The forest of Deception

After two days of deliberation, the school elders and Principal Roman finally decided on Theodore's punishment. The sheer number of injured students in the clinic left them baffled, and while most agreed on two weeks of suspension, Mr. White's relentless complaints stretched it to a month.

Theodore, however, wasn't bothered. He leaned back in his chair, sipping tea with an air of contentment. The room was tranquil, save for the soft rustling of Belial folding his clothes nearby. A faint smirk graced Theodore's lips—everything had gone exactly as planned. The suspension was more a reward than a punishment.

Belial glanced at him, curiosity flickering in his crimson eyes. "My lord, judging by that expression, I assume the punishment suits your liking. So, how long are they keeping you out?"

Theodore's smirk deepened. "A month," he replied, savoring his tea. "Finally, I'm free from those insufferable children."

Belial chuckled softly. "A suspension, you say? But, my lord, you're a child yourself, yet you sound like an old man reminiscing about the past. Is this something unique to this generation?"

Theodore paused, his smirk faltering slightly. (I suppose he doesn't know about my reincarnation. Belial has proven loyal—I should tell him.)

Setting his teacup down, Theodore's tone grew reflective. "About that, Belial... there's something you should know. I'm not originally from this world."

Belial froze mid-motion, his usual calm demeanor shaken. He turned to face Theodore, his eyes wide with shock. "What did you say?"

"My soul," Theodore continued, swirling the remaining tea in his cup, "comes from a place called Earth. A world without mana, without magic. Instead, humans there created something called technology, which surpasses anything in this world."

Belial remained silent for a moment before his voice returned, low and cautious. "Does the old man know about this ?"

Theodore nodded, leaning back in his chair. "He is aware. In fact, I believe that's why the old man was able to get me thought that book. But there's more to the story. When I died on Earth, I felt something—a presence—pulling my soul before I could move on. I suspect it was one of this world's gods."

Belial's expression darkened, his crimson eyes narrowing. "A god interfering with a soul from another world... that reeks of Gaia, the Mother of Creation. She alone has the authority to reach across dimensions."

Theodore's eyes flickered with recognition. "Gaia... that name. Yes, it must have been her. A woman's voice spoke to me—she said I was needed to stop some great evil. Typical goddess behavior, dumping responsibility on someone else." He crushed a cookie in his hand, his tone dripping with disdain.

Belial stepped closer, his posture tense. "If Gaia herself summoned you, then the stakes are higher than we imagined. Are you... planning to become a hero, my lord?"

Theodore's sharp laugh cut through the air. "A hero? Don't be ridiculous, Belial. I spent thirty years of my previous life being a cog in someone else's machine. Thirty years of being trampled on, used, and discarded. My parents, my so-called friends, even my boss—they all drained me dry." His expression darkened, and he crushed another cookie. "I refuse to let the gods, or anyone else, bind me with chains again. If they get in my way, I'll crush them—even if I have to take over the world or storm heaven itself."

Belial's jaw tightened as he listened, processing his master's ambition. "You're planning to defy the gods? My lord... that's a path fraught with peril. The gods' wrath is not easily escaped. Even I, as a demon, fear their power."

Theodore crossed his legs, his gaze cold but resolute. "I'm aware of the risks, Belial. But this isn't about rebellion for rebellion's sake. This is about freedom. My dream is simple—I want a life where no one can control me. To achieve that, I'll need power. Enough power to rule everything, even the heavens if necessary."

Belial studied him carefully before speaking. "Forgive me, my lord, but isn't that... greedy?"

Theodore's lips curled into a faint smile. "Greedy? Perhaps. But humans are greedy by nature, Belial. Ambition and hope are what drive us forward. Without them, we're nothing."

Belial's serious expression softened into a grin, his sharp teeth glinting faintly. "Well said, my lord. If it's power you seek, then I shall help you achieve it. I'll double your morning training regimen. It's been centuries since I've had this much fun, and I'll gladly fight by your side as your loyal servant."

Theodore's smile widened, genuine for once. "Good. Then let's begin, Belial. We have a lot of work to do."

Belial hesitated, then asked cautiously, "My lord, what was your name in your previous life?"

Theodore's hand froze mid-motion. Slowly, he set his teacup down, his expression unreadable, his gaze distant. "Why do you wish to know, Belial?"

Belial lowered his head slightly, his crimson eyes flickering with unease. "Because, my lord, even though this life is new, your past is part of what shaped you. Knowing it might help me serve you better."

Theodore stared at Belial for a long moment, the air between them thick with tension. Finally, he let out a quiet sigh, leaning back in his chair. "I appreciate your loyalty, Belial. But that name... it belongs to a world that betrayed me. A life filled with mistakes and regrets. One day, perhaps, I will tell you. But for now, it's a shadow I'm not ready to revisit."

Belial straightened, sensing the weight in his master's words. "As you command, my lord. I will not press further."

Theodore's gaze sharpened, turning to practical matters. "Now, Belial, tell me—what have you uncovered about Principal Roman?"

Belial's normally composed expression darkened. "Not much, my lord. His origins are elusive. The academy records claim he was once a student here... centuries ago. Back then, he exposed a secret cabal of elders and teachers who practiced dark magic. The imperial court intervened, and those guilty of treason were executed publicly—beheaded in the capital or fed to pigs in the southern markets."

Theodore raised an eyebrow. "And what was his motivation? Was he one of their victims?"

Belial frowned, shaking his head. "There's no evidence to suggest that. What's peculiar is his power—it doesn't belong to any normal mage. His mana is overwhelming, unnatural. I suspect he's no longer fully human."

Theodore's expression tightened, his mind racing. "For someone to wield such power... either he's made a pact with a god or is something far older. Keep digging, Belial. Whatever he is, I don't trust him."

Belial bowed deeply. "As you wish, my lord. I'll continue my search."

Before they could delve further, the door creaked open, and Mimi entered the room. Her face was calm, but tension lingered in her voice. "My lord, the queen has sent a message. Her agents are moving tonight under the full moon. They've ordered me to report on the progress of your death and the poison."

Theodore's smirk returned, sharp and predatory. "Ah, so the queen moves at last. How delightfully predictable."

Mimi nodded. "They're meeting me in the outer forest, near the old tree. They trust me as Amara... their 'loyal servant.'"

Theodore chuckled darkly, his crimson eyes gleaming with malice. "Perfect. Let them think they hold the strings. Belial, tonight, you'll see the curtain rise on an interesting act."

Belial's grin mirrored Theodore's. "I eagerly await the performance, my lord."

- - - - -

Under the Full Moon

The forest was bathed in silver light, the air heavy with the earthy scent of damp leaves. Mimi walked briskly toward the outer edge of the academy grounds, her footsteps deliberate yet soft. Past the second wall and into the forest's forbidden depths, she reached the meeting spot: a gnarled, ancient tree surrounded by thick fog.

Hidden within the shadows, Theodore and Belial followed in silence, their forms concealed by Theodore's mastery of shadow magic.

As Mimi entered the clearing, she tilted her head subtly, signaling to Theodore that everything was in place. He nodded to Belial, both watching with predatory focus.

Moments later, three cloaked figures emerged from the darkness, their black garments blending with the night. The leader of the group, taller and broader than the others, stepped forward. A silver dagger gleamed at his side.

"If it isn't Amara," the leader drawled, his voice dripping with menace. "You're late."

Mimi dipped her head in a mock display of respect. "My apologies. I was delayed by the boy's... resilience."

Theodore's lips curved upward slightly. (She plays her part well.)

Have you been poisoning the prince as instructed?" the leader growled, his tone sharp enough to cut through the thick silence of the forest.

Mimi nodded, her expression trembling with fear. "Yes, but someone must be helping him. He's still alive."

The leader's face twisted in fury. "And why haven't you dealt with them?"

"I will," Mimi stammered, lowering her head. "Please, just give me more time."

The leader sneered, stepping closer. With a violent motion, he grabbed her by the hair and yanked her head back, forcing her to meet his furious gaze. "Women! You're useless. The queen trusted you with this task, and here you are failing like a common fool. Or have you grown soft for that cursed prince?"

Mimi gasped in pain, her voice trembling. "Ah—please! Unhand me! I'll do it. Just give me another chance!" She struggled against his iron grip, tears streaming convincingly down her face.

Hidden in the shadows, Belial's fists clenched, his crimson eyes narrowing with fury. "My lord," he whispered, barely containing his anger. "They're hurting her. How can you remain so calm?"

Theodore, leaning against a tree, observed the scene with a faint smirk. His crimson eyes glinted with cold amusement. "Because she's acting, Belial. Don't forget—Mimi is no fragile human. Pain is meaningless to her."

Belial blinked, his rage momentarily replaced by embarrassment. "Ah... Of course. Forgive my outburst, my lord."

Theodore chuckled softly. "No need. Just watch. She's quite the performer."

The leader, clearly frustrated, slammed Mimi's head against a tree. The impact echoed through the clearing, but Mimi didn't falter, her acting flawless. She whimpered, her voice trembling. "Please... I'll fix it. I swear. Don't report me to the queen!"

The leader leaned in closer, his breath hot against her ear. "You should be afraid. Tomorrow, you'll answer to the queen herself at the marquis's estate. If you fail again, I'll make sure your punishment is... unforgettable."

Mimi whimpered, her body shaking as if consumed by fear. "I—I understand. I'll do better. I swear."

Theodore's smirk widened as he watched the scene. "She's good," he murmured under his breath. "Very convincing."

The leader scoffed, motioning for his companions to follow him. "You'd better. For your sake." Without another word, the three men disappeared into the shadows, their heavy footsteps fading into the night.

As soon as they were out of sight, Theodore stepped into the clearing, his movements smooth and deliberate. The moonlight bathed his figure, his crimson eyes gleaming like twin embers in the dark. "Well done, Mimi. You played your part beautifully."

Mimi straightened her posture, her fearful expression vanishing in an instant. Her usual monotone demeanor returned as if the performance had never happened. "Thank you, my lord. I hope it was satisfactory."

Belial stepped forward, draping his coat over her shoulders. "You weren't hurt, were you, Miss Mimi?"

She glanced at him, her voice calm. "Not at all. As a shadow, pain means nothing to me."

Theodore crossed his arms, his gaze thoughtful. "Good. Now that we know the location, we'll deal with this marquis's estate tomorrow. But there's one problem. I'm under suspension, and the school's security is tight. Leaving unnoticed will be a challenge."

Mimi stepped forward. "The marquis's territory isn't far, my lord. It's less than a thirty-minute journey by carriage. The school's location in the central forest makes it relatively close to all major territories, including Donovan's."

Belial grinned, his sharp teeth glinting. "Shall I prepare the carriage, my lord?"

Theodore shook his head. "No. That would be far too conspicuous. The guards will notice immediately."

Belial's grin grew wider. "Then I'll create a portal. My abilities allow me to open one within a specific range. It will be quick and silent."

Theodore's smirk returned. "Efficient. That settles it. Tomorrow, we'll head to the estate. But first..." He turned, his gaze falling on the dense forest ahead. "There's something I need to show you both. Follow me."

Belial and Mimi exchanged puzzled glances before silently trailing behind him, their curiosity piqued.