https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-776-The-Dark-Day-in-Lanchi-s-Eyes/12585319/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-778-Lanchi-Doesn-t-Like-Others-Sitting-in-His-Seat/12585324/
Chapter 777: The Second Season of the Hurulian Inferno Corridor Academy
Chapter 777: The Second Season of the Hurulian Inferno Corridor Academy
One week later.
In the Demon Realm, within the city of Pasqual, located in the suburbs, lies the Inferno.
A convoluted corridor structure, supported by pillars, hangs high above the Inferno, resembling a suspended rivet.
At the top of this academy sits a classical and solemn conference room. The high-vaulted ceiling is adorned with majestic frescoes of the Demon Realm, and the black stone walls emanate a purple glow from the barrier stones etched with arcane runes, each detail speaking to the status of those allowed within this chamber.
The main seat at the front remains unoccupied.
Seated at the side is the long-serving deputy headmaster of this school.
"This time, we must not make any mistakes, including being deceived by an imposter headmaster. Such an incident must never happen again!"
Before the deputy headmaster is a teacup, which he taps lightly on the table from time to time as he speaks, "What's more troublesome is that the new headmaster will possess the highest authority over the school. Whether they enter through the front door or sneak in behind our backs for an inspection, we won't be able to detect them. We must ensure that nothing goes wrong during this period and leave a good impression."
"..."
The other seats in the room are occupied by the school's administrative demons and demon professors, the management team.
Their attire is distinctive, and the chandelier's light lends an air of grandeur and solemnity to their appearance.
At this moment, they are intently focused on the deputy headmaster, offering respectful responses to his sharp questions, not daring to contradict him.
At some point, the deputy headmaster had begun to conduct himself in this manner, and the demon leaders in the conference room seemed accustomed to it.
Among them is a female administrative demon who has only been working at the Inferno Corridor Academy for a few years. Sitting at the very end, she listens quietly.
Her full name is Lisandra Pukley, and her ancestors were a prestigious and noble clan of high-ranking demons. However, by the time it came to her generation, the family had fallen from its former glory.
Fortunately, several years ago, Lisandra graduated from the rigorous Inferno Corridor Academy, and due to her family's connection with the Fallen Lord, she was offered a position in the Demon King's Court after graduation. She became a court lady-in-waiting, responsible for attending to the princess and eventually becoming her friend.
Perhaps the Fallen Lord saw her potential to get along well with the princess, perhaps the job suited her perfectly, or perhaps the princess was simply too kind; whatever the reason, the two naturally became friends, to the extent that Lisandra often struggled to distinguish between duty and genuine friendship.
Later, when the princess and the Fallen Lord resolved their differences and became close companions, Lisandra's role came to an end.
With the ongoing war, Lisandra had left the Demon King's island of Necalis several years ago. Thanks to her exceptional performance and capabilities as a court lady-in-waiting, the Fallen Lord, Kaliyla, arranged for her to work in the relatively stable hometown of Pasqual.
She had never quite adjusted to the desire-laden pace of life in the Demon King's Court, always keeping a low profile just to get by.
Although the princess was reluctant to let her go, she valued Lisandra's wishes and readily granted her leave.
The Inferno Corridor Academy has long been a prestigious school in the Demon Realm, leaving a deep impression on Lisandra during her student days and her subsequent employment there.
Likewise, having studied there for many years, she had a unique understanding of the school's inner workings, and her job was mostly trouble-free.
In the absence of a headmaster, Lisandra, as the principal's secretary, couldn't alter the school's established mechanisms. Nonetheless, many matters passed through her hands, giving her a higher status than most teachers and the utmost protection under the school's rules. In this alma mater, which had been quite dangerous during her student days, she could now live with peace of mind.
As Lisandra's mind wandered...
"Also, remind the students and staff to stay away from the Inverted Mirror Corridor recently. There's something amiss there."
The deputy headmaster, seated at the side of the table, took a sip of tea, returned the cup to the table, and continued, "Miss Lisandra, please send out a notice to the entire faculty and student body."
The deputy headmaster seemed to have noticed the inattentiveness of the principal's secretary seated at the end and specifically addressed her.
"Yes," Lisandra replied immediately, showing no signs of being caught off guard.
It was as if she hadn't been daydreaming at all just a moment ago.
She was like a student who was often called upon by teachers to answer questions.
The deputy headmaster nodded in satisfaction and continued his lecture.
Lisandra, for her part, resumed her thoughts on passing the time.
The Inferno Corridor Academy, built atop the Inferno, is connected directly to the Inferno below through the Inverted Mirror Corridor. This magical architectural structure serves as a pillar supporting the academy, transmitting and drawing energy from the Inferno, providing the academy with an endless supply of energy and maintaining the stability of the academy's barrier.
As the Inverted Mirror Corridor connects to the depths of the Inferno, the very heart of the Inferno Corridor Academy, even the headmaster is not permitted to enter without the highest-level permission from the Demon King's Court.
Lately, there have been incidents of teachers and students losing consciousness near the Inverted Mirror Corridor.
The occurrences are bizarre, and the surrounding classrooms have been sealed off, no longer used for classes until a team of spiritualists from the Demon Realm can investigate and provide answers.
None of them knew that this might have something to do with Kaliyla.
No demon knew where the fallen cardinal had disappeared to.
But Lisandra knew that Kaliyla had probably come to the Inferno Corridor Academy and, after her death, had transformed into a Fallen Paradise, guarding a certain location within the school.
It was as if she was waiting for someone, yet she hadn't been able to wait for them, and could only wait in this form.
Ever since Lisandra last saw Kaliyla, she had suspected that she wouldn't be able to hold on much longer. Even through the facade of Fallen Paradise, one could sense her weariness and determination.
It wasn't until later, when Kaliyla completely vanished, that Lisandra's ominous premonition grew stronger.
And upon hearing Merogass' declaration of governance, Lisandra's heart finally sank.
...
Several dozen minutes passed in the blink of an eye.
The demon leaders who had been in the conference room gradually filed out.
The top-floor corridor of the Inferno Corridor Academy was classical and luxurious, with dim lighting and an ancient wood scent that carried a magic from the depths of time. The distant end of the corridor seemed forever shrouded in darkness, accompanied by mysteries that no demon had ever unraveled.
Lisandra exited the meeting, looking a little weary.
She carried a thin folder in one hand as she walked alone in the corridor.
The floor was made of dark marble, adorned with golden patterns, and a carpet emblazoned with demon flower motifs. On the walls, portraits and mirrors were spaced at regular intervals, as if watching over the students who passed by.
Among them was even a mischievous portrait of a Radiant Fiend.
Lisandra always found herself pausing with a strange expression, taking a second glance, and remembering Mr. McCassy, the Radiant Demon she had encountered in the Demon King's City of Necalis. Then she would think of the princess.
"Princess... are you doing well?"
Lisandra averted her gaze and shook her head.
In recent days, there had been tight security in the City of Inferno.
The entire city, from within to its outskirts, was being secretly searched by the special forces of the Demon King's army. And from the confidential reports Lisandra had seen at the Inferno Corridor Academy, she learned that the princess had escaped, and the most likely location was the ancestral site in the City of Inferno. The school was instructed to provide maximum assistance to the Demon King's forces if any clues were found.
Since Heretic Merogass had guessed as much, she must have already blocked off the ancestral site.
It was highly possible that the princess was currently hiding in the City of Inferno, seeking an opportunity to flee to a place of absolute safety.
Even if Lisandra wanted to help the princess, she felt powerless to do so.
As the deputy headmaster had said, the school had been strict lately.
Word had it that the new headmaster was about to arrive.
For the past few years, the position of headmaster at the Inferno Corridor Academy had been vacant, directly overseen by Kaliyla's military division in the Demon King's City.
During the war, the Inferno Corridor Academy had served as a military academy, and in a sense, it was also considered an independent part of the Demon King's army with intricate connections.
It wasn't until the war ended that the Inferno Corridor Academy separated from the Demon King's army once again, and Kaliyla considered reappointing a headmaster. However, due to a lack of suitable candidates and her focus on postwar reconstruction, this matter was put on hold.
Recently, the school had received clear news that the headmaster, who held the management keys to the school's barrier, would be arriving with a letter of appointment.
According to the veteran teachers, even with the arrival of a new headmaster, they probably wouldn't see much of them.
The headmaster would often be occupied with various matters inside and outside the school. As a significant institution in the Demon Realm, the Inferno Corridor Academy wasn't just a managerial position; the headmaster also had the responsibility of liaising with higher-ups in the Demon King's Court. If something went wrong at the school, the headmaster would be the first to suffer the consequences, followed by the deputy headmaster, and so on down the line.
Lisandra's thoughts wandered as she walked.
The vacancy of the headmaster position wasn't a good thing. It meant one less layer of protection for the deputy headmaster and the academic affairs directors.
So, the school's upper management eagerly anticipated the arrival of a capable headmaster who could provide that protection.
Several years ago, there had even been an incident where a demon impersonated the acting headmaster. Ironically, that impostor had helped the school through a crisis and saved the faculty and staff, leading to their fondness for him.
When he had the capability to do so, even without the proper credentials, he could be considered a counterfeit that rivaled the genuine article.
Thus, it became a bizarre yet admirable tale.
However, the deputy headmaster had specifically emphasized that such a mix-up must never happen again.
Fallen Cardinal Kaliyla might have been more lenient with them and turned a blind eye, but the newly appointed Heretic Merogass, who was still solidifying her regime, would definitely make an example to deter others. Her personality was cruel and erratic, and she wouldn't hesitate to kill if problems arose.
Suddenly, Lisandra sensed footsteps behind her as she walked.
The person seemed particularly skilled at hiding their presence. Even though they could have easily drawn closer without her noticing and caused her harm, they intentionally revealed themselves to put her at ease and prevent her from being too startled.
Lisandra instinctively sensed the familiar magic and immediately knew who was behind her.
"..."
Before Lisandra could utter a sound, a pale hand covered her mouth.
She widened her eyes, feeling the softness of the person behind her and the gentle strength of their wrist. She slowly nodded.
Only then did the demon behind her gradually release her.
As Lisandra turned, she beheld a never-before-seen figure—a tall and stunning black-haired demoness holding a small gray cat in her arms.
Without asking, Lisandra immediately recognized that this was Princess Sybeline in disguise; her aura was just as it had always been, never changing.
"Princess... how did you get into the school?"
Lisandra led Sybeline to a corner, making sure there were no demons around before lowering her voice and stuttering, "I mean, you're still enrolled as a student here at Inferno Corridor Academy, right?"
Sybeline said with a hint of pride, "That's right! I never officially withdrew."
Seeing Lisandra again filled Sybeline with joy and emotion.
This was her first time reuniting with an old friend since arriving in this final Shadow World.
"Oh!"
Lisandra's eyes widened in realization.
That's right.
Technically, the Princess had been a student at the Inferno Corridor Academy, though she had left before graduating.
However, to maintain the royal family's reputation, the school had placed her on a leave of absence after she fled the Demon Realm, keeping her enrollment active.
As a result, the Princess would not be rejected by the school's self-sustaining barrier and could easily sneak in.
"What are you doing here?" Lisandra asked, still tense. She was well aware of the dangers within the academy. "If you're discovered in this large demonic institution, the entire school will be ordered to surround and capture you. Then you'll be handed over to Heretic Merogass in the Demon King's City."
"Lisandra, I've been pursued by Heretic Merogass' hounds for several days now. You're my only trustworthy friend in Inferno City. Can you please hide me?" Sybeline asked, filled with guilt. She never intended to involve Lisandra in her troubles again, especially now that she had found a peaceful life.
"I won't trouble you for long. I just need another day or two... at most, a week! Then I'll definitely be safe," Sybeline assured, glancing at the Shadow World's information.
[Mission Objective 1: Protect the little spark left by Kaliyla.]
[Mission Objective 2: Understand the state of mind of Black Sun Lanculos: 4.67%. (Incomplete)]
[Mission Objective 3: Ensure the survival of all challengers until the end of the 21-day time limit. Time remaining: 7 days, 09 hours, 15 minutes.]
"I was spotted by the commander of the Demon King's Army Special Search Forces in the city, but I managed to shake them off with my agility," she explained.
"However, Inferno City Pasqual is becoming increasingly dangerous. I've reached my limit, and I had no choice but to hide in the Inferno Corridor Academy, a place the Special Forces wouldn't easily venture into. I'm pretending to be a student," Sybeline said, knowing she had pushed herself to the limit.
She believed that Lancy would arrive soon; he was close.
If she could just hide for a little longer, he would surely come for her.
"Umm..." Lisandra frowned, deep in thought.
Logically, even the deputy headmaster would find it difficult to suspect a student they had never met before. Typically, teachers don't memorize the faces of every student in the school.
However, wandering the school for too long increased the likelihood of encountering staff and facing questioning. If that happened, she would most likely be caught, forcing her to flee the school.
Fortunately, Princess Sybeline had quickly found her.
This was a potentially life-threatening mission.
"Alright, I'll help you," Lisandra agreed without much hesitation.
When it came to friends in the Demon King's City of Necalis, Princess Sybeline was the most sincere one.
Even if it meant risking her life, Lisandra would help the princess.
"Recently, some students failed their exams, but their bodies haven't been found yet. I'll get you one of their identities, and you can pretend to be that student and continue living," Lisandra suggested after a moment's thought.
She could easily pull off such a trick, and she would also investigate the student's academic information to help the princess perfectly assume their identity.
"Thank you, Lisandra!" Sybeline hugged her tightly, so tightly that Lisandra struggled to breathe. But she smiled indulgently and shook her head.
"However, your challenge is that you must pass the exams here with all your might, just like a real student, so as not to arouse suspicion," Lisandra added after Sybeline released her.
"No problem. I did study here before," Sybeline replied confidently.
She had attended the Inferno Corridor Academy, and she was much stronger now than she had been back then.
She was no longer the weak and fragile person she used to be; now, she was a super escape artist, capable of outrunning danger.
"Okay, hide for now. Later, I'll meet you near the principal's office and give you the materials you need for your disguise," Lisandra said, sensing that it wouldn't be long before Heretic Merogass deduced that the princess had hidden herself in the academy.
Once that happened, not only would Merogass order the school to be sealed off, but there was also a possibility that Merogass herself would come, making it nearly impossible for Princess Sybeline to escape if she was trapped inside.
The entire management of the Inferno Corridor would also be in dire straits due to Merogass' inspection.
However, Lisandra believed that Princess Sybeline had thought this through. By choosing to hide in the academy, the princess was confident that someone would come to her aid, and that person would definitely arrive in Inferno City Pasqual soon.
(End of Chapter)
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