Chapter 353: Back to School

As the gang entered back into the teleporters and walked back through the front gates of the school, they noticed various glaring things that popped out like a sore thumb, it was by no means subtle, even to those previously unaware of the situation. 

There were many groups huddled around discussing things more than usual, the faces they bore fluctuating from extreme worry to mocking laughter and glee.

Although Moby doubted that Regrit and Hikari could pick up on the voices of the people in the distance, they were as clear as day as many things trickled into his ears.

"The mammon's den? I've never heard of that place…"

"Most haven't, it's a place that has existed for several years and well known by several people,"

"Well, now I'm glad I didn't know about it or else I think I might have actually gone…"

"Is it true that like a hundred students were caught by the principal? How did she even find them if no other principal before her did!?"

"Who knows, but I've always known that woman is crazy. It's not a big surprise…"

"Did anyone manage to escape though? I think my friend said something about going out late into the city today…"

"I'm not sure, but I doubt many got away, your friend is probably fucked. I'm even inclined to think that some of them will be expelled… But, what I've heard for certain is that Joker escaped and the hunt for the mammon is still on."

"Joker?"

"Wait, have you really not heard of him!? Some doubt he's even human… Like a shadowy mist that brings rot and destruction where ever he goes… He went into that den and sucked it dry from everything it had, he walked into every single table and won every game, even the ones all reliant on luck and needed no skill. They investigated him many times with lie detectors and found him to be clear. This is some urban legend-type shit, but from what I've heard, this is all true…"

"Damn… No wonder he managed to escape... So he's a student in this school?"

"I'm not sure… But he did have a student ID to enter the building. From what I've heard, he is a tall man with long blue hair and a gaze that could make a grown man cry. Only slight hints of his jawline were showing and his smile was a signal of doom. There are a few that match the physical description but I doubt any of them are actually joker…"

"Wow…"

Moby was fully expecting there to be people discussing what had happened in the mammon's den, he was more than aware of how fast the news spread around the school. But, he would be lying if he said that he expected the other…

It seemed like his persona, Joker, became some sort of legend around the school. But, now that he thought about it, he should have fully expected it from the way the crowds in the mammon's den reacted to him. Nevertheless, it was not a massive problem in the grand scheme of things.

"You guys can go back to your dorms and I'll go back to my own. Today was very hectic  but also very fun!" Moby heard Hikari speak from his side. 

"You don't need me to walk you?" Moby raised an eyebrow, especially due to the abnormally sized crowds that were there currently.

"Nope! I'm fine! You two have fun then! Bye!" She waved them off and ran towards the girl's dorm, leaving Moby and Regrit alone.

"I'm going back in to train, don't you dare walk in on me!" Regrit stared daggers at Moby for a split second before he ran off towards the men's dorm. 

"Okay, suit yourself…" Moby smiled as he simply casually walked. 

He was in no rush and had plenty on his mind, and the first of which was to contact his new servant. 

'Hey! Slave! Can you hear me?'

'O-oh! Yes lord Joker! Loud and clear!'

'Good! How was the escape?'

'It was very good! I turned into one of the soldiers and managed to distract them enough for you to leave. Hope you noticed the difference!"

"Indeed, you did very well,' Moby nodded. 'Anyways, where are you now and what exactly are you doing?'

'I've joined up with some of my henchmen and we're now in a warehouse… I'm working on a project that I'm almost certain will interest you…' The mammon sounded genuinely excited, and that feeling slightly rubbed off on Moby, he wanted to see what a crime lord of his calibre would do with his new powers— the powers that Moby felt like were a waste at first considering his ability but then grew to accept as perhaps the best option despite that.

'We didn't have much time to talk before due to the rush, but I wanted to ask you about what happened to all of the points.'

'Oh, worry not my lord! They are all secured with me! The coins that I provided at the mammon's den were nothing more than fakes. As long as they were not cashed in, the money would be a waste. And, since the party was interrupted and no one managed to cash in their winnings in the end, I now have all of them!'

Moby could not help but grow a large smile from ear to ear hearing that. It was almost too good to be true.

'With all of those points, is there a way to buy things with them without being suspicious? And, how long would it take to do that by your standards?'

'Of course! You could even exchange points in several underground areas in the city to buy some illegal items. After all, it's the most valuable currency on this planet! He who controls the points and the school controls the city! It's as simple as that! All you need is a little manipulation and it's more than possible… And, with the new power you have bestowed me, it is even easier than before! Give me a week or two and all shall be yours and all shall be prepared! I can assure you that!'

'I see…' Moby nodded once again, there seemed to be much about this city he had yet to understand. 

'Lord Joker! Don't get me wrong! I am certain you would be able to do this all on your own, but I am simply trying to prove my use to you!'

'Hmph, fear not! I felt no insult from your words!'

'Thank you! I am truly grateful!'

'Very well, contact me once you have finished arranging this project of yours,'

'Of course! Thank you so much for your trust in me! I shall not let you down!'

Moby closed the mind-link, and he was already at the foot of his apartment's elevator. 

The mammon seemed to hold him at truly high regards. He must have been a smart man, but one that was equally proud. When he was put on his back foot for the first time in his life, the only explanation to that must have been that the man that took him down master minded all of it and was an even greater genius than even he. Furthermore, after seeing Moby perform various miracles, he was fully convinced that he was some sort of all mighty being.

His world crumbled but he did not give up on it and go crazy like many others in his position, he more than accepted his defeat and decided to live a new life for an even greater purpose. 

This was all good to keep him on a leash, but it was also equally stressful… If he ever found out that Moby was nothing but an above-average guy with demon powers and not some all-mighty being that could do no wrong, things may begin to show problems…

He sighed once more taking everything in. It was not time to worry, if he wanted to be demon lord, putting up an almighty facade would be part of the job.

But, no matter how much he tried to breathe away his fears, there was one thing that bugged him to no end…

'Avilia, if you ever feel like my demon nature is kicking in with that damn mammon please let me know! I know I could not care less about him other than as a pawn.'

'Sure thing, I guess it will be good practice for you to tame that side of yourself...' She inwardly nodded in his head. 'But, it might be too hard for me to convince you if it comes down to it… Remember what happened when I said you should kill Abby?'

'That's completely different!!'

'Is it really that different though?'

Moby was confident from before, but Avilia's words were laying seeds of doubt in his heart. 

'Okay! If you ever feel like I'm being controlled by that side of me, and I don't listen, use that item I found in my parents' box!'

'Are you sure?'

'YES! I am! But I'm confident in my own ability to make it so it never gets to that point!'

'Very well, I'm sure it will help, but I'm hoping you won't regret this decision in the future…'