Surviving in the Demon's Academy as a Human

Days blurred into weeks, though the concept of time remained elusive in this place. It was only natural that I'd lose track, as the sun never rose fully over the horizon nor set entirely below it. The sun hovered perpetually low in the sky, casting an blood and crimson glow over the land but never rising fully above the horizon. It reminded me of Earth's Arctic Circle during certain times of the year, where the sun barely dips below the horizon or never rises above it, depending on the season. But the comparison felt incomplete. Unlike the frigid cold of Earth's far north, the temperature here was oddly temperate—not too hot or cold, but a constant, comfortable middle ground. The air carried a strange stillness, as though the land itself resisted the passage of time.

The environment reinforced the feeling of being suspended in limbo. Without any natural rhythm to anchor me, the days blurred together into an endless loop. The mansion only added to this feeling of disorientation. The grand halls were silent, save for the occasional click of my footsteps on the polished floors. Her servants—silent, emotionless, and eerie—were a constant presence, but not a comforting one. They were like living statues, giving me a quick bow before disappearing into the shadows, their sewn mouths preventing even the semblance of communication. They felt like part of the architecture, more akin to enchanted furniture than people.

Aiden had spent enough time in the mansion to piece together the labyrinthine structure of Hell's society. Through long hours in the library, conversations with Lilith, and observing the intricate dynamics of the household, he gained a clearer picture of the demonic hierarchy.

The society of Hell was stratified, much like the caste system Aiden had read about in human history. At the bottom were the Lesser Demons, beings with minimal strength or influence. They were often workers, servants, and cannon fodder for conflicts. Though not entirely powerless, they were subject to exploitation by those above them. Many lesser demons formed the backbone of Hell's economy, working in factories, farms, and the vast infernal mines.

Above them were the Greater Demons, individuals with notable strength, intelligence, or magical abilities. They were the warriors, scholars, and mid-level rulers of Hell, often managing cities, commanding armies, or leading mercantile enterprises. Greater demons were respected but remained firmly under the thumb of the ruling nobility.

The next level, the Archdemons, formed the elite aristocracy. They were the direct rulers of Hell's vast domains, often presiding over duchies or territories of great importance. They possessed immense power, both politically and magically. Archdemons were often part of noble families and had significant influence in Hell's court.

At the very top of the hierarchy sat the Demon Lord, the ruler of all Hell. This position wasn't inherited but earned through sheer strength, cunning, and ambition. The Demon Lord held ultimate authority, though his rule was constantly tested by the ambitions of others, particularly the Six Great Dukes, who were the most powerful Archdemons in Hell.

My sense of "days" became tied to Lilith's visits to the mansion. Despite how grand and labyrinthine this place was, it always felt like it was just the two of us. Occasionally, I'd see her servants—mute, enigmatic, and eerily precise in their tasks—but they never lingered long enough to feel real.

The Great Dukes were the pillars of Hell's society, each controlling vast territories and wielding unimaginable power. They acted as both vassals and rivals to the Demon Lord, constantly testing the limits of his rule. Aiden learned that the House of Maltrix was only one step below the Demon Lord in terms of power and influence.

House Maltrix, Lilith's family, was the richest and most influential in terms of commerce and economy. Known as the "Merchants of the Abyss," they controlled trade routes, magical artifacts, and Hell's financial systems. Their immense wealth gave them leverage over even the most militarized houses.

House Varyndral was the most militarized noble family, renowned for their unmatched army. They controlled the eastern borders of Hell, where barbarian hordes threatened to invade. Their dominion was a fortress, and their soldiers were the elite of Hell's forces. The remaining four Duke Houses, though equally powerful in their domains, had less influence over Aiden's immediate environment.

Lilith and I met often in the garden, which was quickly becoming our regular meeting spot. Her presence, striking as ever, dominated the setting. Today was no different. The golden light of the perpetual twilight bathed the flowers in the garden, their iridescent petals shimmering faintly. In the center of the scene was Lilith, seated elegantly in the marble gazebo. Her crimson dress and cascading golden hair gave her an almost regal aura, like she belonged here more than the plants themselves.

Lilith, as the youngest daughter of this prestigious family, had already surpassed her siblings in talent and ambition. Many whispered that she was the true rising star of her generation, destined to lead the Maltrix family into even greater prosperity.

Despite being the same age as Aiden, Lilith managed vast portions of her family's businesses, oversaw numerous trade agreements, and maintained delicate relations with rival families. Her cunning and charisma were unmatched, and her name was spoken with both reverence and resentment throughout Hell. She had her supporters, who saw her as the future of the family, and her detractors, who envied her rise and sought to undermine her.

I approached cautiously, feeling the weight of our now-familiar ritual. She gestured to the seat across from her as I entered the gazebo. I watched as Lilith poured the tea, her movements elegant, each gesture deliberate. The tea was already prepared, its fragrant aroma drifting through the air.

"Drink," she said, sliding the cup toward him.

Hesitantly, I took a sip. The warmth spread through my chest instantly, and my eyes widened. The tea was exquisite—smooth and rich, with hints of honey and herbs that lingered on my tongue. 

"What is this?" he asked, setting the cup down with reverence.

Lilith smirked. "A rare blend from Hell's finest gardens. It calms the mind and sharpens focus. Think of it as a cure for your incessant brooding."

Aiden taking another sip. With each taste, he felt himself relaxing, his grief dulling just enough to think clearly. He could almost feel the tea working on his mind, coaxing him out of his haze.

"It's… addictive," he muttered, almost to himself. Aiden raised an eyebrow. "Wait... this is one of your businesses?"

Lilith leaned back in her chair, a satisfied smile spreading across her face. "Of course. The tea trade is one of my most lucrative ventures. Even the most brutish demons enjoy a refined cup of tea now and then. And those who don't? Well, they buy it anyway, because it's a status symbol. A Maltrix tea set at a noble's banquet is a sign of wealth and sophistication."

One day, while pouring over a book that detailed trade agreements between noble families, Aiden muttered to himself, "I don't even know how to balance a checkbook, let alone understand this web of insanity."

Lilith, lounging nearby with a wine glass in hand, chuckled. "Don't worry. You're not here to become a merchant."

He looked up at her, unsure whether to feel grateful or insulted. "That's... reassuring. But what am I supposed to do, then?"

Lilith leaned forward, her mischievous grin ever-present. "You? You're here to survive, learn, and entertain me, of course. And who knows? Maybe you'll pick up a thing or two along the way."

Aiden sighed, realizing that he had a long way to go before he could even begin to comprehend the world he was now a part of.

It was strange—surreal, even—how far he had come. In his first life, everything had been ordinary, perhaps painfully so. He had his routines, his struggles, and a future that seemed to stretch out into a mundane blur. And then it all ended in a flash of pain and chaos. A car, a scream, and nothingness.

Yet here he was, alive—or at least something close to it. And it was all because of Lilith.

He glanced over at her, lounging effortlessly in a chair across from him. A second life, even if it came with strings attached—or in his case, a fiery, magical seal burned into his neck.

Despite the fear, the confusion, and the constant teasing, Aiden couldn't shake the realization that he owed her something. She had given him a chance to exist again, to see, to feel, to learn.