Chapter II. Master Bachiko
The Rank Advancement Exam
A special event held by the school to determine the students' ranks, which ultimately determines their futures. It is the duty of all the students of the Demon School Babylus to advance their ranks through this exam.
The first-years receive chances to raise their ranks over the course of 7 events:
The Summoning Ritual
The Flying Race
Execution Cannonball
The Battler Party
The End-of-Terminus Exam
The Harvest Festival
The Music Festival
In those two final events where the students shine the most, the Misfit Class students will strive to climb to the rank of Dalet (4). If they don't reach this rank, they will immediately be ejected from the Royal One. In order to get through this trial, the students of the Misfit Class began training with tutors. Will their efforts pay off in this battle of survival in the form of a practical exam?
In Babylus Demon School, A Hallway
Haruno, Konatsu, Azuki, and Dosanko were just passing by a Guest Staff Room guarded by Robin, who told them unauthorized entry is prohibited. Well, that definitely was Bachiko's domain, given the cutesy decorations on the sign above. Inside, Bachiko was living her life away while Iruma was sweeping the floor and Lied was in tears over the situation they got into.
"She's working us to the bone and to add insult to injury, I'm had to wear this frilly outfit." He sniffled.
"Oh, you can't let it get to you." Reassured Iruma, "Come on now, let's finish. What do you say, Lied?"
"Boy, Iruma, you really do seem used to this stuff." Commented Lied.
We should thank Keroli for having Iruma the chance to be his female dem-dol alter ego, Irumi. No wonder he's adapted well to the crossdressing. Iruma denied that he was accustomed to such, receiving an omnious stare of doubt from his gamer friend.
"Hey, Illuminati and Lindy. I'm getting annoyed here." Addressed Bachiko, "I wanna hear less yappin' and see more workin'. Got it?"
"Y-Yes, Ma'am." Replied Iruma, not bothered by the new nickname.
"Lindy, still? That's not me." Asked Lied, clearly surprised and irked.
"In fact, now I think I'd want some homemade sweets crafted by my precious little minions." Said Bachiko, "I'll get all the ingredients prepped for you guys, so snap to it and chop chop. You feel me?"
Of course, one would assume she means to get it done quickly, but it wasn't anticipated to be a longer process than imagined. Exactly what was Bachiko's way of preparing the ingredients for sweets was perhaps a way to say Iruma and Lied have to harvest them from the Fruity Ground Dragon- known for sweet and delicious strawberries growing on its head. It was a burdensome process, but the duo somehow got the strawberries. Upon returning to Bachiko's room, they found her already having a meal because she felt like eating meat instead of sweets while waiting. Talk about a waste of materials before they got dismissed.
At Sullivan's Mansion
Iruma was welcomed back to his home under the Chair-Demon's roof, greeted by butler and familiar of Ryūko, Opera. He was also greeted by an excited Sullivan.
"Did you have another fun day?" He asked.
"Sure did." Replied Iruma, "But, has my sister and Isa come back yet?"
"Unfortunately not, Master Iruma." Replied Opera with his cat ears drooping.
"Ah, your sister told me she, Kaminari and Lavande have to stay at the Royal Guard Castle until the Harvest Festival for their training. Same goes for Isa staying at the Silent Sniper Training Grounds with Acheron" Said Sullivan, sulking a little for the fact his adoptive granddaughter and tenant would be away from home for more than a week, "I was looking forward to them coming home, but they're not allowed because of intense training from the Royal Guard and the Silent Snipers themselves!"
"B-But, I think they'll be alright." Said Iruma, "Knowing my sister and my housemate, they're really strong people , so I'm sure they can handle everything fine."
Let's keep hopes up for Ryūko and Isabelle, despite the former's perfectionism and the latter's opportunistic tendencies. Iruma still needs them as well as they needs him, that's to survive this world of demonic entities.
Some Days Later
In Babyls Demon School, Bachiko's Guest Staff Room
It still wasn't looking good for Iruma and Lied as they haven't gotten Bachiko's trust or feelings all mentor-like yet. The time was up for dismissal, but they couldn't go home because of having to do Bachiko's laundry all by hand.
"You guys can go home, my a**! Day in, day out, only selfish demands!" Complained Lied, "This has nothing to do with advancing our ranks! We're just her dancing errand boys and I'm over it! I'll still be worried, but I'm gonna ask Professor Robin to tutor me again since he doesn't treat me like wait staff. You should come with me. You wanna?"
"I think I'm okay here for here now." Replied Iruma, up to Lied's surprise, "The way I see it, things could be worse. I'm pretty used to life being unfair. And I think Master Bachiko has some kind of plan she hasn't revealed to us yet, so I don't mind staying with her a bit more until she does."
"Dude, you know that can't be good for your health." Said Lied.
"Nah, I'll be fine." Objected Iruma.
"Well, suit yourself. In that case, I'm gonna head over to Professor Robin." Smiled his blond friend, "You should come, too, when you've had enough torture."
And with Iruma's thanks for concern, Lied left him to the laundry.
After a while, Iruma was just almost done with the massive pile of clothes. Bachiko walked up behind him to check him out
"I'm sorry, Master!" Apologized Iruma upon being addressed, "I'll hang these to dry right now!"
"To be perfectly honest, I'm surprised." Said Bachiko, "It's actually impressive. This is the very first anyone's been able to last so long having to put up with my orders. That undying willpower you possess when it comes to helping people out... Your drive to take action... You know, you gotta be the biggest moron I've ever met."
Well, that was the least expected thing to hear for Iruma. He ended up standing still before completing everything and then returning home.
Upon arrival, Opera noticed something was off about Iruma. Even at dinner and in his bath, Iruma didn't seem to be the same as normal. He just kept doing everything without expression. It was as if something bothered him after Bachiko called him a moron. Really up to the point he could not sleep.
'Huh? This is strange.' He reminisced, 'I can't get Master's face off my mind. My chest is really tight. I think there might be something in my throat. I don't know why, but I feel... I feel... majorly frustrated! I'm so majorly frustrated...that I can't sleep!'
Out of needing to vent things out, Iruma decided to call Asmodeus, how was really happy to hear from him.
"Master Iruma! How glorious it is to have you call me!" He beamed while Sabro lays down exhausted, "Is anything wrong?"
"Hye, um, sorry for calling so late." Apologized Iruma.
"Oh, it's perfectly fine!" Assured Asmodeus, "I'm still in the middle of our training."
"Wait, really? This late?" Asked Iruma.
"Yes. It's an assignment from Professor Balam, and our task is proven to be nigh impossible..." Explained the noble demon, crafting a flame in his hand, "That's makes me say that I'm feel more motivated than ever!"
"Oh, wow. I'm sorry to bother you, then, Azz." Said Iruma, "I know you'll do your best."
"Yes! I shall, indeed, my master!" Replied Asmodeus before they ended their call.
Shortly after, he sent a text that said he wants to show Iruma how much he's grown as soon as possible and that Iruma should feel free to contact him anytime before it ends with a goodnight. Iruma then received a text from Clara saying, "The girls' meeting starts now."
She then sent a photo of her, Elizabetta and Yanna wearing different clothes and sunglasses. Looks like Raim's seductive tuitions are also ongoing at late hours.
Iruma then decided to contact Ryūko to see how she, Lavande and Kaminari were doing.
"What's this? Oh, 'tis thou who seeks counsel in most gracious hour of the Immernachtstraum, dear brother." Monologued Ryūko in her usual Prinzessin character, "Pray tell, what brings trouble and desires to devour thy most sacred of following the path to certain victory?"
"I think she means to say 'Good evening'." Translated Kaminari, just next to Ryūko, "And then she wants you tell her if something worries or prevents you from training."
"Ah, Sis and Kaminari. Are you still training at this hour?" Asked Iruma.
"Most certainly we are." Said Lavande, "Learning a nearly impossible technique to master in advancement to bloodline magic takes much efforts."
"Indeed it does!" Agreed Ryūko, "Capacity of the subtle autumn air takes grasp on my needs to breathe, but to persevere in all sake of this prolific art of battle we must commit."
"Yeah, this is not an easy task." Said Kaminari, "So we're decided to stay up for a couple more hours to practice our breathing and combat exercises, of course with Sir Félin's permission."
"I see. Looks like you're learning something at extremes." Commented Iruma, "Sorry to bother you three. Hope everything goes well, do you best!"
"Thou hast graced us with such kind words." Smiled Lavande.
"Thy Prinzessin now blesses you with an undisturbed slumber, Prinz der Außeinsider." Said Ryūko, "May our efforts prevail and forge the path to assure our grand act of survival."
"Yup, what she said!" Nodded Kaminari, "Good night, Iruma!"
Iruma then proceeds to call Isabelle and Acheron to know what they're up to.
"Hi, Isa. I hope I'm not interrupting or anything." Iruma began the phone call.
"Hey, Iruma." Answered Isabelle. "No, we're actually on a short break when you called us up. How's your training for the day?"
"It's nearly there, Isa. What about you and Acheron? You doing good with Captain Gremory? Training at this hour, too?" Iruma asked.
"Yeah. And so far, so good, man." Replied Acheron who is also answering. "My dad told us that we can extend our training until the wee hours of tomorrow and, of course, we were more than eager to do such extensive training."
"I see." Said Iruma.
"Anyway, our 6-minute break is almost over so we're gonna have to call you back tomorrow. Bye, Iruma. Good luck and do your best." Isabelle said.
"You, too, Isa and Acheron." Iruma ended the call.
It became apparent that everyone in the Misfit Class was working hard, and Iruma realized he shouldn't let his tutor look down on him so simply. He doesn't want to be an idiot who only does what is told.
By the next day, Iruma decided to declare his willingness to become the most perfect errand boy to Bachiko. The latter stifled her laughter while confused with how Iruma came to such conclusion. Even with all this gumption, will this self-styled perfect errand boy be able to reach Dalet rank?
Two Weeks Later
At Babyls Demon School, Royal One
After School
The lessons at regular classes have ended with Kalego finishing up and reminding them to do their homework for each class and what happens if they don't reach their objective assigned. As he dismissed them, most of his students were all down in the dust with exhaustion and gloom. Please note that all of what follows after his leave are statements from the actual parties involved. The Misfits didn't leave the room, and had the lights off with candles for each person illuminating themselves in darkness.
"We have gathered here today to discuss our current affairs whilst under mentorship of the elites." Said Lavande.
"Thanks for that, Lavande." Said Lied, "Come on, we have to be honest here. It's been two weeks since meeting our tutors. I know we're all dying of curiosity. Has everyone else been going through training as crazy and horrifying as Iruma and I? Let's begin... with the two who are dripping wet!"
He pointed at Goemon and Picero, truly soaked up to the bone.
"Thank you for noticing!" Exclaimed Goemon, "Even just thinking back on it makes me shudder with the same dread I felt then. Master Vepar said that she wants to strengthen our bloodline abilities... We were told they are powerful, but only on the surface. Making us unable to use your bloodline abilities and then making us get them back is the training she thought of... And that's why we'll be spending some time underwater, she said."
Darn, that really sounds like they could be drowning by the first day itself.
"Wait, that's just torture!" Exclaimed Lied.
"That's the reason Agares has been sleeping constatly when not training." Sobbed Goemon with Picero in his embrace as even the latter's cloud bed cries along.
"HUH?! But he already sleeps so much!" Responded Iruma in fright.
Spending day after day in the water surely sounds like a moment where one could potentially develop some hydrophobia if they aren't careful. Goemon ended his statement by blowing out his candle.
"I'm sorta in the same boat, to be honest." Said Lied, "Professor Robin asked me to bring him as many of my favorite things as I could , so I brought him all of my games and... He said we'll beat them all in 6 days, thinking that it'll increase concentration. I'd also be playing games I've already beaten. He even tagged along in them as I started, all the while not even a single break was taken. You're bugging my brain! And 'tomorrow' isn't tomorrow anymore when it's morning already!"
"Oh no." Breathed in Iruma.
"But that's your training, isn't it?" Asked Asmodeus.
"There's gotta be limits!" Screamed Lied out of the exhaustion he still was left with, "I can't be out until the sun rises every night! Ugh!"
Unintentionally consuming time on media like this really damages your sleep schedule. It's important to always keep track on how much sleep you actually get every night, if not in afternoon naps, as well.
Moving on, we have Sabro and Asmodeus's training.
"And we haven't had the chance to go home yet." Said the former, which Asmodeus nodded to in agreement, "We're not allowed go home until we get one hit in."
"He does retaliate, so we've been getting roughed up." Continued Asmodeus.
"And anytime we're not in class, we're always in training." Added Sabro.
That sounds simpler said than done to achieve, no wonder it still is terrifying.
"Hey, um... speaking of not being able to go home, aren't we missing..." Mentioned Iruma, looking around the circle.
"You're right. Jazz and Allocer aren't here." Said Goemon.
"Yeah, about that, I should tell you." Jumped in Lied with his phone out, "I sent Jazzy a text asking how training is going. At first, it sounded like they were having fun. But the replies got shorter and shorter... The last reply I got was..."
As it turned out, each message was far more desperate for help than the last and the final message showed that the training was far worse than anticipated on surface level. Such was horrific, sending frozen shivers down almost everyone's spines. Someone needed to change topics before it got worse.
"Perhaps we could share our trails of experience." Said Ryūko, "Our training is demanding, therefore we have to temporarily reside at the quarters of the Royal Guard Castle."
"We are being taught a near-impossible magic to use, such what makes it highly in need of special attention." Continued Lavande, "Even though one is already a prominent user of such techniques and is accustomed to the nuances of great magic, I still remain a trainee yet and assistant to the Leader of the Netherworld Royal Guard."
"This needs us to bring our breath beyond maximum potential, so we have various breathing exercises paired with bladework trainings." Added Kaminari, "We're not allowed to use any other weapons aside from melee blades and our bloodline abilities combined to one. That puts me in a pinch because it's not my kind of thing."
"And with that, I must say even my operatic knowledge can be put to the test." Concluded Ryūko, extinguishing her candle in hand, "It only gets worse in the eyes of a normal demon as I wear a waist-trainer resembling a corset to ensure I have no back problems and retain my figure. Admit it, I shall, as the limitations are of great stretches and I'm uncertain if we can truly adapt to the air around us once we are able to use this magic."
"At some points, we basically have to stop breathing." Said Kaminari bluntly, "Once or twice I got so frustrated I unsheathed my blade and just did a giant thunderbolt. I destroyed a bunch of stuff so... Yeah. They weren't happy."
"Wait, what? You wear corsets, Prinzessin?" Asked Goemon.
"Sheesh, I didn't realize you've been maintaining that body of yours like that." Said Lied, "The fact you said those reasons for wearing a fitness corset is pretty painful."
Perhaps Kaminari made a slight exaggeration with told to stop breathing, but that does sounds highly demanding for a special form of magic.
Goemon then turned to Clara, Elizabetta, and Yanna. The first two of the trio were practicing some poses, albeit in a stiff and messy way of such.
"Those are some interesting poses." Said Iruma, "I saw you do them in class, but I didn't know why."
"We're making you keep your eyes on us!" Replied Clara.
"U-Uh, Professor Raim said the important thing is to control people's eyes as women improve the more they're looked at." Said Yanna, who's not doing anything.
"And that's the reason we must always strike beautiful poses!" Continued Clara as she and Elizabetta changed poses. Quite scary is their diligence.
"Then, what about you, Yanna?" Asked Isabelle, "You don't appear to be on the same page as Clara and Lizzie."
"Well actually, Professor Raim decided to give me a chance to tell her a problem I had with my beauty since I was young." Replied Yanna, "It's been out of my own control and she's giving me special training to help me develop some good techniques for it."
That seems like an interesting contrast.
Up next were Keroli and Kamui. The latter decided to explain for the former as she was not in such a good shape, "As summoners, we were told it'd be best to be in the same environment as the beasts we communicate with."
"Spending the whole day in a cage with a wild beast..." Added a visibly traumatized Keroli, with her statement horrifying her peers, "It was just so filthy."
"Couldn't agree more! I want to get closer to Lady Keroli!" Complained Kamui on his knees, "Not some smelly beast! So why was I put in a different cage?!"
"My word, you are predictable." Commented Asmodeus and Ryūko.
"And what about you two?" Lied asked Isabelle and Acheron (who didn't have any visible signs of exhaustion or worry). "I hope you guys had a bad time like the rest of us."
"Actually, Lied, we had a great time." Acheron replied, much to shock of Lied and mostly everyone present. "Isabelle managed to wow my father with her impressive fighting skills with her gauntlets. Because of what she did, we skipped the basics and immediately head to the next step of our training, which is weapon switching."
"It took me a few days to master that but I eventually got the hang of it. We still had more steps in training to go to, one of them being... uh..." Isabelle caught herself on what she was about to say, "Well, we cannot tell you that step because Captain Leonard said it's confidential. But we can tell you this: our training is not without its downsides. I had to properly position myself in the correct stance when I need to fight enemies either from a distance or up close. I know Acheron already knows about stances but of course he did some re-do with that."
She then blew out her and Acheron's candle.
'I cannot believe this. Master Acheron and Miss Isa were able to find fun in their training days.' Asmodeus gawked at them before turning to Iruma, knowing he was the last one to present his past experiences through the two weeks.
"What kind of training has your tutor been giving you?!" Asked Asmodeus.
"Is it waterfall meditation?!" Guessed Clara in question, "Waterstand, waterjump?!"
"Well, no... how do I put this?" Hesitated Iruma before continuing, "First thing, I have to boil water. And then, I prepare my master's breakfast and tea... Sometimes, I go clothes shopping with her... We have comprehensive discussions over sweets. I dry her futons, do her laundry, draw her bath, prepare her dinner, and then go home. That's basically how my training's been going every day!"
"Nothing about that is training." Said Keroli, Elizabetta, Goemon, Lied and Camui.
Dumbfounded, Iruma stated that Bachiko was slowly beginning to acknowledge him and he could understand what she wants.
"Are you sure about that, Iruma?" Acheron asked with doubt. "It sounded like Miss Bachiko is forcing you to do servile tasks instead of actual training."
"Yeah." Kaminari agreed with Acheron's words, "And from what you said, you treat menial labor like it was a big deal to you."
"Oh no. Looks like Iruma-kins is being bullied..." Said Clara.
"Tell the truth! Are you alright?!" Asked Asmodeus, "Should I report this to Lord Kalego?!"
It appears that almost everyone got it rough. The majority of those exhausted wanted to take a break and didn't see the point of such demanding methods of training. Unfortunately, that would not be in any compromise because everyone was once again called by their respective tutors to assemble for training, to which they all responded with affirmation.
"Even if it all stands as formidable obstacles with projections of trickery and torturing thrashes of unwinding agony, swear not to thyselves surrender in our quest to continue our academic residence in Royal One of the Rex Mons Mundi (Latin - King of The Demon World)." Speeched Ryūko with her ever prideful voice in emotional support, "We, Klasse der Außensiter, Eliten von Babyls (DE/German - Class of Misfits, Elites of Babyls) shall neither fall in kneel nor defeat of surrender to those whom mentor our abilities to refine strength to yonder gate of present day. Now, let us move. We shall march onward to where the thread of fate leads to victory through aggressions of all who oppose us, for they shall regret to live their tale in duration of their living more than any can martyr!"
Now motivated by the speech of great blessing and determination ignited again, the Misfits went their separate ways to training.
"Sis, you sure changed up your pace." Commented Iruma.
"I seek no less than consume absolution within my more ethereal being, but I wish not for my most loyal of all followers to fall in the ashes of never-ending sorrows in defeat." Said Ryūko, "Mark my words, you shall see me ignite greater than any explosive ember as I bring everyone of us closer to certain victory. After all, I am the one and only Prinzessin der Babyls. With that, I must bid you adieu, dear brother."
She left Iruma to himself, who saw that everyone was serious about reaching Dalet rank and he has to work hard, as well.
Outside
Bachiko was getting impatient with Iruma not being around past sweets time. She was then greeted by Sullivan, much to her surprise.
"My, it's been a while! I'm delighted you've come! I wasn't sure you would!" Exclaimed Sullivan, getting closer to Bachiko, "Have you been well, my dear?"
She instantly turned red at his presence, and shyly responded that she was well.
"Wonderful to hear. And thank you for responding so quickly to such a last-minute summons." Said Sullivan.
"Oh, it's nothing, really." Said Bachiko, tapping her fingers together.
"I'm well aware of your incredible powers so happy to have you with us." Continued the Chair-Demon.
"Don't mentioned it. I'd do anything for you, Lord Sullivan." Stammered the flustered archer.
"It seems like you're getting along well with Iruma, too." Said Sullivan, "I hope you'll continue helping Iruma with his training until he's ready to proceed."
And it was at this moment Bachiko knew, she messed up big time!
On his way out, Iruma received a text message from Bachiko. In the message, the itinerary of the day was food shopping, laundry, and creating a new weapon. She then popped up saying that it'll be used for the training, much to Iruma's surprise. She then took him to Babyls Highlands Point 13.
"Alrighty then! Ready to get started?!" Said Bachiko.
"So, um... What do you mean by "Alrighty then"?" Asked Iruma.
"I was enjoying the good life so I completely forgot we hadn't made any progress with your training." Explain his tutor, "That's my bad."
"You forgot?!" Repeated Iruma in shock, "Master, this whole time I thought running errands for you was my training..."
"Come on. How the hell would that be training?" Questioned Bachiko upon his stupidity, "You were just my little errand boy."
Seriously, Iruma. You better start knowing the difference between training and servile matters.
"Though, to be frank with you, there's really no point in training now." Said Bachiko, standing up from her seat and walking towards the edge. She warned Iruma not to come over to that end because she could only teach him one thing.
Bachiko then explained that her relationship with Robin as a relative was that he was from a branch family, whereas she's from the main family. So they pretty much have similar archery abilities. Just like that, she revealed her identity as the Winged Devourer of Despair and Undead Archer. Bachiko took her aim and activated the Barbatos bloodline ability - Hundred Bullseyes towards a single flag at a distance. It was a mighty powerful demonstration.
"When one has the Barbatos family bloodline ability, Hundred Bullseyes, as long as you can keep concentration, you can keep shooting arrows that'll always hit their targets." She explained, "It's the evolved version of Robi's Bullseye Shot, which is a great advantage but can only used once a day. I'm proud to say the only ones who can actually hit the mark 100% of the time are just three people: the Chief, the President, and me. FYI, President Barbatos is one of the Three Heroes of the Great War in Demon Valley, along with Furfur and Vepar. I've had tons of demons come to me to learn how to shoot because they admire my Hundred Bullseyes ability. The problem is demons naturally get bored right away, so they lack patience and concentration. Striking down enemies, no matter how far, and helping their allies survive... People fear this weapon because a single archer can turn the battle around in the blink of an eye. If you do manage to learn it, you'll advance far beyond the rank of Dalet, but I have to tell you... It's impossible. The simple truth is demons just ain't cut out for this."
Such a lecture about her power seemed to swoon Iruma, which was out of her expectations. She asked him what's with the expression he wore. It wasn't at all weird, but it couldn't be helped that Bachiko was amazingly cool to him.
"Are you really going to teach me that super cool move because I cannot wait?!" He asked.
"W-Well, if you're seriously willing to try, then okay. I guess I'll help you out." Said Bachiko, "Come on, let's go. I said we're gonna make your weapon, right? When I give someone my word, I keep it."
"Alright. But where?" Asked Iruma.
They made a return to the school compound, up to the Battler Tower. To Iruma's surprise, it was a pit stop at the Magical Apparatus Battler.
"This place is famous for making all kinds of insane devices and tools." Said Bachiko.
What will await Iruma upon entering familiar doorways? Is there enough time for him to create his bow? Find out next time!
~Interval~
Iruma and Lied were at their crossdressing act again previous and tried making an entrance. But at the end of the intro, something was wrong.
"Illuminati, I'm pretty sure my name needs to go first." Said Lied, "It should be Li and Iru."
"You're wrong, Lindy. My name goes before yours." Objected Iruma, "It's Iru and Li. I will not compromise."
"Well, neither will I!" Retorted Lied. "So there. Let's just see who happens to be the better maid!"
Well, not that Bachiko really cares whatsoever. She doesn't seem bothered with who should be first. Talk about a struggle between who is better than the other.