Chapter 59: Promise of the youth.
*Extra Chapter: Price to pay*
"We trusted that you've talked to him?"
"I've proposed to Sirzechs-sama, but whether he'll agree or not…"
"He'd better, otherwise, you already know…"
"If you dare do her harm…!"
"Kukuku, relax, Sairaorg-kun, Misla-sama's health is also a great importance to us. After all, she is still "Lady Bael" who gave birth to the most promising young Devil. You have our word that she will receive the finest medical attention available. Fulfill your end of the deal, and you'll be reunited with her, good as new."
"But should you fail… she'll never see the light of another day, neither will your other "family"."
"…"
…
"Hahaue…"
…
*Lucifer castle, V.I.P Room*
"Well that was a letdown."
I, Azazel, let out a breath of disappointment after days of tedious work as I took an extravagant seat in the V.I.P room.
Sirzechs and I are now in the room, going through all the reports sent to us by our subordinates.
The aftermath left behind by Dan… Urizen, while not as bad as it was supposed to be… there was still tons of work left for us to do, and we haven't finish yet.
For today, one issue has been resolved, in a rather bland manner.
Demons who managed to escape during the chaos of the disastrous night were all rounded and taken care of. Without the king to empower their strength, coupled with most of them being wounded during the crisis, they became easy prey even to our standard soldiers, albeit they had to fight in battalions. Even more so, with the youths volunteered to join in, the entire Demon Hunting operation easily ended in days.
"Well, you can't do anything about it. Demons valued strength above all else, hence they have greater strength through that very desire. But unlike us, most of them Demons are more like wild animals behaving upon instincts, even with greater power, they have no finesse to use it properly."
Sirzechs, seemingly having read my mind, spoke with a pleasant manner, his lips curled a bitter smile.
"Well that's too obvious. In the general populace, comparing most demons to us is like comparing untamed animals with an insatiable hunger to humans. All brawl but no brain… But then, that's exactly why I was expecting more of them."
"We all were, Azazel, we all were. After all, even if they were just doing grunt works… they were also partly responsible for the crime of their king."
The Crimson Maou replied with a slight sense of fury in his voice.
A silent atmosphere struck the enclosed room.
…
Even though his funeral had long passed…
It still irritated me that I have done so little.
We were the older, more experienced ones. Ones whose hands are bloodied more than even he does.
All of our arms were useless against that tree and its' master…
Vergil was the only one capable of stopping them…
And he took his own life to do so… so that we can keep ours.
It's so easy, telling ourselves that there was nothing more we can do…
…
Why?
Just why?
…
All these frustrations in me… I wanted to vent them all, onto them demons…
Those filthy animals who ran away like a shit pile of cowards they always have been…
That is the only reason why I'm even on the hunt, to begin with.
And yet… even though it took days to find them…
Even together, all of them were barely even enough for a warm-up.
Haha…Hahaha…
Why am I complaining at this point…?
So many I have come by…
He was one of them, my students… but not just any students, rather, one of the best I've ever taken in.
Hence, he was my responsibility…
Even more so, I promised Sparda to take care of him…
And I have failed miserably…
…
…
"Azazel."
In that loose moment, Sirzechs' voice sounded, bring me back to reality.
"Oh, Sirzechs, what is it?", I casually replied, pretending to be fine.
"…"
He was staring at me with serious eyes.
…
Don't look at me like that…
You're giving me the creeps.
"You don't have to hide it. Like you, even though it was just for a short time after years, now… I also miss him."
-!
…
Okay, I'll admit… I did not expect that.
Saying that, he began to look down, the liveliness of his usual face faded. Even more than when he made his speech at the funeral.
"The son of my mentor, my second father who was our savior of a golden past. The young brave man who Rias, my little sister loves with all her heart… In so many ways, he was like family to me, and recently, to my parents."
Sirzechs clenches his fists as he continued.
"We were going to be brothers… Our family was ready to convince, and accept him…"
The Crimson Maou who was also a Hero of the Underworld, reduced himself to Everyone's level.
A leader has to remain strong in front of his people, to inspire them.
But now, without the populace looking up to him, he was able to express himself.
"Why did he have to go!?; Why can't I take his place!?… I wanted to shout out those questions, just like you right now."
…
"But then, if Vergil was here, would he allow us to be like this?"
Wiping that one tiny tear at the corner of his eye, he reaffirmed his smile, a small one made with visible struggles.
…
…
Hah!
Cheeky little bastard!
He caught me right in the feels.
I leaned on the back of my chair, somehow regained my cool for real.
"Heh! He would bash us with these chairs alright. Damn dense idiot never let ugly things slide."
"Kuku, indeed he would."
We had a good laugh… before silence covered the place again.
But it wasn't long, as Sirzechs goes straight to the point.
"Therefore, let's preserve his memory the best we can."
No shit Sherlock.
"And also, don't go mad at me or anyone, okay? We have enough madness to deal with already."
"…"
"…"
""PPPPFFFT!""
""HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!""
As the feeling of immense excitement burst out, we responded by laughing to our heart contents.
Yeah…that's a good way to regain the mood: A little sarcasm… it purrs nicely.
"You actually caught up with me. I'll admit, I was going a little high for a moment. Thanks kid, I'll keep that in mind."
"I'm glad."
Let's change the mood a bit.
"So, about [Oumaryuu Gakuin no Futekigousha]. The show will still keep going, right?", I asked.
After his funeral, perhaps the common conclusion many have in mind would be that his recent legacy, [Oumaryuu Gakuin no Futekigousha], as well as the most anticipated Rating Game between the Gremory and the Bael peerages, will be nulled.
In my own will, I want them to continue… as both will carry on his memories to the people's hearts.
More specifically, as an entertainment show, the former had given happiness to children of various races, not limited to Devils, and the longer we can keep it that way, the better the future for those kids to live. Of course, the ownership of the copyrights still belongs to the Gremory, and more dominantly, Sirzechs himself, so at the end of the day, it's still his and his family's rights to decide whether to continue or not.
"Well, we have to continue it either way. [Oumaryuu Gakuin no Futekigousha] is, after all, a collaborative project between the Gremory entertainment industry in the human world, as well as the Humans' Silver Link animation studio. The show is extremely popular, especially in the human world, even as a different version called [Maou Gakuin no Futekigousha], so canceling it won't be a good decision to make."
It seems that the show will likely continue. Also, Sirzechs shrugged at the last sentence.
Indeed, [Oumaryuu Gakuin no Futekigousha] and its' Human World version, [Maou Gakuin no Futekigousha], is a secret collaborative project between the Gremory and the Human world's animation studio, with many famous Human, Devil and Fallen Angel Seiyuus were enlisted to make these shows a reality.
While their plots are mostly the same as one another, [Maou Gakuin no Futekigousha] features considerably less "Dragon" element, more specifically of the protagonist, while using a completely different set of support characters and antagonists. Almost all of those characters are derived from the legend of Hero Kanon in the ancient past. The records maybe super scarce, but folklores and whispers continued to linger. This version is also less kids-friendly, being far gorier, as it was made to be more focused on the older audience. Surprisingly, it was extremely well-received by the viewers, no less than its' main "draconic" version.
Canceling both shows means losing a huge amount of profit, which can become valuable resources to divert into various restoration projects that are in need. Also, we don't have a valid reason to cancel our partnership… even if its' a good one for our conscience. It's not like we can just go and say "Hey folks, so… the main mascot of the show is no longer in this world, so let's not taint his legacy by continuing this.".
"It may be a horrible thing to say… but since Vergil himself isn't the voice for his character, it wouldn't be right to cancel the show when the main voice actor isn't in any dire condition."
And that rubs even more salt to the wound. Tatsuhisa Suzuki is the protagonist's – Takeru Arkenios' – voice actor. The crown jewel we found among the Seiyuus due to having almost the same voice as Vergil, be it his light tone as "Takeru Silver", or his usual dead serious tone as himself. Due to such disconnection between the two individuals, the show can go on even without Vergil.
Of course, there's that option for us to go and delete the memories of humans who are involved, but then that would be met with a lot of objections, mostly from the Seiyuus as many of them have formed a rather strong friendship, working in the studios together. Besides, with millions of viewers across the globe, in both here and the Human World at the very least, such a large-scale mind-wipe operation is too resource-extensive for the time being. If we are going to do it, it'll have to be a lot later, but the time until then is a luxury we can't afford. Knowing all of that, we can scratch this plan off.
"Putting the business aside, all the audience, especially the children, loved the show. It wouldn't be right for them to see their idol away completely, would it?"
Sirzechs nodded in return.
"Yes, as a matter of the fact, many fan poles were made on the internet in the past days about whether people want to continue watching the show or not. Some negative opinions did come by, but most did not want the show to die out. It has brought forth many happy memories for the children, particularly those with misfortune. With the current situation, they will need him more than ever… even if it is just his image on a screen."
Yeah…
Even in death, he gave the brats hope and security… despite his ways are almost totally opposite to secure such ideas.
What a guy.
Oh well, now, for the second thing in mind.
"Well, I'll leave that to you Gremorys to figure out. What about the Rating Game?"
"You mean the match between Rias and Sairaorg?"
Well, what other game would I mention in front of your face?
The Gremory Group became super famous, half of the reasons were because of Vergil's achievements, the remain members make the other half. But that balance had been leaning off, more towards Vergil as he became stronger, and his feats became more noticeable. Even though it wasn't his intention, his continuous accomplishments, had they continued, would eventually overshadow the others. If we can make the game happen…
"That… also got struck with intensive controversies.", he answered, quickly realizing what I had in mind.
Huh…
No surprise, the main star of the Gremory won't be there anymore.
"However, the general agreement, although dominated only by a slither, favors the game to commence."
"Hoh?"
"Even Sairaorg and the Great King Faction was adamant about setting up the match. The truth is I also want the same thing. But…"
But?
…
Hold on…
"Hmm… it does sound like Sairaorg to wish for that. But this time, it also doesn't sound like him at all."
Most of Sairaorg's decisions when it is related to the Gremory, especially the Gremory, he makes without the consent of the Great King Faction, which ticked them off a crap ton of times. Good laughs those times were.
But this is too unusual, that prideful Faction centered around the Bael detested Vergil in an undying passion, which sterns all the way back when his father was still in charge. There's no way they'll agree to held it in his memory, even if it's the public's demand.
Of course, they may redundantly agree to save faces… but if we talking about Sairaorg's supporters, then…
Yeah, something's definitely wrong about this.
"So you also think of that. Yeah, it's awfully unusual for the Great King Faction to agree with Sairaorg's decision when it involves us and Vergil. Could it be that they…?"
"Try to eliminate or gain control important figures of the Maou Faction, particularly the young ones? Not an impossibility, but that would result in facing you Maous and me, which they would only gain an irreversible death sentence."
But since they were so committed to this… they must have a plan that would allow them to be so confident.
"In any case, until the official date, we need to dig further into this. But, also about the game…"
"Let me guess: It's about Rias' peerage, isn't it?"
Sirzechs nodded at my guess. Bullseye.
"Yeah, I get you. They would be hesitating if they know, which I bet they already knew at this point."
"Even if it's my wish, I also don't want to force her to participate. My little sister and her family have all the right to refuse after all, and I firmly believe the people will understand."
"Then I'll hear it from them."
Saying that, I stand up from the comfy chair of the V.I.P Room.
"You sure? I'm not entirely sure that they will…"
"It can't hurt to talk a bit about it… much. But it's still their decision to make. Let's just hear them out first, shall we? Then we'll decide what to do about that later."
The two of us nodded to one another, before I left the room and ready to use Teleportation magic. Destination: Kuoh Sparda Residence.
So… what will be your answer, Rias Gremory and promising youth?
I will respect your choices, regardless what they will be, kids…
But… I do hope that you all will participate…
Not just for us…
But for him.
…
*Day of the game*
At the floating city of Agreas, in the lively Agreas Dome.
[And finally! From the west gate, it's Rias Gremory's team!]
The Rating Game commentator announced the presence of the famous new-generation Gremory team.
"""""""Ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!"""""""
The crowd goes wild at the sight of their idols.
""""""Akeno-samaaaaaaaaaa!""""""
""""""Hellcat-chaaaaaaaaaaaan!""""""
Some even shouted their lungs out with overly flashy makeup and banners.
"Wow… they're actually here."
The crimson-haired Maou astounded as he looks down to the stadium revenue from his personal V.I.P Penthouse…
"Yes! Rias-oneesama finally arrived!"
Alongside his son, Millicas Gremory, who became overjoyed as his beloved aunt showed up to meet not just his expectations, but also his father's and the fans'.
"It literally took only one of them to show up to make the whole stadium go nuts."
As the father and son turns to the direction of the new voice, which is also the direction of the entrance door…
A middle-aged man wearing regal black robe, with a head of short black hair, golden bangs and black goatee appeared. It's Azazel, the alpha Cadre.
"Azazel."
"Governor!"
"Yo Sirzechs, Millicas-kun."
The Governor General of the Fallen Angels greeted the two Gremorys.
He goes to them before all three divert their sights back to the explosively competitive scenery outside the massive glass window.
"You actually managed to convince them. I'm genuinely astounded.", said Sirzechs, thanking Azazel.
"Oh I didn't do a thing really.", the latter responded along with a shrug.
"Huh?"
"Yeah, turns out, our anticipations of them refusing to participate in this match was for nothing."
*Not so long ago*
"So kids, how is it goin…"
Azazel teleported to the Kuoh town's Sparda residence. Upon seeing the vague figures of its' occupants, the Grand Gremory group composed of young Devils, Angels, Fallen Angels, and a former Valkyrie, his first reaction was to greet them in his usual relaxed manner.
But he cuts himself short as he witnesses the unexpected.
The whole team, including those who aren't in the peerage, instead of wearing their usual personal gears and uniform, they put on variants of them, all shared a single motif.
The Kuoh Academy's uniforms, Rossweisse's Valkyrie armor, Xenovia and Irina's spandex battle suits, all now cladded in a combination of black and navy-blue accents. The usual intricate arts and ornaments of the Academy, the Church, and the Norse, have been replace with a unique pattern: Serpentine dragons patterns wrapping symmetrically around the now navy-blue blazers, shoulder capes, corsets and armor plates.
'This combination…it's the same as Vergil's outfit, years ago…'
That was the first thought Azazel had in mind, seeing their outfits.
Indeed, the navy-blue long coat bearing the same patterns with three tails extends over his knees, the black combat vest with zipped turtle neck he wore underneath, teal pants and light brown boots.
It almost reminded the Governor of the Dark Angel's once intimidating presence, as if he was here, still alive and well.
"Oh, Azazel, your visit was rather unexpected."
Rias Gremory responded somewhat casually as she noticed Azazel's presence, a begrudged sensation can be felt in her voice, though not too much.
"Well, yeah, I'm still, in many senses, your teacher and caretaker, so of course I am concerned. But, these colors…"
Before Azazel can continue, the [King] of the Gremory peerage continues her words, inadvertently cut off the latter's.
"We will participate."
"I… haven's say anything…"
The Governor replied, but once again got cut off.
"We already know why you're here, Azazel-sensei."
Only this time, it was Kiba who did it.
"It isn't strange for you and Sirzechs-sama to think that we don't want to respond to Sairaorg Bael's challenge. The decision Buchou made, wasn't an easy one."
"We were going to quit."
"We really do."
"Without Vergil-san, we just… simply can't do much."
Members by members voiced out honestly. Azazel wasn't surprise by the slightest hearing so. What he wasn't expect was that these came after Rias made her choice.
"Well, I already expect that much. Even so, you don't have to force yourselves, we…"
Still, he gave them a chance to back out, understanding their feelings.
"But…"
"For all our admiration towards Vergil-san, and our dependence on him… this isn't what he wanted.", said Akeno.
However, they rejected his concerns.
"Sairaorg… had convinced me, in the way I can't turn my back on. As a [King], I must lead us with both valor and cunningness."
Rias then continues.
"I can't honor him by being a weak woman who runs away for her problems. No, not just me, but all of us, right, everyone?"
The whole team nodded in unison at her words.
"Vergil-san once said: "Might may not be everything, but without strength, you can't protect anything, let alone yourself.". He always wanted us to become more independent, less reliant on him."
"Indeed, certainly, we would be dishonoring him, should we refuse to participate."
"We need to show everyone, that the Gremory Group, is far more than the errand of the Son of Sparda."
Rias nodded in response to all, before turning back to Azazel
"After all, our dreams are ours, so we must achieve it with our own hands…"
With a slightly sad smile, she then looks at the massive portrait at the center of the living room.
One that bears the image of the Dark Angel in his known prime.
"…Right, Vergil?"
…
…
*Present*
"I see, so they were already resolute."
Sirzechs replied with gentle eyes over his sister and her peerage. He was satisfied beyond words.
"To be expected from the woman the Dark Angel fell for. Even though it was hard, too hard… she remained strong with the right words encouraging her."
Azazel responded with a confident smile, also looking at his proud students.
"Yes, you're right. She's the little sister I wholeheartedly proud of."
"In that case, I'm off to the commentary station, I'm the honored guest after all."
"Wait a second Azazel, take these with you for now."
Saying that, Sirzechs took out a USB and a box heavily sealed with duct tape from his dimensional storage and threw them to Azazel, who catched them neatly in midair.
"What's this?", asked the latter.
"Something important for them to see."
It wasn't long until Azazel get the gist of the content.
"Got it, I'll make sure that they will receive it. Well, farewell for now."
Having said goodbye from the Gremorys, Azazel left the room to where he is needed.
[Now, the Rating Game between Sairaorg Bael's team and Rias Gremory's team will begin! GAME START!]
The announcer shouted excitingly, signifying the start of this potentially historical day. Sirzechs and his son returned to view the game. Millicas' excitement goes up even more, as he forgets his father to focus on what's about to happen in front of him.
At the same time, Sirzechs thought deeply, continuing to observe the oncoming event. All the events of the past, his memories with the Legendary Dark Knight, and so on.
Please, watch over us, Sparda-sensei, Vergil. We will not fail you. Not now… not ever.
Author's note: Hello folks, it's been a while, another update for all. A little change to Vergil's signature show was made: As this show in the story being a collaborative project between Silver Link studio and the Gremory entertainment industry, two separate version were made. Both have almost identical plot, with the differences already mentioned above. I now acknowledge the original material [Maou Gakuin no Futekigousha] as the Human World version of the main show, just to give a little bit more "our real world" spice to it. Also, you all must have noticed, I've changed the name of the story. Nothing really kicks about the meaning, just feel like it's about time to change something. Since our MC isn't a high schooler, it just wasn't appropriate to reuse "High School" from the original material. Also, since the casts of future volumes actually spread between pre-high school and post-high school, "Grand Academy" actually make sense, even if it's just a bit. Hope you enjoy.