Chapter 5: First class

The morning came when the opening ceremony of the academy was going to be held. Teachers were told to not be late, so Lucas made sure to be there at the exact time when he was expected to be there. Lucy didn't like this very much and told Lucas to come a little earlier next time. Lucas said "I make no promises." To which Lucy sighs and so she goes to the stadium to give her speech.

Lucy started "Greetings students old and new. My name is Luciana Lizwood Tyrp and I welcome you all to this academy with open arms as the new school year begins. This academy is here to let you study, improve, gain new skills, and research to your heart's content. But while it is the purpose of this academy to let people do those things, this academy was not solely built on the idea of rigorous study and training. This academy was built so that you can do all that while also making new friends along the way. Do not get absorbed solely in studying and training, remember to share your thoughts with others so that you and your friend may further improve yourselves in many ways.

Some days will be easier than others whereas other days may push you to your limits. No matter how hard or easy it is, be sure to always take on the next challenge the best you can. As my mother once said "Always try to find a reason to step out of bed instead of staying in that cozy warm bed. The day has many things it can offer you, so go and wander, learn and experience the world." I will always remember those words as I, admittedly, was a little spoiled brat when I was young. Once I understood those words one day, my world changed and it brought me where I am today.

So don't wallow by yourself when it gets hard and find that one reason to go on. But while I say that you should always continue to pursue your goals, be sure to rest properly every now and then so that you don't burn yourself out. Be it alone in your room reading books or socializing with your friends, it doesn't matter what it is. The only thing that matters is that as long as it makes you happy, don't let go of it.

And then there we get to the opposite side of hard work and getting too relaxed. Which brings me back to the fact that you should always try to improve yourselves.

All in all, enjoy yourselves and work hard. We teachers are here to guide you to better improve yourselves so that you may see a better you tomorrow.

Again, my name is Luciana Lizwood Tyrp, the headmaster of this academy and I welcome you all to another wonderful school year."

Then people clap and the opening ceremony ends. The students know which classroom they need to enter, so the only thing Lucas needs to do is to go to the classroom class 3B is. It was room number 361.

Then Lucas was standing behind the door of a room that had his new class of students. He was a bit nervous, but in mind he thought "I was a god damned demon king not long ago so why am I so nervous now? Well for me it hasn't even been three months but in reality it has been over 1100 years, but still. Just get in there Legul. You have already seen the worst of the worst."

Then he entered the room where a group of 15 15 year olds were chatting. He said "Take your seats" to which most then went to their seat. Only one was left standing. Lucas asked "What is the issue young man?" To which the one still standing said "I am from the family that oversees demon movements and I sense that you are a demon."

Lucas then says "You are correct. So what's the issue?" The boy said "I refuse to sit in a class that is being taught by a being akin to creatures like monsters." Lucas then looked up some papers and saw a picture of the boy in question and he recalled what he had read when he looked at what sort of people were in his class.

Lucas then said "Your name is Kyle Marx correct?" to which the boy answered with "That's correct. Of course a demon would know my family name. You know what my family can do to your kind, right?" Lucas said "Enslavement." To which Kyle responded "Good. You are a little smarter than average. Now since my threats against this weren't heard when I talked to the principal about this, I hope that we can be civilized and agree that you shouldn't be here."

The rest of the students were mostly silent. Then one girl with bunny ears decided to speak up. "Enough about this Kyle. He is a person like any other so let him do his job in peace." Kyle said "What do you mean this runt is a person? He is only just a monster with a bit more intellect."

Then Lucas said "I suppose that I will have to give you a lesson about the difference between monsters and demons." Kyle laughed and said "You? Lecturing me? That is hilarious." Lucas then asked "What is the main difference between other races and demons?" Kyle answered "Demons have a monster core and other races don't."

Lucas said "That isn't entirely correct. True, it's currently more known as monster core, but the more proper and scientific name is magic core. Be sure to call it that if you need to write a paper about it someday or you might lose some points." Kyle shrugs and says "Monster core, magic core, what's the difference. Both monsters and demons have them so it makes no difference."

Lucas says "You are correct. That doesn't make any difference. But then to my next question. What is the difference between monster and demon?" Kyle answers "We can talk to demons and actually expect them to listen." Lucas says "Wrong. Monsters like manticora can understand complex speech and its much higher form sphynx can even talk even though it is considered a monster and not a demon. Any other suggestions?"

The room is silent for a while. Lucas then asks "No answers? Well, let me answer it then. It is the fact that non demon humanoids can't breed with monsters but humanoid races can breed with demons. The long and short of it is that just because non demon humanoids share the fact that they don't have a magic core in them with normal animals, that doesn't mean that they are just more intelligent than animals. Or, to be completely honest, non demon humanoids are just more intelligent than animals and are the same otherwise. Simply put, animals are to non demon humanoids what monsters are to demon races."

The classroom is talking amongst themselves and Kyle seems to get a little pissed off. Then Lucas asks the class "Do you know why breeding between demons and other humanoid races is possible?" The class is quiet for a while until one of the female students raises their hand and says "Is it because the gods chose it to be possible." Lucas says "That is correct. You were…" The female student says "Marika Jessin." Lucas says "I'll remember that name. Well, I ought to remember everyone's name in the class, but still."

Then Kyle says "Why would gods allow such a thing to exist? I'm sure one of the demon gods did something to let others be corrupted."

Lucas thinks for a moment and then says "The reason is off but you are on the right track about who did it. I will tell more about it in a later lecture, but the short story is that a demon god, together with other gods, made it so that demons and other humanoids could breed amongst themselves. The reason why this was was because of the fact that gods never wanted demons and other races to be enemies. They knew that it was inevitable, but they still believed that the two could coexist together. Just look at the end of Legul Ranan rein and his successor. That was the time when no wars were fought between the two for at least 500 years. The standstill was tense for a long time, but the fact remained that there were no wars between demons and other races."

Kyle is trying to stay composed, but he is getting super annoyed at Lucas. Then he says to him "Well if your race was like us, then why did you all start that 500 year war?" Lucas says "Different people make different choices. The fact that one of my kin made the choice to conquer the whole world is saddening to me, but that doesn't mean it is only demons who would do such an evil deed. It might not be well recorded nowadays, but there was a time in history where the human race was more aggressive and bloodthirsty than demons. Though it is a time long pass, it is proof that there might be some demons that are more deserving of life than some humans and vice versa. There are always a few bad apples in a tree no matter how hard you try. There might be batches where there are no bad ones, but there is always a next batch."

Kyle then says angrily "You still haven't convinced me to sit in your class and you can't make me." Lucas says "Technically if I use hypnosis or any type of spell that affects your mind, I could make you sit. Hell, I could make you sit down by just using magic that affects gravity. But as far as your free will goes, you are correct, I can't make you sit down. So hence, feel free to stand as much as you like Mr. Marx." Kyle is confused and asks "What do you…"

And then Lucas finally starts the class "Hello class. My name is Lucas Knave and I will be your homeroom teacher. Feel free to attend my classes if you like, but don't feel obligated to do so if you don't want to. Now let's start with attendance. It seems that we are missing two students, but that doesn't matter to us currently. Once I say your name, rise up and say something so I can see you and hear your voice."

Kyle then says "You can't just ignore me." Lucas says "Hannah Lindström?" A girl with long brown hair and brown eyes rises up and says "Here." Lucas asks "Anything you might want to say?" Hannah says "I… hail from a country up north and I'm told I'm quite famous there." Lucas asks "You are told?" Hannah then says "Yes. I don't personally see it." Lucas then says "I see. You may sit." Hanah does so.

Then Kyle shouts "Are you serious!?" Lucas responds "Mr. Marx, please do not interrupt the class while it is in session. If you have a question, please raise your hand and I will get to you. That is what the teacher is supposed to say, but as long as you don't cause a commotion, everything is fine with me. If you do cause a commotion, I will tell you to go out of the classroom. If that doesn't work, I will ask more… gently… about it and hope that you will leave."

Kyle is stunned and says nothing. Then Lucas says "Hannibal Edenburrow?" A tall man with black hair and amber eyes rises up and says "Here." Lucas asks "Anything to say about yourself?" Hannibal says "I like to use swords together with some magic. I like swords more, but using magic along with it makes me more powerful." Lucas says "That is good. And if you add aura to the mix you will be even stronger." Hannibal says "I… have a bit of trouble concerning that." Lucas then says "I will try to fix your little issue at a later date. You may sit." Hannibal says "Yes" and sits down.

Then Kyle tries to utter something, but he is cut off by Lucas saying "Iris Lotus?" An elf girl with long blond hair and blue eyes rises up and says "Here." Lucas asks "Anything to say about yourself?" Iris says "I am from an old Lotus family that has been highly regarded in elven society." Lucas says "I heard about it back when I was working in demon territory. Say, does the name Elisif Lotus ring any bells?" Iris says "She is my great grandmother. Do you know her?" Lucas says "I had run into her once and it didn't end so nicely. I hold nothing against her since she did what she had to do. You may sit." Iris does so while wondering what her great grandmother did to this man.

Then Lucas says "Sonya Jiblib?" A girl with pinkish blond hair and bunny ears jumped up from her seat and shouted "Here! My name is Sonya Jiblib and I come from a warrior bunny race!" Lucas says "You don't have to shout Ms. Jiblib." To which Sonya said "Just Sonya is fine." Lucas then says "Right. Ms… Sonya, you are from the beastman race that have bunny ears and a scut. I have lived quite some time and I only have seen people of your race thrice. The two previous times weren't so pleasant as they were assassins. I hope that you aren't an assassin." Sonya says "If the clan head demands it, I will do an assassination. Even though I haven't done anything like that before." Lucas says "Your dedication to your clan is admirable. You may sit." Sonya shouts "Yes!" and sits down as quickly as she rose up.

Then Lucas says "Milla Starlight?" There was no response. Lucas then looked at the details he received about the students and saw that she was a short elf girl with blue and long hair with blue half shut eyes like she was either about to fall asleep or that she was so uninterested in everything. Her hobby seemed to be stargazing so Lucas had a clue as to why she didn't come. He put a mental note that she might be a student that is often absent.

Then Lucas says "To the next student. Elias Gustafsson?" Then a boy that was short and had black hair and glasses on him rose up and said quietly "He- Here." Lucas then asked "And what can you tell me about yourself?" Elias says quietly "I… study runes and ancient scriptures." Lucas then says "That field takes a certain type of mindset. I commend you for choosing it." Elias says "I… don't really think I'm that good." But even if he said so, Lucas could see a small smile from Elias' face. Then Lucas says "I may be able to help you with some, but don't expect too much from me. You may sit." Elias does so.

Lucas then said "Then… Marika Jessin?" A girl with blond hair and blue eyes rises up from her chair and says "Here." Then Lucas asks her "What can you tell me about yourself?" Marika says "I'm a devoted believer of the gods and I think gods are merciful." Lucas says "You certainly do show that belief. I believe the one reason why you think they are merciful is because they let the demon race live after their invasion. Is that correct?" Marika says "Yes. And just being wouldn't kill meaninglessly." Lucas mumbled to himself "Oh so young and innocent." Then he says "You may sit." Marika does so.

Then Lucas says "Kyle Marx?" Then Kyle meekly says "Yes" and then realizes who is talking to him and says "What is it demon?!" Lucas says "You have made your character quite clear, so I'm not going to ask you more. You may sit if you so choose." Kyle says "I…" then he takes a look around as no one is expecting anything great and says meekly "shall do just that." And so he finally sat down. He was still seething with anger, but he couldn't risk tarnishing his family name.

Then Lucas said "Drace Fireblood?" A beastman with dragon-like horns, tail, red scales on his hands and other places, long dark red hair and red eyes raised his hand while still sitting and said "Here." Lucas said "I think I told you to rise up, but whatever. Anything you'd like to say about yourself?" Drace says "Don't you have some info about me in that paper of yours?" Lucas says "Yes, but would you humor your teacher?" Drace says "Fine. I have dragon blood on my veins and I like to enhance my body by using draconic aura and my transformation skill. I'm also an expert in fire magic." Lucas says "You seem quite prideful. No shame in that. Just remember that sometimes it makes things harder for yourself." Drace says "I won't change my ways."

Then Lucas said "Elliot Loiso?" A boy with dark hair and brown eyes rose up and said "Here." Lucas asks "What can you tell about yourself?" Elliot says "I… Study magic." Lucas says "And?" Elliot says "That's it." Lucas says "So why are you studying magic?" Elliot says "Because it is what I'm best at." Lucas says "Okay. You may sit." Elliot sits.

Then Lucas says "Lois Woodstone?" A girl with reddish hair and green eyes rose up and said "Here." Lucas asks "What can you tell me about yourself?" Lois says "Well, I come from a family of hunters that happen to be minor nobles that happen to have some land." Lucas asks "Are you a bowman?" Lois says "Yes. I'm told that I'm quite skilled at it." Lucas says "That's good. You may sit." And Lois sits.

Then Lucas says "Miranda Po" A tall elf with long blond hair and bluish gray eyes rose up and said "Here." Lucas asks "What's your speciality?" Miranda says "I'm also an archer." Lucas says "Do you and Lois compete?" Miranda says "Sometimes, but we are good friends." Lucas says "That is good. You may sit." Miranda does so.

Lucas then says "Naoh Gilhammer?" A dwarf boy raises his hand and says "She is absent today." Lucas then says "Okay. If I recall correctly you were Noah Gilhammer, Nao's brother." Noa says "That is correct. We are twins." Lucas asks "Can you tell me why she isn't here today?" Noah says "She probably is focusing so much on her smithing that she hasn't paid attention to the time." Lucas says "Okay. I will remember that."

Then Lucas pauses for a moment and then says "Tora Hage?" Then a bald boy rises up from his chair and says "Here." Lucas says "Just to confirm. You are 15." Tora says "That is correct." Lucas then asks "What can you say about yourself?" Tora says "I specialize in swordsmanship." Lucas asks "Any favorite stances?" Tora says "I prefer the easter style." Lucas says "I see. You may sit." Tora does so.

Lucas then says "Tenrir Lostwood?" A tall yet thin boy rises up and says "Here." Lucas asks "What can you tell about yourself?" Tenrir says "I'm an engineer." Lucas says "So you build magical devices and/or non magical devices like rifles?" Tenrir says "Yes. Something like that." Lucas asks "Do you work with alchemists by any chance?" Tenrir says "Occasionally when I need some processed material that is hard to come by." Lucas says "I see. You may sit." Tenrir does so. Lucas thinks that there is more to this person's story, but decided to not push further.

Then Lucas says "Walter Seger?" A dark elf gets up and says "Here." Lucas says "Anything you can tell me about yourself." Walter says "I… well… Know how to get rid of trash." Lucas knows what Walter meant by it and says "It is weird to hear someone boasting about that, but that's good to hear. If it weren't for people like you, we would have trash everywhere. Well, more than we have now." Walter then said "Quite." Lucas then says "You may sit" and Walter does so.

Then Lucas sighs and says "Now that we have finally introduced ourselves, let's talk about the matters at hand. First is the fact that we will receive a new student to our class in about a week or so, so be ready for that. She is from a high ranking noble lineage so be sure to let her feel welcome. Or at least don't make her your enemy as soon as she enters and coexists by being a fellow student.

The second is that there have been findings that some people are using an illegal substance known as demon dust. It enhances your abilities artificially and boosts your training speed. The downside is that it can cause a phenomenon known as demonization which makes the user more prone to violence and selfishness. It also makes the user's mana and aura suffer if the substance is not taken regularly. If you see any dealings of this, be sure to inform any academy staff. And then…"

The class continued with the normal start of the school year announcements regarding rules and policies. Then the bell rang and the class was dismissed. Lucas then went to the teacher lounge and chatted with other teachers. The next class he would be teaching was going to be practical practice.