticed and thought to himself. ‘Oh, a normal conversation.’]

Alice got along with Eiko as a fellow Iruma follower, maybe he should introduce each other, but maybe that would only make Iruma more nervous, he braced himself and asked.

“I actually have talked with her Iruma-sama, if you wish I can introduce her to you.”

“Hueh!” Ameri gasped. ‘That cheater!’

“Haah!” Clara snapped. Iruma-chi would play with her.

“Iruma has a harem already, don’t give him more!” all the boys screamed.

“I see.” Asmodeus conceded.

“Azz-kun!?”

“Eh?” Robin didn’t understood, his colleagues just sighed.

Opera refused to look at anyone.

Bachiko was laughing, hard.

Sullivan was just giving a sweet smile at the students.

[“Mami! Uu-chan! Konchie! Keebow! Sin Sin! Ran Ran!” Clara was seen calling her family while the students closer to her covered their ears.]

“Oh!” Clara returned to her senses. “It’s-” However she was suddenly interrupted by Azz who said. “We just heard it, no need to say it again.”

“Boo, you’re no fun sometimes Azz-Azz.” She pouted.

[‘Maybe it is a normal school…’]

“It is not, make no mistake Iruma.” Kalego warned. Iruma couldn’t help but to find it ironic, because…

[“Silence.” Kalego said upon arriving.]

Such was the impact that the students on both the past and present stopped making any noises.

[‘Is he a professor? How scary.’ Iruma thought dumbfounded at the reminder of the situation.]

“At least you haven’t thrown away all your common sense.” Kalego said, lowering the bar to a point he didn’t think he was capable of.

[Dali-sensei started the speech. “Thank you for waiting. It’s 6:06, we will now formally begin the entrance ceremony for the demon school Babyls.” “All rise! It’s time to sing the school song.”]

It was out of place, but compared to the tense expressions of the other demons of Babyls, Kalego had a mocking smile, he was petty, and he knew that no actual protection was needed.

“Can anyone distract me with literally anything? I don’t want to listen to it right now.” Said Agares.

“Yeah, it doesn’t feel good to think such thing about a friend.” Goemon, agreed.

“Hmm.” Allocer was thinking, about how would it feel, being in an unknown place with deadly creatures with a song dedicated entirely to eating beings like you.

He didn’t like it.

[“Humans only exist to be our food

Suck them dry, soul, blood, flesh, and all”

‘I’m just air… air… air…’]

Clara hadn’t cared much for the song, she just liked to sing it, but now, she officially hated it. No one would eat Iruma-chi, NO ONE!

Ameri was proud of the school, but she loved Iruma a lot, and seeing him so scared of everyone… hurt. Would it be alright for her not to like the song?

Asmodeus couldn’t breathe, he felt that he was about to faint.

Lied considered such an experience, traumatizing, he turned toward Iruma, trying to comfort his little brother but…

“Hmhmm hm~ “

He was… humming.

[“Tremble at the sound of black wings as we take flight

For we are demons”]

“I-Iruma…?” Ameri was the most shocked out of everyone.

“Hm?” he didn’t seem to notice anything wrong. ‘Wait. I’m humming to a terrifying song!’ he then realized.

No one had any idea of what to say, or even if they should say.

Shiida started to consider that Iruma might have lost all sense of self-preservation by now, it made sense considering his behavior at not taking dangers at face value.

[“As this song pours forth from our red lips”

‘I need to do everything I can not to stand out…’

“Scream for us, for we are demons.”]

The silence was too awkward for everyone, so Iruma decided to finish humming, somehow, the atmosphere only got worse.

Shiida was now convinced that Iruma could not sense danger until it was right in front of his face.

[After the anthem they announced. “Now some words from the chair-demon.” A student cheered. “The next demon king!” Iruma seemed not to understand as he questioned to himself ‘The king of the demons?’]

 Sabnock was too busy recovering from the shock of before to even explain why he should be the demon king. But when Allocer managed to ask Iruma. “Is it different for humans?” Curiosity managed to pull him together. How was the strongest of humans decided?

“Um… well, depends on where, I think, but mostly, people vote I guess, but I don’t really remember.” He didn’t have real experience with politics, so he could only guess.

[“Iruma-kun!” suddenly Sullivan’s voice came through and Iruma could only look in shock. “It’s me, your grandpa!” He said while waving his arms frenetically. The grandson was mentally collapsing. ‘He’s the chair-demon!’]

“Sir, we’ll have to work on your communication skills.” Opera informed as a matter of hand.

“Nooo! I don’t want to.” He cried while rolling on the floor.

“Opera sensei, would you teach me too? I want to make a hundred friends, so please!” Goemon begged Opera.

“I think possibly that’s the only training you don’t need.” Agares said, knowing full well how it was to constantly deal with everything he tells his friends.

[The students were naturally surprised, while Iruma tried to hide himself with his uniform. “Iruma?” “The chair-demon’s grandkid?” Sullivan then confirmed. “That’s right! My grandson will attend this school! He’s just so adorable!” Iruma himself was begging internally for one thing. ‘Please don’t say anything weird!’]

The ones who weren’t present that day were naturally surprised by such an entrance.

“He made the speech about Iruma-kun?!” Robin blurted out.

“Looks like it.” Shiina deadpanned.

Bachiko didn’t even bothered to comment on it. “You should know better than that.” But she criticized her student.

“That’s fair.” Iruma resigned.

Opera had long since given up on trying to mix Sullivan with common sense.

[“In fact, this is a photo I took… with my dear grandson!” Iruma could only gasp in shock. ‘He gave me away!’ And then proceeded to bury his face in his hands.]

Clara didn’t like that sentence, she knew what he meant, but she didn’t like it at all because it remnded her of…

(“your parents sold your soul to me.”)

[“I’ll give copies later!” He said cheerfully. ‘No one wants that!’ Iruma refuted, although only in his mind.]

Ameri would actually quite like that, maybe she could ask the chair-demon for one, but… would he still have it? (Probably.) and even more, she couldn’t just ask for something like THAT while Iruma was RIGHT-!

“Actually Iruma-kun. I, in fact ran out of copies that day.” Sullivan informed.

“Huh?! Ho-?” Iruma stopped himself mid-sentence, only to look at Asmodeus and notice, all the eyes of the room were on him, for some reason Ameri looked bothered.

Alice didn’t pay mind to any of that. “Thank you for the copies that day sir.” He thanked Sullivan. He got them from him the very day after swearing loyalty to Iruma.

“Eh?”

“No problem, Asmodeus-kun.”

“Eh?!”

[“With this being said… bye bye!” he said before leaving the stage.]

“That truly was an unexpected speech!” Robin was holding back his laughter.

“I don’t think that counts as a speech.” Shiina argued.

“It doesn't.” Bachiko had to agree.

[“Now will speak the representative of the new students.” Asmodeus stood up after that and started walking toward the stage. “The representative of the new students, Asmodeus-kun.” The female students were gossiping to themselves. “He’s so cool.” “So that’s him…” “I want him to curse me!” “Hm… I guess he passes.”]

The student in question seemed to be very uneasy, he was really worried about what Iruma thought of that duel.

He wasn’t lying when he said he was moved beyond tears for Iruma’s compassion, after all…

He had mocked him and challenged him for his wounded pride and attacked endangering other students, so despite the demon law stating that the loser must serve the winner.

Anyone else would have left him on the ground after knocking him.

Anyone else would have resented him and looked down on him.

So learning that Iruma had not only not held a grudge, but also cared enough for him to personally take him to the infirmary, he had never seen anyone so willing to help others.

“Well, looks like we’re finally getting to the fun part.” Teased Lied.

“Glad you enjoyed!” Sullivan celebrated.

‘At least someone enjoyed that’ Iruma deadpanned internally, remembering how petrified he was at first, then the shock of learning he almost blew himself up and then the duel.

[Iruma breathed a sigh of relief. ‘He’s getting all the attention…’ he thought feeling out of danger.]

Jazz decided to bring him back to reality, even if they both knew by now how it ended. “How did you prepare your speech in so little time, Iruma-kun?”

“Did you improvise?” Allocer threw a follow up question.

“And what you said really got you attention.” Kerori could not see any reason for Iruma to do something so outstanding this time around.

“Hm, Iruma talked?” Shiida asked, surprised because Asmodeus was the one supposed to give the speech.

“Oh yeah, I read about it in the school’s newspapers.” Robin said.

‘In the newspaper?’ Bachiko noticed. “What the hell did you do this time?” she asked angrily at his student.

Iruma deadpanned with a look of mild frustration and said. “I read a note grandpa gave me.”

With that both master and professor understood, it was nothing good.

Kalego’s patience was running out. ‘The chair-demon…’

[“There has been a change, the one who will speak will be… the honor student, Iruma-kun.” ‘Why?!’ Was all Iruma though angrily, already reaching his limit at the amount of nonsense he could take.]

“Oh? So you CAN get mad huh?” Bachiko said with a smug smile, she honestly wondered sometimes if Iruma even was capable of being angry.

Iruma didn’t know how to answer to that, precisely because his master was someone he had gotten angry at one point.

Azz had seen Iruma angry at walter park, but the feeling was really different.

“Sometimes he has a surprisingly short fuse I’ll admit” Ameri acknowledged as well, thinking of their date and how when she accidentally played too hard at volleyball, he fired himself up, or when she thoughtlessly asked if he would carry her if she asked and he just did.

“Ameri-san?!” Iruma was surprised by her comment.

“Yes, that would indeed seem to be the case.” Opera added.

“That’s not true! Right Clara, Azz-kun?”

“It’s part of your charm Iruma-sama”

“Iruma-chi, you’re short!”

Iruma gave up on that point.

[The students were equally shocked. “Eh? Why?” “Iruma?” “He?” From the corner of the stage, Sullivan could be seen with a camera giving a thumbs up. Iruma screamed internally.

‘I knew it!’ then he was called upon stage “Iruma, to the stage.” He braced himself and stood up.]

“Now we’re getting to the fun.” Lied smirked.

“I’ve seen this, I’m going to sleep.” Agares announced.

[“He looks like a child.” Dosanko said. Iruma was now the focus of every student, some murmurs could be heard “He’s not even shaking in front of this crowd.” “He’s got guts.” But Iruma disagreed. ‘It’s been so sudden that I’m stiff.’]

Lied suddenly wanted to be able to laugh at this, but he knew that it was more than scenic fear.

Purson wanted to say that he related since he also wasn’t capable of talking to crowds, but to Iruma it must have been quite literally putting his life on the line.

[“Your speech, please.” Iruma was utterly lost. ‘My speech? How the hell am I gonna…?’ Suddenly the photo at his side fell in front of him, and there was a message from Sullivan.

(I send this message to you so that you won’t trip and fall throughout your upcoming school days.

Love, Grandpa)]

“Wait…” Shiina became pale, noticing something dangerous that the past Iruma was completely unaware of. “That message is…”

“A forbidden spell.” Bachiko finished with anger clear in her tone. It wasn’t common for her to get mad at Sullivan, not in the least, but even she had her limits to his antics.

“So it was true after all!” Robin exclaimed with an out-of-place smile.

[‘Huh, A-Am I supposed to read this? Hell, I’ll have to read it.’ Iruma grasped out of that message.]

“No, you’re not!” Shiina screamed. She didn’t want any student to get injured, and even less to one of them to just blow up themselves.

“At least we know it ends well…” Ameri found comfort in that information.

Bachiko at this point was just grunting, so was Kalego.

“Seeing how you were, it’s actually kind of awesome that you read it without stuttering.” Jazz complemented

[Iruma sucked a breath and started.

“Aberuhauke…” Every demon now looked terrified, with the exception of the Valac.]

Contrary to the screen, the audience had mixed reactions.

The more responsible ones and the ones who hadn’t been there safe for Robin were feeling quite tired.

Those who were more laid-back were also having a blast watching this with a sense of security.

And then there was Sullivan who was gushing all over Iruma.

[“Tarutoudari… Iusabebe…” Even the teachers seemed uneasy. But some of the misfits who didn’t have much of a reaction, Allocer and Elizabetta, and then Lied and Jazz who were flat out laughing. The student council was also shocked. ‘It feels as if the atmosphere has changed.’ Iruma noticed.]

“At least you didn’t ask or stopped.” Ameri told him.

“It was a really close one though!” Iruma, now conscious of what he did screamed.

[“Risutouru… Aburuze… Sutoumanu… Aberuge… Uru… Mahoraba…” Sullivan was filming all of what was happening seemingly overjoyed. “Tsurezaza.” Iruma finished, then he glowed for an instant and the students cheered. “No way!” “Amazing!” “Seriously?” “He did it!” “He said all of it!” Iruma was now confused and a little scared. “What a guy!”]

Reciting unawarely forbidden spells, telling a teacher that he was human on a whim, getting lost on walter park, going to the crumbling building to save some random children… truly, to Balam sometimes it looked like Iruma had a death wish.

“Man, it’s even funnier the second time.” Lied said with a look that made obvious he was holding back his laughter, at least that was the impression he was trying to give.

“And I didn’t even know…” Iruma lamented.

“Iruma-chi, you’re dumb.” Clara said with a smile plastered on her face. Iruma couldn’t think of anything to say to that.

But Azz could. “What did you expect!” His voice sounded in a more regular, although still shaking voice. “Iruma-sama had barely had any contact with the netherworld by then, even less with magic! And yet he recited perfectly the spell on his first try! Truly glorious!”

Clara didn’t even want to respond because Azz-Azz was finally starting to sound like normal.

Iruma shared the feeling.

[Dali-sensei went to Iruma and reprimanded him. “Hey! Why did you recite a forbidden spell?!” he demanded an explanation.

“Forb-Wha?” Iruma couldn’t even finish his words in confusion.

“It’s taboo! If you were to stutter or read it wrong, your body would have exploded. It’s common knowledge! He said, and he was angry.]

Balam understood his coworker, he really did, but Iruma had…

[‘No freaking idea!’ Iruma’s though aligned with Balam’s while he had an almost heart attack. ‘I didn’t know it was that dangerous!’ Iruma was now trembling.

“That was dangerous and crazy…” Dali-sensei started.]

Kalego considered this to apply to a lot of situations, really Iruma seemed to never know where to draw the line between “Carrying a responsibility” and “Endanger yourself recklessly” it was something he warned him even nowdays.

[“But also totally awesome!” He finished. Iruma was now speechless with mouth fully opened in shock.]

Kalego disagreed with that last statement, both then and now.

[“Only an idiot would use that spell. And maybe demons that don’t fear death.” Iruma decided to ask. “just out of curiosity, what does the spell do?”

Dali-sensei humored him by answering. “If it goes well, you won’t trip or fall for the day.” This caused Iruma to look even disappointed. “How sad…”]

Only those who don’t fear death would do it, Sabro was convinced of that. He was the kind of idiot Dali-sensei was speaking of, he knew, but if he was going to do something that dangerous and deadly, it would have to be for a reason worth it, and that spell was just not worth it.

“The letter was quite literal huh?” Bachiko asked to no one in particular.

“And a risk too high.” Kamui answered though.

[Iruma was leaving the stage when he was blocked by Asmodeus who looked very upset. “My name is Alice Asmodeus.” This interaction left Iruma confused. “H-Hi?”]

Iruma could only laugh awkwardly at that first interaction.

“Azz-Azz? What are you doing?” Clara asked with an unease that refused to go away.

“Wait. Clarin, you didn’t know?” Lied asked, genuinely surprised by this.

“I was…” She thought back to those three that used her as a free ‘whatever you want card. “Playing…” She said uncharacteristically seriously.

Iruma knew what she was talking about. He didn’t like it, neither did Azz.

[However, before Clara could have an answer, Asmodeus and Iruma were now in the courtyard. Iruma was shaking with fear. ‘How did we get to this?’ was what he asked to himself. The students went to see chaos unfold. “The head of the class and the honor student are dueling in the courtyard! Sounds like fun!”]

“Eeeeh?!” Clara screamed.

“Huh?” Bachiko deadpanned.

“W-Wha?” Shiina stuttered.

“So it was true…” Robin confirmed to himself.

Balam couldn’t blame them for the confusion, after seeing their relationship when he met Iruma, he was astonished when he realized they were the same from the duel.

Azz would pretty much appreciate it if the earth decided to swallow him right now.

[The fear had turned off Iruma’s brain as he asked instead of a rational question. “Are you going to eat me?”]

On second thought, he would prefer to go back in time and punch himself for letting Iruma-sama even have such a fear.

“Stop making comments like that!” Kalego snapped.

“Yeah, are you trying to be found out?” Purson had to agree, that was probably the worst thing to say.

[Asmodeus seemed not to pay it any mind though. “I was supposed to give that speech.” His voice radiated hatred. “Your punishment for stealing my moment of glory is death!” He said as he prepared a fireball.]

Nothing of this made any sense to Clara, she didn’t like seeing this, so she braced herself and asked. “Azz-Azz, do… do you not really like Iruma-chi?”

Everyone was in disbelief for these words, Bachiko hadn’t spoken almost at all with Asmodeus, but even she could tell how much he appreciated Iruma.

 To the ones in Babyls though, if you were to tell them that the one speaking like that to Iruma was NOT Asmodeus, but an identity supplanting alien, they would have an easier time believing it.

Clara wanted to believe that it was wrong of her to think that, but she had also thought that… (“They would never…” ‘Actually, they totally would…’)

Azz wanted to be offended by such a question, to scream at her for being stupid enough to actually consider that… but it was obvious how it pained her to ask such a thing.

“If you truly thought that, you are even dumber than I thought.” It came of not even half as aggressive as usual.

It was enough to comfort Clara.

[“Alice Asmodeus. A demon who is a master of fire spells.” The narrator explained. Iruma had a bad feeling. Asmodeus did not care. “After you stole my moment of glory, I have the right to see if you are worth of it. Don’t you think so?” he threatened Iruma, who was somehow more surprised to see the students cheering on. “They are having a blast!”]

“It’s not everyday something like this happens, you know?” Lied justified.

“My money was on Asmodeus-dono that time.” Goemon joined.

[“Come on… prove to me that you’re superior with your body!” He said as he threw a fireball that caused a big explosion. The students around cheered loudly. Asmodeus continued to launch attacks nonstop.]

“Such an amazing power for a first year!” Robin exclaimed. It was probably on pair with the third years.

“Iruma-sama truly is incredible! He achieved victory without receiving a single hit! Truly something only Iruma-sama could do!” Azz bragged about his friend.

Clara was confused looking back and forth at the Azz-Azz on the screen and the one here, were they really the same demon?

Ameri could understand Asmodeus change. Iruma had the capability to make those around him change as well as him, it was something she admired of him, and how the misfit class managed to get the royal one after all.

[“That’s Asmodeus for you! No other newbie could handle fireballs like that!” the students commented on the one-sided offensive. “He’s amazing, but…” “He missed all of them.”]

“Of course my attacks wouldn’t be able to hit Iruma-sama, truly he’s capable of dodging anything!” Azz was now shading proud tears.

It was curious to Iruma how he seemed so tense just a few moments before the duel started, yet now he seemed to be back at his usual self, it was a relief.

[Iruma could be seen barely dodging the fire that came in his direction, while he tried to get Asmodeus’ attention. “Hey, wai- calm down!” now he was crouching on the ground, the “duel” continued. “Why, you…” Asmodeus muttered as he threw yet another fireball. Iruma kept dodging. ‘I can’t hit him!’ Finally realized the aggressive demon, he didn’t stop though.]

“Iruma-chi, dodge!” Clara screamed suddenly before throwing a ball of paint.

Both Iruma and Azz, more than used to her antics just moved their heads to the side before she even finished talking and the ball went straight to the ground.

“Ooooh, nice dodge!” She said with a thumbs up. Everyone looked at this with amusement.

Kalego had enough with the memories, he didn’t need more things happening now.

[Both challenger and challenged were panting on the ground. “Iruma managed to avoid all the attacks for 20 minutes.” Asmodeus getting frustrated. “Why can’t I hit you?!” He asked his opponent, his usual composure gone. Iruma could only apologize in fear. “I’m sorry… I’m sorry!”]

“So he refused to listen huh?” Sabnock directly accused Asmodeus. It was the same as when he refused lo escape the monster in walter park after nearly dying and knowing it was way out of their league.

Alice had to agree there. He had realized at the execution cannonball that he had only thought of himself, but it had taken him even longer to break that habit.

(He… He HAD broken that habit, right?)

[“How did he managed to do such feat? It’s all due to his bad luck.” The narrator explained. The scene changed to memory of a baby Iruma being used as bait for fishing.]

“Huh?” Even the carefree Lied, the cheerful Robin, the inexpressive Opera and the spiteful Kalego were left aghast by the image.

“Th-They’re…” Elizabetta was at a complete loss for words, and for what Kamui considered the first time in his life, he too was speechless.

“Using Iruma as…” Ameri was too angry to even finish the thought. As the student council president, it was her duty to look out for the students, as a sempai, it was her duty to look out for the underclasses, and she just cared a lot for Iruma, so seeing them disrespect all her values in only one picture was...

“Fishing bait… how… how dare they…!” Azz felt nothing but burning hatred for them and his distaste for fish got to a low he didn’t even think possible.

Clara was just growling at the sight of Iruma-chi’s parents. She hated them. Hated them!

[Now the memory changed to a kid Iruma with a little backpack and a net facing nervously a bear four times his size. “After living through hell because of his parents,”]

“So that was it!” Lied suddenly exclaimed. He had wondered for a while how Iruma came to have such attitude at the harvest festival.

(“The points can come later!” Had ordered that time Iruma. “First we have to turn this forest into our home!”)

“Huh?” Iruma was surprised by this sudden intervention.

“I honestly thought that you prepared that way for the harvest festival as a part of the training.” Lied confessed to him.

“What kind of training did you think I gave him?!” Bachiko screamed offended.

Lied thought back to all the errands they made and said shaking. “I’d rather not say.”

“Huh?!”

[Now the flashback was the same as at the start of the episode, where Iruma was running in fear, and then back to him dodging fish on the boat. “He became an expert of avoiding anything that is dangerous, painful or terrifying.”]

Balam knew it wasn’t normal for demons to care much about others, but to literally build an automatic system in their own son’s mind through trauma… they were somehow, worse than demons.

Kerori considered her family to be cold, but this was beyond that, it was awful.

[Back at the present moment, Iruma wanted to escape his situation as fast as possible. “Now I can apologize…”]

“Apologize?” Azz didn’t understand why Iruma should apologize when he hadn’t been disrespectful in any way.

“It’s the most efficient way to end things fast.” Allocer understood. If the conflict raised from Asmodeus feeling stolen from, then if he conceded, he would be able to retire.

“Yeah.” Agares agreed, as he was far from a hard worker, he would do whatever took less effort and just be done with it.

[A diagram of Iruma was shown. “His attack points are null, but his defense is infinite. If that power had a name, it would be: “Overwhelming Crisis Evasion Capability.”!”]

Iruma deadpanned. He did not think his dodging abilities needed to be named.

Azz was proud of the name of such a unique ability.

“Overwhaling?” It was too long for Clara.

No one even bothered to correct her.

‘Zero attack, huh?’ Bachiko noticed, that wasn’t the case anymore, she knew, he had his bow and her teachings now.

[Iruma started speaking. “Hey, I’m sorry…” But the students spoke louder. “Iruma is awesome.” “He hasn’t attacked a single time.” “Is he saying he’s not worth his time?”]

Sabro knew that was not the case, just like with the guardian, if Iruma can overcome a threat without fights he would, and the people around would follow, it was one of his rival’s greatest strengths.

[“Are you saying that I’m not even worth of your attacks?” Asmodeus felt the words of the other students get to him more than Iruma’s.]

‘The same problem as always’ Kalego noticed. He knew he had to be more aware of his surroundings, he hoped that would happen sooner than later.

[Iruma tried to deny it with all his might. “No, no, no! I’m no more than a miserable insect!” He tried to excuse.]

“A little advice Iruma-kun. If someone’s mad at being treated as lower than you, you don’t downplay yourself.” Jazz decided to pick a bit of fun to his friend.

“That!... Actually makes sense!” Iruma admitted, without any arguments to refute it.

[The students picked up on that weak spot and used it. “That means you’re lower than an insect!” “Why don’t you run away, coward?” “Yeah! You tell him!” They added fuel to the fire. Iruma tried to deny the claims. “Y-You’ve got it all wrong!”]

“Told you.”

“Told me now!” Iruma retorted.

[Asmodeus stood back up saying. “How dare you?” Then prepared a fire sword. “If magic doesn’t work, I’ll use martial arts!” he announced as he sprinted towards Iruma. “I’ll tear you apart!”]

“I don’t think that’s how it works Azz-Azz.” Lied expressed.

“Of course not.” Azz answered, this surprised many of his classmates who expected a cold response. “Iruma-sama would never fall for an attack like that!”

With that they were brought back to reality.

Lied decided to leave it be.

[Iruma just moved to the side while keeping Asmodeus’ momentum. More details were given by the narrator. “He can use his opponent’s strength to parry their attacks. Another part of his Overwhelming Crisis Evasion Capability.” Asmodeus was launched in Eiko’s direction. “Eiko!” Gaako screamed.]

Honestly Azz had forgotten about that part. He never apologized for that incident, perhaps he should the next time they have an Iruma meeting.

“Talk about the wrong place at the wrong time” Purson said with a dry tone.

“It could be worse” Kamui added.

For some reason she seemed familiar to Ameri.

[Iruma noticed and immediately turned around to stop him. “Watch out!” He screamed.]

‘Of course that’s when he jumps in’ Ameri thought, lacking any real surprise. It was just like Iruma to put himself in front of someone in danger, at walter park, at the harvest festival and even at the firt day of school in the netherworld.

No one was surprised by this, even if Kalego was convinced such attitude would only get him killed trying to carry everything himself. At least now, he understood where that came from.

[He grabbed Asmodeus by the hips, but the momentum was too strong to stop it by himself, he noticed this, when the two of them lost balance.

‘We’re gonna fall!’ but just as he thought this, the forbidden spell activated.

The sword missed Eiko and instead crashed into the ground. Dali-sensei’s words resonated through the screen. “If it goes well, you won’t trip or fall for the day.”]

“I’m confident that is not how you avoid drawing attention to yourself.” Purson said.

“I know!” said back an exasperated Iruma.

‘He could’ve done nothing.’ Kerori thought grimly.

‘That would have drawn almost all the attention on Asmodeus with a negative perception.’ But of course Iruma the human who needed to not be found out couldn’t let that unknown demon that could eat him get hurt.

[The student council arrived after the clash. “What happened?” “A duel on th first day?” “What are they doing?” The students were perplexed. “Those who witnessed the duel that day would later say…”]

Azz knew what it was, he had read that day’s newspaper at least six hundred and sixty-six times, and he agreed.

“Yes, it was an absolutely perfect…”

[“…German suplex.” The narrator finished in synchrony with Azz as it showed Iruma with his feet on the ground bending back with Asmodeus hitting the ground. The students cheered.]

“Truly perfect!” Sullivan exclaimed.

“Yes, indeed truly perfect!” So did Azz

“It was an accident?!” This surprised Robin, who only knew it had happened.

“Hard to believe.” Shiina murmured.

[‘I’m finished…’ Thought Iruma. When the newspaper got published, the biggest article was. “Chanting a forbidden spell at the entrance ceremony. Gave the head of the class a concussion. Behold, the thoroughbred honor student Iruma’s amazing attack!”]

Bachiko was having the time of her life. “Ha ha ha! Nice going dumbass!” She laughed.

Kerori was clenching her hands hard, Iruma noticed, but couldn’t find anything to say, for a couple different reasons.

[Kerori was clenching her hands hard on the newspaper.]

“Oh, Kerori, what’s wrong?” Elizabetta asked.

“Huh?! I-I-” Kerori stuttered when she realized something, this is probably going to show Iruma finding out about her.

Ameri noticed her uneasy and said. “If it’s too private you don’t have to tell.”

“A-alright, thanks.” She sighed a breath of relief. The other misfits were concerned.

[At Sullivan’s office, he and Iruma were having a conversation. “I’d expect nothing less from my grandson. You have a great future ahead!” he told a panicked Iruma. “What am I going to do? I did something terrible! I have to…!” He was afraid]

“Y-You? Iruma-sama, I issued the duel and I lost fair and square.” Azz felt conflicted, on the one hand he knew it was because he ended up hurt.

But on the other hand, it felt like an insult to his decisions.

[No one either onscreen or outside had time to say anything more because Asmodeus abruptly entered the chair-demon’s office. This caused Iruma to let out a scream. Asmodeus walked up to him and Iruma scared said. “A-Asmodeus-kun…” The former one prepared a gesture and Iruma covered himself.]

The view of Iruma shielding himself from one of his closest friends was unnerving to everyone, they didn’t know what to say, SHOULD they even say anything if things between those two had ended like that?

[Instead of any sign of aggression, he was met by Asmodeus kneeling to him. “Huh?” Iruma was really confused. “I am at your service, Iruma-sama!” Proclaimed the previously aggressive demon. “Huh?” Iruma was no longer scared, but still really confused.]

“Naturally.” Stated Azz, as if it was the most obvious thing in the world.

“That has to be the fastest hundred eighty turn I’ve ever seen.” Commented Lied.

Iruma could only laugh awkwardly, he was with Lied on this one.

“Azz-Azz!” Clara exclaimed, the Asmodeus onscreen being a lot more like the one she knew.

[“I have no objection to my defeat in the duel.” Explained Asmodeus. “I even heard you carried me to the infirmary. I, Asmodeus was moved beyond words.” Iruma tried to say anything to him. “Huh? Uh, I…” He failed. “Demon law dictates that the loser must serve the victor.”]

“Which is precisely the reason so many demons refuse to have duels in the first place.” Sullivan actually explained to Iruma.

“Oh…” Iruma muttered, if that was true, Azz-kun really was ready to serve him if he proved himself, that brought a little smile to Iruma.

[“Therefore…” Asmodeus raised his head, Iruma was too shocked. “I’ll do anything in my hand to help you conquer the school!” Asmodeus said with a much cheerful tone and a smile.]

“Yaaaay! Go, go, Iruma-chi go!” Clara rooted them.

“I-I don’t think that’s…” Shiina was suddenly interrupted by Kalego.

“Don’t.” He only said that.

Shiina decided to stop.

[“H-Hold on!” Iruma tried to stop him to no avail. “Let’s start with making the entire student body your servants.” Asmodeus continued happily.]

“He’s got more support by the staff than the students.” Kalego remembered the Royal one incident.

[Iruma let out a scream louder than the ones before. Asmodeus proceeded to ask. “Iruma-sama, who shall I slay first? Please give me your orders.” Asmodeus requested as Sullivan and Opera peeked from behind.

“Iruma-kun, can I make this the main picture on the school’s website?” Sullivan asked. “Please don’t!” Iruma begged. “Iruma Suzuki, fourteen years old. Entered the demon school Babyls and got his first subordinate.” In the end Iruma managed to scream. “No!”]

“I see it and I don’t believe it, Iruma saying no!” Jazz exaggerated.

“Well, I do.” Lied proclaimed remembering how they didn’t arrive at a conclusion on who was the little brother.

Brother…

He was the one to address the elephant in the room.

“I-Iruma.” He called, his voice shaking.

“Eh, what’s wrong Lied?” Iruma asked somehow looking calmer than any demon in the room.

Clara was clinging to him. Azz was eyeing them with suspicious eyes. Lied couldn’t blame them, but he was his friend and brother too.

“You… You are not afraid of us, are you?” he managed to ask.

It would be logical of Iruma to say that he was, or maybe try to hide it, Kalego thought, but it was obvious to him that…

“W-Well, are you going to eat me?” He seemed more uncomfortable at asking the question than at the actual chances.

“N-No!” Answered the whole misfit class at the same time. “Of course not!” Lied reassured him.

“Nononononononono!” Clara was repeating while nudging her head on his back.

“I could never-” Ameri couldn’t even finish that disgusting thought.

“Then the same goes for me.” Iruma finished with a smile. Kalego truly considered him to have lost his mind.

“Ah, I see, thanks.” Lied said, he didn’t seem convinced nor did the other students, even Clara and Alice were looking at him with worry. He noticed, he couldn’t bring himself to say anything, if this showed events from the whole last year, then he had time to let them re-adjust.

Kalego silently looked at Balam, who just nodded, so everyone is being honest. That somehow surprised and was obvious at the same time to both teachers.

Bachiko noticed how the three teachers that didn’t know hadn’t answered yet, she was going to confront them but…

“Kalego-sensei, how are we supposed to teach a human? Do we still apply the no exceptions rule?” Robin asked.

“If possible, I would prefer if he wasn’t hurt” Shiida said.

“Silence.” Kalego said. “We have to act and manage the situation carefully.” Making an enemy out of Sullivan was a bad idea, and even if Iruma was human, Kalego had his principles as a teacher and a pact with Iruma.

A pact-!

Seeing how the teachers were interacting on their own, Bachiko relaxed a bit. She wasn’t really worried about her cousin, but the other two were a different tale.

And so, with a bit of insecurity from the students, the next chapter started.

Sukima:

[“Iruma-sama, you can ask me anything.” Asmodeus was telling Iruma. “A-Alright, but I don’t need anything now.”]

“If not for the context, this could literally be anytime!” Jazz joked.

“I am always ready to serve Iruma-sama!” Azz replied with a wide smile.

[Eiko was on a corner, watching them. “Iruma-san saved me.”]

That was true, Azz remembered, he still had to apologize to her, but how?

“Oh, I never checked if she was alright after that. I should speak with her.” Iruma realized.

Iruma getting closer to yet another woman? Ameri was getting quite furious.

[“I would like to thank him and get closer to him…”]

‘Huh?!’ Ameri refrained from screaming, just barely. She would not allow that!

Perhaps Azz could help her with that, as an apology.

[Asmodeus looked in her direction with a mad look, leaving Iruma confused, and Eiko with a heart attack. “Is something wrong?” Iruma asked him. “I just felt a presence.” Asmodeus explained.]

He really should do that as an apology, shouldn’t he?

[“Scary. He’s so scary, oh my gosh, he’s scary.” “Will she be able to thank Iruma? You can do it Eiko-chan!”]

“I feel kind of bad now.” Iruma said awkwardly.

“Not fair!” All the boys screamed.

The adults sighed for various reasons.

Ameri had only one thought right now.

“Good riddance, Asmodeus.”