...So... cold, what is happening? Why can't I breathe? What is this weird sensation of calm?
Where am I? I can't see anything, am I blind?
No… this goes beyond blindness, I can't feel anything right now. The last thing I remember doing was taking those dumb documents back to the studio, those papers had the chance to turn my latest court case around.
I remember starting up my car feeling the engine start up and then… nothing.
Did something happen to me then? did the car malfunction and kill me or something like that? And what in tarnation is up with THIS CALM SENSATION!?
Is this purgatory? I highly doubt I belong in hell but I also know I wasn't exactly the model citizen. I have never done anything TOO bad after all.
"Oh, you have done plenty bad darling but that's okay" If I was still capable of speech I would have screamed as loud as I could, a feminine figure seemingly made out of pure energy suddenly manifested itself in front of me.
And she was the size of a damn building, maybe I'm not dead yet and this is just some pre-death hallucination, if I was still alive I would SO sue the company that sold me that car, premium quality my perfect ass.
"Arrogant too, also you are most definitely not alive you are as dead as the men you condemned to rot in jail" I tensed as the figure got closer her eye was pure white, and the size of my entire body she shone bright enough that I couldn't discern any of the details of her body.
Wait… dead? Also what the hell is this thing?
"Call me a thing again and you will most definitely stay dead" The powerful voice made my body(?) shake her anger clear.
'Can this Thi-SHE! yup she can most definitely read my mind' I changed my line of thought halfway through as she started to shine brighter and more menacingly.
Wait is she God? God is a woman?... nice
"I'm a goddess but I'm not your God Naz" She said with an amused tone.
Then what is going on? what is this? And why am I so calm?
"All this" the figure said with a sweeping motion of her huge hands "Is me giving YOU a chance" she continued pressing the tip of her finger to my chest.
Shouting inside my head when suddenly moved, I now found myself on top of this mysterious goddess' left shoulder.
"You see Naz, your death wasn't caused by natural means" with a casual wave of her hand a screen appeared in front of us.
"While you were having a nice time preparing yourself to send a man to jail for life, I was with my husband" the screen showed the goddess and another huge figure this one clearly more masculine.
"Of course I just have to find out that the utter BASTARD had been cheating on me with another gamer" I could see the female figure on-screen start shinning and growing considerably in size making me wonder who would be dumb enough to cheat on someone like her?
Also gamer? What the hell does that mean?
"We got into a little scuffle and you just happen to end up in the middle" I was left speechless as I was witness to the female figure backhanding the male one at such speeds that they became nothing but a blur.
The camera changed to me walking to my and I was able to notice the shining spot over the sky getting closer and closer.
The resounding explosion had my car as ground zero the camera feed cutting shortly after.
"So yeah it's all my husband's fault for not dodging" The figure said with absolutely no shame, I found myself questioning my luck what were the chances?
I don't normally swear but what the actual fuck?
"A few hundred people died from the impact, but those were easily resurrected and their memories of the event erased" With another sweep of her hand the screen had disappeared and she was now in front of me in a much more human-size though I would still say she was tall.
If they all were revived then why not me?
"Cause I didn't feel like doing that" it was hard to contain the spark of rage I felt with that comment I settled with only gritting my teeth, I know I stand no chance against her and getting her mad won't get me anywhere.
"No it wouldn't" she responded with a chuckle reminding me that she can violate the privacy of my mind whenever she wants "Oh don't be so grumpy I chose you for something greater after all"
"Really I was about to just revive you and send you on your way but I got curious, you certainly have had an interesting life haven't you Naz" She started with a teasing tone.
I have done a lot in my life I'm not sure what you are referring to.
"Come on you don't need to fake being humble with me, I literally know your entire life quite the success story yours, from an impoverished orphan to one of the most successful lawyers in your state? Color me impressed" Her tone was a mix between teasing and earnest, leaving me with mixed emotions.
"You even managed to do everything without breaking the law though you certainly did bend it a lot. Honestly, I have always found your type more interesting than the average murder hobo or violent fool other gamers usually pick" she seemed to have a specific example in mind when she said that.
Well as flattered as I am about a goddess holding such a high opinion of me I'm afraid that I have no clue what you are talking about.
"...Oh right you are one of those boring people that focus on their jobs and crap" well sorry for having a career I guess "Huh now that I think about it most gamers are actually very knowledgeable about anime and games even the really crazy and psychopathic types, what are the chances?"
Still not sure what exactly it means to be a gamer but from what I have gathered til now it is just a case of people picking individuals that are similar to them.
"Nah they probably do it so they don't have to explain it to someone, that sounds like a drag" And the apparent god beings of the universe are lazy how… charming.
"Shush I'm sure you would find it annoying to" boring or not doesn't matter I wouldn't do a half-assed job either way.
"Wow you really are a hard worker those are a rare find, heh I knew my incredible recruitment skills wouldn't fail me" Somehow I'm growing disillusioned with god.
"Still that's nice and all but I don't feel like explaining the intricacies of a gamer system to a complete novice" the powerful being whined before apparently getting a lightbulb moment and perking up.
"I had almost forgotten that I had taken that Esper class so long ago! this will be a cakewalk" Wait what? UGH! that burns!
"Oh don't get your metaphysical panties on a twist I haven't done this kind of thing in a few centuries but I'm still good" The god-like being kept doing something to my brain pressing her huge finger to my forehead lightly.
"There we go, I could give you metaknowledge about the world I'm sending you to but I think you will do well without it" Oh I wouldn't mind information, though if I may ask of you please don't reincarnate me as a baby.
If the information was as useful as what had just been 'stuffed' into my mind then I most definitely wanted it, the power of the gamer is a great thing indeed.
"HAHAHAHA! That would be funny but don't worry doing that went out of style millennia ago" Well that's one bullet dodged, I'm positive I would have gone crazy if I was forced to exist as a baby for years.
"Not like the knowledge would have helped you considering how much I changed the world you are going to after all, nothing TOO crazy but enough to keep things interesting for me" So I'm entertainment? I can work with that for now.
"Happy you understand, there is more to do but that can be done once you gain an actual body" The finger that had been touching my forehead moved slightly lower now grazing my nose "Boop" and then I knew no more.
..
…
..
I struggled to get into a kneeling position as I came back to my senses taking greedy gulps of air and clenching my fist tight just to feel them, wherever I was before most definitely isn't somewhere where I wanted to be again.
In conjunction with suddenly having a body instead of whatever I was before I also had to deal with the flood of memories that were shoved inside my head causing me a mild headache.
My name is Naz Valefor a high class pure-blooded devil, the only heiress to the Valefor clan which was one of the 72 pillars of the devil faction even having the rank of Archduke.
As the memories and my environment became clear I had to grit my teeth to stop the second-hand anger the girl had, being born during a civil war, Naz made the assessment quite early during her life that the current government had absolutely no chance of winning.
Mainly due to two devils who had torn their way through with almost amusing ease, Sirzechs Gremory and Ajuka Astaroth were the equivalent of a nuke to my human self the sole fact of their existence was enough to diminish enemy morale and turn devils to the rebellion's side in droves.
She finally tried to convince her family to step out of the conflict when she saw Grayfia Lucifuge a woman widely considered to have reached the elusive ultimate class of power getting beaten in under 10 seconds by Sirzechs Gremory she and her entire squad lasted an incredible 15 seconds under his assault.
Of course, her family didn't quite agree with her grim assessment words were exchanged and the relationship quickly soured. Things reached a boiling point once Naz's family discovered she had been communicating with one of the heiresses of a rebellious clan, Serafall Sitri in an attempt to negotiate her personal well-being. The punishment came unexpectedly to the heiress, it wasn't like they could disown her since she was the ONLY heiress in a time of war so they sealed her instead 'We will get you out once these anti-satan pests are dealt with' were her father's last words.
"A little melodramatic for my taste" I say out loud as I observed my surroundings more carefully everything had a distinct red tint and I couldn't see far away from where I stood which of course was the point in which the previous Naz was sealed. It seems I was still inside the seal.
"And to think I worked so hard to make this for you! if you want I can make you a low-class mook during the Great War" even if the voice (just noticed that I don't know her name) sounded jovial I still felt a small shiver my new memories didn't paint a pretty picture for that particular scenario.
She wasn't physically here and I can't say I enjoy hearing voices in my head.
"My name is Violet by the way now how about we get your system ready so I can go back to relaxing on one of my pleasure worlds" Let's do that yeah I don't fancy staying sealed here forever after all.
I shifted in discomfort as I felt something click into place somewhere in my body or soul.
System Loading
…
Loading previous experience
…
[Devil Noble]
-Demonic Power - Adept
Now you are able to use the demonic power surging through you with above-average skill, this also translates to the use of the devil's imagination magic system
-Territory Management - Apprentice
As a heiress to an influential devil clan, you were supposed to take certain responsibilities and while your training was never completed due to your circumstances you still have some understanding of exactly how to manage a territory.
-Politicking - Adept
No noble should call themselves such without the ability to manage through the less violent but still equally dangerous battlefield of politics, you can proudly call yourself one.
[Valefor Heritage]
Tremor (Valefor Trait)- The iconic devil trait of the Valefor clan what it lacks in utility and versatility it makes up with sheer destructive power, the ability to create 'quakes' is now in your hands
Unique Physiology (Valefor Trait)- Valefors have developed resistance to the recoil of their devil trait over time you are no exception your physical strength and endurance are above a devil of equivalent demonic power.
"Not bad at all" It would work for a start.
My memories as Naz Valefor seemed to fit in better now for a lack of a better term, I already had the skills due to having the memories but it seems that my system also has an effect on my memory retention and recall.
Also, I recognize that devil trait it's just a knock off of Whitebeard's devil fruit just much weaker. One Piece is literally is one of the only anime I have watched and it wasn't even on purpose it comes with taking care of kids in an orphanage you watch what the tv they watch without really meaning to.
That isn't to say I didn't end up enjoying the series even if I never really kept up with it, but I watched enough to know what I had on my metaphorical hands, or what I didn't have rather.
"Of course, I didn't just give you the real deal dummy" Violet giggled "That old man could gravely injure some of the strongest beings around here with that power of his, trust me I have tested it, if you want that power then you yourself will need to get stronger" So if I want to have power anywhere close to Whitebeard then I will have to obtain a lot of personal power… I can work with that.
I finally stood up only stumbling a little as I got used to the difference in limb size between this body and my original one.
"Time to get out of this half-broken seal" I said getting into a fighting stance left foot forward with both my fist at chin height.
"Whoa calm down Little Mac we still have your class to chose!" I blushed once I heard the snickering voice, maybe I'm a little TOO eager to try out my powers, but come on I can do literal magic now.
[Devil Queen] [Vampire Mistress] [Succubus Matriarch] [Dark Lady] [Ultimate Chimera] [Illusion Grandmistress]
I'm not going to lie I almost chose the Devil Queen class without thinking, it just made sense didn't it? I'm a devil noble so I'm sure that the class would be really compatible.
It also strokes my ego quite nicely why be a noble lady when you can be a queen after all?
But I need to think things a little more, Vampire Mistress is out to start with I'm sure the powers I could obtain would be great but a physiological change to a vampiric race is almost a certainty and I can't afford that right now.
I'm not sure how long I have been sealed the rebels could have won by now for all I know, muddling my identity with additional races is simply not something that I can do.
For that same reason, Succubus Matriarch and Ultimate Chimera are out of the picture.
"How you grow stronger heavily depends on the class you chose by the way" Came Violet's helpful addition, does that mean that I will have to do things related to my class to grow stronger?
"Yup" Well suddenly Devil Queen doesn't look as tempting, I'm not sure if I will be able to do any quest related to Queenly duties when I come out of the seal. Worst case scenario is that I have somehow lost my high class status during that time but I know it is unlikely.
The point is that I won't really come out of here in a position of power, maybe I could pick the Devil Queen class later after I am sure I can maintain the class.
That leaves the question what will I need to surviv- no THRIVE out there? The answer is clear to me I will need some subtlety and a surprise factor.
The Valefor are known for their destructive might but that reputation also comes with the downside of a reputation as muscleheads which… fair enough most of my family members qualify as muscleheads.
"I chose Illusion Grandmistress" I state firmly and with confidence.
[Illusion Grandmistress Loaded]
Influence Others Rank 1 - Active
As an Illusionist melding the minds of others is just par for the course, from terror to elation manipulating emotions has never been easier
Influence Environment Rank 1 - Active
The other branch of Illusion magic, not directly affecting anybody while not as powerful now, eventually you will be able to thread illusions complex enough to make Loki green with envy.
Charming Presence - Passive
Your deep understanding of the power of illusions seems to have created a permanent passive effect on you. Your threats are twice as intimidating your promises twice as alluring and your sweet words are all the more encapsulating
Trained Mind - Passive
As a mistress of Illusions your mind is as good at generating illusions as it is from protecting itself from them, breaching your mind is a daunting task indeed requiring some of the most skilled users of mind magic out there
Curse of the Trickster - Drawback
You just seem to love messing with people, using your illusions to get some amusement is to be expected though it isn't all fun and games as you also have an inclination to manipulate people even allies to achieve your goals.
Quite powerful to start with but I suppose that balances out with the fact that I don't have a leveling system or even stats or if they exist I can't see them.
The drawback is a pain but nothing I can't work with I suspect that the other classes had similar or even worse drawbacks so not that bad all things considered.
"Can I finally get out of this seal or is there more to attend to?" I can feel how fragile the seal is, probably due to a mix of time and Violet's intervention.
I was skeptical about this whole reincarnation thing but I must admit that the allure of power has me hooked, I am positive that I can talk myself out of any situation outside this seal as long as the devil race still holds the underworld.
"So eager~ I love it! You are so much better than the previous 40 gamers, they died like little bitches"Well that doesn't affect my eagerness at all 41 is the luckiest number apparently.
"Indeed, well go out there my little project try to survive for a couple of weeks at least and you will be on the top percentage!" I'm not listening to her anymore I have a world to explore
I took a deep breath as I once again got into a fighting position it was a practiced motion if not as practiced as I may have preferred, It was just a matter of flexing the power that resided on all true Valefors.
In just a few seconds a white semi-transparent sphere formed around my hand, my forearm shaking slightly as I had slight trouble containing it, the Bael may wield the Power of Destruction but the Valefor were no slouches the difference between the two was mostly how the PoD was better at single target destruction while Tremor the Valefor trait was better suited for wide mostly uncontrolled destruction.
Pulling from this body's memories I raised my right arm over my left shoulder holding it there for just a second before swinging it down as hard as I could.
The effect was immediate the space in front of me fractured, white cracks spreading wildly the sound of broken glass loud and powerful, as the white cracks continued expanding for a few scant seconds I knew what was going to happen next. With a loud booming sound, it was as if the world around had broken apart even if I knew I had just destroyed the seal, my attack still continued on a wave of power and destruction destroying the floor of the room I was in with the greatest of ease.
I could feel myself smirking from ear to ear at the result, how the previous Naz didn't spend every possible second training this power I didn't know, that felt good.
Controlling the sudden flood of excitement I take my time to look where exactly I was before as I was sealed I could barely look a few meters in front of me but now I could get a much better look.
I was in the family's danger cabin, built in case we needed a quick escape during the Civil War it was set in a remote location inside the Valefor lands and sealed by the Dantalions for an exorbitant amount.
The project that had cost my family so much money to ensure our safety now laid in disarray I could feel the barriers and seals around the property but only faintly which meant that they hadn't gotten any repairs or maintenance in a long time. That wasn't a good sign, not at all.
I started walking around the property quickly leaving the room in which I had been sealed to explore the rest of the cabin, it was in a surprisingly decent state if quite dusty it seems the money was well spent for the most part.
Though the complete silence did unnerve me a little.
Finally realizing that there was no one here I spread my wings the bat-like appendages flapping to create a powerful gust of wind somehow not destroying my clothes.
Now moving much quicker through the huge rooms I was flying directly to the main door to check the outside when something caught my attention, a mirror a dust-covered probably extremely expensive mirror was hanging on one of the corners of the room.
I already know how I look, I have enough memories of staring at a mirror to know that but I still found myself gliding in front of it for some reason.
Maybe it was because it would all just feel more real or maybe it just my narcissism guiding me to clean away the dust and get a good look at myself.
"Oh my~" I had been called pretty and beautiful before and I knew my looks were well above average when I was just a human, indeed I had used those looks for my benefit more than once but if before I was pretty now I was gorgeous. Really the gap between supernatural beauty and regular human beauty is just unfair.
I was slightly shorter now at 5ft and 5 to 7 inches but I was also considerably curvier even if the modest red dress that I had on wasn't really my style and covered a lot. I wasn't as voluptuous as some other women in the supernatural world, indeed I have memories of some devils with breasts big enough that any human that wasn't drooling over them would question just how real they were, that wasn't the case for me but my breasts were definitely not small by any means.
My eyes were a deep red with some freckles adorning my face that I remember Naz Valefor feeling self-conscious about, I just found them charming in their own way besides they weren't my most notable feature, no that would have to be the two white horns pointing upwards from each side of my skull mixing seamlessly with my short white hair.
It was a sign of pride for the Valefor clan, just like how the Phenex had their fire wings it was a distinctive trait and one I remember taking a lot of care maintaining in the past.
Seeing myself in the mirror does help me feel better a lot calmer, some of the nervousness I hadn't noticed I was carrying leaving me.
There is no need to stress myself out, there may exist some extremely powerful beings in this world some strong enough that they seem almost eldritch but that isn't the end of the world.
After all, I have the potential to surpass them all~
…
Flying through the Valefor lands I found myself searching for any sign of intelligent life, having already left the cabin around 15 minutes ago.
I could have just teleported to the capital and made my existence known but that leaves in a considerable knowledge disadvantage I still have no idea how long I have been sealed for (chances say a LONG time) and I have no clue what has changed or even who is in charge of the government.
I still think the rebels had the biggest chance of winning, but the war may still be raging on for all I know, wars between supernatural factions can last a really long time.
Finally I was able to sense some demonic power it wasn't much indicating they were probably low class but that didn't really matter I needed their knowledge not their power after all.
Flying (and didn't that feel nice) as fast as I could comfortably manage, it took me barely a minute to reach what I could now see was a group of four low-class devils, the Valefor lands are well known for two reasons their large forests and relaxing hot springs.
Obviously, we were currently on the former the devils seemed to be tracking and hunting some beast, not an uncommon event even if the forests had a tendency to take a lot of lives each year some of the creatures residing deep inside of the lush terrain would give even a high-class devil trouble.
"Hello gentlemen" I said politely flying down to me meet them which clearly startled them, some getting combat-ready. "I don't suppose you may be willing to answer some questions for a lost lady" Even if I have memories of being raised in a traditional devil noble household I won't just start treating the low class like trash. I can be polite as long as they give me what I want.
Judging by the stares they were giving me it looked likely that I would have to force them, all the better I have powers I want to test if they give me a reason I won't hesitate.
"Of course, of course" One of the devils the one that seemed like the leader said approaching me with what I'm sure he thought was a charming smile "Why don't we take you back to our town just down the road and talk there!" Devils really couldn't help themselves, couldn't they?
I flexed my demonic power a white thin aura surrounding me as the earth started trembling slightly mainly due to my family trait.
"How about you guys answer my questions and I leave you all with limbs intact" you can't show weakness in devil society, that was something my mother and father had made sure I understood if you give a devil your hand they would grab your arm, selfishness in the pursuit of one's desires was not only common among devils but it was seen as a positive trait.
The four devils paled considerably as they felt my power the gap between low-class and high-class was huge after all just like how the gap between high-class and ultimate-class was even more so.
My Charming Presence skill probably also helped. Just for good measure and because I wanted to test it, I cast a low powered illusion spell, using influence others to spike their fear even more.
A corona of red light appeared over each of their heads but I knew only I could see it the system was useful that way, I didn't just have the spells to cast but I also had an understanding of them as if I had actually spent time learning them the old fashioned way.
Though it seems I still had some to learn given that one of them just fainted, or maybe that particular devil was extra weak.
"So now that those other thoughts are out of your minds, how about you answer my questions" after receiving a shaking nod I started bombarding them with questions. Who is the leader of the Devil Faction? What are their names? In which land were they currently in? What year was it?
They seemed quite confused by my questions but answered regardless in fear of what punishment I may bring among them if they didn't.
The answers were a mixed bag I believed the rebels would win but I didn't expect them to take the names of the original satans, I had heard rumors about Sirzechs Gremory, or Lucifer now, being extremely powerful, and even witnessed him in action a couple of times but this was beyond my expectations.
This makes things a little complicated of course when taken into account that apparently the Valefor lands are now considered Sitri and Gremory territory, to the winner go the spoils apparently.
That and the fact that her family was considered extinct had been the most surprising news, I didn't even feel any satisfaction about being right about who would win the war. How could I when the consequences affected me like this?
Still, all this information certainly was helpful there was some stuff they couldn't answer due to being random low-class devils but I had more than enough to make an informed move which was the entire point of this little incursion.
I prefer to go to any confrontation of this sort with enough information but I also despise wasting time and I'm sure the surprise factor will help me.
I think a visit to my old friend Serafall is in order~
Change in POV
(Serafall Leviathan)
Serafall stared at the message on her phone with a grim expression she tried to ease some of her headaches by rubbing her temples but it didn't seem to help a lot.
'It matches' was sent by a contact nicknamed 'Science Neet'
Why the fuck was her job so stressful? Really what she was doing now wasn't even something she was supposed to be responsible for, internal affairs was Sirzechs' thing! Not that she had a choice though when that blast from the past just appeared in front of her main building.
Naz Valefor was alive, the Valefor clan was alive one of the 72 pillar clans had just decided to drop on Serafall's doorstep, the news of which she was sure had already become public.
People would believe she was a Valefor just due to her horns no other devil clan had them after all but Serafall had double-checked after quickly and stealthily guiding the girl to a more private room, Serafall snatched a single hair from her before leaving her to be guarded by two members of her peerage.
Ajuka's message was clear and she had no doubt the results were correct, Ajuka just didn't make those types of mistakes, the quick DNA check confirmed the girl's identity. It was a little known fact that the devil government kept DNA samples of most devil clans, the Valefor had died before that policy had started but they did have a sample from her mother's side Galvina Bael.
She was without a doubt half Bael meaning that she was related to Sirzechs which just made things just that much more complicated for her.
She hadn't talked much with the girl due to her priority being making sure that this wasn't an elaborate hoax but now that she had confirmation she couldn't stall things for much longer.
And all this clusterfuck was just topped with the fact that the Sitri had built a lot of infrastructure in the former Valefor lands and she knew that was going to get messy.
Walking through the corridors with an aura that made her subordinates wince (pretty sure she saw an intern faint) and move out of the way she reached the waiting room the girl had been thrown into in no time at all.
Cheeking inside, her face twitched as she witnessed the show inside the two of her peerage members that had been assigned to stand guard and wait for Serafall were currently sitting alongside the girl they were supposed to protect and contain. The three were laughing chatting as if they were old friends.
Her 'Sona-tan' energy was too low for this shit.
Change in Pov
(Back to Naz)
"Ah! Heiress Sitri, or is it Lady Leviathan now?, come in, Juri here was just explaining a traditional South Korean dish to me" I say with a big welcoming smile signaling the extremely powerful woman to enter casually.
"Juri, Draco, leave now I have things to discuss with her" Serafall ordered in a serious tone, her peerage members showing their loyalty as they didn't hesitate to do as commanded.
"Make sure to share that Hoddeok recipe when you can dear" I say as a parting shot to Juri the girl hesitating for a second before nodding slightly and leaving.
Interesting girl, clearly a former human, rumors about Ajuka's genius certainly weren't exaggerated the evil piece system is nothing short of revolutionary. She certainly had a violent streak I could see it in her eyes but I have dealt with people like her lots of times it is just a matter of finding the subject that reminds them of more peaceful times.
My Charmin Presence also probably helped, a useful perk no doubt.
"It sure has been a long time Naz" Serafall finally started once her two subordinates had left them completely alone.
"Around a week for me, but yeah" that was the last time I received a letter from her, it made me think how things could have been different if our plan for my escape to the Anti-Satan faction had gone through.
"You certainly don't look like you did so many centuries ago" not like that means much in the case of devils, Serafall looked the same as well.
"So what happened? you just suddenly stopped answering my letters and no one caught sight of you for the rest of the war, people honestly assumed you die on some random attack" That's slightly insulting but kind of fair if monsters like Ajuka or Sirzechs attacked in my general direction I would have probably died like that.
"I was sealed, our correspondence was discovered and when I tried to convince my family to listen to reason I was sealed for 'my own good'" I respond with a sigh the previous Naz Valefor was a smart young woman but she put too much faith on her family blind to the fact that they would literally die before turning sides, especially her father.
"I'm sorry to hear that" said Serafall with some pity that made me slightly uncomfortable, from what I have heard family means a lot to Serafall now, she has changed a lot actually. The Ice Queen from the Civil war was as ruthless as she was powerful comparing that to the Magical Girl Levi-tan is jarring.
"What happened, happened there is no reason to mope about it now" I finally say with a calm expression, looking at the most powerful female devil directly in the eyes "But I think there are more important things to discuss now Lady Leviathan" using the formal title annoys me a little, not due to any troubles with Serafall herself though, she has earned it through her own merits and seems to want the best for the devil race. It just has me worried for an old friend from my new set of memories.
I wonder just how Katerea is doing these days?
"Well assuming you want to take the Lady Valefor title then things will not be too complicated. I'm not sure how much you know from the last 500 years but the number of remaining pillar clans is even lower now we are down to less than half at 32" that's just… depressing honestly, the civil war must have turned more violent after I was sealed, we were at 43 then.
"Well at least with me we will be at 33" I say with a shake of my head war is brutal indeed, this is why the original government was just stupid, the devils simply couldn't handle another war with the Grigori and Heaven it was just the ego of the satan descendants that almost brought the race to ruin.
"The paperwork will take some time since you are still legally dead but yes, I have no doubts that the process will be smooth these things are designed to be like that" I would expect so with less than half the pillars remaining, things would be really different if I was born without the clan trait but luckily for me that isn't the case.
"Well then I think the only one thing left to discuss now" I say with a tone of finality that gets a raised eyebrow out of Serafall, I have been acting as if I was Serafall's equal all this time even if that isn't the case politically and especially power-wise.
Never let the other party think you are anything less than in equal terms that's something I have learned in my time as a lawyer and backed up by my understanding of devil culture if Serafall was expecting a terrified girl that needed guidance then she is mistaken. Maybe the original Naz Valefor would have been like that but I'm not her even if I feel part of the sting of betrayal the girl so deeply felt.
This isn't to say I have a problem with Serafall herself but she wouldn't have gotten the title of Leviathan without some political and social skills and I'm sure that if I showed myself weak she would take advantage.
"Yes let's discuss the matter of the Valefor lands" I say and I could just barely catch a slight downturn of her lips. It makes sense since part of the information I had 'collected' from some random low class devils showed that the Sitri had been making quite a lot of use of those, our hot springs in particular. Those had always been known for their healing properties (nothing on the scale of a Phenex tier but still helpful) so it doesn't surprise me that the healing-inclined Sitri snatched them up.
"Now I'm not angry if you are thinking that, everyone thought the Valefor Clan was gone so fair enough" and I meant it, I knew I would have done something similar in their place and it wasn't like occupying an extinct clans' land was illegal. "But I'm sure you can see why I would be inclined to get them back" That of course didn't mean that I was willing to just leave resources and the legacy of my family in some other clans' hands, Satan or not.
Serafall didn't wince but it was a close deal I could tell, she was spectacular at not showing her emotions but I had a lot of experience looking for exactly that kind of expression and this situation probably hit a little too close to home.
What I am doing probably looks incredibly risky for an outside viewer, and it definitely carried some risks, but they were calculated ones. Since arriving in this time I have learned a lot (through not so gentle means), among the most important being that the New Satan's for some reason decided to limit themselves in ways the original descendants just never did. From not having harems (you would think they would want to spread the powerful genes) to vowing not to give preferences to their families when it came to political matters.
This of course leaves Serafall in an awkward position, it was her family that built on MY lands even if they didn't think of them as such, any legal conflict (that would be inherently political due to involving two noble clans) would call her judgment into question. The New Satans aren't as popular as one would expect, oh they have a considerable majority of the population supporting them but an also sizeable number of devils preferred how things were done in the past.
All of this is piled up with the fact that Valefor supported the old Government during the war despite their familial relationship to the creator of the whole Anti-Satan faction during the Great War. Really Serafall's position is a stressful one she suddenly has the heiress of a long though lost pillar clan comes to her out of a sudden an influential one too, the Valefor may not have the healing capabilities of the Phenex clan or the sheer political influence of the Bael clan (which I'm also part of) but the clan has generated some of the best warriors in hell their sheer destructive might being extremely useful in times of war.
She can't really afford to offend me, mainly in fear of me running to support the Old Satan faction, something that I would never do but a fear I have no shame on exploiting. The fear of a second civil war is looming on the horizon and even if the New Satans stand really high chance of winning the damage would be catastrophic. Therefore even if Serafall Sitri really doesn't want to aid a person in potentially causing problems to her family, Serafall Leviathan has little choice.
Of course if I had any real intentions to bring great harm to the Sitri I have no doubt that Serafall would take quick and brutal action but I don't have those and I will make sure that I don't make Serafall think that. Some of the worst most controversial cases in the law world had been settled outside of court for a reason.
Before Serafall could give an answer though a commotion outside called both of our attentions some shouting coming from the corridor.
"Sir! you can't go there! Satan Leviathan is having an important meeting!" Came from a squeaky high-pitched voice getting louder the closer they got. I sent Serafall a raised eyebrow making her frown, this definitely didn't make her look very good after all.
The source of the interruption was made clear when the door to our meeting room was opened with calm ease like someone would do when moving through their own house.
I looked curiously, who would be brave or stupid enough to interrupt a Satan?
Looking at the room with peaceful but calculating violet eyes stood a seemingly middle-aged man with black hair his eyes quickly locking onto me.
Well this certainly wasn't in my plans but I'm great at improvising.
"First Ancestor Bael, it sure is a surprise to see you here" I say hiding most of my amusement, it truly is a surprise though I haven't seen him since I was six it was my first 'official noble birthday' basically my showcase event for the devil world. Even then the atmosphere was tense, war was inevitable and Lord Valefor my father had stated multiple times that he was going to support the Government.
"Zekram what brings you here" the note of frustration in Serafall's voice was subtle but if I caught it then I have no doubt someone like Zekram did as well.
"Miss Sitri I have come here to greet my descendant as is my right as the first head of house Bael a house of which Lady Valefor belongs to" my eyes widened at just how much was being stated with his seemingly harmless statement.
She didn't call Serafall by her title of Leviathan which clearly undermines her authority, I don't know just what Zekram's relationship with the New Satans is but I did know that Zekram was a big reason as to why they had their titles now. She claimed me as her descendant establishing a clear familial link between the two of us as well as a hierarchy. And lastly, he referred to me as Lady Valefor basically confirming that he supports my clan's reestablishment.
Maybe… maybe I should have taken more time before making this move, I have always been impatient if I knew that Zekram would support me then I could have made a better plan.
There is no use crying about it now however, I know I'm an opportunist, today things have been working quite well but that's mainly because Serafall is still recovering from the initial surprise so she isn't at her best (though it isn't like she was TOO affected)
"Whatever discussion you two are having here can wait, there are family matters to attend to" I felt a spark of irritation at being talked to as if he had any control over me. Even if he is one of if not THE most influential devil alive.
Still, I didn't let my pride get the better of me the support of Zekram Bael was worth a whole lot more than the momentary satisfaction I would get from telling the man to ask kindly if he wanted for me to move anywhere. And it most definitely wasn't worth his wrath.
"We had some more things to discuss but those can indeed wait" I finally say standing up from my chair calmly and walking forward. "We can return to this discussion at a different date Lady Leviathan" I give Serafall a smile resting a hand on her forearm "We can also discuss less politically charged things, maybe you can introduce me to this sister of yours I would love to meet the person responsible for turning The Ice Queen of Decimation to the woman she is today" Apparently Serafall had developed quite the obsession with her little sister.
Seeing how Serafall's disposition turned just a little sunnier at just referencing the girl I knew I had said the right thing. "Sure thing, and you can just call me Serafall I also go by Magical Girl Levi-tan!"
"Then you can call me Naz, Serafall" yeah not calling her that, maybe the youngest generations can call her that but they hadn't seen an entire devil territory covered with ice as I had, the New Satans were all monsters power-wise.
Luckily for me, I have the tools to become a much bigger monster than they can even comprehend.
With one last wink and a grin, I said my goodbyes to Serafall feeling like even if I hadn't done everything perfectly the results were positive enough to not care about it.
"We have much to discuss child, mainly about how the Bael and Valefor clan can help each other" Zekram started sounding as regal as ever. I rolled my eyes internally at being called a child, if the man wants to establish some kind of power dynamic then he can try. He is no doubt extremely useful and I'm sure that compared to his millennia of experience I'm a child so I'm not too upset.
At the end of the day, this is just the beginning for me.
Change in POV
(Violet)
She couldn't help but hum happily she had a good feeling about this one!
…
She also had a good feeling about the last 40 though, that's kind of depressing to think about.
"But this one is different!" she reminded herself, it really was a stroke of good luck, normally she would have just revived all the souls without thinking much about it, that hadn't been the first time the two of them had fought and it would be the last. She just did it as a whim and she found a diamond in the rough!
She has tried to get a successful gamer for a loooong time, but her pickiness and sheer bad luck (ignoring that she could manipulate the concept of luck) made it really hard.
They either died like idiots, killed themselves with some dumb experiment in an attempt to unlock the 'cheats' of the system, killed themselves trying to kill her to take her place, or for some misplaced sense of justice. It was honestly starting to get on her nerves especially because of HIM, the bastard had two successful gamers already.
Like if his sole mention had summoned him (probably the case) a second basically omnipotent figure appeared beside her, his figure similar to her in nature only difference being that this was a male figure of pure energy his color green while her's was a pinkish purple.
And she thought her dumbass husband would be wise enough to stay away for some time.
"Woah, Woah, Woah, calm down darling no need for another 'accident'" he quickly said raising his hands in surrender making her huff "I just came here to see your new project, a ballsy one huh?" She decided not to blast him to a different multiverse for now, if only to do one thing. Brag.
"Quite the active little thing isn't she? didn't even wait for a full day before making her move"
He only hummed getting closer and sensing the world from where she was observing.
"Definitely, she is certainly a hard worker but that rush attitude could get her in trouble someday" She could agree to that, her plan was actually really good for the amount of time she had, taking the initiative helped her, instead of being found and dragged to the Satans she went the opposite route.
It was a good plan, but certainly not perfect and with a couple of potential holes.
"She is still growing, didn't one of your gamers stay hidden from society for like four months?" she said with an emotionless look, if one of her gamers tried something like that she would drop an end game boss at their doorstep.
"Oh yeah Frog, you laugh now but he is on his third world now, he should be slapping Pain around right about now" the fact that he accidentally made a frog a gamer and just went with AND it somehow worked still pisses her off.
"Whatever just keep your perverted hands away from this one" she warned with a sneer looking pointedly at him to get his message across.
"Come on dear, I do need to apologize don't I? can't have the newest gamer go on a revenge spree and kill themselves, again"
"Shut it! if I see you interfering I'm going to get my revenge" he shuddered slightly and with good reason, the last time he had gotten her this angry she had managed to trick him into a low-class world.
He had to live an entire life as a cockroach, though he somehow managed to get rid of the cockroach's dirty reputation during it and make the insect popular pets on the planet.
"Okay, okay I promise" he was going to do something she just knew it but there wasn't anything she could do, he was ever so slightly stronger than her due to being the first gamer, she was the second they were close in power but that gap remained.
As he finally left she stared back at her newest project, she couldn't wait how she dealt with some of her 'personal touches' on the world, DxD had been her original world and she always found some of the things there annoying and stupid so she did some adjustments,
Make a character more powerful here, mix a fandom or three inside the world, change some character's personality. That kind of stuff, she felt especially inspired on the work she did with Asia that girl had been irritating the first time around.
She was sure Naz would manage though, she had that flare other gamers lacked.
Beta'd by Everpeach
So this is my new fic! Decided to experiment with a female mc, mainly through reading authors like Mir and Shiro and their female mc (was inspired by wildly different aspects lol) the gamer system is extremely streamlined with no numbers/gamer's mind and body and more focused on the importance to class chosen I believe this should make for better writing and reading experience.
About Naz, she will be bisexual and that ain't changing so if that is something you won't like better leave now lol though the main romance partner will probably be male.
When it comes to her personality I envisioned Naz as a cunning and socially adept woman that is limited by her impulsiveness and arrogance as seen in how she rushed her meeting with Serafall to seize an advantage. She is also hardworking and will not get along great with those who laze around wasting their talents (Rias, Riser and even Sona can be included here) I won't bash any character though Rias won't be a hyper bitch and Riser won't be a crazy rapist, the mc will just clash naturally with them due to their attitude towards life.
Finally, this fic, as should have been obvious by the end segment, will include some AU elements with some characters' personalities and or power level changing there will also be characters from other fandoms blended into the world of DxD (though not TOO many of them) and example could be how Juri the member of Serafall's peerage is actually Juri Han from Stree Fighter just that she was born and raised in the DxD world and made a devil at one point.
Here is the link to the server I (and a LOT of other authors) hang out if you want to ask questions about my fics or just talk discord .gg/wd3tUYWVCd