Chapter 83 - Handling Affairs

On the fourth week of Simon's time off, he finished his recovery and returned to the academy.

Since the Hunt, the academy had added new policies and supplementary lessons to ensure that such an incident would never happen again. These lessons included the topics of 'when to retreat' and 'how to analyse risks'. Because of this, the academy had started to cool down as of late. Now the students seemed to be much more cautious and think through their actions, rather than acting foolhardy. This was of course a much loved change as many parents and teachers noted that the children had started to act more like a.d.u.l.ts.

Simon's team because legends of sorts for surviving the wrath of a feral 7th ranked devil, immediately gaining fame and infamy in the student circle. Although they gained many perks from the popularity, the other team members were still either recovering or did not even know what really happened that day. As it seemed, Talise and Rieza had a better standing, because they went down and attempted to face the beast. While Simon received credit for his efficient actions, he was out shadowed by those two,

While he may have gained unimaginable power during that day, Simon still had to attend classes for now. With the same trustworthy white paint, Simon covered up his now black horns and started attending classes again. Of course Simon did not intend to stay here for long, but with only that much power, Simon had to wait a while longer.

He first needed to find a way to ascend from the lower realms. But before that, he needed to sort out some past regrets and fix his old mistakes. This of course included Haven and his main cast of stupid students. However, he still needed to wait another ten or so years before he can meet them at Haven.

This put Simon in a bind. While he did d.e.s.i.r.e to fix his mistakes, he felt like finding his true self was much more of a pressing matter. He did not d.e.s.i.r.e to fix his novel's mistakes at this point, he just wanted to make sure that the kids did not feel abandoned. As far he was concerned, the kids should do fine as long as he gives them just a bit of wise words to put them on a path to greatness. Other than that, he felt content with wanting to leave the realm quickly. Perhaps he could escape his marriage if he becomes stronger than power that chained him to Malece. He did not really know, but it was worth a try in his mind.

If he could become strong enough that the power of the marriage could be dispelled, he could finally live out his life free to make his own choice. Until then, he knew full well that if he 'cheated', a power that is stronger than Malece would punish him. For he had once written that anyone that broke the oath of marriage in the Demon World would be struck down. However, he knew that this had to be created by someone, so all he needed to do is become stronger than that someone and maybe kill them.

Such matters were occupying his mind, as well as topics such as how to manage his training more efficiently. Without a doubt, he felt that his training had started to yield less results as of late. This caused him to start formulating new exercises and meditation schedules. As of now, he is still trying to figure out how to break through visionary stage or 'Major evolution' stage, to become stronger. Because of the strain from the last time he entered the guild chat room, Simon did not attempt to enter again just yet.

"Sim, could you help me out with a boy problem?" Rieza asked with a cheeky grin.

Simon turned around and sighed at his fellow student.

"Whom is this the subject? And please do not lie to me if you want my help." Simon responded straight up as he remembered some cheesy and overused plot devices from his time on earth.

"I am interested in someone very similar to you..." Rieza spoke softly.

"No."

"Wait you haven't listened to the whole thing! Your brother, Jazukal is so nice! He just like you... but kind!" Rieza laughed while blushing.

"Repeat what you just said." Simon spoke as he started to stare at Rieza intensely.

"Oh yeah... your brother, Jazukal, was found like yesterday and brought here. I thought you of all people would know."

"He is dead."

"Oh, I am pretty sure I was flirting with a very handsome young devil an hour ago in alchemy class, I do not make things up."

"Nice try. I will see you tomorrow for our next study session when you have recovered from your mental injury." Simon chuckled as he disregarded Rieza's claim.

"Sim! I am not a liar. Come and see for yourself-"

"That is exactly what I am doing. If this turns out to be fake, an imposter will leave headless."

Simon knew very well that his twin brother is dead. For him to hear of such an event happening, he could only describe this as a joke. He felt like some deity was scoffing at him while offering him false hope only to stab him through the heart with the recoil of betrayal.