The Battle of Norneau - Part 8 - The Devil You Know

As Kir approached, it became clear that there were more than a hundred students suspended in the air.

"How much you wanna bet there's 128 up there?" the voice said.

"Who the fuck are you?" Kir thought back.

"Wouldn't you like to know," the Voice replied.

Oh so now it wanted to talk?

"I heard that thought," the voice said. "And it's He or Him. Same as you. Funny... I usually only get a second to get a word in. Maybe this has something to do with that tingle in your ear."

As soon as the voice said it, Kir reached up. The seal felt hot. It was not burning yet, but it was clearly reacting to something.

As Kir and Noir passed the bubbled students, they came closer to the massive crystal that was the Academy's heart.

And from behind it stepped...

"Maledict..." Kir growled.

"Hello, son."