1 Prologue

(Warning: Info dump, I think?)

My name is Angelo.

I have a family name, but that doesn't really matter in the circles under the 4th.

I live in Asphodel, home to low-ranking demons but not as low as the ones in the Acheron, the 1st circle.

I would be living in the 9th circle right now since my father belongs to that category but I'm stuck in the 2nd because of my mother, who is a human.

I was originally conceived when my father visited the surface and well had an affair with my mother. When I was born, my father left my mother alone.

I lived with my mother for most of my life but she eventually died when I was 14. My mother was the only family member I had; my grandparents died from an unknown cause and my mother had no siblings nor cousins.

That's when these guys came to me and took me down to the underworld.

They were my father's subordinates and they brought me down here. Now, I first didn't believe them until I saw it with my own eyes.

After I heard my father was a demon noble, I had all sorts of images in my mind.

I thought I was going to be living with him you know? I even thought I was gonna get cool superpowers, which I do have. But that wasn't the case.

Turns out before I knew, my father had an affair with my mother, cheating on his wife in the underworld. Which was... well, kind of a dick move. His family doesn't know he had me and I think if they did, it would ruin his reputation.

I don't really know my father much but he sends me letters from time to time. He sounds like a nice guy but I'm still pissed that he left me and my mother alone. Until I see him with my own eyes, he's just a stranger to me.

About 4 years have passed since I've arrived in the underworld. Let me tell you, everything down here is almost old fashion. The buildings look like they were made in the dark ages and the clothes are all tattered. I bet in the 9th circle they have clothes that rich people wear.

I've been stuck and living with one of my old man's subordinates who lives in the 2nd circle. Her name is Cordelia. A strict, annoying, but wise hag. Almost like a grandma, if you ask me. She's a ghoul if I need to mention.

Ever since I discovered I had demon blood running inside me, I always thought I can just perform some awesome attacks, but reality is often disappointing. It is also complicated as well.

Cordelia was a witch so she was perfect for this subject, I just don't like her way of teaching as it's just so... complex. I had to do this and do that. It just messes with my mind. Eventually, I got used to all the formulas she gave me. I also learned she trained my old man.

I was also living with another one of dad's subordinates. His name was Borin, a vampire knight that actually lives in the 4th circle, Erebus, but he usually sneaks down here for a reason. He helps me with my sword skills which I often had difficulty with since he's always not holding back on me. It seems that he also trained my old man as well.

I didn't really know what was going on back then since I was young. I asked why I was being trained when I'm just a low-ranking specimen but they said it was to prepare me.

It seems that demon-human Hybrids like me are significantly despised in the underworld and that I won't have an easy life down here.

Even though I was a Hybrid, I had the opportunity to move up a circle since I am protected by underworld law. To move up a circle, I need to work my way up. There are two ways to do that.

One, labor or two, enroll in the demon academy. Well technically, I have that choice since I have the magic aptitude, but those without can only work.

That was what I was being trained for, to prepare myself to enroll in the demon academy. Anyone with demon blood and with magic aptitude is able to enroll in the demon academy.

When one enrolls in the demon academy, they will obtain badges that benefit their status in the underworld. But the thing is, since pure-blooded demons in and above the 7th circle, Styx, are already in such a high position, they are instead earning a reputation to become a demon king candidate.

Now I'm probably spitting too much information but this is the only way I can explain it. I'm not gonna tell you along the way or anything since that's too much work.

Anyway...

I was just finishing up my training with Borin who was right now lying on the ground, tired.

Even though 4 years had passed, I managed to surpass both Borin's and Cordelia's training. By surpassing, I mean like I am almost kind of like their master now.

Since I was born on earth, I have knowledge that most demons don't know in the underworld. By knowledge, well... I think you know what I mean.

I walked over to Borin and gave him my hand which he took.

"Angelo... you've really grown over these 4 years, haven't you?"

"No need to compliment me, I'm aware of my own power."

Even though it was only short, my strength is almost equal to a demon adult. Actually, it's higher than a demon adult but I like to keep it equal to them. Most demons would have to train for 10 years in order to gain the amount of power I gained in 4 years. Well, it's not my fault... well kinda.

Hybrids are always looked down on and disgraced in the underworld because of their mixed blood. But what they don't know is that Hybrids have more potential than a normal demon has. They have faster growth in both magic and swordsmanship.

I actually surpassed Borin's and Cordelia's training 2 years after I arrived in the underworld, but I never really realized it because I was a bit oblivious to that fact.

"Angelo, I think you will do great in the demon academy. If you manage to go up a circle, you might eventually reach Cocytus where your father sits at."

"Yeah... right."

If only he was able to come down here. But looks like even demons have standards. If he's not gonna come down here, then I'll go up there myself.

"Angelo, I hope you know what family name you are deciding on."

I stared at Borin. He's right. To enroll in the demon academy, I need a family name. However, I already abandoned my mom's last name because it was "Human." I can't use my father's family name because that's the name of a noble family. I think it was Barbatos.

Right now I am sitting at a table with hundreds of books on the table. I looked over at the old hag and asked her what this was all about.

"Inside each of these books are hundreds of unclaimed names made by the ancient philosophers. Take your time and read through them."

"Why do I have to do this again?"

"Because a demon's name holds their meaning. Without a name, they are no different than huma-, I mean... mortals. Also, you need it to enter the demon academy."

I swear she was going to say humans right there. Well, it's not her fault since all she eats is remains. Good thing I didn't say that out loud or else she would've eaten me already if I wasn't half-demon.

"Now then, have fun. By tomorrow I should see your chosen last name on that slip," she said pointing to the form in front of me.

"Good luck and try not to stay up so late."

Then she left me alone in this worn down kitchen. Did I mention that I was living in a broken house like this? No? Ok...

About 3 hours had passed and I had read over 50 books. They all had cool sounding names, but their meaning was kind of... dumb.

All I could find were names that already belonged to already existing demons. And there is only so much I can read. But tomorrow is the due date for admission forms and any later then that's it. I'll be stuck down here for eternity.

"Ahh jesu-!"

I shut my mouth closed before I could finish that phrase. I almost forgot you can't say his name down here, it's kind of... an illegal thing to do, especially if you have demon blood coursing through your veins.

After reading a few more books, I just couldn't decide on a name. If only I was in the 9th circle right now then I wouldn't have to go through this.

"Man, I should just go to sleep."

When I got up, I accidentally hit the table with my knee and a book fell on the ground. I turned around and picked it up, that's when I noticed right there on the front of the book cover was a name I recognized on earth.

"Osiris."

If I remember, that's an Egyptian god. If so, why the hell do they have a god's name on a book that belongs to the underworld?

Hmm, now that I think of it, Angelo Osiris does have a ring to it. Maybe that is what I should put down on the form. Yeah, it's perfect.

Angelo Osiris, I can say it all day if I wanted to.

But I'm a bit tired so I'll just go ahead and sleep now.

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