Center stage

Barang!

The collision caused metallic sounds to echo around.

The exhibition hall in the boundary wall was currently empty, with Pest using it as a base. After all, this place that had a variety of art exhibits could overcome the overwhelming boredom during the rest time. On the trip back to the exhibition after the deliberation, Ratten pulled down the hem of her white dress and happily asked Pest.

"Eh...Eh Master! How are we going to spend the whole of next week?"

"Not much, we have no plans."

Compared to the elated tone of Ratten, Pest had a slightly lukewarm tone of response. Her previous eloquent tone was already gone. Not wanting to say any more gossip, she quietly walked towards the huge cave entrance.

As if remembering something, Weser inquired something towards Ratten.

"Oi, Ratten, have you found the faker of [Rattenfänger]?"

"Ah~~ couldn't find it, the rats did not find anything and let the other person run away. Never mind, the person definitely participated in the game, we should wait until the 8th day to uncover the truth."

Both of them shrugged their shoulders. The three of them walked along the selection of exhibits and into the huge cave, where they widened their eyes due to the transformed site.

"Aiyah? Where is the iron doll in the center?"

Pest tilted her head in confusion, with surprised reactions coming from Ratten and Weser that far exceeded her reaction.

They rushed into the center of the cave, hurriedly looking for traces of its disappearance.

"How could it be...! The huge iron doll just suddenly disappeared!"

"No, what's important ain't that! I remember the creator of the doll was indeed—"

The community [Rattenfänger]. Using the metaphor of Grimm's child stories [Piper of Hamelin, someone who created the huge iron man without leaving any mark, suddenly disappearing without any trace.

At this time a few rats scampered towards the startled people and brought even worse news.

"Wh...What? Even that red-clothed girl disappeared too! What exactly are you doing, you incompetent idiots!"

Informed of the disappearance of both Asuka and the iron doll, Ratten ferociously crushed a rat.

Weser spat out some instructions for Ratten.

"What are you doing, Ratten! Use the rats to search for them! They might not have gotten far!"

"I know, I know! Ahhhh, Master! I'll be going to settle those fugitives, please excuse my leave—"

"Don't care about it. It's so troublesome and I am too tired already."

"Fuahh~" Pest yawned while lying on the tablecloth while preparing to sleep.

With the momentum disrupted, Ratten wondering what she should do, Pest gave her a smile that would send chills down to anyone's spine.

"Let them struggle all they like. No matter if it's an obstruction or faker, they will all be killed after 8 days."

"Doesn't this solve everything?"[Black Percher] leaked out a smile.

"Maybe, or maybe not," a voice said out of nowhere which cause them to be on their guard as they search all around for the owner of the voice.

"After all," Greed suddenly appeared in front of them without worry at all, but the three knew that not to underestimate the demon in front of them.

"Don't forget our target is among the community that you'll be facing."

"Greed. What are you doing here? I thought you have finished your business here." Pest demanded as she raised her arm preparing to attack him even she knew her attack won't make a scratch on him.

"Pardon for my intrusion. Is true what you said, I'm here to give you a gift." He said as he threw an object to Pest which she grabbed it.

The object he threw is a disfigure rat looking black whistle, it reeks of demonic energy as all of them could feel it coming from it. The three of them look at the object, they widened their eyes as they knew what the object they were given.

Pest look at him, understanding her look, Greed answered her.

"This will help you for plans, just one blow it would work, but know this, once it was release, it will destroyed everything in its path." Greed said with a polite tone regardless knowing the object he handed is bad news.

"Then why hand this to us, you and I both know what this creature is capable of." She demanded. She released her demonic aura to pressure him but he wasn't fazed by it.

"I was merely following orders, after all I am just a butler and following my master's order is my sin. So keep this in mind if you wanted to live, use it when our... target is there? If not, you no need me to say.. don't you." He smile sinisterly letting out his own demonic aura which proven to be much denser than Pest's causing all of the [Grimm Grimoire Hamelin]'s members to go down their knees.

"Hope you have a wonderful night miss," soon he vanished into thin air releasing them from his hold as they can comfortably breathe in.

Pest was glaring at the spot where he just left with hate.

"So it seems the situation has gotten worse," Shiroyasha said as she sat cross-legged inside the dome she trapped in.

Standing outside of the dome is Kyo. He has informed their current situation to her. Understanding their current situation, Shiroyasha couldn't help but frowned.

"Still, I have never thought the [Seven Demons] decided to lend their aid to them."

"What can you tell me about them." Kyo stated as he had already knew the [Seven Demons] are not someone to be underestimate, but hearing from Shiroyasha's own tone means they are a bigger threat to them.

Fortunately for them, [Grimm Grimoire Hamelin] has already told them their alliance has ended, but it doesn't put them in ease. They could just show up during the Gift Game and jeopardize their entire plans. This might put them in a tight spot if they decide to lend their help to their enemy.

"Well if you really want to know. Even for a former Demon Lord like me, we had limited information regarding to them." Kyo raised an eyebrow but he didn't said anything as he let her explain more.

"The [Seven Demons] are a bunch of unknowns, the only information we have is their community only consist of 8 members. Each of the members are Demon Lords and they represents each of the Seven Deadly Sins except for their Leader."

"The one you have already met, Greed, the Butler."

"The second is Envy, the Artist."

"The third, Sloth, the Strategist."

"The fourth, Gluttony, the Researcher."

"The fifth, Wrath, the Gladiator."

"The sixth, Lust, the Tailoress."

"The seventh, Pride, the Blacksmith."

"And Lastly their Leader..."

Kyo wondered why she had stopped, before he could asked her Shiroyasha had answered him.

"Sadly we have no information about him."

"Why is that?" He asked as Shiroyasha sighed.

"Their Leader has never make an appearance and no matter how many we tried to locate them, they can hide their existence as if they never existed. But we only know this, their Leader represents all of the Seven Deadly Sins which also means that they surpasses all of the members in nearly everything."

Kyo remains quiet as he thought about all the information she had shared to him, if what she said the truth about them. He needs to watch out for himself, he recalled from the fight with Greed, he can tell the butler didn't go all out which made him questions his objectives. But first he wants to know what makes them a threat.

"Can you tell me why are they such a threat, seeing the reactions from the Jin and the rest means it's a big deal." Shiroyasha just sighed for a few times.

"I can't blame you for not knowing after all you kids just arrived for only a month. Listen carefully kid, I'm not going to repeat myself." Shiroyasha said to him with a different tone, instead of her usual playful tone, this is full of seriousness. This actions makes Kyo squinted his eyes to meet hers as he is ready to listen to her.

"A century ago, they appeared out of nowhere, no origins or anything. They challenged lots of communities and defeated them in an instance. They took everything from anyone they challenge, their lands, riches, ownership, Gifts and their freedom. They had topple some of the greatest community, turning them into a forgotten memory that fades away through time. Many tries to seek avenge for their fallen comrades but they fall as well. There are others tried to deceive them but it got backfired as their fate suffers worse than the ones they had conquered. Through their actions, one thing remains the same is their reasons; 'For their master'."

"Since then, no one dares to challenge them as they don't want to suffers like those who had fallen to them. Even hearing their name, they immediately avoided them like a plague." Shiroyasha had finished her explanations about the [Seven Demons, Kyo absorbed all the information like a sponge.

'Hmm, it seems they are a bigger threat than I thought. By the looks of it, if I asked her why do they want me, she won't have the answers and even if I asked the [Seven Demons] their reasons is going to be the same; 'For their master'."

Kyo internally sighed as he thought he had gotten this much trouble with a dangerous community with no background or information at all, he only have one idea for him to get his answers even though it was the riskiest plan he have ever thought.

'If I am their target, then I shall let them come to approach me and get my answers directly from them." He concluded his plan.

"Thank you for the information, I shall take my leave." Kyo was about to walk away but Shiroyasha called out to him.

"Wait kid!" He stopped his pace and faced at her.

"If what you said is true, then let me ask you this. What are you going to do when they are coming to you." She demanded for his answers.

Kyo gave her a glance and faced back towards, continue to walk away as he gave her an answer.

"Like I always do. I improvise."

24 hours later

All the communities who still had vitality gathered near the operation headquarters of the Birth of the Fire Dragon festival. Preparing for the final battle against [Black Percher].

Kyo was standing behind one of the buildings as he was preparing to protect the participants from the members of [Grimm Grimoire Hamelin] or the [Seven Demons].

"Its almost time." As he was about to walk away, he felt a presence close by. He was about to summon his gear but he stopped himself.

"Kyo." A familiar voice called out to him. He turned around and faced his friend.

"Hey Yō. How are you feeling?" He asked as she was affected by the poison but luckily he brought 5 Star Potions with him as an emergency. The potion was able to cure her, sadly he can't cure the rest of the people as he has limited amount of potion with him now. For now, he decided to give the remaining Star Potions to the rest so they could use it for if they needed to.

"I'm feeling fine, thanks to your work." Yō thanked him but she soon frowned. "Izayoi has told me everything. How you were a target for another community. Are you fine?"

Soon there was silence between them as it Kyo closed both his eyes and turned, letting his back facing Yō.

"To be honest, if someone in my shoes, they would feel nervous, scare or even terrified, but me, I feel neither of those, actually I feel nothing. After all ever since I was born, I was looking out for myself, with no help, or love from someone. Heck, this isn't my first time I was being hunted, back in my home, cultist, mercenary, villagers and nobles hunted me for different reasons. Fame. Riches. Their believes in their so called god. No matter how many times they did, they always failed, but in the end they always prove me right, I'll always be alone no matter where I go."

His bangs covered his eyes as he smile sadly. Even without facing each other, she can easily tell how does he feel; sad and lonely. Yō for some reasons felt like she needed to do something, anything to help him to escape this pain, he doesn't deserve.

Before Kyo could walk away, he was stopped by a pair of slender arms hugging behind him. He flinched at the contact as he had never experience this kind of contact before. He could break it off easily, but for some reasons his own heart told him not to.

"No you're wrong!" Yō doesn't know why she launched herself at him, but she knew he was wrong. She unconsciously tightened the hug, Kyo was suffocated by it but he felt comfort, warm and something else but he doesn't know what is it.

"That was then, but now you have... us," for some reasons she was about to say 'me' but she hesitated at the last second and changed it. If Kyo had turned around she would notice has a tint of redness on it.

She knew what was it like being alone, it was cold and dreadful. She was lucky she had the support of her father and her friends which are animals, but for Kyo, he experienced none of those, he experienced far worse than her. Still she could help him, even its little, it still has a meaning to it. Whenever she feels lonely, a hug from Calico Cat reminds her she still got someone.

This could be the reasons why she gave him to tell through actions that he isn't alone anymore.

"We can always help each other, we are friends... aren't we?"

Kyo unknowingly smiled and answered, "Yes... We always will be."

They stay still as both enjoyed the comfort they felt from each other.

"Thank you, Yō."

Moments ago, a couple of things had happened. The plan was [Salamandra] and [No Name] to hold off [Grimm Grimoire Hamelin, while the rest of the participants locates the 130 stain glass.

Unfortunately the enemy has a plan in their own sleeves, they changed the entire city causing the participants to panic as they have a problem in locating the stain glasses. To counter this, Jin was in charge of leading the participants in locating the stain glasses, Sandra and Kuro Usagi will hold off the Demon lord, Pest. As for Izayoi, who was quite delighted, shall handle Weser. While Leticia was dealing with the last member of [Grimm Grimoire Hamelin, Ratten. Kyo and Yō shall try to help out Jin and maybe, finding Asuka as well.

As Kyo was right beside Jin, he can feel the shockwave and the ground shaking. He knew what this means.

"It seems like someone is having fun." Kyo said his thoughts out loud.

"Kyo-san. Now is not time for jokes," Jin reminds him as they walking towards a church as it was the most common place for stain glasses.

As they were about to reach there, 5 Stroms appeared and their standing in their way.

"Jin, lead them to the church I'll handle them." Kyo told him as Jin immediately put his faith in him and wished him luck as he lead the rest to take a different route.

The Stroms immediately let a huge gust of winds forming a tornado at Kyo, with the intentions in hurting him. Before the tornado could collide at Kyo, Kyo smirked as he was engulfed by the tornado.

All of the sudden there's a flash of yellow light inside of the tornado and then the tornado dispersed completely. Standing there is Kyo who's now holding a yellow and silver medieval lance, it has lightning patterns on it and two small spikes pointing out at the middle of the base of the lance as it has a golden diamond pattern underneath them, making the weapon to be mistaken for a three horned creature. This is one of Kyo ability, [Trice, his lightning element gear.

"Is that really the best you can do," Kyo taunted them as he raises one of his hand and signalled them 'bring it on'.

Whether the Stroms heard it or not, they unleashed another union attack, another tornado but its twice the size than before as it started to destroy the stone pathway.

Kyo instead of looking worry, he looked excited as the lance his holding suddenly glowed as sparks of lightning coming out from it. He spread both his legs as he lower his body while holding the lance pointing the tornado in a position of thrusting.

"Let's see which of us can bring a storm."

As the tornado was a step close to him, Kyo pulled his lance backwards.

"Lightning-," he muttered as he thrust his lance towards the enemies' attack.

"- Charge."

The lance lets out a golden lightning triceratops, charging towards the tornado as it was immediately torn apart. It did not stopped only there as the attack keeps charging towards the 5 Storms, hitting all of them and shocking them as well. Cracks started to appear all over of their bodies.

Soon their entire body crumble into dust, leaving of no traces of their existence.

"Hmph. That was disappointing." Kyo frowned.

All of the sudden he felt an earthquake. He looked around his surroundings and spot a Red Iron Giant fighting against 3 Stroms and Ratten. He looked closely and noticed Asuka on the Giant's shoulder.

By the looks of it, he can easily tell Asuka got this cover and seems capable of handle her. Then he felt another earthquake which came from the same direction that Izayoi was still fighting Weser. He doesn't know how about the rest but he put his faith to them, believing that could succeed in their part.

Kyo just smiled, "Hmm, it seems like that got everything handle. Can't let them do all the work."

After a few moments, Asuka managed to defeat Ratten even when she allowed her to tried to control the Red Iron Giant, Deen, but she failed as she disappeared as she becomes glowing particles fading into the sky.

Izayoi has managed to defeat Weser as both of their attacks creates a large earthquake that causes the ground to shook once more. As it had made Kuro Usagi and Sandra to stop and look at each other.

Using her gorgeous sleeve to wipe away her sweat, Sandra whispered, "That earthquake just now was quite big eh."

"YES! Izayoi-san's battle seemed to have determined a winner!"

Following that came a burst from an explosion. Observing the distant location, Kuro Usagi could figure out that the Stroms that was released got destroyed by lightning which she could have guests who are the ones are responsible for it.

Hiding behind the minaret, Kuro Usagi looked happy because the tide of battle had changed.

On the other hand, Pest was assessing the game situation in her mind while watching the Stroms fall.

'Ratten and Weser...both of them have been defeated...' Pest gazed at the sun which had already set, looking a bit empty in her eyes.

Thinking about it, maybe the plan to take control of the situation was too naive, leading to these consequences.

Pest must reflect on this. 1 week 24 hours, confused the eyes with the time, with the plan of stalling the time till the judgement, in the end she kept leaving the passive position.

If from the start they gave up on defense, letting Weser and Ratten to commence the massacre...the fight wouldn't have deteriorated to this point.

There wasn't any option that one could win a gift game without any fights commencing.

'They still haven't broken all the stained glass...there are still 58 remaining.'

"Is it time?" Pest started talking to herself. If the grimoire was to be destroyed, the spirit power that pushes her to the death god's position would also disappear. Once she lost the spirit power of gods, even her [Host's permission] would also disappear.

Ratten and Weser...Although the development of the situation because of the master-slave relationship was established, they were still loyal to their initial partner. Pest gave prayers to them.

"—...Enough."

"Eh?"

"I don't want to drag this game anymore, it will be good as long as I have Shiroyasha — I'll kill the rest."

Ending the conversation, dark wind rushed to the sky.

The clouds of dark wind started dispersing instantly, spreading into the air and pouring down on Hamelin city.

The air begins to get corroded, with birds falling to the ground and rats instantly dying as soon as contact with the Dark Wind was made.

"This wind is different than the previous one, a touch of it will bring instantaneous death."

"Eh..."

Pest stretched out her fingers. The wind that blended with the air wouldn't allow any sort of power to get close to it.

Although Kuro Usagi raised her Vajra and released lighting, it was immediately broken up in a moment, and thus running was the only option.

"It...It really is the power of the [Giver]! This is the grace given by the god of death..."

Given the grace of the wind of death. Becoming a [Giver] after the identity of god, Pest's dark wind would be able to bring death to anyone who touches it. Judging by this point, Pest did indeed have excellent qualities to become a god.

"Althou...Although I heard about the Demon Lord who kills people just by being looked upon in the Celtic mythology , I never thought that this is now a similar situation! Physical properties definitely won't be able to penetrate the wind of death."

Both of them started screaming, the only thing they could do was retreat. The release of the Death Wind started spreading outwards.

While dodging the Death Wind that came from the sky, she also felt fear from this strength.

"No...not good! If this goes on, the participants in charge of searching for the stained glass will...!"

However, they did not have time to pay attention to the other participants.

They can't warn everyone scattered in the city with just the both of them.

Although the crowd sought refuge in buildings, several members of [Salamadra] that were in charge of protecting the participants died upon being engulfed by the wind. Sandra nervously bit down on her lip while looking at this scene.

"They dare...to put [Salamandra]...!" Sandra's face reddened due to the burning anger.

Also seeming to make up her mind, Kuro Usagi decided to take out a black and white decorated gift card.

'No choice since it's this way, I can only do it now—!' But, just when she was about to take out that card.

Her sights fell onto a participant that was going to be swept into the Dark Wind. Which was the dryad teenager who had decided the [Area for the creator duel].

'Dam...Damn it! Why at this timing!'

Kuro Usagi wanted to rush to save the boy, but it was too late. The Death Wind rushed towards the boy's head.

"—DEEEEEEEeeeEEEEEEEEEN!" What followed it was a huge red iron arm blocking it down.

If the Death wind made all living things die, then this wouldn't work on an iron doll, which was its predator.

With the lifeless invincible Magic Being blocking down the Death Wind, it protected the teenager.

Waiting for the crisis to get by, Asuka stuck her head out from Deen and said to the Dryad Teenager.

"Run now! Deal with the stained glass a bit later."

"Ye...Yes!"

The dryad teenager was scared until his feet started trembling, but he immediately escaped into the building interior.

Finding Asuka to be safe, Kuro Usagi happily screamed.

"Asuka-san! I'm glad you are alright!"

"We'll save the touching reunion for later! Look in front! In front!"

"Eh?" Kuro Usagi turned back, only seeing Pest close up while releasing the Death Wind.

"Oi Oi! Don't be distracted, you idiot rabbit!" From the side came Izayoi who kicked down the Death Wind.

Pest who couldn't comprehend the situation was stunned.

"The gift was destroyed...? You..."

"Let's get things straight, I am HUMAN! Demon Lord-sama." Dispersing the Death Wind, Izayoi took the advantage and rushed at Pest.

The kick he delivered saw Pest for the first time using her hands to defend. But her hand did not completely block the attack, making Izayoi's attack land on her.

Pest flew and smashed past several of the buildings.

Opening her small mouth, Sandra looked at Izayoi in awe.

"Eh Eh? That person, destroyed the gift...?"

"Tha...about that...Kuro Usagi feels that there is some unexplained mystery in Izayoi-san's body..."

Seeing the same thing happening again during the Gift Game against [Perseus, Kuro Usagi felt her heart sigh because of Izayoi's cheating strength. She also originally thought that the winner had already been decided.

But the next moment, the tens of millions of complaints were sent flying when the rubble was blown away. Standing at the center was Pest who was smiling at Izayoi while her wounds and even her cloth were restored in a moment.

"...Yeah, after all you are only human. Even if the Death Wind is ineffective, there is no need for any caution."

"What?"

"What I mean is that if you don't even have the strength to destroy stars, you won't even be able to defeat a Demon Lord."

Pest casually waved her arms. The eighty million voices of resentment attacked Izayoi using shockwaves. The unexpected attack sent Izayoi flying upwards before falling down.

Although he spat out some blood, the injury was not all that serious. Izayoi minded what Pest had said previously.

"...You actually dare to say that I don't have the strength to destroy stars? Heh! This provocation is a bit daring, you spotted loli! Since you dare to say that then I will...!"

"Please...Please wait a moment Izayoi-san! Considering the fact that you fight with that bruised right hand, this is the time to respect the original battle plan!"

Kuro Usagi frantically tried to stop him. Izayoi unhappily frowned and curled his lips.

Pest raised her arms as she was about to release another wave of attack on them. Lightning immediately struck her from the sky. Fortunately for Pest, she managed to conjure a barrier made out of Death Wind surrounds her before it damaged her. However, the lightning was able to bypass the barrier and deal some damages which made her grunt in pain.

Two figures landed on the roof, soon it was revealed Yō and Kyo. Another figure appeared at the sky which reveals Leticia.

"Hope you guys don't forget to invite us," Kyo said as he raised his lance towards Pest.

"Here. You need all the strength you have." Kyo threw a Star Potion to Izayoi. He thanked him as he drink the potion which it immediately heals his injured arm.

This did not go unseen by the two people who never expected this.

Sandra let out loud gasp," EHHH! How did his heal so fast?! What potion is that Kuro Usagi?!"

She frantically asked her while Kuro Usagi sweat-dropped, trying to think a better way to explain to her friend without damaging her brains.

She sighed. "Well it's a long story."

As for Pest, she remained silent but her emotionless look shows a reactions of surprised.

'Where did he get that? Did it get it from someone? Or did he made it? What is his Gift anyway? Is this way are they targeting him? Or could it be a threat to them.' She looked back at her arm which had a wound that she blocked his lightning.

She tried to heal it but for some reasons she couldn't. It was like something blocking her from healing. Her eyes widened as she figure out the reason why the butler gave her the demonic whistle.

'Now I can see why they are targeting him. He's something else, but the question is what.' She knew with him here she had no chance in winning and failure is not an option for here. So she decided to go for another plan of hers, the plan she regrets doing it.

"It seems like I have no choice then," Pest took out the whistle that she received from Greed.

"What's that?" Yō said out loud which the rest look at Pest.

Kuro Usagi's eyes immediately widened, as she knew what her enemy is holding.

"Wait isn't that!? Wait!! Don't do it!!" Pest immediately ignores her warning. She tried to run and stopped her but she was too late as Pest blew the demonic whistle.

FFFWEEEEEEEETTTTTTTTT!!!!

The sound of the whistle could be heard throughout the entire city as the participants stopped what are they doing as they were confused by the sudden noise.

As the sound stops, silent fills arounds the city. The feeling of dread has approach all of the participants' hearts as they knew something bad is going to happen.

Suddenly they could feel an earthquake and sounds of shrieking all around the city. Soon billions of rats came out from drains, pipes and underground.

"What in the world is going on!?" Asuka said out loud as she stand on Deen's shoulder having a perfect view. Seeing billions of rats gathering all together at the center of city.

Soon the whistle on Pest's hand flew out of her grasp and towards the rats.

The whistle glowed sinisterly, as it turned into a giant purple eyeball. The rats turns into a black glob as it combines with the eyeball. The black glob suddenly morphed into a body and it immediately becomes flesh and covered with grey fur.

The beast was shown to be a giant grey rat that it reaches the same height as Deen. It stood on two hind legs. Its arms were long as spikes are on its arms, it also have claws that long and sharp to tear through the concrete pathway. Its two sharp fangs appeared out its snout. It's tail was quite long as it seems can pierce through buildings like a spear.

Regardless, its looks its menacing. The beast let out a loud shriek which cause all hell break loose.

SSSSQQEEEEEEAAAAAALLLLL!!!!