Chapter 12 The meeting Amongst Families

Two Hours Later

Anos was currently standing in front of a mirror in his room looking over the outfit he was wearing for the meeting and behind him, Ophis was standing behind him in silence, "Hey Rin what do you think of my outfit?"

Ophis shrugs, "I have do not understand fashion so asking me would not help. But why not just create your own clothes with magic?" Anos chuckles to himself while he was doing his fixing his tie, "I can't lie that would probably be easier but that would take the fun out of it."

Ophis cocks her head in confusion, "fun? What do you mean using magic would take the fun out of it?" "In my opinion, you can become over-dependent on magic. But what if you are in a situation where you can't use it what then?"

"Are you saying I am too dependent on magic?" "This isn't a philosophical conversation, I'm just saying sometimes things can't be solved with magic and in regards to me not creating a suit," Anos pauses turning from the mirror to look at Ophis and gestures to himself, "but look at this, there are just some things you can't create with magic."

"So you are saying you find in enjoyment with being more hands-on. I think I get what you are saying but that means you don't follow devil society. As far as I know, devils believe magical power is everything."

Anos nods while walking to his bed to pick up his coat, "yes I don't believe magical power is everything. I believe the saying jack of all trades master of none but as I said to you earlier I am a jack of all trades but a master of one."

Ophis was currently tracking Anos with her eyes, "you said that same thing to me and I still do not understand. How am I a jack of all trades master of one." "You are basically infinity itself with all of your abilities coming from that aspect. But is also your biggest weakness." Ophis then walks closer to Anos curiously, "how is that a weakness."

"I'm glad you asked what would you do if lost your power of infinity?" "I do not know…I have never thought about that but that would be impossible."

Anos opens his mouth to say something but stops as a knock comes to the door, they both look as Anos walks to it, "you're probably right but you never know there could be a way if someone were to figure it out."

As Ophis was watching Anos walk to the door to open it, her eyes widen slighting after hearing Anos say that someone could possibly figure out a way to steal her power. Ophis then touches her heart feeling that it was beating faster than normal, "why is my heart beating like this?"

Ophis comes out her thoughts after hearing Anos call her name, "Hey Rin a maid has come to escort us to the meeting. Now come on." Ophis comes out of her thoughts and walks to Anos standing behind him, "I cast the spell to allow us to communicate telepathically but if you decide to talk to anyone I won't stop you."

Ophis just nods, with her following behind Anos as they both follow the maid to the meeting room.

Ten Minutes Later

After walking for a few minutes they reach the door to the meeting where two butlers were holding the door open, they both open the door for Anos and Rin, while giving him a bow at the same time.

Anos walks into the meeting room to see his father mother, both heads of the Phenex family, and Riser along with his peerage but they were standing behind Riser instead of sitting like anyone else.

The room had become silent upon his arrival and he just waves giving everyone a warm smile, "good evening everyone, I hope all of you are doing well."Anos then walks to his mother and father as they nod to him acknowledging his presence and continue their conversation with Lord and Lady Phenex.

Riser doesn't say anything but just looks away from him and grunts, signaling he heard him. Anos then looks to the open seat between his father and mother but assumes it is for his sister then he looks at the seat on the opposite side of his mother then sits there with Rin walk standing behind him in silence.

Anos then looks to everyone in the room and stops at Ravel who was staring at him but looked away as their eyes locked, Lord Phenex turns to Anos calling his name to get his attention, "Anos it is a pleasure to see you as well how have you been?"

"I have been good sir." Anos then turns his attention to Lady Phenex who was smiling at him, "and Lady Phenex I hope you are doing fine as well?" Lady Phenex nods, "yes Anos I am doing fine as well." Anos then turns his attention to his father and mother, "have you guys seen Rias yet because I haven't seen her?"

They both shake their head with Zeoticus speaking up, "your brother told us he sent Grayfia to bring her here. So they are probably still getting ready." "Well, something must be holding them up because Grayfia is very punctual but I'm sure it will be fine."

Both Zeoticus and Lord Phenex turn back to each other to continue their conversation, leaving Anos to talk to both female devils. Lady Phenex gestures to Anos to get his attention, "I hear that you finally started a peerage may I ask why, because I was under the impression that you didn't want to?"

Anos looks to his mother who he suspects was the one who told her but she just looks away with a small smirk giving him the confirmation he was looking for, "well yes Lady Phenex I have started a peerage but all I have is a pawn and there are certain reasons why I reincarnated here."

Lady Phenex nods and mumbles to herself, "so you need motivation I can work with that," Anos was preoccupied looking at his mother non-verbally asking her with his eyes why did you tell her that he started a peerage and didn't catch exactly what she said but he did notice her mouth moving, "apologies Lady Phenex I didn't catch that what'd you say?"

Lady Phenex sweet drops a little and looks at Anos with an innocent smile, "oh nothing don't worry about it I was just talking to myself pay me no mind but, I would also like to borrow a minute of your time."

"I don't mind this meeting hasn't started yet so we have time, what can I do for you?" "Well, my daughter Ravel has something that she would like to give you as an apology for not sending you the invite to her tear party."

Anos raises an eyebrow at this and glances at Ravel who was blushing and staring at the floor, "well if she went through the trouble over finding me a gift I guess I have no choice but to accept."

Anos and Lady Phenex get up from their chairs and walk towards Ravel, Anos stops in front of Ravel as she was still staring at the floor, "as mother said a while ago I have a...uhh...well…," but Ravel trails off after glancing at Anos for half and second while losing track on what she was saying as her cheeks start to turn red ever so slightly.

Riser glances at his sister from his chair noticing that she had stopped talking abruptly and was staring at the ground with her eyes ever so often looking up then back. Riser also notices that she had her hands behind her back but couldn't tell what it was.

He then stands from his chair to get a better look at the situation going on behind him, then Anos speaks up after Ravel had stopped talking and started mumbling something to herself, "hello Ravel your mother said you wanted to give me something."

Riser was about to step in to get Anos away from his sister but is stopped as his mother lifts her hand to stop him while giving him death a stare to not intervene, "I…uhhh…got you something as an apology Lord Anos fooorr...not inviting you to my tea party."

Anos just places his hand on her should causing her to squeak, grabbing her attention since she was still staring at the ground but looks up to see the warm smile she always liked to see on his face, "it's fine Ravel I forgive you but I can't let you shoulder the blame all by yourself because I could have called you and asked about the party."

Ravel's eyes widen a little while shaking her head, "no no no no I was the one who was supposed to invite you. So I go you this…" Ravel then pulls out a small vile of Phenex Tears from behind her back, "I hope you like it but if you don't...then you don't have to take it? It's my first Phenex tears I ever created so I hope you like it."

Ravel currently had both her hands extended with the vile of tears in her hand with her head turned away from Anos with her eyes closed waiting in anticipation, "I see...this is an amazing gift. I don't know how I will ever top something like that but luckily I planned on giving you something at your tea party but I think now is a better time."

Anos crouches down and picks up the veil causing Ravel to open her eyes and lower her hands in the interest of what Anos could have gotten her. Anos then opens his hand with a red magic circle forming above and in a small flash a red book appears.

Ravel takes the book staring at it curiously but her eyes widen in amazement, "you got me a copy of the Art of War but how did you know I wanted this book?"

Anos chuckles a little, "you're not that hard to read Ravel. When we went to the book store that one time I could tell that you were staring at books like this. You also told me before that you aren't a fighter and would rather be a strategist. So I suspected this book may help you achieve that."

Ravel's eyes start to sparkle from joy and jump to hug Anos tightly, slowly catching him off guard but he reciprocates her hug. Almost immediately after feeling Anos's arms wrap around her, Ravels pulls away covering her face with her new book, and starts muttering different things under her breath as steam starts to rise from her head.

Anos then stands upright while patting her on the head and turns his attention to a certain devil that was staring at him with killing intent, "stop trying to seduce my sister and get away from her you have your gift now back off."

Anos cocks his head to the side in confusion, since coming to this world he had been called many things, but no one ever said that he was seducing anyway one, "I haven't seduced anyone I was just being a friend and if Ravel wants me to stop being her friend then she can tell me."

Riser was about to say something else but stops as his head starts to lean to the right with him screaming in pain. Lady Phenex was pulling her son's ear, "Riser what do you think you are doing calm down. Go and sit back down and don't move." "But mother…"

Lady Phenex wasn't in the mood to listen to Risers excuses and just to pull his ear even more, "silence Riser I told you to go sit down now go and I won't be repeating myself."

Risers nods then looks at Anos out the corner of his eye then walks back to his chair cursing Anos under his breath.

Lady Phenex then turns to Anos while giving a small apologetic smile, "I'm sorry for what my son did. I'll make sure to reprimand him more later." "It's fine Lady Phenex."

Anos then turns back to Ravel and it was obvious that she wasn't aware of with just happened since she still had her book covering her face and the steam was still rising from his head.

Anos pats her on hear grabbing her attention, "uhh…ummm…" "The word you are looking for is thank you, Ravel." Ravel glances at her mother then notice that she had a mysterious smirk on her face but glances back at Anos, then stares back at the floor whispering under breath barely audible, "thank…you…Anos. I love it."

"I am glad," Anos then turns around to see Lady Phenex smiling at him, "well that is all, shall we take our seats and wait for this meeting to start." Anos and Lady Phenex take their seats.

Anos then turn around after sensing three familiar presences walking toward the door, but the moment he turned around both Lady Phenex and Gremory wink at each other in success.

Anos turns back around tapping his mother on the shoulder, and whispers in her ear, "it appears Rias, Sirzechs, and Grayfia are heading this way." Venelana nods and learns to her husband to let him know as well, Zeoticus nods and stands, "it appears as though Lord Lucifer and Rias have arrived." After saying that everyone turns their attention to the door and it opens a few seconds later.

Transition a Few Seconds Earlier

Sirzechs and Grayfia can be seen walking together with Sirzech having an annoyed smile on his face while Grayfia had a blank expression but there was a tiny tic mark on her forehead. With the object of their aggravation walking behind them with her queen walking beside her, it was Rias, and the reason why is because of what Rias just tried to do.

Earlier that night Sirzechs sent Grayfia to collect Rias but to Grayfia's surprise as soon as she arrived Rias was still in her school uniform. Grayfia spent almost two hours trying to get Rias to come with her and then Rias teleported away to an unknown location but was able to find her quickly and to her surprise, she was trying to have sex with one of her servants.

When they finally arrived back at the old school building they didn't have enough time to change since they were already late for the meeting but had to wait since Rias insisted on bringing her queen with her. So they had to wait for Akeno which took more time away from them and when Akeno finally arrived all three of them arrived in the underworld to meet Sirzechs.

So when Sirzechs was informed on why they were so late, he was a little more than annoyed but there wasn't enough time so he just saved that conversation for later. All four devils stop in front of the door as two male butlers open the door for them, Sirzechs turns to Rias, "I would come to this meeting but since I am no longer a member of the Gremory family I have no right to attend but I will leave Grayfia as mediator."

Rias had emotionless look on her face and just nods, and walks in front of Grayfia gesturing for her and Akeno to follow. Rias walks into the room with everyone having mixed emotions, Anos and her mother look at her compassionately, her father and Lord Phenex were looking at her indifferently, Lady Phenex had a warm smile on her face, with Riser having a sexual look on his face while staring at Rias.

Rias then takes her seat between her mother and father with Akeno stopping in front of him. Grayfia then walks to the head of the table preferring to stand instead of sit, "good evening everyone. I am Grayfia Lucifuge and I will be acting as the mediator for this meeting but I will not be speaking for either family."

Everyone at the table nods with Lord Phenex starting the discussion, "let me get straight to the point I want the marriage between my son and your daughter pushed forward as soon as possible."

Zeoticus eyes narrow, "the agreement we signed those years ago clearly states that Rias will get married when she graduates from college so I see no reason for us to push the marriage forward."

"I know what the agreement says I was there when we came up with it, but that was before the civil war and you already know our faction lost many pureblooded devils. But thanks to Ajuka Beelzebub creating the evil piece system we have been able to reincarnate other races as devils but at the same time pureblooded devils are starting to become rarer and rarer. So like I said before I suggest we move this marriage forward."

Rias had been sitting in silence listening to exchange between her father and Lord Phenex and had finally reached the edge of her patience, "with all due respect Lord Phenex that doesn't matter to me, what I have a problem with is being treated as a breeding stock."

Riser then leans back in the chair to add his two cents to the conversation, "come on Rias you must see the bigger picture, you heard my father's words pure-blooded devils are starting to become rarer so we need to preserve the purebloods."

Rias scoffs at Riser in disgust, "I understand that as well Riser but hell would have to freeze over before I even consider marrying you."

Everyone in the room looks at Rias like she just said something stupid because the lowest realm of hell was actually an icy domain, "well you all know what I meant but the bottom line is I don't want to marry Riser."

"Come on Rias you are being irrational we have to do this for our kind," although Riser was trying to sound sincere the tone in his voice was saying otherwise.

"The thing is Riser you don't even love me…what you love is my body." Riser licks lips then opens his mouth to speak but stops as his mother elbows him in his side, "Rias dear I completely understand your frustration but can you honestly say you feel nothing towards my son even after the numerous dates you have been on in the past?"

Rias sighs, "even after the dates Lady Phenex my opinion of Riser hadn't changed and it's safe to say that opinion of Riser has definitely dropped even more after our dates." Lady Phenex nods in understanding, "I see."

Lord Gremory coughs to get everyone's attention, "Rias you have yet to show any interest in the opposite gender so we are doing this to try and help you meet someone new." Rias snaps her head to her father, "well no man has met my standards yet father."

"Well, Rias if you are looking for a man like you're brothers you won't find any." Rias cheeks redden a little," father, well can you blame me both my brothers are exceptional devils and if I were to find someone like them I would definitely be into them."

Riser chuckles, "Sounds like you have a brother complex." "No I just have a standard set by my brothers and you riser don't even meet the minimum threshold of that standard."

Riser scoffs and starts to glare at Anos who at the moment had his eyes closed with his arms crossed, "hey are you seriously sleeping?"

{Flash Back Ten Minutes Earlier}

"Good evening everyone. I am Grayfia Lucifuge and I will be acting as the mentor for this meeting but I will not be speaking for either family." "Anos why are we here?" "Ophis have you been paying attention at all?"

"No, I am not...I am only here to observe you not the other devils in the room." "Well, this is the meeting I was telling you about for the arranged marriage for my sister." "Arranged?" "Yes, she is being forced to marry the guy sitting between those two devils across from my sister."

"I understand so why are you here if this is has something to do with your sister." "Is it so wrong to be a supportive big brother?" "I do not know I have no family of my own." "Well, whenever you decide to have a family you will understand familial bonds." "I have no desire to procreate. But what is it like to have a family?"

Anos chuckles mentally, "more philosophical conversations, but what is a family to me I would say it is the bonds that we share." "I thought sharing blood is what made one family." "Not necessarily you can familial bonds with anyone they don't have to be blood."

"Could I become…" but the conversation is cut short when Riser grabs Anos's attention, Anos opens his eyes to see everyone looking at him, "no I wasn't sleeping...I was listening in silence." "Really then do tell what have we been saying…"

Grayfia taps her finger on the table to get everyone's attention, "if we could please stay on topic that would be helpful." "She is right I highly doubt my son has been sleeping this whole time but Anos if you don't want to be here you are welcome to leave."

"No father, I was just listening in silence since this meeting is about the arranged marriage between my sister and Riser but if you want me to voice my opinion I don't mind?"

Lord Phenex raises his eyebrow at this, "please Anos speak I wish to hear your thoughts. I know just like your brother you are also very protective of your sister and it doesn't take a genius to know that you aren't very fond of this marriage."

Anos nods, "well Lord Phenex I don't see what is so good about being a pure-blooded devil." Lord Phenexs eyes narrow, "really you don't see the point of pure-blooded families staying pure?" "No I don't, just look at families that decided to have children of mixed races. Their families aren't on the break of extinction, unlike other high-class families. If pure-blooded devils keep trying to keep their lineage pure then the household will end up going extinct in the long run."

Lord Phenex rubs his chin contemplating Anos's words, "so are you saying purebloods should abandon keeping their bloodlines pure and start mixing with other races?" "Well Lord Phenex I think we should look at the true problem and the reason why you guys are forcing my sister to get married. It's because we have a low birth rate so you want Rias to hurry and start making more pure-blooded devils.

But honestly, there is a possibility that Rias could try all her life and would never have children. Which would make this marriage a waste of time." Everyone was staring at Anos feeling different emotions, with Lady Phenex chuckling softly, "my Anos it is always a delight to listen to how your mind works but I have a question for you?"

Anos then turns his attention to Lady Phenex, "yes Lady Phenex what it is?" "So do you plan to carry on your family's pure-blooded status or have mixed blooded children? " "Actually I don't plan on having any children of my own so that doesn't concern me."

Lady Phenex glances to the right slightly then back to Anos, "Really may I ask why, you are a very attractive devil, powerful, a part of the Rookies Five and even known to rival your cousin with your magic. So why would a devil such as yourself not want to start a family...I'm pretty sure you could get married to any pureblooded female?"

Anos was about to speak but Grayfia coughs softly to get everyone's attention, "we are getting off track this meeting is about the arranged marriage between Lord Riser and Lady Rias. Not why Lord Anos doesn't want to have children." Lady Phenex nods, "yes you are right Grayfia."

Twenty Minutes Later

The meeting then carries on for another twenty minutes with neither family reaching an agreement and deciding to call it a night for and try again tomorrow afternoon. Lord Gremory and Lord Phenex stand shaking each other hands, "it's unfortunate that we couldn't reach an agreement but I hope we decide on something tomorrow."

Lord Gremory grabs his old friend's hand, "yes that is very unfortunate but yes I hope we do reach one tomorrow." The Phenex family leaves the meeting, with the only people left in the meeting room being the Gremory Family and Grayfia.

Lord Gremory sighs and turns his attention to Grayfia, "how are you doing Grayfia I hope you have been doing well and I was also wondering what took so long for you and Rias to arrive?"

Rias visibly tenses up and tries to sneak out of the room but is stopped by Anos noticing that she was slowly moving towards the door," yes Lord Gremory I am doing fine, and apologies for the late arrival.

We intended to arrive on time but ran into some complications." Lord Gremory raises an eyebrow in curiosity, "complications? Was everything alright?" Grayfia nods and glances at Rias she had desperation in her eyes saying please don't say it, "well Lady Rias was adamant about not coming to this meeting so it took some time to get her to come."

Lord Gremory nods in understanding but something deep down was telling him that there was something else he was not being informed on. While this was happening both Lady Gremory and Anos had started to converse with Rias and Akeno, "hello Akeno how are you doing, I hope Rias isn't working too hard?"

Akeno bows in respect to both Anos and Lady Gremory while shaking her head, "no Lady Gremory I am doing just fine thank you for asking." She then turns her attention to Rias, giving her a warm smile, "Rias I know this isn't something you want to do but we are doing this for you?"

Rias shakes her head looking at her mother indifferently, "you're trying to do this for me? Everyone in here knows I don't want to marry someone I don't love," she then turns her attention towards Anos, "and you what the hell was that saying you don't want kids well aren't you lucky you get to choose to if you don't want to marry. Must be nice being a prodigy."

Anos wished he could tell his sister that he and Sirzechs had a plan that could help him but now wasn't the time to reveal what it was so he just placed his hand on her feeling relaxed a little bit, "trust me I understand…"

Rias then pushes Anos's arm away, "how could you understand you have had it easy since you didn't show signs that you didn't hold the power of destruction. You don't have any responsibilities, you have been just taking it easy just playing with your news spells."

Anos was about to say something but Rias raised her hand to stop me, "I honestly don't wanna hear it right now its late and I have school tomorrow. So I will see you tomorrow Grayfia can you take me back to the human world now."

Grayfia bows to Lord Gremory ending her conversation with him, "yes Lady Rias we leave at once." A silver teleportation circle appears below Rias, Grayfia, and Akeno and they all teleport away back to the old school building, leaving Anos and his parents alone in the meeting room.

Anos chuckles, "guess I need to work on being a better brother." Venelana walks closer to her son placing he hand on her shoulder, "Anos don't beat yourself up she doesn't know that you basically live two different lives, and this whole situation has her tensed up so don't blame your self her frustration. She is mad at me and your father, not you." "Your mother is right don't let her words get to you." Anos just smiles, "don't worry I have heard and felt worse."

Tine Skip to the Next Day

Anos was sitting in a chair next to Mittelt's bed talking to Mittelt since she was still exhausted after exhausting all of her magic, "so that's what I missed while I was passed out. Well, I can't say I really care but that must suck I guess. Sorry, I may like you but that doesn't mean I suddenly started liking other devils."

Anos chuckles, "well thanks I am glad you like me so much." Mittelt cheeks flush red, "that's not what I meant idiot, I was just saying you're not as bad as other devils but you're still a devil so don't get your hopes up, devil."

Anos gives Mittelt a teasing smirk, "those are some nice words for your master." Mittelt turns her head while puffing out her chest, "well that's too bad I am just using you to avenge my sister, but why are you here isn't the meeting supposed to be staring about now."

"Yea it probably is but I don't need to be there I can just get the details about the meeting from my father or mother. For now, let's go over the sparing session we had yesterday I have a few things I want to say."

Mittelt face becomes more serious since she could tell that Anos had a lot to say, "well first let's talk about the bad then the good. First, you need to work on using your knight piece more, and from what I could see you relied too much on your rook and bishop piece. Which isn't a bad thing but I would you to try to get used to all of them in the future "

Mittelt nods, "I know but I'm not good at using the knight piece and my swordsmanship is still lacking so I feel like using it would be a waste of time for me." "Well we can work on that in the future next you're still taking too long to prepare your attacks, you're more lethal attacks take too long and while you're weaker attacks are only threats to mid-class devils."

"I know but in battle, it's hard trying to infuse magic into my attacks while also attacking and defending," "that is also something that we can work on with more time. So now the good I like how you tried to overcome one of the weaknesses for your spells which is good now tell me what made you come up with that."

"Well for my seeking lightning I know that a strong weakness was that once the attack is launched it loses power and speed over time. So I figured I could add power by having spare lightning bolts kind of like a spare battery. "

"I see not a bad thought but can you see inherent design flaw." Mittelt nods, "yea if I lose concentration on it the spare bolts will disappear and since they're idle they can be easily destroyed." "Yes you are completely right now but now there are two things we should discuss your two new attacks."

Mittelt was about to speak but a communication circle appears next to his ear, grabbing his attention. His eyes then narrow, "I see so that's what he did and, to be honest, I can't say I am surprised that he knew about the hidden clause I figured he skipped over it, but I have to give him credit for even knowing it was there..."

"I see so he gave her that long which definitely isn't enough time for her to train on her own. You know what tell Rias I will be personally helping her peerage and correct me if I'm wrong but isn't there a Gremory Estate up in the mountains…there is okay good tell her to meet me there tomorrow at 8:30 a.m…okay bye brother."

The communication circle next to Anos's ear disappears, "so is everything alright?" "Yes Riser challenged Rias to a rating game and she accepted but from what I know about her peerage they aren't up to the task." "Why do you say that from what I remember didn't you personally train her rook for like two years and isn't your sister and her queen powerful."

Anos nods, "yes I did train Koneko for almost two years but she is still too scared to use her power unless I am around. My sister still doesn't know how to use her power correctly and her queen well is too stubborn to use her full power. As for her knight and two new additions I can't really say I haven't seen the scope of their abilities and one of them is a pervert with wasted potential."

Mittelt tilts her head slightly, "a pervert with wasted potential? Oh, you must mean the guy Raynare killed." "Yes, he holds the boosted gear but is more focused on breast rather than getting stronger." "Oh I see I guess that is unfortunate, do you need my help?"

Anos just waves Mittelt off while shaking his head, "no this wasn't part of our agreement no need to drag you into our family's affairs," Mittelt scoffs while turning her head to the side, "I mean all you have to do is ask I wouldn't mind as long as I get to hand with you," but the last part she mumbled to her self.

Anos chuckles grabbing her shoulder causing to her turn back to him with their eyes locking, "fine I get it Mittelt I could use your help if you wouldn't mind giving it to me. "

Mittelt cheeks redden and she pulls the covers over her head, "stop trying to flirt with me you dam devil but if you really need my help I guess I can't leave you alone. Plus you could still train me while we are there. So it's not like I am doing this out the kindness of my own heart."

"Good now let's get back on topic and talk about your two new abilities."

Forty Minutes Earlier at the Old School Building

"Lady Gremory must we do this again we are already late for the meeting so I insist we leave now. Your queen can easily lead your club while you are gone." For the past ten minutes, Grayfia has been trying to get Rias to go to the meeting that had already started and we're currently late for.

Rias excuse for not going was because she had club activities to do so she couldn't leave out of anywhere without informing her peerage. "Yes Grayfia I know that but still I would rather tell my peerage that we are canceling club activities myself and honestly I doubt I am missing anything new that we didn't discuss at yesterday's meeting.

So if you don't mind I am going to wait until the rest of them get here." Grayfia nods, "understood my lady but once they arrive we will be leaving promptly." After saying that the doors to the occult research room open with Kiba, Issei, and Asia walking in.

Of the three Issei is the first to speak, "sup.." But pauses for a few seconds upon noticing the familiar maid from last night, "Miss Grayfia?" Rias then stands from her desk, "well everyone's here…good, I need to tell you all something…" but before she could continue a magic circle with the Phoenix symbol appears behind Issei, Kiba, Asia grabbing everyone's attention.

While this is happening Grayfia uses a communication circle to contact Sirzechs about what just happened, he then informs her to try and keep things from getting out of hand while he contacts his father and Lord Phenex.

Grayfia dispels the communication circle after the flash dies down, Riser was facing the door but turns around to look at Rias with a small smirk, "ahh my beloved Rias you weren't at the meeting so Riser thought we could have the meeting up here since it seemed like you weren't going to show."

Issei was standing in front of Asia looking at Riser confusingly, "okay who's this douche?" With Grayfia speaking up to answer his question, "this gentleman is Lord Riser Phenex. He is a pureblooded devil of Nobel birth…third heir in line to the House of Phenex."

Issei turns to her slightly, "and that means…what?" "He is also fiancé to the next head of the House of Gremory." Issei's jaw drops as he looks between Rias and Riser, "fiancé to what…you're joking, right?"

"I am not Lady Rias has been engaged to Lord Riser for quite some time now." Issei's eyes widen in surprise with his voice going up another octave, "they're getting married." Rias crosses her arms while staring at Riser, "the meeting was supposed to be in the underworld why are you here, I doubt your father knows about this."

Riser puts up his hands defensively, "is it so bad that I wanted to come up here to have our meeting. I mean Grayfia is that alright?" Grayfia nods, "it is I have already informed your brother Rias and he said the meeting can be held here but Lord Riser I can't say that you won't be reprimanded for this by your father."

"I know, Riser just got tired of waiting and missed his fiancé dearly." Rias scoffs, "you just saw me yesterday. I highly doubt you missed me that much to come all the way up here." A smirk forms on Riser's face as he checks Rias up and down from her desk, "well there are other things that I missed as well."

Rias could feel her skin crawl when Riser looked at her, "well whatever, Akeno could you prepare some tea for our guest." Akeno bows, "yes president, I will get right on that," then Akeno walks out to get some tea ready.

Rias then turns her attention back to Riser and gestures for him to sit down, "please be seated and once Akeno has the tea prepared we can begin the meeting." Riser walks to the couch while still looking at Rias with a sexual smirk, "will you sit next to Riser on the couch my love?"

Rias shakes her head and walks to the opposite couch, "no I will be sitting right here," Rias then addresses her peerage before sitting down, "all of you stand here while we talk and try not to speak unless addressed."

They all nod and stand at attention behind their King and a few seconds later Akeno walks out the back with a pot of tea and two cups. She puts both cups down in front of Riser and Rias then pours both of them a cup of tea.

She bows then takes her place to stand on the right-hand side of Rias, Riser picks up the cup and thanks Akeno for the lovely tea, and Akeno accepts the compliment with a slight bow.

"Now speak Riser, I have nothing left to say my argument still stands I won't marry you and that's final." "Come now Rias I don't understand why you are being so difficult. This is for the good of all devil kind. Even though what your brother said last night made a little sense he still could be wrong."

"It doesn't matter to me what my brother said, I could be the most fertile devil in existence but that doesn't mean I'm gonna have your kids." Riser chuckles, "come now Rias is sex the only thing on your mind if so then I can help you with that."

Rias scoffs, "no it isn't but I do find it amusing that you only talk like that when my brother isn't around." Riser's eyes narrow and his mood darkens, "Riser fears no one, not even you dear older brother."

A cocky smirk then forms on his face, "if you ask me he is nothing but a weak devil who relies on creating other magic than relying upon his own power, but who can blame him he doesn't have the power of destruction like yourself. So he is nothing in my eyes but a weak devil."

Rias eye's narrow there were many things that could push her buttons and one of the main ones was when people bad mouth her brother, yes there were things about him she didn't like but when other people said it. It really got her going, "you can talk about me all you want I could care less but don't bad mouth my brother to my face or I will make you regret it."

Riser takes another sip of his tea and shrugs, "whatever but my darling Riser believes you really can't be selfish. You are the head of the family and as such you have to have children of your own. So trust us Rias we are only doing this with the best intentions."

"Those best intentions you speak of will bring my family to ruin. Honestly, if you want to join our family that bad then I can give you our name but marrying you is something I don't want to do. But let me be as clear as possible because it seems you aren't listening. Since you are here alone I can probably get you to understand that my husband will be my choice and mine alone."

"And let me remind you what my father said last night devils need to remain pureblood because we are still recovering from the last war." Rias raises her eyebrow in annoyance, "and do you remember what my brother said last night that if devils try to remain pureblood we will eventually go extinct."

"Your brother also said that he doesn't plan on having any kids of his own which makes him a fool." Rias aura starts to flare out as her hair covers her eyes, "didn't I say don't bad mouth my brother," Rias then looks eyes with Riaser with an intense glare, "are you trying to pick a fight?"

Riser chuckles while raising his own to match hers, "on my dear please don't test me it won't end well for you." Rias stands as her body starts to glow crimson, then riser stands with his hellfire covering his body, but then a much larger aura covers the room and all the devils turn to Grayfia who had been standing in silence watching the exchange between the two devils, "there is no need for hostilities while I am here. My lady Rias, Lord Riser as you know Sirzechs told me to surprise this meeting and to make sure there will be no disruption of peace."

Riser then lowers his own aura and backs down and turns to Grayfia, "when told such an ominous thing by one who is known as the ultimate queen. Even Riser can become somewhat fearful. But I have to say these talks are getting us nowhere" he then turns back to Rias, "Rias how about this let's compromise."

Rias then looks to Riser trying to figure out what his angle was, "what do you mean compromise?"

"How familiar are you with the contract that says we are going to get married?" "Yes I am familiar with it, I have read it multiple times." "Well have you seen the hidden clause that states that if both families can't come to an agreement an arrangement can be made to hold off or end the marriage?"

Rias then turns to Grayfia in confusion, "no I didn't know." Riser then continues, "so how about this we can settle this rating game." Grayfia's eyes widen slightly not noticeable unless you were standing directly in front of her, "if you can beat me I call of the marriage between us but if you lose then the marriage will be held right after the game."

Rias raises her voice almost screaming, "a rating game are you serious? That's not fair I have never participated in one I don't even have a full…" but Grayfia raises her hand signaling them to stop talking, "please hold on this decision can't be made by the both of you so I will contact Lord Phenex and Lord Gremory to see what they have to say."

Grayfia then pulls out to separate communication circles to contact both houses.

A Few Minutes Later

"Understood Lord Phenex and Lord Gremory," the communication circles vanish then Grayfia continues the while room looks to her to see what the verdict is, "both Lord Phenex and Lord Gremory have agreed to the rating under the pretext that if Rias wins the engagement the wedding will be called off but if she looses then the marriage will be held that night."

Riser chuckles softly then look to RIas, "good Riser has played through numerous Rating games, and has scored several wins for himself. But when I look at your peerage now it just makes me want to chuckle but I can't lie one might be an actual challenge. But Rias this can't be all the servant you have right because…" then Riser trails off and snaps his fingers as a much large Phenex magic circle appears right where he appeared from and in a burst of flames, "Riser has fifteen pieces. In other words, I have a complete set."

"Fifteen and there all hot as hell, dammit…Issei hates him so much. Why can't I be this guy!" Rias, Riser, and everyone else looks at Issei as he was staring in amazement and was starting to cry at looking at Riser's peerage.

Riser then looks to Rias questionably, "my dear, why is your servant looking at me and weeping uncontrollably?" Then Rias looks back to Riser rolling her eyes and crossing her arms, "because his dream is to have a harem."

Riser then chuckles then calls Yubelluna and she walks to him then Riser and Yubelluna engage in a deep kiss and then Riser begins to play with her left breast. Riser then turns his attention to Issei as he begins to mock him for being a low-class devil saying that he will never achieve this.

Issei bad mouths Riser for what he said to him even going so far as to make fun of his name, Rias was about to tell the both of them to calm down when Issei says, "the only person in this room I need to impress if Rias," catching her off guard for a second but still tells the both of them to calm down.

Then a green light appears on his arm with it dying down after a few seconds to reveal the boosted gear, Issei then lunges toward Riser with his fist extended but Riser doesn't move and calls Mira. She intercepts Issei before he could get closer to Riser with her staff.

She strikes Issei in the stomach tossing him towards the ceiling and back to the floor, Rias then rushes to his side to see if he was alright but Issei passes out in her arms. As Rias was staring at Issei's unconscious body she speaks up saying, "fine Riser you wanted a rating game and now you got one and I will make you pay for this."

Riser chuckles, "I look forward to it my dear and you know what I will give you a handy cap. I will allow you to train for ten days before the game." Riser then blows Rias a kiss as he and his peerage teleport away, Rias then picks Issei up and places him on the couch with Asia walking over to heal him as she walks to sit at her desk.

Akeno then walks to Rias, "what are we going to do we are at a major disadvantage, Riser has an entire peerage while we just have seven members and one is unable to participate?" Rias sighs and pinches her nose, "I don't know honestly. I didn't want want to accept but I just got so pissed off when his servant hurt Issei and I saw him unconscious in my arms."

Rias was about to say more but stops when she sees Grayfia walking towards her, "my lady I have informed Sirzechs and your family of the outcome of this meeting and Lord Anos says he will personally be helping you," everyone in the room stopped what they were doing except for Asia since she didn't know who Anos was and around this time Issei had finally woke up.

Rias eye twitches, "umm…Grayfia did he specify how?" Grayfia just shakes her, "no Sirzechs was a hundred percent clear when he told me that your Lord Anos said helping," after saying that she made sure that Rias understood by heavenly emphasizing the word helping.

Issei groans as Asia helps him sit up, "miss Grayfia you said some Anos guy was gonna help us but who is that." Grayfia was about to answer but is halted by Rias putting up her hand, "Anos is my older twin, and before you ask…" but Issei's eyes started to sparkle from joy and he jumps of startling Asia since she sitting next to him, "fuck yeah, another hot Rias, are you identical in every way or is she like your opposite."

He then starts to drool as fantasies of Rias and her twin start to swirl around in his head. Koneko then punches him in the stomach staring at him harshly, "no dumb ass Lord Anos is a guy did you not hear when miss Grayfia said Lord indicating that he was a guy?"

Issei then drops to his knees clutching his stomach as Asia drops from the crouch to comfort him, "ahh…yea she did say that how did I miss that but president what is your brother like."

Suddenly everyone in the room pauses to think of a word to best describe him, Rias is first, "overprotective, arrogant, hot-headed, reckless which is only fueled by his ego," next is Akeno, "ruthless toward those who get on his bad side," as she said this her legs were twitching from excitement with a small blush forming on her face.

Next is Kiba, "he is skilled in everything a natural-born prodigy," then Koneko, "he is kind and caring," after saying this a small blush forms on her face, which is not missed by Issei as he looks at her in confusion as he has never seen her blush like that.

Last was Grayfia as she adds her own thoughts to the conversation, "to me Lord Anos is a very noble devil who I respect hole heartedly." Rias glances at Grayfia raising her eyebrow at her description since she has never heard her speak that way about anyone but quickly turns her attention back to Issei, "so yeah that's my brother."

Issei then scratches his head slowly moving back to the couch with Asia's help, "so why does everyone seem so reluctant to let him train us," a drop of sweat starts to roll down Rias forehead, "well he didn't say train, he said help and that's what has us all worried except for probably Koneko."

"Why is that? Does he only like training girls or something?" Akeno then chimes into the conversation, "no it's not that it's just Lord Anos is well how do I put this…"

"Strong…really strong and if he is personally helping us then you better be ready to fight for your life especially you Issei," everyone in the room nods their head at Koneko's answer. Issei then looks to Koneko, "so how strong is he and why should I be prepared to fight for my life," but Koneko just looks away from him with a tiny smirk.

He turns his attention to Akeno but she was just licking her lips at him, he turns to Kiba and Kiba sighs, "well from what I know people don't really know how strong Lord Anos is but I definitely can say he alone could wipe the floor with us. But the thing everyone is worried about is the word help.

This is a sign that Lord Anos has something intense planned for us since he didn't specify how he would help us. Also one last thing for your own safety and well-being trying to keep your perverted side in check around him."

Asia then raises her hand to speak but Rias just shakes her head, "Asia you don't need to raise your hand to speak just say what's on your mind." "Ahh yes sorry, if Lord Anos is older than you why is he not the head of the family?"

"Unlike me, my brother doesn't have the power of destruction so I was made the heir." Asia nods in understanding, "so what makes Lord Anos so strong?" "Well like you heard from Kiba he is a prodigy, probably even a prodigy among prodigies. Even though he lost his title he is still respected by almost all high-class devils and one of the most popular youths in the underworld."

"Wow, Rias your brother sounds amazing I can't wait to meet him. I wonder how strong his peerage is?" "Actually my brother doesn't have a peerage, if I can remember he said he doesn't need one or something along those lines," Rias then turns her attention toward Grayfia, "Grayfia did my brother tell you where to meet him."

Grayfia nods, "yes he said he will meet you at the Gremory estate in the mountains near Kuoh at 8:30 am." Rias nods reluctantly, "fine that is gonna be a long ten days. Okay everyone we will meet here tomorrow morning then make our way there." After saying that a unanimous yes ma'am could be heard from the clubroom.

Transition Back to Anos and Mittelt

"Good now let's get back on topic and talk about your two new abilities." Mittelt chuckles nervously while rubbing the back of her head, "let's start with that black light spear?" "Yes well remember when you told me that it could be possible to fuse both holy and devil powers?"

Anos nods now understanding where her inspiration came from for creating that spear, "well that's where I got that idea?" "Now how did you create it after only learning that something like that could theoretically be possible.

"Well after our training sessions I would sneak off to train in secret, but it was really hard I blew up myself more times than I can remember trying to find the perfect balance between the two." "I see that also explain how you got so good at healing magic?"

Mittelt nods with a nervous smirk, "yea I broke my hands more times than I could remember. So I guess I got a lot better than I thought." Anos then points to Mittelt's hands, "your hands suffered internal damage from the usage of that spell and it appears the damage was worse for the rest of your body,"

Mittelt'e eye's narrowed slightly as she felt some bad news was coming, "it also appears that merging two foreign elements without the proper training has damaged your soul.

You should have come to me about this I could have helped you train properly," tears start to form in her eyes as she thinks that she was draining her own life force anytime she used that attack,

Anos then sends her a caring smile easing her worries, "but not all hope is lost I can heal you but it will take time so I will need you to stop using that spell until I give you the proper training on how to use it."

Mittelt wipes a tear that was forming on her face, "I didn't know but why help me again? You already helping me again with my vengeance now because of my recklessness you are going to repair my soul why go so far for me?"

"I said I would help you and if I need to repair your soul I will." Mittelt was just staring at Anos puzzled as to how a man who earned the title Demon King of Tyranny could still be so kind.

The more she stared into his red eyes the more she couldn't see the man who wiped out thousands with his own hands all she saw was kindness and beauty, Anos just smiles back at her warmly, and unknown to Mittelt her views on devils were changing more and more as she spent more time with Anos.

Anos then continues the conversation, "now let's talk about your other attack. I must say it was pretty impressive," Mittelt nervously rubs the back of her head, "thanks but honestly I don't know how I did it and truth be told a lot of it is kind of a blur."

"Well that's to be expected I manipulated your emotions a little," Mittelt stops rubbing the back of her head and just deadpans, "well it's not as bad as you think. I just wanted to see how far I could push you and the result was more than I expected."

"I mean your eyes always scare me it's just the power emanating from them that scares me. What are those eyes of yours?" "Well, that's to be expected these eyes of mine are very powerful but don't worry I wouldn't unleash the full power onto you."

A drop of sweat starts to fall down her face, "what do you mean full power?" An ominous smirk forms on Anos's face, "well if I did unleash the full power of my eyes you most likely die from shock."

Mittelt just signs and pinches her nose, "you know every day I try to understand the depth of your power but I guess I should just give up on trying to comprehend your power."

Transition to the Phenex Estate a Few Minutes Earlier

After arriving back from the human world Riser had received a scolding from both his mother and father about going to the human world after they told him not to, "Riser didn't I give you clear instructions not to go to the human world?"

"Yes, father but…" but Riser is cut off when his father lifts his hand cutting him off, "no buts Riser but thanks to you going up there this Rating may be what we need to get this marriage pushed forward. So you better not lose, the pride of the Phenex family is weighing on this so don't screw it up."

After being chastised for almost an hour Riser leaves his parent's room to go to his room where his peerage was waiting for him. When the door opens revealing Riser, Ravel looks to him, "brother do you think that was the smartest idea to antagonize her? I mean her peerage may seem weak but you never know what might happen during the rating game. I suggest we plan for the unexpected."

Risers was currently walking the couch in his room as his peerage began to follow him and sit around him, "it matters not she doesn't even have a full peerage, so don't worry Ravel everything will work out."

Ravel just shakes her head in disapproval, "brother if you underestimate our opponents we could end up in trouble in the rating and I have a good feeling that Lord Anos might train them, and if he does then there is a chance that they won't be the same peerage that we saw this afternoon."

Yubelluna who was currently sitting next to Riser also adds her own worries to the conversation, "Lady Phenex is right Lord Riser just think of Sairaorg Bael, he is a devil with no magical power of his own. But after training with Anos for a few years somehow he attained supernatural strength and is now among the rookies five known as the most physically strongest youth.

With the only one to rival him, being Anos being known as the strongest magical youth. Lots of devils have gone to Anos to train but few actually stay long enough to show any growth. So I suggest we make plans just in case he trains them. "

Riser hated the idea that Rias's peerage could have any hope of beating him but he couldn't deny that Anos had a strange ability to bring out the full potential out of people and if he was given a week to train her peerage they may not become anything outrageous but could grow enough to be a challenge.

After sitting in silence for a few seconds Riser stands, "Riser has heard you both and understands the possible threat. So Ravel I will leave the planning to you but come up with more than one just in case one fails, I have no intention of losing my seven-win streak under any circumstances."

Ravel nods and walks out of the room to start planning but unknown to everyone but Riser and someone else he had his own agenda for this rating game.

Transition to the Khaos Brigade

A devil comes flying into a meeting room interrupting a meeting between the current leaders of the old satan faction and is quickly killed by Shalba, "who the hell does that devil think he is for interrupting us?"

Katerea just sighs a looks at the scattered remains of the devil on the floor and walls, "well thanks for that now we don't know why he came in here." Shalba just shrugs, "if it's important he would have told more than one person and they will come and inform us."

"Yea but you could have at least tried not to kill him," "that's his punishment for interrupting me while I was talking. Now let's get back on topic how has the progress gone with locating Ophis Creuserey?"

Creuserey stands after being addressed and picks up a few papers that have the current information on the topic, "unfortunately no over the course of the past four days it has become very difficult to track her movements. Although it's not like we are completely lost in the dark, it appears she has been leaving on a schedule.

She disappears early in the morning and comes back at night between 10:00 and 11:00 likely to watch someone of interest but it is unknown who or what she is watching. All attempts to ask her have given us nothing and we have also asked the Vali Team who usually converses with her the most but they haven't given us any information but we speculate that they might have an idea of her location but are keeping it from us for some unknown reason."

Katerea then cuts off Creuserey asking him, "what makes you think they know something because I asked Vali myself and he said he knew nothing?" Creuserey nods, "yes I know but after further investigation, we found out that five days ago she talked to Vali for an unknown reason but we speculate it has something to do with why she is disappearing longer than usual."

Shalba slams his fist on the table cracking it slightly, "we should fucking rip the information out of that half-blooded piece of shit." Katerea rolls her eyes and sighs pinching her forehead, "you go right ahead and try to get the information out of him. Just remember he may be a half-blood but he is a Lucifer and the current welder of the white dragon emperor so just keep that in mind."

Shalba scoffs, "I know that no need to remind me but he still may know where she has been going." A knock then comes to the door gathering all the devil's attention, "pardon the interruption but Ophis has been spotted talking to Vali in the training area."

All three devils' eyes open wide in surprise and quickly stand to their feet and dart out the room and fly to the training area as quickly as possible. All three devils stop in front of the doors with Shalba blasting the door off its hinges, "Ophis where are you? We need to talk and I won't be taking "none of your business" as a suitable answer."

A large laugh could be heard by Bikou who was currently sitting on a cloud, "man you are just as loud as ever." "Shut-up monkey I wasn't talking to you! Now Ophis…" but Shalba stops mid-way after seeing the person in question talking to Vali as if she didn't even notice his dramatic entrance.

Shalba then stomps toward Ophis leaving small cracks under the earth with every step, after getting close enough to touch her he reaches out his hand to grab her but is stopped by Vali. "Can I help you Shalba we are talking?"

"Shut it half-blood I'm not talking to you," Vali was going to say something else but stops when Ophis lifts her hand, "it's fine what do you need now Shalba?" Shalba's eye twitches, "what we need is your assistance with carrying out our plan, now come with us."

Ophis then shakes her head while staring directly at Shalba, "no…you do not need me. What you want is power, not me." Shalba shrugs, "same thing it doesn't matter. Just come on." Shalba was about to reach out and grab Ophis but a purple snake wrapped around his arm lifting him high into the air and tosses him into a wall, "Shalba you should remember who you are talking to.

I am the Dragon God of Infinity you should remember your place or I shall kill you here and now." Katerea steps between Ophis and the direction where Shalba was thrown with her arms extended, "Ophis we meant no disrespect but we need your power to enact our plans and we can't do that if you keep leaving."

Ophis then turns her attention towards Katerea causing her to flinch a little, "I do not care for your plan all I desire is…" but Ophis pauses causing everyone to look at her curiously, she then shakes her head slowly, "yes I desire…I desire…my silence? Yes, silence and from now on I will decide whether or not I shall give you my power. Now leave before I decide to kill Shalba."

Katerea nods and gestures for Creuserey to get Shalba, Creuserey then walks to pick up the unconscious Shalba, and both devils walkout while carrying the unconscious Shalba. "Hey, Ophis are you alright you seemed to have stumbled on your words and you seem different?"

Ophis then turns her attention back to Vali, "I am fine do not worry, I will be leaving, as usual, tomorrow if you need me contact me and I shall return." Vali nods with a smirk, "so is he as strong as you keep hyping him up to be?" Ophis nods with a dry smirk," yes…yes he is."

Time Skip to the Next Day

Rias and her peerage were currently hiking up a mountain with Issei, Kiba, and Koneko trailing behind holding the bags, Asia then tugs on Rias sleeve, "hey do you where your brother is, I thought he was going to meet us at the foot of the mountain?"

Rias just shakes her head and shrugs, "honestly I have no idea, I tried calling him but he never picked so I assume he is up to something," then a loud groan could be heard coming from Issei grabbing Rias, Akeno, and Asia's attention they all notice that Issei was struggling to carry his bag up the mountain and decide to get him a little support to help boost his morale.

"You're almost there! Just a few more feet!" "Visualize, Issei!" Asia turns to Rias feeling a little bad that Issei had to carry that much stuff, "Rias? Should I go get some of those bags for him?"

"No, he needs this to help get himself a little warmed up for whatever my brother has planned. Trust me he will be fine." Issei's pace had begun to slow down and with Kiba passing him caring a bag a little larger than his, Issei then gets frustrated thinking that Kiba was carrying a lighter bag but quickly shuts up when Koneko passes him with a bag five times the size of his.

After hiking for almost an hour all six devils finally reach the top with Issei falling on his back from pure exhaustion gasping for air. Rias was about to say something but Koneko throws her bag on the ground and runs toward Rias tackling her to the ground, "Koneko what are you…" but Rias is cut off when a large lightning bolt strikes the ground right where Rias was just standing moments.

Everyone takes a defensive stance to try and their attacker, Issei was still laying on his back but then yells, "look above us." Causing everyone to look to the sky, it was two fallen Angels.

A three-winged and a four-winged, "hello devils glad you could join us…our leader told us that Rias Gremory and her peerage were going to be but when we arrived there was some random devil up here and instead so we killed him."

The fallen angel laughs and a magic circle appears in his hand with the Gremory symbol that Anos wears on his shoulders then he tosses it toward Rias with a sinister smirk. The Fallen Angel next to him lets out a sinister laugh, "that guy was strong but we are lucky we were able to seal him away. I thought it would be harder to seal him away but what do you know he was stupid enough to get trapped. HAHAHAAH…ouch…why did you hit me on the back of the head?"

The other fallen doesn't say anything and she just nods while messaging her head, "well whatever, get ready devils it's time to die."

End Chapter