Chapter 181 - Baals Story (1/2)

”What happened?! You look terrible!” Zero exclaimed when he saw Baal nursing a cup of tea with a pained frown on his face. The Demon Lord looked like he barely slept at all and that couldn't be too far from the truth.

Coux didn't know what the listless demon was up to last night. Everyone, including her, was wiped out and fast asleep. The secretary smelled some alcohol when she entered Baal's room earlier. It was rare for Baal to indulge in that so she didn't know what to think when he did. The half-succubus decided to be nicer to her employer today seeing how the metaphoric dark cloud looming over his head was burdening him.

Zero ate his breakfast with worry. Now that there were fewer people around, the place was emptier and quieter. The teen wondered what they were going to do today. With Schaf and Kerberos' sentences successfully executed, there was only one thing left to do before he would return. The young doctor felt conflicted over this. On one hand, he was eager to see the villagers again and the greenery on Earth. On the other hand, parting with Baal would be difficult. Not being able to see, be and talk to Baal in person was going to make Zero cry. It was like parting with Truen all over again.

Coux and Amaraline excused themselves early for work. Zero didn't blame them. However, it surprised him that both Sekkin and Ruth were sent out for errands. Ruth had to fill in Qin Yun's position and Sekkin had to make a trip back to Half Moon Village for a while. Wiser was still catching up on his sleep so there was only Zero and Baal in the huge dining hall.

The silence was slightly unnerving and Zero didn't know what to do since Baal forbade him from checking on his health. That was an obvious sign of a hangover that could easily be treated with healing magic. Really, Baal should stop being so stubborn sometimes and let others take care of him.

The Demon Lord spent the long night pouring through his thoughts and facing his demons. Still, there was no conclusion. Lilith was right without a doubt. The choice should lie with Zero. He knew that he would come to regret what he was about to do with every fibre of his being but he couldn't bear to see his friend's betrayed expression when he found out. There were no questions about whether Zero would discover the truth. With his curious personality and determined nature, it was something given.

Without saying anything, Baal snapped his fingers and a letter materialised from thin air. He flicked his finger and sent that letter towards Zero who caught it smoothly.

The young doctor was surprised. That letter looked very similar to the one Lucifer sent him. However, unlike his, this letter was already opened. The wax seal was destroyed and Zero searched Baal's expression before deciding that it would be alright to check its contents.

[Greetings!

The Morning Star Academy wishes to invite you back as a guest lecturer from xxx month in the xxx year on the xxx day to the xxx month in the xxx year of the xxx day. All food, transport and accommodation will be taken care of by the Academy during your trip.

We hope to hear your favourable reply.

P.S.: As a Demon Lord who has been slacking for the past few decades, you should at least show your face.

- Lucifer.]

Zero blinked at the last statement. That sounded more of a threat than an invitation. He looked up at Baal who was still nursing his headache. The Demon Lord didn't seem fazed by it and Zero decided to pull his out from the inventory.

”You should set up a mind barrier when you open it,” Baal cautioned his friend when he saw the unopened letter. He was slightly curious as to why Zero hasn't ripped it open yet.

Zero heeded Baal's advice and didn't regret it when a Mind Hollow escaped from the seal and rushed at Zero before it was dispelled by the barrier. Mind Hollows were pesky puppets created using dark magic that attack a person who is off guard and latches itself in their minds, feeding on their positive thoughts, making them hollow and lifeless on the inside. Zero knew that Lucifer would pull such tricks but was still annoyed that the ancient demon would do something as nasty as this.

[Dear Zero

You are invited to the Prestigious Morning Star Academy as part of our Earth-Hell exchange programme for a week starting from xxx day of the xxx month in the xxx year. All your travelling, accommodation and food expenses will be sponsored by the Morning Star Academy.

We hope to see you there!

P.S.: You still owe me a favour.

- Lucifer]

The young doctor knew it wasn't appropriate to be amused with such tricks by the ancient demon. However, a chuckle slipped past his lips before he could stop it. It was almost adorable thinking about a sulky Demon Lord penning down threats to hide his embarrassment at sending out invitations. Baal gave him a strange look and Zero stifled the giggle bubbling beneath his surface. He didn't want to give the wrong impression after all.

”I guess we should start preparing to leave in two days?” he smiled at Baal who didn't look any less grouchy.

The Demon Lord didn't reply immediately. Lucifer's words continue to plague him. He knew that he shouldn't tell Zero about their plan as it might jeopardize the mission but it didn't feel right keeping such a thing from the young doctor.

Zero noticed the troubled look on Baal's face and was immediately concerned.

”What's wrong?”

”Zero... promise me that you won't cause trouble when you are there and that you will defend yourself when needed.”

The doctor's apprentice blinked. ”Why? Is there something going on that I don't know about?”

Baal didn't say anything and Zero's suspicion increased. His eyes narrowed. ”What are you not telling me?”

They stared at each other ins silence with Zero demanding to know what's going on and Baal resisting. The tension started getting heavier when Baal dropped his gaze to look away.

”Bell, if there is someone being a danger to you I have to know. What is Lucifer's request about?”

The Demon Lord grit his teeth in frustration. ”Lucifer will fill you in on the details when you reach the Academy. However, I need you to promise me you'll not be reckless. You have to take care of yourself because I might not be able to it this time. I'll be going there as a lecturer, we won't always be together and the aristocratic nobles can be an awful bunch.”

He didn't think that Zero would buy it but wasn't too surprised when the brunet's eyes softened. Zero smiled warmly and Baal wondered what was going through Zero's mind when he heard that.

”Don't worry, Bell. I can take care of bullies without resorting to violence. Wiser taught me a good way to deal with them.”

Relieved but mostly amused by how it came to that conclusion, Baal decided to let the matter rest now that Zero was satisfied. It was an inevitable thing. Lucifer would hunt them down if they didn't show up in the Academy so Baal relented. It was better to start with preparations before the big day of Zero's debut into the society. There were many things that had to be done before that.