I had to fix the chapter, it didn't turn out the way I wanted, had to remove it for the time, sorry about that.
"So, Sona, who do you think will win?" Rias asked.
"Knight, no doubt," Sona replied without a hint of hesitation.
"No hesitation at all, huh? Well, I can't deny that myself, Sairaorg is strong, a battle maniac basically, but Knight? He is stronger," She admitted.
"Exactly, now then, let us watch," Sona replied. At first she thought that the Knight would easily avoid all the attacks of Sairaorg, but when the first attack connected, it made her frown, but she decided to keep on watching.
"I didn't see that one coming," Rias admitted.
"Is Sairaorg stronger than Lord Lucifer?" Momo asked, while Sona shook her head.
"I doubt it, I am pretty sure that the Knight is holding back, after all he did during his fight with the stray devil, with Lord Lucifer and even when we had numerical advantage," She replied. "Although, it is possible, he underestimated his opponent."
"He will win," Koneko said, not a hint of hesitation in her voice.
"I think so as well," Asia added, the two watching with rasp attention. They watched as the Knight got hit again, as they glanced between each other.
"He got hit twice," Kiba pointed out.
"Ara, ara, is our Knight getting weak perhaps?" Akeno suggested.
"Didn't he hold back during his fight with Lord Lucifer?" Momo suggested.
"He did, let's keep watching," Sona agreed.
As they listened to the banter between the two, the Knight rushed forward, easily avoiding Sairaorg's attacks, until it was close enough to strike. Just as the fist was headed towards it, the Knight turned into a living shadow easily phasing through the devil. Just as the Knight was about to deliver a vicious slash to the devil's back a barrier sprung into life separating both of the fighters.
"A barrier…? Since when?" Rias muttered.
"I didn't know that Sairaorg was skilled in magic as well," Reya added.
"He isn't," Rias replied, a bad feeling washing over them.
"Rias…? What is going on?" Sona asked.
"I don't know either," Rias replied.
Then just as they were pondering what was going on, a vortex of magic was released inside the sphere, the Knight's shell cracking in response to the attack. Sairaorg was punching with his entire might, as a golden armour with lion design materialized on his body, the barrier not budging in the slightest.
"It's a trap!" Sona realized, as she sent an ice spear towards the barrier. "Quick! Cast your strongest magic!"
As Sona was ordering this, Koneko sprung into action, her body growing a pair of cat ears and two tails. She summoned several sets of flaming wheels, before launching them towards the barrier, which stood strong despite all that. Other devils began joining as Ravel, Riser, their parents, along with everyone else launched their magic towards it.
At the same, Issei stood up as he considered his options only to realize something. Hang on… if Knight dies… then Asia and Koneko will no longer swoon over him and I will be able to enjoy the view of the breasts once again! This hit him hard, as any shred of compassion was gone in an instant as Issei, crossed his fingers and began chanting, "Die, die, die, just die..."
However, the barrier persisted despite all the punishment it sustained, the Knight doing it's best to escape it himself, but not able to do so. He gathered energy in his hand before punching the ground, a dark miasma going around it, stopping the vortex for a brief moment, before it resumed. They could see the Knight's shell cracking under the assault. He tried turning into a shadow, but the barrier kept him inside, something that surprised others as well.
At that point, even as Ravel, Riser and others unleashed hell upon it, it refused to fall, the Knight looking around, before it's shell cracked once more, as it's posture lowered, drips of the familiar black substance slowly leaking from his body. Dread came upon them, desperation evident in their attacks, the Knight not struggling anymore, as if he realized it was over.
At the same time, Ophis with a pair of draconic wings attached to her back arrived above the arena, intrigued by the fact that the Knight used magic for some reason. Then she looked down, her eyes spreading wide open, she aimed her hand at the barrier and was ready to unleash it, when the Knight's shell finally cracked. She watched in shock as his body tore itself apart, bits and pieces flying in every direction, disappearing from existence, unlike anything she had seen before.
At that point, she realized something, only devils could resurrect the Knight, but if there was no body to restore, the Knight would die for real and there was nothing she could. It only lasted a few seconds, but the barrier finally fell, not a single trace left of the Knight. Her hand fell to her side, the girl not able to believe what she had just seen. The Knight died… and she couldn't do anything, just like she couldn't make Great Red leave her home.
She gripped her fists, her eyes narrowed. She didn't know who was responsible for it, but she was going to find out, no matter what. She looked on the devils beneath her, who didn't seem to notice her, as she considered what to do now. She had no proof, no clues, nothing, as she simply floated watching the scene unfold, not ready to leave just yet.
"… Knight," She muttered.
Sona was watching the spot the Knight used to stand at, as she tried to figure out who was responsible for this event and why did it happen? Was it a trap for Sairaorg? For Knight? Somebody else? Why was it located there? How come nobody found it? However, what was the reason behind it all? To damage the reputation of the clans?
Most importantly, who could possibly set up a trap that powerful without anyone noticing it, one that left no traces behind? It wasn't something that could be done easily, as neither Gremory Or Phenex would have done something that would ruin their reputation. Was Zekram behind it? Was there a spy…? Or worse, one of the Four Great Satans leaked the intel on purpose? What was going on? She didn't know and that scared her.
The Void, a substance that existed at the bottom of the Abyss for the longest time, it's birthplace and thousands of it's siblings. However, the curious thinking about the Void was that it existed everywhere and nowhere at the same time. Like a mirror that led to an alternate world, where only darkness existed. It's form fully materialized here, one that destroyed the heart of the infection.
It was a massive pitch black monster with a long tail that ended with a razor sharp blade. It had no legs of it's own, but it's torso was reminiscent of a human except for four arms and massive black tendrils waving in the back. The head of the creature was reminiscent of the mask the Knight had, except for the eight years and different head. Void Given Focus, the Shade Lord itself. The Knight stirred as it looked at its body, the one that it acquired back in the Godseekers' home. However, it never used it, as there was no reason to.
It has been quite a while since it last visited it, wasn't it? It could feel the charms in its body, including the Voidheart, which allowed it to control the Void, use it for itself. However, it was best kept a secret. The Void was a volatile power, strong enough to easily destroy the Absolute Radiance by itself, but it lacked a mind of it's own and could only lash out against those that came close to it. It was alone in the Void, it's siblings laid to rest after it's fight with the heart of the infection.
It seemed like it was time to go back, as it's form shifted, part of the Void separating, before it turned into its human form. With that out the way, a black puddle made out of the Void appeared beneath the seat the Knight took rest, from it black tendrils landed on the seat, as the Knight's body took shape, no worse for wear, no Shade left behind. Another benefit of defeating the Absolute Radiance.
It looked around and noticed the mansion was absent, the devils most likely located at the arena. Well, it suppose it should come back and finish the duel with Sairaorg. Dying like this wasn't a proper way to die, it preferred to die in a fight, not against random spikes or buzzsaws, it still hated White Palace to this day. It began walking towards the arena, as other young devils looked at it.
As soon as they noticed it, some of the devils fainted, others just stared, the Knight not paying attention to them as it looked inside the arena. There it could see all it's friends and acquaintances, along with Sirzechs, Zekram, Lady Phenex, Lord Phenex, Venelana and Zeoticus Gremory. It jumped in the air, before it landed on the ground with a thud, the devils turning towards it, except for Koneko and Asia.
Looks of pure shock greeted it as it went past them, all the devils around it had their eyes spread wide open, their jaws close to hitting the ground. Ophis included, who could only stare at what ought to be impossible. Biblical god died and couldn't come back, the Four Satans died, many powerful beings died and yet… somehow, Knight was able to come back from the dead? That was inconceivable. Still, a small smile graced her lips, glad to know her friend was safe and sound… A friend? Is that what she considered the boy to be? Perhaps… Still, it was something to be left for later and with that, she left the arena, her mood very much improved.
Then the Knight walked up to Koneko and gently tapped her on the shoulder, her beautiful face stained with tears. "… Why are you crying?"
"Knight…?" Koneko asked, not able to believe her own eyes, Asia turning in their direction, not able to believe what she was seeing as well. "Knight!"
And with that, the girl tackled it to the ground, while Asia fell on it's chest, the vessel confused beyond belief as it stared at it's friends. It could only gently pat the girls on their backs, who made their shirt wet, not that it minded. It looked around, as all surrounded it, Sairaorg looking somewhere between relieved and confused.
"Knight… you're alive," Sona muttered as she wiped her tears. "We thought… that you died."
"… I did," It confirmed, while the silence descended upon the group.
Asia and Koneko looked at it, while Sona blinked in response. "You… did? Then how are you still alive?"
"… I came back, not the first time I died either," It replied plainly, before turning to the girls on it's chest. "Can I stand up?"
They glanced between each other, before the two girls let go and helped it onto it's feet. This time it was Sairaorg, who decided to ask something himself, "I am pretty sure I heard that one correctly, but did you just say that you died before this?"
The Knight nodded in response. "… I died many times, spikes, buzzsaws, strong enemies, my own inexperience."
"How… can you come back?" Ravel asked, not able to believe what she just saw.
"… It's something inherent to me," It replied.
"How many times did you die…?" Sona asked.
The Knight began counting on it's fingers. "… I lost count after the first one hundred times."
"One hundred times…?" Lady Phenex muttered, not able to believe her own ears. "That's… incomparable, not even the Phenex clan can come back from the dead."
The devils looked at each other, as they tried to figure what to do next. Sirzechs in the meantime was doing his best to appear as normal as he could, as he shared a look between him and Zekram, before they focused on the Knight once again. Things turned way harder than expected, as an ability to come from the dead was not heard of, not even the Phenex clan could do so.
Once the news reached the rest of the supernatural world, all would try to get their hands on the boy. Rogue magicians, godlike beings, some rogue factions all for the promise of immortality, one that could bring them back from the dead. Anyone who was able to get it, could easily rule the world, the only thing that could prevent that was a powerful seal, strong enough to keep the boy imprisoned forever. Well, at least now he knew what to expect in the upcoming days.
The Knight then turned towards Sairaorg and asked, "… Would you like to finish the duel?"
"… What?" Sairaorg asked. "But you just died... How can you casually suggest something like that?"
"… You didn't kill me, it wasn't a fair fight," It replied, everyone looking at it like it lost it's head.
"You… you know what? Forget it, let's do it," Sairaorg said, before turning towards other devils. "Lady Phenex, Lady Gremory, could we resume the fight?"
"I am afraid we can't let you fight just yet, we need to investigate the arena first," Lady Phenex said.
"… How long will it take?" The Knight asked.
"It shouldn't take more than an hour, until then, please wait outside the arena as we calm everyone down and make yourself comfortable," Venelana said.
"We would also like to know if you are related to a mythical Phoenix?" Lord Phenex asked, while the Knight shook it's head.
"… Not related, completely different from it," It replied.
"I see… Regardless, please leave the arena, so that we can investigate it," Lady Phenex said.
"… Understood, I will be waiting at the table," It replied, before turning towards it's acquaintances. "Shall we go?"
"You have to be kidding me, how can you be so calm after what we just witnessed?" Momo asked, the Knight shrugging in response.
"… I have already told you before, not the first time I died," It replied.
"That doesn't explain anything, at all!" Momo argued.
"… Then what do you expect me to do?" It asked, honestly lost on what to do next.
"I believe we should leave the arena," Sona suggested, while others turned towards her. "Standing here won't help anyone, we should go sit at the table in the meantime, we can talk there."
"Miss Sitri is right," Ravel added. "Our emotions are getting the better of us, I believe we all need a moment to gather our bearings."
"I could use a drink myself," Sairaorg added.
"Then, that's settled, Knight, shall we come to the table and discuss what just transpired?" Sona asked.
"Miss Sitri, what about us?" Riser asked. "Should we come along with you?"
"I am afraid it's a private conversation," She replied.
"We understand, it doesn't involve us, so it's best we respect their wishes," Ravel said and was ready to leave.
"… Wait," The Knight ordered and turned towards Sona. "President, can they join as well?"
"But, Knight, they are strangers to you, aren't they?" Sona pointed out.
"… They are," It replied. "But… does it really matter at this point?"
"What do you mean by that, Knight?" Tsubaki asked.
"… Most devils around us saw me fight, saw me come from the dead, it's going to reach everyone, won't it?" It asked, while Sona frowned only to remember how soon her own dance was released to the internet.
"It's true, but why do you wish for us to join?" Ravel asked.
"… You can help with the investigation, share what you know, can't you?" It pointed out.
"That's a fair point," Sona admitted. "But are you certain about that?"
"… I am, standing like here won't help," It replied.
"I agree, let us go to the table, that includes you as well, Miss Ravel, Mister Riser and Mister Bael," Sona agreed, the group leaving for the table.
"So, Knight… we were talking about your assassination attempt, weren't we?" Sona asked, the group sitting at the table, many devils still glancing in the Knight's direction every now and then.
"… We were," It confirmed. "… This barrier was strong, very strong, it wasn't made for a weak being."
"How strong do you think it was?" Sairaorg asked.
"… Hard to say, definitely strong enough to contain Sirzechs," It replied.
"That sounds about right, I couldn't break through it myself," He added.
"A Satan class? That… doesn't make any sense," Sona said.
"What do you mean, President?" Tomoe asked.
"Let me explain. This trap was set up in the middle of the arena, nobody noticed it and yet it housed enough power to kill a Satan class devil?" She pointed out. "This would imply that whoever made that trap intended to kill someone powerful and most likely important."
"Then… doesn't that mean, it could have been for Lord Lucifer?" Tsubasa guessed.
"But how could anyone know that Lord Lucifer would be fighting, in fact, the odds of that happening are slim to none," She explained. "It's far more likely, the trap was made for somebody else, someone who likes to fight for example."
"Wouldn't that make me a target then?" Sairaorg asked.
"That's a possibility, but it would imply those who created that trap worked under an assumption that someone would fight in an arena, wouldn't it?" She pointed out.
"Well, it does make a good case to target you, cousin," Rias added.
"Probably, I mean, I probably would have tried to fight somebody else, if Knight didn't show up," He said.
"This by itself is a competent theory, but one thing bothers me, why target Sairaorg?" Sona asked.
"That's… a good question, Miss Sitri," Ravel said. "From what I have heard, you are nothing but a splendid example to most of the devils of the Underworld."
"Thank you for kind words, Miss Ravel," Sairaorg added. "In fact, I don't believe I have made any enemies in recent memory."
"Which means the theory doesn't hold together anymore," Sona said. "What if the one who was targeted… was Knight?"
"… Me? But why?" It asked.
"I don't know, it doesn't make any sense. Until today, nobody knew about you, except for us and our peerages," Sona replied. "But… I have got a theory."
"What kind of theory, Sona?" Rias asked.
"A moment, please," Sona said and using her magic, created a sphere of water, which surrounded them. "There, that should help keep it private. Now, what if someone spied on us or Four Satans and found out about the Knight? What if the information was leaked? Or that one of the Four Satans was involved?"
"That's ridiculous!" Rias protested. "What would they gain by killing Knight?"
"Stability…," Sona replied, while Rias shut up, while biting her lip.
"Stability? I am afraid we do not follow, Miss Sitri," Ravel asked.
"It relates to Knight's ability, which I am afraid we can not share with you," Sona replied.
"Very well. But this ability, it is powerful, isn't it? And it's not immortality, is it?" Ravel asked, while Sona added.
"Yes to both questions, in a certain way. Regardless, assuming Knight's ability became a known thing, doesn't that imply someone could have targeted you because of it?" Sona asked the Knight.
"… Maybe, it's possible," It replied.
"So, that's my theory," Sona said, the table lapsing into silence.
"What should we do about it?" Asia asked timidly.
"As it is? Nothing, there isn't much we can do," Rias replied. "I don't like it, but there are too many unknowns in this whole situation."
"What about us? Do you not think we were involved?" Riser asked.
"While it's true that Knight didn't act well towards you, I doubt you would go all this trouble to kill him for what he said," Sona replied.
"The Phenex clan would not resort to such underhanded means, but thank you for putting your trust in us, Miss Sitri," Ravel said.
"So, the ones who were targeted were me or Knight?" Sairaorg summarized.
"It's as you say, Mister Bael," Tsubaki confirmed.
"What about Gremory and Phenex clan members?" Momo pointed out.
"I wouldn't have fought in the arena for no good reason, same with my parents and brother," Rias replied.
"Neither me or my brother would have fought in an arena during a party for no well explained reason, same with the rest of our family," Ravel added.
"So, that crosses out that possibility, Momo," Sona replied. "In any event, we still have got some time left before your duel, Knight, Mister Bael."
"Oh yeah, forgot about it, should we leave then?" Sairaorg asked.
"… President, could they stay?" Knight asked.
"Why is that, Knight?" Sona asked.
"… I see no reason to hide much about myself, what I have shared caused a death of mine, didn't it?" It pointed.
"You aren't accusing us, are you?" Rias asked, while the Knight shook its head.
"… Not accusing, don't see a reason to hide what I want to say, not anymore," It replied.
"You don't have to force yourself or share your past, if you don't want to," Saji pointed out. "I mean… that death looked painful, I wouldn't hold it against you."
"Saji is correct," Sona added. "If you don't want to, it would best to leave it be."
"… Perhaps, but I don't care at this point, all I ask… is for a verification and a promise," It replied.
"Verification and a promise? What kind of Knight?" Ravel asked.
"… I would like to use a dream nail on you, all of you," It replied. "It will let me know for certain if you were involved in the assassination attempt. As for promise? Promise to keep what you will hear a secret from others, that applies to everyone around the table."
"I promise in the name of my family," Riser said.
"I promise as well," Ravel added.
"I promise to keep what you say a secret, word of honour," Sairaorg added.
"I promise in the name of Gremory," Rias added.
"In the name of Sitri, I promise as well," Sona added, each devil making a promise.
"Now, if you don't mind me asking. What is a dream nail?" Ravel asked.
"… A tool, one that helped me out in the past, harmless, won't hurt you, you have got my word," It replied, while the devils looked between each other.
"Oh… that's what you mean," Asia said, others turning towards her.
"Do you know about it, Asia?" Sona asked, while the girl nodded.
"I do, it's harmless, I have seen Knight use it before," She replied.
"Does it act like a lie detector of some kind or something like this?" Riser asked, while the Knight nodded. "I believe that is acceptable, what do you think, sister?"
"I think so as well, brother. What about you, Mister Bael?" She asked.
"Let's do this," He replied, while the Knight nodded and materialized the dream nail, before walking up to him. "Go ahead."
The Knight nodded and tapped the man with the dream nail, reading some of his thoughts in the process. "Man, I really hope we can fight again, that was fun, someone really messed it up."
"… Clean," The Knight said as it walked up Riser. "May I?"
"Go ahead," Riser replied, the Knight repeating the process. "Good thing Ravel wasn't there when that happened, I would have killed the bastard."
"… Clean," The Knight repeated itself as it walked up to Ravel.
"Go ahead, Knight," She said, while the Knight nodded and tapped her. "I truly hope that Knight does not think we are responsible, a gentleman like him wouldn't blame us, would he?"
"… Clean," It repeated, before sitting back at the table. "… I believe they can be trusted."
"Very well, we will accept your decision, now then, shall we begin?" Sona asked.
"So, Knight, how about you explain to us how you can come back from the dead?" Rias asked, her curiosity getting better of her.
"… Secret," It replied, Rias sighing in response.
"Why am I not surprised by the answer?" She muttered.
"Knight, what can you tell us?" Momo asked.
"… A bit, but… first a story," It replied and turned towards them. "Would you like to hear it?"
"What kind of story?" Asia asked.
"… The origin of the vessels…," It replied. "Their purpose."
"Ara, ara, Knight, are you sure you want to share such a story with all of us?" Akeno asked.
"… I am," It replied. "… So?"
"If you wish to do so, Knight," Sona replied.
"… Thank you, President," It said in response. "Now, where to begin? Long ago, it's hard to say how long ago there was… a plague."
"A plague? What kind of plague?" Tsubaki asked.
"… A plague that invaded the minds… that enslaved… united others under one will, turned them into part of the hive mind, strong enough to bring back others from the dead as empty shells of themselves," It began.
"I have never heard of a plague like that," Sona admitted.
"… Better that way, I wouldn't want to see you become like that," It replied.
"But, where do vessels come from then?" Koneko asked.
"… Getting to it, vessels… were created with one specific solution, to contain the plague inside them," It replied.
"By sealing it… inside themselves? That's where the name of vessels comes from?" Sona asked.
"… Indeed," It replied.
"Then… Do you house that infection?" Ravel asked, while others looked right at, the Knight shaking its head.
"… I am… a failure, deemed not pure enough for the plague," It replied.
"You're not a failure!" Asia protested.
"… I am, a good thing to be honest," It replied.
"How so?" Momo asked.
"… The Hollow Knight, the one chosen to house the heart of the infection," It replied. "… A victim, just like others, locked up in chains for far too long."
"… He was forced to house the infection, to withstand something that powerful for others, didn't he?" Sona realized, while the Knight nodded.
The group looked between each other, as they tried to imagine being forced to carry a burden like this. To be chained and locked away for who knows how long, just to protect others. A cruel fate, one that most wouldn't wish upon their worst enemy. But that brought another question, how many vessels were created for that one specific purpose.
"How many…?" Koneko began.
"… Vessels were created?" It asked, while the girl nodded. "Would you like to guess?"
"A dozen?" Rias guessed, while the Knight shook its head.
"Hundred?" Sona asked, while the Knight shook its head once again.
"… Don't tell me," Ravel began, as she realized.
"… Thousands, tens of thousands, millons perhaps," It said, the group looking horrified.
"That's… horrible," Asia said, while Sairaorg nodded to her words.
"So many…?" Riser asked, not able to believe his own ears.
"For what it's worth, I am sorry for what happened," Sairaorg said.
"… Don't be, not your fault," It said in response.
"Question, how does one make vessels, if you don't mind me asking?" Sona asked.
"… Union between two beings who loved each other… their offspring… dropped to a darkest hole…," It began, everyone looking horrified at the cruelty of the act.
"… What happened in the hole?" Asia asked, dreading the answer.
"… The substance that you see leaking from me… it killed all of the offspring… changed them… turned them into… vessels," It replied.
Koneko's fists clenched as she put her hand on the Knight's shoulder, who glanced at her in response. "You didn't deserve it… you… or your siblings."
"… We didn't," It confirmed.
"But, why? Why make vessels that way?" Ravel asked, her heart hurt from the revelation.
"… No mind to think, no will to break, no voice to cry suffering, empty shells, perfect to house the heart of the infection," It explained.
"… But… you can speak, can't you?" Asia pointed out.
"… I do, recent development, couldn't for the most of my life," It replied. "… Vessels… they have never been truly hollow."
"Wait… so thousands were sacrificed… in vain?" Sona asked, while the Knight nodded.
"… Correct," It replied.
"Then, what happened to the Hollow Knight?" Rias asked.
"… The infection took over, turned a once mighty being… into a walking corpse," It summarized.
"So… the infection is still there, isn't it?" Momo asked.
"… No, destroyed, saw it happen," It replied, while Momo sighed in relief.
"At least there is that," Sona said.
"How powerful was that plague?" Sairaorg asked.
"… Entire kingdom turned into walking corpses, powerful warriors, ordinary beings, few left sane," It replied.
"How did you see it happen?" Sona asked.
"… I would rather not tell, wasn't a pretty sight," It replied.
"I see… I apologize, Knight," She said, while the vessel shook its head.
"… It's okay," It replied. "… Any questions?"
"Ara, ara, you still haven't told us how you can come back," Akeno pointed out.
"… Not sure to be honest," It replied.
"What about other vessels? Can they come from the dead?" Rias asked, while the Knight shook its head.
"… I don't think so… Saw broken bodies of other vessels, dead, forgotten, infected," It replied.
"Wait… doesn't that mean…," Sona began.
"That you're the last vessel, aren't you?" Rias finished, while the Knight nodded, the table going silent in an instant.
"But… then, why were you born to a human mother and father? And why didn't the other vessels come back from the dead?" Sona asked.
"… I don't know," It replied honestly.
"I think… that's enough for now," Sona said and as she massaged her head. "That's… a lot to take in."
"Preaching to the choir, President," Kiba said and looked sadly at the Knight. "You were through a lot, weren't you, Knight?"
"… I was, what about you?" It asked, while Kiba chuckled and nodded.
"I can't say I did not, for what's it's worth, thank you for sharing this story with us," Kiba said.
"...You're welcome," The Knight said and with that Sona lowered the barrier.
"I think that's enough stories for one day," Sona said.
"I think so too," Tsubaki added. "And… it's almost time for your fight, isn't it?"
"… Shall we go?" The Knight asked and stood up.
"Let's," Koneko agreed, as other devils stood around it.
The only one, who decided to stay at the table instead, as he looked at the rest of the group leaving him behind, Rias included. And now he got them wrapped around his fingers with a sob story… Bloody Handsome, I bet it was made up as well. For Issei, the Knight was nothing more, but an obstacle, a man who deserved nothing, who probably faked most of his accomplishments and somebody else did all that, all he did was watch, he refused to accept all the Knight told it, he had it worse, he could have never been born, that guy didn't know how happy his parents were to have a child, he would never accept the Knight, his accomplishments, no matter what.
"We should check up on Lady Phenex and Lady Gremory first," Sona said.
"… I think so as well," The Knight said and the group made their way towards the devils.
"Lady Phenex, Lady Gremory, may we ask how did your investigation go?" Sona asked.
"Miss Sitri… I am afraid it went poorly. We were able to establish a few things, including the fact that the magic used in the construction of the trap wasn't the devil in the origin. On top of that, we were able to detect a vulnerability in the mansion, which allowed the ones behind it to set up. However, we were unable to trace the origin or anything like this," Lord Phenex said.
"We will investigate it further, but that's the extent of our abilities," Lady Phenex added. "The guards are already keeping everyone inside. We will establish who was responsible. It will not go unnoticed, the Four Satans will be informed and we will let others clans know."
"It's unheard of to make an assassination like this one," Venelana added. "It's a very serious breach in our protection. One that could endanger members of our families as well."
"… What about the fight?" The Knight asked.
"The fight shall commence shortly, we are gathering everyone as we speak," Venelana said. "However, after it, will have to close down the party, it's the least we can do."
"Understandable, Lady Gremory," Sairaorg said. "Are you ready, Knight?"
"… I am," It confirmed, the duo ready for the fight.
"Everyone, allow us to make amends for the way things turned out," Lady Phenex said, as the guests all gathered inside the arena. "Now, the spar between Sairaorg Bael and Artur Knight can truly commence. Fighters, begin!"
With that, Sairaorg charged towards the Knight, just as the last time, a fist was sent towards it, followed shortly by a leg sweep to knock if down. How the Knight stepped back, deciding to take it a bit more seriously. The man followed it with an uppercut, all hits missing as the Knight stepped back, Sairaorg looking confused at the sudden change in pace.
"So, you were holding back, weren't you, Knight?" Sairaorg asked, while the Knight nodded.
"… I did, didn't want to hurt you too much," It replied, while Sairaorg laughed.
"Well, I appreciate, but I want you to take it seriously," He replied with a grin and cracked his knuckles.
"… Very well," The Knight as the atmosphere changed, it's grip firm. "Come."
With that Sairaorg tore a chunk of the arena from the ground and threw it towards the Knight, who stepped to the side, avoiding it. Sairaorg tried again and again, looking like he was having fun. In the meantime, the Knight began running towards Sairaorg, who stopped throwing rocks as he prepared a guard, watching closely as the Knight got closer and closer to him. He knew what to expect from that shadow-like ability, all he had to do was wait for him to use it and then counter him.
However, instead of doing that, the Knight jumped in the air. Sairaorg grinned as he launched himself into the air, hoping to intercept the Knight in the midair. However, the Knight surprised him once again as a pair of spectral wings propelled him away from the devil flying past him. He immediately turned towards the Knight as his blade struck him right in the arms, making him grunt as the devil crashed into the ground a rather sizable cut on his arms.
Sairaorg grinned as he inspected the wound, before laughing heartily. "That's what I was talking about, my turn!"
And with that a golden armour the same the Knight saw before appeared on the devil. Alright, now the real fight began and with that Sairaorg rushed forward. This time he began kicking, punching, doing his best to hit the Knight. It reminded it of the fight with Mantis Lord, a swift and precise fight, where each attack was meant to synchronize with another.
As soon as Sairaorg tried to kick it, the Knight shadow dashed through him and sliced him in the back. However, the armour held strong and the sword wasn't able to fully cut it, getting embedded partially in it. The devil tried to use that opportunity to smash the Knight's face with a fist, but the Knight simply let go of the weapon, before jumping above him, the Void dispersing, before another blade took its place.
As Sairaorg looked above him, the Knight sliced him with a sword, narrowly avoiding the head and hitting the shoulder instead, before it used it's wings again to fly above the devil. Sairaorg grinned as it found the Knight in a perfect position. However, then, it noticed an energy of sorts gathering in the Knight's hand, which made him jump away as soon as he could, but not fast enough.
The Knight turned a pitch black form, it's eyes turning white, as the Void itself formed a shockwave around it's body. It was known as Descending Dark, a move that not only dealt a lot of damage, but also made it phase through the damage of it's opponents for a short period of time. It was good against certain attacks, pity it couldn't use it to withstand the trap that it had to endure.
As soon as the Knight smashed into the ground, Sairaorg was sent flying with a yelp, as dark miasma surrounded the Knight, before it disappeared, the Knight completely unharmed, Sairaorg looking like he was having the time of his life. He laughed heartily as he inspected his wounds, his armour not able to absorb the entirety attack, blood trickling from his mouth.
"Not bad, Knight, not bad at all, but I feel like I am the only one going on an offense here," He said.
"… That's correct, I was on the defensive for most of the fight," It replied.
"Well, how about you try attacking me instead?" He suggested.
"… Very well," It said and rushed forward.
Sairaorg was more than happy to keep up with the challenge and began running himself. As the Knight began running, it charged up a nail art and before the devil could come close, it unleashed a dash slash, blood coming from Sairaorg's chest, but he still continued on with a kick. The Knight used it's shadow dash to avoid the attack, but the devil was ready as it tried to sweep a leg behind him. However, it still had it's dash left and was able to gain distance before the devil was able to strike it, followed by a hit with it's sword once again.
Sairaorg grinned, before he smashed the ground, the Knight jumping away from the attack, as it skidded on the ground, the devil smiling at it. "Incredible, I am genuinely impressed. I really want to continue fighting, but I feel like we may go a bit too far at this pace, what do you think?"
"… I think so as well," The Knight said, as it relaxed it's posture and let its sword disappear. "Shall we call it even?"
"No, I think you won fair and square, I am not good enough to defeat you," He admitted. "Lady Phenex, Lady Gremory, it's my loss."
"Very well, the winner of the spar is Arthur Knight," Lady Phenex announced, before the crowd erupted into ovations.
"… You fought well, incredibly so, better than many opponents I have faced before," The Knight said.
"I appreciate it, Knight," He said with a smile and let his armour disappear. "Damn, you hit hard, you weren't kidding when you said you were holding back."
"… Would you like me to heal you?" It asked.
"Can't your friend do that for you?" The devil asked.
"… If she agrees," It replied and changed back into human form.
In the meantime, Lady Phenex, Lord Phenex, Venelana and Zeoticus landed in front of them. The first one to speak was Lady Phenex. "That was a truly splendid fight, well done."
"Thank you, Lady Phenex," Sairaorg said with a bow, while the woman produced two bottles with some kind liquid in it.
"These are our prized Phoenix Tears, I believe you earned them, both of you," She said and handed over the bottles to them both.
"You're too kind, Lady Phenex," Sairaorg said and drank the liquid in one go, the wounds closing on him. "Truly splendid gift, Lady Phenex."
"… I don't need it," The Knight said and turned towards Sairaorg. "Take it."
"Mister Knight, do you not like our gift?" Lady Phenex asked, while the Knight shook its head.
"… I can heal on my own, I didn't mean to insult you, Lady Phenex," It said and gestured to the bottle. "Take it, so we can fight next time."
Sairaorg laughed in response, before turning towards Lady Phenex. "May I?"
"If this is Knight's desire, please go ahead," She said, while Sairaorg nodded and took the bottle.
"We would like to offer a gift of our own, if you don't mind," Venelana said. "A small token from the Gremory clan."
And with that, the woman handed over two checks, to one for each. The Knight could only blink as it looked at the amount of money written on it. "… That's too much, Lady Gremory."
"Perhaps, but, it's the least we could do after what happened during the party hosted by us and the Phenex clan," She replied. "Please accept it."
"… Very well, I accept," The Knight said and hid the check in its body, just where other valuables were.
"Now then, I believe it fair that we return to the banquet," Zeoticus said.
"Let us do that," Lord Phenex agreed and turned towards the rest of the guests. "Everyone, let us resume this festive occasion."
Cheers followed, as the devils slowly left the arena, Sairaorg and Knight leaving along with the hosts of the party. The Knight landed in front of it's friends and acquaintances, the group looking at it with relief and smiles on their faces, the hosts separating from them in the process.
"Knight, Mister Bael, allow me to congratulate you on the fight and beautiful sportsmanship," Ravel said with a smile.
"Thank you for the kind words, Miss Ravel," Sairaorg said with a smile.
"… It was a good fight," The Knight confirmed. "Pity, the party is over with it."
"Hey, if you want we can exchange our contact information, I would love to spar with you in the future," He replied.
"… Understandable, but first, let us leave the arena," It replied and turned towards the devil. "Thank you for allowing me for a rematch, Lady Gremory, Lady Phenex."
"You're welcome, Mister Knight," Venelana said and with that both combatants flew away from the arena, Sona and others already waiting for them.
"… Here is my phone number," The Knight said, while Sairaorg put it into his own phone.
"Great, thanks, Knight," He said with a grin.
"Are you exchanging contact information, Mister Bael?" Ravel asked, while the man nodded. "May I ask for the same thing? If someone comes up, I would like to be able to contact you, Knight."
"I don't mind," It replied and did the same for Ravel.
"Actually, that reminds me, why are you and my sister on a first name basis?" Riser asked, Koneko and Asia listening intently, while the girl flushed in response.
"… I asked her to do so, don't like being called by full name, Knight is enough," It replied.
"Understandable, as one of the hosts, allow me to escort you to the exit, due to our current circumstances," He replied.
"I will do so as well," Ravel added and the group was led to the exit, everyone saying their goodbyes, until only Ravel and Riser were left.
"Why did you ask for his contact information?" Riser asked.
Ravel corrected her hair with a flush, looked into the sky of the Underworld and said, "I would like to dance with Knight once again."
"My sister is growing up…," Riser grumbled, only to be stepped on by Ravel, who glared at him, while the man laughed in response, before ruffing the hair of his sister, the duo acting like the siblings they were.
Quick reminder, Issei, canonically:
-Hated Riser for having harem.
-Considered Kiba to be nothing more than a pretty boy and hated him as well.
-He was more horrified by Rias' breast size shrinking than his parents getting killed by Vali.