Chapter 29
P.S this story starts a few years before the start of our favorite DXD verse!
AND I DON'T OWN ANY DXD MATERIAL, ALL CREDIT TO THE ORIGINAL WRITERS!
"Talking out aloud"
'Thinking with ones mind'
"Spirits inside the sacred gears talking"
Without further delay, lets start the chapter!
VIP Room
The room is halted, stunned in silence. Not many people believed that such an outcome could be achieved, yet it was. Even Devils like Marid and his peerage, who had clearly known Rias and her peerage's limitations, were rather pleasantly surprised by the outcome. The grit and determination showcased by Rias and her peerage were awe-inspiring.
Kenta and Yumi looked at the aftermath of the hard-fought battle with wide eyes, while Sirzechs, Venelana, and Marid were stunned at the battle's outcome. Despite their shock, their eyes now held pride and relief after seeing Rias winning the rating game on her own, clearly showcasing signs of a fine Devil in the making. Members of the big eight in attendance, Sairaorg, Sona, Seekvaira, Dagon, and Cleria, thought the same as the rating game came to a close with Riser's elimination.
On the other side of the room, many Devils sat in various degrees of shock, anger, and amusement. Older Devils like Lord Bael, Lord Phoenix, and Lord Gremory seethed angrily. At the same time, beings like Lady Rosalina Phoenix, Lady Rivia Abaddon, and Lord Zekeram Bael held calculating looks as if trying to understand how the outcome would affect their plans.
"HOW IS THIS POSSIBLE??!!?" Lord Phoenix exclaimed aloud in pure shock. His son, the only Phoenix who had never been defeated in single combat, had lost to Rias Gremory of all people. A girl who acted more like a bitch than a Devil most of the time. The entire coup that had carefully been laid out to bring the Gremory family in with the Great Satan Faction was now destroyed, and there was only one man who was responsible for all of this.
"You will pay for this, Marid!!" Zeoticus Gremory leaped out of his seat and raged at his Grandson with a look suggesting that he was having a tough time stopping himself from attacking Marid. He probably would have lost himself to his anger had he not seen the raised eyebrow of his son, Sirzechs Lucifer. Hence so, with great reluctance as well, Zeoticus found his seat back, attacking son of a Mao would lead to great consequences for him, not that Sirzechs would have saved him from those consequences considering how big a distance had been created between them over Rias marriage contract with the Phoenix house.
"I don't know about you, but I am rather proud of what Rias and her peerage were able to achieve today, grandfather. Not only did she defeat someone with far more experience than her in a rating game, but she also did without borrowing servants from any of her friends and family." Marid looked at his grandfather, utterly unbothered by his outburst. "Relying on her own power to fulfill her own ambitions like a true Devil, I must say" Marid grinned after seeing the fury rising in Lord Gremory's eyes.
However, his plan to see one of the older Devils attack him was ruined by his grandmother, Venelana Gremory, who dug her finger in her husband's hand so painfully that he almost screamed in pain- "I must agree with you Marid. Despite the setbacks and less than favorable conditions imposed on my darling Rias, Rias overcame her challenges rather well" Venelana gave her Grandson a soft smile before glaring at her husband with a murderous look. Clearly, her letting Zeoticus handle the family businesses had sparked some differences in their family due to her husband's impulsiveness. It was one of the things that had attracted her to Zeoticus all those centuries ago, but now that same attitude has caused an incredible rift in their family.
"I concur," Lady Phoenix's soft voice cut through the entire room. "Rias Gremory has performed well in the rating game and defeated a more experienced opponent in my son" Her sharp eyes shifted towards Marid, "Like Lord Marid said, Rias Gremory is showcasing signs of a fine Devil in the making"
"I agree as well." Zekram Bael entered the conversation as well with a gruff voice, "Rias Gremory has won the rating game and hence earned her freedom of the betrothal contract created between Lord Pheonix and Lord Gremory".
Zekram Baels' words shocked Marid since he was expecting more of an opposition from the 'Old Devils', but then again, sometimes it was better to accept defeat with humility than to create a scene and cause further embarrassment.
"Fathe…" Lord Bael began to say something, but a subtle look from the Great King to his son, a look only exactly five Devils in the room caught on, proved his theory that the Great King was conceding defeat. "Father is right. With the nullification requirement completed, the marriage contract between Lord Riser Phoenix and Lady Rias Gremory has been voided," Lord Bael announced to the room before following his father out of the VIP box. Other Lords and Ladies in the room soon followed them out as well. Clearly, the new change in politics was something to be discussed in much greater detail.
"Not to mention my own personal contract with Rias" Marid let out a cheeky grin as he directed his statement at his grandfather who himself was livid but didn't rise to Marids jape. Zeoticus barely looked at his own Grandson as he walked out of the room, his wife following shortly after but not before giving Marid proud smile, "I will make sure the property of the Seer Valley is transferred to your name as soon as possible"
"I appreciate that" Marid nodded back at his grandmother in appreciation before turning his attention towards the remaining members of the room. Millicas was overjoyed and telling his parents how impressed he was of Rias performance; both of whom smiled at Millicas behavior, yet Marid could see the relief in their eyes.
Sona and Seekvaira talked about the strategy with the rating game, with Yumi silently listening, hoping to pick up any knowledge between the two of the smartest Devils of the coming generation. But what amused Marid greatly was reaction of Kenta, Dagon and Sairaorg, who looked like kids in a candy store.
"I take it you three are impressed by Rias and her team's performance?" Marid asked with a smile on his face, already knowing their answers.
"That would be an understatement of the highest degree, Marid! I cannot wait to face Rias and her peers in the rating game. Especially that Hyoudou Issie!" Sairaorg boasted loudly with Kenta and Dagon sharing the same sentiment, lust for a great battle shined in their eyes.
"I will be sure to pass your desire to Rias the next time I see her" Marid laughed as he too found himself desiring to battle Rias and her peerage again. No doubt Rias and her peerage had again improved from the time they had their last spar and that excited him. A desire for a worthy challenge was something most Devils shared with each other.
"Then how about you share your words with Rias now" Sirzech spoke as he stood up from his seat with his son in his arms and his loving wife dutifully behind him.
Elsewhere
Issie found himself staring at the roof of his hospital room. It had been a few minutes since the Doctor had come in to check on him. It only took some basic healing spells for him to look right as rain, but his Doctor emphasized his body needed to rest for it to recover, after all he was competing in a brutish rating game not even an hour ago. That opened another can of worms for Issie as he finally remembered the rating game and the injuries some of his friends had taken.
"Your worry for your friends in this case is understandable but unnecessary. While some of your friends sustained injuries more grievous than you, they are more than fine. They are put under a mandatory sleep spell after their body was healed. Their innate magic would take care of any remaining injuries or signs of exhaustion. For now just rest, you have earned for such a masterful performance for your master" the Doctor pointed at the beds next to him where he saw Akeno, Asia, Kiba and Koneko peacefully sleeping with major injuries covered in special healing bandages from the looks of it.
After the Doctor left, Issie found his thoughts straying back to the end of the rating game. Koneko and Asia getting retired, everyone confronting Riser together, Akeno and Kiba's retirement from the rating game and his showdown with Riser alongside Rias. So much had happened, it all felt surreal, but his exhausted aching body would say otherwise. Relief of securing his first win in a rating game suddenly overshadowed by the pure anger after remembering seeing his friends getting hurt only to come across a wall of enemies so high that looked too high to climb, only for them to crumble for him only due to his friends timely sacrifice.
Issie felt overwhelmed; his first rating game had been an emotional rollercoaster that he hoped he wouldn't have to go through over again. But considering his final memories of the rating game hadn't been his dream, he perhaps could be convinced.
'That kiss, was it all a dream?' Issie questioned his own thoughts. Part of him was overjoyed at the thought of such a hot woman like Rias kissing him like that, but part of him felt worried; after all, his last date didn't have the best interest for him.
"You did extremely well you know" Rias voice cut through his thoughts like a hot knife through butter.
"Buchou!" Issie tried to sit up only to wince as the pain in his back flared up.
"Be careful" Rias said soothingly as she eased Issie into a sitting position while looking at her only pawn adoringly.
"So did we win?" Issie asked curiously, still not believing they won the rating game.
"We did! All thanks to all the hard work you guys put in" Rias smiled as she turned to look at all of her peerage members in various states of injury. Her eyes turned misty when she saw just how much her peerage had sacrificed for her.
"Hey why are you crying?" Issie asked worriedly as he held Rias hand in a comforting manner.
"I am just so lucky to have such wonderful people in my peerage" Rias wiped her tears before giving Issie the most beautiful smile he had ever seen, which made his heart skip.
"That smile is worth everything" Issie blurted not realizing what he had said. It wasn't until he saw Rias blush brighter than her crimson hair that he realize what he had said at which point it already been too late.
"I am sorry Bucho" Issie blurted worriedly but before he could complete his sentence Rias giggled at his adorable reaction.
"You should never apologize for complimenting a girl, especially not after giving a girl her first kiss" Rias smiled beautifully despite the heavy blush that remained on her face.
Issie's eyes widened as he blushed up a storm at his masters words while struggling to come up with a response. Luckily he was saved by someone, whose words didn't necessarily helped the situation.
"Ara Ara! Look Asia, we might be seeing the beginnings of a brand new Love Story!" Akeno said with a cheeky grin while Asia blushed heavily at Akeno's implied words. Kiba and Koneko who were both coming out of their enforced sleep were sporting various degrees of amusement on their faces.
"Akeno!" "Akeno-senpai!" "Akeno-san"
Rias, Issie and Asia exclaimed almost in unison at Akeno's words.
"Ara Ara, did I say something wrong?" Akeno asked with an innocent look.
"Honestly why you must be like this. You just ruined the whole moment!" Rias scolded her queen fiercely as her eyebrow twitched in frustration at the interruption of such a tender moment. Not that Rias words affected Akeno based on such a pleasing, borderline relieving smile on her Queens face.
"Your peerage never fails to put a smile on my face" Sirzechs Lucifers voice cut through the entire conversation as he walked into the room alongside Grayfia, Marid, Kenta and Yumi.
"Onii-sama!" Rias exclaimed in surprise as she quickly stood up from her seat beside Issie to bow to her brother.
Akeno and others did their best to pay respect to the current Lucifer but their various injuries limited their movements. All the while Issie and Asia were openly gawking at Sirzechs. After all it was their first time meeting their masters older brother who was also one of the leaders of their race.
"At ease everyone! Congratulations on showcasing such a wonderful display during your first rating game. I am sure your master is extremely proud of your performance" Sirzech smiled as he congratulated the group before continuing, "Just as I am for being the leader of such a group of people".
"You honor us with these words Mao Lucifer" Akeno humbly bowed her head again.
"But it is the truth, you all went beyond your capability to win the rating game" Marid's eyes shined with pride as he regarded the group, after all he was the one who had trained them. "Hopefully we can have a rating game between ourselves as well" Marid laughed as he saw everyone pale in horror. Others couldn't help but chuckle at Rias and her peerages expense.
"That match would have to wait quite a bit since I am still not matured enough to take part in the rating game. But when I am, I will win against you" Rias replied with usual confident smirk.
Marid laughed, "Keep up the same energy when you see others looking to fight your peerage after seeing you all perform against Riser"
"Out of curiosity, who are these Devils that want to face us in the rating game apart from yourselves?" Akeno asked curiously.
"Here let me count; Sairaorg, Sona, Seekvaira, Dagon, Zelphydor and every single prideful Devil that wants to either defeat sister of the Mao or wants to make a claim for your hand" Marid started to list off with some amusement but stopped once he saw the glares being sent his way from Rias and his mother.
"Either way I am not going to be entertaining any request for rating games for the next few years" Rias sighed with exasperation. She knew Devils had a lot of pride and liked to challenge themselves against strong opponents, hence the rating games, but she would have liked a little breathing room before she had to face other stronger opponents in the form of Marid and Sairaorg. After all they were stronger than most high class Devils who competed in the rating games.
"That is your choice but you… you are Issie Hyoudou correct? My sisters sole pawn?" Sirzech changed the conversation as he regarded his sisters sole pawn with a smile on his face.
"Yes sir!" Issie quickly replied, trying to cover up the uneasiness talking to the strongest Devil in existence.
Sirzech smiled which eased the nerves of the younger Devil, "Thank you for putting so much effort to win the rating game on your masters behalf; someone who you only have known for mere months".
Humbleness in Sirzechs voice caught Issie off guard but he quickly regained his wits, his training sessions with Yumi and Kenta on Devil etiquettes still fresh in his brain, "It was an honor for me to fight on Rias Buchous behalf against that fried chicken and I will do so again if it someone ask for Rias Buchou's hand in marriage" Issie declared firmly not realizing what he had just said, right in front of her brother no less.
While Marid had to fight off a teasing grin coming over his face, Rias on the other hand was blushing up a storm but was too embarrassed to say anything else that would improve her situation. Sirzechs for that matter smiled gratefully and continued, "That's all I would ask for all my sisters peerage members as well"
Issie nodded in understanding at that.
"But I must say I was left impressed when I saw you unleash your pseudonym Balance breaker. While I understood your training with Marid was sure to give you some healthy gains, having the ability to unlock a pseudonym Balance breaker wasn't one of them" Sirzechs said with a smile on his face before he continued, "While such a surprise is a welcome I am rather curious to know how you achieved such a feat when you weren't able to achieve it during your mock battle with Marid and his peerage" Sirzechs asked curiously.
While the Lucifers tone wasn't firm to interpret as a command, Issie knew there was no way he could get out of it without answering such a question. He only cringed at the thought of what Rias and Asia would do to him when they finally learnt what he had sacrificed to earn such a power.
"After talking to Lord Marid and Rias Buchou, I knew I needed a small boost in power so I asked Draig for some advice" Issie begin hesitantly. His eyes went to the floor when he saw the intense looks Sirzechs was giving him, some part of him just knew Rias brother knew exactly what he had done to gain that power boost.
"What did Draig told you?" Rias asked softly as she was curious too as to how her beloved pawn managed to pull such a trump card at the last moment.
"He told me that the only way to gain power in such a short time is throughconvertingpartofyourselftodragon" Issie said the last part of the sentence as quickly as possible. While a regular human wouldn't have been able to understand what he had said, a bunch of pure bloods on the other hand were a different case.
"YOU WHAT??!?!?" Rias screamed at her pawn while Sirzechs closed his eyes as if in deep thought while Marid and Grayfia were working hard to ensure a frown doesn't come on their faces. Asia and others were simply in fearful shock.
"Buchou I had to do something to turn the odds in our favor. Despite all the training we had done, we needed something to turn the scales" Issie tried to defend his actions.
"But you didn't had to sacrifice part of yourself to secure the win. I would rather have lost the rating game then have you sacrifice yourself for me!" Rias replied quickly.
"But winning the game for you was worth it" Issie muttered loud enough for everyone to hear it. Despite its low tone, everyone understood the conviction behind it.
Issie hesitantly looked up from the floor to gauge the reaction of the room; Sirzechs Lucifer looked at him with a unreadable expression, Grayfia looked at him sternly as if sizing him up, Marid looked amused, Rias had a shocked face while blushing up a storm, Asia was giving him smile that didn't quite reached her eyes, Akeno held a incredibly teasing grin all the while Yumi, Kenta, Kiba and Koneko looked sympathetic for some reason.
Wait! Why were Grayfia and Sirzechs looked like they were judging him for some reason. Oh Shit!!
Reality dawned on Issie as his eyes widened in fear and shock. Marid noticing this struggled not to laugh but a sharp glare from his mother shut his mouth real quick.
Before Issie could say something else, Sirzechs saved him the trouble for defending his words, "I am sure my sister appreciates your loyalty to her and her peerage" Sirzechs smile returned to his face momentarily but now his look also contained a partial seriousness as well.
As if the room also noticed in the change in demeanor of their Lucifer, they all straightened up.
"But Issie-kun don't rely on the Boosted Gear for such gains every single time you need strength. While Boosted Gear is an invaluable resource relying on it too much has brought about the doom of many people. The Boosted Gear doesn't just amplify your strength; it draws on your emotions, your desires, and even your limits. If you push it too far, you might awaken the Juggernaut Drive. I am sure you were told about the Juggernaut Drive of the Heavenly Dragons" Sirzechs asked as Issie nodded in understanding.
Sirzechs simply continued, "The Juggernaut Drive is a power of destruction, Issei. It's a state where the Boosted Gear channels the full force of the Red Dragon Emperor's rage and power. But it comes at a cost… it consumes the user. Once triggered, you might lose yourself entirely. Your body, your soul, everything could be destroyed"
"I know. Lord Marid, Rias Buchou and Draig were rather… descriptive about what happens to people who use Juggernaut Drive needlessly. That we sometimes lose our conscious to the Boosted Gear" Issie gulped as he remembered the horrors of the Juggernaut and his vow to himself to never use such a terrible power.
"Exactly. That's why I want you to remember this, Issei. True strength doesn't come from relying on overwhelming power alone. It comes from understanding your limits, working with your allies, and growing stronger through your own efforts." Sirzech continued seriously.
Issie steeled his own resolve at hearing Sirzechs words, "I get it. I'll train harder and fight smarter. I don't want to be a burden to Rias Buchou or anyone else. And I definitely don't want to lose myself to some crazy power-up."
Sirzech smiled as he regarded his sisters sole pawn in new light. Perhaps Marid was right, this generations Red Dragon Emperor was truly different from his predecessors, "Good. That's the kind of resolve I was hoping to see in you. Remember, Issei, power easily gained is lost just as easily. Don't just wield it—earn it." Sirzech proceeded to put a brotherly hand on Issie shoulders, "You've already taken the first steps. Keep moving forward, and you'll become someone truly worthy of standing by Rias's side."
"ONI-SAMA" Rias shrieked in embarrassment. That only made Sirzech and Marid laugh at her own expense.
"Moving on, I hear from the Doctors that you all are well on your way to a full recovery par Issie-kun whose recovery have satisfied the doctors, earning him a early discharge from the hospital." Sirzech regarded Issie with a smile.
"Yes Sirzechs-Sama" Issie dutifully replied.
"Then let this be a present from me to you both on your exceptional performance in the rating game" Sirzech smiled as he took out a summoning card from his pocket.
"Is that a Grffin?" Rias asked in shock as she saw the emblem of her brothers Griffin on the summoning card. The Lucifer just smiled at her sisters question.
Rooftop
Later Rias, Marid, Issie, Grayfia and Sirzech arrived on the rooftop of the hospital. After Sirzechs carefully placed the summoning card on the floor, with a bright flash a beautiful Griffin appeared in front of the group.
The Griffin had a striking and regal appearance, combining the most powerful features of a lion and an eagle. Its body is covered in sleek, golden fur that glistens in the light, symbolizing its majestic nature. Its front legs are adorned with sharp, talon-like claws, while its back legs resemble those of a powerful lion, giving it both agility and strength. The creature's wings are massive and feathered, radiating a commanding presence with their span and elegance. Its sharp beak and piercing eyes exude intelligence and authority, making it a truly awe-inspiring sight for all to see. Truly a worthy familiar for the underworlds most powerful and prestigious Devil.
The Griffin let out a loud hoot before giving his master a short bow.
"Its beautiful" Issie said in awe, first time seeing such a magical beast in the flesh.
"That he is" Rias spoke with the same awe as Issie. Despite seeing and riding her brothers Griffin countless times during her childhood, she had never really got past the majesty of such a bird.
"A nice sending of present at the very least" Marid grinned at the sight of his fathers familiar as well.
"Sendoff present?" Issie asked in confusion.
"It would be rude of you if you didn't accompany Rias back to the clubroom after such a wonderful rating game performance" Marid sent a suggestive look back at the pawn.
"I would rather like that Ise" Rias said shyly.
"I would like nothing more than that Buchou" Issie nodded enthusiastically.
Soon the pair were comfortably seated on the back of the majestic bird.
"Thanks for the ride Sirzechs-sama" Issie thanked Lucifer with a small bow.
"It was my pleasure Issie-kun" Sirzech gave the duo a smile alongside Rias and Marid.
"See you back in the clubroom" Issie comically shrieked at the end as the Griffin chose that moment to take flight.
Within moments the majestic bird was in the air flying away from the hospital at a bullet like speed.
"WOOO" Issie cheered as he felt wind hit his face as he flew on top of the Griffin with the most beautiful woman he had ever seen.
Issie was brought out of his fun when he felt a hand softly caress his face, "Thank you" Rias spoke softly as she gave her pawn the most relieved and loving smile he had ever seen.
"I….its all good Buchou" Issie stuttered out a response which Rias found adorable.
"But going through all that pain just for me" Rias eyes turned sad as she looked down at Issie's sacred gear hand.
"It was a bargain Draig proposed, and I am glad I took it to help you win the rating game the way you did" Issie smiled back at his master, showcasing no regret whatsoever over his actions to sacrifice his limb to the dragon.
"What about next time Issie?" Rias snapped back at him, clearly not liking the carefree nature he showed over something so serious. "Riser might have been dealt with but what about others who want to force a marriage over me. Not to mention people who either now want to fight us due to your status of being this generations Red Dragon Emperor being public knowledge. What are you going to do then Issie!?!"
"Then I will beat them back for you! And if I cant beat them then I will sacrifice my right arm, then my eye and then slowly all my limbs to protect you" Issie simply replied.
Rias sat their shell shocked as she looked at her pawn with wide eyes "Issie…"
"No matter what happens again, I will protect you till the end of my life" Issie smiled as he looked in his masters shell shocked eyes, "After all I am your pawn"
Rias felt a single tear shed from her eyes at such heartfelt words before she leapt from her seat only to grab her beloved pawns face with both of her hands before kissing him senseless.
After a few seconds when Rias pulled back to get some air, she giggled at seeing the blushing Issie looking back at her in pure shock.
"Buchou.." Issie begun but couldn't find words.
"That was one of my first kiss Ise" Rias spoke softly as she looked at Issie lovingly, her cheeks crimson just like her hair. "In Japan, that's something special for girls, right?"
"Yea but are you sure you wanted to share your first time with me?" Issie asked in shock, still not truly believing his luck.
"Yes, I am" Rias said with a smile before blushing herself, "Perhaps I should also move into your house like Asia. It would be remissive of me not trying to form a good relationship with my servants"
"Ehhhh" at that point Issie had to really pinch himself to see if he was stuck in one of his dreams, an act Rias found incredibly adorable.
Back at the rooftop
"I had that Griffin ready as worst-case scenario means of escape should Rias had lost rating game" Sirzech said aloud.
"If it had come to that then the Great Satan Faction would have led political campaign against you" Grayfia responded as she regarded her husband.
"Thankfully it didn't come to that since Rias won the rating game. In a impressive fashion no less" Marid added as he saw the Griffin starting to disappear into the night.
"All thanks to you" Grayfia gave her son a thankful nod which earned her a smile back as well. She had always looked at Rias as her little sister and to see her broken such a way over her forced marriage with Riser had killed Grayfia on the inside Thankfully, despite the boundary's placed on them, her son was able to secure means for Rias victory and she was thankful for that.
"I had never dreamed that the Welsh Dragon would ever come to our side" Sirzechs spoke with a serious tone, "The encounter with Vanishing Dragon may not be too far off by the looks of it"
Marid couldn't help but nod in agreement as well before changing the topic, "Red Dragon Emperor and the Princess of Destruction doesn't sound like a bad match up you know" Marid said with a smile, his demonic eyes clearly caught the kiss between Rias and Issie on Griffins back, despite the distance between them.
"No it does not" Sirzech replied back with a smile of his own, not opposed to the match up himself should Rias ask for his approval.
"Before I forget, I have something for you Marid" Sirzech accepted a file that Grayfia had conjured before handing it over to his son.
Marid gave his father a questioning look before opening the file himself, "This is the official deed for the Seere Valley! I thought I wasn't going to get this until the end of the Peace meeting with Olympus" Marid asked his father in shock.
"Seere Valley was supposed to go to the Phoenix family as a part of the marriage contract between Rias and Riser but since that contract is now nullified, I see no reason why you shouldn't be granted the Seere Valley early Not to mention it was your price to help Rias out of her engagement" Sirzechs replied with a hint of amusement.
"You will hear no complaints from me" Marid chuckled himself before storing the deed in his storage dimension.
"How does the deal with Olympus progressing?" Marid suddenly asked.
"We finally have a breakthrough with them! We are expecting a meeting with them next week" Sirzech replied quickly.
"That was quick" Marid snapped his head towards his father in surprise.
"I was surprised myself but there were few parties that worked tirelessly around the clock to get them to agree to the meeting" Sirzech gave Marid a sidelook that was filled with amusement before turning serious himself, "Make sure you and your peerage are ready for the conference Marid…. Ready for anything"
"We will be Father" Marid replied with a determined look before turning his gaze back to the Griffin that was almost out of their supernatural eyesight.
Elsewhere
The dimly lit warehouse loomed like a forgotten relic, its towering walls adorned with decades of grime and graffiti. The air was thick with dust, and the faint scent of rust and decay mingled with the flickering of a single, naked bulb dangling precariously from the ceiling. Shadows danced erratically, masking the true nature of the figures gathered within.
At the center of the cavernous space stood Freed Sellzen, his maniacal grin illuminated by the glow of his light sword. His wild, silver hair clung to his sweat-dampened forehead as he swung his sword in impatient arcs, its edges crackling with holy energy. "So, boss," Freed cackled, the words dripping with unhinged glee, "what's the big plan? Are we gonna smash some devil heads or just sit around playing house with these losers?"
Beside him, a hulking figure loomed, its form both imposing and unsettling. Zill, the black lion youkai, exuded an aura of primal menace. His fur was pitch black, absorbing the dim light and making his massive frame appear even more monstrous. His golden eyes gleamed with barely restrained bloodlust, and his sharp claws scraped the concrete floor as he shifted his weight. The low growl emanating from his throat suggested he was moments away from unleashing his predatory instincts. "Watch your tone human or I shall kill you right on the spot". Zills warning along with increase in killing intent made even the crazy priest back off immediately, still aware of the power difference between them.
On the far side of the group, Valper Galilei, the so-called Genocide Archbishop, stood with an air of detached superiority. His eyes, sharp and calculating, flickered with excitement as he clutched a worn leather satchel. His thinning gray hair was slicked back, and his pristine white robe seemed oddly out of place in the warehouse's squalor. Despite his serene demeanor, there was an unmistakable glint of madness in his gaze.
Around them, several Fallen Angels lingered in the shadows, their wings faintly visible in the dim light. They moved with the precision of seasoned operatives, their dark cloaks blending into the warehouse's gloom.
And above them all, seated on an elevated platform shrouded in darkness, was the hidden figure. His voice, rich and commanding, cut through the oppressive silence like a blade.
"Valper," the figure began, his tone calm but laced with menace, "Church's precious trinkets. I trust you have more than empty promises this time."
Valper's lips curled into a gleeful smile as he stepped forward, clutching his satchel tightly. "Oh, but of course," he replied, his voice dripping with unctuous satisfaction. "I have confirmed the locations of three of the swords. They've been hidden well, but my network has its ways. However," his smile faltered momentarily, "one of them is under the protection of Griselda Quarta. She will not part with it easily."
A cold, humorless laugh echoed from the platform. "Griselda Quarta," the hidden figure mused, the name rolling off his tongue with disdain. "How quaint. A mere nuisance. Zill."
The black lion youkai straightened, his massive frame towering over the others. His lips pulled back in a predatory grin, revealing razor-sharp fangs. "hmm?"
"You will retrieve the trinket from Griselda Quarta," the figure commanded. "I trust you will find the task… invigorating."
Zill's grin widened, and a low, rumbling chuckle escaped his throat. "It will be my pleasure," he growled, the bloodlust in his voice unmistakable. "I've been itching for a good fight since I wasn't able to complete mine with the Devils" Zill sent a sharp look towards his benefactor who wasn't in the very least bothered by it.
Freed let out a cackle, clapping his hands like a child given a new toy. "Oh, man, this is gonna be so much fun! That bitch won't know what hit her!" He swung his sword in a wild arc, nearly grazing one of the Fallen Angels, who stepped back with an annoyed glare.
The hidden figure's voice grew colder, silencing Freed's laughter. "And you," he addressed the gathered Fallen Angels, his tone brooking no argument, "increase the abductions from the Underworld. I want their ranks spread thinned and their morale shattered when we attack. We will smash their little Heiresses in their own city. Let Sirzechs and Serafall watch as their precious pawns crumble."
The Fallen Angels nodded in unison, their faces a mixture of fear and reverence. Zill however stepped forward, his voice curious but barely hid his blood lust. "And what of Marid and his pieces?"
A derisive snort came from the platform, followed by a dismissive wave of the hidden figure's hand. "Marid is chasing shadows with the Greek gods. A fool's errand. But should he and his peerage dare to cross our path, they will meet the same fate."
Zill grinned, his fingers twitched in anticipation of their battle. He had not yet forgotten his fight with Marid back in that mine. Not to mention his bishop did in that abandoned warehouse. Time and time again Marid and his peerage had interfered with his fight with Kenta and other Devils. This time though, he will even out the score. Nothing tasted sweeter than blood of the enemy in his opinion.
Valper chuckled, his glee undiminished. "With these swords in our possession, even their so-called gods will tremble before us."
The hidden figure leaned forward slightly, his silhouette briefly illuminated by the faint light. Though his features remained obscured, the intensity of his presence was palpable. "Do not fail me," he warned, his voice a venomous whisper that sent a chill through the room. "Each of you has a role to play. And should any of you falter…"
The threat hung in the air, unspoken but understood.
"Now go," he commanded, his voice regaining its commanding timbre. "Prepare for the next phase. The time to strike is near."
As the figures began to disperse, Zill turned to Freed with a predatory grin. "Looks like we'll be working together, little exorcist. Try not to get in my way."
Freed let out another manic laugh, twirling his sword with reckless abandon. "Oh, don't worry about me, big guy. I'll leave enough pieces for you to play with."
Valper adjusted his satchel, his mind already racing with plans for the swords. The Fallen Angels moved silently, their wings brushing against the air as they melted into the shadows. The warehouse fell silent once more, save for the faint hum of the dangling light bulb.
From his perch, the hidden figure watched them leave, his gaze unrelenting. "Soon," he murmured to himself, a sinister smile playing across his lips. "The underworld will kneel before me and soon the rest of the world will follow!"
Chapter End
I AM BACK BABY!!! It took me a little while to set out my personal life but I am back now. The chapters would be updated every month for this story so don't think that I am abandoning my precious baby! We are only at the beginning after all hehehe
Furthermore, before I end this chapter, I just wanted to urge you all to please COMMENT on the chapters and let me know what you all think. Please write constructive criticism so I know where I am lacking or if my story has some plot holes. These help me greatly improve the quality of my chapters.
Oh BTW, Happy New Year!!
Until then stay safe and have fun!
DGZalama out!
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