Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

I’m starving.

‘I’m… starving? But I just ate 20 minutes ago!’

Iruma stared at his offending stomach. Impossible he ate the whole He menu and half of Dalet. It growled loudly. Clara turned to stare too.
“Iruma-kins… I think you need to shit.” Iruma slapped his face in embarrassment, Clara in her magnificent amount of tact had said that at the exact moment professor Kalego finished his sentence. Laughter erupted amongst the misfits with Alice, bless his soul, screaming on top of them all trying to defend his master Iruma’s honour.

“SILENCE” Kalego roared. It took a bit for the class to settle. Iruma was absolutely mortified. Embarrassing him even further, Kalego ordered Iruma to take himself to the little demon’s room and fix his stomach issues.

Not actually needing to use the bathroom. Iruma headed over to Come-come’s store. Might as well go get a snack, he’d already eaten his stash on the way to the Royal One from lunch earlier. Come-come’s store reminded him of the Sari-sari stores in the Philippines back in the human world, when the boat he worked on had docked to get supplies. The store had a huge variety of things despite being such a small stand. There were pocket meals, snacks, stationery, toilet paper… anything really. Stepping forward Iruma was greeted with the sharp end of a bamboo spear.

“Ahhh… it’s ok Come-come. I’m alone.” The small demon growled not exactly trusting Iruma’s word but lowered their spear anyway. A customer is a customer after all.

“You are hungry again. Why?” They started ringing up items even before Iruma had the chance to order. Iruma sighed. Taking his wallet out of his pocket and pulling out more than he possibly needed to. He figures he owes Come-come for previous damages anyway.

“I have no idea. I’m just so hungry all the time..”

“Supplements! Supplements! Come-come is no doctor so you must buy elsewhere.” Iruma tilts his head.
“Like… Vitamins?” The smaller demon squints at him and waves his pointy stick.
“Come-come is no doctor!” Come-come places a “back in 30 mins” sign and hops out of the store, waddling away without even a goodbye.

“Uhh... Thanks!” Iruma opens one of the snacks and plops it into his mouth.

By the end of the school day, Iruma was exhausted.

“Master Iruma, you don’t seem well,” Azz says. “I don't think we should walk home today.” Iruma shakes his head. No, he wants to continue his day normally, he’s just a bit hungry, that's all. Azz frowned. He turned to Clara who shrugged her shoulders but had an equally as worried expression.
They made it to the bottom of the hill before Iruma finally fell to his knee. “Master Iruma!” Azz had caught him before he hit the ground.

Clara had fished her phone out of her pocket, turning towards Iruma She hit call. “Kitty teach, Iruma-kins isn't feeling well and he shouldn’t walk home. Please come get him.” Iruma lifted his head. Feeling very betrayed but was pacified as Clara had her ‘big sister’ expression.

“How do you even have Opera-sensei’s personal number?” Azz said exasperatingly. Clara gave him an impish grin, claiming she stole it from Iruma’s phone earlier. Iruma’s carriage and horses showed up before Azz could berate her for it.

Once Iruma was home, he ordered the horses to take his soulmates home too. Azz and Clara said their goodbyes. Watching him shuffle his way inside.

Azz sighed, changing his seat to sit next to Clara, tucking her in beside him. “Azz-azz.” Azz looked at her worried face. “Iruma-kins is just a bit sick, right? It's… it's not like he’s cursed with eternal hunger or anything right…?” He squeezed her closer.
“Lord Sullivan would never let his grandchild be cursed. I’m sure Master Iruma will be better in no time.” Happy with that answer she snuggled into him.

Iruma groans, his head is throbbing. He feels parched and famished. The security cats were at the door to greet him. If it weren’t for Ali, Iruma would have face-planted straight into the carpet.
“Little Iru! What is happening? You’ve been like this for days!” Ali shot around. Now able to stray about 100m away from Iruma, He was able to prop Iruma up on the Kitchen counter and prepare him a snack. Iruma inhaled it like his life depended on it.
“Thanks, Ali, I feel much better.” Jumping off the counter, Iruma then started to raid the kitchen. Piling his plate.

The poor boy seems to always be starving. The most curious part would be Ali was not hungry at all. “Li’l Iru, when was the last time Sullivan fed me?”
“Arsth waa” Iruma responded with a mouth full of devidi-grade belly.

Hmm. So it really has been a while. Ali scratched under his eye. Humans are unable to produce mana the same way demons do. So what is Ali feeding off? His actual human energy? “Iru-boy, listen to me. I believe the ring and in extension me, is the reason why you feel like this.”

Sensing his guilt Iruma slows his snacking. Attention now fully on Ali, the spirit voices his concerns. Being human, the only “energy” Iruma possesses is “Life energy or essence.” Demons are able to “stockpile” life energy. Each individual needs a certain amount of life energy to live, quite a simple theory. Now imagine if a human is a teacup, and tea is life energy. Tea that overflows will just be lost. Now a demon is a teacup and saucer. Tea that overflows will flow into the saucer. This overflow of energy is what we call mana. Mana is usable, demons are able to harness mana in different applications of magic.

“You aren’t able to hold any overflow Lil Iru. I must be taking from your actual life force.”

“It's... it’s like I'm pregnant.” Ali’s eye literally fell out of its socket. “I hear you, Ali! And that's ok!. I just need to eat for two!” Happy with the solution, Iruma continues to eat. So this whole problem was because he was hungry. Well, that's easily rectified. He should also learn to meditate and get in touch with nature, A human guru from a Buddhist temple in China had told him once. ‘Surround yourself with life and your own life will be fulfilled.’

Before Ali could scold him for his utterly lunatic way of thinking, The chair demon and Opera had returned home.

“Ahhh my sweet boy I heard you collapsed on your way home!!” Sullivan tackled his grandson. Iruma laughed and gave his grandpa a big hug back. Reassuring everyone he was fine, just hungry.

~~~

1 pm. It's 1 pm.
It has been exactly 18 minutes since he last ate.. That's impossible. He ate 3 entire menus for lunch. This is definitely becoming a problem. Maybe professor Balam might know. Iruma turns to Clara.

“Hey, Clara. I need to go see Professor Balam. Do you think you can help me?” The demoness flicks her wrist in an inviting motion.

“I take payment upfront.” Overhearing this Azz faces the two.

“What in the Nether are you two up to?” He sees Iruma give Clara a sweet kiss on the cheek. One that made her giggle and squeal. She suddenly jumps on Azz. He screams out. Alerting the rest of their class. Sabro, their most mountainous classmates bellow out in encouragement.
“Yes, you tiny beast! Dominate him!” The class goes into an uproar, laughing at the commotion. Sensei Monoki unfortunately was in charge of this class, surprised at the sudden noise. Iruma slipped away silently. ‘Sorry Azz. I’ll make it up to you.’

Professor Balam was teaching the first years when Iruma peered in. His presence didn’t go unnoticed, the whole class went quiet save for a few whispers of ‘oh my devi it’s Iruma-senpai’ ‘What's the honour student here’ ‘aaaah Iruma!!”

“Senpai!” Young Chima happened to be taking the class at the time. She floated down the seating area and leapt into his arms. Iruma hugged her back. She melted and preened when she heard jealous whispers behind her.

Balam smiled at Iruma. “Hello Iruma, aren’t you supposed to be in class?”

“I was, but I needed to talk to you. Was hoping you had a free period, sorry for intruding.” Balam waved him off.
“Why don’t you help out and spend some time with the first years? They’re dying to talk to you.” The professor continued to write on the chalkboard. Iruma chuckled at that. He barely went to school but he did know back in the human world. Teachers prefer PowerPoint and handouts more than writing out everything. It seems the nether world is a bit old school in this way.

Chima pulled Iruma excitedly back to her desk. The other kids chatted eagerly. Happy to get a chance to speak with the most famous of the Misfit class.

Iruma takes a steadying breath. He's glad Balam is teaching Human mythology. Though he was getting a bit nervous. These kids seem to be hanging on to every word he says.

“Why do we even need to learn about imaginary beings?” one of the first years asked. A skinny fellow, with big teeth and thin hair. They had scales up both their arms. Definitely the tough guy type.

“Well whether or not you believe they are real, learning about different mythologies is learning how the cultures of old.. Uhh, the demons of legends learned. What they thought about the world and how all of that became the nether world we know today.”
Chima gushed over that response. Other students were starry-eyed. Professor Balam patted Iruma on the back as he walked by. Iruma was beet red at this point. The student who asked the question huffed lightly, picked up his pen and started to study with the rest of the class.

When professor Balam offered Iruma snacks after class, he actually cried. “Oh, Iruma! You had lunch only 66 minutes ago!” Professor Balam stared at his student. Then realized, the boy truly did look famished. He was slightly shaky and pale. The kind demon served him tea and another plate of coco coal cookies.

As he ate Iruma ruminated about how he was going to explain his problem without exposing Ali. “Professor… Lately, I’ve been so hungry. Normally if I'm hungry I eat!.” The professor nodded his head along. “But I am eating. So much! But… I’m still hungry…”

“Have you told Opera or the Chair demon yet?”

“That's the thing, professor. It’s a weird pattern.” Iruma rearranged the plates and cups around the table. He always had a dramatic flair when explaining things. “I go home starving. I can't even walk anymore! I have to take the carriage.” a cookie and a plate were moved to a different spot. “I then eat at home. I feel so much better. In the morning I’m ok, I’m not ravenous.” The cookie is placed into his mouth and eaten. “ I then eat breakfast and walk to school. I’m absolutely fine until lunch.” cups were stacked. “I have been eating 3 menus a day. A DAY PROFESSOR!” Iruma shoved another cookie into his mouth. Balam is also shocked. “But then I'm hungry again about 20 minutes afterwards!”

“That is very strange.”
“Do I need vitamins?”
“What are vitamins?” … Professor Balam slowly pulled out a notebook.

“Uhh, human supplements” He furiously scribbled them down.

Balam stared. “All the meals here are chock full of supplements. As young growing demons that are ranking up at incredible rates, especially your class. You all need supplements.” However, Iruma is human. It's clear that Iruma needs these vitamins. So what is good enough to be a substitute? “I'll need to have a meeting with your guardians. We need to tell them. It’s clear something is missing in your diet.”

“Thank you,, professor!” Balam welcomed the hug. “You should be a doctor professor.”

“You are very sweet Iruma, I enjoy being a researcher and a teacher. I think I’m too soft to be a doctor. Now run along you’ve missed ½ of the period.”

Iruma happily skipped away. Not realising he is no longer starving.

Back in class, Elizabetta noticed him first. She patted the seat next to her. Iruma gladly sat next to her. His whole class always looks out for each other and he loves it. It was professor Robin taking the class, easy enough to trick.

“Iruma where have you been?”

“He just came back from the little devil’s room professor.” Elizabetta answered for him. Robin sang ok and continued teaching.

Jazz kicked the back of his chair. “So why were you really gone then?”

“Ahh, well I needed to speak to Professor Balam. I think I need better supplements.” Jazz nodded.

“Yeah alright. Teach is practically a doctor anyway. Jazz leaned back. “Talks way too much though.”

“Hey Iruma - dono, Why don't you just bring packed lunch? Since Opera sensei knows what you need!” Their long-haired classmate suggested.

Agares clicked his tongue. “What’s he gonna do? Carry his whole kitchen in his backpack?” Everyone chuckled at that.

“My Iruma, your appetite sure is admirable.” Elizabetta giggled. “Don’t worry though. I’m sure the staff and teachers will figure something out for you.”

It wasn’t that simple though. As the lesson drew on. Iruma felt the gnawing emptiness of hunger again. He let out a shaky breath. This isn’t good. The headache was extremely distracting. Professor Robin’s spastic running made even less sense. His arms were noodles and his legs buzzed. He swallowed nothing as his mouth was so dry even after glugging all that tea earlier. No, it shouldn’t be like this, This is his home, he isn’t out there in the wild needing to survive anymore. He never thought he would ever feel pain like this again. Iruma choked back a sudden violent sob. Hot searing tears invaded his vision. The world began to spin.

Stop
Stop
Stop

I’m not in danger, I’m not in danger. Iruma’s nerves were going haywire. I gotta calm down. An impossible feat when all he could smell was sharp cold air and damp rain. Impossible when all he could hear was violent storms and rabid animals snarling through the nights.
Iruma felt gravity increase and he could no longer hold himself. He slumped over his desk and passed out.

Unknownst to Iruma, gravity did change, for everyone all over the school grounds. He had released all of the stored-up mana in the ring of gluttony. It came out in pulses, blanketing the campus in pure heavy mana. It brought everyone save for a few teachers to their knees. The misfit class, being the closest, were all suffocating under the pressure.

“I..Iruma-kins stop.” Clara gasped. They all had tears in their eyes. All of them felt this immense sorrow that radiated through the mana. She felt someone haul her up onto their back. Professor Robin had crawled towards her, making his way to the pile of students next to the furthest wall from Iruma.

“Cocoon!” Professor Robin screamed. A large barrier of tree branches encased the students and teacher. Inside the pressure was a lot more bearable. Students could sit up and breathe. “Is everyone OK?”
No one responded. Too shaken from what just happened. “OK, OK, we are all fine. Let me just call the chair demon, he’ll know what to do.”

“Pr~p..PROFESSOR!!!!” The students screamed pointing behind Robin. He spun around.

A dark aura emanated off Iruma and a large shadow manifested. Growling low, staring straight at the misfits. Hungry.

“Cocoon!” Robin reinforced their barrier. His students are now in danger. Worst of all, Iruma is still out there unconscious.

Heavy shadowy fists beat against the barrier. Robin grit his teeth. All he can do is keep the spell up and wait for someone else to come.

Back in the main building of Babylus, Sullivan and Opera were having tea as they worked. The sudden magical energy coming from The Royal one caused them both to spill their tea.

“Opera, I’m going to need you to check on every staff member and student. Make sure no one got hurt. I’ll head over and see the misfits.” Opera gave a curt bow before disappearing. My, it seems his cute grandson has caused trouble for himself.

Sullivan burst through the doors of The Royal one. Flying through and kicking the massive shadow creature in the face. He heard cheers under him and sighs of relief. The monster raged. Charging towards him.
“Naughty.” Sullivan tuts. He gently stops the monster with one palm. Gently seeping mana to calm it down. The monster stops and opens its maw. Sullivan blasts mana straight into it. Satiated. It shrinks back into its ring. He takes the surroundings in. The royal one had taken a beating. But was on its way to healing. Cracks littered the walls and floors. The tables and benches had scratched the floors too. The lecture room had lost a lot of the magical lustre. Interesting. Sullivan never gave Iruma enough mana to be able to damage The Royal one this way. He smiles to himself. His sweet grandson never ceases to amaze and surprise him. The boy deserves an allowance increase.
Speaking about amazing and surprising. Iruma’s classmates have done tremendously well protecting themselves and each other. They had banded together and helped professor Robin keep the cocoon barrier up. They all have just recently started learning the spell and already they can cast it. Strengthening an existing barrier shows how amazing they are at teamwork. Teamwork for Demons outside of familial ties is near impossible, but these 12 had managed to do it. Haggard as they all are.

Sullivan walks over to his grandson and scoops the limp boy up. His face stained with dry tears and hair damp with sweat. His boy definitely needed to go home.

Chapter Text

It was expected that the Young master would be upset over everything that went on yesterday. He had already been in tears when Opera woke him that morning. Lots of cuddles and reassurances were needed to coax the boy out of his bed. “Yes, Your friends still love you Iruma sir. No, Lord Sullivan is not mad you caused an ifrit level security breach at school. I won’t let Kalego rip you a new one. Yes, I still love you, I’ve made all your favourite breakfasts.” At that, the young master perked up, cheerfully throwing the blanket off. He scooped up the security cat asleep at the foot of his bed and ran down the hall to the dining area. 

The Chair demon was already seated. Drinking his cup of Hell Grey Tea and reading the paper. Iruma also had a copy as he ate breakfast. He began to read the morning papers regularly after attending the 13’s dinner. Possibly something to do with how the house heads had commented on how unknowledgeable he was on recent events in the nether world. Opera smirked proudly. They wondered if all humans were like this, or if this was just how amazing Iruma was. 

Opera had prepared a wonderful spread of twenty poached harpy eggs, and five large Ricotta hellcakes with maple syrup freshly squeezed from a screaming maple sapling. Zucchini plucked from a gourmand beast lovingly julienne atop toasted sourdough (sixty-six slices of course. The young master loves bread) and lastly, a king’s serving of spicy bok-bok peas with soppressata and flaming bird eggs. 

Iruma salivated in cascades. Each dish smelt heavenly. All were served hot and steaming, the plates and bowls everything was served on had some sort of heating properties. Or was it Opera’s magic?  For the first few minutes, Iruma savoured every bite. The savoury creaminess of the eggs. The mellow burn of the bok-bok peas. The satisfying crispy crunch of the toast. The sweet tang of the syrup. “So good.” He sighed. He paused. Looking at all the glorious food. Before switching his utensils, choosing a much bigger spoon and fork. His eating style was not unlike a vacuum. Inhaling everything that was pulled close. Iruma had this talent for cutting things with his blunt spoon. Lord Sullivan cooed and took photos as he pushed more food towards his grandson. 

Opera was so touched seeing how much Iruma appreciated his cooking. But alas it was time to head to school. They needed to investigate some things before school started. Saying their goodbyes they headed out. 

The winds were favourable this morning. Cool and light, it was an easy glide. Passed the front gates they saw members of the student council and groundskeepers chasing off straggling magical beasts that graze through the night on campus grounds. Everyone keeps Babylus beautiful and relatively safe. 

“Good morning Professor Opera.” Opera faces the kind old man holding a rake. “Aren’t the flowers young Iruma grew beautiful?” The flowers stood proud and in full bloom. Petals large, soft and blue, they glisten from the morning dew. The Old man bends down to sprinkle plant food onto the soil. The flower turns and glows happily. “Though these ones Iruma planted seem to need a lot of care, they get very sad otherwise.” Intrigued Opera questions the old groundskeeper. 

“Well.” The groundskeeper scratches his chin. “It seems these flowers need a lot more water, fertilizer and food.” He took out a green watering can. The water was a murky green colour, possibly mixed with fertilizers. “They also seem to not fare well when the juniors take care of them. Only the senior keepers can care for these little ones. We lost a few last week. Had to get Iruma to revive them.”

“May I ask what your rank is?” Startled by the change of subject. The groundskeeper stood up. 

“Not sure what it has to do with anything but I am ranked ‘Vav’. I am the highest ranking in our team.” Opera gave him a curt bow.

“Thank you, staff, our conversation has been enlightening. I must go now, however, a gift will be delivered later on tonight.” The old groundskeeper was surprised but very appreciative. Glad he was helpful but quite confused.   

“Oh! And tell Iruma he needs to go see a demdoll concert or something. With that performance yesterday, the boy needs some stress relief!” 

With that Opera headed towards the Babylus kitchens. Texting both Sullivan and Shichiro their intentions.

~~~~

“Iruma-kins!!!!!” The green-haired demoness called. She had arrived before her much taller mate. Iruma was about to apologise when she grabbed him and squeezed. “Shut up! It wasn’t your fault. I’m just glad you were ok and that big scary monster didn’t eat you.” They held each other until Azz showed up. He was absorbed into the hug too. 

The two revealed they had packed some of their favourite snacks to share with Iruma. So he doesn’t become ‘hangry’ again. Iruma blushed at that.

The trio’s dynamic went back to normal as they walked to school. Iruma watched The rest of the student body fly overhead. One day, he thought. One day he will be able to fly like the rest of them. 

The teasing didn’t stop when he reunited with the rest of his class. Sabro clapped him on the back. “My rival. Do you have two different wicked phases or what?”

“Nah he was just super hangry!” Lied giggled. 

“I have terribly frizzy hair because of you!” Keroli huffed, notably wearing a light blue bandana. Iruma thought she looked cute with it on. She huffed again and stormed away. 

“As terrifying as it was Master Iruma, I must commend you for your bold display of power. You truly slay me.” tears streaming Azz’s face. “You truly are the best fit to rule the world.” Enraged at that sentiment, Sabro challenged Azz to a duel and in Iruma’s honour, Azz proclaimed they fight till the death. The whole misfit class created an uproar. A table was thrown. Professor Kalego shot a lightning bolt straight into the group. 

Iruma was beet red. Of course, it would be Azz to make this whole situation even more embarrassing.

4th period eventually rolled around again. And again, Iruma felt weak, tired and empty. Professor Kalego was taking this lecture. Iruma slumped in his chair. At least his classmates wont be in danger if he were to go berserk again. 

Noticing his mood souring, Clara produced candy from her pockets.  But even the little sugar rushes weren’t enough to stave off his hunger.

A familiar sense of weakness and exhaustion came over him. His limbs were lead and he couldn’t hold his pen anymore. His eyes began to burn from unshed tears. His breathing was quick and shallow. Soon he felt the same gravity shift as yesterday.

“Problem child, why must you be like this.” A warm comforting hand rested on Iruma’s shoulder. The touch grounded him. He grasped that hand as his own trembled. “How long have you been suffering silently?” Iruma laughed at that. A week? Maybe two? Professor Kalego deemed it necessary to send Iruma to the infirmary. Alice and Clara volunteered to make sure he gets there.

The school infirmary was nothing like the pristine whites of human hospitals or a cosy room that is a primary school sick bay. The nether world’s infirmary instead was a large room with a big basin in the middle. Singular drops from the sky fall every so often, creating gentle ripples on the water's surface. There are very few places in the netherworld that you could call serene. This room is what Iruma would consider one of the calmest places he’s visited so far. Might as well take a dip. Trusting Ali would magic some wing roots, he shucked off his uniform and dove under. The basin is deeper than it looks. It reminds him of the temperate Indian ocean, deep and dark but so wonderfully warm. He broke the surface feeling rejuvenated. Clara gave him a frown while Azz was just tearfully in awe. Unlike humans, demons do not find these tranquil places very appealing, and the thought of having to sit still in the water looking at nothing was just way too boring. The students hate the infirmary.

“It just goes to show how strong Master Iruma truly is.” Azz sniffed. “To actually enjoy such torture even while in a weakened state… it just!” Azz was overcome with emotion and had to turn away. Iruma laughed at his antics.

“Doesn’t the water sting Iruma-kins?” Clara dipped her hand in feeling a prickly sensation. Iruma cups water in his hands and splashes himself on the face. Yes, it is a bit tingly but it kinda feels like how menthol and arnica cream would feel on your skin, so still very pleasant. Iruma stares at the water. It really is making him feel better. Why didn’t he come earlier? “I wonder…”

“IRUMA-KINS DON’T DRINK BATH WATERRRR!!!” Clara had slapped the water out of his hands. Surprised and slightly embarrassed he laughed loudly and splashed her back. Azz the voice of reason in their group separated the two gremlins before they all got in trouble. “Guys, the water really is making me feel better. I feel normal again!” Iruma demonstrated his new energy by giving them a little twirl. 

“This water is to heal wounds Master Iruma. You don't seem to have visible wounds though…” 

“Do you have inside owies Iruma-kins???!!!” Clara gasped. So maybe he should drink the water. “At least drink from the ceiling water. Other people use this bath too.” 

Each drop that splashed on his tongue felt so refreshing. As if his body experienced a drought and was blessed with the first drops of rain. It felt addictive. His soul mates continued to watch in confused curiosity. 

The door opened quietly behind the trio. Opera smiled at the sight. This just proved their hypothesis correct. Calling out to them. Opera asked for Iruma to quickly dress and meet them in the cafeteria.

~~~~~~~~~~

It was the start of the 5th period at this point. The trio decided to stay together and all miss out. It’s not technically bunking if a teacher called them out right? Even if they only called for one person. They come as a packaged deal anyway. 

The trio was surprised to see the whole kitchen staff waiting for them. Balam sensei and the chair demon. Everyone was pretty calm except for a demon named Chouji.

Chouji was a small chubby demon. Round and cute. They had multi-coloured hair and butterfly wings for eyelashes. Long pointy ears that stick out from under their chef hat. They wore the standard chef robes but the trimmings were gold and red to show off their status as head chef of Babylus kitchen.

Seeing Iruma, Chouji leapt into his arms in tears. “Oh Young Master Iruma, I am so sorry. This is all my fault. I’m so sorry, I should be banished.” Iruma very alarmed clung to the chef and turned to the chair demon.

“Grandpa! What’s going on? Banished??”  The chair demon chuckled. No one is getting fired or banished. Chef Chouji just has a bit of explaining to do. The chef wiped their eyes. Inviting everyone to have a seat. Everyone was served tea and biscuits before they started their story

The chef from the previous year had resigned as they had the chance to open up their own restaurant elsewhere. Chouji had been working under that chef and was promoted to head chef. Under their leadership, the kitchen was as efficient as ever. Maybe even more so as they had learned from the previous year how to budget and cater for the growing appetites of the students *cough* Iruma. They thought it a good idea to buy cheaper ingredients. Use ingredients that weren’t as rare or hard to get. The menus had a more home-cooked style but were still very gourmet as Chef Chouji was one of the best and their culinary skills did not allow the inferior ingredients to affect the taste or the quality of the meals prepared. However, Iruma only ate meals with ingredients of a higher calibre. In the Netherworld demons, needs differ when they are from different statuses, different ranks or even different families. For example, demons of the Lust circle must not only eat normally but must also supplement their diet with “love”. Demons of the wrath circle would need to be more vigilant in their self-care to avoid their evil cycles etcetera and so on. Simply eating more was not enough as Iruma being so young, spry and energetic would just burn off all those calories. 

Using the teacup analogy. Each creature, plant even stone has the potential to hold energy. Ingesting these things is how demons replenish their own energy reserves. Iruma has been showing signs of Mana fatigue, a lack of proper nutrition is one of the causes of Mana fatigue.

If that was the problem then surely everything would be fixed quite easily.

“No! Iruma I have already switched the ingredients back.” Chef Chouji cried. “The fault is mine and mine alone. It was bullheaded of me to think I can just serve nobility. That my food would be good enough.” Iruma was extremely confused. He didn’t understand. He also considered Chef Chouji a friend. They met back in the first year. Iruma would help them unload trucks full of vegetables on Monday mornings. Chef Chouji would let him have a sneak peek of new menu items and even let him snack sometimes. “I don’t understand Chef Chouji. You’re an amazing cook. You’ve fed me for over a year. What’s different?”

The chef sniffled. “Yes, I did help prepare your meals. However. Ultimately it was the head chef Mori who cooked and blessed your meals. He was ranked Zayin while I just became He when I was promoted. Hehe you beat me there Iruma.” 

Meal quality is not only determined by the quality of the ingredients but also by who cooks it. ‘A human equivalent would be how much ‘love’ you would put into one’s cooking,’ Iruma thought. A cook infuses their mana into their cooking. Opera is ranked Chet, close to rank Tet even. It is the reason why Iruma is satisfied at home. 

“No need to fret Chef,” Sullivan reassured. “Professor Balam has a solution.”

“I call them Vitamins.” The professor laughed, though it came out more as a sinister chuckle. Professor Balam produced a jar of what looked like glowing candies. The kids oohed and aahed at it. He handed one to Iruma. Iruma tentatively placed it in between his teeth. And took a bite.

The candy exploded, knocking him backwards and off his seat. Everyone shouted out in worry and surprise. “Wow wow WOW!!!” He jumped up and placed another in his mouth. This time he closed his mouth and bit it with his molars. Everyone was sure that the explosion would have destroyed a lesser demon’s jaw. He was about to munch on a third when Balam stopped him. 

“That’s enough Iruma. These are supposed to be vitamins. Not candy.” Iruma giggled. Storing the small jar in his bag.  “What I have created are small pure mana crystals. Iruma can eat these on top of eating lunch and no one needs to be fired.” Sullivan and Opera clapped happily. Everyone else was terrified. They just watched a child eat concentrated mana... Aren't those how bombs are made?

“Iruma sir. All the teachers will be taught this spell. I am glad we all now know how to better take care of you.” Opera then gave him another jar full of red and dark purple coloured candies. From grandpa and Opera… Iruma gave them a shaky thank you, going in for the hug. 

Iruma then turns to Chef Chouji. He takes their little hands and looks at them sweetly. “I’m really sorry about being such a glutton and causing you stress. All of the kitchen staff stress.” the team all shook their heads, there was nothing to apologise for. “I hope to still get along with everyone. And thank you for taking care of me!” The poor chef went red and was speechless. They weren’t expecting to feel the full brunt of Iruma’s charm. 

As everyone dispersed Chouji made their way back into the kitchen. They started to prepare food for the next day.

“Hey Head Chef, Isn’t it a bit early to start prep work?” A cook teased. Ignoring him they climbed their step stool. 

“I need to practice or I’ll never rank up.” They furiously chopped the vegetables, expertly dicing onions and mincing garlic. Toasting complex spice mixes and marinating meats.

The cook shrugs and turns to the other cooks. “I guess we’ll have to start looking for a new head chef in a couple of years.” They all peer at Chouji’s flushed face. “No doubt Head Chef Chouji will follow Iruma once he graduates.” they all snicker.

“That Iruma sure is a charmer. He’s got demons flocking to him left and right. Haha.”

“I’ll bet by graduation he would have gotten himself a full loyal army. That little King.”

“... 20,000” The two cooks stare at each other. Dalc has been thrown. This is serious.

“10,000 and a date with my sister, and if that doesn’t work out. I have a really cute cousin. The date will be at my family’s bathhouse.”

“DEAL.”

Chapter Text

Epilogue!

The students all filed into their seats. It was a beautiful day as always. Birds flew by the windows. Students chatting amongst themselves. In the human world, you would see specks of dust dancing around reflecting light but here in the netherworld those sparkles were literal light sparkles that glimmered and float. The royal one was as magnificent as ever. It was all quite peaceful. That is if you ignore the loud but muffled crackle of bombs being detonated inside Iruma’s mouth. He even squees in glee after every crunch. The rest of his classmates were slightly uncomfortable and very concerned, but they all would rather deal with those scary noises than be…

“Crushed like a pancake?” Purson arches his brow at everyone. Who all grimaces back. They watch their strange classmate for a while with all varying degrees of horrified awe. Noticing everyone watching, Iruma tilts his head and offered one of his “vitamins” to them. As cute as that was only Sabro and Azz accepted… and proceeded to get their faces blown up. Professor Blushenko and Professor Balam had to be called in.

“Iruma. Those are yours. Please don't share them.” Professor Blushenko sighed exasperatedly. The two, unfortunately, had to be taken to the infirmary as they were not only knocked back from the explosion but also due to the sheer mortification that was being blown up in the face.

“Umm. Iruma. What do they taste like?” Keroli asked. “It seems like you really enjoy them.” Iruma hopped excitedly, Keroli had to take a step back at the absurdly cute movement. 

“Everyone’s mana tastes different!!” Everyone oohed.

“Opera’s is so homey, familiar. I guess I eat their cooking all the time. It tastes like that.” He picks out a dark scarlet “vitamin” It was perfectly round and translucent. Dropping it back in the jar he picks out a pale minty coloured one. It was cloudy and had circular grooves on it. “These are Professor Balam’s, they have this floral aromatic but acidic flavour!” one by one he would show his classmates the vitamins he’s managed to collect.

“Bet Kallego’s is bitter.” Jazz and Lied snickered. Immediately perfectly sharpened stiletto nails gripped their foreheads.

“Actually his ones taste like cactus fruit and cucumber. With a buzzy aftertaste.” He demonstrates the so-called buzz by biting into one. His whole skull rattled from the thunderous shakes. He continues to shake as he sits. Amazed, Clara also wanted Iruma to tell her what her mana tastes like. With an outstretched hand, she forces her intention towards her palm. Everyone heard a quiet fizzle sound and a small pop before she got dizzy and fell onto the table. Iruma yanked her towards himself before she could get hurt. 

Professor Kalego felt a migraine settle in, great that's three students behind today. He lectured them all about how none of the students will attempt this spell until they are of He Rank. No one missed him quietly praising Clara for her attempt though.

“My, Now I really want to raise my rank! I’d love to know the flavour of my mana.” 

“OF COURSE IT WOULD TASTE LIKE THE SWEETEST OF DESSERTS MY LOOOOVE!!” Elizabetta elegantly kicked out sending a ball of feathers hurtling out an open window. 

“I think Gaap’s would taste like rice balls.” Allocer jokes. Gaap wholeheartedly agreed, suggesting umeboshi flavour.

“All right, Silence you heathens. The class will begin.” Professor Kalego ordered before handing out papers and books to the students. “Put those away now Iruma.” He happily put his jar back into his bag and picked up his pen, Clara slept soundly, head on his lap as he began to study.