64 A firm resolve (2/2)
”What does the Queen of Inflammation think?”
”What is your Contracted Entity?”
”Where are you from, Riyku?”
”How big is, Riyku?”
The questions were truly nonstop, but the questions that drew in the most attention happened to be.
'Is it true you beat up an entire class and their Instructor?'
'Did you know they call you the Demon of Destruction?'
Astraia was fending off some of 'other' questions, but Riyku had particularly locked onto those two. ”It is. I could not stand to watch them beat her down. I hated watching them torment her, and it upset me further when they tried to do what they did. As for this nickname, no. I am not aware of it, nor do I care for it. I refuse to let anyone take away what I cherish. Never again will that happen.” Riyku would reply to these two in particular. His voice had steadily grown in volume, not necessarily a shout, but so that everyone could hear him. Astraia's glance softened and a smile took to her voice as she spoke his name with a breath. The class was silent before seeming to cheer happily. They supported this train of thought and most of them even started saying that they would do what they could to help him.
This was odd to Riyku, but not unwelcoming. He smiled and thank all of them before starting to answer some of the questions that were directed at him. Although, one thing was clear with each question he answered. He truly loved Astraia as well as Astrid. It was quite obvious that Astrid was part of it since they saw her clinging to him yesterday or heard it through gossip.
Breaktime came to an end and everyone returned to their seats. The class would resume until the remainder of the day and when it came to a closing that was when things started to turn up. ”Alright Class. As you are all aware, we have our annual Legends of the Underworld coming up next month. It is the time where only the top classes of each Netherworld Academy come together to face off in a battle of strength and wit. As you are all aware this will decide the top ten most powerful Netherworlds in all of the Underworld so study and train hard!” The Instructor would exclaim joyfully and everyone with the exception of Riyku would cheer since he did not know what the Legends of the Underworld even was. It was clear to him that it was an event of some sort. Although why did it matter which Netherworld was the most powerful?
”Also one more thing. I almost forgot to mention. The top ten students will be placed into a selection candidacy to becoming Overlord of whichever Netherworld they see fit! So, Let's go! I believe in all of you!” The Instructor would exclaim. Riyku's eyes widened when he heard those words.
'Become an Overlord of whichever Netherworld they wanted?'
Was that even possible and why the top ten students? Did that mean that the event was secondary to selecting an Overlord for a Netherworld? If so what became of the reigning Overlord? Riyku was generally confused. Skeith could hear the thoughts Riyku was having and would snicker. That evil sinister and devious sinister echoing in his mind caught his attention. He nearly almost blurted out, ”What's so funny?” But was able to refrain and instead thought the statement instead.
”You,” Skeith replied instantly which seemed to rile Riyku up for some odd reason. Maybe it was because he felt like he was being mocked or looked down on. ”Now, now. I am going to explain to you how it all works. The Legends of the Underworld is merely a showcasing for other Netherworlds to compare strength. This is so other Netherworlds can influence the weaker Netherworlds in various ways such as marketing. Since a weak Netherworld can not defy a stronger one, they are typically bound to accept any terms and conditions laid before them by the stronger Netherworld. Of course, that isn't all this is for. Like that delicious succubus said, this is also to help select a new Overlord. The selection process is a lot simpler than one would think. The top ten will fight to the death, and the winner will be picked by one of the reigning Overlords to battle against them. From there, there are two outcomes... Live or Die.”
Riyku was stunned. From the moment Skeith said the top ten would battle to the death. Why did it have to be to the death? Why was everything so violent with the Underworld? Why would it not just be something friendly? Even more so when it came to the Overlord picking you and you having to fight them. Live or Die? Really? An emotion started to swirl within Riyku. An emotion he felt only a few times. An emotion that would make Skeith grin wide, as if he were playing Riyku like a fiddle. It was hate. Riyku hated how everything was 'Live or Die.' There was no in-between. No happiness, no joy, no love. It was just 'Live or Die.'
It was during these thoughts that he came to realize something from what Skeith had said. ”What about you? You were the founder of a Netherworld. Did this sort of thing not exist back then?” Riyku's thoughts echoed in his mind as to not speak them aloud and Skeith would happily reply to him; almost as if he was hoping Riyku would catch on.
”It did and it is quite simple. I killed the Overlord who challenged me and destroyed her Netherworld, only to rebuild it with my own vision. You see, the thing about Live or Die. Is that even if the Overlord lets you live, you do not have to let them live. She was strong, but not strong enough. She dropped her guard since she thought she had me backed against the wall and asked me to give up and become her little toy. It's a shame though, I wanted to make her mine but I had to plunge my blade through her chest since I doubt she would have given up.” Skeith would explain which caused Riyku's eyes to go wide. Skeith killed an Overlord before he became an Overlord? Was Skeith truly that strong? Still, it made a lot of sense. On why Skeith was known as the Tyrant Overlord who founded his own Netherworld: Oblivion. It also made sense why Oblivion was known to host the most powerful Demons. A Netherworld built purely on survival of the fittest. A sigh escaped his lips and he slumped back against his chair.
He would side-eye Astraia who was chatting it up with a couple of the girls in the room. Most of the students had left after the announcement was made. So it was only him, Astraia, a couple of girls, a couple of guys, and the Instructor. The guys were heading out saying their goodbyes to the Instructor which left him and Astraia and the girls. If Astraia and Riyku ended up two of the top ten...
Riyku would make a silent vow. One that he intended to keep no matter the cost.
”I will protect you.”