Chapter 8

### How to Live Like a Demon - Chapter 8 (8/385)

How to Live Like a Demon Chapter 8

008 Above the Jumper (1)

“Lenox, Lenox...”

Arnold's expression became complicated again at the unexpected name.

Lenox Zakar.

A presence that could be described as the bane of the entire academy.

No current student wanted to be Lenox's partner.

In the end, someone among the new students would have to be paired with him, so it would be a relief if someone volunteered to be his partner...

“Lucius. About that... No, no.”

Arnold swallowed the words he was about to say.

While he was worried that Lucius might know about it, he couldn't badmouth another student.

“I understand. I'll ask Lenox first. If he doesn't refuse, you'll be paired together.”

“Thank you. Then, can I receive my assignment now?”

“...”

But Arnold didn't budge.

Lucius narrowed his eyes.

‘What’s his game? Could he be suspecting my true identity?’

If so, things might get complicated.

This was also a concern when he found out that Arnold was his homeroom teacher, as he was the teacher most likely to be connected to him.

“Teacher?”

“...”

Arnold was still deep in thought.

After all, even if he had gathered information about the five elders, it would only be their names and races. He couldn't be certain even if he was suspicious.

The idea that a mere student could be an elder was absurd.

Now, how will he react? Lucius decided to wait with a hidden interest.

Ding dong dong.

“Oh, I'm a bit late.”

Lucius smiled calmly and took the initiative.

“Even though you're late, it's good that you found me. Let's start with your assignment.”

Arnold was not to be underestimated.

“I didn’t know you were such a chatterbox, Teacher.”

“Building a rapport with students is part of a homeroom teacher's job. I'll be going now.”

Lucius could only inwardly sigh.

It looks like it will be a tough year.

* * *

The dormitory building, unlike the main building which was pure white, had walls with a light blue hue and a dark blue spire.

In the center of the square-shaped building, there was a garden and a walkway where students could relax, and many students gathered there to spend their time.

The rustling of leaves and the gentle breeze created a soothing atmosphere.

Maybe I should take a walk.

He suppressed the impulse and entered the lobby, which was filled with students.

Deciding to take a walk at night instead.

In the lobby, four dorm supervisors were checking the number of students and assigning rooms.

“Are you... here to get your room assignment?”

He turned to the demon who had spoken to him.

It was Ilinushka, a classmate.

“Yeah. Is this the line?”

Sharp horns, pointed teeth, and a muscular, ochre-colored body. Most importantly, the rune magic inscribed on her body.

She was a rare ogre shaman, known for their mastery of fire. The destructive power of highly trained shamans was unimaginably great.

The rune inscribed on Ilinushka's arm was quite complex and intricate, considering her age.

Given that they inscribe runes to amplify their power, Ilinushka's skills were promising.

‘Apsilon is indeed better than other classes.’

Even among the freshmen, she stands out.

What should I do? As he thought, Ilinushka pointed behind her.

“Here... stand behind me.”

Ogres are known for their deep thoughts and slow speech.

Even a simple greeting could take more than a day.

However, fortunately, shamans are not as slow, and there were no major communication issues.

“Got it. I'll stand behind you. By the way, you're Ilinushka from Apsilon 4, right?”

Ilinushka's eyes widened in surprise at the fact that Lucius knew her.

“How do you know me?”

“I just overheard it. We haven't formally introduced ourselves yet, but my name is Lucius Kendrick.”

“Hmm... I'm Ilinushka. Nice to meet you.”

Ogres have a fierce appearance but a gentle nature. They are strong in camaraderie and do not forgive those who are hostile, so it wouldn't hurt to make a good impression.

“Since we're in the same class, we should have received the same assignment. Have you found the homeroom teacher yet?”

“I was the... first to find him.”

“Was it difficult?”

Ilinushka only nodded without saying more.

She probably didn't have the time to elaborate.

Lucius watched her back thoughtfully.

Since we're in the same class, we'll likely run into each other often.

It might be good to win her over slowly.

Before long, Ilinushka left with her room assignment, and it was Lucius's turn. The dorm supervisor looked through the documents upon seeing Lucius.

“What is your name, student?”

“Lucius Kendrick.”

“Please place one of your palms on the artifact.”

Lucius placed his left palm on the artifact for identification and registration.

The artifact emitted a brief light, and the supervisor nodded.

“...Room 1302. Your registration is complete, so you can go to your room.”

Impressed by the simple and efficient system, he headed to his room.

Room 1302.

The presence inside suggested that his roommate had already arrived.

Lucius's hand, which was about to open the door, paused.

At least I should knock.

He chuckled and knocked a few times.

“Come in.”

The door opened, revealing his roommate.

Neatly tied hair and attire.

“Ultimately, you accepted the partner proposal.”

It was Lenox.

“Since I have to do it with someone anyway.”

“What a disheartening thing to say. Anyway, I hope we get along well. By the way, I haven't heard your name yet.”

Of course, he knew the name, but he hadn't heard it directly from Lenox.

Lenox shook his head.

“You already know, don't you?”

“Isn’t the purpose of a formal introduction to hear each other's names?”

“...Lenox. Lenox Zakar.”

Lucius finally entered the room with a satisfied look and sat on one side of the desk.

“The facilities are decent. The room is spacious for a two-person room.”

“It was built not long ago. As an educational institution, it's not designed to make students uncomfortable.”

Lucius casually looked around the room. He was looking for the sword that had sparked the partner incident.

According to the information, it was a gift from his father, Rüdiger.

It was easier to spot than he expected.

Neatly placed next to the desk, it was the demon sword Ophelia.

“Is this Enrique's weapon? You have a good sword, Lenox.”

“...It's best not to touch that sword.”

His low voice was tinged with tension and fear.

While he knew the sword was a sore point, he couldn't identify the problem or solve it without direct confirmation.

“It's fine, don't worry.”

Lucius ignored Lenox's warning and picked up the sword.

At the hilt, there was a small engraving of the dwarf blacksmith's mark, one of the best in the demon realm.

The blacksmith Enrique.

A master who moved frequently, making it difficult to track him down.

Even he hadn't managed to obtain an Enrique weapon yet.

‘Well, if I were to choose, I’d prefer a weapon made by Kespian, his master, over Enrique.’

When he drew the sword, a bluish-green blade was revealed.

A mesmerizing beauty.

Without realizing it, he ran his fingertips along the blade.

“Lucius!”

A red line appeared on his fingertip, and a drop of blood fell, causing Lenox's face to pale.

As if he had been injured himself.

Lucius waved his hand, indicating he was fine.

“It's well-made and well-maintained. I just grazed it.”

A thicker stream of blood flowed, and the sword quickly absorbed it.

However, the wound healed almost instantly.

“Does it absorb life force along with blood? It's a perfect weapon for an incubus.”

Ophelia had a reputation for being a cursed sword that gained strength by cutting its partner.

He deliberately put the sword back into its sheath slowly.

“I'm sorry for touching it without permission. But it's a good sword.”

Despite Lucius's calm smile, Lenox fidgeted and carefully examined the cut on his finger.

“Dryads have strong healing abilities. This minor injury won't be a problem.”

Lenox finally breathed a sigh of relief.

“Still, it was reckless. How could you know what would happen?”

“I'm fine, but thanks for your concern.”

Seeing him slump onto the bed, it was clear he had been genuinely shocked.

“...At least nothing happened.”

While Lenox was relieved, Lucius took another look at the sword.

Despite its formidable reputation, it didn't seem difficult to handle.

He didn't feel it craving blood or corrupting his mind.

It seemed to have a diminished presence, possibly due to poor maintenance.

Why did such an incident occur?

“Put it back if you're done. It's best not to touch it if possible.”

“Sure.”

Lenox seemed to think the sword was the cause of the incident, but Lucius couldn't find any obvious issues with it.

Lucius complied and carefully placed it back, then gently brought up the topic.

It was a bit early, but it was a good opportunity to naturally ask about the incident.

“It looks like a good sword. Why shouldn't I touch it? Is there a reason?”

“...”

“Enrique made it, so there shouldn't be any doubt about its quality.”

“The sword...”

Lenox's lips kept moving.

As if someone was preventing him from speaking.

He then clenched his fists and a strained voice emerged.

“...The sword is cursed.”

His expression suggested he might cry if pressed further.

Lucius decided to back off.

After all, they were roommates and partners.

There was plenty of time.

“You don't have to force yourself to talk. I'll just keep that in mind for now.”

Lenox's expression finally relaxed.

Knock knock.

At the timely knock, Lucius stood up. It was time for the teachers to check the students.

Lenox opened the door, assuming it was a teacher.

As expected, Arnold was standing outside.