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Prologue
The Demon Nation of Tenebrae.
True to its name, this was a nation ruled by demons. Dark clouds perpetually shrouded the land, which was blotted with seeping miasma in countless locations. The realm truly embodies darkness itself.
I stood within the magnificent palace at the heart of this vast demonic empire.
Lucifer. That's my name. Among the Seven Devils who reign supreme over all demons, I was the Demon King who wielded the greatest power.
Demons came in many species, but devils held the highest rank among them all. Even among devils, there were power differences ranging from low-grade to high-grade. Some even surpassed high-grade devils and were called supreme-grade.
Lucifer. That's my name. Among the Seven Devils who reign supreme over all demons, I was the Demon King who wielded the greatest power.
I was once nothing more than a nameless demon, but that was fifteen hundred years ago—back when I rampaged across various lands, defeated the previous Lucifer, and claimed his throne.
Since then, I'd effortlessly defeated angels and heroes who came on missions to slay the Demon King. I crushed anyone who dared defy me.
Though my subordinate demons had put up strong resistance when I first overthrew my predecessor, now no one dared oppose me.
I left the throne room, which rarely saw visitors these days, and made myself comfortable on the sofa in my private chamber, where I elegantly swirled a wine glass. Moments like this made everything feel perfect; with not a care in the world.
However, even someone like me had one great worry. That was . . .
. . . I'm sooooooo bored!
The wine glass in my hand shattered with a sharp crunch.
My sudden outburst startled the girl who had been drowsily resting her head on my shoulder. She snapped to attention.
What's wrong, babe . . . ? Why the sudden yelling?
Ah, sorry. I just . . .
I glanced to my side and watched the blonde girl let out a cute yawn, mumble something under her breath, then open her big red eyes wide to stare at me.
You can tell me. Is something troubling you?
Pure white wings extended from her back, poking out of her black dress. There was no mistaking it; she was an angel.
And she was one of my beloved wives.
Lumiere, do you remember the last time we went to war?
Hmm? Five hundred years ago . . . was it? I think that was when we had that massive battle with the empire.
Yes, that's right. Five hundred years.
But what about it?
Lumiere reached for the wine bottle on the table, filled a fresh glass to the brim, and offered it to me. I accepted it and took a sip.
You remember a hero showing up back then, don't you?
The moment she heard that, Lumiere's lovely face contorted with bitterness.
I don't really want to remember that. My right arm got blown off!
Lumiere spoke irritably, but her right arm was perfectly intact. It had regrown seconds after being severed. Of course, it was perfectly fine now.
Someday I'll definitely make that bastard suffer the same fate . . . !
Lumiere snatched the wine glass I was casually holding and hurled it to the floor, shattering it . . . I was still drinking from it, but oh well.
She still held a grudge about something from five hundred years ago because the very person who had severed her right arm was still alive.
Well, calm down. But think about it—you don't remember us fighting anyone since then, do you?
. . . That's right. I suppose not.
I pulled her still-pouting form close to me.
Five hundred years. It's been that long since anyone came to defeat me.
Isn't that because you're too strong, babe? Even I couldn't stand up to you, you know? Hey, do you remember? It's been a thousand years since then.
Of course I do!
A thousand years ago, Lumiere had come to attack the Demon Nation of Tenebrae as a common soldier in a great angelic army sent to defeat me.
Though several high-ranking devils were killed, I managed to strike down the angels in return.
The reason she now stood before me as my beloved wife was—to put it bluntly—because I had claimed her while keeping her captive by my side. It was just one of those things that happened without realizing what was going on.
But as we spent time together, the distance between us naturally closed, and before I knew it, I had made her my wife.
It's strange. Back then, I hated you beyond measure . . . but now I love you so dearly.
Lumiere cupped my cheeks with both hands and gazed at me with passionate eyes.
Whenever she looked at me with those eyes, I was rendered completely helpless. I immediately wanted to take her to bed—even though we'd just finished doing exactly that minutes before.
I firmly suppressed my desire and gently stroked her head.
I feel the same way. I love spending time with you like this. But . . . it's my battle instincts, I think. Lately, I've been getting these destructive urges more and more often.
So that's why you've been so intense lately?
Now, now, don't interrupt me. Just listen for a moment. Tell me, Lumiere—how do you feel about this? Aren't you bored?
I'm perfectly happy just getting to spend time with you, babe, so not really. Besides, even when heroes do show up, you immediately crush them, right? There's no challenge in it.
It was hardly the sort of thing an angel should say, but since she'd fallen long ago, there was no helping it.
. . . No matter how powerful we become, if we pose a threat to them, heroes should still risk their lives coming to defeat us. That's what being a hero is!
You're talking like a hero even though you're a Demon King. Babe, you're so cute.
That's why I'm thinking of going.
Going where?
Facing the puzzled fallen angel, I stood up from the sofa and declared my intent.
To the empire! They have institutions that train heroes, don't they? I'm going to see what's happening there.
The empire's official name was Elberia. It was a great nation that lay to the east of the Demon Nation of Tenebrae.
It was roughly the same size as our country and was inhabited by humans who used to produce heroes once every few decades who led armies to attack us.
There were many institutions there that trained heroes. I planned to pick one at random to see what pathetic state it was in.
What . . . ?! H-Hey, wait a minute, babe! I won't allow that! What's going to happen to our lovey-dovey life together?!
We were doing plenty of that until just now.
But that's when the real fun starts! After this little break, we'll be all over each other again! Since we're already at it, let's aim for the record this time! Our current record is ten years, right? So let's go for a hundred this time!
Suddenly, the years had jumped up by decades.
My beloved wife, despite her delicate and lovely appearance, was completely ruled by her desires. I had no clue where she got it from, but it's quite the handful. She certainly wasn't like this when we first met.
I was just wondering how to persuade Lumiere when—
Please wait.
A soft voice rang out, and the space before me warped, revealing the figure of a girl.
She had silver hair that fell to her waist and wore a maid outfit that was mostly black.
Despite her youthful face, her figure was extremely curvaceous—large breasts, narrow waist. Quite the sight to behold.
Rena, right? What's wrong?
Master Lucifer. I understand you wish to travel to the empire, but there are some complications with that plan . . .
The moment Rena spoke, a fierce pillar of fire erupted from where she'd been standing. When I spun around, Lumiere had twisted her adorable face into an expression of pure hostility.
You little minx! Who gave you permission to appear before my husband?
If ordinary demons saw Lumiere's face twisted with such hatred, they wouldn't just tremble; they'd likely vaporize from the overwhelming divine energy radiating from her body.
However, the maid, who had gracefully dodged the surprise fire pillar, calmly moved to my side and linked her arm through mine.
Have you forgotten, Lumiere? I too am Master Lucifer's wife, am I not? I have every right to stand beside my troubled husband, and I certainly don't need anyone's permission to do so.
A mere concubine dares call herself a wife?
Indeed. After all, it was Master Lucifer himself who acknowledged me as his beloved wife. Isn't that right, my . . . dear . . . husband?
As Rena spoke, her deep purple eyes gleamed seductively while she pressed her chest against my arm. It was full and wonderfully soft.
She was telling the truth—she really was my wife. Lumiere was my first wife, while Rena held the position of third wife.
However, Lumiere's dislike of Rena wasn't simply because there were other wives besides herself.
I still refuse to acknowledge you! Just seeing your face makes my severed right arm throb!
Oh, my . . . ! Wasn't that simply because you were too weak, Lumiere? I can still picture your ridiculous expression when your arm was severed as clearly as yesterday, even now, five hundred years later!
Oh really? Then shall we finish what we started right here and now? I don't mind beating that hateful face of yours to a bloody pulp.
I wouldn't mind at all. Watching your pathetic performance would be thoroughly entertaining. Shall I make you cry again?
Lumiere slammed her fist into the wine table with a tremendous force that shattered it to pieces with a loud bang. Actually, she pulverized it completely.
This was becoming troublesome. I let out a small sigh before speaking.
Enough!
B-But, babe—
I said enough. Rena, you understand, don't you?
Yes. I am, at all times and in all circumstances, Master Lucifer's faithful servant. I have no reason to defy your commands.
In contrast to Lumiere, whose frustration was ready to explode, Rena maintained her composed demeanor.
Rena was none other than the hero who had come to defeat me five hundred years ago.
When we faced the vast army led by her—a hero of tremendous power—we demons suffered losses comparable to those we endured when Lumiere and her forces invaded.
I still remembered how she not only infiltrated the territory of Tenebrae, which demons constantly guarded with vigilant eyes, but also struck down renowned devils one after another before storming this very palace.
And when it came to our one-on-one duel, the result was, well . . . just like with Lumiere, I had claimed Rena for myself.
It apparently took considerable time to tame her, though I don't remember it clearly. In any case, by the time I came to my senses, Rena's cheeks—which had once been filled with such hatred—were flushed red as she gazed up at me with moist eyes.
Having taken a liking to her, I decided to welcome her as my third wife. Naturally, Lumiere, having had her arm severed by her, fiercely opposed this and had a tremendous fight with me. It took considerable effort to appease her back then.
Apparently, before becoming a hero, Rena had worked as a maid at some small estate. After becoming my third wife, she put that experience to good use, fulfilling the role of maid while also being my wife. From that point on, for what had been five hundred years, she had always remained by my side. At all times and in all circumstances. Naturally, she had overheard our earlier conversation, which was why she'd appeared like this.
Now then, Rena. Since you interrupted us, you must have been listening to our conversation, correct? What do you think about this matter of going to the empire?
I believe it to be an excellent decision. It has been a full five hundred years since heroes stopped coming from the empire. I'm curious to know what the empire—which once devoted such passion to Master Lucifer's defeat—thinks now. However—
However?
This may seem trivial, but do you remember how the very first hero who came to defeat Master Lucifer died?
The first hero who had attacked us? That must have been nearly a thousand years ago. Did it all start when we demons destroyed the angelic army? I heard that news of the angels attacking the demon nation had reached the empire as well . . . Honestly, I don't remember much about it.
How had I finished them off back then?
Your breath.
Lumiere, who had been silent, spoke with amusement.
Babe, remember? When you put spirit into it and went "Hmph!" the little hero got blown back and smashed into the palace wall. They died so quick!
Ah, that's right. Come to think of it, something like that did happen.
Yes, when I first heard that story, it sent chills down my spine. And what happened to the next hero who was sent? Do you remember?
As I searched through my memories, I could faintly recall the scene from that time.
. . . I believe they stopped moving the moment I glared at them.
That's right, babe. When you glared with just a little hint of murder in your eyes, that alone was enough to end them. Their heart burst like a firework!
Exactly! Master Lucifer easily slaughtered a hero with nothing but his deadly gaze!
Why did Rena look so happy about it? I was beginning to wonder if her heart ached at all over her comrades' deaths. Well, former comrades, I suppose. Now she was bonded with me, a devil, and her own body had become a mixture of human and devil. She could no longer be called human in earnest.
Rena, who had been giggling excitedly, suddenly put on a serious expression and stared at me.
What do you think would happen, Master Lucifer, if you headed to the empire? You can kill heroes with your breath and a single harsh look! Now imagine ordinary folks. Their bodies would explode and scatter just from seeing you. That's the kind of pressure inherent in your magical power.
That was true enough. Even in past battles, there had been several occasions when imperial soldiers who had come as support for the heroes had died, with blood spurting from their bodies, just from seeing me appear on the battlefield.
So, if you were to enter the empire, just by being there, most of the common people would die. Think of the unintended carnage! It would be impossible to investigate the empire's situation.
How troublesome. I just wanted to take a quick look. For just a short while. A few days, maybe a few years at most.
However, causing humans to die just by walking around wouldn't be amusing. It would certainly be an international incident with inevitable vehement opposition from foreign nations. If even the elves and dragonians united to attack us, it would be somewhat troublesome.
Then what should I do?
You should just stay here and make love with me instead! Let's keep living our sweet, lovey-dovey life like we have been!
Don't listen to that nymphomaniac. I have an idea. What if you simply disguised yourself as a human and went to the empire?
I see. Disguise myself as a human.
Wait a minute! You want to turn my babe into one of those lowly humans?!
Lumiere, shush for a moment.
. . . Ugh . . . !
If I went in my current form, even if I suppressed my power, I would cause unnecessary harm to humans. Even a small sneeze would likely cause terrible things to happen.
However, if I disguised myself as a human as Rena suggested, I wouldn't have to worry about that. The massive magical pressure I currently emit—the kind that killed surrounding humans just by being there—existed because of my devil body. If I suppressed my power and transformed into a human, such dangers should disappear.
As long as we make the proper adjustments so that the disguise doesn't accidentally come undone, I believe Master Lucifer can become a proper human.
I see. Very well. Let's try transforming right away.
What kind of appearance would be good?
Hey, what do you two think? What kind of human should I disguise myself as?
Ooh, ooh! I know, babe. How about one that looks exactly like you do now! You're so gorgeously handsome that you're absolutely dreamy! Your slightly long ears and those cute little fangs! And those beautiful crimson eyes! Oh, please! Take me now!
Hmm . . . I didn't think that quite captured a human look, did it?
I released a small amount of magical power to create a mirror and examined my appearance.
Jet-black hair and red eyes, a deeply sculpted face and tall stature. I wore black clothing and a red cloak.
Yes, among demons, my appearance was quite similar to that of a human. Close enough that you couldn't tell the difference without the features Lumiere mentioned.
Indeed. While I'd like to agree with Lumiere this time . . . even after five hundred years, there may still be long-lived species who remember what Master Lucifer looks like. I believe a perfect human disguise is still necessary.
Well, that's probably right. It would be better not to arouse any suspicion . . . Should I try disguising myself as some harmless old man?
Absolutely not!!
That won't work!!
O-Oh?
It was rare to hear both of them agree on something, which caught me off guard. Was there something about the old man idea they didn't like?
You need to stay young and handsome! I don't want to see you as some old geezer!
Lumiere is absolutely right! For Master Lucifer to disguise himself as some doddering old man . . . it would be far too pitiful!
So what then? If staying young was fine by them, then I needed something young that wouldn't draw suspicion . . .
Then how about a cute lady . . . or perhaps a little girl?
Babe, you're such an idiot!!
Master Lucifer, you fool!!
What's wrong with you two?!
You're perfect because you're young and handsome and male! I absolutely refuse to let you become a woman!
I completely agree! For Master Lucifer, with such perfect masculine beauty, to disguise himself as some ordinary girl or child would be deplorable!!
How selfish could they get? That only left a young man then. It wouldn't be that different from how I looked now.
Should I change my features a bit? I needed to think of what an ordinary human looked like. Something completely unremarkable.
Hmm. Well then, how about this? Let me try transforming into what I imagined an ordinary human man would look like.
I quickly used magic to adjust my features before speaking.
So, how's this?
. . .
. . .
Both of my wives stared at me like I was the most pitiful sight they'd ever seen.
Say something!
Well, it's just . . . it's a bit questionable, you know?
Master Lucifer's face has become rather unfortunate . . .
These women were truly selfish!
Well, fine. This was all for my adorable wives who love me. I should listen carefully to their opinions.
We spent the next three days consulting about my appearance.
How about this?
I spun around in front of Lumiere and Rena to show them.
Hmm . . . Well, you're cute enough, so I guess it's okay? Thirty-five points.
I find this quite satisfactory! It's worth at least sixty points!
Weren't those scores low? I almost wanted to complain, but I had to endure it.
Despite all that extensive tweaking, I received lukewarm evaluations, but I took another look at my own appearance.
Vivid blue hair and jade eyes, with the slender face of a young boy. I appeared to be around fifteen or sixteen years old.
Since they said my voice was a bit too low, I adjusted it so I could speak in the slightly higher pitch of a young lad.
I was too tall, so I adjusted my height to about one hundred seventy centimeters—just a bit taller than Rena.
No matter how you looked at me, I appeared to be a refined gentleman. Personally, I wasn't particularly fond of the look, but I was tired of making adjustments.
After changing my appearance, Rena applied a sealing technique. This eliminated the explosive release of magical power that I would normally emit in my devil form and made it impossible for me to unleash such power even if I tried.
This way, there should be no problem even if ordinary humans were nearby.
All right, then let us go forth to yonder empire post haste—
Please wait!
Gah, is there something else?!
It's the way you speak! For such a beautiful boy, who combines cuteness with dignity, that manner of speech is completely wrong!
Guh . . . then what should I do?
I'll teach you. Leave everything to me—your gestures, your speech patterns, all of it.
Whatever! She could do as she pleased.
After Rena made her adjustments until she was completely satisfied, I finally set out for the empire.
Chapter One ◇ The Magnificent City
Mildiana, the southern capital of the Elberia Empire, was incredibly crowded with people.
From early morning, the plaza bustled with crowds coming and going, while merchants called out loudly to display their prized goods to passersby.
While ordinary humans made up the majority, there were also many elves. That's probably because there's an elven country south of this empire's southern territories.
Unlike the Demon Nation of Tenebrae, these streets overflowing with light had their own appeal. I rarely got the chance to experience the atmosphere of a place like this.
Most of the buildings were made of brick, and the ground was properly paved with cobblestones. The scenery was quite impressive.
The air also differed from that of the Demon Nation of Tenebrae—somehow clearer and more refreshing. It was nice to walk around a place like this for a change. I could almost feel like a tourist.
My reason for coming to the south was Rena's intel. She had told me the military school here in Mildiana was the largest hero training institution.
On top of that, the population was second only to the imperial capital at about one hundred fifty thousand people. True to its reputation as an academic city, there was apparently also a great library containing various grimoires and history books.
There was also an Institute of Higher Magic that managed magical arts, or something like that.
With a large population and many people gathering here to pursue magic, there had to be heroes or those with skills approaching that level.
That's why I chose this place, which was sure to provide plenty of entertainment.
While thinking about such things and weaving my way through the crowds, I discovered a crepe shop. I wasn't particularly craving sweets, but it caught my eye, so I figured I'd give it a try.
Excuse me, could I get some crepes?
When I asked the elderly woman running the shop, she smiled gently.
Oh my . . . it's unusual for a boy to come here. How many would you like?
Two.
You like sweet things, don't you?
The shop owner said warmly, then prepared two crepes and handed them to me.
I handed over some money. It cost four copper coins, but she returned two of them.
I'll give a cute boy like you one on the house.
Are you sure?
Of course! I'm confident in how delicious they are, so please come back again.
Thank you.
I smiled, then left the plaza and headed toward a back alley.
After making sure no one was around, I called out to a certain someone.
Rena. You can come out now.
The space in front of me tore open, and the silver-haired maid emerged. She looked a bit puzzled.
Master Lucifer? Is something wrong? You told me never to show myself.
When coming to the empire, I had brought Rena along as an attendant. Since she could make herself invisible like this, I wanted her to help me gather intel.
Lumiere had strongly opposed this, of course, even so far as to insist she would come along herself, but I managed to convince her to remain in Tenebrae by asking who would guard the throne in my absence. While her combat abilities were top-notch, she couldn't handle subtle magical techniques like disguising herself as a human, so she would stand out terribly no matter what. If an angel just walked normally through the city streets, it would cause quite a commotion.
Here, this is for you. It looked delicious, so I wanted to share it with you.
The moment I said this, Rena threw herself into my arms.
Oooh! Master Lucifer! You're so kind! You truly are my wonderful master! I like you—I love you—I adore you—I worship you!
H-Hey, not so loud . . . ! Calm down, calm down. Here, eat this.
I peeled Rena away and quickly pushed the crepe into her small mouth.
Though she looked disappointed at first, she seemed to like the taste of the sweet snack and began munching away contentedly.
I quickly finished my crepe. It was a bit too sweet for my taste.
After swallowing, I spoke to Rena, reverting slightly to my natural tone. She listened while eating her crepe bit by bit with a blissful, dreamy expression, as she'd never eat another one in her life.
So . . . how am I doing? Over these past few days in the empire, I've become quite convincing as a human, haven't I?
Mhhhm mhhhhhhhm . . . gulp! Ah, yes, very much so. I'm honestly amazed! I never imagined you could act so naturally boyish.
Acting completely human might not be so bad sometimes. It's my first experience talking with ordinary humans without them fainting or exploding. Quite enjoyable, actually.
I thought my speech and mannerisms weren't bad at all. A fine job, if I did say so myself. Though it was thanks to Rena's lessons.
Please maintain polite speech when in public.
After hearing things like that, I had struggled at first. I'd never had to be conscious of such matters before.
Incidentally, my clothes were light travel attire; the kind of clothing you'd find anywhere, made from woven linen fabric.
I wouldn't stand out even when blending into the city streets.
Awww . . . My crepe's all gone!
I slipped back into my human act.
I'll buy you another one later . . . Hm? What's wrong?
Rena hugged me again, so I held her close.
Since I won't be able to appear like this for a while, I need to recharge my Master Lucifer essence now or I'll die.
I patted her gently. Her silver hair was silky and smooth with a wonderful texture. If I could, I'd want to keep recharging my Rena essence forever too.
Actually, there was a time when we got so absorbed in each other's embrace that several years slipped by without us realizing it. I couldn't let my guard down like that again. We devils didn't have the same acute sense of time that humans did.
But when we held each other like this, Rena's generous twin peaks pressed against my torso. It was impossible to resist.
. . . Damn it! This wasn't the time for such thoughts.
Nooo. I want to stay here and be lovey-dovey forever.
Next time, okay?
Awww . . .
Rena let out a disappointed groan, then vanished while still clinging to me. The softness and warmth against my body suddenly disappeared.
I could still sense her presence faintly. But her concealment technique, enhanced by her magic, was extremely advanced. Even elves and dragonians with their sensitivity to magical power couldn't detect Rena in this state, so an ordinary human wouldn't have a clue as to her being there.
Now then. Our destination is the Imperial Army Southern Mildiana Military School, right?
Yes, that's correct. I've done thorough research. I'll guide you there.
I began walking, following Rena's whispered voice that only I could hear.
◇◇◇
Mildiana Territory's military command occupied vast grounds. Adjacent to it stood the military school with its pristine white architecture. The school building alone dwarfed two or three wealthy noble mansions combined, and up close, its full scope was impossible to take in at a glance. It truly lived up to Rena's claim that it was the largest in the empire.
With the military command next door, soldiers in black uniforms were a common sight around the school grounds.
This is where they train heroes?
Yes. However, not all applicants aim to become heroes. In fact, many can't become heroes.
What do you mean?
As you know, Master Lucifer, all those called heroes receive divine protection and blessings from the gods. Such people are called divine envoys, and they become capable of wielding superhuman strength and tremendous magic. Naturally, I was also a divine envoy. Until you took me as your wife, anyway.
Come to think of it, immediately after bonding with Rena . . .
I lost the gods' divine protection.
I remembered Rena's slightly sad expression when she said that.
Instead, I'd given her my own power and transformed her into a devil, so she could still use those supernatural abilities without any problems. If anything, she'd become stronger than she was when we first fought.
The gods grant power not only to humans, but to various species—beast-kin, elves, dragonians, and so on—to everyone except us demons.
Well, even without divine protection or blessings, we're strong enough on our own.
True. And those who can become divine envoys are extremely limited. In the empire, simply being a divine envoy grants various preferential treatments—such as receiving field officer rank or higher upon graduating from military school ahead of schedule, or gaining eligibility to participate in the senate, among other benefits.
I see . . . so heroes are chosen from among these divine envoys then?
Correct. Aiming to become a hero requires considerable ability, so graduating from the honor student track is preferred. This track operates on pure meritocracy, so you cannot enter based solely on being a divine envoy. What's needed to enter that honor student track is—
Good scores on the entrance exams, I take it?
Precisely. If the examiners recognize your abilities during the entrance exam, you can enter the honor student track. After that, you complete various training programs and eventually become a hero.
She was getting a bit fed up at having to explain such things, wasn't she?
Well, the system was simple enough. In short, the strongest person got chosen as the hero. That's all there was to it.
But Master Lucifer, are you truly going to take the entrance exam?
Yeah. I won't know what state the hero training institution is in unless I go inside and see for myself. So tell me, is that honor student track limited to divine envoys only?
According to empire-wide academy regulations, yes. However, there are occasionally exceptionally talented humans who aren't divine envoys, and special exceptions have been made to accept such capable individuals. But that was five hundred years ago, so I cannot say whether the same holds true now.
Got it. Well, since I'm here anyway, I might as well aim for the honor student track.
After saying this casually, I quickly passed through the academy gates and entered the grounds.
Tables were set up on both sides of the pathway leading to the courtyard, with several staff members busy attending to what appeared to be prospective applicants. That was probably the reception area.
As I approached, an elf woman wearing glasses, who seemed to be a receptionist, came over to speak with me.
Are you here hoping to enroll?
Yeah.
Which exam are you interested in?
Huh? Oh, the honor student track. That's the one I want.
The moment I said this, the receptionist's expression shifted from confusion to condescension.
Excuse me, but have you read the admission requirements?
I haven't, but the honor student track offers the best opportunities, right? I'd like to try for that.
She snorted with laughter.
Regular entrance exams focus on just one specialty: magic, swordsmanship, or martial arts.
Right, that's why I don't want the regular exam. I want the honor student track.
The elf's delicate features twisted with displeasure. I had clearly rubbed the receptionist the wrong way.
She let out an exaggerated sigh before speaking.
Judging by your attitude, you don't have recommendation letters from nobles or military officers either, do you?
What? Do I need those?
Naturally.
Really? So I can't take it then? Well, it was worth a shot.
The corners of her mouth curved upward.
It would be impossible. At least for someone like you.
What makes you think that?
I don't have time to waste explaining. If you're just here to mess around, please leave.
I'm being serious, though.
After I said that, she shook her head with an exasperated expression that said it all: How do I even explain this to the fool standing in front of me?
She seemed to have no intention of listening to my side of things whatsoever. It was typical elven arrogance.
. . . This was getting genuinely annoying. Perhaps I should just kill her.
Well, to be recognized for the honor student track, you need to take all three of the tests I mentioned—magic, swordsmanship, and martial arts. Only those who are recognized by the examiners in all of them will be accept—
I interrupted the elf mid-sentence.
I see, got it. Then I'll take all of them.
Basically, I just needed to be strong enough.
Understood. Then you can go now—Wait, were you even listening to what I just said?!
I was listening, which is exactly why I'm even more motivated now. I just need to get first place in all of them, right?
Hmm? I don't believe there was ever such a condition.
Rena, who was in stealth mode, muttered. What was going on here? This certainly made things more interesting.
When you start to regret it, don't come crying to me saying I didn't warn you.
I won't regret it. So hurry up and get things moving.
Are you absolutely certain about this?
Quit stalling! I'm telling you to hurry it up.
. . . Eep!!
The receptionist collapsed on the spot, her face frozen in shock.
Master Lucifer.
Sorry. I got carried away.
Rena quietly reprimanded me.
That was close. If I hadn't sealed most of my power in Tenebrae with sealing techniques, this woman would have exploded by now. She was just an ordinary elf with no particular strength.
One of the other reception staff noticed the commotion and approached us. I'd need to be more careful this time.
As the human receptionist rushed over, I called out.
Um, could you hurry this up? I'm here to enroll.
Huh? Oh, ah . . . then please fill out the necessary information on these forms.
The male receptionist was worried about the elf who had suddenly collapsed and replied to me in a somewhat dismissive tone.
The elf had completely lost consciousness and fallen over.
Had she died? Well, as long as I didn't get blamed for it, I didn't really care either way.
I took the forms as instructed and furrowed my brow slightly at one particular field.
Name . . . I can't exactly write my real name, can I?
I believe writing something appropriate would be fine.
Something appropriate, huh? Come to think of it, I'd written down a random name when I'd stayed at an inn too. What was it again? Something fairly common . . .
Ah, right . . . Wasn't this it?
Theodore.
When checking into the inn, Rena had given me several human names to choose from. So I wrote the same name I had randomly picked back then.
From today forward, my name in the empire would be Theodore. No surname, since I wasn't a noble.
Here, I'm finished, mister.
Ah, yeah, yeah . . . Wait, what?! You're taking all of them?!
Sensing that another round of the same back-and-forth was about to begin, I ignored the receptionist shouting something behind me and headed deeper into the campus.
