Side Story #4: Demonology course
Deep in Germany, nestled away from prying eyes, there stood a school unlike any other. Until a few weeks ago, Curt had been nothing more than an ordinary student, attending his classes like everyone else. Life hadn't been kind to him, his parents were gone, leaving him to grow up in the quiet confines of an orphanage, a place that had been his home since he was a baby.
But recently, Curt began to notice things, things others couldn't see. Shadows flickering in the corners of his vision, objects moving when no one was near. Alarmed, he reported these occurrences to his guardians, only to be met with indulgent smiles and dismissive reassurances. They thought it was nothing more than a child's overactive imagination.
Then one day, everything changed. A man appeared before Curt, his presence commanding and his eyes filled with purpose. The stranger leaned in close and revealed a truth that would alter Curt's life forever: he possessed a rare and natural talent, one that marked him as a potential sorcerer.
At first, Curt laughed at the man, dismissing him as crazy. The idea of being a sorcerer sounded absurd. But the man silenced his doubts with a single gesture, a spell that defied logic and shattered Curt's skepticism. Faced with undeniable proof, Curt reluctantly agreed to follow him, leaving behind the orphanage and the life he had always known.
He soon found himself enrolled in a private institution under the auspices of The Mages Academy. Initially, Curt thought he had entered a fantastical world akin to Hogwarts, filled with wonder and whimsy. However, he quickly discovered that this place was far from a fairy tale. Beyond the magical lessons, he was also required to pursue rigorous studies in engineering, a field intertwined with the Academy's arcane curriculum.
What he imagined as a life of enchanting discovery turned into a whirlwind of spellcasting lectures and technical workshops, leaving him with an almost impossibly packed schedule. It was exhausting, but Curt couldn't help but feel a spark of excitement for the challenges ahead.
All night, Curt had poured over his alchemy lessons, trying to perfect a potion that could change hair color, as assigned by his professor. His desk was strewn with notes, empty vials, and the faint smell of sulfur from a failed attempt. By morning, he was sprawled on his bed, completely drained.
Suddenly, the door to his room slammed open with a loud bang. His best friend, Adam, barged in, carrying a mischievous grin and a bucket of cold water. Without warning, Adam tossed the water directly onto Curt, soaking him and the sheets.
Curt bolted upright, spluttering in shock. "WHAT THE HELL IS WRONG WITH YOU?! I WAS SLEEPING, DAMN IT!" he shouted, glaring daggers at Adam.
Still grinning, Adam leaned casually against the doorframe and said, "Rise and shine, Cinderella. We've got the special class on demonology and anti-demon combat in ten minutes."
Curt groaned, wiping his face with his sleeve. "Crap, I totally forgot," he muttered, dragging himself out of bed with the enthusiasm of a corpse.
Curt threw on his clothes in record time. The school uniform had been a bit of a surprise when he first arrived. Expecting a stereotypical magician's robe, he was instead met with a far more practical ensemble: simple trousers, polished dress shoes, a crisp shirt, and a sweater emblazoned with the school's crest and colors. Not exactly flashy, but comfortable and functional.
The duo hurried down the hallway, finally making their way into the dueling hall. The room was already buzzing with energy. The grandstands were packed with students, all chattering excitedly. As Curt and Adam slipped inside, their late arrival did not go unnoticed.
Their professor, Mr. Hofman, immediately spotted them and stormed toward them, his face twisted with fury. "WHERE HAVE YOU TWO BEEN?! YOU WERE SUPPOSED TO BE HERE AT 9:30, AND IT'S 9:55!"
Curt flashed a sheepish grin, scratching the back of his neck. "We ran into a few… complications, sir."
"What kind of complications?" Hofman growled, his voice low but dangerous, his fists trembling as though ready to throttle someone.
Adam, ever the joker, smiled brightly and replied, "Alarm clock troubles! 😄"
Hofman's veins seemed ready to burst from his forehead, his entire body radiating barely-contained rage. Just as he looked about ready to explode, a booming laugh echoed through the hall.
"Hahahaha! These two crack me up," said a deep, jovial voice.
The trio froze, slowly turning toward the source of the laughter. Their expressions shifted to wide-eyed shock as they exclaimed in unison, "Mr. Principal!"
The principal gave them a reassuring wave. "It's fine. Besides, the Chairwoman hasn't arrived yet. Now, both of you, go take a seat."
"Yes, sir!" Curt and Adam replied in unison before dashing up to the stands to find seats among their fellow students.
Once they were seated, Curt leaned over and whispered, "Wait, who is this Chairwoman?"
Adam turned to him, his expression a mix of amusement and exasperation. "Oh, right. I forgot you're still the new kid here." He adjusted his posture slightly and continued in a low voice. "You see, The Mages Academy isn't just one school, it's an organization made up of several independent academies. Each of these schools is run by an Archmagister, who serves as their principal or director. These Archmagisters form the Magistrates, a council that oversees the entire Academy network. And from that group, they elect one of their own to be the Chairman or Chairwoman, who essentially leads the entire council."
Curt's brow furrowed in thought as he processed this. "So, the Chairwoman is like… the boss of all the bosses?"
Adam nodded with a smirk. "Exactly. And trust me, you don't want to get on her bad side. I hear she's got more power in her pinky finger than most of us will ever dream of."
Curt whistled softly. "She must be crazy strong."
Adam nodded, leaning in with a conspiratorial grin. "Oh, she definitely is. I heard that about a month ago, she, along with several professors and principals, went off to stop a demon invasion. And get this, they teamed up with some kind of secret organizations."
Curt's eyes widened. "Secret organizations?"
Adam chuckled, clearly enjoying Curt's reaction. "Yeah, you know, the cliché kind. Full of shadowy tech, running secret ops across the globe, and pulling the strings of governments from behind the scenes. Classic stuff."
Curt raised an eyebrow. "And you're telling me this like it's no big deal?"
Adam shrugged. "Welcome to The Mages Academy, buddy. Things around here are always a little out of the ordinary."
Adam leaned in a bit closer, his voice dropping to a near whisper. "And get this, I heard she's young and super cute."
Curt smirked, crossing his arms. "You're really just making me more curious now."
Adam burst out laughing, clapping Curt on the shoulder. "Hahaha, I knew that would get your attention!"
Curt rolled his eyes, a small grin tugging at the corner of his lips. "Let's just hope she lives up to the hype."
Adam winked. "Oh, trust me, you won't be disappointed."
A girl sitting nearby rolled her eyes and muttered, "Boys, all you ever think about is that kind of stuff."
Adam, undeterred, turned toward her. "And you are?" he asked, raising an eyebrow.
The girl straightened her posture and replied, "My name is Clara, a transfer student from the Vienna Academy."
Adam puffed out his chest with exaggerated pride. "You'll never understand the interests of real men! Hahaha. We're proud males, devoted to admiring and appreciating the fairer sex."
Clara froze, staring at him with an expression somewhere between disbelief and disdain. "…" Without a word, she turned back to her group of friends, leaving Adam to bask in his self-proclaimed glory.
Curt, on the other hand, buried his face in his hands, overwhelmed by the secondhand embarrassment. "I can't believe I know this guy," he muttered under his breath.
Leaning over, Adam nudged Curt and whispered, "So, what do you think of her?" He nodded subtly in Clara's direction.
Curt sighed but smirked a little. "10/10, obviously."
Adam grinned widely. "That's my guy," he said, holding out his hand. Curt smirked, and the two exchanged a quick handshake.
Suddenly, a voice crackled through the speakers: "1, 2, 3, mic test. Can you all hear me?"
The entire room's attention turned to the stage, where the principal stood behind a microphone. He adjusted it slightly before addressing the students with a cheerful tone: "Good morning, my dear young magicians and sorceresses. I hope you're all doing well, enjoying your studies, and that not everyone here had a little… waking-up problem this morning."
Curt and Adam immediately slumped in their seats, trying to shrink into the background as some students around them snickered.
The principal carried on: "As you're all aware, today we're hosting a special lesson on demonology and spells to counter demonic entities. This was a highly anticipated session because, as you all know, today's lecture is being conducted by none other than our esteemed chairwoman. Everyone's been eagerly awaiting her arrival."
He paused, scanning the room with a playful glint in his eye. "But then I realized… she's already here. In fact, she's been hiding among you, dear students."
This sparked a wave of murmurs and whispers among the students, their curiosity and excitement growing by the second.
The principal raised his hand for silence and announced with a grin, "And now, I invite our esteemed Chairwoman to come up on stage."
Suddenly, all the lights in the room went out, plunging it into darkness. Gasps echoed through the hall as a single spotlight flickered to life, scanning the crowd.
The beam of light moved deliberately, as if searching for its target, before coming to a stop, right next to Curt and Adam.
The spotlight revealed Clara, who calmly rose from her seat. She turned to Adam and Curt with a polite smile and whispered, "I think you two are cute as well… but you're not my type."
Both boys froze, their faces draining of color. A collective snicker rose from the students nearby who had overheard the exchange, their mocking gazes drilling into Curt and Adam. The two could only sit there, wishing for the ground to swallow them whole.
Clara, unfazed by the chaos she had just caused, stepped into the spotlight. Her body began to rise gracefully, levitating above the ground as if weightless. She floated slowly and confidently toward the stage, the spotlight following her every movement.
The room fell silent, the awe-struck students watching as Clara descended gently onto the stage, her calm composure radiating authority.
As Clara landed softly on the stage, the spotlight illuminating her every movement, she turned to face the crowd of students. Her serene expression held a confidence that immediately silenced any remaining whispers in the room. She adjusted her stance, clasping her hands loosely in front of her as she surveyed the sea of faces before her.
"Good morning, everyone," Clara began, her voice clear and steady, carrying a calm authority that commanded attention. "My name is Clara Kein, and as many of you have likely guessed by now, I am the current Chairwoman of The Mages Academy."
A ripple of gasps and murmurs followed her words. Many students exchanged incredulous glances, others whispered excitedly to one another, but Clara waited patiently for silence to return, her gaze unwavering.
"I understand this may come as a surprise to some of you," she continued, a faint smile playing on her lips. "Yes, I am young, and yes, I was once in your place, an eager student, full of curiosity, questions, and no small amount of mischief." Her eyes swept briefly toward Curt and Adam, the corners of her mouth twitching as though amused.
This drew a chuckle from some of the students, easing the tension in the room.
"But let me be clear: my role as Chairwoman is not about my age or experience. It is about the responsibility I bear to ensure the safety and success of not only this academy but all of our affiliated schools. I am here because I believe in what we do. In all of you."
The murmurs faded completely now, her words captivating the audience.
"Today, however, is not about titles or ranks," Clara said, her tone becoming warmer. "Today is about demons, the threats they pose and the ways in which we, as mages, combat them. But before we delve into that, allow me to set one thing straight: no single mage, no matter how talented or powerful, can stand alone against these threats. This is why unity, collaboration, and understanding are critical in what we do."
She stepped forward, letting her words settle before delivering the final part of her introduction.
"So, let us begin this special session not as teacher and students, but as peers, as mages, united by a shared purpose: to grow stronger, to protect one another, and to make our mark on the world."
The room erupted into applause, admiration evident on every face. Clara stood there, her posture confident yet approachable, a leader who had already earned the respect of her audience.
Clara stood at the center of the stage, her presence commanding the attention of every student in the hall. The room was silent, anticipation hanging thick in the air. She began to speak, her voice clear and authoritative.
"Today, we delve into a subject of utmost importance: Tartarean-Class demonic entities, commonly referred to as demons. These beings are not mere myths or the product of overactive imaginations; they are real, and their threat to our world is significant."
She paused, allowing the weight of her words to settle over the assembly.
"Tartarean entities originate from dimensions parallel to our own, realms often described in various mythologies and religious texts as 'Hell' or the 'Underworld.' Their primary objective is to infiltrate our reality, sowing chaos and corruption to harvest Tartarean Resonance Energy, or TRE. This energy is a byproduct of negative human emotions and actions, such as greed, wrath, and lust. The more humanity succumbs to these vices, the stronger these entities become."
Clara's gaze swept across the room, ensuring she had the full attention of her audience.
"Demons vary in classification and power. At the lower end of the hierarchy, we have Omega-class entities, commonly known as imps. These beings serve as foot soldiers and servants to higher-ranking demons. They are typically short in stature, possess canine features, and have limited abilities. Notably, they possess only one Gem instead of the average three Gems which make up a Halo."
She gestured, and a holographic image of an Omega-class demon appeared beside her, allowing the students to observe its features.
"In contrast, Alpha-class entities, often referred to as archdemons, occupy the highest ranks within demonic hierarchies. These beings are typically high-ranking demons, usually royalty, and often appear as jackal-like humanoid entities with an abnormally tall stature. Their power and influence are vast, and they pose significant threats when they cross into our realm."
Another holographic image materialized, this time depicting an Alpha-class demon, its imposing form eliciting gasps from some students.
"Understanding the nature of these entities is crucial for our defense. They are adept at manipulation, often exploiting human weaknesses to achieve their ends. Their presence can lead to the destabilization of entire regions, as seen in historical events where demonic influence was a contributing factor."
Clara's expression grew stern, emphasizing the gravity of the situation.
"Our role as mages is to identify, combat, and contain these entities. This requires not only magical prowess but also an unwavering commitment to ethical principles, as demons will seek to exploit any moral failings. By strengthening our minds and spirits, we deny them the foothold they so desperately seek in our world."
"Remember, knowledge is our most potent weapon against the forces of darkness. By understanding our adversaries, we empower ourselves to stand against them, protecting not only our world but the very essence of humanity."
The hall remained silent for a moment, the students absorbing the depth of Clara's words. Then, as if on cue, applause erupted, a collective acknowledgment of the challenges that lay ahead and the resolve to face them.
Clara, standing confidently before the attentive students, continued her lecture with a focus on the demonic entities known as Tartarean-Class demons.
"Now that we've discussed the origins and classifications of these entities, it's crucial to understand their interactions with our world. Demons are adept at exploiting human weaknesses, often offering power, knowledge, or other temptations to lure individuals into their grasp. This can lead to possession, corruption, or the formation of dangerous pacts."
She paused, allowing the gravity of her words to resonate.
"While some may perceive potential benefits in engaging with demonic forces, such as gaining forbidden knowledge or extraordinary abilities, the dangers far outweigh any perceived advantages. Demons are inherently deceitful, and any 'gifts' they bestow come with hidden costs, often leading to the individual's downfall or eternal damnation."
Clara's expression grew stern as she emphasized the next point.
"It's imperative to recognize that demons are not invincible. They have vulnerabilities that we can exploit. Many demons are repelled by symbols of purity and righteousness, such as holy artifacts or sanctified ground. Certain rituals and incantations can weaken or banish them, and knowledge of their true names can grant power over them. However, confronting a demon requires immense caution, as they are cunning and will exploit any mistake."
She concluded with a resolute tone.
"Our duty as mages is to protect humanity from these malevolent forces. By understanding their nature, recognizing their tactics, and knowing their weaknesses, we stand as the first line of defense against the darkness they seek to spread. Remember, vigilance and knowledge are our greatest allies in this eternal struggle."
The room remained silent, the weight of Clara's words settling over the students as they contemplated the formidable responsibility that lay before them.
"In our previous discussions, we've explored the nature of Tartarean-Class demons and their inherent dangers. Now, we'll examine a more contentious topic: the utilization of demonic entities in technological applications, a field known as 'demonics.'"
She began by providing historical context.
"The integration of demonic entities into technology isn't a novel concept. Historically, various civilizations have attempted to harness supernatural forces to enhance their technological capabilities. In the mid-20th century, organizations like Prometheus Labs pioneered this integration, developing circuits embedded with demonic entities to achieve functionalities beyond conventional technology. "
Clara's tone grew more somber as she addressed the associated risks.
"However, these advancements came with significant dangers. The demonic components, while offering enhanced capabilities, were inherently unstable. There were instances where devices malfunctioned catastrophically due to the unpredictable nature of the bound entities. Moreover, the ethical implications of binding sentient entities to serve as mere components cannot be overlooked."
"The SCP Foundation, in its mission to secure, contain, and protect, has encountered and, in certain cases, utilized demonic entities within its containment and operational protocols. This practice, while sometimes necessary, is fraught with peril. The inherent unpredictability of demonic entities poses substantial risks, and their utilization is heavily regulated and approached with extreme caution."
"It's imperative to recognize that while demonics can offer technological advancements, the moral and ethical ramifications are profound. The act of binding sentient entities raises questions about autonomy and the potential consequences of such actions. As future mages and engineers, you must weigh the benefits against the ethical dilemmas and potential dangers."
"In summary, the field of demonics represents a complex intersection of technology and the supernatural. While it offers intriguing possibilities, it is accompanied by significant risks and ethical challenges. Approach this domain with the utmost caution, always considering the broader implications of your work."
The students remained silent, absorbing the depth of Clara's insights into the intricate and perilous world of demonics within engineering.
Suddenly, one of the students raised their hand: "The SCP Foundation, weren't they one of the organizations that helped you push back the last demon invasion last month? But what exactly is this organization?"
Clara gave a small nod, her expression turning serious as she addressed the question. "Yes, the SCP Foundation played a crucial role during the last incursion. Their resources, expertise, and containment strategies proved invaluable. But let me explain who they are and what they do."
She stepped forward, her voice commanding but still approachable, drawing everyone's full attention. "The SCP Foundation is an independent organization dedicated to securing, containing, and protecting anomalous objects, entities, and phenomena, things that defy the natural laws of our reality. Their primary goal is to shield humanity from the unknown, whether that means containing dangerous artifacts or preventing global catastrophes."
Pausing for emphasis, Clara continued, "The Foundation works in secrecy. Most of the world doesn't even know they exist, and that's by design. They operate behind the scenes, dealing with threats that could destabilize society if left unchecked. Whether it's a cursed artifact, an interdimensional rift, or even demon-related phenomena, they step in when no one else can."
She gestured to the students. "The Mages Academy has worked with the SCP Foundation on numerous occasions. We share a mutual goal: the protection of humanity. However, where we focus on magic and education, they focus on containment and research. They've developed technologies and protocols specifically designed to handle the supernatural and the anomalous. These tools and expertise often complement our own magical abilities."
Clara's voice softened as she looked over the crowd. "But it's important to understand that their methods aren't always what you'd call… gentle. They do what is necessary to protect the greater good, even if it means making difficult decisions. That's why our relationship with them is based on mutual respect but also caution. Their way of handling things might not align with our values, but they are undeniably effective allies."
She glanced at the student who had asked the question and concluded, "So yes, the SCP Foundation is a vital partner in our shared mission to protect this world. While we wield magic, they wield science and pragmatism. Together, we form a formidable defense against the threats that lurk in the shadows."
The room fell silent as Clara's words sunk in, the weight of the Foundation's unseen influence settling on the students' minds.
Clara turned her gaze to the back of the room and spoke firmly, "Bring it in."
Two magicians in dark robes stepped forward, their hands glowing faintly with containment sigils. Between them, they carried a heavy, iron-reinforced cage covered with a thick black tarp. The air seemed to grow heavier as the cage was brought closer to the stage, an unsettling aura emanating from whatever lay beneath the covering.
The murmurs in the room grew louder as students whispered among themselves, speculating on what was inside. For many of them, this would be their first time seeing a demon up close. Clara waited until the magicians carefully set the cage down at the center of the stage. She raised her hand, and silence fell over the room.
"This," Clara began, her voice calm but carrying an undeniable edge of authority, "is a Tartarean-Class demon. One of the weaker variants, but still powerful enough to destroy a small town if left unchecked."
She walked toward the cage, placing a hand on the tarp. The students leaned forward, their curiosity mixed with apprehension. "Before I reveal this creature, I want to remind all of you that this is not a game. What you're about to see is a living embodiment of chaos and destruction. It is contained, but it is still dangerous."
With a sharp tug, Clara pulled the tarp away.
The room collectively gasped.
Inside the cage was a hulking, grotesque creature, its leathery skin a sickly shade of gray. Its body was humanoid but twisted, with elongated limbs ending in razor-sharp claws. Its face was a nightmarish amalgamation of sharp teeth, glowing red eyes, and a set of curved horns that radiated malevolence. Black smoke seeped from its mouth with every breath, creating an eerie, otherworldly haze around it.
The demon growled low, its claws scraping against the iron bars of the cage. The containment sigils etched into the metal flared with a bright blue light, keeping it subdued, but the sheer hatred in its eyes was enough to send shivers down the spines of even the most confident students.
Clara gestured toward the demon. "This is what we fight against. These creatures exist to spread destruction, to consume, to corrupt. They are born from Tartarus itself, a plane of existence that thrives on chaos and suffering. They have no mercy, no compassion, and no regard for life. Their sole purpose is to fulfill the will of their masters, or destroy everything in their path."
She began pacing in front of the cage, her voice firm and steady. "But these creatures are not invincible. They are bound by certain laws, just as we are. Their power is immense, but it has limits. They are vulnerable to specific countermeasures, magic, certain materials, and weapons imbued with holy or anti-demonic properties. And most importantly, they can be contained, as you see here."
Clara stopped and turned to face the students, her eyes scanning the room. "This is why your training is so important. Learning to identify their weaknesses, mastering the spells to banish or contain them, and understanding their psychology can mean the difference between victory and devastation."
She then pointed at the demon, her expression unyielding. "This creature, for all its terror, is nothing compared to what you may face one day. But if you are prepared, if you take your training seriously, you will not only protect yourselves but also countless others who cannot defend themselves."
The demon roared suddenly, slamming its claws against the bars of the cage. The students flinched, some even letting out startled cries. Clara stood unmoving, her gaze locked on the creature. She raised her hand, and the sigils on the cage flared brighter, forcing the demon to recoil with a snarl.
"Control," she said, her voice cutting through the tension like a blade. "That is what separates us from them. Control over ourselves, our magic, and our fear. Remember that."
The room was silent, the weight of her words sinking in. For the first time, the students truly grasped the gravity of their mission, and the stakes of their training.
Clara turned back to the students, her expression steady and composed. "Now, words are one thing, but demonstration is another. Pay close attention. What I'm about to show you could one day save your life."
The students exchanged uneasy glances as Clara stepped toward the cage. The demon inside growled and lunged against the bars, causing a few students to gasp. With a quick motion, Clara raised her hand, and glowing sigils appeared around the cage, pulsating with energy.
"Release the containment," she ordered, her voice calm but firm.
The two magicians hesitated for a moment, clearly reluctant. After a nod from Clara, they reluctantly chanted an incantation, their hands glowing with energy. The sigils around the cage dimmed, and the locks clicked open with a loud metallic clang.
The demon burst out of the cage with a deafening roar, its claws scraping against the floor as it lunged toward Clara with terrifying speed.
Clara didn't flinch.
With a fluid motion, she extended her hand, and a shimmering barrier of energy materialized in front of her. The demon slammed into it with full force, recoiling as sparks of magical energy crackled in the air.
"Lesson one," Clara said, her voice calm but loud enough to carry across the room. "Always create distance and establish a defensive perimeter."
She moved her fingers in a precise pattern, and the barrier expanded, pushing the demon back. With another gesture, she summoned a glowing chain of energy from her left hand and flung it at the demon. The chain wrapped around its neck, pinning it in place as it thrashed and roared in defiance.
"Lesson two: immobilization." Clara tightened the chain with a flick of her wrist. "A demon that cannot move is far less dangerous."
The students watched, wide-eyed, as the demon struggled against the glowing restraints. Clara's expression remained calm as she summoned a glowing orb of energy in her free hand. She hurled it at the demon, and the orb exploded on contact, sending the creature flying backward.
"Lesson three: exploit their weaknesses. Tartarean-Class demons are especially vulnerable to radiant and anti-chaotic energies. Use that to your advantage."
The demon rose to its feet, snarling, and lunged at Clara again. This time, she dodged with an elegant sidestep, her movements almost effortless. She raised her hands, and flames erupted around her, forming a spinning ring of fire.
"Lesson four," she called out, her voice steady as the flames grew brighter. "Control your environment. Limit their options and dictate the flow of the fight."
The fire surged forward, engulfing the demon in a torrent of flames. The creature screeched in pain, its leathery skin charring under the intense heat.
Finally, Clara clasped her hands together, the flames dissipating as she summoned a glowing blade of pure light. She moved with incredible speed, striking the demon with precision and forcing it to the ground.
The demon lay motionless, glowing chains binding its limbs as the sigils on the floor reactivated to contain it. Clara turned back to the students, lowering her blade.
"And lesson five," she said, her voice carrying an edge of finality. "Never underestimate your opponent, no matter how well-prepared you are. A single mistake can cost you everything."
The room was silent, the students staring in awe as Clara stepped back, her breathing calm and controlled.
She looked at the class, her piercing gaze locking with several students who still seemed stunned. "You are here to learn how to protect this world. Remember that. Practice, train, and above all, be vigilant."
The magicians moved forward to secure the demon back in its cage as Clara wiped her hands, her expression as calm as ever. "Questions?" she asked, as though the entire display had been no more than a casual lecture.
Several students raised their hands. Clara gestured toward one of them, a young man in the front row, who stood and asked, "What exactly are the weaknesses of demons?"
Clara nodded and began, her tone instructive but approachable:
"Demons have numerous weaknesses. Holy water is among the most effective, particularly against lower-class entities. Silver weapons are also highly recommended, yes, even silver bullets work just fine. Artifacts blessed by divine or sacred rites are extremely potent, as are light-based spells, which can neutralize or severely harm most demonic entities."
She paused, scanning the room to ensure everyone was following.
"Prayer," she continued, "is another method, provided the individual praying has a strong belief in a divine entity. This belief allows them to emit Akiva radiation, a powerful form of energy that demons find particularly harmful. However, keep in mind that the strength of this radiation depends entirely on the faith of the emitter and the type of demon being targeted. Against lower-level demons, Akiva radiation can be lethal, but for higher-tier demons, it might only weaken them, or, in some cases, have no effect at all."
Clara walked across the room, her hands clasped behind her back, her presence commanding but not overbearing.
"It's important to understand," she continued, "that under the right circumstances, Akiva radiation can be so potent that it interacts with the physical world, creating what some might call 'miracles.' This phenomenon is similar to the effects of EVE particles, which most of you may have already studied. These particles are used in thaumaturgical applications and other advanced magics to manipulate reality itself."
She turned back to the class, her violet eyes locking onto the students. "But remember: tools and techniques are only as effective as the one wielding them. Preparation, knowledge, and understanding your enemy are your greatest assets. Any other questions?"
More students raised their hands, eager to ask questions. Clara pointed to one in the middle of the group and said, "Yes, you."
The student stood and asked, "Earlier, you mentioned using demons for tools or engineering. So, is it possible to apply their effects directly to ourselves?"
Clara chuckled softly and smiled. "Ah, someone with a curious and sharp mind. Yes, it is possible to form contracts with demons in order to access their powers or knowledge. However, keep in mind that these contracts are notoriously one-sided, often skewed heavily in the demon's favor. In many cases, entering into such agreements can lead to disastrous consequences, even your own downfall."
She paused, her expression becoming more thoughtful as she continued, "That said, demons are sentient beings. While most are antagonistic, there are exceptions. Some demons are amicable, even cooperative, when approached the right way. For instance, there is an anomalous city under the Foundation's control that is entirely populated by demons. These demons coexist peacefully within the city's confines, and some have even been employed directly by the Foundation."
Clara gestured for emphasis, her voice carrying both authority and intrigue. "The Foundation has also established a specialized task force composed of agents who have made contracts with demons. This grants these operatives unique and lethal abilities, making them highly effective in combat, particularly against other demonic entities. However, it's important to note that this task force is exclusively dedicated to the containment, neutralization, or elimination of other demonic threats. It's not something to be taken lightly."
The room buzzed with murmurs as the students processed this information. Clara let the moment linger before asking, "Does that answer your question?"
Clara clapped her hands sharply, drawing everyone's attention. "Very well, I will only take one last question," she said before pointing at a student seated toward the middle. "Yes, you."
The student stood nervously, his voice shaky as he asked, "If it ever happens that one of our classmates becomes possessed or corrupted by Tartarean Resonance Energy, what should we do?"
The room fell silent, the gravity of the question settling over the students like a heavy blanket. Clara's face grew serious, her tone firm as she replied, "Well, you must first understand that there are several scenarios in such a situation. To begin with, for a demon to possess or corrupt someone, it would have to be summoned first. And summoning a demon requires performing a ritual involving sacrifices, which is strictly forbidden."
Her gaze swept over the students, ensuring her words hit their mark. "If the corrupted individual is the one who summoned the demon, then your first course of action must be to capture them, if possible. However, if containment is not an option, you may be left with no choice but to eliminate them."
A collective shiver ran through the room, the weight of her words sending a chill down the spines of even the boldest students.
Clara continued, her voice steady but carrying a note of caution, "Additionally, if you ever find yourself under the corruption of a demon, pray that it's The Mages Academy or the SCP Foundation that captures you. The Global Occult Coalition will almost certainly seek to eliminate you outright, and The Serpent Hand? Well, they might think dissecting you is the best course of action."
The room was dead silent, the tension palpable as the students absorbed her words.
With a slight shift in her tone, Clara brought the lesson to a close. "Anyway, thank you all, dear students, for participating in this special class. I hope you've learned to never underestimate demons and that you'll never have the misfortune of facing one directly. With that said, I declare this session officially over."
The students remained still as Clara turned and began to walk off the stage, her confident steps echoing in the silent hall.