What on earth happened?
Astaroth couldn't hide her embarrassment.
Because the real name of the devil cannot be known unless the devil reveals it. But how did that person know my real name, which I never told anyone?
When the unknown human in front of her accepted the contract, she thought there would be no major problems. Even though it seemed like I was questioning something and moving my hands, she thought it was okay.
Since her real name was not listed in the contract anyway, Frax could not force her to act.
But what on earth is this? Why is her real name on this contract?
It was incomprehensible.
Among the demons, only one knew Holmes' real name.
The creator of this world, a high heavenly god. Deus.
But how could a mere mortal know her real name?
In particular, since she always used only pseudonyms when working in the human world, no one in human history would have known her real name.
No priest could know her true name, not even the great lords who ruled Hell.
But how, how does this happen...?
Astaroth's eyes were clouded with doubt. Maybe the being in front of her was not just a human being. Look how his eyes pierce her.
She has never seen a human being so calm in front of demons.
When she thought about it, it was strange. Even though she revealed herself to be a demon, he showed no signs of fear or excitement. He remained calm even when told that he would hand over his favorite items.
Astaroth realized she had been foolish.
She only thought of him as good prey, but she felt quite strong emotions and wanted to manipulate him through her affection for Arius. But no matter how much she thought about it, it felt like he had been targeting her the whole time.
At least until the contract was delivered to the boy.
It should have been worse.
Even if you don't reveal your real name, you should have at least been careful.... She gritted her teeth. It's already too late.
She is tied up and unable to move due to a devil's contract.
Some might say that a simple contract can be ignored.
But that wasn't possible. Astaroth could not escape the shackles of the contract. No, no demon, including Baal, the High King of Hell, could disobey a contract that had his true name written on it.
It was a 'concept' created in the beginning when the world was created and when God sent the damned to hell.
It was a complete loss.
Astaroth couldn't even try to hide her defeated expression. Now she had to abide by the terms of the contract.
Of course, the biggest problem was the fact that it did not clearly state when the contract would end. She toyed with diabolical contracts until she finally met her match.
She became her own destruction through familiarity. She thought she could once again lure the enemy into a contract favorable to humans, but it was Astaroth herself who was unexpectedly corrupted.
So the question goes back to the beginning. What is the identity of the boy in front of her?
How did this boy, known as Frax Lansel, know her real name when she had never said it anywhere?
She felt her vision darken.
***
Astaroth looked dazed to me, but this was all due to her carelessness. Even though I took the lead through the contract, I couldn't sit still.
After all, I've just finished the first of what will be a long series of scenarios.
There is a lot of work to be done ahead.
This is the only way to find a viable place in the story without distorting the flow too much.
Like a story about an awakening in another world, there may be a way to monopolize all of the main character's relationships. But doing so will definitely distort the flow of the story and make it impossible to deal with unexpected situations.
Moreover, the biggest problem was that my reincarnation, Frax Lancel, was desperately lacking in talent compared to the main character, Ruslan Ares.
Even if I take the lead, my mediocre talent and the five elements will stand in my way. Just because I'm in the body of Frax Lancel doesn't mean I can discover hidden talents that will make my life in modern society easier.
Due to the contract, I may be able to borrow some of Astaroth's power, but I don't think I will be able to utilize it properly due to my lack of ability. So all I could do was follow the original narrative as much as possible.
The actions of Frax Lansel were reviewed. He became completely caught up in the fraudulent contract with Astaroth, he began to sacrifice everything for her.
Unlike me, he became her slave... he was Astarot's puppet.
The greedy Astaroth targeted Aris, who was devastated by Prax Lancel's betrayal. Astarot considered strong emotions to be her greatest feast.
So, my actions... should be actions that Astarot would have led according to the original work.
Getting Aris Winslet into trouble and bringing out Ruslan, who arrives to rescue her and her hidden works within the Academy.
That wasn't Astaroth's intention, but still.
Of course, the process is important in the flow of narrative, but what is more important is the result.
Ruslan had to obtain the pieces hidden within the academy. He had to overcome hardships, gain enlightenment, and grab the hidden piece.
So what I have to do now is this.
"Astaroth."
"...Why why?"
"Don't be too defensive. I have no intention of attacking you."
She looked at me with a cautious face. No matter how much I looked, I couldn't find her relaxed attitude.
Rather, Astaroth was rolling her eyes. She seemed to be thinking about something. Even in the original work, the character was honest about her feelings and did not fit well into the scheme.
She seemed willing to resolve the situation in some way, but there was no way she could get away from me now that the contract was complete.
I told her honestly.
"Rolling your eyes doesn't help."
"what?"
"The contract is complete, and unfortunately there is no expiration date on your contract. That means...you can't escape from me. Just like you exploited other people."
"... "
Astaroth's eyes froze. Her expression begins to distort.
"What are you trying to do to me?"
"I really don't intend to do anything to you. I just need your help and cooperation in what I'm trying to do."
"hmm. OK. and Frax Lancel, a bold man who trapped a demon. How can I help you?"
Contrary to her cooperative tone, Astaroth's face distorted.
"First, hand over some of your power to me. We will talk about the details later," he said.
"Ch. Decent."
Astaroth looked reluctant, but did not dare disobey me. She had to obey me.
The magic that imbued her body gradually seeped into me.
My body suddenly trembled from the fierce magic wave. I had no choice. Astaroth, although clumsy, is still a high-level demon.
However, as the magic gradually stabilized, strange things began to appear in my vision. Blue energy. Magic without substance began to appear.
The devil's privilege, Demon Eyes. Being able to see the flow of magic has many advantages that can greatly supplement my ordinary abilities.
Additionally, I think my physical abilities have improved a lot. Perhaps a surge of power? Perhaps, at this level, I will be able to easily gain an advantage over others when I return to the academy after training.
After all, this is only the beginning of the novel.
"Is this enough? I felt like if I moved more, my body wouldn't be able to handle it."
"that's enough."
"Anyway, what else do you need help with?"
"Teasing Aris Winslet."
"what?"
Astaroth's face became strange at my sudden suggestion. truth. It is understandable that she reacted this way even though he knew that he had to put Aris Winslet, whom he tried to obtain even at the risk of becoming a potential perpetrator, in danger.
"Wasn't the reason you signed with me because you wanted Aris Winslet?"
"No. I have my own business to attend to. I cannot talk about it now."
"Work…? Well, I understand. I won't ask you what nefarious things you're up to. Oh, and you're giving me a room to sleep in, right? That's definitely part of the contract."
"I'm sure. I'll organize it very well. And after training, I'll probably be kicked out of the dormitory. From then on, you can accompany me."
She nodded quickly, as if resignation had come easily to her. It seemed like she realized that since she was already bound by a contract, no matter how hard she struggled, nothing would change.
"Your reputation will be ruined anyway. When people hear that you messed with Aris Winslet and then flirted with another woman."
"does not matter. You don't need to worry about what others think. To begin with, Aris and I weren't even engaged. I think it would be good if my reputation got ruined."
Because my plans can go more smoothly.
"...I wonder what you're thinking. Oh, and unless you plan on swearing by my real name everywhere, please call me Asti in front of other people."
"I know, Asti. Anyway, take care of yourself from now on."
"...I'm sure."
Asti sighed heavily.