Chapter 4: Worthlessness


Danhauser wished Cleria came back once again to the Underworld. Yes, her presence is a must right now. She may be having the greatest day of her life with the humans. Hopefully, the exorcist that sentenced her execution isn't in Kuoh, yet. Back on track, it's a pity that Cleria had to stay one day here in the castle of Belial, she could at least stay for the whole week. Besides Diehauser, she was perhaps one of the most comfortable people he could properly talk without feeling awkward during a conversation.

Not only that, but Danhauser honestly preferred a beautiful woman waking him up harshly than an infamous killer that merely sat beside his bed until the younger devil awakened. Yes, that just happened a moment ago. Since Cleria doesn't live here, Gilles is now in charge of making sure that the Belial Brothers are awake for the morning and ready to continue with their interesting lives.

Which is weird—he thought. He understands why Diehauser has had to be awake since he's the current leader of the House of Belial, but Danhauser? He's honestly not going to school or doing any activities to help further the castle. Don't take him wrong. He doesn't mind waking up in the morning, even if he acts kind of grumpy during the first part of the day. Because in that way, he'd practice with his demonic power, either by shooting demonic bullets at a target or by blocking Bova's attacks with his insane barriers.

Indeed, since the day Bova knew about his 'rival' joining the world of the living once again. He'd take the chance to fly towards Diehauser's territory without asking for his father's blessing. Not that Lord Belial cared if the dragon stood in the backyard waiting for Danhauser to come down and spar, in fact, he'd find it amusing.

For Danhauser, however, it was not. Bova didn't hold back at all, and he went with different types of techniques to catch him off guard and land a right hook at the devil.

Bova adores to play rough, that's a given. Danhauser doesn't share the same sentiment as the dragon, but he had taken a look at the bright side. At least he's putting in practice his demonic powers to counter Bova's blows and those hot flames.

While Danhauser is starting to grab a liking for the dragon, he's getting somewhat annoyed by Bova's stubbornness. He'd visited him like three fucking times in a day. He cannot comprehend where Bova grabbed a lot of energy to continue fighting, the answer to that may be because he's a damn dragon and the youngest son of Tannin.

Today was not an exception, Bova had appeared, and the two started with the official routine. When their sparring finished—much to Bova's disappointment—Danhauser would go back inside the castle with Bova flying back to Tannin's territory, giving a warning to his rival that he'd come back for the next round.

He'd been practicing in his room for hours every day, wishing to sharpen his use of demonic power when the times indeed comes. He'd only go outside of his dormitory to eat and socialize with the family, and of course, train with Bova.

Today, however, was a beautiful day.

"First of all, let me congratulate you for manipulating your demonic power." Diehauser started, patting Danhauser's hair. "Say, did you learned by yourself or someone lent you a hand?"

Slapping Diehauser's hand, Danhauser responded, "mom helped me."

"…" No words came from the Emperor's mouth, looking Danhauser up and down with a blank look, trying to find any scar behind those clothes. He finally spoke. "Sorry, but did you said mother helped you?"

"Yeah," Danhauser frowned at his reaction. "Wasn't this your idea of mom and I getting along?"

"No," Diehauser shook his head, making Danhauser's eyes widen at his blunt answer, "while I was planning something to make mother and you reconcile. The idea of her training you had never crossed my mind."

Since the day when Danhauser received discipline about demonic power from Calcabrina, their relationship had moderately increased. They'd talked properly such as deeper information of demonic power, which his mother gladly answered, of course, being awkward in conversations, he'd just listen intently and ask questions to keep the tense silence away from the two devils.

He knows that their relationship is not one of mother and son yet, but they're going there.

"I'm impressed," Diehauser commented, hands inside his pockets. "To think that you'd survived mom's training. In the future, you should write a book about it."

"It wasn't that bad," Danhauser added his two cents, standing up for her.

"Really?"

"Well," Danhauser pursed his lips, flashbacks of getting threatened by a trident clouding his mind. He scratched his neck awkwardly, "while she took me by surprise… she did it for the sole purpose to keep my mind sharp and agile."

"Dan, what did she do?"

"She assaulted me with a trident."

"Ah, that's it?"

"What's that supposed to mean…?" Danhauser watched how Diehauser waved off his answer. Closing his eyes the young Belial sighed, looking up at the Champion who was entertaining himself by looking at the livid forest. "Not that I want to put pressure on you, or ruin your peaceful moment, but when are we going to start my training?"

"Right now young master, heh," Danhauser had heard that dry and French voice before, the one that sent a chill crawl up his spine. Turning around, he spotted the butler walking towards the two with the same creepy smile he wears around him. Gilles' hands are carrying a small container that has the shape of a box of donuts.

"Damn, not you again," Danhauser voiced out his thoughts, after having that fucked up morning, the last thing he desired was finding Gilles around the manor.

Diehauser chuckled at his brother's expression. He didn't mind if he swore in front of him, Calcabrina, of course, didn't like hearing such words around the corridors, as a good older brother he had advised him to do it moderately and defiantly not in front of their mother. Poor bastard whoever Calcabrina found speaking the ancient tongue of sailors.

"I'm so delighted you missed my existence, young master," Gilles cackled at Danhauser's glare, facing his entertained King with respect. "Master, I brought the materials to start the exercise."

"Excellent. Thank you, Gilles." Taking the box from Gilles' hands, the Queen bowed in respect before standing at his Master's side. "By the way, how was your contract with your client?"

"The usual thing, Master," Gilles drawled, seeing that the Emperor wanted to hear more, he added, "I made sure there were not bandits around the tribe."

"Good," Diehauser nodded, turning to the young Belial. "Alright, now that Gilles finally made it here, we can now begin the session."

"Wait, he's going to stay here?" Danhauser pointed an accusing finger at the former Marshal of France who, in return, feigned unhappiness.

"Yes, I need him for some important things."

"If you get wounded during the sparring, do not hesitate to ask for my assistance, young master." Gilles chuckled at his sharp look, "I'd received compliments because of my outstanding medical skills, heh."

"How unlucky," Danhauser sighed, displeased, not believing the words of the former companion-in-arms of La Pucelle. "Anyways, when are we going to start, brother?"

Gilles would send a teased in his way if it wasn't for Diehauser, who harrumphed quite loudly for their tastes.

Turning into the center of attention, Diehauser stood straight and moved his hands behind his back, with a stoic expression, he addressed everybody. "Good morning class."

"…Uh, no offense, but it's already afternoon." Danhauser pointed out, scratching his cheek awkwardly, "so it should be—"

"Good morning class."

"But—"

"Good morning class."

"Good morning." Danhauser heaved a sigh, finally giving up. Still noticing the deadpan stare, he added. "Professor Belial."

"Good morning, my students." Professor Belial greeted back, nodding at his 'students.' "Please my apprentices, take a seat."

Danhauser glared at the grass underneath him. He slumped into the soft pasture.

"Today, we'll discuss …" The 'teacher' offered an unnecessary and dramatic silence, mentally cursing for not bringing at least a small board and a chalk for the class. "…Worthlessness."

Clapping, Diehauser enthusiastically rubbed his hands. Professor Belial began scanning his 'students,' trying to hunt the first prey. "Before we start class, does anyone has a question in mind? Remember, there are no mistakes, just happy accidents."

In the meantime, Danhauser tried to find a better position in the grass, waiting for the 'professor' to start the topic. He remained in silence for a moment, feeling how the absence of sound covers their surroundings. Finally catching the message, he groaned and took the bullet for the team. Hesitantly, Danhauser raised a hand.

"Excellent glad you're so participating a lot today. What is your question, Dan?"

"Diehauser, are you ok?"

"…" the teacher froze on the spot, staring blankly at Danhauser's eyes. His loyal Butler, laughing at the unexpected comment.

He turned to his amused Queen, "You know what to do."

Danhauser blinked, "I'm sorry, but—!"

Before Danhauser could express his confusion, he felt something land on his hair. Slowly moving his hands to feel the object over his head, he gasped.

The Dunce cap smote him.

"That's what you get for being a troublesome child." Diehauser lectured flatly while using the scolding finger.

Danhauser sighed, adjusting his new hat, ignoring Gilles' grin.

"Anyways," the Champion coughed into his fist, "Since you're a member of the House of Belial, you have the ability Worthlessness, which, it allows us to cancel out the powers of people and objects, making them unable to utilize their powers as long as they are under our effect." He paused. "Any questions?"

"I do," Danhauser admitted, raising his hand which earned him a 'go on' from the 'teacher,' "is the effect permanent, or it has a limit?"

"There's a limit," Diehauser answered, "the enemy cannot use the spell you rendered worthless for a few seconds. I'll give you an example. I have regenerative abilities, you use your powers and nullify my regeneration for six seconds. Three seconds had already passed, however." He raised a finger. "If you managed on casting a spell on me once again before the time ended, it would reset back to zero, and the cycle once again starts, do I make myself clear?"

Danhauser hummed, scratching his chin, letting his brother's words sink in. Finally, he nodded. "Can I increase the time of my curse, to eight or maybe ten seconds?"

"Yes, you can, you only need to practice a lot with our Clan trait." Diehauser shrugged, "take me as an example, mine lasts for an extended amount of time."

"For how long?" Danhauser asked, curious to know how much it'd take for Diehauser's curse to fade away.

Diehauser teasingly smiled, "long." He turned serious once again, "there are spells or objects that you just don't negate for a few seconds, but wipe out completely."

"Such as?"

"…" Diehauser shut his mouth close. Taking the box away from his armpit, he shifted the package under a hand and moved it closer to his little brother. "Why don't you figure it out?"

Leaving his seat on the grass, Danhauser didn't take the small crate from Diehauser. He inspected it quietly, quickly spotting a familiar emblem that resembles an orange phoenix encased in a circular shape.

"Could it be…" Danhauser thought, opening the package. "Are these….?"

"Phoenix Tears." Diehauser interrupted him, shaking the box slightly and taking Danhauser's pointed hat. "The famous beverage that can instantly heal lethal wounds and reattach severed limbs."

"They are quite expensive too…" Gilles muttered under his breath, grunting.

"These potions are an excellent example of what I'm implying." Diehauser continued, paying no attention to Gilles' whines. "Once our abilities corrupt this potion, it'll lose its value."

Randomly grabbing a Phoenix Tear, he led the box to Gilles with the latter immediately snatching it from the Emperor's grasp. Diehauser closed his eyes and wrapped his fingers tightly around the vial.

Danhauser merely watched, amazement shimmering in his eyes. He saw how Diehauser's hand engulfed by the color of the Belial housecarl followed by a black tint. After a few minutes, the dark aura vanished, showing once again his fist unharmed and clenched around the small drink.

"Take a look," Diehauser opened his hand, revealing to the world his handiwork.

Nothing changed about the object, what truly changed resides in the bottle. Back then, the liquid debated between dark purple or crimson. Danhauser thought it'd switch to a transparent and nearly colorless substance, similar to water.

The development was far more than meets the eye, it was gray in color, proving that the complete change was a success.

"This will never turn back to its previous form," Diehauser explained, "you know why?"

"No, I don't."

"Wrong answer." Once again, the hat landed on Danhauser's head, much to his dismay.

Lord Belial started. "The reason is that the Phoenix Tears instantly lose their power if they get contaminated in any way," he shook the vial gently, "this also goes for other types of potions made by humans, holy priests, alchemists and other entities. Elixirs are strict when it comes to adding ingredients because they demand you to follow the recipe step by step if you, of course, want the drink work correctly. If you add something that doesn't monitor the regimen, then the vial won't work."

"So if the recipe says something like 'add 5 grams of this' then I need to add that amount accurately?"

"Exactly." The Emperor bobbed his head, "that's why potions are expensive because the dilemma to make one, the ingredients they ask, and the powerful effect the liquid hides."

"You know, I never expected you to know about this stuff, brother." Danhauser grinned, making sure the hat didn't fall off.

"Well, it's all thanks to Gilles." Diehauser nodded to the Queen.

"Oh please, I do not deserve the praise." Gilles waved off the flattery. "While I already knew things about alchemy and such, Master's Bishop is the one who exceeds about this subjects."

"We're avoiding the issue here…" Diehauser trailed off, rubbing his neck. "Anyways, now let's jump to the cons," taking the role of a teacher. He continued, "while our Housecarl trait is amazing, there are a few things you need to know, the essential key to this power is knowing your enemy as yourself, you need to know the attacks before you can nullify them and make contact with the enemy."

"With touch, you mean with my bare fists, or I can use other things?" Danhauser asked.

"I'll get into that, let me explain this first," Diehauser stated, earning a quick apology from his brother. "Don't see this power as something that it'd solve all your solutions." The Champion warned, "keep in mind that it only negates powers and that's it. It doesn't annihilate your foes like the power of destruction from the House of Bael, nor it burns them like the flames of the Phenex Clan, meaning that you'd need to learn how to use either a weapon or follow my steps from that part, or whatever suits your tastes. Yes, you can infuse our Clan trait to a weapon and demonic power."

"By following his steps, he meant learning hand to hand combat," Danhauser thought, clicking his tongue. Danhauser, of course, is going to train with the Emperor of the Rating Games in the arts of combat, plus, Danhauser has had Bova as sparring partner already, the difference between his brother and the dragon is one would hold back while the other one just adores punching things.

He also has had been practicing with his demonic power; maybe he can do the same as Diehauser, apply Worthlessness in his demonic power attacks to inflict damage while disabling any defenses the enemy may hold.

The thought of using a weapon wasn't a bad idea—he thought. Danhauser's mother could fill that gap, heck, Calcabrina had shown enough skills to handle a trident, and that type of weapon could be useful if Danhauser didn't want to stay close to the enemy and just go for the poke, or even if he didn't like it, ask the help of Gilles with the way of the sword, too. He just has to deal with the Queen's morbid humor.

However, since Danhauser's still not participating in Rating Games, nor danger is lurking around the corner—yet—Danhauser could focus on one thing for the meantime.

"Ready to try it by yourself?" The voice of his brother snapped him from his daydreaming. Shaking his head, he saw in Diehauser's palm another Phoenix Tear.

Taking hold of the enchanted cup, he followed the same steps as the Emperor did, clenching it tightly.

"Remember, analyze the object in your hands." Diehauser reminded him, earning a nod from Danhauser. "Then by using the necessary amount of demonic power, use your imagination to cast Worthlessness."

"What should I imagine?" Danhauser asked, already sending a piece of demonic power in his grip. Since the day he understood how to control his powers, he loved the way it felt warping the aura around his hand or any part of his body. It was like burying your limbs in warm water.

"Think of the vial, but without value."

Danhauser nodded. "Alright, we know that the Phoenix Tears hold a single tear that belongs to the Devils of the House of Phenex. They can heal wounds and reattach cleaved limbs. It doesn't restore blood loss and organ damage?" Danhauser bit his lip, trying to remember if there's something else, but stopped. "I already mentioned what it could do, and the materials, that's enough."

Once again recalling the well of energy residing within his spirit, he commanded it to act. It responded immediately. It was like if he just summoned a gray ball of fire rather than his house trait.

He couldn't hear it. His ability not even imitating the noise of burning flames or sparks crackling around his fingers. It was silent. Danhauser didn't feel Worthlessness, just his demonic power in his fist.

Worthlessness disappeared, like if someone blew off a candle, leaving his hand and the bottle clean from the gray mantra. Stretching his fingers, he inspected the Phoenix Tears.

Danhauser grinned.

Allowing Lord Belial and the Queen to take a glimpse of his hard work, Danhauser held it from the tip of the cup, showing them the results.

"Nice job," Diehauser returned the smile, pleased of seeing the youngest Belial getting excited because of a small trick. "Congratulations, now you're a real Belial."

"I could get used to this," Danhauser chuckled, recalling Worthlessness in his hand and quickly dismissing it.

"Now that you used it on an object, now you'll use it on a person." Diehauser took a step back, hands inside his pockets."Go on, test it on me. Remember when you cast it on me, count to see how much it can stay in someone's body."

Nodding, Danhauser placed a hand on his toned stomach, something that perhaps half of the female devil population would envy to be in his place.

He once again channeled his nullifying powers, when he cursed his brother, Worthlessness brought a different effect.

The gray flames appeared, that's the only thing that didn't change, however, once Danhauser took out his palm, something stayed behind.

Situated on Diehauser's stomach lays the crest of the Belial Family; it was the same size as Danhauser's head, and it looked like a tattoo.

He started counting.

One.

Two.

Three.

Four.

Five.

Boom.

Of course, it didn't explode, but it utterly shattered like a rock thrown into a plane glass. The interesting fact is when Worthlessness splintered; it didn't make a slight sound to signalize its disappearance.

"Five seconds," Diehauser once again spoke, making Danhauser look up to him. "Your Worthlessness lasts for five seconds."

"Is that a good or a bad thing?" Danhauser tried to make eye contact with him, but his brother is huge, he needed to take a few steps back to look at the Emperor right in the eye.

Diehauser rolled one shoulder. "It depends on how you look at it."

Danhauser frowned. "I see." Suddenly, he felt the Dunce cap getting pushed away, replaced by a soft hand.

"You did great, Dan." Diehauser congratulated on his achievement, ruffling his gray mane. "Training is over. Now go take a rest and a good sleep, tomorrow is going to be a new day for you."

Danhauser curved a brow, this time not pushing Diehauser's hand away. He couldn't help but blurt the first question in his mind. "Why?"

Diehauser smiled. "Because tomorrow, you're going to school."

"I repeat the same sentiment." Danhauser harrumphed, before looking at Diehauser with disbelief. "Why?"

Diehauser scoffed, arms folded. "What? You thought that you'd slack off in our castle?"

"Hold on a second! I am not slacking off!" Danhauser retorted, triggered. "For your information, I am practicing with my demonic powers, plus sparring with Bova, and now that I'd learned my House Trait, I plan on focusing on that matter."

"Well, you better add a fourth thing to your schedule," Diehauser commented, unfazed. "It's no good for you to stay in the manor for so long."

"…" Danhauser stood silent for a while. He's not going to fight because of something silly. It was like a prophecy for the gray-haired. He's a child of a great house whose rank is King, of course, he'd attend to a building that offers a system of education for the heirs and heiresses with a high ranking status like him.

Danhauser didn't mind learning. The issue was the Academy that he's going to enroll, he didn't care which one or the positive feedbacks it received from either the students, parents, or government. He preferred to have a personal teacher that could teach him in the castle. Being surrounded by children when he'd always been awkward around people made him feel dizzy, and since this is not the human world, but the underworld, acting like a noble is a must in the pavement of Hell.

"…Fine." Danhauser sighed, not spotting a solution to escape from this rabbit hole.

Giving a few pats of comfort, Diehauser took his hand away. "Glad you didn't start a pointless wrangling. Your mother is the one who will escort you there and pick you up, sometimes I'll go, or someone from my peerage will fill the spot, if Cleria decides to stay here for a while, then she'd do the same thing." He nodded at the box. "Keep the healing potions, use them wisely."

Danhauser nodded and picked up the powerful vials. Waving goodbye, he marched towards the manor.

"That went better than I expected," Gilles commented, watching how Danhauser disappeared inside the building.

"Likewise. I thought that this would've turned into a childish brawl." Diehauser sighed, rolling a shoulder. "He always loved discussing even for the smallest things. It seems that he still wields that troublesome tongue, but he knows how to handle it now."

"He still does not agree with the idea, though."

"I know, but slowly he'll get used to it."

"Now that that is out of the way…" Gilles trailed off, facing his King. "I have received news from your father."

"… What is it?"

"Apparently his job is weighing him down," Gilles responded, flexing his fingers, breaking eye contact. "It seems that he postponed the visit for another occasion."

Diehauser grunted, dissatisfied. "Couldn't he just ask for a few days like I just did?"

"You need to understand that his duty on the Citadel is way harsher than yours in the Ars Goetia, Master." Gilles offered a look of empathy at his savior. Suddenly, he softly smiled. "I have good news, however."

Diehauser didn't say a word, only shooting him an arched eyebrow. Gilles grinned. "Your uncle is paying a visit."

Diehauser scoffed, folding his arms. "The ugly geezer?"

The French chuckled at Diehauser's words, seeing how the Emperor was holding a smile. "Oui, oui. That one, should I inform Lady Cleria and Lady Calcabrina? You know how the former adores his presence."

"And how the latter gets annoyed because of his antics," Diehauser broke into a smile, lifting a finger. "Do so, and while you're at it, knowledge mom about her taking Dan to school."

Gilles once again bowed like a real nobleman. "Your wish is my command, master." Nothing else to add, de Rais walked away from his master, dropping out of sight.

"How troublesome." Diehauser face palmed. "I also have business with Rudiger, whom never gave an appropriate date for his visit in my territory and Dan's Evil Pieces." He remembered contacting the Maou Beelzebub with the latter stating that Danhauser can come to Satan's territory to the register himself as a King, after all, Danhauser was supposed to earn his pieces at the same time as the previous generation. A good example from the former group of infants is the infamous defected child of Lord Bael.

"Better make an appointment with Beelzebub, then." Diehauser scratched his neck, joining the rest of his family inside the Belial Palace.


Today was the day where Danhauser was going to get signed with a bunch of brats.

Danhauser was still nervous, tensed on getting to know other kids of high-class rank that may act like their parents, no need to go further on that subject.

Walking on the streets of the current capital of Satan—Lilith—was Danhauser with a backpack, grasping his mother's hand tightly while looking at the buildings with a peak of interest, trying to find something to distract him away from the anxiety building in his heart.

Calcabrina whose glance didn't break away from her front, trapped in her thoughts. She didn't take the news of her son attending a school very well. Thankfully, she didn't throw a drama discussing with her eldest son—Diehauser—but the growls and curses mixed in the conversation. It was true what Lord Belial told her, Danhauser sooner or later was going to be the Head of their family.

However, she offered the same idea that Danhauser had yesterday, find a private teacher so his son could learn in their territory. Diehauser being stubborn dismissed the idea.

To keep it blunt, she's scared. Even if she didn't have the chance to attend in one, she knew a lot of them. Schools, for her, are a perfect way to corrupt the mind of a child. Just think about it, the brats learned by the actions of their parents and heavens knows how the parental figures treated their maids and butlers in front of their offspring, sooner or later, they'll follow their actions and bring them to the Institute.

She didn't want her son to act the same way. She accomplished in raising Diehauser as the way he is, a gentleman who doesn't discriminate other devils regardless of their background, and she's proud of her hard work.

Danhauser… Calcabrina never had the chance of raising him at all. Her husband had taken him to where right now he works and even lives. During that time, she missed seeing her son. She never saw him give his first steps or learn how to fly with his wings. She felt like her other half vanished.

Diehauser knew of her depression during that time. He'd called his father to bring his younger brother for a visit. The father had reluctantly accepted. That lifted Calcabrina's spirit to no end.

She'd made sure to have everything unique and extraordinary for the visit of the two males that filled her heart with joy. When they had reached the entrance, she was greeted by their sight.

The happiness, however, jumped out of the window.

Since that day, she felt distanced with the young Belial.

And she hated that, she hated herself of seeing her baby as…

as a…

Calcabrina shook her head, tightening her grip around Danhauser's hand. "The past is the past." Calcabrina took a deep breath. "This time, I'll make sure to raise you well, I swear on my life."

"Is something wrong?" The voice of her son brought her back to reality. Blinking, Calcabrina glanced down at her son who is as wearing a look of concern.

Calcabrina softly smiled. "Nothing is wrong, sweetie. Why you ask?"

"Well, your grasp hardened a little," Danhauser trailed off, scratching his cheek with his free hand.

Her eyes widened. "Oh, I'm sorry!" Calcabrina softened her handgrip. "I didn't mean to do that. I was contemplating."

"About what?"

Those formers years of fighting during the war between the Old Satans and Anti-Satan Faction indeed paid off, or else, she wouldn't learn how to keep her emotions under control.

Her smile turned into a small grin, followed by a wink. "When you turn eighteen, I'll tell you." Seeing her son pout made Calcabrina stick out her tongue playfully.

After that, once again silence. It wasn't awkward as the previous ones. This one was refreshing. Calcabrina would ask a question here and there, one of them involving Danhauser's training in the arts of Worthlessness.

"You know that you need to learn something else, don't you?" Calcabrina cooed, seeing how the two of them were nearing towards the school.

Danhauser frowned, looking down at his small shoes. "Yeah, I just don't know what."

"Then why don't you start by learning the house trait that you inherited from me?"

That made the child look up, wide-eyed. "Wait, I also have yours?!"

"Yes." Calcabrina hummed happily, ignoring the shocked expression of young Belial. "And this may sound egotistical, but I assure you. It'd match perfectly with your Belial trait."

"Why didn't my brother said a word of this or from you?"

Calcabrina giggled behind her hand. "Your brother was going to, but he thought that you'd rub it in his face when you find out."

"Well, duh!"

Calcabrina laughed.

They finally reached the gates of the school, seeing how the kids went deeper with their parents made them realize that Calcabrina could also follow her son inside the building, much to her relief. Danhauser noted that there were two types of schools, the usual one that shares the same mechanism and requirements as a school from the Human World.

And the one that Danhauser registered as a member. Its function is to teach the future generation on how to understand the basics of the most played game around the Underworld. The Rating Games. Interestingly enough, the Rating Games Academy was close to the monument that functions as a replacement for the King Piece.

Danhauser was in the third year, meaning that the previous owner of this body passed through first and the second year with a bang. The only con that he spotted was that it's mixed with the same structure as the common schools, in other words, more school subjects filling his backpack.

Something that found Calcabrina weird is the lack of attention towards her son. No, she doesn't want her son to be the center of attention, but Danhauser brought back to the death isn't a subject to turn a blind eye. Perhaps the Maous silenced the news.

When they got to the Academy, they saw that there was no school today, it was only an introduction ceremony and in a way, a welcome party for those who successfully graduated. It seems a lot of them passed the second year. They're a lot of them. It also didn't help that they were in a gymnasium of sorts. It was so difficult to walk and not get lost from his mother. She needed to move his son in front of her to make sure she didn't lose sight of him.

As they passed by, they couldn't help but listen to the chattering between children and the adults, some of them were normals talks, like introductions and pleasures, sometimes the youngsters would boast about their Housecarl, followed by their parents. Unfortunately, every noble had the same thought running in their head.

Marriage.

While Calcabrina sees this as a way to help the population of her kin grows. It still left her a sour taste in her mouth, how they took advantage of a ceremony that is supposed to socialize for the sake of favorizing their Clan via marriage that involved both son and daughter, sometimes the fathers would even flirt with the single woman, just to add her to his harem.

She'd wished so badly her trident was in her grasp; there are so many perfects targets to practice her aim.

Danhauser wasn't blind about this, either. He knew that since he has the mind of an adult, but the body of a child, which, of course, made Calcabrina think he was still her innocent baby boy that didn't understand the true nature of Devils. He also hated the sound of this place; it seemed like a global market. He hates loudness. He prefers the sound of silence.

A few would approach Calcabrina and Danhauser but immediately changed their direction after seeing Calcabrina's glare. In the end, mom and son walked towards the back of the gym.

Taking a seat with her son, Calcabrina sighed. She wished this ended so badly.

"Hey, Mom are you alright?" Danhauser asked, obviously knowing the answer for that.

Calcabrina forced a smile. "Yes, I am fine. Forgive me if I don't look excited, I just didn't have a good morning."

"…" Danhauser stayed silent, knowing full well that she was lying and that he couldn't force her to spit the truth, sticking to watch the crowd of urgent devils. Then, he remembered something. "Ah, by the way, mom?"

"Hmm?"

"We need to wear this." Danhauser took out name badges from his pocket, giving one to his mother. "It's just for today…"

"I-I don't need it." Calcabrina stammered out, making Danhauser raised a brow.

"Why?"

"If they want to know my name, they have to ask for it."

Before Danhauser could open his mouth, he stopped by a few the sudden sound of a microphone getting tapped, the sound echoing on the speakers. With that simple motion earned a total silence around the building.

Standing on the stage was a man who screams superiority with those noble clothes, and looked around his early or mid-twenties, light blue eyes matching with his slicked green hair. Last but not least, the aura that is sending chills to everyone's spines. It was so powerful that even his mother, Calcabrina, was wary of his presence.

Ajuka Beelzebub. A man of unimaginable power.

Eyeing the group without wearing off that enigmatic face of his, Ajuka addressed the large assembly. "Greetings, young ones, and their parents. I welcome each one of you to the Rating Game Academy."

He paused.

The Satan's face hardened. "I'll make this quick. You have joined in this new generation to learn on how to act as a King for your Peerage—to grind your knowledge and learn from your errors. When you finished, you will lead those people who are prepared to follow you. Unfortunately, I lay my eyes on each one of you, and I only found hungry, thirsty, obsessed people with raw power and energy, lacking a purpose, direction, and destination."

Everyone started whispering among themselves, baffled by the Maou's blunt words. They were expecting a warm welcome, followed by a 'congratulations' for making it this far because of their knowledge and sheer effort.

They weren't expecting the bitch slaps.

"Each one of you presumes that your Clan's status will save you from this, if so, then, please don't dare to take a step to the Institute. Leave those seats for the Devils who have a clear sense of purpose, a clear sense of direction and a clear picture of the destination."

And with that, Beelzebub stepped off of the stage. Leaving all the audience completely dumbstruck.

"That was… cold." Commented Calcabrina, scowling at Ajuka's choice of words.

"Indeed." Calcabrina was expecting a response from her child, but she never foresaw a female voice invading the conversation. "I hope Lord Beelzebub's harsh words don't affect the children negatively."

Looking at the owner of the voice, Calcabrina found a woman sitting on her right side. She looked around her thirties with a beautiful dress, short black hair and emerald eyes.

Besides this woman was a rather gloomy child, whose eyes are shadowed by his black hair.

"I'm sorry, but do I know you?" Calcabrina asked, looking at the woman cautiously.

The woman smiled. "Oh, where are my manners?" She coughed into her fist, extending a hand. "My name is Misla Bael, a pleasure meeting you…?"

Calcabrina blinked in surprise, followed by Danhauser. She knew about the woman in front of her, just as her surname implies, she's a member of one of the highest-rank Clan amongst the Ars Goetia, holding the rank of Great King.

Not even her Housecarl is superior to hers.

Danhauser on the other hand, knew of her a lot.

"Then that boy is the future strongest youth?" Danhauser peeked at the ebony-haired child, who was finding his pair of shoes way more interesting than this obnoxious place.

"Calcabrina." Lady Belial took hold of her hand, accepting the handshake. "Calcabrina Belial."

Misla's eyes widened in surprise, glancing down at her hand. "Oh my," she was left breathless, breaking the grip while rubbing her now sore hand. "I wouldn't imagine meeting someone like you in a place like this, no offense."

"None taken."

"That'd explain such grasp of yours, too, Lady Belial."

Calcabrina gasped slightly, a pink tint adorning her cheeks. "I-I'm sorry, I-I wasn't aiming to-!"

Misla laughed at Lady Belial's reaction, waving off her apology. "No need to apologize, just trying to break that stoic mask of yours, dear." She moved closer to Calcabrina's face, surprising the latter. "I assume you also brought your child to the ceremony?"

Calcabrina just nodded, still flustered.

Misla's eyes sparkled at her answer, her spirit-lifting with hope. "Oh! Where is he?"

Calcabrina's shyness completely dissolved, she shot Misla a warning glare. "Why?"

Misla wasn't affected by the sharp look; surprisingly, her smile widened a little more. "Well, everyone needs a friend, right?"

Calcabrina's gaze didn't falter by Misla's response, she slowly scowled, trying to see behind that smile of hers. Her eyes are instinctively wandering to the quiet boy at Misla's side.

"Introduce yourself, sweetie." Calcabrina moved her son forward, still looking at Misla with wary eyes.

"Uh, right." Danhauser coughed in his hand before bowing slightly at the two. "My name is Danhauser Belial, pleasure meeting you two."

"You wouldn't be the one that…" Misla trailed off, knowing full well the news.

"Yes, he is," Calcabrina answered for Danhauser.

"I see," her smile returned, this time brighter than before. Grabbing the hand of her son, Misla moved him forward, patting his head softly. "This is my baby boy." She glanced down at her 'baby boy' "Sweetie, say hello to Prince Belial."

The future strongest youth looked up, his violet eyes glaring at Danhauser who was waving back with an awkward grin.

"Tch." Misla's son clicked his tongue, looking away harshly, surprising the three.

"Sairaorg!" Misla chided at her son, seeing no reaction coming from Sairaorg, she continued. "That's not how you should treat the other children!"

"…" Sairaorg clenched his fists.

Misla faced Danhauser a look of remorse ruining her features. "I… I apologize for my son's behavior, please understand that he'd been through a lot the previous semesters. I hope you don't hold any grudge towards my Sairaorg."

Danhauser only nodded at her apology; his eyes still focused on the frustrated Sairaorg.

"Lady Belial?" Another voice jumped in the exchange; everyone turned around to see the outsider.

It was Ajuka Beelzebub.

"Y-Yes?" Calcabrina gulped, tensed at seeing the man she fought against standing in front of her.

Ignoring her frightened look, Ajuka continued. "I hope you don't mind me plug into the conversation, but I need to speak about your son's Evil Pieces." He faced Misla. "Privately."

"Oh! Of course, of course…" Misla sighed, standing up from her seat and taking hold of Sairaorg's hand. "We were just leaving already." She smiled at Calcabrina. "Goodbye Lady Belial, Prince Belial it was great socializing with the two of you…"

Misla acted quickly by walking away from the small group. Danhauser tried to say goodbye to them, especially at Sairaorg, but the broken child was getting scolded by his mother because of his previous actions.

"Anyways." Ajuka harrumphed, getting the attention of Danhauser. "I discussed with Emperor Belial yesterday about your son's lack of Evil Pieces; I encourage your son to fetch them, they're essential for the Rating Game Institute. If he doesn't, he won't participate in the school."

"I see…" Calcabrina bit her lip. "Is there still a chance for my son to retrieve them?"

"Luckily, yes." Ajuka offered a small smile. "He just needs to touch the monument to sign him up as a King of his peerage and recoup his Evil Pieces."

"And that's it?" She received a nod from the green-haired Devil. "Alright, when can we do this?"

"Tomorrow would be my suggestion," Ajuka answered. "If you feel fine about it, of course."

"…" Calcabrina looked at the floor with a frown, then turned her gaze to her son, who was staring back at her with hidden excitement.

Calcabrina smiled before facing the fake Beelzebub, nodding. "Tomorrow it is then."

"Excellent." Ajuka looked at the watch on his wrist. "I have to go; I'll inform Emperor Belial and give him the hour that we can start tomorrow."

"Of course, thank you, Lord Beelzebub." Calcabrina bowed with respect, followed by Danhauser.

"…" Ajuka only nodded, turning around and leaving mother and son mind their business.

"Yes!" Danhauser cheered mentally, fist pumping.

"I see someone's excited," Calcabrina noted, giggling at Danhauser's goofy grin. "I wonder why…?"

"I'll finally receive my Evil Pieces!" Danhauser exclaimed, facing his mother. "Isn't that cool, mom?"

Laughing, she caressed his gray hair, grabbing his small hand. "Relax, relax; you're making a scene."

"Oh sorry." Danhauser scratched the back of his head, the thrill still swimming in his veins. "I just want to form my peerage already."

"And I understand that." Calcabrina nodded, flashbacks of a small Diehauser acting the same. "You still don't know who to recruit, or you do?"

"Yeah…"

"See? First, you need to meet a lot of people and determine whether they want to join your cause." Calcabrina advised him. "If they accept, use the chess piece that they'd work better with." Calcabrina sighed. "Better get ready for tomorrow, sweetie. It's going to be heavy for you."

Not giving an answer, Danhauser merely sent a nod to his mother. Walking hand in hand, they left the piled up gymnasium.


Lurker: Jajaja me alegra que te haya encantado la madre, haver si este capitulo resuelve algunas dudas tuyas. Gracias por la review!

I think this is my longest chapter. Sorry if it bored you, if it did and make it so far, you deserve a damn medal.

Welp, that's it for the chapter, now Danhauser knows how to summon Worthlessness, now he needs to learn how to render other abilities into Worthlessness.

Later in the future, he will learn his mother's clan trait, not yet, but later.

And we met with the future strongest youth, Sairaorg Bael.

Something that I want to point out. Demonic power =/= Magic (Magicians)

I'm saying this right now because of my foolishness. I thought the two worked the same, and in a way, that physiology of mine ruined something of my fanfic. Yes, you can laugh at my intelligence.

Good news, I solved it. Yay.

Next chapter you can guess what's going to happen, if you don't, then I'll say it.

Evil Pieces. Yeah, finally.

If you see any grammar errors please tell me, I don't want to turn you blind, guys.

Anyways, I appreciate the support guys, see you in the next chapter.

Cheers.


Next Chapter: Evil Pieces.