Chapter 64
Chapter 64
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 64
Chapter Title: Signs of the Hexagram
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Inside the academy, there were far more unused spaces than one might expect.
Even buildings that once housed classrooms or important facilities would often end up partially abandoned once the internal setups were relocated due to changes in traffic flow, new equipment, or security concerns.
This building, once called the Rose Pavilion for the beautiful roses that had adorned its surroundings, was one such abandoned structure.
With its stunning sea views visible through the windows, it had even been named one of the academy's most beautiful buildings in the past. But due to a Demon King's Army raid that had encroached on the coastline, it was left vacant for security reasons and had since become a forgotten ruin known only to a few.
And such abandoned buildings made perfect hideouts for secret organizations infiltrating the academy.
"Priest Brother! I've kidnapped a new woman!"
"Oh, where did you find such a beauty? Well done, Lay Brother! Take her to the underground isolation room!"
"Yes, sir!"
Anjei, a Lay Believer of the Hexagram, gave a crisp salute to Priest Brother Antonio and led the dazed woman with unfocused eyes toward the basement.
Today had been lucky. He'd drawn sharp glares for days without any results, but snagging a beauty like this meant he wouldn't catch any flak for a while.
'I miss the old camaraderie days, but what can you do?'
Originally just a social club for academy dropouts, the Hexagram had undergone a radical overhaul after the descent of the 'Great Being,' transforming into a strict secret society.
The former 5th-year president had been turned into a 'faithful servant' by the Great Being. In his place, the freshman who had summoned it became the 'High Priest,' and the Hexagram evolved into a cult worshiping the Demon King.
"Hey, Anjei! What's with that woman? Did you catch her?"
"Ah, hello... Priest David! Yeah, I got lucky and spotted her wandering around here. Probably a servant looking for her noble master or something."
As Anjei slowly dragged the kidnapped woman toward the basement, he spotted David—formerly a 2nd-year Bronze Class like himself—and hurriedly greeted him.
"Priest this, priest that—didn't I tell you to just call me David when it's just us?"
Not everyone had agreed with the Hexagram's shift into a secret society. But with the terrifying Great Being, a close aide to the Demon King, no one dared oppose it. That's when Anjei's friend David had stepped up, eagerly kidnapping women at the High Priest's command.
David's merits earned him clear favor from the Great Being. Once a short, unimpressive mage barely scraping 160 cm, he now stood over 170 cm tall and wielded immense mana. He could probably hit Silver in the next exam.
"Still, what if someone overhears? I might get in trouble..."
"Haha, you're too timid, Anjei—that's your problem. Keep up the courage and follow the High Priest's orders, and you'll get blessed too!"
As a few, including David, visibly transformed, the Hexagram's once passive members grew increasingly devoted to the Great Being.
For these people, steeped in resentment and content only with badmouthing the talented from afar, the promise of becoming better was an irresistible temptation. As they one by one threw themselves in with zeal, the organization's atmosphere shifted entirely.
"I know I need to try harder, but I just freeze up whenever our eyes meet..."
"What are you scared of? With this orb the Great Being gave us, kidnapping anyone is a breeze!"
Anjei nodded at David's confident shout as he tapped the pink orb hanging from every believer's waist.
It had worked just now, too. A simple "excuse me" to catch her attention, then flashing the pink orb in her face, and she'd followed him willingly.
"I was worried about getting caught with the anesthetic, but now with artifacts like this, go grab more—you'll be a priest in no time. You know how many perks priests get?"
Of course Anjei knew. Priests could claim any approved women—or men—from the captives as personal servants.
David already had two women serving him since becoming a priest—beauties he'd never have dared look at before, now acting like maids. Anjei envied him deeply.
"But... what if we're found out? Won't the professors or alumni come to wipe us out?"
"Why worry? Just four days until the grand ritual, and the academy will be under Hexagram control! You're not doubting the Great Being's plan, are you?"
Anjei flinched and waved his hands frantically at David's gaze, which looked at him like a potential rebel.
A few fools who had openly defied the Great Being had been dragged off by the High Priest, and no one had heard from them since.
"N-no, I was just worried..."
"You've got too many worries. We're the great talents leading a new era—timidity won't cut it! Buck up from now on!"
Encouraging Anjei, David left when another priest called him, promising to catch up later. He used to be a good, if shy, friend, but now he seemed like a changed man. Anjei felt a bitter pang.
"Sigh... better stash this woman and get some rest."
Kreeeak. Thud. The iron door swung open with its familiar groan, revealing the stairs to the basement, reeking as always.
"Come on, watch your step. Someone got hurt last time and got punished bad—be careful."
Anjei took the hand of his captive and descended slowly to the first underground level's isolation rooms. Lately, stepping on those stairs slick with unidentified foul liquid sent chills down his spine.
He held her hand partly to feel human warmth amid the creepiness. But when she gripped back too hard, Anjei gritted his teeth in pain.
"Ow ow!! Not so tight! Why are you so strong...?"
Startled by his yelp, she loosened her hold obediently. She looked like a refined servant outwardly, but that grip strength was inexplicable.
Finally arriving, he opened the isolation room door to reveal a long, silent hallway of soundproofed doors—utterly unsettling. Anjei shoved her into the nearest empty room.
"There, lock it... Ugh, creepy. Gotta get out."
He didn't know what happened to those locked in here, but the place gave him the creeps. Muttering to himself, Anjei shut the hallway door and scurried up the stairs.
Once Anjei left, the underground fell deathly silent. The silence was broken by the woman he'd just shoved inside.
"...Hoo, damn brat. Who does he think he is, grabbing my hand?"
Her eyes still unfocused, the woman spat a gravelly curse and touched the pendant on her chest.
As the gleaming red gem— a gift from Young Master—outshone the cursed purple one from that wretched boy, her appearance shifted. The blonde refined beauty became the familiar sight of a ponytail-clad knight.
"As expected of Young Master's pendant. Changing my form so seamlessly—Rexton's trash can't compare in talent!"
—About two hours earlier, as Young Master Arthin ordered her to infiltrate the Hexagram and handed her the pendant, Sion had stroked it lovingly. If she succeeded here, he'd surely reward her greatly.
Click. The doorknob wouldn't turn—crudely made, but thorough as befitting a self-proclaimed secret society.
"This? I can pick it in a minute."
But for Sion, who had served as an imperial knight and spy in the Intelligence Corps, it was child's play. The ribbon she used for her ponytail hid lockpicks.
Young Master's missions were twofold: identify the figure controlling the organization, and uncover the entity they worshiped.
"Just wait a bit, Young Master. I'll handle this perfectly!"
Sion, infiltrated into the Hexagram by Arthin, began her work. For her twisted desires and unwavering loyalty.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ BOOM!!!
"A-again? It failed!? But it was perfect this time!"
A massive explosion echoed as acrid smoke rose from the magic circle covering the floor.
Her final attempt with the last sacrifice—if this was the end, how much longer for preparations? Lost in despair, Violet jolted at the potent demonic energy amid the smoke.
"Th-this reaction...?"
Step. Step. Light footsteps emerged from the smoke. Yet the presence rivaled a high-rank demon. Violet's face brightened.
[Uhyahet! Your desperate call has convinced me, Al'Miraz, one of the twelve retainers of the great Mephistopheles!]
"Tw-twelve retainers?! Then... a high-rank...?"
After a full day of rituals, success at last? Not Mephistopheles himself, but a retainer meant high-rank demon—a huge boon. Violet clenched her fists in joy.
[Now, don't be scared by my great form! Frightened prey might get eaten!]
But she couldn't fully celebrate. Demons could harm her until the contract was sealed.
'Telling me not to fear means it might devour me if I do. Stay sharp, Violet!'
Steeling her dark-circled eyes, she braced herself as the room's smoke began to dissipate.
And through it, a beastly form emerged.
"Behold! I am Al'Miraz, the beast of terror that makes all creatures tremble!"
"...."
Parting the mist was a small rabbit. A little yellow-furred one with striking black horns.
"Oh dear, frozen in fear? A witch scared of a demon? Pathetic! Without Mephistopheles-sama's orders, I'd eat you now!"
Violet's emotions were mixed as the self-proclaimed retainer, Al'Miraz, hopped and glared up at her.
'Too cute! But is it really strong? The demonic aura feels immense... on something so adorable?'
"How long will you stare? If you're contracting, offer your virgin's blood as the seal!"
Too long, apparently—the impatient rabbit hopped angrily. Violet hastily sliced her palm and extended it.
"Y-you can really help me? You're truly one of Mephistopheles' twelve retainers?"
At her words, the yellow rabbit grinned maniacally. Violet marveled that a rabbit could smirk like that.
"You're the first to doubt after sensing this vast aura. Indeed, worthy of Mephistopheles-sama's interest."
Hopping forward, it smeared her blood on its fur. Solomon's contract rite enveloped them.
"Speak, Violet! Contract with me, Al'Miraz!"
Should she have aimed higher? Doubts faded as she nodded vigorously. Mastering a demon with such aura could lead to contracting Mephistopheles himself.
"I am Violet Purplecrow. By the magic of the Throne of Contracts, Solomon, I seal my pact with Al'Miraz!"
Her declaration made the rite blaze white, etching rabbit tattoos on their bodies—the mark of a successful witch-demon contract.
A rabbit tattoo on her hand. Overjoyed, Violet hopped around like a rabbit herself.
"Finally! Contracted a high-rank demon! Woo-hoo!"
I'm no failure, no burden! I can help Arthin too!
Al'Miraz watched the oblivious, cheering witch with a sneer.
'Foolish witch... rushing into a contract! I'll use you as a stepping stone to ascend!'
Yes. Violet didn't know.
That the demon she'd summoned was merely mid-rank, elevated to 'twelve retainers' only by family prestige.
"Looking forward to working with you, Al'Miraz!"
"Uhyaht! Me too, Violet Purplecrow!"
But what could be done? Seducing and corrupting innocent women was a demon's nature.
...However, neither the contract nor the beast of terror, Al'Miraz, knew.
That the Mephistopheles-brokered pact favored the witch disproportionately—a scam contract, almost.
Thirty minutes later, both sides learned the truth. Violet's room echoed with horrified screams.