NOVPUBKira Astra, the Devil Ranger.
The most powerful "human" Ranger to ever walk the Valdorian continent, an ultimate protector of mankind.
Of course, that was what humanity thought.
But the truth ran deeper than anyone dared to imagine.
Kira wasn't human at all—she was a demon.
One who had once wanted to prove humanity wrong.
After all, humans had always called her kind monsters, labeling demons as evil incarnate, cursed from birth.
But Kira had once believed otherwise.
In her early years, she was kind-hearted, even hopeful.
She sought to bridge the gap between races, to show that even a demon could possess compassion, loyalty, even love.
But no matter how many good deeds she did, no matter how gentle her words or selfless her actions, humanity spat back only hatred.
They called her evil, treated her like trash, and never gave her a chance.
Kira accepted what they branded her.
And so, if the humans wanted a devil, she would become one.
Luka sighed, his thoughts heavy as he watched her walk behind her desk.
'It's a shame,' he thought.
'When the world insists you're the villain, even the kindest soul can stop fighting it.'
Though Luka sighed inwardly, he couldn't help the slight smirk tugging at the corner of his lips as he stared at her—particularly at certain spots.
Places where her massive demon tail should've been, or the sleek curve where her horns would sprout from her head.
Both were cleverly concealed by a skill, but Luka could imagine the truth beneath the illusion.
After all, he had seen her true form in the game.
When the player exposed her for being a demon, instead of fleeing, she chooses to unleash chaos and bring death to as many humans as possible before being killed.
Kira, picking up a set of clothes, paused mid-motion. "Hmm~?" Her crimson eyes flicked toward her student, narrowing ever so slightly.
'Is this human some kind of pervert? I expected more from a so-called genius… then again; he is a male,' she thought with a mental shrug.
Without a word, she walked over and held out what she had.
"Here. Put this on—we're heading out. I don't care for verbal lessons."
Luka stood and took the clothes with a respectful nod. "That sounds good to me, Miss Astra. I'll be in your care."
Her frown curled into a sadistic smile. "Good, good. Be prepared. My classes can be a little... hurtful."
She fought the primal urge to lick her lips, hiding the tip of a long, serpentine tongue behind her teeth as she turned away.
"That's fine by me."
Without another word, Luka stepped toward the door.
Serene followed closely behind. As they exited, she reached for the door and slid it closed.
On the inside, Kira remained still for a moment.
Then, slowly, she bit her finger, drawing a thin trail of blood as her eyes began to glow with an ominous red light.
"Ahh~ I can't wait to break him," she whispered to herself, voice cold and dripping with hunger.
"To see such a genius… beg for mercy~. It'll be incredible~."
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"Young Master…" Serene finally broke the silence, her voice soft but uneasy as she kept glancing over her shoulder, a tight knot forming in her stomach.
"Yes?" Luka replied without much care, not even turning around as he tapped the air while heading toward the changing room.
"I don't mean to sound rude, but… your teacher, Miss Astra… she gives me a really bad feeling. I can't explain it, she just… doesn't seem human."
'Well, she isn't,' Luka thought, chuckling inwardly.
He kept his expression neutral as he answered, "Everything is fine. She's just a very unique person, that's all."
He had no intention of revealing the truth to his personal maid—not yet.
She was loyal, but some things were better left hidden.
Especially when he had plans for the infamous Devil Ranger.
Plans that could change the entire course of the game.
'If I can make her an ally, I'll have full access to the Fallen Continent—the Demon Continent. A land locked away until much later in the game. If I get there first, I can steal every opportunity from the main character before he even gets close.'
Such a thought alone made Luka grin darkly, a quiet, sinister laugh slipping out as he handed over Snow before stepping into the changing room, the door closing behind him with a soft click.
Outside, Serene stood awkwardly, frowning to herself, as she itched the baby dragon on the head.
"What was the Young Master laughing about…?" she mumbled, letting out a small sigh.
The feeling in her gut hadn't gone away.
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"I'm back, Teacher! Let's get started already!"
The door to the classroom slid open with a loud creak as Luka strode in confidently, wearing the Academy's uniform.
His hands were clasped behind his back, posture straight, smile wide.
Serene followed behind, as usual, silent as a shadow, quietly closing the door before stepping off to the side.
Kira didn't immediately respond.
She stood by the window, one leg crossed over the other, holding her longbow loosely in one hand as she peered outside.
Her fingers moved, mimicking the motions of nocking an arrow and drawing back the string.
Her lips moved silently, and if one listened closely, they'd hear the steady rhythm of her thoughts:
'Hit. Hit. Hit. Hit.'
Each imaginary shot landed on a student.
Only when Kira felt bored did she turn her head, lowering her bow, placing it around her back.
"Since you're in such a rush to learn…" she said, stretching her arms above her head, back cracking lightly, "we're heading straight into a dungeon."
Luka's black eyes lit up at once, the eager glint of a gamer shining through.
He clasped his hands together like a man about to receive a blessing from the heavens.
"A real dungeon?" he asked, hope flooding his voice.
He wanted XP.
Badly.
He could already feel the dopamine hit of level-ups.
"Indeed." Kira nodded casually.
'Now, human,' she thought, 'how will you react to that?'
She fully expected him to backpedal, make an excuse, or at the very least hesitate.
Most students—even the brave ones—froze when faced with actual danger.
And Kira was looking forward to that moment of doubt in his eyes.
