Chapter 13: The Encounter with Devils

Kael Shirogane's life at Kuoh Academy was carefully structured. Every day, he followed a mundane routine, the life of a teacher perfectly masking the devil hidden beneath. He taught his classes, handled administrative duties, and made it a point to remain as unremarkable as possible.

For two years, this facade held strong. He neither sought attention nor allowed himself to linger too long in conversations that might draw it. His students respected him for his quiet but firm demeanor, and his colleagues viewed him as polite, if a little distant.

It was a carefully constructed act, one that allowed him to avoid questions about his true nature. But recently, cracks had begun to form in the foundation of his quiet existence.


The Note

It arrived after the last bell rang, as Kael was preparing to leave for the day. A folded piece of fine paper, slipped under his office door. He had noticed it immediately—his heightened senses alerting him to the faint magical energy lingering on the parchment.

Unfolding the note, he read the elegant script:

"Kael Shirogane-sensei,
We request your presence in the student council room after school hours.
Sincerely, Souna Shitori."

The handwriting was immaculate, each stroke deliberate. The tone of the message was polite, but Kael couldn't ignore the underlying weight of the words.

Souna Shitori—known in the human world as the diligent and composed president of the Kuoh Academy student council—was, in reality, a devil. Not just any devil, but Sona Sitri, heiress to the prestigious Sitri Clan and the younger sister of one of the Underworld's Maou, Serafall Leviathan.

Kael folded the note carefully, his expression neutral. He could feel the faint ripple of magic it carried, a subtle marker meant to ensure he didn't dismiss it lightly.

He exhaled softly. It seemed his quiet life was finally catching up with him.


The Student Council Room

When Kael entered the student council room after school, he found himself in an elegant space that radiated authority. The polished floors gleamed under the warm glow of the lights, and the meticulously arranged furniture added to the room's aura of order and control.

At the center of it all stood Sona Sitri. She wore the Kuoh Academy uniform, but her posture and presence were unmistakably regal. Beside her was her vice-president, Tsubaki Shinra, who observed Kael with piercing eyes.

"Kael-sensei," Sona greeted, her voice calm and measured. "Thank you for coming."

Kael nodded politely. "President Shitori. To what do I owe the honor?"

Sona gestured toward a seat, her demeanor courteous but firm. "Please, take a seat."

Kael complied, lowering himself into the chair. His movements were deliberate, controlled—a stark contrast to the faint tension that hummed in the room.

For a moment, Sona simply studied him. Her violet eyes seemed to pierce through him, as though searching for something beyond the surface.

"You've been with us for two years now," she began. "During that time, you've maintained an impressive record as a teacher. But there's something about you that stands out. Something... different."

Kael tilted his head slightly, his expression calm. "Different? I'm not sure I understand, President."

Sona's lips curved into a faint smile. "You're not just a teacher, are you? You're a devil."

Her words hung in the air, heavy and unyielding.

Kael didn't flinch. He met her gaze steadily, his expression unreadable. After a moment, he exhaled softly, his crimson eyes glinting faintly in acknowledgment.

"You're perceptive, President Shitori," he said quietly. "Yes, I'm a devil. But I have no intention of causing trouble."


Probing for Answers

Tsubaki stepped forward, her sharp gaze fixed on Kael. "Then why are you here? Devils don't typically leave the Underworld without reason. And even if they do, they rarely choose to live so... quietly."

Kael leaned back slightly, his posture relaxed despite the scrutiny. "My reasons are my own, Vice-President. I have no ties to the Underworld anymore. I left that life behind."

Sona raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. "No ties at all? Surely you haven't abandoned your rank or status. A devil without rank is... unusual, to say the least."

Kael's lips twitched into a faint, humorless smile. "Consider me an exception, then. My rank, if you're curious, is middle devil level. Hardly worth mentioning."

The room fell silent for a moment. Sona and Tsubaki exchanged a glance, their skepticism evident.

"Middle devil level?" Sona repeated, her tone thoughtful. "That seems... unlikely. You carry yourself with far too much confidence for someone of that rank."

Kael shrugged lightly. "Believe what you wish, President. My rank is irrelevant. I've chosen to live quietly, and I have no intention of involving myself in the politics of the Underworld or your affairs here at Kuoh Academy."


A Test of Intent

Sona studied him for a long moment, her expression unreadable. Finally, she nodded.

"Very well," she said. "If you wish to remain uninvolved, I won't press you further. However, I must ask for your discretion. As you've likely deduced, the student council consists entirely of devils. We have our own responsibilities to manage, and our presence here is not something we wish to advertise."

Kael inclined his head. "Your secret is safe with me."

As he rose to leave, Sona's voice stopped him.

"One more thing, Kael-sensei," she said, her tone carrying a subtle edge. "If you're truly only middle devil level, then I suggest you be cautious. There are those who might take an interest in you for... other reasons."

Kael paused, glancing back over his shoulder. His crimson eyes gleamed faintly in the dim light.

"I appreciate the concern, President," he said softly. "But I can take care of myself."

With that, he left the room, the door clicking softly behind him.


Reflection

The walk home was quiet, the fading light of the evening casting long shadows across the streets. Kael's thoughts lingered on the encounter, replaying the conversation in his mind.

Sona Sitri was sharp—far sharper than most devils he had encountered. She had tread carefully, her questions calculated and precise. She hadn't pushed too hard, but it was clear she suspected there was more to him than he let on.

Back at his modest home, Kael sat in the dimly lit living room, the faint hum of the refrigerator the only sound in the otherwise silent space.

He leaned back in his chair, closing his eyes. For two years, he had managed to keep his past and his power hidden. But now, the delicate balance he had maintained was beginning to shift.

His crimson eyes glowed faintly as he opened them, staring at the ceiling.

"Middle devil level," he muttered to himself, a faint smirk tugging at his lips. "If only they knew."

For now, his secret was safe. But Kael knew it was only a matter of time before his quiet life was disrupted.