Renji Kurogane sat on the edge of the creaky bed, staring at the cracked ceiling of his dingy room.
The reality was sinking in harder with every second.
He was broke. Nameless. Weak. And he had exactly 10 years to become the Devil Lord or die the same pathetic death again.
He rubbed his face and spoke into the empty room.
"System."
[Yes, Host?]
"Be honest for once. How am I supposed to climb from this level of pathetic to Devil Lord in 10 years? I need money, influence, and power. Fast."
The System paused for a moment, as if savoring his desperation, then answered with clear amusement.
[Very well. Since you're asking nicely for once, I'll give you the realistic paths available to a zero like you in Devil Academy.]
[First — Gambling.]
High risk, high reward. Many noble students love to bet large sums on cards, dice, and "Devil's Bluff." You can use your meta-knowledge of probability, combined with your Minor Flame Manipulation to subtly mark cards or warm dice. But if you get caught cheating, you'll be labeled a fraud and targeted by stronger students. Success here depends on intelligence and nerves.
[Second — Duels and Challenges.]
Devil Academy respects raw strength and dominance. You can challenge others or accept challenges. Winners earn coins, reputation, and sometimes even "favor" rights over the loser. However, with your current Strength 8, you will get crushed in direct combat. You need to be smart — choose weak opponents or use tricks.
[Third — Schemes and Information.]
This is where your real advantage lies. You know the future events of the Hero route that no one in Devil Academy should know. You can sell valuable information, create debts, manipulate rivalries between noble factions, or blackmail students with secrets. This path suits your sarcastic, scheming personality the most. But one wrong move and you'll make powerful enemies.
The System's tone turned mocking.
[Of course, you could also just focus on seducing girls and hope your dick carries you to victory. Many have tried. Most died disappointed and broke.]
Renji let out a bitter laugh.
"So basically cheat at cards, fight people stronger than me, or become a snake. Wonderful options."
[Welcome to Devil Academy, Host. Here, the weak are food and the clever are predators. Choose wisely… or don't. I enjoy watching you struggle.]
Renji stood up, his expression hardening into a sharp, dangerous smirk.
"Fine. I'll start with gambling and information. Then move to duels when I'm not completely useless."
He walked toward the door, muttering under his breath.
"Let's see how long it takes before someone tries to step on me."
As he stepped into the corridor, the oppressive atmosphere hit him immediately.
The corridors were grand yet suffocating — black marble floors, crimson banners, and the faint smell of sulfur and old blood. Students walked past him with arrogant confidence.
Some had small curved horns and faint red scales on their cheeks, others looked almost fully human but carried a dark, oppressive aura. A few had glowing eyes, bat-like wings folded behind their backs, or tails that flicked impatiently. Noble crests adorned their high-quality uniforms.
Renji looked down at his own faded, cheap uniform and muttered, "From hero to background NPC in one death. Nice."
[Accurate,] the System replied. [Current social status: Less than dirt.]
As he turned a corner, trouble found him fast.
A tall, silver-haired student with prominent obsidian horns and a glowing Count family crest blocked the hallway. Two lackeys flanked him.
The noble looked Renji up and down with pure contempt.
"Move aside, you filthy peasant. Your mere presence is staining the floor."
Renji kept his voice calm. "Peasant? That's creative. I prefer 'budget student,' but sure."
The Count's face twisted. He stepped forward and shoved Renji violently against the wall, hard enough to knock the breath out of him.
"You dare talk back to me, you nameless worm? Do you even have a family name? Or are you just another gutter rat they let in this year?"
The crowd quickly gathered, laughing.
Renji felt rage burning inside, but he knew he was too weak.
He forced a sarcastic smile.
"My apologies, young master. I didn't realize the hallway belonged to your noble asshole."
The Count raised his hand to slap Renji across the face.
At that exact moment, Renji subtly activated Minor Flame Manipulation. A tiny spark landed on the hem of the Count's expensive cloak.
The noble didn't notice at first.
Renji stepped aside politely. "Please, continue on your important noble business. I'll stay out of your majestic path."
As the Count stormed off, smoke rose from his cloak.
Seconds later, flames erupted.
"MY CLOAK! WHAT THE HELL—?! PUT IT OUT!"
The noble panicked, screaming and slapping at the flames while the crowd laughed.
Renji watched coldly from the side.
[Not bad for a Strength 8 peasant,] the System commented. [But don't get cocky. That was barely a spark.]
Renji whispered, voice low and sharp.
"One spark at a time."
He turned and walked away, eyes gleaming with dangerous intent.
This academy wanted to break him.
He was going to burn it from the inside.