Chapter 68: Promotion Test.
*Extra chapter: Grigori*
The Underworld, Fallen Angel Nation.
The Grigori, head organization of the nation, most of its' members are now in a particular secret facility. No subordinates, no army, not even the famed Gremory group, who is heavily affiliated to Governor Azazel, know about it. Just the original band of top ranked Cadres, who were the first line to fell from Heavenly grace, gathered here, for they are the only ones know about it.
The facility they are in, is a large-scale bio lab. Down through numerous floors with reinforced blast doors and security systems, is a massive chamber that takes up the entire space of the lowest floor underground.
This floor was supposed to be encompassed by a large growth capsule, housing a special being. But that's not here now. The entire floor… no, the entire facility was a mess, many of the lab's equipment and the manufacturing facility was wrecked to almost unrepairable. The members of Grigori who are present are filled with injuries, some got bandages over their entire body, others got broken limbs that was prevented from healing even by their supernatural healing factor. It was as if they were caught in a fight, one that they've lost.
Only one person remained unharmed, who also just arrived not long ago, late enough to not be in the mess. It's Azazel, the Governor General of the Fallen Angel nation.
"What a mess… *sigh*…This is like, what? The third time he broke in? Jesus…"
The Governor sighed as he looks around the place, all messed up, and his comrades, who are all crippled to various degrees.
"I'm sorry, Azazel, if only we…"
"Don't be, Shemhaza. You're dauntless, all of you… but facing someone like Dante, it's won't be surprising for you to not be his match, even when you all go at him together.", said Azazel as he comforts Shemhaza and the others for their valor.
Apparently, in accordance of Shemhaza, the vice-governor, Dante, the other Son of Sparda who mysteriously appeared during the attack on the "Gremory vs Bael" Rating Game, has broken in to this place and stole the capsule. It also appears that this wasn't the first time he broke in.
"But Azazel-sama…"
"What's happened, already happened. Let's move on to the task at hand. Since he was here… he stole it, right?"
Azazel asked for a briefing of what's missing.
"Yes, the corpse of Urizen… Dark Angel Vergil's original body that we recovered. He stole it, along with the entire capsule and supporting systems.", said one of the Cadres.
The stolen capture was revealed to have contained a shocking content.
The body of Urizen, formerly the Dark Angel's, Vergil's orginal body, used by Dante as the Nefarious Demon King in his failed attempt to invade beyond Inferno.
"What can he possibly want with that withered carcass? It barely has any energy of any kind left.", said another Cadre.
"It's still the carcass of the most powerful Nephilim in all history, even the genetic material alone is a million lifetimes' worth of fortune, from a business man stand point, of course."
"I doubt he wants to sell it. Even if he wants to, then there's no need for the extra cash from all those equipment, consider the cash he'll get from the black market. He must have other intentions in mind."
"Whatever it is, it won't be pretty. The "Devil of Azeshion" is always unpredictable in his intentions, sometimes, we won't be noticing it until the very last second."
"…"
"…"
"…"
"Dante… he won't be selling it.", said Azazel.
His tone is solid, without a hint of doubt.
"Azazel-sama?"
"Why do you think he won't?"
The Cadre members of Grigori asked their governor, one by one.
"For I doubt he is related to anything in this world. Perhaps… not anymore, anyway."
It was a statement that simply brings more doubts, and confusion.
…
*Test day*
It was the day of the test.
We were gathered at the transport magic-circle located in the basement of the Kuoh Sparda Residence. We were dressed in Kuou Academy's uniform. This had basically become the uniform of the Gremory group. We were also holding our bags in our hands. Inside them were the important things that were required for the test. It reminded me of the high school entrance exams. The ones who were going to the stadium to take the test are me, Akeno-san and Ravel-san, who will help us with the minor procedures. Buchou, Sensei, and the other club members were going to the Underworld along with us, but they were going to wait for us at the hotel located at the stadium. The transport will send us right into the stadium. So only those of us who are taking the test are going on it first. After that Buchou and the others will transport to the hotel.
I thought that we would get transported to Gremory territory first and then go to the stadium using a car or through a similar method. But that didn't seem to be the case. The reason wasn't much to be mind of, since we are very popular, but over there the rumors of the relationship Buchou and Vergil-san had (Which is true) also got quite a lot of attention so it was better to avoid going to places with large numbers of people. The media has been writing countless stories about them, and the paparazzi pretty much has been "stalking" on Buchou everywhere in the Underworld.
[Serious relationship between the princess and the lost hero!]
Like that it continued to gather a lot of attention from the civilians living in the Underworld. So even we group members, who is affiliated to them, would be surrounded by the media as soon as we step outside.
…Buchou is a princess of Gremory, and she's also the sister of the Maou-sama. And her love was Vergil-san, the Son of the Legendary Dark Knight, Sparda-sama. The two people who have been the main topic of the media got into a relationship, so, many people were talking about them.
"Rias who is a Pure-devil, a princess, and the sister of Maou. Vergil who is the Misfit "Dark Angel", also the Sekiryuutei who is the "Dragon Lord". It would've turned into a love romance that will surpass social status. What will happen if a topic like that gets out of the aristocrat society? It seems it is the hot gossip topic amongst women from normal backgrounds."
That was what Sensei said.
…
Romance that would've surpassed social status…
Despite the ruckus, mainly of the aristocrats who valued pure-blooded and nobility traditions, in the Underworld, the people, in general, are wholehearted in their support to similar couples as well.
"It seems like it's getting really serious because people from the media are asking Onii-sama for an interview."
Ravel-san also said that. Well, Riser-san is Buchou's ex-fiancé after all. From how it got broken off, the story would be something that the media would love to cover. When it happened, the engagement breaks off only became famous amongst the noble Devils, and since Vergil-san's identity wasn't public yet, the media didn't take that much of an interest in it. But it's much different now. The media in the Underworld will gather around Buchou, who is Vergil-san's lover, and… the holder of his remains.
Now that we have mentioned him quite a few times…
Because we're on a tight schedule, we weren't able to visit him before departing…
…
In the moment after, I randomly looked around, but I couldn't find Gasper-kun.
"Isn't Gasper-kun here to send us off?"
"He transported out of here long before us to go to Grigori's research institute that is located in the Underworld."
Sensei answered me.
"… By himself?"
I was a little astonished to find out. Sensei nods.
"Right after that match against Bael. He came to me while crying."
[I want to be strong like everyone! I don't want to be just protected anymore! I'm a boy from the Gremory team so I don't want to show a miserable appearance anymore…!]
He begged Sensei like that… So something like that happened.
"He was a hikikomori and also a coward. Even so, he came knocking onto the gate of Grigori, so it's not some weak determination. Right about now, he is probably facing his own Sacred Gear under the instructions of the researchers."
…I see. He seriously wanted to become stronger, so other than basic training, he was learning how to understand and face his Sacred Gear. He must have reached a dead end, which resulted in him going to the research institute of the Fallen Angels.
…Yeah. He is a man after all. Come back after attaining something new, Gasper-kun, we're looking forward to your success… and so is Vergil-san…
Anyway, now, what are these guys going to do? I looked at Ophis and Kuroka.
"What are Ophis, Kuroka and Le Fay going to do?"
I asked Sensei.
"They are going to the hotel with us. It will be bad if they follow you to the stadium."
Well that was obvious. But was it alright for them to go to the hotel?
"Also after your tests are finished, I'm planning to take Ophis to Sirzechs's place. It's a good opportunity. Ophis also said she will go as long as you are going as well. That's why you guys will also go to Sirzechs's place after the test is over."
So Sensei was already planning ahead.
"I understand. I don't know what we can do, but taking Ophis in front of Sirzechs-sama has a significant meaning to it right?"
"Yeah. If possible, I want this to go in the right direction even if it's only a little bit. Negotiation that had been said to be impossible may now be possible. It's a big step. I don't know what Ophis is thinking, but because of it, it may be possible to avoid a continued fight. If everything goes well, the enemy organization itself may collapse and split up. If that happens it will become possible to crush them one by one. If they lose the power of Ophis's snake, defeating them will occur earlier than we had thought. I even want to thank Vali who had suggested this."
Vali huh. The one who left Ophis in the care of Sensei was him.
"He must be thinking in his own way as well. For him to place Ophis in our care."
Sensei said it with narrow eyes after hearing me.
"…He must have wanted to hide Ophis. From a threat that is."
…? Threat? Was Ophis being targeted by someone? Well, she was the boss of the terrorists so that would be natural. All of the factions were thinking that defeating her will make the organization collapse, so they would target her. But they just can't lay their hands on her because she was the ultimate being after all. But Vali tried to hide Ophis? From that threat? Sensei seemed to know what it was but I didn't have a single clue. Well there was no use thinking about that here. The promotion test is yet to pass, and we still have the Mid-semester exams too. Let's finish them, then worry of the other matters latter.
Having that in mind, it was decided that we will go directly to the stadium via teleportation magic circles, instead of going through various checkpoints like usual. The media seemed to have obtained the information that we will be taking the test, so they were gathering around the stadium.
"Then, we'll be off."
"Yes, do your best, Yuuto, Akeno."
Buchou sent us off with a gentle smile. She then turns to Ravel-san.
"Ravel, please take care of the rest"
"Yes, Rias-sama! You can count on me!"
Ravel-san replied enthusiastically while puffing her chest.
The three of us bid our farewells to Buchou and the others and we were enveloped in a light.
Yes, we'll make you proud, Buchou.
You as well, Vergil-san…
And once we finished… let's have a toast.
*Stadium*
…When the light stopped, we were at a spacious floor. There was a large magic-circle still emitting a shallow light under my feet.
"Welcome. You are the servants of Rias Gremory-sama correct? I have heard about it. Please show me something to identity yourselves."
The staff members who were wearing formal outfits approached us, asking for identification. We showed them our seals with the Gremory symbol on it and also the recommendation paper. The seal was made from the bone of a certain creature and it was ground into a palm sized circular shape. It was of a crimson color and it had a mark engraved onto it. The staff confirmed our recommendation papers and seals and said "This way please", and then guided us. We walked into a corridor made from rocks. It did not look like a gorgeous interior, but had a simple and accurate design. To add, the corridor is filled with copies of an irregular symbol, almost looking like a person with wings. That symbol actually the sigil of a rather famous house.
Yes, this is the promotion test center for mid-class Devils located in the territory of Glasya-Labolas.
The territory belongs to the household of Glasya-Labolas, where Maou Falbium Asmodeus-sama, who goes with the motto "working is losing", belongs to. It's also the homeland of that yankee who got beaten to near death by both Vergil-san and Sairaorg-san.
"It seems like they built the mid-class promotion test center here because of the influence of the strategist, Falbium Asmodeus."
Akeno-san also said that. Well, with that Maou-sama, who seemed like he didn't want to do anything, it was hard to imagine of his real influence.
But as the saying goes, you can't judge things from just appearance.
"It seems like there is also a test center in the territory of Astaroth, which is the household from which Ajuka Beelzebub-sama came from.", Akeno-san continued.
There are test centers in various places throughout the Underworld, but the one with the most authority is the one held in the territory of Astaroth. After all there are also noble schools for the noble Devils located there. Buchou also had trouble choosing between the school in the territory of Astaroth and the one in the area of Maou. But she ended up going to the school in the area of Maou.
Although I say that, today, we're in the Glasya-Labolas territory. For one obvious incident that caused the house of Astaroth its' credibility and authority.
Yes… That incident involving Diodora Astaroth caused this… and the house of Astaroth had to go through a dangerous situation because of him. They managed to avoid the worst-case scenario because of the influence of Ajuka-sama who was the chief advisor for the Technical Equation Program. But it was certain that they were being looked at with strict eyes from the civilians living in the other territories as well as the other nobles. They also lost their right to send out a candidate to be the next Maou.
The place where we arrived at after being led by the staff was the reception area. There were a couple of windows, and test participants were talking to the receptionists.
…There are less Devils here than I thought. A reception area, which was quite spacious, looked dead because there weren't many people in it. Then the staff explained to us.
"At the reception area over there, please take the compulsory documents along with the admission ticket for the test. After you are done with that, please go to the floor upstairs where the written test will be held. The first part of the test will be the written section and the second part will be practical."
So written test was first huh.
"Please hand your report to the examiners who are standing in front of the room for the written section of the test."
"Yes."
"Then I will pardon myself. I hope you do well."
The staff left after saying that.
"I will go and bring the documents you must fill out."
After saying that, Ravel-san goes away quickly. She is really is thoughtful.
"…Looks like there aren't that many people taking the test."
"Well, in the current Underworld, there aren't that many devils who can take the promotion test. The promotion test center for High-class devils might even have less devils taking it."
Akeno-san says that. Indeed, since there weren't any Wars in the Underworld right now, you can only get a promotion by attaining something magnificent from the pact for Devil's jobs or by excellent performance in the Rating Game. Though the first option was very difficult to get promotion with, so it became the mainstream way to get a promotion test through Rating Games. Even so, we were, evidently, special cases.
However…
Without witnessing Vergil-san fights his battles, no matter how bloodied they are…
Without him showing us what we lacked, no matter how cruel the methods…
Could we have known about it, and made it here by ourselves?
Vergil-san would certainly deny his involvement, due to his painful past…
No, it's definitely thanks to him. No matter how far we go, it was still because he was there, to any extent. Be it directly supporting us, or just being the strong figure that we all aimed for.
We've come this far, then let's aim to become Ultimate-devils. I've also got a dream now. To become the "Ultimate Knight". I want to become an existence that can stand side by side with his figure, his monument.
"Everyone! I have brought the documents! Let's fill them out over there!"
With Ravel-san's instruction we filled out the documents…
So the test was about to begin.
Let's go!
*Written test*
"Please do your best! I will be waiting here."
We split up from Ravel-san at the staircase leading to the second floor, and us three headed up to the third floor. We saw a sign written in devil-letters written as "Mid-class promotion test – Written test room". The room we reached had long desks aligned inside. It looked like the rooms you see in universities. I also saw a university room when I went to look at the Kuoh University.
I must sit on the table with the number [011] written on at. By the way Akeno-san's number is [010], so she's close to me. When the two of us sat down, we heard people whispering.
"…Are those people from the Gremory team? The Holy-demonic sword wielder and Holy-lightning priestess…"
"So the rumors about them getting a promotion recommendation from Maou-sama were true…"
"So that's why there were so many people with cameras outside…"
Everyone knew about us. Well, we became famous because of the news, the anime, and the match that occurred recently. Judging from their conversation, the paparazzi had gathered outside this test center. What a hassle. But this was something we had predicted. That was why we had to take the test calmly without being distracted by them. We came here while having the name Gremory on our backs, after all. As we are ready for the test, other examinees gathered and the seats around us started to fill up with the other devils taking the test.
…But a room that can hold more than 100 hundred people didn't even get filled. They were mostly devils who were former humans, but there were also devils who looked like beast-humans, youkai and creatures. Well humans weren't the only ones who can be reincarnated. Therefore, many types and kinds of devils can take the promotion test. I looked around, but including us the number didn't even reach up to 40 people. There were not that many people. The seats were mostly empty
…This is definitely the motivation behind Sairaorg-san's dream and aim. It might be good to give a chance to people who have talent. But in the current Underworld, filled with political and cultural tension between the Maou-faction and Great-King-faction, that would be extremely difficult. While I was thinking about that, the examiner entered the room and began collecting the reports. We gave our reports to the examiner and finally were about to start the written test.
"It's time. Please start."
The voice of the examiner told us it was time to start the test. All the examinees turn-over their test papers, and the test begin. Let's answer as many questions as we can.
*Later*
The food court was inside the test centre. I was sitting on the table while drinking green tea. The written test was broken into different sections and we finally finished after a few hours. Even though I finished my test, I was still sighing because of the contents of the test. I answered all of the questions about basic knowledge regarding devils. Except there were questions regarding "Magical Levi-tan" and I was astonished. There was a question where I had to write down the names of the leaders of the enemy organizations. I had most difficulty with that, so it's the only question I'm not so sure of. Also questions about "Oumaryuu Gakuin no Futekigousha" and its' human world counterpart, "Maou Gakuin no Futekigousha" appeared as well. It became a question about the recent event that occurred in the Underworld. Questions about "Khaos-Brigade" appeared as well. Since I'm pretty much like a victim from them, I could answer them easily since I know about them more than most of the higher-ups. Well, obviously I didn't include any information that cannot be known by the public.
Putting the last part aside…Seriously, even as a relatively long time Reincarnated Devil, I still don't know whether the Underworld is proper or improper…
"Kiba-san, Akeno-sama. I have brought another cup of tea."
Ravel brought another cup of tea for me. She seriously is a good girl.
"Ah. Thank you Ravel-san."
"So the practical is next."
Akeno-san said while twisting her forearm.
"I heard that it will occur on the roof of this stadium."
Ravel said so while reading through the documents.
"Well, let's make sure we give a stunning performance, shall we."
I say that as if being suddenly fired up
"Ara-ara. Getting heated up is good, but it is not good for you to overdo it okay?"
Akeno said that to me.
Sensei also said that we shouldn't try that hard for the practical as well. Well, compare to most participants, we went through quite a number of life and death situations, so I also think we'll do just fine. Still, that's no excuse to slack off.
*Practical test*
The time for the practical test arrived. Akeno-san and I split up from Ravel once again, and went to the roof while wearing jerseys. The place was a spacious gymnasium. The participants all changed into clothes that they could move around easily in, and they were warming up their bodies in their own way.
While I was stretching my body alongside Akeno-san, the examiners gathered and began to call our numbers. We attached a badge that had our number on it to our jersey. Then one of the examiners gave us an explanation.
"The practical is quite simple. We will have the participants battle each other. We will have everyone draw a number, and that will decide who you will battle."
So we just have to win, simple enough.
"The battle will be looked as a whole so even if you lose to your opponent, you will not necessarily lose the opportunity to pass. Obviously, winning the battle will allow you to get more points though. But we will look at the battle in depth so if you have the three satisfactory criteria of heart, technique, and body we will allow you to get points that will be the equivalent of what you showed. Try to have the battle be as good as possible please! The rule is simple. Fight the opponent with the power you have. Using weapons will be allowed. You will fail if your opponent dies, but if the death occurred due to an accident, then we, the examiners, will decide the outcome. Please read the documents you have with you regarding about death by accident. Next is…"
Our battles will also have to have "depth" to it huh…
"Now people who are a "Pawn" are able to promote during the match with the special approval promotion card dispatched by this test centre."
So "Pawns" can promote through special promotion cards used by this center. I heard that Ajuka Beelzebub-sama dispatched special promotion cards to places like this. Of course, Beelzebub-sama is the only one who can make them, and making copies of them is said to be impossible. You can even say that he surpasses Azazel-sensei in that regard.
"It looks alright as long as we don't kill the opponent for the practical test. Unlike the High-class promotion test, Mid-class promotion test does not require strategies that are based on tactics so it is quite simple.", said Akeno-san.
Well, that was to be expected. Since you will be receiving the "Evil-pieces" that will allow you to make your own peerage, having a test to see if you're capable of leading your servants, as well as having critical thinking to solve difficult situations, would be obvious.
The examiners explanation finished, and it became time to draw. We put our hands inside the box, and took out a ball that has a number on it. These things were quite similar to the human world… Well, the ones who came here were mostly former-humans, so they were probably making it more familiar and easier for us to understand.
My number is [4]. Looks like it will be one of the earlier matches. Akeno-san got [32]. Oh, looks like we were separated. I wouldn't know what to do if we had to fight each other, but looks like that won't be happening. Looks like her match will be near the end.
"The matches will occur by two pairs fighting at once! First, [1] and [2], [3] and [4] will start their matches!"
Looks like my match will start before I get ready.
"Looks like I'm first."
"Yes, Kiba-kun can definitely do it."
I received a cheer from Akeno-san.
"I will be going then."
I then entered the circular battlefield made by Demonic power. What will happen now. Should I use the Holy Demonic sword, or [Glory-Drag Omega Trooper] right off the bat? I can end the fight quicker with either one… But if we had to show our strength for this test, then… While I was thinking, the devil who was to be my opponent appeared. He was a medium height and medium built man. Looking at him, he doesn't seem to be flowing with lots of aura, but… This person was also a Devil who had the strength to come to this test. I can't let my guard down. The examiner came in and looked at both of us.
"Both of you are ready then?"
Both me and my opponent nodded. The examiner raised his hand up, and then put it down!
"Please start!"
It had started. I made my Holy-Demonic Sword appeared and went in my battle stance.
Let's go with the usual ways. I'll see to the next step when I can grasp my opponent's capacity.
"Ha!"
The opponent made his hand glow with demonic-powers, and shot huge orbs of flames! Looks like his attacks with demonic-powers are quite something. If he is a Sacred Gear possessor, then he will reveal it after this attack.
"[Freezing Archaeopteryx]!"
Cold chills were surrounding the man's area. Ice started to gather in the air and it turned into a gigantic bird! So, he has a Sacred Gear. He made a gigantic bird using his Sacred Gear. I evaded the gigantic bird's intense attack and the Demonic-power attacks shot by the man with a strafe to the left.
BOOM!
The man's aura blast and freezing bird blew away a small chunk of the battlefield. His attacks aren't half-bad, they were aimed for my legs, which is my weak spot. This man definitely met the requirement to take this test.
However, this was where the real fight starts.
In the moment after…
WOOSH!
I dashed at great speed! my Holy-Demonic Sword got charged with dense demonic power in all of the sudden, and without any prior channeling action! My opponent couldn't even react to my speed!
I make a powerful swing upwards with my blade on icepick grip. When you manifest your weapon, you can make use of the surplus energy by hiding it and built up more to unleash it at the right moment. And this is that moment! My first blow!
SLASH!
A powerful demonic wave got fired from my swing, destroyed the gigantic ice bird with ease… and it continues to go towards him!
"–!"
The opponent created defense magic circle in front of him, but he couldn't withstand the aura wave and flew far to the back of the stadium!
DOOOOOOOOOOON!
He crashed into the wall, and went through it…
…
I stood still while holding my sword in a swing-up pose.
…Ara?
That person flew back more than I thought. It was not an attack where I used all the limited power I have, but it wasn't one that I was holding back either… One of the examiners went towards the opponent whom I punched quickly. I can hear the voices of other participants who were watching the match.
"…Y-You must be kidding me!? What power!"
"I see… He surpasses the level of average Low-class Devils greatly."
"I can only say that his opponent was unlucky. He's a monster…!"
"…He hasn't use any of his techniques, and it's just power head on… isn't he a high-tier of High-class Devil…?"
"So this is the power of the Holy-Demonic Sword wielder who defeated the Evil-God Loki alongside the Son of Sparda-sama…"
I heard things like that.
…
…Don't praise me…
…I didn't even manage to scratch Loki that whole iincident…
…Vergil-san was the only one that outright defeated the Trickster God. He had gained the power to fight gods long before anyone, it's natural for him to be the one in the spot light. One that deserve it, even if he doesn't care about it.
Also, I simply took this fight seriously, because I was recommended by Sirzech-sama, and I can't disappoint him. I thought that I can't let my guard down since my opponent was also a Devil who was taking the promotion test…
Now we're back at it, what happened to my opponent?
The examiner returned from the broken wall while carrying my opponent who seemed to be unconscious. The examiner shook his head to the examiner who was in charge of my match. That examiner confirmed it and said it loudly.
"Number [4], Kiba Yuuto wins!"
…
I could only leave per the request of the examiner afterwards.
The victory I gained… it was easy, too easy.
*Later*
We finished our practical, and Ravel drew a communication magic-circle so we can report to Sensei.
"Azazel-Sensei. We're…"
[Oh what happened? I'm at the restaurant of the hotel in which we made reservations, and drinking alcohol even at noon.]
…
Haaa…
Alcohol at noon again? You sure know how to have fun, Sensei.
"We passed the test. Well… Me and Akeno-san didn't have any trouble, but more like it was…"
[You were overwhelming right?]
I nod to Sensei who is grinning.
"Yes."
Sensei sighed.
[Of course. You guys have abnormal strength among Low-class Devils. And the ones going to the test have the powers of high-tiers of Mid-class Devils. You guys have the power of High-class devils. You have contended against Sairaorg, who use only his boday and can unleash the Balance Breaker of [Regulus Nemea] can release a power that isn't that much different from those with more power than that. It's natural for you to win]
Not just me, Akeno-san also gained victory with overwhelming strength for the test. I felt sorry because I went a bit too far and destroyed the stadium. Akeno-san achieved victory while holding back their power so as not to destroy the stadium, even though she has greater attack power than I am.
Because of the power difference between us and the other participants, if we were to fight seriously, it would cause harm to the stadium… I was cautious in my approach, so I didn't entirely hold back. Yeah, I could have done it better…
[The opponents that you guys have been facing are the Vali Team, which are full of legendary guys, Evil God Loki and Fenrir from Northern Europe, and the Ultimate Longinus you know? Fighting guys like that while returning with everyone alive is something that isn't normal. It's a level where it would be said that you guys are abnormal. At least in the Gremory team you, Akeno, Xenovia and Rossweisse are strong guys with the power of High-class Devils. Koneko who is starting to learn the power of Senjutsu will also reach the power parallel to a High-class Devil soon.]
Yes, our opponents were abnormal guys and I have been training hard so that I won't lose to them.
But they weren't at the same league as Vergil-san and his growth though…
[She sure has luck meeting with you guys. Your [King], that is], said Sensei.
Yes. Buchou is the best [King] we have after all. We'll follow her until the very end.
[Well, I also said it to Rias just now. That there is no reason for Rias to go through intense training to get strong.]
Buchou… training? If I remembered, she was quite upset that she couldn't do much against the fight with Regulus. But it was just that her opponent was a bit too much, since it was a rare Longinus that could move on its own. It was also a demonic-creature that represented the King of Lions.
[One of the weapons Rias has is the fortunate meetings she has. The grade that the Gremory-team has isn't something that other High-class devils have. Though it seems that guy, Riser, also said that. This is something which you can't teach others, you have to born with a talent like that, and things like that will continue on as well. In my case, I want to praise the high chance of survival I mentioned before. To survive so many crises with everyone alive is on a level which surpasses miracles.]
I think I can understand that. I also think it was great that members like this gathered and survived through these crises together.
But a level which surpasses miracles… I don't think I'm at that level yet.
[Anyway the test is over, right? Use the transport magic-circle at the centre to get to this hotel. The result isn't out yet but let's celebrate here.]
The communication with Sensei ended there and all of us took a breath.
"Great work Kiba-kun, Akeno-sama."
Ravel-san said it to me and Akeno-san with a smile.
"Looks like we can relax until the result is out.", said Akeno-san.
Well, we still have the mid-semester exam to pass… but it's good, relaxing for a bit.
Vergil-san…
Although the results of today maybe small… I hope that we've made you proud, even for a bit…
…
"You're alive, and you've chosen to move forward for a better life. That's already enough."
–!
In that moment… I heard his echoing voice. The scenery became blurry with unusual lighting.
And in front of my eyes… the faint figure of Vergil-san, leaning his back at a pillar, was looking at me with his crimson demonic eyes.
His expression was hard to read, as it is the same stoic face he has when he was… alive…
…
He doesn't say anything more than that, and disappears almost immediately afterwards, returning the scenery to normal.
…