“Who’s at the top then Scarlet Monument King?” (Arnos)

“You’ll find out by yourself. I told you 2000 years ago I hate you. You’re a lazy guy who is fascinated by magic but doesn’t want to contribute to the advancement of magic. Just looking at your face repulses me.” (Gilisris)

“Why don’t you try and take my origin right here and now then? You’ve spent the last 2000 years preparing, haven’t you? Or have the times changed that much your nature has changed too?” (Arnos)

When I provoked him magic formations appeared in his eyes. He’s invoked his demon eyes.

“That also isn’t a bad idea.” (Gilisris)

Gilisris’ whole body glowed with a black light. His gelatinous body was magically altered by himself to make it easier for the magic emanating from his origin to pass through it. The particles of magic power run through his whole body, increasing the efficiency of magic power and making it easier to use.

“Come at me then Demon King Arnos. In the past 2000 years, this one has surpassed thee. Thy magic is nought but an outdated antique and this one will remind thee of that.” (Gilisris)

The black glow increases and he takes up a fighting stance.

However…….

Something is strange. There’s no sign at all that he’s going to attack us.

“What’s the matter? Getting scared?” (Gilisris)

“What are you actually after Scarlet Monument King?” (Arnos)

Gilisris’ face grimaced.

“You’re not the type of man who would challenge me head on. Instead of saying come at me, you would normally set up a trap.” (Arnos)

For some reason, he’s trying to make me make the first move. In other words, the trap is already set.

“How shrewd.” (Gilisris)

His whole body returned to its normal colour again as he relaxed his magic.

“Fumu. What are you after?” (Arnos)

“You’ll find out soon enough anyway, so I might as well tell you. While inside the great tree Eniyunien you have to follow the rules of the school. If you enter this place it means you’ve enrolled in the school and you can’t leave until you graduate.” (Gilisris)

I see.

“In other words, if I don’t follow the rules of this school and harm others, I won’t be allowed to leave?” (Arnos)

Gilisris neither confirms nor denies my statement and says

“It’s vexing that I can’t take your origin but I’ll get another chance. Something for you to look forward to.” (Gilisris)

“I don’t mean to rain on your parade Scarlet Monument King but aren’t you stuck here as well? Isn’t that pretty dumb?” (Arnos)

*Fufufu* (Gilisris)

“The great tree Eniyunien is a great place to study magic. I’m here because of that. I don’t want to be lumped together with the thoughtless thou.” (Gilisris)

Having said his piece, Gilisris walks past me and takes a seat at the front of the classroom.

“Arnos.” Ray comes over to my side. “Could this be what Nousgalia was after?” (Ray)

Ray was whispering to me while looking at Nousgalia who was standing behind us.

“Locking me up in the spirit academy?” (Arnos)

“Maybe he’s planning to do something in the meantime.” (Ray)

“But then, wouldn’t he be trapped right now, too?” (Sasha)

“Well, Ray does have a point. Maybe they’re just pretending to be trapped in here with us to catch us off guard.” (Arnos)

I look over at the scarlet monument king. He hasn’t shown any interest in Nousgalia, but considering what happened earlier, I don’t think it’s unrelated.

In the first place, Nousgalia’s body belongs to the fire death king Eldomade, one of the four evil kings.

It would be unnatural for them not to respond at all.

There’s a good chance that he’s in contact with Nousgalia, although he may be planning something else that he hasn’t revealed yet.

Whatever’s going on, it’s still more convenient to have both of them here with me.

I was told that I wouldn’t be able to leave without graduating, but I was able to get in. If I can get in then there’s no reason I can’t get out if I want to.

Anyway, first things first. I need to find my subordinates that have mysteriously disappeared. Especially Shin.

I’m also curious about the great spirit Reno. I wonder if the spirit king will be willing to talk to me about it.

“What shall we do?” Misha asks looking up at me.

“Let’s start by looking in the other rooms. Some of my subordinates might be in them.” (Arnos)

I head for the doorway but stop in front of it.

“What’s wrong? Ehh……..?” (Sasha)

Sasha looked around me and stared in amazement.

Where the doorway had been earlier was now just a smooth part of the tree.