The Chrono-icle

[Altair's notes]

Cori has recently been extremely rude but expressive, she seems to have no plans of betray or harming anyone in this household but still holds animosity. It is to be expected from a demon, she is likely putting up a personality and lying in order to not die. We have already threatened to execute her before which seems to have made her more docile. We will try to further our efforts for rehabilitating Cori but this has never happened to a demon, she seems promising enough to not commit suicide the second we captured her. There is a problem with demons, if she kills herself, there is no way of knowing whether she is dead or not, the body of the demon disintegrates into magic dust which blows away immediately upon death. We must make sure to keep a balance in maintaining this docile state and being nice enough that she doesn't commit suicide. She is one of the first demons to ever have amnesia in a case like this, she is also likely the last demon. The elf is right, we must not waste this chance. The case has become big enough for my father to take interest in it. He arranged a dinner and invited Cori over as a guest of interest to him, it was to honor the knights and to meet Cori of course, but I have a bad feeling about this. Cori's impulses may lead her to ruining the whole thing, this would be extremely embarrassing of course. Luckily, I have made Bella and Brigg lecture Cori about manners and some geography before this, hopefully it will go well enough…

[Voice]

Aquilla: Come on! Eat up, you look like you have been starved in a cage for days!

Cori: I technically have been.

Brigg sets a plate in front of Cori, he makes a small smile as he does. It was a slab of raw meat, of some kind of animal, what type of meat is unknown.

Aquilla: Oh my, looks like the special dish I prepared for you has arrived, you wouldn't want to decline a small gift from someone such as me, right?

Cori: You're saying that to get me to eat it, why can I only eat meat, yet I don't like it.

Cori doesn't like meat, she thinks living things are disgusting and eating them would spread the filth to her, due to that, she has the idea that she should just eat vegetables or fruits, seeing them as slightly more pure than the dead flesh of living beings.

Aquilla: You're a vegetarian? A demon as a vegetarian? 

Aquilla laughs out loud, he seems to be leaning toward Altair to get him to laugh also, Altair sits still, despite his plate being in front of him, he doesn't bother getting any food. He was frozen in embarrassment, mostly caused by Cori's antics.

Cori: Why are you laughing? What's so fun?

Aquilla: I thought you would be more thankful, I felt like some human and animal meat would entice you.

Cori: Wait human meat?

Cori didn't want to know where this circus ringleader lookalike got human meat from.

Aquilla: It is fresh after all, trade secret where I got it.

Brigg was snickering as he carried in more of the food, he seemed amused at whatever Cori was doing.

Altair: Why, thank you… Brigg…

Brigg: No need to thank me, master!

He winks as he walks away.

Altair: Cori, may you talk more formally to the master of this manor? You're making a mockery out of him, not a hint of politeness.

Cori: Yeah, right. I don't really know how to speak rich people language though.

Altair had a red face, he was clearly uncomfortable, his knees were shaking in his chair. He felt as if his father would snap at any moment and nuke the entire room.

Aquilla: Tune it down, Altair, this is a demon we're talking to, it doesn't know how to be an upstanding member of society, think of it like raising a toddler, it won't know how to pay taxes or find a job immediately. 

Altair: Makes sense.

Aquilla fills his plate up with an assortment of wrapped foods, they seem to be filled with vegetables like lettuce and cucumbers with some cooked meat in them. A greenish sauce seemed to coat some of the ingredients within. 

Aquilla: These wraps are my favorite, why don't you give them a try, Altair? You don't seem to be eating. I may be your father but I cannot feed you any longer.

Altair: I'll pass, I would rather eat something over there.

He points to some skewers that the knight at the other end of the table was eating, he seemed to be gorging on two at a time, he seemed to really like them, some sort of glazed meat and onions were on the skewer, a pile of sticks was growing on his plate as he ate them. Altair attempts to get up but Aquilla suddenly snaps his fingers, the plate of skewer instantly teleported across the table, the knight at the other end seems surprised and upset at the fact that his meal was taken away.

Aquilla: Here you are, my son. Never knew you liked these!

Altair: I thank you, father, but I want to try more dishes over there if I can? 

Aquilla: I will respect your wishes, go on.

Altair bolts to the other side of the table as fast as he can, sitting with the rest of the guests, Edda smiled at Altair as he rushed past but had some of the soup blow out of the bowl from the speed as Altair ran, Alshin was busy devouring masses of sandwiches that Brigg gave him. Aquilla suddenly sighs as Altair sits next to the knight who was previously eating skewers.

Aquilla: I don't know if I should be saying this to a demon, but I feel like my son doesn't really get along with me, he acts like he's my servant. I never really got why.

Cori doesn't respond, with Altair gone, she suddenly feels a nervousness around Aquilla, she just decides to stare blankly at the plate of meat before her. 

Cori: *This place is full of insane people*

Cori suddenly realizes her situation, she is sitting next to a man who apparently has human meat stored somewhere. Clearly, most people here were weirdos or insane. Meanwhile Aquilla notices her silence.

Aquilla: Ah, I apologize, you didn't really want to hear personal stuff? That's fine.

Cori: Yeah, right.

Aquilla: I don't really know how to talk to demons, this is an interesting experience indeed, but a bit awkward.

Cori: If demons are so bad, I don't think you should talk to them, I would rather you talk to your own son, I'm not in the mood to have any conversation.

Cori tried her best not to come off as rude, despite that, she sounded like a complete jerk. Cori didn't know what was right and wrong so her reply sounded normal to her. This was mostly supposed to distance herself from Aquilla.

Aquilla: Hm, interesting advice. Well, if you insist, I'll take it, after all, you seem pretty shy, I'll leave you here for a moment.

Aquilla gets up and joins the rest of the guests at the other side of the table, much to Altair's dismay.

Cori: Damn… It actually worked? I guess things are finally going my way, after all, I haven't died. Even if this is weird, it's a major improvement from the city and that village.

Cori's stomach suddenly growls.

Cori: I really am hungry, they were right about that.

Cori reaches out for the skewers on the plate and takes a bite.

Cori: Altair was right, this is worth trying, not bad.

She suddenly gags, she forgot the onions that were also on the skewer, how weak was her tolerance for vegetables? Was it this extreme for demons? She gasps, trying not to puke at the dinner table but it came anyway. At least it wasn't very much… Brigg saw the whole thing happen while carrying a tray past Cori, he giggles as he does so. 

Cori: What are you laughing at?

Brigg; Your stupidity, maybe I should have taught you that demons are carnivores, but I have never seen one's stomach hate vegetables this much, but the elf did say you were special.

Cori: Screw off…

Brigg: Hehe, someone could poison you with hidden vegetables if you can't tolerate onion pieces on a skewer. It's normal for a demon to get sick over vegetables but this level of sickness? 

Unseen.

Brigg walks off with the plate, it was covered so Cori couldn't tell what it was, it didn't matter anyway though since the only thing Cori could eat was right in front of her, the mixed meats. 

Cori: *Sigh* Here goes nothing…

Cori picks up a chunk of it, and shoves it in her mouth, despite it supposedly being raw and tasteless, it was surprisingly good, but not flavorful. It felt relieving and satisfying to eat it, as if she took some type of wonder drug that cured depression. 

Cori: Well, it seems like my body likes it. It seems to replenish my energy and mood… The power of eating humans.

Cori was starting to enjoy eating the meat, as if she was getting addicted to some sort of substance, before long, she had devoured half the plate.

Cori: Maybe eating meat isn't that bad. I think they included meat from some animals so I wouldn't get addicted to eating human meat as much… Animal meat isn't as good, I wouldn't blame other demons if they ate humans.

Cori looked over to the other side of the table, all of them seemed to be happy, either an act to please Aquilla or genuine happiness. Alshin was back on his magic device after finishing his sandwiches, Edda was wiping off some of the soup that Altair had spilled, it was a green mixture, the color of nature which you would assume every elf loved. 

Cori: They all seem happy, but I don't get it, why would they be happy when a creepy clown dude is around them… Maybe that's the way I should act? Be happy in front of creepy people? I'll try to put up with that.

Cori didn't understand the concept of why people are happy or what the emotion of happiness conveyed. She could only express happiness subconsciously. Cori decides to keep a creepy smile on her face, showing rows of sharp fangs in her mouth. It was obviously disingenuous, almost everyone could tell it was a forced smile, especially Edda who smiled at Cori.

Cori: It seems to work pretending to be happy, that elf is being happy back at me I suppose. It's weird why people act happy around other happy people… I saw that back in the city where two people would be happy next to one another, one male and one female, that mostly seems to be the case… I will need to study up on that later. Why is it that male and females are happy around each other while walking in public… Other cases are the shop vendors being happy while waving to people, but the rest are individual cases which were more rare than the two person one.

Cori had seen people happy but had never once thought of it before, she didn't understand the concept, just that someone being happy means you did something right or they got what they want.

Cori: Never mind that… Back to eating I guess.

Cori was extremely picky with the food though, she seemed to recognize the human portions and picked them out, she couldn't resist eating meat at this point due to how hungry she was. Brigg suddenly comes over.

Brigg: Ohhh! Picky eat we have here, want me to clean that up?

He points to the small puddle of puke that Cori had coughed up earlier. Why hadn't he done that earlier?

Cori: About time, just hurry up… 

Cori doesn't even look at Brigg while talking to him.

Brigg: Alright, right away!

Cori: How are you supposed to clean that without any tools though? 

Cori looks back at Brigg, he is gone from the room, where did he go? The puddle of barf on the floor was also cleaned, as if Brigg and the puke were never there. 

Cori: I-I swear I'm not insane, right? I remember I threw up and Brigg was also behind me…

Cori decides to leave it at that, not thinking too much about it. She went back to eating. Little did she know, Brigg was actually there, he had cleaned up the mess so quickly, Cori hadn't noticed. Eventually, the event concluded, everyone started heading out Cori was still at the table trying to pry for a bit more meat. Eventually, it was only Altair and Cori left.

Altair: You're such a picky eater, just eat the rest already if you're still hungry.

Cori: I'm not hungry for more food, I want more of that special meat.

Altair: I wish I never suggested that… Why did it go through…

Cori: Hey, it isn't a bad thing, I'm not starving anymore at least.

Altair: Forget about the human meat we put in there, it's just the juices and aroma that are left.

Cori: Why should I trust you on that? You're the one who has apparent human meat lying around in your fridge.

Altair: It's for other purposes, it is something produced that is not directly taken from humans, but is biosynthesized, it was going to be used for bait but we instead gave it to you, you can't have too much since it has a multitude of drugs in there, but the effects shouldn't affect you in small doses. You seem to be affected by the addiction side of it.

Cori: That's cruel! Why would you make hard drugs for demons! At least kill them with a sword or something! You will pay for your cruelty! I will found the demon rights organization and send my people upon you!

Altair: You're probably drunk now… This is why we put regular food on there also, to balance it out… Unfortunately, you ate none.

Altair thinks about demon rights, could demons really have rights? It is like giving wild lions the freedom to ride train carts and buy groceries. 

Altair: Cannot believe I have to do this… How weak is your immune system? It is only .8% drugs… I specifically chose this one since it has the least concentration. 

Cori: I will be a saint! Hahahahha! 

Altair places his hand on the back of Cori's neck and channels magic, it was a detoxification spell, golden roots seem to spread throughout Cori's veins and she eventually was completely detoxified. There were side effects though, a small burn mark was left there and Cori was now screaming in pain.

Cori: AH! What the hell is wrong with you!

Altair: You should be thankful, you could have done something stupid.

Cori: You also should have told me there were drugs in this meat! I have lost my appetite.

Altair: Let's go, I want to have a word with you.

Altair grabs Cori's hand and leads her back through the hallways to Cori's room.

Cori: Do you really have to babysit me? I can go back here myself!

Altair: That is obviously a lie, you just don't want to be around me, right?

Cori: How do you know?

Altair points at his eye.

Altair: You would look like a lost child wandering these halls.

Cori: Is the child part because of my height?

Cori is indeed short for her age. Altair laughed at this comment.

Altair: Probably, you seem pretty insecure. You seem to worry a lot about your height, even if you're short, you can still look like a grandma with that white hair of yours. So you won't look too young.

Cori: No I am not! I am not a grandma! I am not insecure! Lies!

Cori starts pouting, she acts like a complete child despite being over 20 years old.

Altair: Never mind that, I wanted to say thanks to you, I never imagined I would say this, ever… Especially to a demon.

Cori: Why thank me? What did I do exactly? I didn't pay you money, I didn't save you from danger, I didn't buy you gifts…

Altair: You indirectly helped me, it's still proper to thank someone. You have a narrow way of thinking, it is natural for us to be happy if we make other people happy, but I expected no less than that response.

Cori: I still have no idea what I did. I only know that you thank someone if they pay you money or something, it's all worthless chatter, why do people thank each other? It's a waste of words.

Altair: You'll learn it when the time comes.

Cori: What were you thanking me for again? Maybe I'll change my mind and act happy if the reason is valid.

Altair: Well, you somehow talked my dad into meeting up with me, he usually talks to everyone else but me for some reason, but you got him to talk to me. I have no idea how…

Cori: Really? So much for your bad relations with him.

Altair: I was nervous at first but you did me a huge favor. Despite being a nuisance at first, your personality somehow shifted my dad's demeanor. He was more willing to talk to us after spending some time with you, but I don't know why yet. But you deserve something for this, meet me up early in the morning, I want to give you a little gift. I will have to go to a hero selection opening ceremony so I only have time in the morning. 

Cori: Will I be able to go? I want to see the hero selection opening, it sounds like fun.

Cori was thinking about the food there, she hoped they would have some luxurious things she would eat. Her mind spun with images of what the ceremony would look like, golden hallways with diamond chandeliers hanging from the roof, giant statues made of solid silver, even pillars of those valuable magic crystals Brigg told her about. Many combinations of riches and fanciness flashed in her eyes, you can even see them start to sparkle.

Altair: Unfortunately no, I don't think you are ready yet, your attitude presented at the dinner is ok in this house but not at the hero selection opening. This is an extremely important time of my life. The opening is where every hero introduces themselves and what they would do for the country. If you come, you may give me bad press which will ruin my chances.

Cori: What? Why? Come on! I could get a far away view of the selection! I won't interfere!

Altair: If people see that I have a demon under my care, they would immediately have a bad impression of me. They would think of me as an enemy to humanity, I already have a bad reputation.

Cori: Enemy to humanity? Also, I never thought a nice guy like you would get in trouble.

Altair: I have been using a lot of magic to conceal my true form, it's about my race.

Cori: This country really dislikes non humans I guess…

Altair: Not quite, it's just specific ones, especially ones marked as sinners.

Cori: I guess I'm unlucky being born a demon.

Altair: This is why I want to become a hero, heroes have great influence over this country, I want to spread the word of equal opportunity and spread freedom.

Cori: What a noble cause, I will support you, it's not like you can kill me in an instant.

Altair: You don't need to, I understand that you are a demon, the feeling toward my cause isn't genuine and it's merely transactional, it can damage it.

Cori: Just to make sure, I have no chance of coming to the opening ceremony?

Altair: No chance.

Cori: *sigh* I'll go to my room then.

Altair escorts Cori into her room, Cori was surprisingly not tired, a contradiction to her feeling miserable a couple of hours ago. It was either from the meat and the thought of the hero selection opening ceremony. She tossed and turned for hours.

Cori: Even with these expensive blankets, I can't sleep. Is it because they are too heavy? Maybe something else is on my mind…

Unfortunately, Cori was unable to sleep that night.

(The next day)

Bella: Cori! You lazy demon! Get out of bed!

Cori: Wah! What time is it?

Bella: It's literally the middle of the day, around 12 pm according to the human clock?

Cori: Crap! I really slept in…

Bella: By the way, under request from a certain someone, I'll be teaching you magic today. It should be really easy for you, considering you're a demon. Demons specialize in magic after all.

Cori was extremely excited, she imagined herself shooting laser beams out her fingertips and turning people into pure gold with her hands.

Cori: Wait a second, didn't Altair leave me a gift of some sort? I think he told me that yesterday.

Bella thinks deeply, as if trying to remember something.

Bella: I did see a small box in the courtyard, was it for you?

Cori: I was supposed to meet him in the morning for that…

Bella: Well, let's see what's inside, I suppose that he left something for you, right?

The walk to the courtyard was surprisingly short despite the size of the manor, sure enough, there was a small box sitting next to the fountain. The courtyard had a stunning view, pillars lined the perimeter of the place and green grass grew all around. A multitude of greenery surrounded the place, various bushes and trees were trimmed into different shapes. A tile brick walkway was constructed that ran in a loop around the center of the courtyard, Cori's thoughts of the opening ceremony were momentarily interrupted by the sight of the place. Maybe life here wasn't so bad.

Bella: Altair never told me to wake you up for some reason, otherwise, I would have led you to the front door, but why leave it here?

Cori goes and picks up the box, it was wrapped like a gift, with a fancy ribbon which held it together. Of course, Cori tore the box apart, leaving scraps of wrapping on the floor. Opening it, she found two items inside, a collar, and a knife. The knife looked weirdly similar to the knife she had in the city.

Cori: What the hell? He gave me a collar? Does he think I'm an animal or something? I'm not his pet!

Bella: Technically, you are. Unless you would want to be executed, it's the only excuse he could make to higher ups to let you live. Besides, this collar will tell Altair whether you died or not.

Cori: Why would I need that? It's not like I'm going to die or anything.

Bella: It's in case you commit suicide. Most of the time, demons do that when they are held prisoner by humans for some reason. They always talk up how much their lives matter and act all egotistical about why they should live, but the second they get captured, something compels them to kill themselves. Also, if you died, there would be no trace of you left, demons combust into magic mist when they die, due to being magical beings. This is also why demon hide is so valuable, you must harvest it while the demon is still alive. One wrong move and you might make the hide lose all its value. Fortunately, severed limbs don't turn into magic mist.

Cori: Are you going to skin me or what? All of you act like my life doesn't matter, none of you care about it do you? You just want to force your weird fantasies on me and keep me as a pet? This is unforgivable! If you all want to be weirdos like that clown Aquilla, I'm leaving this place.

Bella: Do as you will, I have permission to kill you.

Cori: Fine… I'll put it on later.

Cori turned to the knife, it seemed to still be slightly rusted but it was in good condition for now.

Cori: What is this knife about?

Bella: I spent time polishing it for you, you like it? The elf was talking about why we shouldn't throw the knife away and that we should save it since it saved her or something. She told me to give it back to you.

Cori: This is all I get? I expected some money.

Bella: Be grateful for the gifts you receive, he could have given you nothing. This is something you need to learn.

Cori: Whatever, what were we doing again?

Bella: Under request of someone, Altair told me to teach you magic, considering you're a demon, you should have a large affinity for it.

Cori: (I finally got a power boost! I won't be dying anytime soon.)

Bella: Are you thinking about something? I know you want me dead. I don't know what Altair was thinking of giving you back a weapon and permitting you to use magic.

Cori: Quit being so paranoid, I have no thoughts of killing up here.

Cori taps on her skull, she gives Bella an annoyed look.

Bella: What? Teaching dangerous people magic certainly isn't a good idea.

Cori: What is it with you? Just because I'm a demon doesn't mean I want to eat every living thing around me.

Bella: Demons are like that, it is a main trait of their species. There is a reason why demons are considered less than human.

Cori: Whatever, I want to get into this magic stuff.

Bella: I don't know much about magic either, I've only been around for two years.

Man: I'll be taking over then, Lord Aquilla anticipated this when he requested the lesson.

Cori: Who the hell-

Cori turns around to see Alshin, the fat man in fancy clothes she saw the day before at the dinner. He spoke with an arrogant and grand voice, the average snarky noble's tone.

Alshin: Unfortunately, Altair isn't here, neither is Aquilla, so I am made to take over, usually Altair is around to monitor Mrs. Sinner and Mrs. Flesh bag.

Cori: What is with your attitude?

Bella: Shh!

Alshin: I know you know some basic stuff from those books you have been reading all day, the library is huge, I may give you some directions if you want to learn more.

Cori: You guys have a library?

Alshin: Why not? This is one of the grandest manors in the land. You should also go there sometime, you have much to learn and the other flesh bag is the better teacher.

Bella: Why don't you just call us by our species name at least?

Alshin: It confuses people, I'd rather not refer to you that way. Anyway, let's get this lesson started.

Bella: Cori, come with me.

Bella sits Cori down on a bench.

Cori: What is this for?

Bella: Magic comes from the soul, you channel your soul's energy in order to use magic, demons are magical beings, their bodies almost completely being composed of soul energy which gives them almost infinite creativity and magic potential. The process of seeing your soul may be more invasive due to your soul being harder to detect.

Cori: Wait what? I didn't consent to this!

Bella: It will hurt for just a moment.

Bella places her hand on Cori's stomach, the process felt as if something was piercing her skin, as if some type of tentacle was wriggling inside her body, trying to rip out some vital organs.

Bella: Huh? It's all black.

Bella takes her hand from Cori's stomach and signals for Alshin to come over.

Alshin: There's a problem? What is it?

Bella: Hard to detect, I only sensed black.

Alshin: Strange, never seen this… Before?

Bella: If even you are confused, this is bad news.

Alshin: Let me try it out, I'll try seeing what soul you have, Cori.

Cori: Wait! Hold on! Only one time is enough!

Cori was clearly not happy with the invasive "soul probing" that was going on. 

Alshin: Quiet now, it will be like receiving an immunity injection, that's what kids are scared of these days, right?

Bella nods with a smirk.

Cori: Dammit! Bella set me up! She's lying!

Unfortunately, the tactic didn't work, Alshin placed his hand on Cori's stomach, but no pain assaulted Cori's stomach, maybe her body had gotten used to it?

Cori: Phew, maybe it isn't as bad the second time.

Alshin: Make sure you stay very still.

A sudden electrical shock blasted Cori's stomach, a completely different feeling from when Bella did the act. Despite the attack being invisible, it still hit Cori like a truck, it only lasted for a second but Cori almost passed out, her vision blurred.

Alshin: You're right Bella, it's certainly strange, it's all black, that shouldn't be possible.

Bella: We should help her out, you went a bit too far in that time.

Cori: I'm going to throw up…

Alshin: If we use healing magic on her, she will instead be damaged due to being demonic, only unholy magics are effective against demons, but it has been strictly forbidden, especially in the north.

Bella: Just let to puke, it's how your body naturally releases the bad stuff from what I have read.

Alshin: Remember that you are a butler, you'll clean that up, right?

Bella: Yeah… Of course

Cori eventually throws up on the grass, and Bella cleans the mess up with an interesting look on her face.

Alshin: Alright, how magic works is that you channel your soul, the magic from your soul may manifest as physical magic, stuff called mana improves those effects, what you want to do is visualize the spell you want, or the attack you are willing to do, think about it, and it will happen. It should come naturally to you since you are an elder demon.

Cori: Hold on, we're going way too fast, and I'm not even that old!

Alshin: Anything above 20 is an impressive age, consider yourself a wise elder at that age if that boosts your ego.

Cori: Whatever, what is the big deal of you seeing the black stuff about my soul?

Alshin: Disregard that, the souls of demons are hard to read anyways, maybe you have some hidden power? It could be a natural or manifested defense against outsiders wanting to look into you, either a blessing or curse.

Cori: That's… Kind of reassuring. 

Alshin: Maybe if you manifest your magic basis, you should tell what magic you have an affinity for. What I mean by that, is you want to summon your mana, but just a little bit.

Cori: How do I do that?

Alshin: Let me give an example, it's been a long time since I did this, 10 years ago to be exact.

Cori: How old are you?

Alshin: Why should I answer that?

Cori: I'm just curious, what is wrong with that?

Alshin: I'm not telling you, maybe you can take a guess later.

Cori: Just do your mana thing, I regret asking you.

Alshin: You seem very curious about everything, interesting.

Alshin takes out his hand and points one finger forward, instantly, the surroundings go dark as if light was being sucked in. A small black dot appeared, bending the space around it, it seemed to draw everything around it toward it.

Bella: Alshin, that is a black hole, not your mana, you channeled too much.

Cori: W-wait what?

Alshin: My bad, I'll remove some of the mana from it.

The black hole slowly shrinks, it suddenly starts swirling and expanding into a light blue ball the size of a baseball.

Alshin: Much better! Take this as an example, maybe it will inspire you.

Cori: I am more terrified than inspired, was that an actual black hole? Bella? Are you a bit concerned?

Bella claps her hands, jumping up and down. She seemed excited at Alshin's performance.

Alshin: Cori, how about you try, we skipped the basics due to you being a magical monster.

Cori: Uh, alright.

Cori thrusts her hands out awkwardly, she seems to try to do something, but nothing happens.

Alshin: Hm? I thought you would be more adept at things like this… Strange.

Cori: I have no memories, but I was thinking at least my muscle memory would kick in… Maybe I just have no experience with magic.

Alshin: I skipped the basic stuff because you are a magical being. It should have come naturally to you, what will lord Aquilla think about my failure as a teacher?

He starts to shake Bella by the shoulders, Bella was stoic as ever, not minding Alshin's breakdown.

Cori: Could I try again? Maybe if I try enough, I'll get it right.

Alshin: That could work, try to imagine your mana at your fingertips.

Cori stretches out her arm again, she thinks the same thing over and over: Blue ball on my hand, blue ball on my hand. She even starts saying it out loud, she closes her eyes and focuses, suddenly she feels something on her hand, did it work? She opened her eyes with excitement, only to realize that in place of the magic ball she had imagined, Bella's hand clasped her hand and slowly lowered it. Cori's face instantly turned red from embarrassment, she really put that much effort into her magic only for nothing to come out.

Bella: It's about time you stop, you're embarrassing yourself.

Cori: I don't understand it! I don't at all, why can't I do anything!

Bella: You'll be good at something, I'm sure. This is why we are teaching you a variety of lessons, to find out what you are good at.

Cori: Why do I even exist…

Alshin: This could be a thing to look into, a magical being that cannot use magic? It isn't very clear, but your soul is hidden, and your magic affinity is hidden. We cannot really tell what you're good at.

Cori: I swear I'll be able to do something soon.

Bella: Anyways, the lesson has failed, we should leave now.

Alshin: Really? They planned nothing else?

Bella: Yep, after all, a magical creature without any magic is totally unique, maybe if we read some books first, and do some studies, you'll be able to use magic soon.

Cori: Sounds great!

Bella: You sound much more enthusiastic than the other time I taught you.

Cori: You just improved a lot at teaching I guess.

In reality, Cori was more interested in gaining power through magic, she was especially excited since all her attributes were hidden.

Bella: Come with me to the library, I want to read some books on magic also.

Cori and Bella both walk to the library, on the way, they had some conversation.

Cori: What magic do you have? Does everyone have magic?

Bella: I would expect a demon to be interested in magic, it's all they talk about, but this is extreme. I thought you would be more interested in doing your own studies.

Cori: Why would you assume that?

Bella: Demons don't like to interact with others and view these types of conversations as useless. Why don't you think that?

Cori: Here we go about sinners again… But asking you these questions will improve my knowledge I guess.

Bella: It won't improve your knowledge about magic, it improves your knowledge about me, it's the same reason why Alshin didn't tell his age.

Cori: Am I really that untrustworthy? 

Bella: For now, yes. But you have exceeded my expectations, I would have expected you to be much more independent than this.

They eventually arrive at the entrance to the library, the area around the door was dimmer than usual, two large wooden doors engraved with eagle symbols blocked the way. The two handles that were connected to the doors were surprisingly large, they were massive metal shafts which were connected at the top, they looked like candy canes. Bella takes one handle and with one arm, opens the door, Cori tries the same on the other door but fails to budge it.

Cori: Why did they make these doors so heavy? This is some bullshit!

Bella: Either you are weak, or you are being affected by the aura of this place.

Cori: Aura?

Bella: This library actually exists in a pocket dimension, the doorway is a portal in. It has a magic dulling aura for some reason but it only works once you step in. Unless it is leaking out, you shouldn't be concerned about your health. Anti magic works wonders against demons.

Cori: Are you kidding? Do I have to sacrifice 10 years of my life to read books? Hell no!

Bella: It shouldn't kill you, it should just make you feel weaker.

Cori: Alright fine. I'm interested in this library.

They both step through the doorway into the library, many bookshelves were lined neatly, the place was well organized and clean, unlike the library Cori was familiar with. The wood glistened in the light which came from crystal lamps that hung from the ceiling. It looked like any other luxury library for rich nerds, but something felt off, it was either the uncomfortable feeling of magic suppression and the fact that it was in another dimension. But Cori couldn't shake the feeling, it simply felt too devoid of life, was there at least a librarian?