Surviving in the Demon's Academy as a Human

Aiden looked at Seraphine and said, "I've told you my story, now it's your turn. I want to know what happened on the other side of the world."

Seraphine sat across from Aiden in the guest room, her hands folded neatly in her lap. The flickering light of the hellfire lamps cast an otherworldly glow across her face, softening the sharpness of her expression as she recounted her story.

"My kingdom, Valtheria, was a proud one," she began, her voice steady but tinged with sorrow. "Three hundred and forty years of unbroken rule. My father, King Altherion, was a man of ambition. Nine wives, twenty-four children—each one of us a pawn to secure alliances across the continent of Arcelios."

Seraphine took a deep breath, her hands clasped together as she began to recount the complexities of her world. "Our gods," she said softly, "are the last glimmers of light in a world overshadowed by the dark. They are said to send their blessings to humanity in the form of heroes—champions chosen to stand against the demons and protect our lands."

She hesitated for a moment before continuing, her tone growing heavier. "When the Kingdom of Valtheria announced to the world that the gods had sent us heroes, it was a moment of pride. The church verified the claim, confirming it was true. It felt like divine providence, a sign that the gods had not abandoned us."

Her hands tightened around one another. "But that moment of triumph quickly turned to chaos. The other kingdoms—Cyrethis, Evandor, even the Free Cities—couldn't accept that Valtheria alone had been blessed with a hero. Soon, they began making their own announcements, claiming they too had been granted heroes by the gods. The church investigated each of these claims, and to everyone's astonishment, some of its members confirmed them. They declared that the gods had indeed blessed multiple kingdoms."

Aiden raised an eyebrow. "And… did they? Are there really multiple heroes?"

Seraphine's expression darkened, frustration flickering across her features. "That is the question no one can answer. The church itself is divided. Some of its members staunchly believe these so-called heroes are impostors or false prophets, while others insist they are genuine. This division has only caused more strife among the kingdoms. Instead of uniting us against the demons, it's created suspicion, jealousy, and even skirmishes between nations."

"Even the light of the gods can't unite us fully," Seraphine admitted, her voice bitter. "The Concord of Light may look strong from the outside, but within... it's fractured. Every kingdom claims to have the true heroes or messiah chosen by the gods. They twist divine blessings into weapons of politics, each trying to prove their worth over the others. King Altherion has announced to the world that our kingdom has the true heroes, chosen by the Gods, themselves. This declaration is more about solidifying his authority than any divine truth. Other nations, of course, scoff at our claims and boldly declare their own champions to be the true messengers of the gods."

Aiden furrowed his brow. "So instead of focusing on fighting the demons, you're fighting each other?"

Seraphine let out a humorless laugh. "Exactly. While the Crusaders march under the banner of unity. While every King wants to sit at the top when the dust settles—if it ever does."

Seraphina's tone darkened slightly as she continued. "The heroes are said to be the messengers of the gods, proof of their divine favor. Our kingdom received heroes from the Gods themselves as well, but..." She hesitated, her lips pressing into a thin line. "The so-called heroes we've received are... young. Too young. They're teenagers, barely capable of understanding the world around them, let alone leading armies or saving kingdoms. A noble teenager, trained in the ways of politics and war, seems far more competent in comparison."

Aiden raised an eyebrow. "So, they're just... kids?"

"Yes," Seraphine replied, her voice heavy with frustration. "But they're not entirely useless. Their powers grow at an extraordinary rate, far beyond what any ordinary human could achieve. And yet... despite their potential, they're treated as mascots more than warriors. The court parades them around, using them to inspire hope among the people and secure alliances with other nations. But when it comes to the battlefield, they're kept far away from danger. It's politics, as always. The kingdom wouldn't risk losing their symbol of divine favor."

"So, they're pawns," Aiden concluded, his tone tinged with disgust.

"Exactly," Seraphine said, her voice laced with bitterness. "They're chosen by the gods, but they're still human. And in the end, humans are the ones who decide how to use them."

She turned her gaze to Aiden, her eyes filled with a mixture of frustration and sorrow. "That's the world I come from. A world of gods, heroes, and light, but also one of deceit, ambition, and betrayal. We're fighting the demons, yes, but I wonder... if we're the ones who'll destroy ourselves first."

Aiden nodded slowly, digesting her words. "And you? Where do you stand in all of this, Seraphine? Do you believe in these gods, in the heroes, in the crusade?"

Her expression faltered for a moment before she steadied herself. "I don't know," she admitted quietly. "I was taught to believe in them. To put my faith in the gods and their chosen. But now... here I am, in Hell of all places. My kingdom is gone, my people scattered, and the gods have said nothing. Perhaps they have abandoned us."

Aiden sat in silence for a moment, letting her words sink in. Finally, he asked, "Do you think the Concord can fight back? Against Hell?"

Seraphine met his gaze, her eyes fierce despite the sadness behind them. "They must. If the Concord collapses, Arcelios will fall into chaos. The demons will devour everything."

Aiden leaned back, his expression thoughtful. "If we ever get out of here… do you think I could join you? In your fight?"

She blinked, surprised by the question. For a moment, her stern demeanor softened, and a faint smile crossed her lips. "If we ever escape Hell, Aiden, you'll have earned your place. Yes. You can stand beside me."

Aiden grinned, a rare moment of genuine warmth in the grim surroundings. "It's a deal, then."