I Swear I'm Not a Demon Masquerading as a Human

It was a warm, sunny day at Ikerite University, and a gentle breeze was blowing. Many areas across the campus were equipped with magical screens, much like those found in the commercial districts.

These screens not only displayed real-time information, announcements, and academic schedules, but also aired entertaining short clips and live broadcasts of major campus events. Consequently, they often became focal points where people gathered to watch and discuss things during their breaks.

A broadcast of the entrance exam was underway today, which many upperclassmen found quite amusing. Some simply wanted to watch the incoming freshmen suffer or make fools of themselves, while others hoped to scout promising newcomers early and recruit them into their teams.

Wind and snow howled on the screen, creating a vast, white expanse. However, while other examinees were still struggling in the freezing wilderness, Lance had already met the conditions to clear the test. He was sitting in a cozy room, baking a snack by the fireplace.

He was relaxed and composed with absolutely no tension that was typical of someone challenging a Shadow Realm dimension. It looked more like he was filming a commercial for Holy Kingdom-style pastries. He just needed the artificial Shadow Realm’s time limit to expire so the system could finalize his score.

Few had noticed Lance at first. But soon, a few exclamations rang out. Word spread rapidly among the students.

"Do you guys know what that guy just did?!"

"What?"

"He’s someone special alright! He just arrested that family!"

"I guess that is one way to ensure they have a warm winter..."

"Well, did he meet the requirements or not? If so, he actually pulled it off."

"Hahahaha! What a twisted genius!"

People had gathered around the suspended screen on the terrace of the Learning and Education Hall, forming a lively little crowd. Some were sitting and others were standing as they watched what was going on.

Many began to speculate about the background of this rising star named Lance Wilford. Yet, no one present had ever heard his name before.

Only one student, wearing the insignia of the College of Alchemy, mentioned having heard of the Wilford Trading Company. Supposedly the owner of that company had a wayward son. However, he had never heard of a promising young talent named Lance.

Talia listened silently as the students’ conversation increasingly focused on Lance. She was sitting on a wooden chair at the edge of the terrace, and she lowered her head, averting her gaze from the magical screen.

Although she had been watching Lance in the corner of the split-screen display just moments ago, once she truly grasped what he was doing and heard the gasps of astonishment rising from the crowd around her, she wanted to flee.

She needed to get as far away as possible, especially when she began to hear people whispering. "The way this Lance guy acts... It’s inhumane! Could he be a spy for the demons?"

These speculations sent a chill down her spine. Talia had absolutely no desire to be mistaken for a dangerous individual requiring close surveillance simply because she was close to Lance. She certainly hadn't taught him to act like that.

In truth, during the three months she had spent with Lance, she had gradually realized that the young man’s way of thinking and his personality were rather unusual. Only now was she finally certain. The guy was, to some extent, completely unhinged!

It was impossible to stay by his side without attracting attention. However, per their agreement, she had to protect Lance, and she had to be his tutor! The mere thought of heading out with Lance later and having to spend at least some time with him here in the capital made her feel as though she were being roasted over a fire.

She had endured for so long... If her grand cause of restoring her kingdom were to be ruined and her true identity exposed all because of this human, she was going to drag him down with her.

Even as she felt this way, though, she found herself torn. She wanted Lance to hurry out of the exam hall so they could leave the area quickly, but she also wished he would never emerge at all, dreading the prospect of anyone seeing them together.

Talia muttered his name through gritted teeth, "Lance..."

As she clenched her fists tightly, she felt as though every passing second was an agonizing ordeal. In the decades she had spent wandering alone since the fall of her kingdom, this was the first time a human had ever caused her such torment.

***

The seventh floor atrium of the Learning and Education Hall blended modern design with natural elements. The entire ceiling was made of glass, which allowed sunlight to flood the entire space. Indoor greenery clustered around the spacious area, while nearby art installations and sculptures added a touch of soft charm.

Lawrence, the Dean of the Sages’ College and the chief examiner, was standing in the center of the atrium with his fists clenched tight. He had personally selected the scenario for this exam.

According to historical analysis, this Level 1 Shadow Realm, the Hidden Flame of Winter, recreated a predicament that the last Holy Emperor of an ancient civilization from ten millennia ago had faced in his youth. He was a ruler renowned for his benevolence and righteousness.

Lawrence admired this legendary figure above all others. Every deed of the Holy Emperor commanded his deepest respect. In truth, his goal for this test went beyond merely testing the applicants’ wisdom and character. He hoped they would gain insight into the circumstances and state of mind that drove the Holy Emperor to aid the villagers back then.

He wanted them to understand the helplessness and sorrow the emperor felt upon discovering the truth and witness his unwavering conviction, and his steadfast commitment, to a heart of benevolence and righteousness even after that revelation.

"Damn it..." he muttered.

Despite all of that, this kid, Lance Wilford, made the Holy Emperor look like a fool. Was it really acceptable to simply sacrifice one's heart of benevolence in exchange for a sinister demonic power that led one to success?

Lawrence looked up at the massive magical screen in the atrium, watching Lance leisurely roasting a sweet treat as the exam time ticked away. A fire of frustration burned within him. If he could step into the artificial Shadow Realm himself, he would love nothing more than to kick that wretched stove flying!

Lawrence eventually calmed down and muttered to himself, puzzled, "Why is this guy an applicant for the Sages’ College? His mana power is quite weak."

He had sensed the mana levels of every candidate the moment he arrived at the exam venue. He recalled that Lance’s mana level was undoubtedly among the lowest present, inferior even to many applicants to the Knights’ College.

Had he not noticed Lance on the magic display screen, Lawrence would have initially mistaken him for a candidate to the Knights’ College.

"If he managed to pass the initial attribute test during enrollment registration, it implies his Spirit attribute must be exceptionally high... High enough to compensate for the rest of his stats in the weighted overall evaluation. But how is he supposed to pass the practical test?"

The third round of the exam was unlike the first two. There was no way to cut corners or rely on tricks. It required raw, genuine ability.

Furthermore, Lawrence was certain that Lance was not a member of the clergy. He could sense no trace of a divine blessing upon him. Consequently, Lance would be unable to use cleric class enchanted cards that relied on Spirit power to determine healing output.

***

The angle of the light filtering through the glass ceiling shifted gradually across the atrium. It was like the hands of a clock, marking the steady passage of time. The trial was finally drawing to a close.

Following the order in which they had entered, the candidates were transported out one by one through the massive, swirling Void Gate. Only after every participant had exited the artificial Shadow Realm did Lawrence gently tap the access key on the terminal, sealing the portal shut. The terminal then began the final tally of the exam results.

Standing atop the high platform, Lawrence surveyed the area. The successful candidates, still scattered throughout the atrium, displayed a range of reactions. Some were unable to conceal their joy while others wore impassive expressions.

Although it was impossible to know how other candidates had fared during the exam, there were clearly many confident individuals among them who were certain that their scores would rank right at the very top.

Visit and read more novel to help us update chapter quickly. Thank you so much!