Everyone besides Akuto was a foreigner. Comparing his skin color to the other students, it seemed that many of them were from the middle of the continent. Some had black skin and others were blonde haired with blue eyes. Akuto had read some material that said about fifty percent of the student body at the school was from abroad.
The school infirmary was massive in size compared to the one in Akuto’s old middle school. The gym-sized space was separated into a number of booths, including a room with beds lined up together and a room where they performed surgery. Even now there were people undergoing treatment with the other school doctors. Some were even groaning in pain, but with a sidelong glance, Miss Mitsuko explained:
“The death rate has been much lower lately, so don’t worry about it, okay! Now, it’s time to take your body measurements, so have a seat in that chair when your name is called.”
Miss Mitsuko pointed to a large wooden chair in a corner of the room. The armrests and backrest were so high that it would be snug for a normal-sized person. Next to it was a cylindrical glass container as tall as the chair. The glass cylinder was giving off a dull light.
“Inside is an artificial spirit that is going to check your health. Don’t worry, it’ll be quick and painless. Most importantly, it’s going to predict your future occupation.”
Akuto, as well as the rest of the exchange students, all gave her puzzled looks.
Miss Mitsuko snorted conceitedly.
“This is one of the fruits of the empire’s magic technology. It collects data on your personality, lifestyle up until this point, intelligence, and physical fitness and judges what kind of occupation you are most suited for. In coming to this school I assume you’re aspiring to a position of vital importance for our country, but with this, we’ll know which of those important roles you are best suited for. This isn’t fortune-telling. Think of it as advice on what occupation best fits your personality and abilities, okay? Incidentally, there hasn’t been a single student that hasn’t ended up entering their predicted occupation. Nervous? Don’t worry. Just by being accepted into this school, you’ve proven that you are all outstanding and distinguished students. Everyone ends up being able to enter into the profession they want.” As Miss Mitsuko said this, it seemed to ease the minds of the international students.
—I see, it seems just by coming to this school, we’re set to enter public service.
With this explanation, Akuto was satisfied.
“Well then, let’s get started.” Miss Mitsuko called out the first student’s name.
A nervous-looking boy sat in the chair. Inside of the glass cylinder, the figure of a crow-like black bird appeared. When the bird opened its mouth, a calm male voice resounded.
“Welcome. I am the artificial spirit, Yatagarasu. Through our contract, I will acquire your personal information and give advice on your future. Transfer Number 001: Yoh Lanly. Health: Normal. Future Occupation... Soldier.”
The boy beamed as he was informed that he would become a soldier. It seemed that the answer coincided with his desired occupation.
After this, the other international students went up one by one and each received Yatagarasu’s prediction. There wasn’t a single student that looked dissatisfied with what he said. Doctors, diplomats, teachers... All of them were occupations that were important to society, and these students had come from abroad because they admired these professions. It was the equivalent to being promised a future path, so on the whole every student’s expression was happy and bright.
Finally, Akuto’s name was called. He sat down in the chair and peered into the glass cylinder. The artificial spirit Yatagarasu looked at Akuto’s face and opened its mouth.
“Transfer Number 021: Akuto Sai. Health: Normal. Future Occupation...”
The international students around Akuto looked on with curiosity. They were interested in the destined professions of their soon-to-be-classmates, and particularly in Akuto, as he was the only transfer student who was an imperial subject. Everyone waited with bated breath for Yatagarasu’s prognosis.
Yatagarasu’s tone remained unchanged from his previous decree, but his words resounded in everyone with an unexpected gravity, to say the least.
His words were bizarre and unprecedented.
“Demon King.”
Everyone in the area looked confused.
Akuto was no exception. He remained in the chair, unable to move or understand what he had just been told.
Miss Mitsuko looked at Yatagarasu suspiciously.
“What did you say?”
“Future Occupation: Demon King.”
Yatagarasu repeated the prediction one more time. Since he was an artificial spirit, his words didn’t have any particular emotion to them. On the other hand, Miss Mitsuko was flustered. She stood and walked up to the glass cylinder.
“One more time, please.”
“Demon King. Commonly known as the ruler of all demons. In this case, the occupation of Demon King means that he is the strongest and most powerful destroyer and threat to society.”
With Yatagarasu’s dispassionate words, Akuto began to realize what exactly he had been told.
“Hah... Haha?” Still, he couldn’t help but think that is must be a joke.
“Okay, stay put. One more time, diagnose him one more time.” Miss Mitsuko forced Akuto to remain seated and approached Yatagarasu.
“The diagnosis is accurate. He will become the Demon King. Both his character and his abilities indicate that this will be the case.”
The artificial spirit remained calm. Miss Mitsuko took her right index finger and stuck it in her ear. This was how magicians communicated telepathically. She didn’t say anything, but even Akuto could guess that she was most likely getting in contact with an expert on the system.
After a few moments, Miss Mitsuko took her finger out of her ear.
“Y-You’ll probably need to be re-examined but, it’s okay, don’t worry. Once you’re re-examined, you should get a normal result. Everyone, don’t be alarmed. We’ll quit for today. Don’t be late for tomorrow’s opening ceremony.”