The following day marked our official first day of class, just like any other student.
Our first subject was "Demon Studies"—a class dedicated entirely to the history, nature, and various powers of demons. It ended with a disturbing reminder: submit to them, no matter what they demand. Because every time humans resist... they never live to tell the tale.
"Where are we going?" Chalice asked, frowning as we followed the upperclassmen out of the Adam & Eve building—our designated school building for humans. It was lunch break, yet instead of heading to a cafeteria, they were leading us... outside?
"By regulation, both humans and demons are required to gather in the same location during mealtimes," one of the upperclassmen replied.
"But why?" she asked.
"In the morning, demons have their power-enhancement training," he explained.
"So lunch is for... restoring their strength?" I finished his sentence. I'd heard something similar before coming here.
They led us through a thick mist near the edge of the building. As we stepped inside, the fog slowly cleared, revealing a grand structure in Greek architectural style—similar to the human buildings—but above the massive entrance, a large inverted crucifix hung ominously. Students like us were already walking through its gates.
"This feels like we're walking to our execution," Chalice muttered, letting out a sigh. The seniors didn't wait. They strode confidently inside, prompting the two of us to follow.
The interior was a massive hall lined with long tables and chairs, clearly designed for human comfort. All around the hall were convenience stores and food stalls—places tailored to human needs.
"Sit here. I'll get you something to eat," Gina said, placing her hands firmly on my shoulders and gently pushing me into a seat of her choosing.
"I'm coming too. Alice, you stay with Darin," Chalice chimed in before quickly wrapping her arm around Gina and disappearing into the crowd, leaving me with Darin, who sat beside me just as I was scanning the room.
There wasn't a single demon in sight. Humans came in, grabbed what they needed, and hurried off. No lingering. No chatting.
It was a dismal sight.
•
"Don't waste my time," growled a deep voice. The tall, broad-shouldered man was growing irritated after being invited—for what felt like the thousandth time—to go outside.
"It's the first day," said Don, a demon with deep brown skin. "There are fresh victims walking around. You really don't want a taste?"
"They're easy to fool, easy to scare, and most of all—untouched," Don added, nudging his friend. "Not tempted?"
The larger demon turned his crimson eyes toward Don, his face stern, then raised a hand silently.
"You're still hung up about your powers, huh?" Don said knowingly. "Yeah, I get it. One minute you're overflowing with strength, the next you can't control a thing. But wearing yourself out like this isn't gonna fix it. Maybe what you need is a little... refreshment."
Reluctantly, the red-eyed demon let out a long sigh before marching past Don and out of his classroom, his temper simmering. For the first time, he'd lost control over his own power—and maybe, just maybe, Don was right.
Perhaps a fresh, delicious human was exactly what he needed.
"Prince Zero graces us with his presence," Don teased, following behind. "Shall we head to the Adam & Eve building, Your Highness?"
The demon prince cast a glance toward the small structure to their right. There shouldn't be any humans left by now, and yet... something pulled at him.
Something intriguing.
"There's no way any humans are still there. Let's head toward the classrooms," Don said.
But before his words even finished echoing, Zero had vanished into thin air.
•
"Wait here a sec" Chalice said out of nowhere as we were about to leave our seats. "I really need the bathroom. Like, right now."
Before anyone could stop her, she sprinted toward the back exit.
Ugh... she never watches her back, that one.
"Where's the bathroom?" I asked Gina.
"Out through the back door. There's a path that leads to it," she answered.
"I'll go check on her," I said, and the others nodded.
I followed the path Chalice had taken and spotted the restroom in the distance.
She must've asked Gina before, to know where it is.
FWIP!
"Ah—!" Suddenly, someone grabbed both of my wrists from behind, yanking my arms behind my back in one swift, forceful motion.
"Hey!!" I cried out. My back was pressed against a firm, muscular chest—his body felt massive, even bigger than that guy TK's.
"L-Let go!" I struggled as he leaned in close, brushing his face against my cheek, then lowering to the side of my neck.
It didn't feel like a vampire. No... this presence felt far greater than that.
Before I could think further, I felt something foreign and wet on my neck.
D-Did he just... lick me!?
THUD!
"Ah!" I stomped hard on his foot—I'd been aiming for it—and he let me go immediately.
Wasting no time, I jabbed my elbow back into his stomach—but this time, I heard nothing. No grunt. No reaction.
I spun around and pushed both my arms forward, palms out—ready to unleash my power.
"...."
Nothing.
"...?"
Still nothing.
"What are you doing?" he asked, looking almost amused.
This can't be happening.
I kept trying to channel my power, over and over, ignoring his eyes watching me with growing interest.
My power
Why... isn't it working!?