Chapter 2: All the demons are taking the civil service exam, so I am the only human left to be the demon king
That evening, the entire rooftop of Demon King Academy was covered with the poop of messenger bats.
But thanks to this, the little devils did not storm the West Tower cafeteria today. They were all busy writing letters.
Luo Yan has been in school for three years and finally has the opportunity to taste the legendary charcoal-grilled Minotaur ribeye steak.
To be honest, the taste is really amazing, and can only be described with one word: absolutely amazing.
But then again, would Professor Ernos really have no objection? According to the book, the earliest fear demon seemed to be the "ascending demon" of the Minotaur? Luo Yan tried to imagine someone bringing a roasted monkey to him, and successfully made him lose his appetite.
Across the table, Yige, holding a plate of vegetable and nut stew, carefully sat down opposite Luo Yan and said a prayer before picking up the fork.
This guy is probably the most polite high-level demon in the entire Demon King Academy.
Too bad it's a man.
"Senior Luo Yan, don't you write letters to your family?"
Although they are in the same grade, this guy calls everyone "senior"...even those in the lower grade.
Luo Yan felt awkward at first, but got used to it over time.
"I'm an orphan." He said nonchalantly after taking a bite of steak.
Yige was stunned for a moment, then quickly bowed his head and apologized.
"Yes, I'm sorry."
Luo Yan waved his fork to stop him.
"No need to apologize. Didn't you hear what Ernos said? There is no such word as sorry in hell. Next time you offend me, be more righteous."
Other demons did this, but later they didn't dare to do it openly, at least not to chant spells.
Because as long as someone took the initiative to provoke him, Luo Yan would immediately write a letter to the people in the Ministry of Truth to complain, saying that he was discriminated against by someone on a certain day of a certain month of a certain year, and that someone was the child of someone else, thus giving full play to his value as a dipper.
Not convinced? Let your father and the Demon God complain!
I don't buy food for free, which is already a great favor to you devils! Just be happy!
"Ha ha……"
Seeing that Luo Yan was still in the mood to joke, Yige also smiled in cooperation, but still spoke with some concern.
"Actually... my family happens to have some connections in the Ministry of Internal Affairs. If you don't mind..."
"No, no," Luo Yan waved his hand to stop him from talking. "Just write about your own affairs. You don't have to say anything for me. We are just classmates. It's not appropriate. Besides, I have already decided where I want to go."
Iger asked curiously.
"Where are you going?"
Luo Yan smiled evilly.
"Haha, of course we should go to where the Demon King should go."
Iger didn't react at first, and it took him a while to come back to his senses and open his eyes wide.
"Demon, Demon King?!" He looked at Luo Yan with an incredible expression, "Are you crazy? I don't mean to look down on you, but your practical class grade is only F. Would you like to reconsider it carefully..."
F?
That’s because the lowest is only F!
If there was G, Luo Yan believed that he could easily win.
"Ha ha ha ha!"
Luo Yan laughed masochistically, covering up his embarrassment and the helplessness and sadness in his heart. He reached out and patted Yige's thin shoulder. "Magic is just one of the tools to achieve the goal. Don't rely on it too much. In addition to magic, I have other things."
"Something else?" Yiger swallowed nervously, his petite body trembling.
"secret."
Luo Yan smiled mysteriously, but the truth was that he himself didn't know what to do, and could only take it one step at a time.
After all, he couldn't tell this smart guy that he would run away when he got to the surface and saw that the situation was not right, right? Anyway, except that he was not handsome like a human, he was almost the same as the humans on the surface in other aspects.
However, Yige seemed to take it seriously, and looked at him with admiration with his big eyes, as if he was looking at a real hero.
Luo Yan was also so over the top in boasting that he couldn't stop for a moment and continued talking without stopping.
"A true man lives between heaven and earth. How can he be depressed and live under others for long?"
"As a man, you still have to be a man! What's the point of hiding in the back and eating? Oh! Of course, I didn't mean to say that you are not a man!"
"What I mean is that I won't go to hell - bah! If I don't go to heaven, who will? Not only will I go, I will go fiercely! When I become the devil, hehe, hehe, hehe..."
Be sure to buy an apartment in the holy city of mankind!
As soon as Luo Yan finished speaking, before Yige could express his admiration and respect, loud voices and applause were heard from the cafeteria entrance.
“Hahahahaha! Well said!!!”
Looking past the group of goblin students who were busy eating, Luo Yan subconsciously looked towards the door, wanting to see who was coming, but the moment he saw that face, he almost slipped from the chair under the table.
Ivan Kruger! A demigod-level (X-level) lich! The principal of the Demon King Academy in the Demon City! His expression was tense, and he silently recited a spell to calm his soul, fearing that his true thoughts would be seen through.
Fortunately, the respected Mr. Ivan Kruger did not use the magic of soul-stealing on a mere student.
In the Demon City, it is forbidden to use spells above level four, let alone use them against humans who are protected by the Demon God.
Its nature is no less than shooting a giant panda in the buttocks in a park in Sichuan and Chongqing on Earth.
Looking at Luo Yan's solemn expression, Ivan's face was full of approval, and his kind eyes were as if he was looking at his own child.
"Your courage is commendable... In the past five hundred years, Hell has been short of talent, and my Demon King Academy in Demon City has become a place for the noble children of Hell to gild themselves. What a pity! I didn't expect that the most courageous person was actually a human! Of course, I'm not saying that humans are incompetent. All servants who serve the Demon God are equal."
It seems that even demigods cannot escape political correctness.
Luo Yan couldn't help but think sourly in his heart that the so-called power was just this.
Restraining his ostentatious look, he continued speaking in an honest manner.
"Sir, you are too kind! Just as you said, all servants who serve the Demon God are equal... Although I am only at the bronze level, I also want to contribute my strength to His Majesty the Demon God!"
This may sound contradictory to what he said earlier, but in fact it is not contradictory at all.
The devil encourages ambition and even once said the famous saying "A devil who doesn't want to be a devil is not a good devil."
Of course, it is harmless to repeat this, but it is not smart to do so or say it every day.
Alvin looked at the human boy with approval, and the more he looked at him, the more he liked him.
When he was alive, he was also a human, and even when he was 17 or 18 years old, he was just an ordinary necromancer... Although he might not be as low as bronze, but two levels higher, silver or even gold, but these are not the point! The point is that he has a heart to become a strong man! In contrast, the succubus sitting opposite him, although he has the strength of silver level, cries like a little girl... Even if this is probably the setting of succubus, he has to say how shameful! Succubus a thousand years ago were not like this!
They have eight-pack abs and are even feared by demons. They can defeat human knights with their bare hands!
Now? The only thing left is the ability to flirt!
He couldn't see any ambition to become a strong man from that guy!
All the demons who wrote letters today, even if they finally found good jobs, got lucrative positions in good departments, lived a life without worries about food and clothing, and didn't have to go to the front line to die... he, as a teacher, still looked down on them from the bottom of his heart!
Weaklings! All of them are weaklings! He tapped his cane on the floor, and Ivan looked at Luo Yan seriously, saying meaningfully.
"Young man, I'll remember you. Come to my office after dinner. I'm going to give you something... You can think of it as a gift."
After saying this, the old lich in a gray robe and with a white beard turned and floated away.
Yige looked at Luo Yan with admiration, as if he had already regarded him as his idol.
However, Luo Yan was not happy, but felt a headache instead.
It feels a bit uncomfortable.
I feel like this is exaggerated...
He just wanted to be a small-time demon king who was far away from the Demon City, close to the human city-state, able to run away at any time if the situation was not right, and even give himself to the female hero on his own initiative.
Anyway, he is not a real undead, just an unskilled necromancer who poses no threat to humans.
As long as the church on the surface doesn't mind, he doesn't mind changing his faith on the spot.
I hope nothing troublesome will come to me...
Luo Yan seemed to be praying devoutly to the devil.
…
After dinner, Luo Yan went to the teachers' building with a worried look on his face. He declined Professor Lilith's invitation to give him extra lessons and went straight to the principal's office at the top of the tower.
When he knocked and walked in, the old lich was standing by the window, with a bent pipe in his mouth, and the smoke rising from the pipe was like the torn soul of a ghost.
Maybe the tobacco was really made of the soul of a ghost.
Looking at the old man who was worried about the future of hell, Luo Yan gritted his teeth and said respectfully.
"Sir, I'm here."
Principal Irvin didn't turn around, but spoke in a kind voice.
"Come here, child."
Luo Yan obediently walked to his side.
"I'm glad you still remember our agreement." After extinguishing the burning pipe, the old lich put it into his arms, then looked out the window and said, "Look out from here and tell me what you see?"
Unable to make up his mind what the old lich was trying to do, Luo Yan probed in an uncertain tone.
"...Demon King Academy?"
"What else?"
"The cafeteria in Xita... er, I mean the Magic City!"
"Look further! Don't you see it? This gray dome, the low-quality simulated moonlight, and the magma that keeps erupting all day long... God of War, this is hell! The place where we have been lingering for a thousand years!"
The old lich said this with a look of disappointment.
Luo Yan couldn't help but complain in his heart, wondering who would have thought of this, but he couldn't argue with this guy, so he just said it in a follow-up manner.
"Of course I saw it... But, as someone who has benefited from it, I really don't have the right to say this."
To be fair, life here is pretty good.
Even though the lava was gushing out all day long, it didn't burn him to death, right?
However, these old monsters from the old times may have different opinions.
Principal Irwin nodded approvingly with an expression that showed that the student was teachable, and looked out the window.
Gazing at the barren yet rich city outside the window, the old lich spoke in a dreamy voice.
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"We have been underground for so long that our children think... we have been here since we were born."
Isn't it? Luo Yan thought silently, and the old lich continued.
"A long, long time ago, things were not like this. In the distant First Age, we were no different from the people on the surface. We also lived on a vast land, had our own kingdom, and worshipped our gods... Of course, since the dead cannot see the light and demons like to travel at night, we usually find a dark valley or cave to stay in."
Luo Yan: “…”
What's the difference between then and now?! The old lich's eyes were lost in memories, and he continued in a nostalgic tone.
“…Now that I think about it, that was a thousand years ago.”
1000 years ago, the god of the underworld, Hagen, fell, and the Oss Empire, which believed in Saint Sith, unified the human world.
Since then, the old followers of Hades moved to the deepest part of the underground to survive... the so-called hell.
From then on, the First Era ended and the Second Era began.
In the early Second Era, the first demon god Udis took up the banner of hell in place of the fallen god of the underworld, became the leader of the undead and demons, and unified the underworld.
However, Udis's abilities were limited, and the underground world continued to split and reunite, and he himself unfortunately died in a civil war.
The Demon God has changed three times now...Now is the era of Bayeli.
Moreover, among the three demon gods, Bayeli's rule lasted the longest, lasting for more than five hundred years, and will continue.
Under Bayeli's rule, although the people's livelihood in the underworld has been greatly improved and even the little demons can have enough food to eat, their fighting power is getting worse year by year.
Alvin watched them degenerate day by day.
You have to know that 500 years ago, if you wanted to become a demon king, you had to have connections!
At that time, only bronze-level losers who were almost 20 years old would go to the Ministry of Internal Affairs to do idle work, unlike now when everyone is running to the Ministry of Internal Affairs? The younger generation has forgotten how prosperous the world they once lived in was, and only covets the pleasures of the present.
You have to know that compared with the prosperous surface world, the little resources in the underground world are just like the leg hairs on a flea!
But it is gratifying that he finally saw ambition in a young student that is no less than what he had back then.
He decided to give the young boy a little help.
This was not a difficult task for an old lich who had lived for a thousand years. He happened to have a student who was in the cabinet and was a powerful cabinet minister.
Unlike bureaucratic departments such as the Ministry of the Interior and the Ministry of Truth, the Cabinet is the real power center of Hell. It is also the place that is closer to His Majesty the Demon God than the temple... It is no exaggeration to say that it can reach the ears of heaven.
"I wrote a letter of recommendation to the cabinet of His Majesty the Demon Lord, and your name was mentioned in it."
Luo Yan was shocked.
Good fellow, this letter skipped the Ministry of Internal Affairs and went directly to the cabinet of the devil! ? However, he did not rush to be happy, but asked cautiously.
"Thank you for your appreciation... In order to prepare myself mentally, can you let me know the content of the letter?"
Ivan had a generous smile on his face, and was very satisfied with Luo Yan's calmness and composure in the face of praise or criticism.
"A demon lord's territory has just fallen recently. The former demon lord was named Reggie Dragun. He was not only a diamond-level fear demon, but also a duke... If you know enough about the circle of hell nobles, you should have heard of the name of the Dragun family."
"Although you are not qualified to take over Mr. Dragun's job in terms of your rank, the leak he made this time is too big. It is said that the core of the Demon Lord's territory was destroyed, and he himself was terrified. Even the Dragun family, who are known for spreading fear on the surface, dare not take over this hot Fire Crystal... But I want to say that this is a hot Fire Crystal for them, but it is an opportunity for a rookie like you."
Luo Yan's heart suddenly sank and he almost fell down.
A diamond-level fear demon?! He didn't know any Reggie Dragun, but he knew a Professor Ernos who could scare people to death with just a glance.
He had no doubt that a fear demon of that level could press him into the ground with just a little finger, and he couldn't pull it out! Similarly, Luo Yan couldn't imagine how powerful a human warrior would have to be to beat that thing to the point of being scared to death.
"I'm afraid it's not appropriate to give a territory of this... level to a newbie like me?" Luo Yan weighed his words, beads of sweat already oozing from his forehead.
However, Principal Ivan waved his hand with a kind look on his face, as if to say that he didn't need to thank me when he became successful in the future.
"Servants of the demon god are all equal, so how can there be any question of suitability? Besides, the frontline is in urgent need recently, and everyone is making excuses. The internal affairs department really can't spare any manpower. With my letter of recommendation, the appointment letter is a sure thing, so you can rest assured."
Who the hell is worried about this! As if seeing the "caution" on Luo Yan's face, Ivan understood and patted the boy's shoulder with a smile.
"I know what you are worried about, but you don't have to worry too much. The reason why your predecessor fell was because he was too smart and wanted to show off in front of His Majesty the Demon God, so he took the initiative to attack, but ended up being defeated. But you are different. I believe you are a smart person and will do the right thing at the right time instead of being blinded by momentary pride."
"You... are right." Luo Yan forced a smile on his face that was not much brighter than magma, but it was still bright.
The letter had already been sent, and he knew it was pointless to struggle any further. Instead, he might lose the favor of the big boss in front of him because of his "ignorance".
This is the only thigh he can hold tightly to at the moment.
"Can you tell me where the Demon Lord is? If possible, I would like to look up some information about the location so that I can be prepared before I go."
"Haha, you are worthy of being a student who can get full marks in theory class! I guessed that you would need those things, and I have prepared them for you."
Alvin gave Luo Yan an approving look, turned around, and pointed his index finger at the pile of books on the desk.
"The Demon Lord Territory you are about to take over is located on the border of the human Kingdom of Ryan. It belongs to the fief of Grand Duke Campbell, a noble of the Kingdom of Ryan. There is a free city nearby that is said to have a population of one million... But don't worry too much about them. Those citizens are weaklings. They are not of the same mind as their lords and priests. Sometimes they will even sell their souls to us."
"Different Demon Territories have different strategic goals. The Demon Territory you are about to take over is behind the human world, far away from the front line of the war. Therefore, your first task is not to invade the surface world, but to do everything possible to develop and expand the Demon Territory."
If this is true, it would be good news. At least he wouldn't have to take the skeleton soldiers out to attract hatred every now and then.
If things really don't work, he can hide in the city and blend into the crowd and disappear.
Luo Yan's up and down mood finally recovered a little.
And at this time, dear Professor Irving gave him another big gift.
"...By the way, speaking of Grand Duke Campbell's territory, I suddenly remembered a piece of trophy I robbed from humans a long, long time ago. Wait for me."
Professor Ivan slapped his forehead as if he had thought of something, turned around and floated into the meditation room at the side, and floated back after five or six minutes.
Looking at the necklace handed to him by the kind-looking old lich, Luo Yan gave him a confused look.
"This is?"
"The remains of the last king of the Isaac Dynasty, the first dynasty of the Kingdom of Ryan, and the 'Incompetent King' Isaac IV."
Luo Yan: “…”
This name doesn't sound very useful.
However, Principal Ivan did not seem to think so.
"He is very similar to you. When he was young, he had no magical talent. But as time went by, he mastered the power comparable to that of gods. I got his relic from a knight of the Kingdom of Ryan, which is the pendant in your hand. Judging from the energy field emitted by this pendant, the person who made it has at least the strength of a demigod."
"Demigod level?!" Luo Yan was shocked.
"That's right," Ivan nodded, and said intriguingly, "Maybe it's not just demigod level, but that's all I can sense... The remaining power is very weak, but my intuition is correct. After all, I've only seen the same smell on those three adults."
Those three adults...
It probably refers to the third generation of demon gods.
Luo Yan clenched the necklace in his hand, his heart beating wildly, but he was also confused as to why Principal Ivan gave this thing to him.
Even if this noble lich thinks highly of me, this gift is too precious!
"You're wondering why I gave it to you right?"
Looking into Luo Yan's eyes, Ivan smiled kindly and continued.
"Although this necklace is suspected to be made by a demigod-level warrior, judging by the power it displays, it may not have demigod-level magic. It is more like an antique, and my interest in it mainly comes from Isaac IV himself... Rumor has it that he is the only mortal in the human world who has broken through to the demigod level without relying on the power of Saint Sith, and he did it while he was still alive."
Compared to the immortal species and the undead, humans only have a short lifespan of a hundred years.
How to master the power that even gods fear in such a short time... Alvin was very curious about this.
Rumor has it that the war that the Ossian Empire waged against the Isaac Dynasty more than nine hundred years ago was personally deployed by Saint Sith through the utterance of oracles.
The apparent reason was that Isaac IV had blasphemed the gods, but in reality it was far more than just this superficial reason.
After all, the entire Isaac family was crushed to ashes by the Oss Empire, and their bloodline was cut off...
This kind of annihilation is extremely rare even in the history of human countries across the entire continent of Os.
"… Out of interest in the hidden story behind this, I have spent twenty years over the past thousand years researching Isaac IV's relics, and even managed to get his diary from the human kingdom."
"However, unfortunately, most of the contents of the diary were written in obscure ciphers, and it took me a lot of time just to decipher them. Afterwards, many other things happened, and I threw this matter into a corner of the meditation room."
When he said this, Principal Ivan showed a bright smile on his face, took out two books from his arms and handed them to Luo Yan.
"I think it's time to hand over this unfinished work to a young person... I'm impressed by your talent for learning. Perhaps studying academics is more suitable for you than studying magic."
"Anyway, you can think about it when you're not busy. Even if there's no progress, it can help you understand the human society on the surface and the Kingdom of Ryan that you're about to visit."
(End of this chapter)