[Chapter 2 Comment]
[MianoTales: So, our comments can truly enter the novel?]
Theo smiled, responding with certainty, "Yes, if you are indeed from that world, I can read your comments. So, please continue to support me with your comments."
Mia tilted her head, initially confused but understanding that her father was addressing the person he mentioned earlier.
"Alright. I'll be exploring my demon for a bit. Wait for me," Theo winked at his daughter.
"Of course. I also have a few things to ponder," Mia nodded several times.
With his daughter's approval, Theo closed his eyes for a moment, recalling information about demons.
"The demons are categorized into four grades: Common, Knight, Noble, and Royal. As the names suggest, Commons are the most prevalent demons found in many individuals. Knight Grade Demons are considerably stronger than Common demons, and having one of them in your body signifies talent.
"Noble Grade Demons, on the other hand, are rare even within prestigious families. If a family possesses one, they usually designate them as the family successor. As for Royal Grade, there are less than fifty individuals in the entire Demon World who possess such a demon.
"What I have is precisely a Royal Grade Demon called Toon Demon. Ah, I see... Agata's Demon is Noble Grade. Her grade might be lower than mine, but her family's longstanding heritage makes her status comparable to mine. As for our daughter, Mia, she possesses another Royal Grade Demon called Punk Demon.
"Well, my Toon Demon's ability is related to illusion, which suits me perfectly since my ability in the previous world was also illusion-based. However..."
Theo furrowed his brows, reflecting on his own memories. No matter how hard he looked, he couldn't find a memory where the original Theo fully utilized this illusion power.
"What's wrong with him? There are so many things I want to say... His inability to utilize his power properly led to this situation. If he managed to utilize this demon to its full potential, enemies wouldn't dare to separate him and his wife."
Theo couldn't help but sigh, realizing that the current situation was a result of the previous Theo's shortcomings.
"Regardless, I know that I have the right power for me. If I wish, I can immediately go to my wife. However, for now, I must remain here to learn more about this world and find clues on how to reach the author. There must be a reason behind this setting where the world is connected to nine other worlds."
Taking a deep breath, Theo attempted to approach the demon. But as expected from a demon, it made the first move.
The demon approached Theo, whispering with a voice that carried both seduction and menace. "This is interesting. To think you survived that incident... I know what you desire."
Theo remained silent, realizing that the demon didn't recognize that he had possessed this body.
In his mind, Theo replied, "Since you know what I want, offer it to me."
The demon paused, taken aback by Theo's changed demeanor. He couldn't fathom what had transpired, but he proceeded to offer Theo, albeit with slightly awkward words due to the surprise. "I know you desire to utilize the power of illusion. I have granted you the power of illusion and much more. But it seems that's not enough. I can grant you the power to manipulate your illusions."
Theo's consciousness gradually faded as he was transported to another realm. When he opened his eyes, he found himself standing in the middle of a dark world. There was only a small light illuminating the area around him.
Suddenly, a small doll emerged from the ground. The doll resembled a jester, but it was only the size of a basketball.
"I can give you the power you desire. In exchange, I want something precious from you. You can offer me your organs or even your loved ones..."
Theo stared at the doll without any change in expression, showing no interest in the deal. "I can offer you my entire 29 years' worth of memories."
The doll was startled by the offer. However, Theo posed a question. "What can you offer me in return?"
Surprised, the doll clapped its hands and smiled. "Interesting, very interesting! Memories shape one's humanity. If you give me all of yours, I can bestow upon you all my power."
Theo shook his head helplessly. "I'm not sure if I can trust you or not. Therefore, I won't give you all my memories immediately. Besides, I'm still pondering whether you possess the ability I seek."
"Of course, I do!" the demon quickly replied, unhappy with Theo's doubt.
"Well, if you truly possess that ability, you must prove it to me first. I will give up one year's worth of memory starting from the moment of my birth as payment next week. If your ability pleases me, I won't mind offering more," Theo smirked.
The demon frowned, his tone growing angrier. "Are you doubting my ability? You, a mere human, doubting my status as a Royal Grade Demon?"
Theo, undeterred, met the demon's gaze with cold eyes. It was as if he could see through everything about the demon. "So, will you accept this deal or not? If you refuse, then forget it."
Theo turned around as if preparing to leave.
Observing Theo's gesture, the demon hastily accepted the deal. "Of course, I will accept the deal. But I doubt you can fully harness my power. In exchange for one year's worth of memory, you may freely utilize my power for half a year."
"Very well," Theo responded. Surprisingly, Theo's voice came from behind the demon rather than in front of him. Moreover, the figure in front of the demon vanished.
"Huh?" The demon was perplexed, turning around to find Theo seated behind him, casually sipping a drink. The demon couldn't comprehend how Theo had accomplished this, but it quickly realized that Theo had used his own illusion to deceive him, an illusion demon. The demon's power originated from him, yet he had been outwitted by the one who borrowed his power. "You..."
Theo didn't wait for the demon's response. He vanished, leaving the dark realm. The demon stood speechless, realizing that Theo was unlike the person he had encountered before.
"Who is he? He shouldn't be the owner... Wait a minute, tricking me with my own illusion... Did I just make a deal with a devil rather than a human?" The demon shuddered. Unbeknownst to him, Theo had offered the memories of the original Theo in this world. As the original Theo had died, offering his memory would have no effect. Even if Theo left this world, the original Theo would remain deceased. Thus, this deal was essentially Theo tricking the demon into accepting payment that didn't come from his own resources.
While the demon was stunned by Theo's transformation, Theo opened his eyes, having acquired what he desired.
Making a deal with a demon was a sacred agreement, unalterable and binding. The human party was obligated to fulfill the agreement, and the demon was equally bound. However, in this case, Theo had deceived the demon and made the payment without causing harm to himself.
Theo smiled. "Mia, would you like to attend school? Though the other students will likely be older than you."
Mia nodded. "Of course, as long as I can be with you. But are you sure it's alright for me to enroll? Won't it make others feel inferior?"
"Hahahaha! Let's give it a try," Theo chuckled.
"Try what?" Suddenly, a female voice resonated from behind the door. The door opened, revealing a woman in her late twenties. She exuded an air of authority and strength, with a presence that commanded respect. Her flowing hair framed a face radiating wisdom and compassion. Her deep-set, penetrating eyes reflected sharp intelligence, their cold gaze capable of sending shivers down anyone's spine.
Theo recognized her from the original owner's memories. She was Victoria Hastings, a woman with power, connections, and all the qualities necessary to become the principal of the new academy.
Theo politely nodded to her. "Principal."
Victoria nodded in return and asked, "It seems you can already move your body."
"Yes, fortunately, my injuries aren't severe. I might not be able to attend tomorrow's opening ceremony, but I should be able to teach the class the day after, with your permission, of course," Theo replied with a smile.
"Interesting," Victoria pondered for a moment. "You are an incredibly talented individual, and your presence would benefit us. However, I can't overlook your earlier statement. What do you plan to do?"
Theo shrugged. "You heard correctly. I wonder if it's possible for Mia to enroll in the academy. It would be even better if she could join my class. Since the purpose of this school is the creation of a new curriculum, having a student of a different age would be beneficial. Moreover, Mia possesses exceptional talent that I believe will outshine everyone."
"Hmm? You say that despite knowing that each student in the new academy possesses talents ranked as the best in their respective worlds?"
"Indeed. What do you think about a trial? Let her attend the class for a month. If she doesn't fit in, she can leave the academy. Besides, one month should be sufficient for her injuries to heal," Theo proposed with a smirk.
"I see. Ultimately, you are a concerned father. After the previous incident, you hesitate to leave your daughter in someone else's care," the principal deduced. She pondered for a moment before speaking, "I can authorize such a trial. However, she must prove to me that she is worthy of being a student at the academy."
"I can show you!" Mia eagerly raised her hand, her other hand clutching a pink teddy bear. The bear had 'X' and 'O' shaped eyes, its mouth grinning mischievously, perfectly representing playful Mia and Punk Demon.
"Hmm? What do you plan to show me?" the principal asked, her gaze fixed on Mia.
Mia hopped off the bed and handed the teddy bear to Victoria. "Please hold this for a moment. I'm about to show you something."
Victoria nodded and carefully took the bear. After all, Mia was just a child, so she handled it with care.
As Mia took a few steps back, as if preparing to demonstrate her ability, a sudden surge of energy emanated from the teddy bear.
"!!!" Victoria was astonished and quickly lowered her head.
Mia smirked, pointing her finger at the principal as if firing a pretend pistol. "Bang!"
In an instant, the teddy bear exploded.