The Tactician
By: Aviantei
A The Devil is a Part-Timer! One Shot
I.
His own layers have existed for far longer, have encompassed far much more space. Before the rise of the newest insurgents, he has lead armies, conquered others. He is a tactician, and his strategies have long since raked through the demon realms. It's when he faces defeat that the most significant layer is added.
The expectation that comes with leading an army under the rule of the boy that wishes to become the Devil King.
It seems like a joke, but he accepts. It's a plenty gracious offer to be taken in by someone who's defeated you. There aren't many who give mercy like this amongst demons. But he knows, it's less mercy, and more strategy.
So he takes his good fortune, accepts the new layer, considers it to be a trifle. It's only going to be one of many layers that he'll experience, given he lives long enough for it. There's always some upstart or another trying to take over the demon realms, and it's not his first time participating in such a campaign. It's only a matter of time before this venture is washed away with the others, drained away into the past.
Except this one doesn't. The campaigns succeed, and, in most cases, his layers precede him. People recognize the name Alciel, and it garners a sort of respect in their ranks. This is nothing new. The surprise comes when he's recognized for his current feats, not his past reputations, the newest layers adding a slightly different sheen. The respect for his efforts, the praise of his new lord.
There's more work to be done this time, it seems.
II.
Ente Isla is interesting, because his layers don't hold as much weight there. There is only the fear of not understanding, the terror of demons, and in many ways that makes his job easier. But there's still the satisfaction of when the newest layers start to form.
He tries not to think too hard on it—not when the corners of the continent still need to be properly conquered. Not when his attention is needed elsewhere. But they come in bits and pieces.
The Demon General that helped take over the capital.
The head of the Devil's army.
His Demonic Highness's most trusted advisor.
And perhaps he shouldn't, but he still takes pride in those layers, just for the moment.
III.
Earth doesn't allow for that pride. The battlefield has changed from bloodshed to housecleaning. There is no knowledge of the Devil King's army, no ability to take over this new realm with magic. The Devil King himself doesn't seem too bothered by the transition, and his general is left to follow in his wake.
There isn't as much space between him and his layers as it would seem. Even as he wastes weeks in libraries, researching magic and legends and a way back home, afternoons tending to the apartment, washing and dusting and cleaning, their weight is still there. They remind him of who he used to be, of what he's done, of what else there is left to do. While he may seem like it on the outside, he has not forgotten, has not stopped planning for the battles to come.
And when he sees His Demonic Highness's grin, he knows there is still work to be done.
[NOTES] Long time no post of...actually anything, huh?
Thanks to Chronic Guardian, Amulet Misty, Glitchpng, xxxDreamingflowerxxx, fallxnrobin, Cruxis' Kingdom Hearts Cherubim, Shiori07, Gyullian, and DelphiniumSweets for the favorites, follows, and reviews! Glad to see that T-Sauce pieces still hold some ground in the long run.
Anyways, I said that I wanted to make this a series and I did! Alciel's piece was a bit tricky, because he's a definite source of comedic relief in the series, but you have to remember that he was the second-in-command of the Devil King's army. There's definitely a lot of depth to him, even if it's hidden under being a housewife most the time.
Well, on to Lucifer's piece...
[POST] 11.21.2016