Raizel sat lazily in the academy courtyard, his legs stretched out in front of him as the sun cast soft golden rays over the marble floor. Students passed by in the distance, their chatter a low hum beneath the rustling breeze. He leaned back against a cool stone pillar, closing his eyes. He wasn't sleeping—he never truly slept—but this was close enough.
"Mind if I sit?"
Raizel's crimson eyes slid open. Lucien stood before him, his golden eyes gleaming beneath the sunlight. His smile was calm and poised, the kind of smile that hid daggers beneath silk.
"Do whatever you want," Raizel said with a shrug.
Lucien settled gracefully beside him, leaning back with a casual elegance that only a god could naturally possess.
For a moment, neither of them spoke. The air between them felt sharp and thin, as though they were both waiting for the other to strike first.
"You're different," Lucien said after a while, his eyes narrowing slightly. "The way you carry yourself… it's not like the others."
Raizel's gaze remained fixed on the sky, but his smirk curled faintly. "What can I say? I'm special."
Lucien chuckled, but his eyes never left Raizel's face. "Most people would be nervous about the tournament. And yet you sit here as though none of it matters."
"Because it doesn't," Raizel replied, voice low and calm.
Lucien tilted his head. "Is that confidence or arrogance?"
"Does it matter?"
Lucien's smile sharpened. "I suppose not. Either way… I'll enjoy watching you."
A flicker of golden light danced in Lucien's irises, a thin pulse of divine energy. He was probing—testing the edges of Raizel's mind.
Raizel's gaze darkened. His smile didn't fade, but his eyes glinted dangerously.
"Careful, Lucien," he murmured. "You might not like what's inside."
Lucien's smile didn't falter, but Raizel could see the faint tension in his jawline as he withdrew his probing energy.
Lucien rose to his feet, brushing his sleeve delicately. "We'll see how special you really are soon enough."
Raizel watched him walk away, his smile returning as Lucien's golden gaze lingered over his shoulder for a final, knowing glance before disappearing around the corner.
"Amateur."
Later that evening, Raizel sat in his dorm room, legs crossed beneath him on the windowsill as the last light of day bled out into the horizon. His long, dark hair fell over his shoulder as he leaned his head back, basking in the quiet.
The door creaked open.
"Dante."
Dante poked his head into the room, his silver hair messy as usual, his violet eyes bright despite the dim light.
"You awake?"
Raizel's eyes slid toward him. "Obviously."
Dante walked inside and sat cross-legged on the floor, leaning his back against the wall. His playful smile dimmed slightly, his eyes wandering toward the floor.
Raizel narrowed his eyes. "You're being suspiciously quiet."
Dante sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "I was just thinking about the tournament."
"You?" Raizel smirked. "Worried?"
"Not about the fighting part." Dante bit his lip. "It's just… the whole thing with gods and demons and hell."
Raizel's smile thinned. "What about it?"
Dante hesitated, his gaze darkening. "I… hate monsters." His hands curled into fists on his lap. "I know the gods say demons are the worst of them all—mindless killers who would tear us apart if given the chance."
Raizel's smirk disappeared completely.
"And Hell…" Dante's voice softened. "If you die and end up there, it's over, right? Eternal suffering."
Raizel's gaze darkened. He sat very still, feeling a subtle heaviness in his chest.
"I don't want to go to Hell," Dante admitted. His voice was small now, the playful tone gone. "And… I don't want you to end up there either."
Raizel's crimson eyes flashed dangerously, but Dante wasn't looking at him anymore.
"I like the gods," Dante added quietly. "They've protected humanity from demons for centuries. If I die, I hope I'll end up with them."
Raizel's jaw tightened. He exhaled slowly through his nose, forcing the tension from his body.
It's not his fault.
He doesn't know.
He can't know.
Raizel's expression softened. He leaned forward slightly, his voice low and smooth.
"You're not going to Hell, Dante."
Dante looked up, a flicker of relief in his violet eyes.
Raizel's gaze remained steady. "And even if you did…" His smile sharpened slightly. "I'm sure you'd survive just fine."
Dante smiled weakly. "You really think so?"
Raizel's eyes softened. "I know so."
Dante chuckled. "I guess it's good to have a strong roommate, huh?"
Raizel's gaze lowered, his smile faint but genuine. "Yeah… something like that."
Outside the door…
"Master is so cool…"
Raizel's gaze snapped toward the door.
Dante's eyes widened. "Wait… is that—?"
The door burst open, and Orion stumbled in, crouched low with his ear pressed against the wood. His golden hair was messy, and his face was twisted into an exaggerated expression of awe.
"I can't believe I got to hear that!" Orion grinned. "Master, I always knew you were powerful, but you're so wise too! Protecting your weak human roommate? Incredible!"
Dante's face darkened. "I'm not weak."
"Of course not!" Orion clapped him on the back so hard that Dante nearly fell over. "You'll definitely survive Hell! If Master says it, it must be true!"
"Stop calling him 'Master,' you freak!" Dante growled, trying to shove Orion away.
Orion didn't budge. "What else do you know about Hell, Master? Have you been there before?"
Raizel's eyes flashed dangerously. His smile turned sharp. "Orion."
Orion froze.
Raizel's crimson gaze cut through the room like a blade. "If you want to keep that tongue, I'd suggest you stop talking."
Orion stiffened, straightening to his full height. "Y-Yes, Master!"
Dante scowled. "Why are you even here?"
"I was just checking in on Master! I'm part of his future elite guard, after all."
Raizel's eyebrow twitched. "Future what?"
"You don't have to answer now," Orion said confidently. "I know you'll accept me eventually!"
Raizel's gaze sharpened. "Don't count on it."
Dante groaned. "Can you both leave? I'd like to sleep sometime tonight."
Orion winked. "Good night, Master!"
Raizel closed his eyes, sighing as Orion disappeared down the hall, his footsteps echoing behind him.
Dante shook his head. "I can't believe you're stuck with him."
Raizel's smile returned. "Neither can I."
Later that night…
Raizel lay awake on his bed, staring at the ceiling.
"I like the gods."
"I hate monsters."
A dull ache settled in his chest. He couldn't tell Dante the truth—not yet. If Dante ever learned that the one he trusted most was a demon lord from Hell itself…
Raizel's gaze darkened.
"It's better this way."
Even so…
Raizel's eyes softened.
"You're not going to Hell, Dante."
He'd make sure of it.