I'm The Devil - Chapter 244

Chapter 244: Going To The Arcane Academy

Elandor and Lucifer, having secured entry into the city of Eldoria, made their way through the bustling streets, absorbing the vibrant atmosphere. Merchants hawked enchanted wares, street performers dazzled with their magical feats, and the air was thick with the hum of arcane energy. Despite the commotion, Elandor’s thoughts were focused on the upcoming entrance examination at the Arcane Academy. The anticipation of what lay ahead filled him with a mixture of excitement and nervousness.

As the sun began to set, casting a warm, golden glow over the city, the two companions sought out an inn for the night. They found a quaint establishment named “The Mystic Haven,” its exterior adorned with lanterns that emitted a soft, welcoming light. The innkeeper, a jovial dwarf with a braided beard and twinkling eyes, greeted them warmly and led them to their room.

After settling in, Elandor and Lucifer descended to the common room to enjoy a meal. The inn was filled with travelers and adventurers, each with their own stories and aspirations. As they were about to take their seats, a woman suddenly stepped in front of them, blocking their path.

She was strikingly beautiful, with long, auburn hair cascading down her back and eyes that shimmered like emeralds. She wore a tight-fitting leather outfit that accentuated her lithe, athletic build. Despite her beauty, her expression was stern and commanding.

“You,” she said, pointing directly at Elandor. “Come with me. Now.”

Elandor blinked in surprise, taken aback by her abrupt demand. Lucifer, sensing the tension, stepped forward. “What seems to be the problem?” he asked, his voice calm but carrying an undertone of authority.

The woman turned her gaze to Lucifer, her eyes narrowing. “This is none of your business,” she replied curtly.

Lucifer’s eyes widened momentarily in disbelief before he erupted into a deep, booming laugh that echoed throughout the common room. The patrons turned to look, their conversations hushed as they observed the unfolding scene. Lucifer’s laughter continued, his mirth almost uncontrollable.

When his laughter finally subsided, Lucifer’s expression shifted to one of introspection. His eyes darkened as he reflected on his life up to this point. He realized that he had grown lax, too lenient with those around him. He, Lucifer, the once feared and revered, had allowed himself to become approachable, even to the point where an insignificant being like the woman before him felt emboldened enough to challenge him.

Shaking his head, Lucifer looked at Elandor, a stern resolve in his gaze. “Learn from this,” he said softly, yet his voice carried a weight of command. With a flick of his hand, he summoned a hell flame, a manifestation of pure infernal power.

The flame was unlike any ordinary fire. It was a deep, crimson red, swirling with shades of black and purple. It seemed almost alive, writhing and pulsing with a malevolent energy. The heat it emitted was intense, causing the air around it to shimmer and warp. The sight of it drew gasps from the onlookers, who instinctively recoiled in fear.

Lucifer’s eyes turned a darker shade of red, glowing with an inner fire as he stared at the woman. The intensity of his gaze was piercing, his presence exuding a palpable sense of dread. Without breaking eye contact, he directed the flame towards the woman. It engulfed her in an instant, causing her to scream in agony.

Despite the fire, her body did not burn. The flame did not consume her flesh; instead, it seemed to attack her very soul, inducing an excruciating pain that left her writhing and screaming. The onlookers watched in horrified fascination, unable to tear their eyes away from the spectacle.

“Who dares confront me in such a manner?” Lucifer’s voice was cold and unforgiving, echoing through the common room. “You will learn to respect your betters.”

The woman’s screams echoed through the inn, her body convulsing as the hell flame continued to torment her. Elandor watched in stunned silence, the scene before him both terrifying and awe-inspiring. This was a side of Lucifer he had never seen before—a stark reminder of the immense power and authority his master wielded.

As the woman’s screams began to subside, Lucifer gestured, and the flame dissipated, leaving her crumpled on the floor, gasping for breath. She looked up at him, her eyes filled with a mixture of fear and defiance.

Lucifer leaned down, his face inches from hers. “Speak,” he commanded. “Who sent you, and what do you want with my apprentice?”

The woman struggled to catch her breath, her body trembling from the ordeal. “I… I was sent by the Arcane Academy,” she managed to gasp out. “They… they instructed me to bring the boy immediately.”

Lucifer’s eyes narrowed. “Why?”

The woman swallowed hard, trying to steady herself. “There are rumors of his potential… that he possesses abilities that could rival the Archmage’s. The Academy wants to evaluate him privately before the official examinations.”

Lucifer straightened, his expression thoughtful. “Very well. You will take us to the Academy. But know this,” he added, his voice low and dangerous, “any further attempts to undermine my authority will not be met with such leniency.”

The woman nodded quickly, her earlier bravado completely shattered. She rose unsteadily to her feet, casting wary glances at the still flickering remnants of the hell flame.

Elandor, still processing the dramatic turn of events, stepped closer to Lucifer. “Master, should we trust her?”

Lucifer looked at his apprentice, his expression softening slightly. “Trust must be earned, Elandor. But for now, we will see where this path leads us. The Arcane Academy’s interest in you is significant. It may present an opportunity, but we must remain vigilant.”

With a final, warning glance at the woman, Lucifer motioned for her to lead the way. As they exited the inn, the eyes of every patron followed them, whispers and murmurs spreading like wildfire. The display of power had left an indelible impression, a reminder of the formidable force that was Lucifer.

Elandor walked beside his master, his mind racing. The path ahead was fraught with uncertainty, but he felt a renewed sense of purpose. He would face the challenges that awaited him at the Arcane Academy, and with Lucifer’s guidance, he would strive to reach his full potential.