This is my first fic after a long time of absence, I'm still a bit inexperienced in terms of writing and decided that this will be a cool project to complete during my free time. Grammar notwithstanding it is more about the cohesion of my text.
I've always been a bit befuddled by the stupidity and sometimes complete idiocracy of the villainy present in dxd. Now the question is, what if the antagonists were competent?
The story will take place 14 years from cannon. Thanks to the time leaps hopefully it won't overshadow the cannon part of the fic. Now this character is an OC, I know some people are not really into it but I decided to add some flavor to DxD, it won't go out of bounds too much where the dude is just beating up the top 10 strongest left and right and shags any pretty girl he meets. I'd rather the build-up be pretty slow and flavorful… Anyways let's get to the story.
Great men came before him. Bloodlines perished in the civil war, and what was left was a disgraced family, living in shame on the outskirts of what was rightfully their home.
His father, a cruel man no longer held the interests of our kingdom at heart, hiding like a coward until it was over and losing everything Lucifer built for them. Rizevim, still a super devil deserved a dose of respect, if not for how he treated him and his brother, but for his social standing and combat potential. It is not a secret that my father has done nothing to improve upon his powerful gift; nonetheless, he is a leading figure for the old satan faction.
This is the man who I am kneeling before…
"Rozavel" Upon my name being spoken, my head looked up from the crystalline floor. From my feet to the golden carpet, and eventually to the menacing stairs leading up to a throne.
"It has come to my attention that you had another fight with your brother." The scorn I heard in his voice, the disappointment. I dipped my head in shame. Razevan was a horrible person, but one I had to call my brother.
"Your bout with him cost him his mansion! What on earth were you thinking?!" Face turning from scowl to fury, Rizevim moved his hands in an arch, black power started seeping out of his hands.
The moment I saw what was happening my instincts kicked in. This isn't the first time this happened but I am powerless to stop it. Oh, I definitely could wrestle this coward down, but he is needed, without him as the figurehead, no matter how incompetent, the cause will break down and shatter.
Knowing what must be done I merely braced myself and pushed my demonic energy outwards.
"Know your place!" The satan class demonic power hit me like a train, I felt flecks of my skin float away. Gritting my teeth in stubborn acceptance of the punishment which I expected, I steeled my nerves and powered through the overwhelming pain.
Mother Lilith! Why have you cursed me with such relatives?!
Not even a minute in and I collapsed onto the floor spasming out as my joints finally understood to which state they were fried.
"Hope this serves a lesson, you have no business in telling Razevan how to educate his child. Once you get your own, you may do with them as you please, or rather as I tell you." The thumping of boots on the floor was audible to my oversensitive ears. Each one getting closer and closer.
Eventually, I felt a light kick that flipped me from my side to my back. "Don't make me repeat this lesson again. There are no such things as an irreplaceable asset." Rizevim took a step back and started chuckling. Considering the situation it might be considered weird but he is just this kind of a person.
"Ha, just joking, you know me, Ross! After all, aren't I the benevolent ruler of our wonderful race, merciful?" My eyes glassily rolled over to look at the smiling man standing above me, though I wanted to wipe it off his face my duty to my family prevented any such thing. After taking his sweet time boasting about how he could end me where I lay, Rizevim proceeded to walk to the exit of his throne room without forgetting to step on me and wipe his boots of my blood, right on me.
Even I didn't notice lids closing over my eyes.
"You look like shit"
The last person I expected to see was this woman. Dark skin, glasses, and a whole lot of smugness.
"Rizevim is being his old self huh? Well, no matter, he and Shalba have a task for you." Feeling quite regenerated, I managed to stand up, only to realize I was in 'her' chambers. This also explained quite well the reason for my unnatural vigor and health this morning.
"And it is urgent enough to warrant this?" I asked, pointing to the fact, that the leviathan next to me lacked any clothes, and perhaps, modesty as well.
"Yes, now get up, the legion is waiting outside in hot heat. I'll tell them that the big reason for their misfortune is their lazy general." Sensing trouble I dashed around the room, gathering my clothes and putting them on in a haphazard manner.
"Never thought I would say it, but." Hearing doubt in my voice, the dark-skinned woman put a hand to her ear and leaned forward a bit, clearly showing she was enjoying what she was about to hear.
"Thank you Katerea." Sadly, I already saw a smile making its way to her face. Expectantly, she put a hand to her ear to indicate what I said wasn't enough. "You are clearly the superior Satan and deserve to rule the underworld…" Sarcasm was dripping like it was a rain season, though the Satan in front of me didn't really seem to care.
"I do my best, after all, unlike the lowly servants I have to deal with from time to time…" Katereas's jab at me was obvious, though she scowled after not getting the reaction she wanted from me.
Before I could walk away from this trainwreck of a conversation I was stopped by a hand on my shoulder. "Not so quick, here are your direct orders, disobey and perish at your will." She removed her hand and a bit uncomfortably looked away.
This is the first time I'm seeing such a reaction, usually, Katerea's feelings range from cold to arrogant. I raised my eyebrow, silently demanding an explanation.
"Though I should say, that obeying might also lead to you perishing." What is it I'm hearing? Concern? Not in a million years. She might be a more honorable and competent Satan than the three stooges playing pretend leaders with wooden horses, but this is a thinly disguised warning. I am an asset after all, and losing me, might set back our plans quite a bit.
I made to leave, flashing the white cape that I'm forced to wear, who knew that Rizevim had no sense of style whatsoever?
After adjusting a gold embroiled officer cap I marched out to greet my troops.
Only to be met with utter disappointment. Slowly bringing my hand up to my face, I started questioning all my life decisions leading to this point.
"This can't be." I simply stated. Surely these are my mere delusions after dealing with lunatics for a good part of a decade.
A cool voice boomed, cool if it was anyone else except the man I was staring at. "Fancy seeing you here Ross." A deep smile crossed his face as the man bowed.
"Euclid. What a 'pleasant' surprise." This guy is an absolute nutcase. I would've been okay with it if it was the 'deranged psychopath' kind of lunatic, but instead, he was dealing with the 'Genius Zealot' which in his opinion, made Euclid that much more dangerous.
"So, where is my army?" I quizzed, raising an eyebrow and looking around an empty field.
Smiling, Euclid met my gaze. "Remember the Nocleus assault Rizevim ordered? Well, let's just say only a trickle came back."
Again, I started questioning the state of mind that my father has. Basically sending the last of our forces to their assured deaths. He never explained to me his line of thought, nor the strategic value that could've been gained. When I volunteered to lead I was sidelined for Daimadosu, Creuserey's brother. Many things could be said for that man, but imbecile is the first thing that comes to mind. Saved by a breadth of a hair from Sirzechs during the civil war he remained as a stoic reminder of why it is horrible to serve with the old Satans.
Positions are provided via bloodline. Skill, and aptitude play no role in the selection process. A stagnant hierarchy doomed to fall alongside the king piece.
"Can't say I have forgotten it…" A grim reminder of how far we have fallen as a faction. Euclid stood a bit taller when I brought out the mystery folder actually labeled 'top secret'.
Upon opening it I was greeted with the date of my death and the face of my executioner.
"Serafall…" Her smiling face peered back at me from the pages, alongside her portrait was a list of actions I'm supposed to undertake.
"Keep her busy until '?' then withdraw with minimal losses." I flipped and twisted the pages as if the text is going to change but upon being greeted with the same suicidal orders I gave up and looked up.
Feeling the internal battle I was having Euclid stepped up closer to me to take a glance. Well, his reaction was a bit more visceral than mine.
"This bitch! The one that defeated my sister! Fina-" a finger was violently brought up to his mouth. "One more word about Grafiya." I left the threat lingering in the air. Of course, I couldn't do anything to this lunatic but a threat of no further cooperation kept him from speaking any further.
We both are aware that to even having the slimmest of chances to succeed would require unparalleled teamwork and trust. Two things that seemed to be lacking between us.
"How can I achieve the dreams of Satan's world domination when I am surrounded by idiots on all sides?!" Exasperated, I picked up my spear, an heirloom, one that belonged to the original Satan. Painted white, with ornaments going up the length of the spear, reaching the pointed head in the middle of which, dimly glows a dark red ruby.
Euclid seemed to pointedly ignore my comment and decided to follow along with whatever plan I came up with.
"Better gather whatever remains of our army. I really hope father knows what he is doing." At around this point, I decided to head for the royal barracks. Or at least it used to be royal before the usurpation.
The path to the royal Pagoda which was linked to the royal barracks was rather eventful.
We passed by the civilian district, which housed mostly women and children and I managed to see views I missed lately. Children were playing the magic chicken, flying around in a haphazard manner, some were trying to tag each other in the air. Others are located in a fenced area sitting in a broad rectangle, listening to their educator while attempting to utilize magic. This place looked untouched, almost serene, and reminded him of his cause. Maybe it didn't align with the goals of the old satan faction but I will be damned if I let all that was built come to ruin.
As soon as we reached the town square we were approached by several market traders attempting to sell us, whatever it is that they had. Items ranging from swords to holy water (Which is banned) *Ahem*. Thankfully a death glare from Euclid scattered them.
Several children ran near me, and even dared to touch my cape. Before Euclid managed to murder them I hurried my pace, breaking contact with the populace.
Euclid followed in my steps acting as a rear guard for me, which is probably his natural instinct after serving as Rizevims personal bodyguard. His intelligent eyes scanned our surroundings for any potential assassins. I merely strode the empty and ruined hallways of the not-so-royal pagoda making my way to where our soldiers resided.
"Now that I think about it wasn't this place a bit livelier?" I absentmindedly asked.
"The Nocleus assault-" Before Euclid could speak any further I turned to face him with a scowl. "Yes, yes, I remembered, it was nice to forget for a moment you see?" There is a saying that ignorance is bliss, and oh boy does it serve me well when dealing with people with an IQ that you can count on one hand.
After reaching the doorway where the 7th legion resided, the only loyal one left loyal to the old satan faction, I instantly felt bad. Opening the door, I noticed a distinct lack of personnel. Two-thirds of the bunks lay empty, while the last third is occupied by banged up and weary devils.
The moment my boot stepped on the floor, Euclid moved to step to the front "Is this how you greet your master!? I should-", rather forcefully my hand reached his mouth, his anger didn't subside and Euclid made moves to speak again only to be shoved back behind me.
My eyes glossed over the men belonging to the 7th Legion, bitter faces looking toward me. A scowl in one direction, a sneer in the other. Is this how Daimadosu treated them? Is this why they are in such a state?
Disregarding the hostile atmosphere, I made a move to introduce myself.
"My name is Rozavel Lucifer, and I will be your commanding officer." A small bow of acknowledgment from me. A rough-looking devil with a muscular build and many facial scars made his way toward me. In what I assume was an intimidation tactic, he puffed his chest out centimeters from my face while looking down at me.
Oh, is this how it is?
"I don't take orders from a spoon-fed Seventeen-year-old boy." Well, if it isn't a question regarding my age it is definitely a request to display my competency. To deal with this situation there is only one way, the devil's way.
Suddenly the burly-looking devil ended up on the floor with a smoking red mark imprinted on his face, with the causal for the devil's state being my outstretched foot still hanging in the air.
"I didn't take elite soldiers for a rowdy bunch of drunkards, but here we are. I understand your wrath and your disappointment for your superiors and this command structure, but this time it will be different."
Angry faces sprung up. I could see the fire emanating from their eyes. Now, all that is left is to give them a good disciplining action.
I motioned for Euclid to stand back and took off my general's overcoat and cape, with them falling down around me.
"Don't take me for my word, I'll show you." Finally, I was set upon by the entire remnant of the 7th legion.
A powered high kick from the first devil deflected, an overswing ducked under followed by my hand shooting out and knocking the second devil out of the fight. From between the swings I noticed the scarred and burly soldier getting up eyes blazing.
"You will just be more of the same! We never mattered to Lucifer and the Satans! We are just meat for the frontlines!" A hoarse voice screamed. I could hear frustration, anger, and dejection.
Probably anticipating me to be caught up in the battle, he rushed towards me. Suddenly and unexpectedly, the burly devil was struck by my fist, devils who seemed to be between us laying unconscious and those that were grappling me down stuck to the walls half-buried.
Before I could deliver another punch I was caught from behind by a bloodied man who seemed to lay among his brothers in arms on the floor from my breakout attempt. This sudden stoppage of momentum allowed the burly devil to land a strike on my stomach. Though I almost emptied my breakfast on the floor, I made sure to keep my facial expressions neutral. Any sign of weakness is exactly what they are looking for.
Suddenly I swung my legs upwards, breaking the nose of the devil holding me from behind with my head, I managed to wriggle myself free and commit to a high kick. The burly soldier barely deflected my attack before being struck from a different angle. The size difference provides me with some extra comparative agility.
Before he could mount any meaningful counterattack the scarred devil buckled under my growing amounts of punches and kicks which avoided his X-crossed arm barrier.
After giving his knee caps a much-needed reflex test, the devil's right leg shook and gave up right under him.
Seeing my main opponent down and out of the count, I proceeded to look around, only to see the crumpled bodies of my elite force.
I could tell they didn't go all out, their weapons remained unused and their strikes only used magic to enhance their hits. If we truly fought here, the barracks would've not survived our little bout.
Slowly and meaningfully I started walking toward the burly man, through sheer will he mustered a defiant look towards me and closed his eyes with a grimace once he saw my fist drawing near his face. But the finishing blow never came, instead, the devil opened his eyes to my outstretched palm.
"Wha-?"
"We may have our differences, in birth, in rank, in our livelihood, but don't let that get in the way of our camaraderie. I see men lead astray, drunkards, maybe cowards, but over all that, I only see brothers." I took a sigh, looking at the state I've put my own forces into, but it was necessary. This was the only way to gain respect in the old satan faction.
The muscled devil firmly grasped my hand and got up to his knees.
"I will make all of you into the meanest fighting force the underworld has ever seen. Those that still honor their ancient ties to Lucifer and his bloodline stand with me, those that do not, raise your hand and you will be excused from the command chain, no questions asked." My piercing gaze went over the gathered elite soldiers, with all of them getting in a kneeling position with their heads down. Slowly but surely they made a neat line of battered devils, weapons on the floor in front of them. This is a sign of subservience. No hands were raised.
"Should I make an example out of one of you? For disrespecting your commander?" Suddenly I brought my shortsword close to the neck of the main instigator. The burly man looked up at me with horror before I saw acceptance in his eyes as he ducked back into his former position. I saw pleading eyes from the rest of the men, but none of them dared say anything. Just as I swung my sword I heard a loud cry.
"Please don't!" I turned around to a frail-looking devil, his uniform ill-fitting. He bravely put his hand between the sword and the devil's neck, with blood being drawn from the scrawny soldier's thumb by my blade.
"Convince me," I said matter-of-factly. Sweat gathered between his brows as the thin devil struggled for answers.
"Konrad… He is just looking out for us y'know?" Voice shaking with nervousness. Wordlessly, I gestured for him to continue.
"Whenever Daimadosu was angry and wanted to punish us, he took all the hits. When we ran out of food he paid out of his pocket to feed our entire legion. It is because of him that we returned alive from Nocleus…" I could see the conviction in his voice, his eyes unwavering despite his shaking body. Suddenly I swung my sword up before spinning it several times until it slid snugly into its sheathe.
"Your name and rank?"
"It's Kruize sir, Sergeant-Guardsman." Kruize looked very uncertain regarding the situation. I eased his worries by putting a hand on his shoulder.
"Good man Kruize. Everyone except Kruize and Konrad, one demerit." Though faced with punitive actions, I saw relief in the faces of my soldiers. It may take years to mend the wounds, but I need them within the next few days for an impossible task ahead.
"You have a twelve-hour break, use this time to recuperate. Tomorrow we will march towards our objective, you will be briefed at a later date." Placidly, the men marched into the barracks hall. Calmly I overlooked them with a small smile.
"Your mercy was undeserved, I would've made an example regardless of their groveling." Ah yes, I felt the headache returning.
"I appreciate you for holding back, Euclid." I turned to face him to see a face of mixed emotions.
"Then I shall also take time to prepare, see you tomorrow Rozavel." Immediately he turned his back to me before marching out of the barracks.
I've definitely received the short end of the stick here. Having to deal with a shattered and demoralized legion full of angry and jumpy soldiers. It wouldn't have been so bad if I wasn't stuck with an absolute nutcase of a lunatic called Euclid. To put it in perspective he is a lunatic among the old Satan faction which is a noteworthy achievement.
I would assume this is a punishment from my father for fighting with Rezevan. Well, guess I will see where my mettle is tomorrow. There is much to prepare.
And this should be pretty much it. It is sort of a test of concept, never really attempted anything similar so this experience will prove novel. I always wondered what if the main character met some actual resistance that they can't overcome with the power of love and boob-filled dreams. Well, I just happen to have placed such an obstacle in front of our lovable issei and the main cast.
I will probably rapid-fire post chapters, maybe once every two-three days, then I'll try to orient myself for a weekly upload if I feel like the story deserves it.
Thanks for reading!
