[ Walter Park Arrival – Tube Tunnelway to Main Gate]
The glass tunnel shimmered under the Netherworld sun, wrapping around the majestic expanse of Walter Park like a crystalline bridge. On the moving walkway inside, Iruma, Clara, and Azz were already bubbling with energy.
"Whoa! Look at all the rides!" Clara pressed her face against the transparent walls, squealing as a demonic roller coaster twisted past the skyline.
"Stay calm, Clara," Azz said, folding his arms but unable to hide the subtle glint of excitement in his crimson eyes. "We're here to enjoy, but we must also keep alert. Iruma-sama, do you have the schedule?"
"Y-Yeah," Iruma said, adjusting his bag. "Opera gave it to me, but I think we'll get to split into groups after we pass the main gate."
As they exited the tunnel and stepped onto the main plaza of Walter Park, they were greeted by their Misfit Classmates, all gathered near the front gate plaza.
Despite the bright attractions in the distance, the students were in their normal outfits, from Lead's laid-back hoodie to Elizabetta's charming layered dress.
"Iruma-kun!" Lead waved them over. "You're just in time!"
Just beside the group stood their chaperones—each as intimidating or unpredictable as ever.
Opera, in casual but sharply tailored attire, stood with hands behind their back.
Balam, towering and calm, adjusted the flowers woven into his newly styled mane. His horns were polished, his hair swept back.
Kalego, clearly not enjoying himself, stood with arms crossed, ears twitching.
"This is a waste of time," Kalego muttered.
"Oh lighten up, Kalego~," Opera said with a hint of mirth. "You could use a break from scowling and punishing students all day."
"Breaks are for those without standards," Kalego snapped back.
"Mm," Balam murmured, kneeling beside Iruma and Clara. "Do you notice anything different today?"
Clara blinked."Did you shave your ears?"
"Your mane! It's braided!" Iruma exclaimed.
"Yes! Very observant, Iruma-kun," Balam beamed proudly. "Kerori told me about popular Netherworld styles. I wanted to look approachable for a fun day."
Clara nodded with a grin. "You look super huggable!"
While the class chattered and grouped up, Iruma glanced around.
"Wait… where's Allocer?"
Jazz turned, arms behind his head. "He's with Furcas-sensei. Conference or something about curse theory."
"Oh…." Iruma smiled softly. "He would've enjoyed the haunted house attraction…"
"IRUMA-KUN!!"
A sudden, sharp voice cut through the plaza.
Spinning around, Iruma blinked in surprise.
Ameri Azazel, wearing a stylish summer coat over her school uniform, stomped toward them, an expression of fire and ice.
"You…!"
"Eh? Ameri-san? You came too?"
"Of course I did! You sent me a message that we were coming to Walter Park together!"
Her voice cracked slightly on the last word, and her ears twitched.
Iruma tilted his head, eyes wide. "I did…? Oh! I meant everyone's going today. I thought you wanted to come too, so I sent it to you…"
Ameri's expression darkened with mortified realization.
A few days ago, Iruma had casually asked if she'd ever been to Walter Park… and ended up taking her there for a few hours to scout it out.
That wasn't a date?
Her face turned a shade redder than Asmodeus' hair.
"I-I see. That was... a general invitation. N-not a private date like before."
Kalego grumbled. "Children today are so noisy..."
Opera smirked. "Ah, young one's."
Ameri coughed, straightened herself, and pushed her glasses up. "A-As the student council president, it is my duty to oversee students' behavior even on breaks. Do not misunderstand."
Clara wrapped an arm around Iruma's shoulders. "Iruma's a super star~ Everyone wants to hang out with him!"
Ameri glared. Clara smirked. The air sparked.
Azz stepped forward diplomatically. "Now, now. Let's all calm down. The park awaits."
Opera clapped once, drawing everyone's attention.
"Group check complete. Remember: no wandering off without checking in. And most importantly, enjoy yourselves."
Iruma's heart fluttered. This was shaping up to be the best day of summer.
He just didn't know it would become one of the most dangerous.
---
[The Contest Begins – Walter Park]
The shimmering gates of Walter Park swung open with a triumphant fanfare. Enchanted streamers flew into the sky, fireworks in hues of infernal red and icy blue bursting above the entrance. From where they stood, Iruma, Clara, and Azz stared in awe at the theme park in full demonic splendor—towering rides, illusionary gardens, haunted pavilions, and bizarre attractions that twisted the imagination.
Their classmates cheered and surged forward—until Opera raised a gloved hand.
"Wait."
Behind them, the chaperones gathered: Opera, poised and unruffled; Balam, smiling serenely with his braided mane swaying in the wind; and Kalego, exuding irritation just by existing.
"Before we start," Clara declared, hopping onto a decorative pedestal, "Let's make this more interesting! We split into teams and compete! Whoever has the most fun today, wins! Losers have to treat the winners to snacks!"
"I object." Kalego's voice was dry as dust. "This is not an event for—"
"Sounds delightful," Balam said with a warm smile. "Measuring joy—how very demon of us."
Opera added with a cheeky grin, "I second that. Competition is a healthy motivator. Don't you agree, Kalego san?"
Kalego stared at them with unblinking annoyance.
"…Fine. But." He snapped his fingers. A heavy grimoire appeared in his hand. "The team with the least amount of recorded fun will receive double homework over break."
A collective gasp echoed from the class.
"EHHHHHHHH?!"
"You cruel beast!" shouted Sabro.
"He's serious," Goemon said, pale.
"Game on," Elizabetta purred. "I'll make sure our team wins~"
With the stakes set, they quickly organized straws to divide the students into three groups.
Iruma drew his straw… and ended up with Clara and Alice, of course. Their team was filled out with Picero, and Sabro.
Team 1: Iruma, Picero , Alice, Sabro
Team 2: Kerori, Elizabetta, , Clara , Ameri (who joined last-minute "as a supervisor"
Team 3: Lead, Caim, , Gaap, and jazz
Each group huddled and began forming plans.
"Let's start with the magical coaster and then the mirror maze!" Clara cheered.
"We'll gather points by showing unity and joy," Azz strategized. "Clara, no causing public mayhem."
Iruma smiled, watching everyone laughing and talking.So this is what summer vacation feels like…
Just then, a strange noise caught his attention.
"OOOOHHHHHOHOHOHOHOHO!"
A booming, theatrical laugh echoed from a nearby plaza.
Iruma turned—eyes widening in horror.
A massive crowd had formed. At the center stood a familiar figure, surrounded by roses and sparkles, basking in the admiration of parkgoers.
"No way…"
There, performing dramatic poses with sparkles raining down, was none other than Lomiere Rosevelt, son of the famed 13 Crown Ronove Rosevelt, and naturally basking in his own Charisma Magic.
"WELCOME TO MY FAMILY'S SPLENDOROUS DOMAIN!!" Lomiere declared, making hearts explode in the eyes of onlookers. "Walter Park exists because of the benevolence and aesthetic genius of my father—hence, ME!"
Kerori squinted. "I knew it. He's flexing again."
Iruma approached the edge of the crowd, unsure whether to turn around or brace for impact.
"Iruma-kun!" Lomiere spotted him immediately, rushing forward in a swirl of rose petals. "You've arrived to behold the kingdom of joy founded by my own bloodline! Are you not dazzled? Blinded by delight? Awed by me?"
"H-Hello, Lomiere-san," Iruma said with a nervous smile.
Alice groaned."Of all people to run into…"
"Hold up—your dad owns the park?" Jazz blinked.
"Indeed!" Lomiere struck a pose. "Ronove Rosevelt, one of the esteemed Thirteen Crowns, founder of Walter Park! And I, his exquisite offspring, have come to observe and… dazzle."
As he laughed again, arms spread wide, a park employee nervously approached from behind.
Tap.
A single touch on Lomiere's shoulder.
"GAAAAH!!"
Lomiere immediately turned to stone, frozen mid-pose, his face twisted in horror.
The man who touched him sighed and adjusted his glasses.
"Apologies. He's very sensitive to physical contact from other males. Takes a while to recover."
The man gave a slight bow.
"I'm Wett. I work for Lord Ronove and am in charge of Lomiere-sama's schedule. He's here to oversee public response to the park's attractions and ensure no PR incidents occur."
Iruma blinked. "Oh… So he's here officially?"
"Yes." Wett nodded. "Though he has a tendency to deviate… wildly. Like trying to give unauthorized tours of the underground cells."
"Wait, what!?"
Sure enough, Lomiere, now unfrozen and dramatically revived, pointed upward.
"I shall grant you all an exclusive VIP journey through the basement! Beneath the glitz lies the engine of this wondrous empire: demon prisoners who power the rides through their screams!"
"…No." Everyone said in unison.
Jazz whispered,"Did he say prisoners?"
"Absolutely not." Alice muttered, grabbing Iruma's arm.
Clara waved her arms,"We're here to ride things, not traumatize ourselves!"
"Fufufu…" Lomiere sulked. "Very well. But you'll miss out on the TRUTH beneath the glitter…"
Wett placed a hand on Lomiere's shoulder again.
"GAAHH!!"Stone again.
Iruma chuckled awkwardly. This is going to be an unforgettable day.
---
[ The Underground – Uraboras Prison]
Far below the cheerful songs and booming laughter of Walter Park, a vastly different rhythm echoed through stone.
Drip… drip…
A lone drop of water echoed as it struck the cold floor of a narrow, dimly lit corridor—walls lined with rusted chains and arcane seals that pulsed faintly with dull, sickly-red light.
Uraboras Prison—the concealed heart of the park. Unknown to the public, it was here that certain demons, condemned or uncontrollable, were harnessed for their raw mana, forcibly extracted to fuel Walter Park's illusions, enchantments, and magical rides.
"Move."
A guard grunted, prodding the back of a lanky figure walking slowly ahead. Prisoner 1313, known only by the name Ami, trudged silently, iron cuffs clamped tightly around his wrists. His dark hair hung low over sharp amber eyes, dulled by exhaustion. Beside him walked another prisoner—just as pale, just as drained.
The narrow hallway gave way to a chamber glowing in pale blue: the Mana Room, filled with twisted conduits and restraints like iron thrones. Here, prisoners were fastened and drained like batteries.
Ami took his place, resisting the urge to wince as the cold metal slithered around his arms and chest. The arcane runes lit up—and a painful hum filled the chamber as his mana was siphoned away.
He clenched his teeth.
Not again… not like this.
But before the drain could complete, the glow dimmed. Sparks sputtered.
"Low output," a technician muttered. "This one's tapped out."
Ami's breathing was shallow.
"Same with this unit." Another prisoner collapsed in his harness.
"Transfer them to the infirmary."
But the place they were taken was far from a medical bay.
[ The Pit]
The corridor twisted again—this time ending in a gate made of jagged obsidian. It slid open with a deep grind, revealing an open cavern with cheering prisoners and guards watching from high ledges.
This was no infirmary.
It was The Pit—a secret underground fighting ring, where prisoners consumed by their Evil Cycles were thrown into brutal combat for entertainment, bets, and bloodlust.
Ami stumbled forward, eyes narrowing as a massive figure shoved him into the arena.
"Welcome to the real 'treatment'," the large-statured prisoner said with a cruel grin. "You break here, or you rise."
Fists slammed. Claws clashed. Explosions of dark magic and raw strength rippled across the pit as prisoners—many twisted by their cycles—fought like wild beasts.
Ami staggered, trying to avoid the crossfire. He didn't belong in this chaos. Yet before he could retreat, a hand grabbed his shoulder.
"You're not here just to bleed."
A tall, masked demon with glowing green eyes leaned in.
"You're here because you're awake… and we need the awake."
The masked demon gestured to a quiet corner near the edges of the pit. Several inmates were huddled in a half-circle, ignoring the madness around them.
Ami was led to them.
"You've heard of them, haven't you?" the masked one whispered.
"The Six Fingers."
Ami's tired eyes flickered with recognition.
"You… you mean the terrorist cell that—?"
"Shhh." Another prisoner interrupted. He had blackened horns and a burn scar over his left eye. "Careful how loud you speak that name down here. The guards listen."
They formed a rough circle around Ami and the others. One demon with a cracked mask spoke next.
"There's a plan."
"The Six Fingers have agents inside. Hidden even from the Warden. When the signal comes, the mana chains go offline."
"And Walter Park?" Ami asked.
"…It burns."
A heavy silence followed.
Another brawler flew across the pit with a loud crash, but no one at the circle flinched.
"Why tell me?" Ami asked, voice low.
The tall demon gave a crooked smile. "Because you're not broken yet. And the ones who aren't broken… they're dangerous."
Ami looked up at the ceiling—the faint vibrations of laughter and music far above.
So that's it… While they smile up there… down here, we wait to rise.
"I'm in." He said.
The circle tightened. Shadows stretched.
The plan had begun.