Chapter 11: Hell's Dominion (11)
[Ms. Rias]: As some of you may know, we have a new student who will be going through a class transfer. For those who don't, you shall soon. You may come in now.
A gust of wind begins to blow through the classroom as the door opens. Amidst the strong gust emerged a beautiful girl with silky purple hair and eyes that oozed the depths of purgatory, surrounded by an aura of shadows.
[Ms. Rias]: Let me introduce you all to Ms. Hela Augustus.
The classroom falls silent for a second, then erupts into awe as everyone gazes at Hela's beauty.
[Hela] (Smiling): Good morning, everyone. It's a pleasure to meet you all. I hope we can get along and become friends.
Everyone in the classroom begins to cheer for Hela—everyone except for two people: Kaiser and Alice, who had both just witnessed something rather shocking.
[Both]: Huh? Did she wink at me again?
[Ms. Rias]: Alright, everyone, back in your seats. Ms. Hela, you may take your seat next to Mr. Kaiser and Michael.
[Hela]: Yes, Ms. Rias.
As soon as Kaiser heard that, his heart began to pound at an incredible rate as he thought to himself:
[Kaiser] (Thinking): Huh? Next to me? Ms. Rias, you can't be serious. How could you sit her next to me?
While Kaiser was panicking, Hela had already taken her place next to him—and decided to make her move in her game of 4D chess.
[Hela]: Hello. I'm sure you already know my name, but I'm Hela Augustus. I figured that since we're going to be classmates for the rest of the year, we might as well get acquainted. So, what's your name?
Her words were smooth like the wind, carrying a certain potency that seemed to momentarily cloud Kaiser's judgment. He answered without realizing the situation he was in.
[Kaiser]: Oh hey—uh, yeah, you're right. Nice to meet you, my name is Kai—
Before Kaiser could even finish his sentence, a powerful force halted his words with overwhelming strength.
[Kaijin]: Stop. Do not answer her truthfully!
[Kaiser] (Mind): Huh? What, Kaijin?! Why shouldn't I answer her? And why have you been silent all this time?
Silence falls, as the eldritch creature recedes back into a deep slumber.
[Kaiser] (Mind): Hello? Helloo?! Where the hell did he go? And why doesn't he want me to answer her truthfully? Did he sense something amiss with her?
While Kaiser was deep in thought, Hela wondered to herself, "Could he be on to me?" but quickly dismissed the idea. There was no way he could know her true intentions.
[Hela]: Hey, are you in there? I hope I didn't ask a weird question.
At that moment, Kaiser snapped back to his senses and decided to give her an answer.
[Kaiser]: Oh yeah—uh, my name is Kaijin. It's nice to meet you too.
[Hela]: Oh, I see. Well, Kaijin, I hope we can become really good friends.
[Kaiser]: Likewise.
At that same moment, only two people overheard their conversation: Michael and Alice, both shocked that Kaiser would lie about his real name.
[Michael] (Whispering): Psst… psst… Kaiser.
[Kaiser]: Huh? What do you want, Michael?
[Michael] (Whispering): Why did you lie to Hela about your name?
[Kaiser] (Whispering): It's kind of a lot to explain right now. Remind me to tell you later. And while you're at it, remind me too—
[Alice]: Hmph. If you two idiots could wrap up your little chat, I can't focus on the lesson.
[Kaiser]: Oh yes, of course, your highness.
[Alice] (Thinking): Good. That should keep them from saying too much for now. I'm not sure why I have a bad feeling about this girl, but clearly, I'm not the only one—if Kaiser would go so far as to lie about his name.
As Alice finishes her thought, Hela sends her a sharp glare filled with evil intent, which Alice picks up on immediately. If she were to describe it, she'd say:
"It felt as if a monster of immeasurable magnitude was standing before me, warning me not to get involved."
[Ms. Rias]: Thank you, Ms. Alice. Now, back to the lesson. For those unaware of what today's lesson is about, let me refresh your memory. Today's lesson is on Magic Refinement—or Mana Refinement, depending on where you're from.
[Ms. Rias]: This is the concept of re-fortifying one's magical abilities by strengthening the magic one already has, instead of trying to increase it. The idea is that, after a certain point, expanding one's magical reserves becomes increasingly difficult—but Magic Refinement allows one to continue growing stronger beyond that limit.
[Ms. Rias]: However, I believe it's more effective to show rather than tell. That's why I've brought in a third-year student to give you a visual demonstration.
As soon as Ms. Rias says this, a man in a sharp school uniform walks in. His aura is so intense that everyone in the classroom feels as if they're being crushed by two thousand pounds—everyone except Hela and Kaiser. The man notices and takes note.
[Albert Kreg]: Hello, everyone. It's a pleasure to meet all the brand-new faces of this school. My name is Albert Kreg, and as Ms. Rias mentioned, I'll be demonstrating Magic Refinement. Before I begin—does anyone have any questions?
[Kaiser]: Uh, yes. I have a question. If Magic Refinement is the act of refining one's magic, then how do you physically show that process?
[Albert] (Thinking): Oh? This one's got a good head on his shoulders.
[Albert]: That's a very good question. It's easier to show you than to explain.
Albert raises his hand into the air and begins casting a spell.
Ifrit's Flame: Fireball.
A ball of fire begins to slowly form from nothingness, responding to Albert's will.
[Albert]: As you can see, this is a basic fireball. It's decent in its current form—but it can be improved.
With a sharp focus, Albert's entire demeanor shifts. The fireball begins to change shape, going from a loose, flickering flame to a far more stable and condensed form. Its light and heat intensify, and the size increases as well.