Surprisingly, Iruma and Asmodeus managed to keep up with Clara's exhausting energy during their playtime.
For Iruma, the games were genuinely fun—especially the demon card game where he could predict every draw. Winning felt too easy. Yet, sticking to the rules kept it interesting.
Then he noticed a massive door sealed by countless golden chains. The craftsmanship was impeccable. Sculpted demons flanked either side, incredibly lifelike.
A throne-class classroom door… should I just snatch it? No, better wait until people's ranks are higher…
Later came demon-soccer: Clara kicked so hard she flew backward. Despite two hours of relentless games, Asmodeus lay collapsed on the grass, breathless. Meanwhile, Iruma calmly gazed at the sky, breeze rustling around him.
Fatigue, endurance? Iruma didn't care. He no longer needed sleep—but he chose to retain human-like awareness, including rest.
"You two OK? Still fun?"
Clara ran over, smiling, patting her dress pockets. Drinks and snacks popped out, which she handed to them.
"Here, juice and snacks!"
"Thanks, Clara."
Iruma passed them to Asmodeus.
"Your servant dares not—"
"Drink it!"
"Yes!"
Asmodeus devoured the refreshments gratefully. His perception of Iruma shifted:
Even letting your retainers eat first—...that's royalty.
Clara offered more, but Iruma stopped her.
"Impressive magic, Clara, but don't use it on us for free."
"It's okay! My power lets me make anything I see!"
Iruma smiled. He considered companions treasures—and he's the greediest demon of all.
"Hey! Little Clara?"
A male demon's voice echoed from the courtyard. Clara ran out excitedly.
"Yu-kyun!"
The demon, named Yu, petted her head like a pet.
"Hey there cutie, got a new owner, huh?"
"Yup!"
Clara looked at Iruma and Asmodeus expectantly.
But the space around Iruma twisted. Asmodeus behind him couldn't kneel—fear froze him in place.
Might as well just erase these three demons permanently.
Asmodeus lay flattened on the ground, crushed by the oppressive aura. Survival—not fear—took over his thoughts. Iruma's black‑gold eyes slitted like a dragon's. The sky above seemed torn, clouds swirling unnaturally.
With mustered strength, Asmodeus whispered a tiny twitch:
"I… I…"
Iruma gently scooped him up, brushing off dust and mending the torn fabric with a touch.
"Sorry, Asmodeus~"
Asmodeus gasped for breath, terror in his eyes. The aura around Iruma was so thick, he could barely see him.
Yu casually accepted three apple juices from Clara and walked away with two other demons.
Iruma stood and approached Clara:
"Who were those three guys?"
Clara lightly chuckled:
"Oh, they're just easy to please—give them something, and they're happy. They've helped me play before."
"But you two… you're the first demons to actually play with me properly."
Clara looked at Iruma, cheeks reddening, and shyly asked:
"So… um… could we play again sometime?"
For her, Iruma was the first demon who showed genuine kindness. She didn't want it to end.
What a pure-hearted girl~
Iruma couldn't refuse. He ruffled her hair:
"Of course. I had fun too."
Her tail—a heart-shaped flick—wiggled in delight. Cute beyond words.
Asmodeus grimaced:
"Maybe not, Lord Iruma…Naivety is contagious."
He was exhausted, having endured playtime non-stop. Clara turned to him cheerfully:
"Azzy! You're back! Let's play Hellmarathon! Max difficulty!"
Iruma gently tapped Clara's head:
"Maybe tomorrow. Azzy's run out of energy today."
"Aw… okay~"
Clara accepted it—this time peacefully.
"But remember: you must play with me tomorrow!"
Iruma hoisted the drained Asmodeus onto his shoulder and waved to Clara:
"Of course. I like your games too."
The next morning...
"I'm off, Grandpa, Opera!"
Iruma waved from the doorway and, with Asmodeus, soared into the sky.
Now he had full control of his abilities. Slowing wing speed was easy—his mind was clearer, stronger.
He could fly in sync with others with minimal effort. Azz thought to himself:
Maybe I'm just too weak if Lord Iruma holds back for me.
From then on, he made a firm resolution: to grow stronger—and fast.