Misfit At Magic Academy: They Wanted a Godly Summon, Got Me Instead
Chapter 36: Devil in a New Dress

Chapter 36: Devil in a New Dress

It all began with the Elements.

The Element of Destruction — a true herald of chaos. The Element of Darkness — strictly forbidden by all laws of the world. And the Element of Light...

Why did I even recall that? And in such a moment?

...

A faint lavender scent from her hair stirred me awake.

She kissed me. I felt her lips pressing softly against mine. I felt her gentle tongue.

My eyes were open. Hers were closed, her cheeks flushed, looking cuter than ever.

Her warmth wrapped around my thoughts. Not that I resisted or tried to deny what she felt.

After a short while, she lowered her head. Silence filled the room.

She looked away, trembling with embarrassment.

"Don’t ask... I don’t even know why I did that."

No. She knew.

Memories flashed through her mind — every moment spent with me. Every time I offered my hand. Every time I helped her rise. And when I let her hold the trophy.

"I’ll never forget your kindness... Maybe that’s why I wanted to thank you this way. I mean, it’s not like I carry money with me or anything."

"What are you even talking about?"

"S-Sorry. I didn’t know what else to say to cover it up. Silly, right? I think so too. Still, I’m sorry. I want to be honest with myself, but I always change the subject," she clutched my shirt.

"Not silly at all. Be honest with yourself, Aimer."

"Geez... Sometimes you talk like an old man lecturing kids."

"Well, in a way, that’s not too far off."

Aimer — an eighteen-year-old girl who always showed a confident and determined front. But now, in front of me, she revealed her true feelings, ones I would have to keep secret forever.

"Atheron... In this world, love isn’t something people can proudly show off. Most chase other things. I wouldn’t say I’ve been longing for love, but..."

"But what?"

"...If you can’t accept my feelings, then please, just keep our kiss a secret."

The Aimer I know now is a girl who feels deeply — and chooses to share those feelings. And I respect that, because I am the one she chose to confide in.

"And what do you think? Will I accept your feelings?"

I wanted to tease her a bit, to see her flustered reaction.

Because right now, I was seeing the real Aimer.

She nodded and looked away. Then puffed her cheeks.

"I’d like to think it could be real. Also, why do I have to confess first? Girls aren’t supposed to—"

I cut her off—with a kiss. This time, I took the initiative.

One hand around her waist, the other on her fragile back. She didn’t resist.

In fact, she surrendered to her emotions.

This time I felt everything — the softness of her lips blending with mine, the way her shy form melted into my arms.

This girl... she made me realize that not every good deed needs a reward. Sometimes, you meet someone worth going against your own nature for.

To see them reach their goals.

Our rhythm grew faster, more passionate. I even pressed her against the piano. She accidentally sat on a key, and we both jumped.

She laughed awkwardly. I patted her head.

"But you need to understand something. I’m just a summon, a servant to my mistress. A dead soul, given a second chance by luck. You won’t have children with me. You won’t get the undivided attention others might offer."

She swallowed. Her hands wrapped around my neck.

"Just tell me you’re willing to give me your attention. Tell me you can see more in me than just a regular girl."

"Yes. I’m willing."

But am I really...?

Right now, I’m not thinking about the consequences.

Right now, I’m just a person — writing his story as his soul dictates.

"Then I’m ready to accept you, Atheron. I know what I’m getting into. I just want you to be sure of your path."

...She’s truly remarkable. How can someone her age speak so maturely? Is it because she’s faced hardships beyond her years?

At the door, we said our goodbyes. I watched her with a warm, thoughtful gaze. She waved back, hiding uncertainty behind a smile.

"See you tomorrow, Atheron."

Yeah. I hope I do.

I hope I made the right choice. Because if I didn’t, I won’t be the one who suffers.

She will. A soul that chose to hold on to me.

At the gates, the butler met me and opened the carriage door. I returned home.

By then, a silver beam of moonlight blanketed the capital.

Finishing my duties as a guard, I made my way to my room. I opened the window and sat at my desk, reflecting on the day.

That morning at the academy, most of my classmates greeted me with congratulations for the tournament victory. Even the ever-gloomy Salazar managed a reluctant nod.

By noon, I saw Riven, and later — Ash. Both knew about my win, and each gave me some trinkets. Idiots.

And then... that moment.

...

Do I even need a girlfriend?

Am I ready to carry another life?

Maybe I acted on instinct earlier. But now it’s time to think clearly. I can already hear someone say, "You should’ve thought before acting!" And they’d be right.

I have Lirael, whom I serve. Though she’s under my protection now — our academy days will eventually end.

Aimer, unlike us, is two years ahead. Are these new feelings just a fleeting campus romance? Did we get so bored we decided to color our routine with drama?

No. Thinking that would mean belittling her feelings.

How is she different from Ash — and especially Meliora?

Maybe it’s her character. Aimer is ambitious, grounded in reality. She knows the world doesn’t revolve around her.

Nothing revolves around her.

So why did I give in to my desires? I’m a high spirit—not meant for marriage, let alone a personal life.

Just my luck. No matter how I try to live my own way, problems keep finding me.

Over and over again.

Maybe I’m the perfect example of a demon in a dress. Except in my case, I met the same demon — just with a new dress and a different voice.

I smirked. Yeah, seems like adventure will never leave me alone.

I never started it first. I was summoned by Lirael, became Riven’s only friend, and even got blackmailed by two beasts.

Even Salazar once yawned at me — okay, that’s an exception.

Then I remembered the last thing she said:

"See you tomorrow, Atheron."

...

Yeah. I really do want to see you.

And that answered everything.

I have no doubts in my choice — because in you, I see someone equal to me.

I’m willing to go all the way just to see that smile on your—

I fell asleep.

———

The next morning. During break, Riven burst into my room. Same old glasses, same messy hair.

"A-Atheron!!" he sniffled. "I have something to tell yo-o-oou..."

He saw me talking with Salazar.

"Still pretending to be the cool guy? Try standing toe to toe with me first, then act tough!"

Salazar yawned, cutting me off.

"God. You’re exhausting. Think winning a tournament lets you mock me? Watch your tone, brat."

"Brat?! I should flatten you right now, you pampered princess!"

"Stop calling me that!"

I turned to Riven with an angry look.

"Who’s this now? Oh, just you, Riven."

Riven adjusted his round glasses.

"C-Can I talk to you outside for a minute?"

"Huh? Yeah, sure."

I grabbed my bag and stepped out.

"Bye-bye, princess. Don’t miss me too much."

"Damn it, Atheron! You asking for a fight?! Hey!"

Riven was surprised by how I’d started interacting with others.

The hallway was crowded. We walked through groups of students.

"Y-you know, lately I’ve been boosting my mana reserves..."

He held a spell tome in his hands.

"After reading tons of books, I found out that an open portal drains the caster’s mana over time — like a spell that costs mana the longer it stays active. I’ve been training all week."

"Is that so? Didn’t expect you to take your miracle portals so seriously. So, how’d it go?"

"A Miracle Portal? You’ve picked a good name, actually. Last time, I managed to keep a portal open for twenty minutes! Can you believe it?!"

He grinned from ear to ear. Proud little guy.

"Well done."

"S-so I thought... You told me before we’d travel together again, remember? Let’s open a portal today. See what lies beyond our world!"

A forbidden portal, leading into the unknown...

A world untouched by humankind. A realm filled with powerful beings whose energies send chills down your spine.

"Hell yeah! Count me in!"