Chapter X. The Iruma I Know
To review the Misfit Class's progress, we begin with Iruma and Lied have no points earned, after such got snatched from a particular team. Isabelle and Acheron have earned 1,680,000 points thanks to their stakeouts and short fights against other teams. They recently shared their haul with Iruma and Lied but because most of what they got were used for nutritional consumption, the two teams end up with 7,600 points each. Alongside an unknown sum, due to gathering allies, Picero and Goemon have 8,200 points. Stealing from the first mentioned team, Elizabetta and Clara take on 9,400 points. The sneaky duo of Jazz and Schneider hold 12,800 points. Ruling over the beasts, Keroli and Kamui hold what used to be 1,514,200 points reduced back to 14,200. What exactly happened to that is unknown, but the Tamarind Ogre-Spider legs were assumed to be stolen, which is not against any rules, in their sleep and while the guarding creatures didn't know about. Hunting down the reign of night went Kaminari and Yanna at a staggering 1,516,000 points down to 15,000 as a sacrifice to desperately get out of a predicament that, just like the previous team, was not shown on cameras whatsoever. Finally, Asmodeus, Lavande, and Sabro take the lead with 15,100 points in their arsenal. Now, without futher ado, let's get back to our leading team!
Asmodeus's will to unleash his evil cycle brought heavy possibilities of death in the Harvest Festival, but was stopped by Sabro and Lavande. They managed to retrieve the Flapple of 10,800 points, along with the Dorodoro Brothers' points. The latter were on the floor admitting defeat unwillingly, which surprised Sabro. Asmodeus questioned whether or not his taller teammate called their undesired admission was anything but cooperative.
"Sucks to say, but the three of you were stronger than us!" Said Ichiro, "What someone is better than them, real warriors have to give them the credit they deserve!"
Niro and Lavande nodded at the fair sentiment. The latter was rather surprised at her opponents good sports as she looked at her male teammates. She stepped back to allow Asmodeus and Sabro to take a knee to the ground, extending their hands to the Dorodoro Brothers' with respect.
"We may do any, but never bring bloody dismay to others partaking in the Harvest Festival, dear gentlemen." Smiled the knight, "If its code were to transform into something unlikely, one to have a carcass laying on the earth beneath our feet, however different would this festival be no more what is claims to be for all to make merry?"
"Indeed. We did end up struggling a bit." Agreed Sabro, "So as students of the same master standing alongside the leading heir of the Royal Guard, it was an honor and a privilege to fight you."
Calming silence stood between the teams with warm smiles of sincerity. Ichiro and Niro took Sabro and Asmodeus's hands, demanding a rematch as well as claiming they wouldn't lose the next time they battle it out. The Misfit warriors stood confused as the sheer determination of their festival rivals all to take back their master. But please take note they were still dealing with a colossal case of mistaken identity as their master was Sergeant Furfur, not Shichiro Balam.
"We're heading over to a swamp next! We're so gonna drown you!" Challenged Ichiro enthusiastically.
"So, gator hunting, huh? Very well, then!" Replied Sabro.
"Moron! Don't let them bait you!" Warned Asmodeus.
"Oh, not to worry. We're not currently using our bloodline ability." Said Niro.
"Have we just become unlikely companions of rivalry, Sir Asmodeus and Sir Niro?" Wondered Lavande in her feline curiosity.
"I guess so." Said the latter, "And... wow. You're way more beautiful up-close, considering that you'll lead the Royal Guard soon. Ah... may I have you sign on something after this festival, Miss Lavande?"
"Of course, Sir Niro." Smiled the cat demoness, "You and your brother make quite the squires of whom your master surely smile upon from miles away. If you'd like, the Royal Guard is always ready to welcome anyone with brilliance and incentive to defend our dearest Netherworld from extradimensional threats."
It seems like the two teams started to bond over competition.
The wake-up alarm from Stolas Suzy echoed above and through the forests, signaling the start of a new day. On the second day of the Harvest Festival, the students largely fall into two groups- those who were already exhausted and the lively ones who were raring to go. Iruma, Lied, Isabelle, and Acheron have woken up to stretch before having breakfast. Just in the trees above, a figure in black descended to the forest ground, startling the boys.
"Grand is the morrow of our survival, my retinue." Said the figure after an exhale, "Behold this day marks the next chapter of what may unfold before the next cover of darkness reigns over the land. Now we must curtail temptations of exhaustion, to the labyrinth of merciless tides bring ever unforgiving content to those who fall shall be conquered."
That monologue brought some awkward silence between them, Iruma, Lied, Isabelle, and Acheron were standing to figure if the mysterious participant was on their side. Their voice was quite unfamiliar, which made things even more confusing. It took a minute for three people to realize who would be the only person in their class wearing the mask of unfathomable words.
"Let me guess. Her Majesty, right?" Acheron guessed.
"Sis, is that you?" Asked Iruma, "Whatever you said just now really is... sort of a mouthful..."
"A pleasant morning to you, too, Prinzessin der Babylus." Isabelle greeted.
The hood figure shook their head, as if they needed to clear their mind. They pulled down their mask and hood, revealing the one who hid from all the cameras, no other than Ryūko Suzuki - Prinzessin der Babyls.
"Well, as expected of the Prinzessin!" Beamed Lied in excitement, "Your vocabulary is off the charts even if you sound strange with your mask!"
Ryūko didn't seem fazed by the comments, as if she already knew her mask altered her voice. "Well, it wasn't my intention this webbed mask would make me sound near masculine." She said, "I'm quite disappointed with you, though, especially my brother and Lied."
"Oh right! We need to start earning more points!" Said Lied in agreement, "We only have three days left, so we can't just sit around! Especially since we have 7,600 points after day one. What were you doing throughout yesterday? Do you have any points on you?"
"Well... Indeed I have, but such can be distributed amongst the five of us." Said the cambion, "As for my own affairs, I just happened to make some silk webs around a few areas. That way it'd take me less energy to earn my bounty."
Well, as expected of the diligent epitome of pride herself. There's no way she was doing nothing through her time back then all alone.
"Such diligence you got there, Ryūko." Said Acheron.
"As of now, Isa, Acheron, Iruma, and have the least points in our class. We've gotta work hard!" Lied followed after as Iruma froze when Lied mentioned having the least amount of harvest points on their team, as well as Isabelle and Acheron's team. While it's important to preserve stamina, points are an absolute must-have. That's where he questioned himself if he ate too much due to his old habits.
Ryūko, knowing what she wanted as a main target, deliberately spoke up. "Has this been to thee foretold by fate, Rogue der Sinne (DE - Rogue of Senses)? Or hast thou called upon granted power of capturing thoughts into thy divinations in senses?" She asked, "My, it is thy power truly dangerous I may commend for incredible utility!"
"Ah, nothing special, Ryūko." Replied Lied, flattered with how Ryūko nicknamed him, "I just happened to bet on my guts that its obvious, knowing you."
Isabelle and Acheron let out gasps of surprise as they knew what this all meant.
Getting on to their plan, Lied, Isabelle, and Acheron told Iruma that everything would be alright as long as they follow the assumed goal of retrieving the Shining Shrub and the Legendary Leaf - two mysterious ingredients that have never been successfully hunted and definite winners of 100,000 points each, especially since they are rare and one-of-a-kind. These were their one way to turn around their low-point back up. At the same time, it would be a huge gamble considering how many points it's worth. And without thinking, Iruma just went along with what his main allies assumed was their plan. Ryūko simply expressed a deadpan face while her palm softly hited her forehead.
'Same old, same old...' She thought before speaking, "That is indeed our goal. Before getting there, we should look for hints. From whom we may get them from, I think I know exactly who to look for. Crocell and Caim - they were training with a multitude of magical beasts from what I recalled from our lights-off meeting. Shax, think you can use Controller again to trace their location?"
"Yes, Ma'am!" Replied Lied, "And you choose the best path, Iruma."
"Acheron and I will handle on-ground defense." Isabelle added in as she and Acheron readied their portable arsenal of weapons.
"I shall protect our circle from high in the trees above." Said Ryūko, pulling her mask and hood back up.
While going down the way, Iruma wondered if his other classmates were alright. Perhaps he and the others expected that they would be able to catch up with each other and converse about their first day.
"Hmm... if I know anything about Keroli and Kamui's training with Mr. Hat, getting the information we need from them wouldn't be such a cakewalk." Acheron mused with vigilance.
His words turned out to be true as they were greeted by the fierce snarls of wild magical beasts having them helpless and surrounded. Ryūko jumped into their circle, but didn't unsheathe her daggers from the belts of her corset, knowing that it would mean worse if she tried to fight. Just then, four smaller beasts played some drums to an entrance as two students stood behind three other creatures as if they were guards. Their greeting sequence urged the five to be on the floor before their queen of flawless beauty, as cordially introduced by Kamui.
The lights turned on at a single move of her finger, Keroli was seated on a throne. Her domain of ice and nature was filled with the howls and praises of her subjects in salute to the user of Ice Façade.
"On most grand behalf of Her Majesty's attendant, I ask of you all silence at once!" Said Ryūko with a firm voice, still deepened by her mask. Surprisingly, the animals stopped their applause and sat still.
"May I be bold, but are you in fact the Prinzessin der Babyls?" Asked Kamui to the assassin.
"Thou art at most almighty presence of two astounding monarchs, and yes it will be I who you are most acquainted withal." Said Ryūko, "Now, I shall offer to thee, Königin von Eis und Bestien (DE - Queen of Ice and Beasts), why we stand and in desperation call in intrusive heed to thy most incredible abode. Translations of bestiary linguistics can only be obtained by the attendant of your kingdom, Kamui Caim. We are in need of your assistance in the trials and passages to obtain the most mythical yet obtainable Legendary Leaf and Shining Shrub."
"So it seems, commendable is your vigor and eloquent speech, Prinzessin." Said Kamui.
"So, have these two always been like this or what?" Asked Lied, "They're like super intimidating!"
"May I say, Your Majesty, this is quite the fascination we are witnessing as trespassers." Said Isabelle, "This kingdom of yours... I am deeply impressed, speaking as an associate of the Prinzessin."
"But of course!" Smiled Kamui, "The Harvest Festival is traditionally every demon for themselves, hence the advantage of a pack! 'Tis the ultimate strategy. Our Queen, who commands the magical beasts, is as lovely as she is powerful! Have you ever seen such exquisite poise, wisdom, and beauty as her?! Truthfully, wandering into enemy territory is dangerous and could end up fatal. I'm surprised you could even find this place."
"Well, see, I used my Controller, then followed all the rumors going around and your mana to find you." Explained Lied.
Being able to sense mana in vast areas between their current location and Block Four while continuing to listen in mean that Lied's concentration has reached peak levels.
When Camui turned to Keroli asking what should they do with Acheron, Isabelle, Ryūko, Iruma, and Lied, in consideration that they unlawfully entered their turf, her mist clear as she ask if they have any tribute. Not piece of information can come down for free when its in the hands of rivals. Anything about the forests wouldn't do as the beasts under her command are able to accomplish the necessary. Lied stated that he and Iruma ran into Clara and Elizabetta on Day One, charming them into giving away all of their points. Of course, Kamui would be interested in that as it was the girls they were talking about. Keroli accepted that information as useful, but there was more than just that. She ordered the boys (bar Acheron) to dance for her and that would make it a deal. Isabelle, Acheron, and Ryūko stood and made their respective musical instruments (flute, violin, and harp) appear into their hands, knowing music was needed. With the snap of her fingers, two beasts offered Iruma and Lied two frilly and fluffy dresses, matching their colors. Keroli asked for this on behalf of her dem-dol manager, who she called an acquaintance in this scenario while being careful not to reveal any secrets. Attempting to do something else wouldn't make the cut as there was no escaping the request. After all, a ruling monarch's rule is absolute no matter how ridiculous or brutal it sounds.
In the end, Iruma and Lied dressed up and introduced themselves by the nicknames Bachiko gave them, performing Your Little Imp Apocalypse. While everyone was enjoying this, why exactly did Keroli ask for this? Was it to be mean? Well, far from that. All of the stress she built up during her training put her right on the verge of her evil cycle. She was longing for a release. If you can remember well, she was first a fan of dem-dols before becoming one herself. Just what was it that made this unsmiling girl grin? She simply a huge dem-dol fan, eyes sparkling at Irumanati and Lindy's show as she asked them to fulfill a few slots of movement. This made her subjects jump for joy to see their queen happy, not to mention she looked absolutely adorable while she was at the edge of her seat.
Ryūko, Isabelle, and Acheron made their instruments disappear as they took to Iruma's side before Kamui walked over to her team.
"The magical beasts were deeply moved by your song and they told me they would like to thank you."
And it was through singing the hymn of the Legendary Leaf. It went a little like this.
"So you want to know how do you grow
The Legendary Leaf and the Shining Shrub of stories told
Well, here goes:
First you get two seeds and two planting pots
Now single, the wife will walk a hundred steps
And show you to her secret spot
Then, find her old mother-in-law, too
Gotta circle round and round
Get low what's undertow
Time to dive deep underground
Greet the gaping maw before you
Patiently like thee
Hidden in the beasty's belly
The magic seeds of
They're the seeds of beginnings"
Kamui handed to Ryūko the lyrics and about all the information he and Keroli have on the Legendary Leaf and the Shining Shrub in the form of paper sheets. The latter was quite pleased as she deemed the second day of the Harvest Festival as the time where things start to intensify. Henceforth, being in tip-top shape is essential to preparations. Next time, they ask for favors to her, this queen would make them dance on a real stage. And no, that was not a request, but a promise. And so, the quintet obtained information concerning the rarest finds. What Keroli said was true for this was the second day of the Harvest Festival. With the intel needed, only two teams would disappear from the forest.
While Iruma, Lied, Isabelle, Acheron, and Ryūko were trying to decipher the lyrics given to them, some of the teachers were looking through what they were up with in the Broadcasting Room. Suzy understood what it was and stated that they discovered the existence of the seeds of beginnings and the vases of endings. Those relics were keys to the Legendary Leaf and the Shining Shrub themselves. Hang on to your seats, everyone. It looks like this mysterious ingredient would be unveiled after all these years.
But let's not dwell into that too much. More students tend to forfeit on the second day of the festival, appearing to have suffered from exhaustion. However, some teachers were also exhausted from rescuing students on the first day. At this rate, those students out there were in trouble, but that would be no match for another grand department of this institute. Lead by the noble Azazel household's heiress, Ameri Azazel, this mission called for the Babylus Student Council. Western retrieved two withdrawn students in Block One, Grave found one other student in Block Two hanging on for dear life, Quichelight located four students who likely passed out. Accompanying Ameri was Smoke, who held her hellphone for their President to communicate with the others. The latter stated that they have retrieved most of the students they needed to, but commented that Ameri should have left the retrieval to her subordinates while she could have taken it easy at headquarters. Truly, Ameri's dedication was as admirable as always, but she really thought she might run into Iruma and had never imagined she wouldn't see hide nor hair of him yet.
Smoke decided to look back on some nostalgic memories as they dwelled into the forest. Ameri's performance in the previous festival was superb in her words.
"You never allowed anyone to topple you and after the 6,666-minute battle, you succeeded!" Said Smoke, "And that's when everybody started calling you the Young King!"
"Stop, please!" Retorted a flustered Ameri, "It's embarrassing! Don't bring it up!"
"I wonder who will win this year. It's a tough field." Said Smoke out of curiosity, "It's looking like the favorites so far are Asmodeus, Félin, Orobas, Gremory, Abaddon, and Ryūko. I did see that Iruma had zero points, just by excluding his amount from his sister's and his housemate's, however. I think the only chance he has to turn the tables now is to get either the Legendary Leaf or the Shining Shrub."
'I searched for it myself last year, but, despite my efforts, found no trace of it anywhere.' Recalled Ameri as she narrowed her scarlet eyes upon her way to victory back then, 'I later found out how it worked, but it turned out to be a dirty trick by the administrators... It's basically impossible to obtain.'
Her magenta-haired colleague thought the odds Iruma making his comeback would be highly unlikely, as much as Ameri predicted. However, the latter begged to differ, knowing how Iruma was always able to pull off the unexpected and come impossible tasks, achieving results far greater than anyone imagines and capable of unbelievable feats. She's also aware that all in the Misfit Class had to be promoted to Dalet in order to remain the keepers of Royal One, so she believes Iruma had been quite motivated.
But that made it all the more transparent to Smoke that Ameri truly sees Iruma as a love interest. This was something she didn't mean to show anyone of her colleagues as the Student Council President. But it's undeniable that Ameri fancies Iruma after the realization of her true feelings back when she had to politically fight it out against Romiere for her presidency. Remembering what the taller demoness said, Smoke teased that maybe Iruma would bring Ameri a Legendary Leaf bouquet. But her real intention was to see the President smile, while it sounded more like a proposal to the latter.
The moment had to be cut short as Quichelight called Smoke that things had gotten crazy at the forfeiters' tent. As soon as they got there, it looked like everyone was cheering on the Misfit Class members. Western wondered what exactly was going on, Quichelight pointed to what appeared to be placing bets. They somehow managed to obtain students' data and win rates, meaning this had been planned before the festival began. Grave lost focus and thought about rooting for Iruma, which Western told him off about to get back on the job. Ameri howled at the audience for a quieter celebration before she went up to the stage for investigation to who was behind this event. She took the MC by this uniform, he was just the help for this whole thing. In fact, it was some other student that forfeited who ignited the flames. That turned out to be... Jazz M. Andro?! He was eating some ramen with Schneider by his side.
At last, we have our first fallen students from the Misfit Class. Whatever could have happened? That we will discover in the next chapter as they enjoy their demon noodles. Anyone want a bowl?
~Interval~
Quichelight and Western were looking at the students' data gathered for the bets. The former had his guess confirmed true that the Misfit Class was the most popular of all. He decided to place a bet, but his seriously devoted colleague told him too late that he shouldn't indulge in that as a Student Council member. Smoke and Grave were wondering who was the dark horse of the year, the latter believed it was Eiko, she was being extremely nimble with precise movements. Ameri considered that elegant and what Eiko didn't know was that her day-to-day skills were praised by her second crush at the most unexpected times.