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

Chapter 35: Hyperion's Secret

The tension between Hyperion and Vivian had previously been on the verge of exploding, but now it had fallen into an eerie silence. They both kept their eyes lowered, unwilling to utter another harsh word against each other.

Lance's remarks stunned the other two examinees who were waiting nearby. Although he himself might not have realized it, they felt he possessed a unique talent for navigating and taking control of volatile, high-tension situations.

Lance hadn't been in the conflict to begin with, but he still chose to step in and mediate. And his results were better than they could have ever imagined. They suddenly were struck with the urge to beg to become his apprentices. Surely, this skill was far more practical than simply learning spells, right?

Lance soon noticed the reverent expressions on their faces. He smiled and nodded back gently. As expected, doing a good deed like mediating a dispute naturally commands admiration from others.

Being respected like this made Lance very happy. More importantly, having his fellow classmates get along harmoniously in the exam venue was exactly the outcome he had hoped for. With a little more respect and understanding, and a little less friction and conflict, the world would become a better place.

***

Everyone waited quietly in the atrium. Then came the sound of quick, hurried footsteps. Theresa finally returned to the examination hall, clutching her small magical device. "Sorry for the wait, everyone. I'm back."

She had finally sent off Ferrat, the examiner from the previous session. She had been worried that during her brief absence, conflict might have erupted between Lady Hyperion and Princess Vivian, as their poor relationship was infamous.

However, she froze in slight surprise before she could even finish speaking. By all appearances, the atmosphere in the examination hall was remarkably peaceful. Had she been worrying over nothing?

Theresa shook her head, puzzled, and reminded herself to focus on the task at hand. She quickly walked over to Hyperion and Lance and said, "Congratulations on successfully passing the exam."

She smiled. "On the first day of the term, simply head to the main building of the Sages' College and you will be given directions. The school dormitories will open for move-in three days before the term starts, and you can pick up your student identification bracelets from the College of Magical Engineering around the same time."

She pointed to the temporary exam bracelets the two were wearing, indicating that they could exchange them for their official enrollment credentials later.

"Thank you."

"Thank you, Ms. Theresa."

Theresa waved a gentle goodbye to the pair. Then, moving with the brisk efficiency of a cafeteria server during the lunch rush, she hurried over to Vivian and the second group of examinees.

"Sorry to keep you waiting. We can get the test started now..."

Vivian listened to Theresa absentmindedly as she watched Hyperion's retreating figure. Hyperion might have happened to run into someone who gave her a helping hand this time, but that was merely a stroke of fleeting luck, one that would soon burst like a bubble.

As for why Lance currently harbored no wariness against Hyperion... It was simply because this youth from the borderlands was unaware of Hyperion's secret. She was half-demon, the daughter of Duke Aransar and a member of the demon race.

Vivian was certain that if Lance were to discover Hyperion's demonic heritage one day, his friendly attitude would undergo a drastic transformation. In fact, he might even join the ranks of those who persecute her.

After all, the Kingdom of Hutton was a land that had been ravaged by the war against the demons years ago. Therefore, there was not a single citizen here who didn’t loathe and fear the demon race!

***

A massive staircase, several meters wide, cascaded downward in tiered levels in the Learning and Education Hall. Its design was unique and avant-garde, and the interplay between the beige stonework and crystal railings created the impression of a beam of light weaving through the floors.

Each tier served a different purpose. Some of the broad wooden steps doubled as rest areas for students. Others showcased the university's latest projects, and the lowest level connected the hall directly to the building's spacious terrace.

Two students walked along the staircase, their pace unhurried as they moved through this relaxed, artistic space. Having just finished a grueling exam, Lance had a genuine and bright smile.

Hyperion, on the other hand, remained as expressionless as ever, giving nothing away about her inner thoughts. The only thing that changed was that the sharp, hostile edge in her eyes had quietly dissipated.

"Say, Hyperion..." Lance said to his newly acquainted comrade-in-arms as they walked. "You know the capital well and have a broad perspective on things. What do you think is the fastest way to make money here? Of course, it has to be something that isn't considered a crime."

He added this caveat immediately after asking his question. After all, while committing crimes was essentially a short-cut for making money, that was one path he absolutely must not take.

As they walked, they passed the various displays lining the staircase. There were new plant varieties cultivated by the College of Alchemy, recent academic breakthroughs, novel inventions, and eccentric artworks from the College of Magical Engineering.

Hyperion fell silent for a moment, hesitating. She had intended to part ways with Lance right after the test. She was grateful for his help and kindness, yet she was keenly aware that a friendship between them was impossible.

The secret that she was a half-demon could not be kept from him for long... Not that she had deliberately hidden it or lied to him. However, even if Lance didn't pry and remained friendly, the moment those who targeted her perceived him as an obstacle, they would expose her secret to him, plunging her into the abyss at the most critical moment.

The thing she dreaded most was a friend suddenly turning into a cold stranger, or even an irreconcilable enemy. Still, she would give him a response in thanks for the brief moment of camaraderie that they had shared. She would treat him with the same sincerity he had shown her.

"If my father hadn't gone missing, the House of Aransar would have gladly invested in a talent like you. Unfortunately, I have no authority to access the family funds right now," Hyperion replied with a touch of resignation. "If you don't possess any crafting related class abilities, the fastest way to earn money is by challenging Shadow Realm dungeons."

They continued walking, moving at a leisurely pace down the stairs. Sunlight played across the massive glass walls between the levels, brightening the entire space. The light then dimmed again as they passed behind marble walls.

"Hmm..." Lance nodded thoughtfully. Although he had mastered the basics of making enchanted cards, he was currently limited to low tier ones.

Moreover, his technique was still crude. His success rate was low, and, much to Talia's dismay, he frequently caused his creations to explode. He didn't even feel confident enough yet to attempt the registered card maker exam held by the Southern Continent's Card Maker Association.

His combat class, white mage, was actually far more advanced than his crafting class, card maker.

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