亚洲综合中美

“…”

“PROFESSOR!”

“What?” Skeptor snapped into reality, ‘-did I doze off in class?’ facing him were students of class 3-A, the elite, “-my apologies, ” he left, ‘-he went over my head and accepted four new students. I don’t care if they’re nobility, I don’t care if they’re royalty. The director went over my head.’ Windows went along the corridor and gave onto the field, an upper vantage point to look down upon the combat class. Sweat and shouts, such were their creed and duty. Estranged students, not wise to the common class and raised to be viewed as better, halted their comments. Like earlier, wherein a group badmouthed his appearance – such was the way he remembered, ‘-they’re dumbstruck. The same group of girls,’ the pace slowed – he followed their gaze, ‘-it’s them,’ he narrowed.

“The transfer students… they look too good to be part of the combat class. What is the director thinking?”

“I know, such precious game… compared to boys in our class, they feel refined and mature.”

“Don’t speak loudly, someone’ll hear you. We can’t speak with them, don’t you remember?”

“Why should I care, it’s not like I’m talking to the other filth. I only care for the one with blond hair, the one who looks so charming it’s- I don’t know, my heart sinks with anticipation… Jeena, tell me, what am I feeling?”

“You’re aroused?”

.....

“JEENA!” muffled laughter escaped. Vice-director made his appearance shy of them finishing their exchange.

“Him again, let’s go,”

“Hush, he’ll hear us,” their eyes met, and the girls bowed and carried on past. He remained stuck, ‘-these students, they’re making a mockery of the syste-‘

“Vice-director.”

“WHAT-” he turned, “-is it? Emmie.”

She held her expression, “-you forgot we had an arrangement.”

“What arrangement?” he clicked his tongue, the peripherical noticed Asmodeus perform a highly skilled move, the distant applause and cheers interjected.

“Skeptor…” she grabbed his collar, “-don’t you dare make a mockery of me. I know what thee desires, would be best if you-”

“My bad, my bad,” he grabbed her wrist, “-I got lost in the flow. I remember our agreement, admission of new students, isn’t that right?”

“Yeah, she’s waiting downstairs. Don’t make me lose face, because if you do, I will have no other resort,” the relatively short Emmie left, aside from the back and forth of students, the hallway was left empty and silent.

‘Take a deep breath, Skeptor, I need to teach my students,’ with a firm grasp on the emotion, he returned and resumed. Meanwhile, Igna entertained guests from the town’s management, the head, a certain Graso Yrek, a bold man of strong impression – heavy shoulders, big pupils hiding a deep crimson glare and hardly adequate clothing; bear chest with a diagonal stripe of some kind of bag – skin-tight pants ending in a goat leg. The split-chin glared mercilessly across the table, Igna casually puffed and looked towards Elixia for assistance. The interface lit with data for comparison, “-director, monarch, we request assistance. The peasants have voiced their concern about the growing population of lesser demons. If the issue isn’t resolved, we may have a decline in the birth rate.”

“Polygamy and Polygyny.”

“Director, please – having more partners won’t mean much.”

“Graso, please don’t beat around the bush. I hate having my time wasted, I rather it is spent doing something productive, perhaps indulgent. I ought to set the example, shouldn’t I?”

The terrifying demon sighed, “-Director, I lied. The declining birth rate is a problem; however, the issue comes from the naysayers. Many oppose the ascension.”

“Naysayers, are they the common folks or those in power?”

“…”

“Figured as much. Don’t bother, Graso. The council members will have their safety guarantee. Send them this,” he gestured at Elixia, she leaned and placed a letter, “-a letter to be presented to the naysayers. Have them understand that I will not be changing the current infrastructure. They can rest easy,” he glanced forward knowingly, “-besides, changing people in power won’t do anything since I have the say in coming policies. I’m not bothered. Long as I have the people’s support, there’s no issue to be found. As always, Graso, I appreciate the help.”

“If you say so, Director,” he stood, going way beyond seven feet, “-I will relay your message,” the door closed, ‘-the director understood their intent without so much asking a question. He’s a terrifying man, I pity those trying to revolt…’

“Finally,” he stretched and moved to the couch, “-entertaining guests daily gets boring. Elixia, are you having fun toying with the vice director?”

“You noticed?” she leaned against the desk and ate an apple, “-he’s a fool, I think. The man’s gullible and has a high opinion of himself. He thinks he smarter than most – these kinds of people are the easiest to manipulate.”

“He could be playing the fool.”

“Or he’s just an idiot. Who cares, right?”

“Well, if your concerns turn out to be true. The mastermind will pull his string sooner or later. My job here is to focus on Draebala – how’s the map coming along?”

“Interference. I’ve opened a portal – too much fluctuation at the moment. You’re right about reality’s deformation. Should stabilize in a few days.”

“Sathanas. She worries me.”

Lunch break, a few taps broke Igna’s concentration, ‘-didn’t notice time flying by,’ he pinched his glabella and closed the interface, “-come in.”

“Director.”

“Vice-Director.”

“…”

“If you’re looking for Elixia, she’s out on an errand.”

“No, not her,” he shook the mild interest and spurred, the face read like a book.

‘He’s easy to read, maybe too easy. Joy and a bit of smugness – coming from his point of view, I went over his authority and admitted my children. Granted the part about marks and tests were half-truths Energy after the humiliation – he’s gotten the upper hand or has an ace,’ he stood before Igna, to which, the director took hold of the pace, choosing when to break the silence after letting Skeptor marinade awkwardly.

“Need something?”

“Director. I have a request.”

“What is it?”

“There’s a special student outside, she’s come highly recommended by the faculty,” behind the kind smile hid a deeper lie, ‘-the faculty agreed with a little pressuring.’

“Why would the faculty be needed? Have her take the exam like the other students.”

“Actually, Director, she’s a transfer from our neighbor, the Dem Academy. You remember, they were the ones who sent help during the battle?”

“Yes, yes, the ones who needlessly died.”

“Correct. They’ve asked for our cooperation in tending to her needs.”

“She must be quite the high-profile. I haven’t received a request from Dem Academy. Though, what sort of director would I not trust in the vice director’s judgment? Have her sent into my office; I’ll conduct the transfer exams.”

“No, no, no” he crossed his arms, “-director, I know you’re a man of action. Please allow me to vouch for her skill and education, she’s come from a prestigious school like ours. We should surely consider her repute before sullying the girl’s pride as one of nobility.”

‘He unwillingly gave clues. Skeptor, you poor fool. She’s come as a spy or possibly an enemy. No way Dem forgets their dead students and sends us someone normal. The process of elimination leaves one option, she’s one of a complex personality. Their kind, my word, if my impression of her is entertaining, I suppose she ought to become my newest past-time. I sure enjoy breaking strong personalities. Skeptor’s no fun – Elixia can have him, she prefers her prey submissive.’

“Director, allow me to host her exam.”

“Skeptor, I shall see to her personally. You have a class to teach, I wouldn’t dare let the Academics be without their teacher. Do not worry, Skeptor – I will judge her fairly.”

“May I have your word?”

“You may,” he smiled and extended a reassuring handshake, “-please, send for her. I will be waiting.”

Kindness, ‘-the director’s not that bad a person. He thinks about us and the Academy… don’t be swayed by his charm. Skeptor, focus on your objective… that’ll be my test. If the director rejects her admission, I’ll know not to trust him going forward. Otherwise, the director and I might just get along,’ the office emptied.

‘Skeptor, you fool. I know who’s at my doorstep and who she represents. Never estimate the power of good connections. I owe Ereena for this one. She’s sent intel about Cleopatra and Memphe. The latter’s no given on her agenda. Many conspiracy plots brew against my reign. Skeptor, Memphe, and now, Dem Academy. Too bad Skeptor’s not so great a player. The girl’s admission was never an issue, she’ll join the school regardless. Know your enemies – a page out of that damned old book.’

*Tap, tap,* “-enter.”

A doll-like personage appeared in the doorway. Silky long black hair ran down her shoulders and onto her back – bangs cut across her forehead, over which rose horns. Her skin was pale, paler than a ghost – the teeth sharp and nose a mild red. Her ears were elongated. Her height was above average and her frame was slender and thin. She dawned on a school uniform, a black skirt with white stripes, leading up to a gray-and-white pullover comfortably hiding her white shirt and necktie. “Director,” she curtsied, “-it’s a pleasure to be admitted to the academy.”

‘I nailed the entrance; he’s stunned by my looks. Men are all the same, smile at them kindly and they’ll swoon. The academy has a new queen, watch out ladies, I’m here to crush the competition.’

“Right,” he dismissed her entry, “-take a seat,” he stood, “-I’ll be right back.”

The door closed, ‘-did he just ignore me?’ she dropped onto the couch, ‘-audacity of that man to ignore me…’ her cheeks reddened, ‘-calm down… no need to throw a fit. He must have something urgent… yes, why would anyone ignore me?’

“She’s going to be a pain,” he took a trip to the roof and lit a cigarette, ‘-she’s a narcissist. Thinks the world revolves around her. Her display was meant to take my attention. You don’t fool anyone,’ he puffed, ‘-her upbringing and the mention of a somewhat strained personality. She was brought up thinking the world is hers to rule… why wouldn’t she be. Daughter of Leviathan, first princess Teresa L. Leviathan. They’ve got me in a tight spot. If she gets angry and leaves for her father – we’ll truly force Leviathan into a war against Ragno. Send a diplomat, have your men kill the diplomat, and there, have a reason to initiate battle. Otherwise, capture the diplomat and pressure the opposite faction. If they’re thinking far, we’ll need to change plans,’ the cigarette finished, ‘-breaks over. I sure hope the kids aren’t causing chaos.’

Alas to his fear, Asmodeus shared a few intimate moments in the girl’s washroom. No matter the size, he kindly accepted their request and indulged in his vice, lust. Wasn’t long before he’d slept with the whole class – and there, only a few hours had passed.

“Ready for combat class?” Yu entered a half-awake classroom, “-have I missed something?”

“No, teach. The girls are a bit tired from playing with Asmodeus,” came a sarcastic remark from Arde, “-the man sure is charming.”

“You needn’t be jealous,” he winked, “-passion is meant to be shared. I won’t refuse your advances… tsundere.”

“I don’t get what you mean,” he slammed his table, “-I need to change, is that alright, teach?”

“Yeah, please be ready for the afternoon class. Ladies, please have a shower,” she left the class with slumped shoulders, ‘-what happened to them?’

“Yu,” Asmodeus caught up to the teacher and pressed her shoulders, “-you forget these,” he held her handkerchief.

“Thank you-”

He peered into her eyes intently, “-you have quite a load on your shoulders. It’s difficult, I understand, your students sometimes don’t care because of your rank,” a spark went across his eyes, “-why don’t you let me,” he pulled her aside into the locker room, “-let your desires run wild, I have the power to make the stress vanish,” she watched hopelessly with her back against the locker, ‘-handsome,’ they locked lips.

“Vanesa, did you see Asmodeus?”

“Didn’t,” her head laid against the desk, “-probably wooing another woman.”

‘Asmodeus,’ Mammon sighed, ‘-and just when I needed his talent,’ a trail of broke younger men laid on their knees, destitute and deprived of their allowance.