02. Astaroth...
If there is someone you knew and admired that was actually a wolf in sheep's clothing? Then that person is Professor Mr. Liam Moriarty to me. Actually, he's a demon in human's skin. I admired him before because of his knowledge when it comes to world history.
Sir Liam is the type of person who can answer everything that's related to historical facts, and he even became a successful author of an academic book that debunked some of history's well-known-findings. And obviously because of it scary accuracy that was backed with tons of evidences, the book obviously became a worldwide bestseller.
I finished reading the book more than ten times. And everyone knows who he is, especially in the University. The reason why I came to Heathland University was because of him, I wanted to see him in person and I wanted to learn under him as his student. Unfortunately, I discovered his nasty secret by accident. And that time, my paper was purposely excluded by Doris, a rival of mine who hated me because I was ranked higher than her. And because I was afraid to lose points, I sneaked into Sir Liam's office to insert my paper there. I really thought I had enough time to do an in and out stealth mission. Unfortunately, Sir Liam came back earlier than I expected and I was forced to find a hiding spot.
Luckily, I found a hidden entrance behind a bookshelf after scrambling for a hiding spot. At first I thought it was actually weird to have a hidden entrance in a professor's office. But then I quickly set aside the bugging feeling inside my chest since the university's main building was a literal castle, like literally those ones that existed in the Middle Ages. So obviously having secret entrances are possible, and I think just found one.
Anyway, I hid away as fast as I could because Sir Liam was quickly approaching and I can hear his voice from the hallways. So, when I heard the door opening I held my breath and listened. At first, the footsteps halted when it entered the office, then it resumed when an unfamiliar voice that didn't belong to my professor spoke suddenly;
"I'm really astounded to see you like this, Astaroth. But then again, I'm not that surprised since you've been telling Lucifer you wanted to become a lecturer in the mortal realm for a long time."
Astaroth? I frowned as I listened to the conversation some more behind the secret door. Even though it was made if rough stone and cement, I can still hear their conversation clearly in the crack.
Who is he calling Astaroth? I peeked at the opening and saw two figures standing there facing each other. One was Professor Moriarty's who had his back laid to me while the other was a man who was slightly taller than him, with ink black hair and emerald green eyes the was gleaming with arrogance and intellect that was quite similar to the professors midnight black eyes.
The man the professor was talking to was sporting a devious smile on his face. His beauty was almost comparable to the professor but Sir Liam's handsomeness still won inside my heart.
I have to admit I already have a low key crush on him ever since I saw him. And I was not going to betray my idol by saying I was also attracted to the person that he was talking to. Even when he's an oddly attractive person as well.
"Why are you really here, Beelzebub?" Sir Liam's tone was obviously displeased. But it didn't change the big grin on the person he just called Beelzebub.
Wait. Beelzebub? Like the demon Beelzebub?
I stared at the man with the most beautiful green eyes I've ever seen. Beelzebub. Such a weird name for an attractive man like him.
Beelzebub chuckled playfully, "Why? Can't I visit a friend?" He said. "Did I interrupt you or something?"
Beelzebub tried to peek what's behind my Professor and Sir Liam immediately covered his sight by taking a casual side step.
"I wasn't informed of your visit so it's better for you to state your business now while I'm still in a gracious mood."
Beelzebub acted like he got hurt and then smiled playfully like he was just messing with him, "You're harsh to me as always, Asta. Can't you spare me the contempt and treat me like a friend already? It's been years. Are you seriously still hung up on that mistake I did?"
"Our history is way too bloody to call us friends… Moreover, it wasn't a mistake if you did it on purpose."
Beelzebub acted cute by pouting his lips like a little child. "Oh, boohohoo. I should have known you're the type who makes a grudge. Oh well," He waved his hand dismissively and sat down on an empty chair with resounding plop and crossed his legs comfortably like he owned the place. "If you're that eager to drive me away then I guess I have to get to the point."
"Speak." Sir Liam then said after taking a casual seat in front of him, his back still facing me so I can only see his neck, not face.
"Lucifer wants you back in hell." Beelzebub didn't beat around the bush.
I can feel the frown deepening on my face as I processed the information I just heard. What the hell are they talking about? I mean, Lucifer? Beelzebub? Hell? It doesn't make any sense. However, they sound like like their talking about the real thing though. Aren't they roleplaying or something?
"I refuse." Sir Liam replied. And the man, Beelzebub frowned.
"You haven't given me the chance to explain yet you already cut me off..."
A shuffle was heard and I slightly noticed Sir Liam crossing his arms over his chest juat by the movement of his shoulders.
"I still have 348 years to stay on the surface world. So why must I return to that infernal place when I know that my contract has yet to be fulfilled?"
I was shocked when I heard Sir Liam saying 348 years. Originally, I thought he was just acting out a role play or something because of the demon names and stuff- but his tone... His tone sounded very serious. It didn't sound like he was joking around. Especially with his conversation with this man, Beelzebub.
Seriously, 348 years is such a long time. How- Wait… He also said, surface world. Which in my understanding could be another world for earth, right? And the man named Beelzebub also said mortal world... Are they perhaps talking about the same thing? Are they talking about this place, the place where the Humans live in freely?
"I do not joke around, Astaroth." Beelzebub now sounded really impatient, "This is a serious matter I'm talking about so don't cut me off."
I frowned. Astaroth... What's Astaroth? This Beelzebub person kept calling Sir Liam, Astaroth. Is that Sir Liam's real name, perhaps?
A thought suddenly crossed my mind and I quickly took my phone out and searched the internet about the word 'Astaroth' in Google Chrome and this was what I found...
Astaroth (also Ashtaroth, Astarot and Asteroth), in demonology, is the Great Duke of Hell in the first hierarchy with Beelzebub and Lucifer; he is part of the evil trinity. He is a male figure most likely named after the Near Eastern goddess Astarte.