Mistress Of The Evil Forest

Case 32: Opening ceremony – Jalk the Lackey.

After devouring the potato tornados, which were delicious, I am on my way to the plaza where the speeches will be held—together with Claire.

''Why are we going there so soon?'' Claire asks. ''There is almost an hour left...''

''Just follow me.'' I reply.

''Alright...?''

It's 11:24 A.M. right now. We should make it.

Now, for starters, the reason why we're heading there is simple.

According to Chloe, starting from this school year, in particular, the number of demons randomly appearing will increase dramatically, even ramping up in difficulty over time. The first demon to appear is Jalk the Lackey—a basic and relatively weak demon made with the intention of giving the player a real encounter with the species.

''⌈Arc 1, Chapter 4, Jalk the Lackey⌋. Right after Amelia starts her speech, it will spawn at the center of the plaza and start attacking people indiscriminately. Additionally, there will be a barrier preventing the professors and the staff members—everyone strong enough to intervene from doing it as well.''

''To get the player to fight it alone?''

''Not alone. Amelia, the Saintess, as well as the Crown Princess, will temporarily join the player as party members. Even the other students present will help.''

''I see. So what should we do, then?''

''From an interview with one of the developers, it was revealed that the trigger for the spawning was the time instead of Amelia's speech, although the play is locked in a cutscene anyway. But it will spawn exactly at 12:00 A.M. regardless of anything else.''

''Continue.''

''So I as Amelia will try to isolate the plaza area altogether until twelve, and you will bring Claire to the plaza. The three of us will face the demons alone.''

''...Are you aiming for the experience?''

''Yeah. At this point, the only people I can trust are you and maybe Claire. I tested Claire a bit, and I think she's good. Her leveling up is needed for future fights as well, and I might need her to face a demon as soon as possible... Anyway, I don't want to share those juicy experiences with other people yet.''

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''...Understood? Do you need my main body there?''

''Not really. It's only level 35, I could even solo it.''

''Alright. I'll still bring the gauntlet, just to be sure.''

In short, the three of us will be hoarding the experience altogether. And if you're asking about Nydia, she got tasked with an errand.

I'm curious about one thing though, where would the experience go if I defeat an enemy in this body? I mean, Peln's body is locked at level 1, so would the experience go to my main body?

''...''

Well, whatever. And it looks like we've arrived.

In front of us is the vast plaza of the academy, located right near the entrance of the castle HQ. It is now guarded by soldiers bearing the Luminous's crest, so the area inside is only filled with empty chairs and tables.

On the stage, a gorgeous blonde is sitting elegantly on the edge, leisurely sipping tea while swinging her legs.

''Excuse me, misses.'' A soldier stops us. ''You can only pass through here after twelve.''

''I'm her maid.'' I raise Amelia's seal for him to see. ''We were called by her.''

''Ah, I see, this is indeed Lady Luminous's seal. Please enter.''

So we pass through the slightly surprised guards and go straight to Chloe. Claire is a bit confused, but nothing can be done.

''You're here.'' Chloe smiles softly. ''Come sit first, there is still time.''

''What did you say to them?'' I ask after settling down beside her. 

''I said I would prepare a 'surprise' for the academy.'' 

''Really?! Lady Amelia would personally prepare a 'surprise' for us... But why I'm here, then?'' Claire tilts her head.

''It's a secret.''

''I see...''

Just like that, we begin to have small talk, waiting for the time to come. Apparently, the reason why Claire was short on cash earlier was that she donated most of the money she received from Chloe to charities.

So this is the 'test' that Chloe was talking about, not bad.

''It's almost twelve.''

Amelia jumps down the stage and stretches out a bit before grabbing her sword nearby. I do the same and grab my sword I put down earlier as well. They allow students and supervisors to carry swords with them, so this is normal.

''Time for the surprise, right?'' Claire asks. ''Should I go to a seat now-''

VROOM—!!!

Suddenly, a strong blast of purple energy blows on us. In just seconds, a giant dark purple barrier forms around the plaza, isolating us inside it. Through the dense and nasty atmosphere, I see the guards and the people outside panicking, although just vaguely.

''W-What?!''

In the center of the plaza, a pitch-black puddle spurts out from the ground. It then rises into the air, quickly forming a humanoid shape.

''Flame barrier.'' 

Chloe calmly raises her hand, and a transparent barrier made from fire magic envelops us.

BOOM—!!!

Just in time, the humanoid puddle explodes violently, sending that unknown substance flying everywhere. Some of them get onto the chairs and tables, instantly melting them like acid. But fortunately, it seems like they can't get through Chloe's barrier. 

''I-Is that a demon...?!'' Claire shakily points to the center of the plaza, where a 'man' can be seen.

As if he just got rid of his impurities—those being the black substance, the humanoid figure is bleach-white. There is nothing to be seen on his body, no clothes, no facial features, no nothing.

...Isn't this just a cheap copy of Mister Slen? How dare this guy...

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Name: Jalk              

Race: Demon                    Title: The Lackey

Level: 35

HP: 77/77                    MP: 66/66

STR: 4.5                     INT: 5.1

AGI: 4.2                    STA: 4.4

Skill: [Dark Magic Lv.5], [Fire Resistance Lv.10],
[Water Resistance Lv.10], [Wind Resistance Lv.10], 
[Earth Resistance Lv.10], [Ice Resistance Lv.10],
[Lightning Resistance Lv.10], [Dark Resistance Lv.10]
[Physical Nullification Lv.10].

State: Hungry.

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Ah, I get why this guy is the first one now. Its stats are pretty low for level 35, and he only has one offensive skill. The resistance skills are going crazy though, only light magic is allowed, basically.

[...Hi?]

The demon speaks up with an eerily childish voice while staring at us through those empty eye sockets, even though it doesn't have a mouth.

''It seems like this is your time to shine, Claire.'' Chloe narrows her eyes lightly and unsheathes her sword—just as I'm doing the same.

''A-Ah...?''

Claire, despite having seen the demon's status screen and being told like that, still seems to be stunned. What is going on with her...?

''Hap!''

While I'm thinking that, Chloe has already shot herself at the demon, her sword above her head.

KENG—!!

[Uh?]

The demon crosses its arms to block Chloe's strike. The sword collides with its forearm, sounding a loud metallic noise.

''We need to fight, Claire.'' I smack the dumbfounded Claire's back lightly.

It's going to be quite troublesome if she keeps hesitating like this. In the game, we have the player, but here... Wait, her condition is not normal. Unfocused pupils, a face void of colors, and a shaky body.

Chloe...!!

Why didn't you tell me Claire was traumatized with demons??