Chapter 83: I Saw the Devil Part 1

“If you’re told to do it, you do it.”

You must follow the orders from above.

Even if it’s unpleasant, that’s just how society works.

Especially if the organization you belong to operates under a strict top-down chain of command, disobedience is out of the question.

But… where is the line?

What if an unacceptable order is given? Should you still obey, no matter what?

That was why Schult, an ordinary black magician, was distressed.

***

The Five Fangs Alliance.

A coalition of the underground world formed to oppose Riyan.

They had once disbanded, retreating after the Paimon subjugation led by Riyan, but the strong will of certain influential figures led to its reformation.

Schult was a member of this Five Fangs Alliance…

And the person tasked with assassinating Riyan.

‘I’m going to lose my mind.’

Of course, the Five Fangs Alliance didn’t make the decision without reason.

They believed there was a chance of success.

The plan was set in motion because everyone agreed on that assessment.

“The man’s body is completely ruined from aftereffects. The Mercenary King is buying up every kind of medicinal ingredient in existence and searching for miracle cures. There are even reports that he vomited blood while returning from the Sacred Kingdom. Witnesses said he coughed up blood severely in a deserted alley, his face twisted in pain.”

All the evidence pointed to Riyan suffering from lingering aftereffects.

After all, it was strange that someone wielded such overwhelming power without any consequences.

It was clear that the new professor was practically living on borrowed time.

***

[Looking for a Teaching Assistant]

And then, suddenly, an opportunity presented itself.

It was natural for the Five Fangs Alliance to plant a spy as part of their assassination attempt.

‘But why does it have to be me?!’

Schult was deeply resentful.

‘Him? Assassinate that professor? The guy whose hobby is demon hunting?’

Schult was just an average black magician! How was he supposed to pull off something so impossible?

But there was no way out.

He would either die for refusing the order or face death at the hands of a surprisingly robust Riyan.

Only these grim outcomes filled his mind, driving him to despair.

‘…Wait a second.’

A thought crossed Schult’s mind.

There was one way.

One scenario where he could avoid being swept away by this gigantic tide.

‘What if I just fail the interview?!’

He would deliberately act incompetent and flunk the teaching assistant interview.

‘Why hadn’t he thought of this sooner?’ He felt ashamed of his lack of intelligence.

‘I’ll just play dumb… Oh, wait. Riyan is white, so I can’t use racism. Maybe I’ll try misogyny instead?’

It was extreme, but it would be effective.

After all, who would hire someone who spouted outrageous things during an interview? That kind of person would never get ahead.

***

Humming to himself, Schult made his way to the interview venue.

As if the heavens themselves were helping him, another opportunity presented itself upon arrival.

‘Wait… are these people really here for the interview?’

All of them were renowned figures.

They had not only impeccable abilities but also flawless reputations.

One of them even seemed to be a royal.

And then there was Schult, just a pathetic black magician.

‘Who in their right mind would choose him over these exceptional candidates?’

Relaxed, Schult waited for his turn.

“Applicant number 22, Schult, please come in.”

He was completely at ease.

His rejection was guaranteed.

Still, putting in some effort wouldn’t hurt, so Schult immediately sprang into action.

***

Golden eyes stared directly at him.

Seeing Riyan in person made his charisma unmistakable.

But Schult felt no intimidation.

Chewing gum obnoxiously, he made sure to shove his hands into his pockets.

He didn’t even wait for the “Please have a seat” prompt and plopped into a chair.

Bang! He propped his feet casually on the desk.

“Mr. Schult, what motivated you to apply?”

‘Was this what made geniuses different?’

Even in such a situation, the new professor’s composure was impressive.

But that didn’t faze Schult.

“No real reason. I just want to slack off. You like charity, don’t you? Think of it as sponsoring me and just give me the paycheck.”

He openly declared his intention to shirk responsibilities.

Suddenly, Schult felt a distinct heat.

“…What do you think about the rumors surrounding me?”

Riyan’s piercing gaze bore into him.

‘Of course he’s mad. Anyone would be after hearing something like that.’

His deadly glare was only natural.

In fact, it was a good sign—proof that Schult’s plan was working.

“Rumors? It’s all fluff, fluff. You paid people to spread fake stories and boost your name. Aren’t you ashamed? Self-obsession at this level is a sickness.”

He spewed nonsense confidently.

Calling Riyan’s fame fake? It was an absurd claim no citizen of the empire would agree with.

But that was exactly Schult’s aim—completely destroying his credibility.

Having pulled off this much, the response from Riyan was predictable.

“Accepted! You’re hired!”

Excited, Riyan grabbed Schult’s hands and shook them vigorously.

“Huh?”

Schult’s face went blank.

Even his “incompetent persona” cracked.

But Riyan paid no attention to that.

Smiling ecstatically, he spoke.

“All other candidates are dismissed. Come in tomorrow—no, start today! You are now my eternal right-hand man, Teaching Assistant Schult!”

So…

Something had clearly gone horribly wrong.

Schult’s head was spinning.

Riyan, who had promised to talk about his goals, was now dragging Schult into his private quarters, even though they had met less than 30 minutes ago.

He kept rambling on about something or other.

But none of Riyan’s words registered in Schult’s ears.

In fact, it would have been stranger if they had.

With a dazed look, Schult pinched his cheek.

It hurt.

This was reality.

It shouldn’t be, but it was.

***

The Imperial Princess Lucie.

Merlin, the master of the White Tower.

And an enigmatic applicant, X, who looked suspiciously like an ancient dragon but adamantly denied being one.

Despite such extraordinary candidates, the one who got chosen was… Schult.

His magical capacity and physical abilities barely scraped the level of a superhuman.

People often called him clueless and dim-witted.

Yet, somehow, he had been deemed more qualified than any of them.

It made no sense.

Naturally, a thought crossed Schult’s mind.

‘H-hold on. Could it be that my identity has already been exposed?’

This suspicion kept him from focusing on Riyan’s words.

His hands and feet trembled.

Cold sweat poured down his face like a waterfall.

No matter how he looked at it, his performance had been pathetic.

If Riyan had deliberately chosen someone like him, the only reason that came to mind was that the professor had figured out his true identity and planned to execute him in private.

‘If that’s the case…’

Schult gulped nervously.

Even someone as dull and gullible as him could recognize when his life was in danger.

He stood no chance in a direct confrontation; he would die instantly if Riyan decided to attack.

Ultimately, Schult began rationalizing his situation while on the verge of tears.

‘I-it’s probably because he’s not certain yet.’

If Riyan were sure, he would have killed him on the spot.

So, it was more likely that the professor had suspicions but no solid proof.

At least, Schult desperately hoped that was the case.

There was still a chance to survive.

All he had to do now was avoid standing out.

Blend in. Stay low.

Determined, Schult finally started paying attention to what Riyan was saying.

“…Do you understand?”

Riyan was looking directly at him.

Schult panicked.

He had to respond with something safe to avoid suspicion.

“I-I’ll do my best to assist you!”

He declared that he would diligently fulfill his duties as an assistant.

Surely, that was the safest and most neutral answer possible.

But for some reason, Riyan’s expression darkened.

The white-haired man frowned and spoke.

“What nonsense are you talking about? You’re not supposed to assist me. You’re supposed to attack and criticize me with all your might.”

***

Schult’s mind went blank.

The words Riyan had spoken so casually were utterly nonsensical.

“W-what do you mean by that?”

Schult stammered in confusion, but Riyan remained composed.

“Your mission. Isn’t it to completely bury me?”

As if it were no big deal, Riyan openly pointed out that Schult was a spy.

Schult’s face turned deathly pale.

He had been exposed.

And now it was over.

The mad professor would kill him for sure.

Despair painted Schult’s face as he collapsed into pathetic groveling.

“P-please! Spare me! I won’t do anything, I swear!”

Riyan locked eyes with him and spoke calmly.

“Now that you’ve heard my circumstances, we’re in this together. Until I’m dismissed, you can’t be dismissed either. So if you really want out, try spreading rumors about me. Frame me. Use your imagination and creativity to completely ruin me.”

He was saying he knew Schult was a spy.

And yet, he didn’t care.

If Schult wanted to rebel, he was welcome to try.

But Riyan wouldn’t kick him out.

Instead, he intended to keep Schult around as a source of amusement.

And then…

“Do your best. If you fail… you’ll die.”

If Schult failed to entertain him, his life would be forfeit.

Schult felt his breath hitch as panic gripped him.

Unable to utter another word, he froze in place.

Riyan placed a hand on Schult’s shoulder.

His smile was warm yet utterly merciless.

Grinning like a demon, the professor said cheerfully,

“Let’s give it everything we’ve got, together!”