Professor Oogie looked at him with a smile.
"Calm down, Eldritch Boy. Everyone makes mistakes." He said calmly. "Because this is the first day, no one will be punished. But starting from tomorrow, destruction of the classroom is not allowed."
"Yes, sir." Ars bowed his head.
"Alright. That's it for today's class. See you tomorrow." Professor Oogie floated out of the classroom.
The students were also packing their stuff, ready to leave the classroom.
Ars was the same. He was in a hurry to leave the class. However, Akari already stood in front of him, blocking his way.
"Ars, right?" Her red eyes looked at him. "Walk with me."
'No!' Ars wanted to reject her, but he still nodded nonetheless.
He was afraid of Akari. She was a girl, yet she was the most dangerous person in his eyes.
"Let's go to the cafeteria. I am starving."
"Good idea." He was also starving.
In fact, his mouth had been acting strange since this morning. He ate a lot of stuff but felt hungry. Maybe he needed more nutrition?
Ars and Akari walked side by side. Students who saw them stepped aside. It was clear that they were avoiding the two. Sparkling lights appeared in Akari's eyes.
"You are popular. Eldritch Boy."
"Same goes for you. Oni Girl."
"Oh, clever answer. You are interesting. And just call me Akari, I don't mind at all."
"Then just call me Ars."
"Alright, Ars. Let's get along well."
The two reached the cafeteria. It was spacious and luxurious. Students were sitting around the tables. Even though school was over, some decided to mingle and make friends.
Akari and Ars bought food and sat at the corner of the cafeteria.
Akari ate her burger while Ars ate a steak. His hunger was unceasing. It was to the point that Akari had a worried look on her face.
"Are you alright? That's your fifth plate."
Ars looked at her, confused. He didn't even realize that he was on his fifth plate.
"I am okay." He said, acting as if he was fine.
'Why am I this hungry?'
"If you say so. Just tell me if you need help."
"Alright. Thank you, Akari."
Ars thanked her. He felt grateful that she didn't judge him or his eating ability.
Still, he was curious. Why did she suddenly decide to approach him?
"Akari, why are we eating together? Not that I mind."
"What, not used to girls approaching you? I just want to be friends with you." She grinned. "You are interesting."
"Is that so?" Ars was confused. "Am I that interesting?"
Akari nodded.
"You are. The flame you showed in the class earlier... It's the first time I saw purple fire."
"Purple flame?"
Ars remembered his power.
Corrosive Smoke and Purple Flame.
"You see, Ars, your family is famous. But not all of their abilities are public. And purple flame is one of the hidden one. Ripping out space is something normal the Eldritch Family members can do, but I didn't know about your purple flame." Akari explained. "That's why I am curious."
So his flame was the hidden ability of the Eldritch Family? Or was it because the public didn't know the full extent of his family's capability that they had never seen the purple flame?
Either way, Ars was glad he had one more weapon to survive in this school.
"Is that so?" He smiled slightly, "Your flame is also beautiful."
"Beautiful?" Akari looked at him, surprised. Then she smirked. "So you're making a move at me now? What should I do? Should I accept you or reject you?"
Ars didn't understand her words, so he just stared blankly.
"I see. So you're a womanizer type, huh?" She nodded, convinced with something.
"What womanizer type?" Ars tilted his head.
"A natural one, huh?" Akari muttered and smiled at him. She was thinking about something, her smirk never disappeared from her face.
They talked about something different after that. Ars made a small talk and asked Akari about her life before coming here, which he regretted so much..
"Burning prisoners is fun. We can listen to their screams and..."
All she talked about was spreading fear and becoming stronger.
Ars learned many things from her. Doom Spreader School was truly a terrifying place. But he wasn't terrified, not as much as before.
Akari finished her meal first.
"See you tomorrow, Ars." She bid him goodbye and left.
Ars was left alone at the cafeteria. He was still hungry, so he continued eating. His hunger didn't stop. He had eaten five more plates of steak, yet he still wanted more.
This was truly strange. Was it because of the change in his physique that he needed more nutrients?
'Maybe I should ask Maria. I hope she knows the answer.'
Thinking that, he stopped eating and returned to the dorm. Maria welcomed him at the living room.
"Young Master, welcome back."
He didn't return her greeting and asked straight away.
"Maria, why am I this hungry? Is there anything strange with my new body?"
"Hungry, Young Master? Oh, have you developed that far already? Congratulations! Young Master is a fast grower. I am proud to serve you. I can prepare more food for you in the future. But let me answer your question. Young Master is just a growing boy."
That didn't answer his question. He narrowed his eyes on her, something he rarely did.
Maria immediately continued.
"Young Master's physique is changing, so your hunger increases. Don't worry, it will return to normal once the change is done."
"There is no side-effect or anything at all?"
Ars was worried.
"No, Young Master. You can eat as much as you want. Just let your instinct guide you." Maria smiled. "And it's not a side-effect, but you will slowly gain the Eldritch Family's power."
"Power? Does that include the purple flame? Or the corrosive smoke?"
Maria's eyes widened.
"Young Master, you already unlocked the purple flame?!"
She was happy.
Ars didn't understand.
"Is that a bad thing?"
"Of course not, Young Master. Purple flame is one of the Eldritch Family's hidden powers. Unlocking it at your age is a sign of strength." Maria explained, clapping her hands. "And it's a sign that you have turned into a true Eldritch Member!"
"I see." Ars nodded. "Thanks for explaining."
"Of course, Young Master. I will also prepare your hearty meal right away. Please wait a bit."
Maria bowed and disappeared into the kitchen.
Ars returned to his room and laid on the bed. His stomach was full, and he had a peaceful mind. This was the first since yesterday that he felt at peace.
'A true Eldritch Member. Huh. I wonder how strong I will become in the future.'
He fell asleep.
The change continued.
His body had yet to finish its change.
Maria watched over him and smiled. She didn't get the chance to prepare the meal for him, but she was happy nonetheless.
"Young Master is growing up."
She whispered.
"My work will increase soon. I need to prepare."
Maria returned to the kitchen and began cooking. Her clothes changed from the usual one piece maid outfit into a sexy apron dress.
She wanted Ars to see her like that.
"Young Master will be surprised."
Maria giggled.
One reason for his hunger wasn't for food. In fact, the true nature of the Eldritch family had begun to surface. Ars was turning into an Eldritch Member, a True Eldritch.
And his instinct was urging Maria to satisfy his hunger.
Soon.
Very soon.
He would realize that. That he couldn't live with just food alone. All his desire had to be satisfied. The desire that made him hungry for food, blood, anger, and lust.
'He has been looking at my body with lust lately. I wonder when he will ask for it.' Maria thought.
She couldn't wait for the day Ars asked her to satisfy his hunger. That day would also be the day where she changed her status from Lady Xtiffha's maid into his maid.
Her Young Master.
Ars Eldritch.