Chapter Text
After the struggle between Galeem and Dharkhon, the energy of both spread around the world. The most common example of this would be Dark Spirits.
However, the most common doesn’t typically mean the true extent of everything, as we know. With the Mother of Spirits giving birth to a Dark Angel, she was not only able to discover what races contained the properties Dharkhon carried, but also who and what objects.
The who’s were obvious, but the objects couldn’t be banished due to the law of equality of humans and the divine.
The first Dark Angel was able to bypass the 13th Divine Commandment: “Nothing of pure darkness can be allowed to exist” and allowed for educational institutions to be created in various parts of the world where the Spectrals typically never had Quests in, so as long as their appearance was hidden under a special Metaphysical Barrier.
Hana Mora, the creator of the Xiphoid Function, was able to cast a unique Metaphysical Barrier around each school, which unfortunately ended her life.
These unique educational schools are known today as…
[ 𝐇𝐈𝐃𝐃𝐄𝐍 𝐀𝐍𝐂𝐈𝐄𝐍𝐓 𝐒𝐇𝐀𝐃𝐎𝐖 𝐀𝐑𝐓 𝐄𝐃𝐔𝐂𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐀𝐋 𝐃𝐎𝐌𝐀𝐈𝐍 ]
In extension of Hana’s sacrifice, students and staff of the Ancient Shadow Art Educational Domain are slowly deprived of their lifespan each and every second they spend in the school.
These educational institutions were always run by someone with a tie to the darkness Dharkhon emitted.
And our location?
[ 𝐇𝐈𝐃𝐃𝐄𝐍 𝐀𝐍𝐂𝐈𝐄𝐍𝐓 𝐒𝐇𝐀𝐃𝐎𝐖 𝐀𝐑𝐓 𝐄𝐃𝐔𝐂𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐀𝐋 𝐃𝐎𝐌𝐀𝐈𝐍: 𝐒𝐇𝐈𝐍𝐉𝐔𝐊𝐔 ]
In Japan, the range of the educational institution’s barrier extended all over Gyoen National Garden, thus making the area inaccessible. Whenever a small child attempted to enter, they were knocked back by an invisible force.
Where the trees departed, a giant tenshu towered over even the tallest buildings near the park and even further beyond, blocking the light of the sun at the brink of dusk. The foundation of the building resided on white, lacquered wood which was impenetrable due to the effects of the Metaphysical Barrier. Around, numerous outposts of a similar nature were spread out, home only to the Third Year Students who never looked happy. There were shooting holes for weapons when there needed to be. If there was an attack from the outside, the castle would expose these holes from unexpected areas, and… magic would do the rest.
Inside, the walls and floors were different from the exterior. The halls consisted of hard, green steel—just as the office did.
Today, the principal of the Ancient Shadow Art Education Domain was in his usual position in his office which was the highest floor. Leaning against his chair, reading manuscripts and schedule updates, remembering but ultimately caring. “Man, the papers are really robbing the “beauty” of this offic—ONE-HUNDRED THOUSAND DOLLAR PAYCHECK? JACKPOT! MAN, BEING THE PRINCIPAL IS GREAT!”
𝐃𝐀𝐍𝐓𝐄 𝐒𝐏𝐀𝐑𝐃𝐀 (Devil May Cry 5 design!)
“Anyways, come on in already, Ichiku.” Dante chuckled, putting the papers down.
Of course, Ichiku Mora, a teacher here, would step in.
“You gotta stop being so nervous to talk to the big guy, y’know?” Dante said.
“It’s not nervousness as much as it is the tiredness from training the students.”
“They screwing up your Demon Sword Techniques again?”
“It’s only been three weeks, so I don’t blame them. But, I did just get back from Smash City.” Ichiku said, scratching his head, “Too many people, too many complaints.”
“A part Spectral and staff. Looks like ya got your work cut out for ya.” Dante said, “Well, we can’t always have another student with immediate talent like Bayonetta. Hell, I don’t even think anyone has the potential to be anywhere near her level. But at least getting as far as possible is doing something.”
“True.”
“Say, Ichiku.” Dante straightened his posture, “You’re going to Goodwill, right?”
“Unfortunately.” Ichiku said with a blank expression.
“Do they allow someone to tag along to someone who’s already invited?”
Ichiku’s face lightened up with the absurdity of this question. “Don’t tell me you’re trying to abandon your duty as the head of the Ancient Shadow Art Education Domain. You’re the direct descendant of Sparda, the most recent demon. Without a soul like yours, the barrier won’t hold. And also, I’m the descendant of Hana. My connection to these barriers are crucial, so my absence would only add to the problem.”
“But you’re forgetting one thing—and I just brought it up.” Dante smirked, extending his gaze past Ichiku, and toward the door. Like magic, someone emerged, someone with a height and stature unsurpassable to anyone in the current generation of the students in this educational constitution.
One of the many reasons why Bayonetta won last year’s Smash Tournament.
A weapon dealer.
The ultimate weapon dealer.
𝐑𝐎𝐃𝐈𝐍
He noticed Ichiku, who stood aware of his height but ultimately unintimidated. “I remember you.”
“I get that a lot around the staff.”
“Well I’ll be the first to tell you that you’re still so damn scrawny.”
“Tch!”
Ichiku furrowed his brow, but of course, Rodin, too, was not not intimidated, and walked past him.
“Speaking of weight…” Dante squinted his eyes, “...You look healthier! Respecting the “no smoking” policy? Good on you.” (During his first year as a staff member, Rodin’s teaching license was temporarily suspended.)
“Heh.” Rodin gave a half-hearted chuckle, reaching into his pocket and handing Dante a paper. “Well, look alive, principal. Look at you and I got our work cut out for us.”
Dante widened his eyes, nodding slightly in acceptance of this random letter. Hilarious just how the head of demon school could be so casual about “work”.
Well, in this case, it made sense.
“Well, Ichiku.” Dante plastered a wide smile on his face. Just from that, Ichiku could tell exactly what the news was. “Looks like you’re getting that tag along after all.”
“...Great.” I’m not even mad. Ichiku swore to himself.
“I’ll be taking over the role as principal, unless you want your brother to volunteer.” Rodin said.
“Eh, Vergil’s too busy taking care of his own Shadow Art School. Even if he usually takes this up, I don’t think anyone else gets the students working like you do. You’re intimidating, and holy hell it works!”
“I don’t know if I should be offended or proud. Why don’t you tell me, principal?” Rodin asked, crossing his arms.
“Nah–ah-ah!” Dante exclaimed, waving a finger back and forth. Thereafter, he walked past him, “You’re the principal now.”
OUTSIDE!
Swords clashed amongst the third years scattered around the training grounds, a demonic flair raging with each spark. On the walls, some students were gathering up the energy of their demonic roots to try and add accessories to the weapons. The second years were heading off to lunch, eating the corpses of Monoeyes and carcusses of a once posssessed human.
“I heard Bayonetta’s on Rosalina’s team this year. Interesting choice, but I guess reception is on the bottom of her concerns.” Dante said, walking alongside Ichiku.
“Considering the premise of the last two Goodwill Events, I guess it makes sense. She has plenty of opportunities to further show that she’s above the rest.” Ichiku replied, “Is that why you were so willing to go? To see Bayonetta’s teacher?”
“Well, excluding the fact that all the most popular Spectrals will be there, not really.” This answer surprised Ichiku. “I just feel like If I don’t do something now, I’ll be to blame if light and dark ruin this place. I’m the son of Sparda, right? I have to do whatever I can to make things right, which is why—”
Pat! Much to Ichiku’s discomfort, Dante planted his hand on his dome as if he was a child. Considering that he was once his student, he should’ve been used to it by now.
“—I have to make sure you’re still alive!” And there it was. “I’ve seen the way the students look at you. You’re a pretty harsh teacher, but at least you’re guiding them to the right place.”
“......”
Ichiku was annoyed.
And yet, he was trying to hide a smile.
“Yeah, sure.”
As the leaves echoed with the surprising calmness of the impermanence of life and everyone’s time at this cursed school, Dante and Ichiku would enter the Shrine that allowed them back to the overflowing city of Shinjuku, where from there, they’d give Master Hand a call (Well, technically Dark Pit.)
“We’re in.” - Dante.
Back at Smash City, Bayonetta, standing on the balcony closest to the main room, saw the sudden notification icon pop up in the midst of watching a video about theories of Fox’s moveset.
When she clicked it, she was fairly surprised to see the news, and took the sucker out of her mouth. “Well, well, well. Things are getting interesting up there, aren’t they?”
GOODWILL INVITATION: ACCEPTED!
INFORMATION
- Dante personally chose his last name.
- He's a part time Spectral like most principals, but ultimately he only went on 3 Quests last year. Despite that, he's famous due to his flashly talks during interviews, and also being Bayonetta’s "teacher."
- When asked about his parents, he dodges the question.
- Personally took in Ichiku Mora when he was an orphan.
"Some guys came to the school and told me that It was unfair, but the truth is, you can't not bring out the full potential in someone like that! I only personally teach the best of the best, and being the best of the best doesn't mean anyone else is less important!" - Dante during his interview with Camie.
Chapter End