[center][img]http://i.imgur.com/LSubMXs.png[/img]
[h3]Aster's Study[/h3][/center]


He'd been pouring over dusty, old books for the past day now, but had yet to get much further than finding out that [i]Babylon[/i] was the nontraditional name meaning [i]Confusion[/i]. Alas, maybe he would have to resign himself to visiting the Library afterall. Aster had initially hoped that the old history tomes he'd borrowed for researching ancient Mana rituals would hold the keys to unlocking the Director's [i]godforsaken[/i] riddle, but it wasn't to be. He clenched a fist in annoyance. [color=#A4A4A4][b]"This won't do."[/b][/color] He said out loud. He had to come up with a quicker method of finding the location of the treasure. Normally, when theories arose within his mind, the Demon Prince would have been more prudent. He'd have allowed for hitches to hinder him at every turn and he understood that no matter how much he planned, [i]something[/i] would go wrong. It was just the nature of experimentation. But this was not [i]just[/i] some experiment; A measly idea cobbled together whilst pouring himself a fresh cup of the black stuff, no.

This was his life's work; A vast myriad of staircases, each one leading toward an unopened door or unexplored avenue. Yet every step he'd taken towards the answer had been littered with dead ends and misdirection. Doors slammed in his face and avenues closed together so tight, he was unable to go any further. He'd reached a low point once, where he figured that he'd never find the answer. That he would simply have to let the brilliance that was once his vision slip away into the ether of forgotten ideas. That was until a yesterday, when the mere recollection of a young student's powers re-ignited the spark within his mind, which by now had grown into a roaring conflagration. Everything felt right about it and what could he do but allow his mind to wander. He could feel himself racing up staircase after staircase, each step filling him with renewed vigor.

The Director's riddle was merely the first hurdle. [color=#A4A4A4][i]'That's it! The Director!'[/i][/color] Aster sat back into his ornate, wooden chair, gripping the leather-bound padded arms in realization. A had never cared much for anything among the lives of his students or teachers alike, merely anything that would entertain him. Once you'd reached a certain plateau of power, you forgot about those still at the bottom of the mountain, unwilling or unable to make the same climb. But what about those who would dare to follow in your footsteps? Would you ignore them blindly, or would curiosity rear its' playful hand and beckon you to peek over the edge? It was a risk, Aster knew, but the risks were far outweighed by the rewards. Maybe the Director would recognize his climb and lend a helping hand? Or maybe he'd throw rocks instead? Either way, it was he who was the next hurdle, not some damned riddle. Casting his books aside, the Demon rose swiftly from his chair and almost ran out of his study. His destination: The Director's office. 

[center][h3] Director A's Office[/h3][/center]

Aster had arrived in minutes, somewhat out of breath yet no too much as for it to be noticeable that he had rushed to get here. He straightened his shoulders, his coat ruffling as it settled into it's new position. Then he raised a balled fist and knocked.

[color=pink][b]"Who might it be? Oh, who am I fooling. Mister Aster, what do you seek here?"[/b][/color] The man answered, in his usual playful tone. 

He had kicked out Arthur not that long ago, expecting Aster to visit any time soon. 

[color=#A4A4A4][b]"I'm not here to beat around the bush, A, I'm here to ask for a favor."[/b][/color] He stated, all matter-of-fact-like.

[color=pink][b]"Uh, a favor! And what might that be? If it's not too boring, I might consider it."[/b][/color]

Aster had prepared a little speech on the way over but he'd have to paraphrase, the Director's attention could only be held for so long. [color=#A4A4A4][b]"Simply put, I think I've finally found out a way of converting Apparent Mana back into Latent Mana. However, I require the use of a student to assist me, though I foresee that she will not be so willing to help. I trust you've heard of Lyssa Nemorienne. Her deconstruction magic could very well be the key element I've been searching for these past hundred years."[/b][/color] He took a short breath, not wanting to rush this next part. [color=#A4A4A4][b]"The favor in question is in regards to the treasure hunt; If I can beat her team to it, then I'll be able to take the required steps to then test out my theory using her magic."[/b][/color]

[color=pink][b]"I see... So you wish to screw over miss Nemorienne? And here I thought devils weren't as bad as they all said."[/b][/color] He chuckled. 

The door finally opened and the man himself stood in front of Aster. 

[color=pink][b]"Very well, I understand. It seems I am rather popular today. What, with hot studs coming over to talk with me non-stop. I could get used to this."[/b][/color] He sighed, seemingly lovestruck. 

[color=pink][b]"In any case, you want to beat her to the punch, right? What task was she assigned with, hm? Tell me and I might help you in this... endeavor of yours."[/b][/color] By far the least crazy task the director had imposed on someone. 

The fact that he was licking his lips all the while while he looked at Aster could probably give him a good idea as to why he was being so forgiving. 

The Demon Prince was rather taken aback by his initial statement. Was he really that bad for wanting to use a student to further his own plans? He shook his head a little. [color=#A4A4A4][i]'Ludicrous.'[/i][/color] He thought. Although it was only natural for others to be used as stepping stones towards the path to greatness. Eggs and Omelettes sprung to mind. When eventually the door opened, Aster's face flushed red. He'd never been so outwardly complimented by the Director before, despite being very aware of his sexuality.

[color=#A4A4A4][b]"Ahem,"[/b][/color] He began, trying not to make a big deal about it but ultimately failing. [color=#A4A4A4][b]"I guess [i]screw over[/i] would be one way you could put it. Although I hardly intend to be [i]completely[/i] malicious when going about it."[/b][/color] He tried not to notice A's tongue sliding wildly across his lips. Yet it seemed he would fail at that too.

[color=#A4A4A4][b]"The task she was given, alludes to retrieving something from Babylon. I know not what it is exactly but I'd rather not speculate either."[/b][/color] He answered, somewhat mesmerized by the Director's tongue by now.

[color=pink][b]"Good, good! Then, you shall be the one to impede their advance."[/b][/color] He followed up. 

[color=pink][b]"Truly, I hope that you did not expect for this to be as easy as a simple 'treasure hunt'."[/b][/color] He chuckled some. [color=pink][b]"Each and every one of the treasures is protected by something. Truthfully, I expected this one to be protected by the spirit of Gilgamesh himself, but it seems I won't have to rely on the King Of Heroes this time."[/b][/color]

The director then smiled, malicious as ever. [color=pink][b]"If you manage to fend off a minimum of 10 students on your own, I will grant you the treasure that they would've otherwise wrenched out of the claws of Gilgamesh's spirit."[/b][/color]

Aster returned the Director's smile. Not that he was entirely interested in the treasure to begin with, simply the chance to witness Lyssa's magic up close would be reward enough. But who was he to turn down any bonuses? [color=#A4A4A4][b]"Consider it done."[/b][/color] He stated, firmly. Then, bidding A farewell, Aster swiftly headed back towards his study. He was going to need to pack some things and come up with a strategy before heading to the teleportation pad.