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Chapter 22 - Chapter 22 : The Moment Arrives [ Before battle Royal ]

 Midnight – Sullivan Mansion

The mansion was silent, with only the occasional hoot of a night demon owl echoing in the distance. In Iruma's dimly lit bedroom, the boy lay fast asleep, his chest gently rising and falling. But above him, something stirred.

A faint glow pulsed from the Ring of Gluttony.

Ali-san floated above Iruma, arms crossed and brow furrowed in concentration. His usual snark was replaced by rare seriousness.

"Chakra's flowing... good. But it's still not magic. Tch. I can't convert what's not there... but I can amplify what I borrow."

He raised one hand, summoning a complex glyph circle that rotated above Iruma's chest. Threads of magic weaved into Iruma's body — not creating magic, but enhancing the bond between Ali and Iruma, allowing the ring to fuel him more efficiently.

"You're the only human here... but if we cheat the system just right, even a human can stand at the top of the Demon World."

The glow faded as Ali finished his work, the room returning to silence.

 Morning – Day Before The Battler Party

Iruma stretched and sat up, rubbing his eyes. A pulse of energy flowed through him.

It feels... lighter. Stronger. Did Ali-san do something while I was asleep?

He stood and walked over to the mirror. A familiar purple ripple passed through his eyes. With focus, he switched his Rinnegan on—then off again. Just like his Sharingan. Now, thanks to Sullivan's magic, he could toggle them both freely without exhausting himself.

But today wasn't about anything. Today was about the Battle royal—.

Iruma looked down at his casual pajamas.

...I can't wear this.

If he was going to attract votes and avoid suspicion—especially from demons who might notice his lack of wings—he needed something that spoke for him. Something... can hide my back.

He opened his closet and pulled out a cloak he had prepared the night before.

It was rugged and traveler-like—sand-colored, flowing, layered, fastened around the shoulders with aged metal clasps. Muted earth tones cloaked his body, giving him a seasoned wanderer's silhouette. His right arm was bandaged tightly, and a headband was tied around his forehead, covering Both eye's for effect.

A long, katana rested at his waist, the grip wrapped in tight black cloth. The blade was sealed, but it carried an ominous aura.

Iruma stared at himself in the mirror.

Yeah... this will do. I look like someone who's been through countless battles. A demon wouldn't question this.

Phone Call – Group

He picked up his phone and called Alice.

"Alice, are you ready?"

"Iruma-sama!" Alice practically shouted with joy. "Of course I am! I'm honored to fight beside you today."

Iruma smiled. "My grandpa's coming today... so I thought, maybe you could invite your family too? It's a good chance to show how much we've grown."

Alice gasped. "Yes! Yes! What a splendid idea! I will bring my mother immediately. And David. And my two younger cousins, Viole and Lily. They've never seen me fight before—I must demonstrate the power of an Asmodeus! That's worthy of your title."

Iruma laughed softly. "Great. I'm looking forward to meeting them."

With a few swipes, Iruma added Clara to the call.

"Clara, you awake?"

"I am nowww~!!" Clara shouted, her voice full of childlike excitement. "IRUMA-CHI! ARE WE GONNA FIGHT YET?! I MADE CONFETTI!"

Alice flinched. "Please lower your voice, Valac. It's early."

"Alice is being mean again~" Clara pouted. Iruma chuckled.

"Clara, we're inviting our families. Do you want to bring yours?"

"Yessss!! Mama, Ran Ran, Sin Sin, Konchie, Keebow—they're all coming! Mama made rice balls with spicy eyeballs in them! Want one??"

In the background, baby voices and squawking erupted from the Valac household. Alice sighed dramatically.

"Valac, please behave like a respectable demon today. We are representing the Misfit Class."

"Okay~! But only if Iruma chi says pleeeaaase!"

"Please, Clara," Iruma said with a smile, already used to her antics.

"Yayyyy! IRUMA-CHI IS THE BEST!!"

As the call ended, Iruma closed his phone and looked out his window at Babyls in the distance.

The battlefield awaited.

And with every piece in place—family, friends, magic, and determination—Iruma Suzuki was ready to stand tall in the Netherworld once more.

--

Asmodeus Residence – Morning

Inside a regal manor draped in soft velvets and glowing crystal lanterns, Alice stood tall and composed in front of his butler.

"David," he said firmly, tying his cravat with practiced elegance. "I will not be returning home for the next three days. Inform Mother that I request her presence at Babyls today. This is important."

David raised an eyebrow. "Understood, young master. Shall I inform her it's for a duel?"

"No," Alice replied, a soft glimmer in his eyes. "Tell her... I made a promise. A promise to Iruma-sama."

David smiled knowingly and bowed. "Then she will be there. And she will be very happy to see her son"

 Valac Household – Organized Chaos

Clara stood at the door in her usual chaotic flurry of mismatched socks and wild hair. But she couldn't move. Two of her siblings, Ran Ran and Sin Sin, were latched onto her legs like koalas.

"Waaah! Don't go, Claraaa!"

"We wanna come toooo!"

"I'll be back in three days! Promise!" she whined, trying to wiggle free, her arms full of plushies and rolled-up posters.

Mrs. Valac approached with a massive, overstuffed bag and a warm smile. "Snacks, toys, clean socks, and emergency glitter bombs. You'll survive."

She patted Clara's head fondly.

"We'll be there in thirty minutes. Now go be awesome."

"Yayy~!" Clara beamed, dragging her siblings with her like living slippers.

Sabnock  – Phone call

Inside a dark stone castle adorned with dragon statues and banners, Sabro Sabnock stood in front of a mirror, toothbrush in one hand and his Dethfone in the other.

On the screen was Silvia Sabnock, his stern older sister dressed in sleek armor and brushing her long hair.

"The Battler Party's tomorrow," she said. "I'll be there, but Father's too busy to attend. He's meeting with the Crimson Watch."

Sabro spat out his toothpaste, clearly unfazed.

"I don't care!" he barked, flexing in the mirror. "Let him stay in his tower if he's scared to witness my strength!"

"Will you stop yelling randomly—!" Silvia snapped. "Geez, you never change..."

Sabro's smirk widened.

"Come today instead. There'll be a Battle Royal. The fiercest students in Babyls will fight for pride and glory!"

Her eyes lit up. "A Battle Royal?! Who's your opponent?"

Sabro paused, then grinned.

"My rival."

Silvia raised a brow. "...Iruma Suzuki?"

"HMPH. The only one worthy to stand across from me."

 ---

 Babyls Arena – The Colosseum of Chaos

Thirty minutes later, the once-quiet academy had transformed into a thunderous colosseum, echoing with the chatter and anticipation of over 2000 demons. The auditorium's seats stretched in a perfect circle, with the battlefield sunken at the center — a wide, polished stone platform enchanted with magical reinforcement sigils. Floating above the arena were 19 crystal lenses, acting as live-view cameras:

[ 13 for each student, tracking their moves. ]

[ 1 above for an aerial view. ]

[ 1 from the front for dramatic close-ups. ]

[ 4 for public reaction. ]

Magic screens hovered high above, projecting every angle.

 Team Prep Zone – Behind the Curtain

Alice tightened the cuff of his sleeve, then looked to his side. His eyes widened slightly, impressed — and, frankly, starstruck.

"Iruma-sama... we're ready. And why are you in blindfold?"

Iruma stood calm and still, his silhouette cloaked in a wind-swept, desert-traveler style mantle. The layered cloak floated gently, as if alive with his resolve. Earthy, worn tones and a dark katana at his side made him look like a warrior from ancient tales. His right arm was wrapped in bandages, a headband tied above his brow, partially covering his Both eye's.

Clara stared at him with her usual boundless energy, then tilted her head.

"Iruma-chi~ Is it cold today? You look like a walking blanket!"

Iruma gave a rare laugh — quiet, reserved, almost like Sasuke's dry smirk.

"No, Clara & ALice. It's just battle-style... nothing more."

Spectator Room – Staff & Royalty Tier

Up above, in a glass-protected sky booth at the peak of the colosseum, sat the school's powerhouses:

Sullivan, calmly sipping tea.

Opera, arms crossed and ever-watchful.

Balam Shichiro, already sketching in a notebook.

Raim Sensei, posing dramatically with an exaggerated sigh, her tone dripping with flirtatious elegance:

"Ohoho~! I hope they make it spicy down there~"

And towering in his seat, arms folded, sat Dali Sensei.

 Family Corner – A Moment Before Battle

From the noble gallery, Asmodeus Amuryllis — Alice's mother — swept in, exuding regal grace. Without hesitation, she walked over and pulled her son into a powerful hug.

"Alice, my precious boy," she said, voice cracking from emotion, "I threw everything aside just to be here for this!"

Then she turned to Iruma, smiling with mature warmth.

"You must be Iruma. My son always speaks of you."

Without waiting for permission, she pressed a kiss gently to Iruma's forehead. "For good luck. Win."

Iruma, stunned, blinked.

Wait... she's one of the 13 Crown members?! Just like Grandpa?!

He stiffened slightly.Now man focus is this battle "...Understood."

--

 Student Audience – Friends & Supporters

Ameri Azazel quietly took her seat near the railing, pulling her cloak slightly closer. Her sharp gaze scanned the arena, then paused on Iruma.

Why does he look... so different today? and why is he blindfolded? she wondered.

Near the press corner, Eiko Oni — yellow-haired and determined — readied her camera. She had one goal:

"I'll capture every second of Iruma-sama's heroic moment!"

Next to her stood a tall, scaly girl with horns — Gaako, a Dragon beast folk-type demon.

"Tch. Hype all you want, but this'll be raw battle. Let's see who's got real claws."

--

Arena Center – The Moment Arrives

Dali walked up to the central floating platform, gripping the mic with his deep, booming voice.

"Students of Babyls."

The arena hushed.

"Today, we witness a trial of might, unity, and creativity. Two teams from the infamous Misfit Class will clash here in a Battle Royal! That was planned by our headmaster Lord Sullivan."

The crowd erupted in cheers.

"Introducing...!"

"TEAM DARK FEATHER!"

Magic spotlights lit up: Iruma, Asmodeus, Clara, Shax Lied, Elizabetta, Kamui, Purson — all stepping forward in formation.

"And TEAM GOLDEN FIGHTER!"

More lights: Sabnock Sabro, Kerori, Picero, Goemon, Jazz, Allocer — each with fierce determination.

"In front of 2000 demons... they must earn a minimum of 100 votes. Will they rise above or fall into shame?"

The crowd roared.

From opposite ends, Sabro cracked his knuckles, eyes locked onto Iruma.

"I'll crush you in front of everyone, Rival!"

Iruma smirked, a calm storm behind his eyes.

"Yeah... Try it."

Silvia is cheering her brother , "Go brother defeat them"

 

Kalego's Perspective – The Watchdog

From the sidelines, Professor Kalego stood silently, arms crossed, his usual deadpan face betraying just a flicker of inner irritation.

As the roaring crowd cheered, magical camera drones zoomed, and dramatic light spells flared in full force, he sighed deeply.

"Do they realize... this is a friendly match, not the coronation of the next Demon King?"

His eyes scanned over the extravagant stage, the crystal cameras, the floating platform, the crowd's feverish excitement... and then finally landed on Sullivan, who was waving joyfully from the VIP booth like a proud parent at a school play.

Kalego's eyebrow twitched.

"Tch… That chair-demon again. He must have invited half the Netherworld."

He muttered under his breath, voice just low enough to avoid being heard.

"Fools. All of them."

Still, despite himself, Kalego didn't move. He remained in place, watching the battleground intently, unwilling to admit he was at least a little curious how this madness would unfold.

 

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