Calling Upon a Demon for Homework Help

Haskell had always been interested in demons and demonic spirits, and because he was never skilled or experienced enough to control or summon them, began attending classes for demonology. Of course, the subject itself was very dense, and therefore required a lot of reading. This wasn't really a problem since Haskell read a lot of books, it was naturally studying in the process, but there were always several things that came up that he didn't necessarily understand. Although he didn't really want to, he needed to ask someone with better knowledge and understanding on the topic of the last lecture. Talking to a stranger instead of leisuring in his studies? Unprecedented. Yet it was a necessary evil that had to be done. The subject TA is a shorter girl, second year, but it wasn't until he saw her that he discovered that she was a half-demon. Not surprising, but somewhat amusing to him.

Sitting down and going through several problem sets with her enlightened him to the several things he wasn't very sure about. He didn't respond when she made a remark on his relatively studious nature, but it's not like he had anything else to do anyway. Knowledge is power, is it not? That's what his step-father told him anyway. Then came the comment on his array of religious items that he usually wears on a daily basis; several amulets of Buddhist and Christian nature, as well as prayer beads that he wore around his wrist. He also had a runic amulet that he likes to wear, a safekeep from his original parents.

With a brief pause, he replied. "The magic I work with requires me to wear them. It is necessary to keep the heart and mind... Pure, from external influence that comes with it. I don't think there will be a problem if people simply ignored me." It's a lot easier that way, everyone wins, is what he thought. "If not, I can tuck them inside."

Haskell gave out a soft sigh, quietly deciding his next course of action. This was somewhat of an educational experience since he wasn't very sure that his very presence, or rather his wearing of religious iconography is so passively harmful to the students around him. Not that he'd ever been around people a lot anyway, especially those of a different kind. Though he had tried his best to stay in the background without a care in the world for other people, it seemed that regardless of his efforts he was forced into the spotlight.

If he continued wearing them, he would be increasingly pushed into the epicenter of attention, but if he stopped there'd probably be no problems in the future. Thus, he could go back to his peaceful ways. However, that means he'd have to stop bringing his Godstones to class as well.

What a bother, he thought.

Then he realised, isn't this girl also part demon? Is she also bothered by what he's wearing, and if so why continue to stay so close in proximity? He was getting a bit curious, but maintained his composure. "I suppose I neglect to bring them to future classes if it will calm the commotion down. However, I will be keeping my rune on me."

Haskell struggled to keep steady eye contact, always returning them to the papers and the desk in front of him. "You're a half-breed, yet you do not mind sitting across from me despite all of this." He gestured to himself, assuming it'd be clear what he was referring to. Not sure what words to use at this point, "Please elaborate."

"I see." Haskell gave a quick glance over her features and identifiable traits to see if anything was out of the ordinary, obviously everything about this girl seemed fairly unusual. At least for now anyway. Either way, it wasn't like Haskell was going to stop bringing all his junk to his other classes during the day, and because he didn't feel like there weren't any issues up until now, there wouldn't be any other reason to. With Chloe's suggestion, maybe he should start reading on different types of species and their different vulnerabilities after all? Perhaps it would give him a better perspective on such things, though only for academic purposes of course.

Haskell gave her a slight nod. While he wanted to evade attention, it didn't sit right with him that he should do this for the sake of other people, who barely cared to approach or talk to him at all. The fact that he needed to change his ways so that other people would feel better in exchange? Society has never done any right by him, so what is with this sudden request now? He didn't promise anything, only that he will stop bringing his religious items to Demonology classes. And if he didn't want people to see them, he can put them in his bag. Simple? Maybe.

"It's alright. I know that as long as I don't need to draw unwanted attention to myself, these are the measures I need to take." He slid relevant papers and his writing utensils into his bag, before standing up awkwardly from his seat, glancing over to the door. "Thank you for your time."