Proofreader: Myself

Pure sunshine beamed onto my face, reminding me of back home. It was an alarm clock for me, and a reminder to wake up Yumiko…

Slap!

My cheeks illuminated a bright red as I moved.

I opened up the interesting facts book, simply out of curiosity and because I couldn’t get rid of it either. Opening the front cover, the words wrote themselves.

‘Did you know that Luna Rend Alexander actually dislikes the Empire?’

Was that so? It’s not like I heard this throughout all my playtimes at all or anything. (sarcasm)

‘Anyways!’

There was no point dawdling right now, I had to get ready for the next round of classes. In our rooms, as part of the Platinum Generation, our clothes and bodies are cleaned via a magical automatic function built into the room. Super convenient, but it didn’t erase my desire to bathe.

Considering today’s lacklustre round of romantic events, there was less to worry about and more training to focus on. If it proceeds per the game that is. Furthermore, the swordsmanship class would be running, so I could begin to raise my affinity with the teacher there.

The only concern now would be if Uriel and Charles would make their first impressions today, which I doubt now that Rodney was part of the picture.

The window outside was filled with a beautiful orange sunrise. Colours which were imbued with rich emotion signified the start of a wonderful day.

I left Fen who managed to sleep while standing. aiming to arrive at the training centre in time. It was necessary but gruelling to think I’d have to do this every day from now on.

I stumbled downstairs ignoring the surrounding sounds. Having arrived at the entrance, a crosswalk became visible.

“Now, where was it?”

To the left were the dorms of ordinary students, whereas to the right was where the main building lay. It seemed a miracle stumbled upon myself as I began to remember.

“I’m finally learning!”

I began taking my first steps as a person capable of finding their way.

Hopefully, I'll make it in time to exercise for at least an hour.

-x-

“Hmmm…?”

I was taking a straight path so there was no way I could’ve lost my way… right?

The pavement seemed mossy, with greens sprouting between the cracks. This area was closed off from the rest of the academy, with only vegetation surrounding my vision. Usually, I would still be able to see the further classrooms or dorms, but an unusual fog covered everything, managing to bypass even my Outer Eye.

There was also a familiar presence that seemingly disappeared within seconds.

A clothed figure elegantly approached from the dredges in the foggy clearing, interrupting my thoughts.

“Excuse me?” It was a kind and innocent voice, unbefitting such a tall stature, “Can you please leave?”

My guard had been raised, but if I was right about what was happening maybe I could get something extra.

“I’d like to, but I’m currently lost."

The figure’s hand raised to their chin, seeming worried.

“This shouldn’t be a place a child can enter, I might have to let Abel know about this.”

In their contemplation I spoke, “Erm…”

“Yes, child?” Once again an enchanting voice was released.

“Where am I?” I asked, knowing the answer already.

“Well... since you’ve made it here, that in itself is an accomplishment. It should be fine to know, but I must warn you, this information must not be spread okay?” A light smile spread across their disfigured body.

“Of course.”

This place was the grave of the God that protected the humans before the Ancient War. It wouldn’t change even after Hell’s Paradise modifications, this setting was thoroughly engraved in the lore.

Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.

“Well then, student of The Hero’s Garden…” They paused.

Once again that familiar ominous wind passed by.

“Pause please-“ I didn’t want to know anymore.

“We are currently in the grave of the Demon King.”

Yup! There it was! Thanks! This makes a lot of sense!

The five stages of grief would not fail to strike me at every moment.

“I know it must be very surprising for you, but this is necessary for the demon age’s chance to never return.”

I get that but…

I needed information desperately and while this made perfect sense, it also meant that the academy turned into an even larger target for all things labelled bad.

Dammit, I had no choice but to ask.

“Fairy Queen Fljeora, I must have a question answered.”

“How… just how do you know that name?”

Similarly to Serina, that familiar mountain of pressure stockpiled in my close surroundings.

“That shouldn’t matter," I breathed in a heap of air and spoke, "as property of Abel you are required to answer me.”

With those words, the air around us tensed.

“You sure are a presumptuous one. The loss of a single soul wouldn’t matter in the grand scheme of things,” The Queen’s voice deepened, “I was thinking of letting you go seeing as your fate was abysmal, but this changes things.”

“Or so you think, why don’t you get a better look?” I added, “Into my eyes that is.”

I knew eyes had some importance, seeing as fairies in the game had a special relation to them. They favoured and could read one’s soul through them, so I wished to be over with this farce.

A trembling voice was let out, “Th- this is impossible! Your kind was erased aeons ago!”

Something might tell me I messed up, though I wonder if I’m imagining things. In fact, someone please tell me I am.

“As the only remaining fairy queen I pledge to end your life here.”

Well, I had a good run of two days and a half.

“I am privy to hearing your last words, speak.”

An enormous mana leaked from the shining fairy, stinging my skin with thousands of needles. A halo of dust formed around me signalling the end of one’s life by an emperor.

Pain erupted from within. My insides were being twisted, and blood poured out of my orifices.

Normally I would have given up on hope, however...

There was just one thing this fairy queen was unaware of, and that was a suspicious, yet familiar, scaley stalker.

From the trees she emerged, “End this at once Fairy Queen.”

With the emergence, this barrier of unknown magic faded and I was able to breathe.

“You. Why are you here?” The emphasis on the word chilled me to my bone.

“He was judged as human by Abel, he is currently our student first and foremost.”

“Nonsense, his eyes explain it all.”

“Hah Fljeora, like I said…” My saviour sighed, “End this at once.”

“Our contract explicitly states that I am to exterminate whoever I judge is a threat regardless of your statements,” The queen sharply retorted. “Or are you suggesting we fight now? You dirty old dragon hag?”

Never did I expect my bad sense of direction mixed with my Outer Eyes would allow me to enter this place.

I guess I now have a new goal too. To figure out what these eyes mean in this world.

But, I better leave.

Like right now.

“Luke, leave at once. This professor must perform a thorough bug extermination.”

Yeah, Runalia was definitely pissed.

Her skin and hair quickly started to transmute in front of me. From human to dragon, her skin formed scales, claws growing from her hands, and a massive increase in height. Almost as if to signal the end of the transformation, a bright red flare was unleashed from the burning inferno in front of me.

There was no doubt I’d die within seconds there.

I quickly fled the scene, hearing explosions and the insults of grandmas at work.

I summarised the current situation in my head, rushing past the currents of wind and fire.

All I currently know is that the Demon Lord was buried here, Erin owns a Goddess’ Blessing, and for some reason, my eyes are hated. Oh yeah, and that one bitch of a senior wants to beat the shit out of me.

It was truly a messy situation, which once again perfectly befitting the theme of Hell’s Paradise.

Considering the existence of the dungeon excursion that will happen on Friday, my time was limited. I couldn’t fully rely on Erin’s teachings, and I needed my ace up the sleeve. Which I planned to get here, that being the blessing of the Fairy Queen.

“Hah,” I turned my head back witnessing carnage, “Yeah that’s not happening anymore.”

There was no quick power-up this early in the game, besides the Enigmatic Chance, but I’m not an in-game character anymore. The ability to control my body as I wish is not feasible in person.

“Argh!” I scrunched up my hair.

I was running out of options to even get past this first week of hell. Erin would be my pure tower of support if I couldn't do anything myself.

I was beyond screwed.

“Ha.. ha... I- is that you Luke?” An unexpected person had called out for me in such a place.

It was Serina in a haggard dress, indicating she may have just woken up.

My brain may have imprinted this into memory forever.

Ahem.

I’ll take it, the guidance of a future archmage, no matter how weird you were.

“Serina, I’ve made up my mind. I’ll be your frie-“

“This isn’t time for that,” She turned toward the chaos telling me, “If we don’t stop this right now, the seal will loosen.”

“H- how do you know that?” I stammered in surprise.

It should’ve been impossible for anyone to know of this place besides the people Abel trusted…

“Ignore it. For now, help me stop this round’s end,” Her eyes were filled with a previously unnoticeable determination.

I couldn’t help but smile, even if I didn’t understand what she meant.

Finally, this was more like the Serina I knew.

“That’s an offer I can’t refuse, can I?”