MIDNIGHT PRINCE: Empire of Sin

[Academy]

The Academy of Magic had many branches as its goal was to help young people who have a talent for magic to realize their dream. It was also a place to protect the people with mixed blood who had no place left in society and who were rejected by everyone.

Thankfully, nowadays, with the widespread acceptance policies, the school had fewer people coming with a horrible past. This was something Bridget was more than happy to see. After all, it had been her goal when she created this place.

[You seem pensive.]

A feminine voice full of seductiveness sounded in Bridget's ears as she observed her new student, Sae Kirishima, fighting her other, but nearly as a recent student, Luvia Osborn [1].

She had taken the girl as a student after the first night when she met Adam in the Wild Hunt. Her intention was quite clear.

A king needed a sage and while she could play that role, she also knew how young men could be. She feared that Adam might get lost in his newly gained power and so wished to prepare someone who could become his brake.

Nothing better than a young heart in love to make you more willing to listen.

Of course, she had no intention of forcing Luvia and she had no power over Adam.

"I am just thinking…genetics is really unfair, don't you think?"

Bridget gave a sad smile. Even though she had only taken Luvia as a student recently, the girl was really talented and had signed a contract with two elemental spirits. She had also received a very strict training and upbringing since she was a child as she was the last hope to revive the Osborn family and give them back their pride.

Sae meanwhile, only one week two weeks ago did not even know that magic existed and she only opened her circuits recently.

Despite this…Luvia was struggling.

[Heh. Not all humans are born equal and humans can hardly compare to supernatural beings.]

This was the sad truth. In the same way that Luvia was already stronger than most silver-ranked hunters, despite her young age and could match gold rank, when fusing with her spirits, Sae was showing just how fast those with supernatural blood could grow.

Innate talents could rarely be surpassed.

'Then again, the girl is also working hard.'

She could see how much sweat, blood, and tears Sae had given. Even now, while all the other students were enjoying Thanksgiving in the grand hall, she was here and training despite being continuously trashed. All of this to catch up to the standard she had asked. All of this, because of a simple promise.

'Once you are officially able to beat silver rank, then I will let you go out for a visit.'

She thought that since Sae wasn't a pure succubus it would take her at least a few months to adapt.

But this…

[I am as surprised as you. I guess my blood is just that good.]

"Well…"

Ignoring the prideful Lilith, she sighed.

"So. You still won't tell me what was the disturbance I felt yesterday?"

[I honestly don't know. My main body is busy fighting the legion of Asmodeus. The bastard always acts so smugly. But now he is hiding behind his wall like a turtle.]

"A fight against a Lord of Hell. This must be something worth observing."

[Heh. You just have to die and get reincarnated as a succubus per our contract. My legion needs a powerful witch like you.]

"Sorry. But I wanna stay alive for some more time."

[Heh. Don't worry. I am patient. Be it now or in a thousand years, you will die all the same. Not even the strongest vampires can escape mortality forever. Much less a witch.]

"You are very irritating in a moment like this."

[Well. What can I say? My contract is far more lax than most. At least I am making you my family rather than forcing you to live in eternal torment.]

Bridget had nothing to say.

Thus was the reality of making a contract with the devil. This was also why demons or devil summoning were only taught to old students and contracts with elementals were favored in the curriculum.

Lilith was one of the most "honest" devils if she could be called so and she could have taken a price far larger. After all, when she signed, she was only a kid that was about to get hanged as a witch even though she had done nothing of the sort.

There was little she wouldn't have given to escape her situation.

Focusing on the small fight again, she could see that it had ended.

Luvia had finally managed to corner Sae and put her down.

"Okay. It's enough now. Good job you two."

She approached Sae and could see the girl breathing heavily, her body covered in sweat and her chest moving up and down every time it happened.

A sweet scent flowed in the room and she could see Luvia's face become flushed, though not simply because of how tired she was.

<<Dispel>>

A simple movement from her and the aphrodisiac scent in the air completely vanished.

"Sae, it was a good fight. But you need to control your secretion."

"*Huff* Sorry *Huff* Not doing it intentionally."

Sae huffed and puffed and spoke with difficulty but Bridget knew that this was indeed not her fault.

Whenever they were in danger or when they were hunting, Succubus would unconsciously secret this pheromone.

In both cases, the goal was to affect the mental capacity of the one they were facing. Despite the less-than-savory effects, It was quite a powerful skill as it was completely indiscriminate toward gender and few people could actually counter it.

'But the pheromone of a hybrid should not be that powerful.'

Once again, Sae proved herself to be a very interesting test subject. If she was not her student, she might have kidnapped her to try and understand her physiology better.

"Luvia, you should have been able to use a [Dispel] yourself. Remember the first rule when facing a demon or a devil?"

Luvia was breathing with nearly as much difficulty as Sae but she still managed to speak,

"Always beware of poison, illusions, and other traps."

Bridget nodded, "Devils are cunning. While a few like to fight head-on. Most devils will not hesitate to rely on tricks to take you down. In a way, they are very much like Hunters. But for them it's different. Tricking an opponent is a form of art for them. Something to be proud of."

She turned to Sae, "The same goes for you. You shouldn't be using this unconsciously. But very much consciously. If you had done so, you might have won. Never forget. Shame doesn't keep you alive. Use every advantage at your disposal."

"Understood."

Bridget smiled at her student.

"Good. Now go wash up. I don't really like Thanksgiving but it's a good time for young people like you to mingle. So, happy Thanksgiving."

Sae nodded and stood up with the help of Luvia before walking away.

She could feel it.

A little more.

Just a little more — And she would finally be able to see Adam again.

[1]: You should reread CH 20: A Hunch and CH 21: Injustice if you wanna refresh your memory. Damn. Time really flies.

(AN: So here is the 4th chapter of the day. Two bonus chapters. Since I only planned to post 2 today. I feel like my arms are about to fall off. Haha. Thanks for the castle Monkyphil.)