https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-777-The-Second-Season-of-the-Hurulian-Inferno-Corridor-Academy/12585320/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-779-Merogus-s-Interest-in-Lanchi/12585325/
Chapter 778: Lanchi Doesn't Like Others Sitting in His Seat
Chapter 778: Lanchi Doesn't Like Others Sitting in His Seat
After a day of experiencing the life at the Corridor of Purgatory Academy, Shubellyan had completely adapted to the environment of the school.
Back then, Lanchi could only dream of staying longer at the Corridor of Purgatory Academy.
Now, she was truly living it.
At this moment, she sat in the back row of a classroom that was as spacious as a theater.
In the dim space, a few antique oil lamps emitted a faint glow, serving as the only sources of light.
The golden light, full of life's rhythm, flickered and danced, casting long, distorted shadows from the tables and chairs that intertwined with the swaying shadows around them, creating a whispering darkness.
"Back to where it all began..." Shubellyan thought to herself as she sat in the classroom.
Before her was a scene that resembled a classroom—neat rows of long tables covered with crimson tablecloths, a new blackboard made of black gold towering on the lectern, and windows and carvings exuding an ancient demonic aura.
However, this space of approximately three hundred square meters, which should have provided a sense of spaciousness, strangely felt devoid of any sense of the environment.
The students all had unique and bizarre appearances, each with some indescribable feature. Most had metallic horns on their heads, and their skin was covered in intricate patterns and exoskeletons. Two demons, resembling proctors, patrolled the aisles of the classroom, their strides calm and elegant, their attire classical. Yet, their presence in this setting seemed particularly sinister and terrifying, like messengers from hell.
The thick, bloody aura that shouldn't have existed in a classroom lingered, and one could only guess how many students had perished during this exam week.
Even until today, Shubellyan couldn't fathom how Lanchi had managed to blend into the school's atmosphere so effortlessly back then.
Lowering her gaze, Shubellyan's eyes fell on the crimson tablecloth in front of her, where a rough and ancient piece of parchment lay quietly, alongside a bottle of magical ink and a feather quill.
On the surface of the parchment were imprints of the words that Tara had taught her.
This was the test she was about to take, and it was related to demonic magic.
[Subject: Demonic Magic Script]
[Any form of cheating during the exam will result in immediate disqualification and potential eradication by the proctors.]
[If your score is determined to be below 50 at the end of the exam, you will be deemed unqualified, and the proctors will execute eradication.]
[You may submit your answers early. For any assistance, please raise your hand to seek help from the proctors.]
[Time remaining for the exam: 1 hour and 59 minutes.]
The crimson tablecloth on the desk, emblazoned with exam reminders, stood out vividly in the dim light. It was a deep and rich red, both absurd and artistic.
Shubellyan's bicolored eyes, a unique blend of amber and cobalt, scanned the classroom environment sharply, the weak firelight dancing in her irises.
No student dared to contemplate cheating anymore.
This school's culture had indeed changed, just as Lanchi had wished.
Back when she and Lanchi were suddenly transported into this shadow world, they had both transformed from humans into demonic appearances.
In her perspective, Lanchi's appearance hadn't changed much; he had merely become a Brilliant Light Demon. As for herself, it was as if her human disguise had been stripped away, and she abruptly reverted to her true half-demon form.
She had wanted to die from embarrassment at that moment.
She had been terrified that Lanchi would start to dislike her if he saw her hidden half-demon features.
Fortunately, in this shadow world, all other challengers were also given demonic disguises to fit the premise of the world, while her disguise had been removed, so to Lanchi, she appeared to have been given a fake appearance like everyone else, and he hadn't discovered her true nature as a half-demon.
Towards the end of their time in the Corridor of Purgatory Academy's shadow world, Lanchi was suddenly informed of her secret by a dying cultist, and she had felt utterly devastated.
Surprisingly, Lanchi had found her new appearance cool.
Perhaps it was from that moment that a tiny spark of affection began to blossom within her.
But she was far from realizing it yet...
"Why are you smiling?"
The deep voice of a demon proctor passing by startled Shubellyan.
She quickly lifted her head and shook it innocently.
She hadn't even realized that while looking at the exam paper and thinking of Lanchi, a silly smile had unconsciously formed on her lips.
"Don't think about your boyfriend during the exam. Focus on the questions," the proctor instructed, as if he had read her expression, and then he continued on his way.
"..."
Shubellyan couldn't find the words to argue in the exam room, and the reply stuck in her throat.
She was certain that this school had truly changed.
So, for the time being, Shubellyan lowered her head and focused on the items on the table before her.
At the top of the parchment, which bore the school's emblem, was an exam paper featuring an intimidating demon skull. Its eyes blazed with an intense flame, as if staring at her from another world.
Next to it was a bottle of ink made from magic crystals. The mouth of the bottle was inlaid with mythril, and it was filled with ink as black as night, motionless as if the heavy magic within had been solidified.
The feather of the quill was as black as ink, and its sharp tip gleamed with a cold metallic luster, reflecting a deep crimson glow from the pen shaft.
All of these were a set of vintage magic scroll-making tools.
The exam for Demonic Magic Script required students not only to write but also to engrave their answers, akin to creating a magic scroll.
Shubellyan quickly browsed through all the questions.
"It's pretty similar to the exam from thirty years ago," she thought.
Back then, she had been clueless about the exam and could only rely on Lanchi to save her.
But now, she could actually answer the questions.
That is, until she reached the final, challenging question.
[Question 10 (15 points): Please write down the magic formula that can be used when handling rare materials to achieve the following effects:]
[1. Slightly harden or soften the hair of a magical beast.]
[2. Rapidly remove the sharp hair of a magical beast.]
[3. Change the color of a magical beast's fur.]
Even for this challenging question, which the examiner might not have expected the students to answer, she actually knew the solution.
After all, she had a magic card in her possession.
[Elegant Style]
[Category: Spell Card]
【Grade: Pink Sacred】
【Attribute: Alchemy/Poison】
【Class: 4】
【Effect: Can only be used on touched targets, modifying their hairstyle, removing hair, changing its color, and slightly hardening or softening it.】
【Note: This hairstyle doesn't suit you, let me fix it for you.】
Just copy down the incantation principle from the magic card.
Although she had never used this card and didn't want to, it was a gift from Lanchi, so she always carried it with her.
Moreover, it was compiled by the Great Demon Talia in a neat format, and Shubellyan felt that her answer might even be better than the model answer.
Unexpectedly, there came a day when it actually came in handy.
Shubellyan began to write diligently.
Although Lanchi wasn't by her side, he always felt like he was protecting her.
Reliving her days as a student in the Corridor of Purgatory Academy, Shubellyan experienced it all anew.
There were some questions she already knew the answers to, and some were based on knowledge taught by Talia and the Ice Snow Witch, her two mothers, making them especially easy to answer. She even considered adding comments about the quality of the questions and how they could be improved.
Looks like she had made some progress during the year she spent here.
In this school, as long as one had enough credit coins, life could be quite comfortable, and one could even enjoy the Demon King's blessing at the rest area's restaurant.
Shubellyan finished the exam ahead of time.
She lay on her desk to rest.
These days, it was rare for her to feel completely at ease.
As long as she completed the exam and ensured she would pass, this was the safest place, and all she needed to do was wait for the exam period to end.
Tamisha, who had transformed into a little gray cat, hid motionlessly within Shubellyan's clothes. Even though Tamisha still kept her distance, she knew when to behave, as the two of them had been relying on each other for several days now.
"Lanchi... I miss you so much..."
Shubellyan whispered to herself, speaking the truth in her heart.
Only now did she realize how dull and tasteless life at the academy was without Lanchi.
After some time had passed.
Suddenly.
A piercing alarm shattered the heavy silence in the exam room.
The sound echoed throughout the corridors, reaching every corner.
【Emergency Notice: Attention all students and staff of the Corridor of Purgatory Academy, due to special circumstances, all ongoing classes are to be terminated immediately. No one is allowed to leave the classrooms, and everyone must undergo an inspection by the Demon King's Special Service Unit. Any unauthorized movement will be reported and fully assisted in the capture.】
The voice in the corridor was cold and hard, an unquestionable command from the depths of hell.
The exam room instantly stirred.
Murmurs filled the room.
But soon, the examiner's sharp gaze suppressed the noise.
"Quiet! All examinees, remain in your seats, do not move!"
The examiner's voice was like a whip, lashing at the nerves of every demon magic student.
Shubellyan sensed the sudden change in the atmosphere.
She sneaked a glance at the surrounding demon students without drawing attention. She saw fear and anxiety in their eyes, cold sweat on their foreheads, and their hands and feet trembling involuntarily.
She expertly feigned a subtle look of confusion, perfectly blending in with the rest of the students.
It was uncertain how long they could continue hiding.
If the situation turned unfavorable, they could always escape again. The two fifth-rank examiners wouldn't be able to detect their disappearance.
However, constantly changing identities and evading the search within the maze-like Corridor of Purgatory Academy would eventually lead to their capture. The exits of the academy were most likely already blocked.
But there was no need to panic. This was her home turf, and even an eighth-rank demon would find it difficult to catch her in a game of hide-and-seek within the corridors in a short time.
Shubellyan reassured herself.
Time passed slowly.
The silence in the exam room became increasingly suffocating for the demon students.
Suddenly, the classroom door was pushed open, and several demon officers clad in black military coats strode in. They exuded a chilling aura, and their eyes were cold as blades.
The leading officer said nothing as he walked straight to the examiner and whispered something.
The examiner's face turned even more astonished, and he nodded vigorously before turning to face the class.
And at that moment, even the examiner didn't notice that one of the female examinees had vanished from her seat.
...
Top floor of the Corridor of Purgatory Academy.
The heavy oak door creaked softly as it was pulled open, emitting a low, mellow sound that had been smoothed by the years, and then the door of the principal's office closed automatically.
"Princess... You didn't expect me to come personally, did you? I must truly love you to come all the way from the Demon King's Castle."
Melogas, the Profane Lord, pushed open the heavy oak door and stepped into the office filled with historical charm. He smiled as he spoke.
His arrival brought a chilling aura, lowering the temperature of the entire space by several degrees.
Lisandra followed nervously behind Melogas, her face as pale as paper, her eyes filled with reverence and anxiety.
As a young and weak demon secretary, she instinctively felt the terrifying aura of the great demon before her.
This was the principal's office of the Corridor of Purgatory Academy. Under the high ceiling, an old chandelier emitted soft light, reflecting off the dark brown wooden floor.
Across from the marble fireplace was a comfortable office chair and a wide brown wooden desk, upon which lay magic books with weathered covers, their edges slightly curled.
Outside the large wooden-framed window, the starlight of the demon world poured into the room, overlapping with the lamplight to form a luminous glow.
Next to the square tea table by the window was a soft, woven armchair, exuding a leisurely, retired vibe.
This restricted room would not hinder or harm students, but it was physically challenging to unlock or open the door.
"This is the principal's office?"
Melogas scanned the room, taking in every corner, his gaze finally resting on the conspicuous swimming pool.
He hadn't expected the principal's office to be so spacious, nor had he anticipated a swimming pool.
"Yes, Profane Lord. This is where the highest authority of our school resides, and it is the only place suitable for your rest and wait.
Lisandra quickly nodded, her voice as soft as a mosquito's hum.
In an attempt to stall Melogas and buy time for the princess to hide, Lisandra had been leading Melogas around in circles.
"What a boring place."
Melogas coldly huffed, taking slow steps towards the wide brown wooden desk. Her slender fingers gently glided over the tabletop as if sensing the traces of time imprinted on it.
She picked up the tattered magic book that lay on the desk, flipped through a few pages, and casually tossed it aside.
"Yes, indeed," Lisandra replied meekly, her heart pounding in her throat. She dared not say more, keeping her head lowered as Melogas inspected the principal's office at her leisure.
"However, this swimming pool is quite interesting."
Melogas approached the window, the starlight of the demon world casting an eerie beauty on her pale face.
She leaned casually against the wall, gazing at the pool with curiosity.
Could it be that students are allowed to swim in the principal's office from time to time? How playful.
Lord Melogas was intrigued by who had decided to build this pool.
Perhaps she would have liked this eccentric individual.
"It is said that it was the doing of the former acting principal, the Brilliant Light Demon, who was the first fake principal in the history of the Corridor of Purgatory Academy, yet he received the love and support of many demons. To commemorate his contribution, the school even hung his portrait in the corridor..."
Lisandra desperately tried to keep the conversation going.
"Why did you deliberately lead me around in circles earlier?"
Lord Melogas suddenly interrupted, her eyes narrowed.
Lisandra's narration was abruptly cut short.
"My lord, I've only been working here for a few years, and I often get lost. I'm truly sorry!"
Lisandra's body trembled as she hastily replied.
"I see... I've also heard that you and Princess Shubellyan are quite close."
Melogas nodded in satisfaction, her misty purple eyes fixed on Lisandra as if trying to see through her soul.
She left her sentence hanging, as if deliberately toying with Lisandra.
"I haven't been in contact with Her Highness the Princess for many years," Lisandra said, a chill running down her spine. She lowered her head, afraid to meet Melogas' gaze, doing her best to steady her crumbling resolve under the influence of Melogas' demonic voice, holding back her tears.
The moment she saw the expression on Melogas' face, Lisandra knew.
Melogas knew everything.
She was merely toying with her, slowly savoring her fear.
"Good, you're indeed a strong and kind child. Even in this situation, you refuse to betray the princess."
Melogas smiled in satisfaction, gracefully sitting in the soft principal's chair, her scorpion tail gently swaying as if enjoying Lisandra's distressed state.
"Rest assured, I won't kill you. After all, you're the princess's friend, and I'm sure she would love to bring you back to the Demon King's Castle."
Melogas settled into the chair, her hand resting on the armrest, "Now, make me a cup of tea."
She commanded, her tone brooking no argument.
"Yes..."
Lisandra quickly moved to the tea table, her legs feeling weak, her trembling hands barely able to hold the teapot steady.
She carefully poured a cup of steaming Pascual tea and handed it to Melogas.
Melogas took a sip from the cup, her gaze shifting from the night sky outside to Lisandra's face.
"I wonder what expression Princess Shubellyan would make if she saw you broken and mindless after I'm done with you?"
She slowly reached out, her hand brushing against Lisandra's cheek, a gentle smile playing on her lips.
"..."
Lisandra stood there, unable to utter a sound or move.
Her tears finally spilled over.
"How about this? If you willingly obey my demands and manage to hold on to your sanity for a while longer, I'll delay my visit to the princess accordingly. What do you say?"
Lord Melogas slowly moved her hand, reaching for Lisandra's clothing.
"Okay..."
Lisandra's lips trembled as she agreed to Melogas' proposition.
She knew that something terrible was about to happen.
And to keep the promise she had made to the princess, she could only stand by and let Melogas have her way, enduring the evil desires of this powerful demon, her heart filled with despair and helplessness.
Just as Lisandra's spirit was crushed and she had given up all hope...
Creak!
The door to the principal's office was pushed open.
Melogas paused, her hand hovering in mid-air as she looked towards the intruder who had chosen this inopportune moment to enter.
The newcomer's attire was peculiar—a black winter overcoat, with a suit underneath, and a silver-white mask attached to his waist. It was unclear which culture this outfit belonged to.
He was a member of the Phantom Demon Clan, the same race as Caliera, born with naturally silver-white hair and enchanting magical powers.
The silver-white mask was clearly not in the style of the demon world; even from the side, it resembled more of a religious artifact from the human world, with soft lines and a serene expression, exuding an air of compassionate pity.
Could he be here for a masquerade ball? Melogas wondered.
If he removed the mask from his waist and put it on, he could easily blend in with the demon world's masquerade parties without looking out of place.
Moreover, Melogas felt a vague sense of familiarity with the mask, though she couldn't quite place where she had seen it before.
"..."
Lisandra felt relieved the moment she saw the newcomer, as if she had found her savior.
This principal reminded her so much of Caliera; he could have been her relative.
He must be the new demon principal appointed by Caliera! But the bad news was that Lord Melogas was already here.
She wasn't sure if this Phantom Demon Clan would be willing to get involved and interfere with Melogas' entertainment.
Knock, knock.
Lanchi knocked on the door of the principal's office, drawing the attention of the two demon ladies inside.
He was slightly surprised to find two demons in his office.
"Miss, that position doesn't belong to you. May I ask you to move?"
Lanchi pointed towards the principal's seat, addressing Lord Melogas.
(End of Chapter)
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