CHAPTER 122: ASMODEUS IS A BAD DEMON!

The words echoed in Rin’s head like a curse.

"He was looking for you."

Rin’s crimson eyes darkened, his body tense as he stared at Theron.

For a few moments, no one dared breathe. Kiro leaned forward, his tail twitching nervously, while Sasha stood near the door with his arms crossed, his sharp eyes fixed on Theron like a hawk ready to strike.

He didn’t want to think of any demon that would be looking for him. But if there was one that crossed his mind, that would be Asmodeus. He still wondered why Asmodeus would go around killing people.

For revenge? Or for what?

Finally, Rin exhaled through his nose, leaning back against the couch. He knew that whatever he was going to say, he had to be careful since Theron and Kiro had no idea he was a demon. His tone was flat, almost bored, but the faint twitch of his jaw betrayed his unease.

"...You must be mistaken, Theron. Why would a demon look for me? I’ve been away from the academy for two years. And you know very well that I barely spoke to anyone while I was there."

Theron shook his head stubbornly. "No. I’m not mistaken. He was searching for you. The demons killed people without mercy, but that one... he kept demanding information about you. By name. He knew you!"

Rin’s lips twitched into a forced smile.

"By name, hmm? Very funny. Demons aren’t exactly the type to go door-to-door asking for people like travelling salesmen."

His words were dismissive, but his mind was racing again.

’Asmodeus? ...Or Cerberus? Those are the only ones I know of. They were the ones who knew my name. But why?’

The system chimed quietly in his vision.

DING!

[Mission Update: "The Demon’s Hunt"]

[Description: Survive the search for the unsealed demon.]

[Note: Hiding the truth may protect you - for now.]

Rin ignored it, his crimson eyes narrowing at Theron. "So? Students die, professors die, demons attack. You think I can do anything about it? No way! You should leave, Theron. You’ll only bring more problems if you stay here."

Theron’s expression twisted in pain... not from his wound, but from Rin’s cold dismissal.

"Rin... I don’t want to leave you. I can help. I have skills. If the academy taught me anything, it’s how to keep people alive. Please, let me stay."

Before Rin could speak, Kiro piped up, his voice casual but sly. "Actually... a doctor might be useful. Half of the new omegas keep coughing or fainting. Some of them won’t even eat. They could use help."

Rin shot him a sharp look. "Kiro."

"What?" Kiro shrugged, grinning. "You said you didn’t want him here, but I’m saying he could be useful. And he already said he doesn’t want payment. It’s free labour."

Theron quickly nodded, desperate to hold onto the chance. "I don’t want money. Let me stay. At least until I repay what I owe you for saving my life."

Rin stared at him silently for a long moment before sighing, dragging a hand through his white hair. "...Fine. Go back with Sasha. I’ll speak with the one in charge. However, don’t get your hopes up."

Relief flooded Theron’s face. He grabbed Rin’s hand suddenly and pressed a kiss against his knuckles. "Thank you, Rin."

Rin’s crimson eyes widened slightly, then narrowed. He yanked his hand back, forcing a thin smile.

"Don’t get carried away. You’re still leaving if she says no."

Sasha’s jaw tightened at the sight, though he said nothing. He waved a hand toward the door. "Come on. I’ll show you where to stay."

Theron bowed his head respectfully to Rin before following Sasha out.

Once the door shut, Rin dropped onto the couch near his bed with a heavy sigh.

Kiro plopped down beside him, smirking. "So... why’d you tell him you’d ’ask the one in charge’? You’re the one in charge of this place."

Rin rubbed his temple, his voice dry. "Not really. Not without Lirien’s approval. This is her territory. I may run things, but every decision passes through her first."

Kiro tilted his head, studying Rin curiously. "You don’t like going against her, huh?"

Rin gave him a side-eye. "She may act sweet with me but... she’s more trouble than she looks. And unlike you, I value my head staying attached to my body."

Kiro chuckled, leaning back with his hands behind his head. "Fair enough. But there’s no way she’ll ever hurt you,"

.

.

The next morning, Rin stood before Lirien in her office. Smoke curled lazily from her pipe as she listened to him recount everything... Theron’s survival, the attack on the academy, and the mention of demons.

Her red lips curved into a sharp smile. "So, you want Theron to stay here? Then let him. He asks for no payment. That makes him convenient."

Rin smirked faintly. "I knew you’d say that."

But Lirien’s expression grew serious as she tapped ash into her tray. "More importantly... the demon. Tell me everything Theron said."

Rin’s eyes narrowed. "...He said they were led by a powerful demon. He didn’t give a name. But I already know who it is."

At that, Lirien’s brows rose slightly. "Oh? And who do you suspect?"

Rin’s voice dropped, steady and firm. "...Asmodeus."

The moment the name left his lips, the room froze. Lirien stiffened, her crimson eyes flashing sharply as she set down her pipe. "...What did you just say?"

"Asmodeus," Rin repeated, tilting his head slightly. "Isn’t that his name? Or is it Zepharion? Isn’t he a good person?"

Lirien leaned forward suddenly, gripping his shoulder tightly. Her nails bit faintly into his skin. "Listen to me. Asmodeus is not a good demon. Don’t ever think that."

Rin blinked, genuinely confused.

"Not a good demon? But... didn’t he stand against humans when they hunted demons? Doesn’t that mean..."

"No," Lirien cut him off, her voice sharp. "He didn’t fight for justice. He fought for selfish desire."

Her crimson eyes burned as she began to explain. "He wanted power. He wanted recognition from the Demon King. And most of all, he wanted to marry the Demon King’s daughter... your mother."

Rin’s brows furrowed, his chest tightening. "My mother..."

"She rejected him, again and again," Lirien continued. "But Asmodeus wouldn’t stop. He flared up when denied. He tried to force himself on her. Tried to hurt those around her. In the end, she sealed him herself."

Rin’s eyes widened slightly, his breath catching. He hadn’t expected that.

Lirien’s voice softened, though it was still grim. "The only power that can undo her seal... is her power. Which now lies in you."

DING!

[Warning: Your inherited power has triggered Asmodeus’s release.]

Rin’s heart sank as he read the message.

’So I really did this... I released that monster?’

He clenched his fists. "...Then what’s he planning now? Why kill humans?"

Lirien’s face hardened. "Treason. He’ll gather demons, slaughter humans, turn their corpses into minions, and try to seize control of the Demon Realm itself."

Rin’s lips pressed into a thin line. Deep inside, he wondered if this had anything to do with him... or rather, the fact that Asmodeus was now one of the male leads.

It never happened in the original story... but because Rin was here as the new female lead, the pieces shifted.

Finally, Rin exhaled. "I want to know more. About demons. About the past. Where can I find it?"

Lirien studied him for a moment before nodding slowly. "The library. Perhaps you’ll find something there. However, I doubt you’ll be able to find what you seek."

Rin gave a small smile, turning to leave. "Thanks. I’ll check it."

"Wait." Lirien’s voice stopped him. "Where are you going now?"

"To the library."

Her eyes narrowed. The moment he stepped out, she snapped her fingers. Shadows moved, and Sasha appeared at her side.

"Go with him. Don’t let him wander alone."

"Yes, Madam." Sasha bowed and left after Rin.

Lirien stepped out of her office and watched Rin and Sasha walk out the back door. She was just learning about the news of Asmodeus’s release, and she was sure that Rin was the one who had released him, even if he didn’t do it knowingly.

’I hope Asmodeus doesn’t have anything to do with Rin. I can’t imagine what would happen if he goes after Rin,’

It could be a disaster. If Rin rejects him, Asmodeus could kill everyone close to Rin and that includes the crown prince.

She sighed and turned back to her office, and that’s when she saw a familiar, unwelcome figure walking in front of the entrance.

The Crown Prince.

She blinked repeatedly, wondering if because she’s thinking about the crown prince, he appeared in front of her. She waved her hand, thinking it was maybe an illusion. But the illusion spoke to her.

"I hope Rin is around today. Do not tell me no... Brothel lady,"

Lirien sighed heavily, pinching the bridge of her nose. She immediately knew the illusion was the real

’...I know I’m a demon, but I’m begging the goddess not to let the crown prince make a scene today.’