Extra Demon: Sacred Academy of Light

Monday [Imperial Calendar, Year 2801, First Month, Day 30]

"I hope you all enjoyed your little vacation. The academic festival was a complete success for us — a big change, but very satisfying."

The teacher's eyes swept over all the students. "I'm happy, students."

Professor Emilia was speaking at the front of the classroom. However, even though she said she was happy, she wasn't smiling at all. Her expression remained cold, and her eyes were as icy as ever. She didn't look happy — just the same as always.

Professor Emilia took a few small steps and extended her hand. A screen appeared in front of all the students.

Daniela, president of [Class 1: Hope] — 2300 points.Ariel, president of [Class 2: Elegance] — 2000 points.Lisa, president of [Class 3: Confidence] — 1800 points.Julian, president of [Class 4: Harmony] — 1700 points.Draven, president of [Class 5: Happiness] — 1600 points.

"You finally managed to reach first place. I'm quite pleased with the result," Professor Emilia said, nodding slightly. She fell silent for a moment.

"Setting that aside, the theme for the next event will be about magical beasts. And since we need to prepare for it, we'll be visiting the Beast Glades for a while. I'll let you know when the time comes, so make sure you're ready and bring everything you might need. Keep in mind, we'll be away from the Empire for some time."

Professor Emilia looked at the students one last time.

"That will be all for today. You may leave."

She started walking toward the door, but just before stepping out, she turned around and looked me straight in the eyes.

"Student Arthur, come with me."

After saying those words, she finally left the classroom.

"And what did you do this time?" Daniela asked, frowning at me. A faint hint of worry lingered in her beautiful golden eyes.

"I'm going with you!" Leslie declared firmly, grabbing my arm tightly.

Evelyn just stared at me in silence.

Arthur was confused. He had no idea why Professor Emilia was calling him, but perhaps this was his chance to ask the questions that had been on his mind. Thinking about it, he looked at the three of them.

"It's fine, no need to worry," he said, trying to comfort them.

He felt guilty for making them worry once again.

"I'll be with the professor."

After talking with them and convincing them — or at least trying to — they finally let him go, though on the condition that they would follow him from behind.

*****

"Student Arthur, I have a few things to tell you. First of all, I don't want you overstepping your boundaries like that ever again. I believe you understand why, don't you?"

Professor Emilia was sitting elegantly at her desk, adjusting her glasses as she looked at me, lips pressed tightly together.

"I understand the reasons. I won't do it again," I replied.

I had overheard the conversation between Seraphine and Lilith. If Seraphine had hesitated even three seconds longer, I would've been dead. It was a harsh reality.

The blue flame had caused me more trouble than I could handle, mainly because I still didn't understand it — nor did I know how to control it. That's something I have to keep in mind... though I also don't even know how to begin trying.

Professor Emilia nodded slightly.

"As I said back in the classroom, we'll be going to the Beast Glades. But there's a problem — and the problem is you," she said directly.

"Well, straight to the point, huh," Arthur muttered to himself, smirking. "It's because I'm a demon, isn't it?"

I had no trouble saying it out loud. Emilia — the Ice Seraph — already knew perfectly well what I was, though she chose to ignore it, just like Seraphine and the student council president did.

Besides, the Seraph within the professor wasn't fully awakened, more like... balanced, fifty-fifty.

[Emilia Rose White (First Seraph)][Status: Semi-unsealed][Corruption Level: 0%][First Seraph: Sealed (50%)]

That's how it should be. Her left eye belongs to the Seraph — if you look closely, it's much whiter than her right eye.

So, I was being watched by the Ice Seraph himself, and of course, he knew I was a demon. Just like Professor Emilia did.

The professor raised an eyebrow, slightly surprised, and nodded slowly.

"Exactly. As you might know, there's a semi-god-level being that guards the Beast Glades. And, well... let's just say it's not particularly fond of demons. That's why you'll have to stay by my side at all times. Understood?"

The Beast Glades were a vast forest filled with magical beasts — creatures capable of extraordinary intelligence, especially as their rank increased. Some of them could even speak the human language.

Of course, those kinds of beasts were deep inside the forest, in the territory of the so-called Queen of Beasts — a creature with the appearance of a woman.

I didn't know what she looked like. In the original story, she never appeared. She never showed herself, to be precise. She was a complete mystery.

"I understand, professor." I nodded, feeling the headache of future problems creeping in. I furrowed my brow.

"Professor, can I ask you a question?"

Emilia looked at me carefully.

"Go ahead."

"It might sound a bit dumb, but... could you tell me the power hierarchy of the Empire?"

I felt a little embarrassed asking something so basic, but I had to take advantage of the moment.

"Are you serious?" Professor Emilia stared at me from head to toe.

"Yes," I said, nodding.

"Beginner, Ascender, Master, Sage, Saint, Spirit, Semi-God. Each of these ranks is divided into three sub-levels: lower, middle, and upper.

For humans, the most direct way to ascend is by killing demons and absorbing their life force. The energy is automatically purified once it enters the soul.

The same applies to killing dragons, elves, magical beasts, or even other humans.

Another method is forming a bond with a magical beast. You can also consume potions or elixirs, find soul-compatible artifacts, millenary fruits, and so on.

When your soul overflows with vital energy and starts to emit special fluctuations, it means you're just one step away.

And here's where most people struggle: to break through and ascend, you'll need something specific. I can't tell you what that is, because only you can find out.

Judging by your current state, you still need a bit more energy within your soul. But don't worry — when the time comes, your soul itself will let you know what you need."

She lowered her head and started reading some documents.

"If that's all, you may leave."

"Thank you very much," I said. With those final words, I left the office.