Maria was unexpectedly useful.
Later that night, Ars asked everything he was curious about.
He asked about his mother's work.
"Her Highness is the manager of the Eldritch Family. Her work includes managing the family business, politics, and even massacre if it comes to that."
"That sounds terrifying."
"Because the Eldritch family is a part of the Dark Union, it is necessary to have a terrifying person to manage it. That is the role of Her Highness, Lady Xtiffha. The Eldritch Family is also respected and feared in Dark Union because of that."
'Noted. So mother is a terrifying person. That's good to know.' Ars nodded.
This way, he could prepare himself before meeting her.
Then, he asked about Dark Union.
"Dark Union is a part of a larger society known as the Great Dark Union. This world is divided into three. Light Union, Dark Union, and The Void."
Maria explained with a smile.
Ignoring the two known ones, this was the first time Ars heard of The Void.
"The Void?"
"Yes. The Void is a part of the world that is hidden from us. Only those who live there know what is happening there."
'Oh, so it's a country like the Dark Union or Light Union. Alright.'
"Moving on, the Dark Union is just like the Light Union, except we respect fear and strength more than anything. Killing is normal here. But don't worry. In this academy, Lord Cthulhu had set up a revival chamber. So even if you die, you will be revived. As long as you don't turn into dust like the boy you killed, Young Master."
Ars nodded.
'I see. So that's why the students are so crazy in the class placement test. If I die, I can be revived. What a convenient thing. But the boy I killed couldn't be revived? Crap, I am a murderer!'
He tried to put a poker face, but Maria saw right through him.
She smiled and explained.
"Young Master, do not worry. The boy you killed in the hall was an enemy of your mother's faction. He deserved it."
"I don't understand what you are talking about." Ars shook his head. "But I feel better now."
Killing was a part to survive here, he understood that rule.
Next, Ars asked about the school.
"Doom Spreader School is one of the four best schools in Dark Union. It is very prestigious, and everyone knows about it. In this school, students are prepared to become a noble or a powerful figure. Only the chosen ones can enter this school."
"I see. And my admission is because of my mother..." Ars nodded his head in understanding. "Do you know what classes I will take?"
"I am afraid that it's a secret until tomorrow."
"Alright, then. That's good enough." Ars nodded his head and leaned back on the couch. He could feel that the stress he got from today was gone thanks to Maria's explanation. "Thanks, Maria. I think I can sleep now."
"Of course. Then I will excuse myself."
With that, Maria's figure blended into the shadow and disappeared.
Not even she was a human. She was from a race called the Shadow People. They were similar to humans but were able to move and live inside shadows.
She was a race that was loyal to the Eldritch family.
And her duty was to protect Ars and serve him. Until he found a maid from the Shadow People or a slave he took a liking at.
Ars went to the bedroom and laid on the bed. It was big and comfortable.
'This is not a dream.'
He thought as he closed his eyes and went to sleep. A long day waited for him tomorrow. He needed the energy.
***
When Ars woke up the next morning, he saw Maria was standing at the side of the bed. Her eyes were shining in excitement while he looked like a corpse. He couldn't sleep very well last night.
"Good morning, Young Master! I have prepared your breakfast. Please eat first before going to school!"
The maid smiled widely. She looked like a mother who was excited about her child's first day at school. Ars felt that her smile was so beautiful and cute.
"Alright, alright. Just give me a minute." He said and stepped out of the bed.
His school coat was already prepared on the desk.
"Please allow me to assist you." Maria came to him and tried to put on his coat for him.
"No, it's fine." Ars stopped her. "I can do it by myself."
He didn't want to be assisted like a baby.
After getting dressed, he went to the dining room. A large table was filled with luxurious food. It was breakfast fit for a king.
'At least I can enjoy this luxury.'
Ars thought as he sat down.
"Young Master, the class placement has been decided. The letter is here." Maria handed him a letter.
Ars didn't open it immediately and just nodded. Instead, he ate his breakfast first.
The food was delicious.
He had never eaten something this good before. He enjoyed it, eating to his heart's content.
"Young Master, you only have 10 minutes left."
"Alright." Ars finished the meal and opened the letter.
Maria was looking at him expectantly.
"Class 1-6, Doom Spreader School." He read the letter.
Her eyes widened.
"Class 1-6? That is the strongest class! Young Master is amazing!"
"Is that a good thing?"
He didn't understand. Was the class placement that important?
"Of course! Class 1-6 is reserved for the strongest students. It's an honor to be admitted there."
Hearing that, sweat formed on Ars's forehead.
'Strongest students... I am in trouble.'
Maria didn't seem to notice his panic and just smiled widely.
Getting grouped together with strong students was the worst thing that could happen to Ars. If this was a Hero school in Light Union, he would be pretty excited and happy.
Nonetheless, it was Doom Spreader School in Dark Union. Being strongest meant being the most cruel, the most savage, the most fearless student.
Ars didn't fit that description.
"Young Master, please have a good day." Maria bid him goodbye when he stepped out of the dorm.
Nodding with lifeless eyes, Ars made his way out. Some students were greeting him, but he didn't respond. He was too busy trying to prepare himself mentally for the class.
'I can do it. I can survive the class. Yeah, I can survive the class. I am Ars from the Eldritch family! I am strong!'
He cheered himself on as he walked to the school.
Without any clue how to reach his class, he could only follow the crowd of students.
Soon, he reached the school and saw a map on the wall.
Class 1-6 was located at the highest floor in the eastern wing. Ars's eyes twitched when he read it. Why the highest floor?
Unlike most buildings in Light Union, this school had one fatal weakness. It had no elevator!
Ars sighed and found the stairs leading to the highest floor before stopping.
Students were walking past him, but he didn't move. His attention was focused on something floating in the air.
It was a black slime with tentacles. It had no eyes, no mouth, no nose. Yet, Ars could feel that it was staring at him. And it noticed that he stared at it and approached.
"Freshman, do you need any help?"
A voice came from the slime.