Chapter 23: Masks and Moonlit Whispers
Scene 1: The Devil's Dinner Party
Miku perched on Verlord's lap, tugging his horns like handlebars. The demon lord sighed, too weary to protest.
Yoshito (whispering to Keisuke):
"He's… letting her do that?"
Keisuke (stabbing soup nervously):
"Maybe he's into humiliation."
Nero slid a steaming bowl across the table. "Eri's special. Try not to die from flavor."
Sayuri eyed Verlord. "Why help us?"
Verlord (gruffly):
"My son's life for your chaos. Fair trade."
Scene 2: The Academy Gambit
Eri twirled in her priestess robes, the Masked Tribe's seal gleaming. Nero's voice echoed in her mind:
Nero (internally):
"Remember—act clueless. Nobles love idiots."
Eri (to the guard):
"I'm here to… uh, pray?"
A masked figure materialized, silencing the sneering officer. "She's with us."
Eri (internally):
Nero, you owe me.
Scene 3: Night of Blunders
Nero's alchemical body sprawled on the sofa. Eri hovered, cheeks pink.
Eri (blurting):
"Sleep with me!"
Nero (choking):
"Phrasing, Eri!"
She flopped beside him, the bed swallowing them both.
Eri (muffled):
"Your horns are poking me."
Nero (grinning):
"Complaints already?"
Scene 4: Dawn of Chaos
Whity zapped a gaping maid, erasing her memory. Darky, as a cat, batted at the spell sparks.
Whity (deadpan):
"Your romantic escapades are a security risk."
Nero (yawning):
"Priorities, Whity."
Eri rushed out, robes askew. "Late for class!"
Nero (calling after her):
"Try not to hex anyone!"
Scene 5: The Real Mission
Darky sulked as Nero dragged him through the market.
Darky:
"Why can't Whity spy on dagger spirits?"
Nero:
"Because you're expendable."
Darky (grinning):
"Fair."
Epilogue: Shadows in Daylight
Aryavarta Academy — Courtyard
Ayumi paused, watching Eri charm a crowd of starstruck students.
Ayumi (muttering):
"She's… familiar."
Unseen, Nero's spectral form smirked. Game on.