Chapter 21: The Road to Emperor
His legs had led him to a quiet spot away from the manor as he sat down on the grass, cross-legged, mimicking to the best of his ability those professionals that he'd read about or seen in television, you know, the usual sit on a rock with a waterfall behind.
His eyes were closed as he had been meditating for half-an-hour, centering his body and mind with the vegetation surrounding him. Afterward, he went through stretches and exercises to help keep his body fit and healthy.
And finally, he meditated once more, back to back with a tree while building a bridge with life, both knuckles pushed together.
He believes he's a strong child, and members of the Belial Clan have proven expertise in hand-to-hand combat to weapon mastery. Most of his strength doesn't only come because of his physical capabilities as a Devil, but his days of training either physical combat or magical traits.
Yet, whenever he tried to unlock Senjutsu, he grows discouraged and impatient, which makes it impossible to concentrate during his silent sessions.
The fact that whenever he accidentally goes back to recall his previous fights against Stray Magicians also doesn't make it far easier to concentrate. Plus, what Gilles de Rais had told him about the upcoming Rating Games.
All of these make a horrible environment to use ki safely.
Danhauser Belial stopped with a frustrated groan. "Like always, nothing." He almost yanked his gray hair out. "What am I doing wrong?!"
Whenever he had free time, he made sure to read the book that Sae Toujou had translated for him, trying to see any hint of it or at least the mistakes he's committing. He only found out that Sage Arts is dormant in anyone who has a soul or a spirit, but it's rare for most people to ever awaken that ability. Meditation is the easiest way to awaken it. Surprisingly enough, extreme shock is also another way to obtain it, but it's a weird case without deep explanation.
Fewer people were already born with the ability awakened, with no known training. Something that made Danhauser displeased, although he was mostly jealous.
"Damn it!" He spat and punched the dirt just to tame his boiling anger.
He slowly stood up whilst dusting his pants, the scowl on his face never fading as he glared at the grass underneath him.
…
For the third time, he sat leg-crossed on the grass and began meditating.
With eyes closed, he concentrated on his state of mind, picturing an early summer breeze, the shy waves of an ocean, and the perfume of nature.
They weren't upbeat thoughts, but they soothed him just the same.
His chest rose and fell with the sedative qualities of a lullaby for minutes and suddenly, an unknown force began to mingle with him. It wasn't demonic power, this power was calmer than the demonic aura.
"…" He remained still, not wishing to disrupt the new energy making a connection. Because of his closed eyes, everything was dyed in darkness, but the color of dark-blue appeared and meshed with black, turning into a spiral that twirled until Danhauser felt almost dizziness.
It stopped, and a new world unfurled before him.
"…" He roamed around with his eyes still clenched, he saw multiple trees as gray with bluish-white veins in a black background.
Danhauser gawked at the sight, looking below to spot his hands, they were also covered by few dark-blue veins, his life. What shocked him more was that he could see behind him too, without spinning his head. It was like having a three hundred and sixty telescopic x-ray vision.
He could see the forest.
He could see the pathway system of life.
"…I did it," The smile he showed on the outside can't adequately reflect what he felt inside. "I can use Senjutsu!" He rosed a hand, concentrating his life force over it.
His expected results was a ghostly, bluish-white will-o-wisp floating on his palm.
It playfully spun around his fingers before cloaking his hand with its energy, making him hiss slightly. It burned a little but soon the ache will soon fade away. His body did also tweak slightly, he felt strengthened
He would jump for joy if it wasn't for the enhanced senses heeding three figures approaching.
The smirk grew on his face like a lazy teacher's check mark when he spotted them. While the size and body structure remained intact, they had those weird, bright veins around their bodies.
Plus the faint, red glow coming from their abdomens, the Evil Pieces that Danhauser used on them.
"Hey there," he waved at his Peerage when they finally stopped. "How are you guys doing?"
"... Master," Siegfried greeted slowly and concerning. "… Is something wrong with your eyes, Master?"
"Nothing wrong Siegfried, don't worry," Danhauser patted his shoulder. "I'm just using Sage Arts."
"Wait," blinked Tobio Ikuse. "Sage Arts? The thing you told us back then?"
"Exactly."
"So what now?" Bova Tannin folded his arms. "You can see with your eyes closed?"
"Yes."
Bova stared for a long time before shrugging and walking away, back turned to everyone.
"Hey," Tobio called out, frowning. "Where are you going?"
The Dragon never responded, he just stopped and suddenly shouted "Think fast!" and flicked his tail, flinging a pebble at Danhauser. The Devil successfully deflected the pebble. "Heh! Not bad! Next time try to catch it, it'd look cooler." He said, pleased.
"No promises," said Danhauser, finally opening his gray eyes while massaging his aching forehead. "Damn, it hurts just using it…"
"Of course it does," Siegfried sighed. "This is your first time using it and you were almost overextending it. Give it some time until you can finally use it properly like your demonic powers."
"So that's all you can do, right?" Tobio curiously asked. "Only see with your eyes closed? Because that doesn't sound so… amazing to say. No offense."
"None taken. Anyways, what I can do is see you guys further away," Danhauser explained. "Maybe I can see behind structures too and detect someone's ki to make sure if there's someone spying on us. Oh! I can see behind without turning my head."
"Whoa, really?" Tobio's eyes stretched slightly.
"Yeah," The Heir nodded. "I don't know how to explain it... it's like having mystical eyes behind your neck."
"Ah, that sounds interesting," commented Siegfried. "Especially on the situation, we've dug ourselves in."
"Yeah," Slash Dog rubbed his neck and wheezed softly. "Back then, the Stray Magicians had ambushed us, maybe with your Senjutsu we'll be ready for any sneak attacks now."
"I'll do my best, just don't expect too much from me," Danhauser warned them before frowning. "Where's Valerie, by the way?"
Bova jerked a thumb behind his shoulder. "She stayed behind, the Exorcist offered company, but she denied it."
Siegfried grounded his teeth. "I'm not an Exorcist."
Danhauser shrugged. "Maybe she needed to use the bathroom."
Tobio grunted. "I'll beat the bush and not waste this chance, I'm not the only one who thinks she's creepy as hell, right?"
Danhauser narrowed his eyes. "Oh come on, she's not a creepy person, just misunderstood."
"I'm sorry, are we still talking about Valerie?" Tobio scoffed lightly. "Don't take it wrong, I don't hate her at all. I just find her sense of humor... batshit crazy."
Bova chuckled and brought the air quotes. "Heh! 'Batshit.' Get it?"
The three stayed quiet.
The poor Dragon blushed and looked away. "Y-you guys suck!"
Danhauser gave him an apologic smile. "By the way. What are you guys doing in here, want to train or something?"
"Your brother sent us here," responded Siegfried. "He told us to pick you up. It appears you're leaving the Belial Territory."
"Really now?" Danhauser drawled, walking in search of Valerie. The party followed suit. "Any ideas why?"
"From what I've heard, you and your family will be visiting another Clan."
He just blinked, twice. He couldn't believe he'd forgotten about it.
Danhauser Belial folded his arms and glanced down at his shoes as the carriage's movements shook slightly. It was a pity that the train couldn't just leave them in front of their destination. "How long before we get in there?" He asked after yawning.
Diehauser Belial looked away from the window and smiled teasingly at him. "Why? Excited to see her?"
Danhauser shuffled in his seat and glared. "Shut up."
"Is that a yes?"
The Heir tried to land a kick on the Emperor, but his brother parried it easily.
"Stop it you two," their mother intervened, smiling at the banter. "We'll be reaching our final stop in the next few minutes, don't worry sweetie."
Her youngest son sighed and closed his eyes, back then, months ago, Calcabrina Belial would've thought he'd be taking a nap, but he was just practicing. Before they left the Belial Territory, Danhauser immediately brought them the news about his new technique: Senjutsu. It caught her by surprise, an emotion shared by the Emperor. It was a rare sight for her, seeing someone practicing Sage Arts, even if Danhauser warned them beforehand. It'll be useful for him, especially when he's fighting terrorists with his Peerage.
She pursed her lips and glanced at the window, finding an excuse to distract herself. Just the thought of Danhauser risking his life made her feel stomach twist. Even if she was training him on how to wield the spear and master resin, she just couldn't stop thinking about her son's fate. No one knew about Danhauser's adventures in the Ars Goetia with the exception of The Four Great Satans, her Clan, Lord and Great King Bael and Mephisto Pheles.
Call it motherly instincts.
"I'm honestly surprised that the Phenex Clan invited us," Danhauser muttered as he opened his eyes, catching her mother's attention.
"Ruval insisted that we eat and talk in their castle, plus from what he's told me, her little sister speaks highly of you," Diehauser stated, shrugging. "That caught them off-guard and they wanted to see you in person."
Danhauser had other thoughts in mind which involves Ravel Phenex and himself… something akin to that of Rias Gremory and Raiser Phenex.
"Don't worry sweetie, this is also my first time visiting another land… expect this to be a thing from now on," Calcabrina advised her son. "As the Heir of Belial, it's your duty to assist in these types of meetings whenever someone is kind enough to invite us."
"Or the other way around," added Diehauser, clapping to catch his brother's gaze. "Either way, had Gilles told you that you'll be participating in the looming Rating Game?"
Calcabrina scowled and looked away, uninterested.
Danhauser, on the other hand, grimaced at the reminder. "Ah… yes."
The Heir looked tense, and Diehauser took action, moving a comforting hand over his brother's shoulder, squeezing it. "Relax. It's just like physical training to keep this generation ready for future matches and give themselves a name in the Underworld."
Danhauser grimaced at the last part. "That doesn't sound really assuring…"
The Emperor pulled out his hand. "If it makes you feel any better, I've passed through the same thing." He laid deeper on his seat. "It'll be on the same game field. Two separates rooms for each King, a corridor that goes to the right and another one to the left, and lastly, a battleground in the middle."
Danhauser frowned. "That… that sounds relatively small."
"That's the whole point. Those who work under Maou Beelzebub don't want the fights to last longer since a lot of children of your and other schools are graduating at the same time. It'll take days when the juvenile Rating Games are over." He explained. "It's optional to participate, but most of the cases they're filled because a few of the Top Ten are going to be there, they want to gain their approval, I suppose."
"Aren't Rating Games mostly about building strategies to counter your opponent?"
"Of course," Diehauser nodded in agreement. "But the participants are children who are going to fight in their first Rating Game match, hence they're utilizing a variant mode of the Rating Games called Lightning Fast Game."
Danhauser hummed in understanding. "I heard about it during school." He stated. "It uses the shortest time limit and narrowest playing field. In a nutshell, it is a quick match. Whoever defeats the King wins the match."
"If the time reached its limit and none of the Kings are defeated, then its decided by the number of points accumulated by the number of pieces each Peerage has claimed from the other," finished Diehauser.
Danhauser released a weak sigh. "Now everything makes sense."
Even so, people are going to watch him and judge him from afar, that brought a chill across his spine.
"Remember, depending on your performance on the Rating Games it'll reflect your first social standing in the Underworld, mostly the Ars Goetia."
Danhauser's fingers pressed into the skin of his forearms, slowly nodding. "I understand."
Calcabrina, whose eyes were still glued on the glass, noticed the large castle, it was bigger than their manor.
She nodded at her children. "We've arrived."
Trustworthy in her words, their ride halted in front of the castle and the driver quickly left his spot to open the door for them. Calcabrina was the first one to take off, using a hand to block the sunlight from blinding her.
Danhauser felt a pat on his shoulder. "Let's go." His brother said, softly pushing him out of the carriage.
The moment he hopped off his seat, Danhauser took the advantage to appraise the gigantic castle. The outside layout is comprised of the main structure with a tall building in the background, surrounded by multiple towers with flames protruding around and at the top. Each flaming tower had printed the Phenex symbol.
Someone landed beside Danhauser, it was his brother. "Here they come."
True to his words, two figures were approaching the Belial family. A woman whose blonde hair is done up very high with ornate decorations and a young boy with matching hair and deep, blue eyes.
"Welcome, welcome!" The woman greeted with a smile that could match the sun. "It's an honor to have the Belial Clan in my husband's territory."
"The honor is ours, Lady Phenex," Diehauser nodded in respect before pushing Danhauser slightly forward. "This is my brother, Dan—!"
"—hauser Belial," Lady Phenex finished for him, her eyes darting over to the teenager. Her smile widened slightly. "I thank you for looking after my hummingbird while her brothers and myself weren't there."
Danhauser blushed. "Don't think about it. I had fun talking to her."
"I assure you she had fun too," Lady Phenex pushed her third son forward. "This handsome young man over here is my son, Raiser Phenex."
Raiser smirked. "So this is the guy that sister spoke a lot... a pleasure."
"Likewise," Danhauser nodded.
Raiser's mother gasped quietly behind a hand. "Oh my, I apologize, I shouldn't keep you outside here for too long." She embarrassedly said. "Please, come in! Ruval and my husband are making sure the kitchen is under control."
The Belial family shared constant glances but nonetheless, they followed Lady Phenex and Raiser. The adults building small conversations during the travel as they reached the huge gates of the castle.
The food wasn't prepared, the early presence of the Belial Family surprised the Phenex Clan, they never anticipated the guests to be already at the tables with empty dishes and stomachs. Danhauser Belial, in the meantime, had the opportunity to catch a glimpse of Ruval and Lord Phenex's appearance as the adults were speaking between them.
Lady Phenex ushered both Danhauser and Raiser Phenex to stay in the latter's room, as the adults kept building up conversations between them, deeply wishing for the great feast to be placed on the long and gallant table.
"And this…" Raiser Phenex trailed off as he pushed the door open against the tide of objects that littered the floor on the other side. "My room!"
As Raiser moved in the middle of his room, Danhauser stepped inside, careful of not stepping on the blond's belongings. His eyes perked up on the walls, noticing the poster of models atop sports cars, motorcycles or wearing a bikini on the beach.
He won't deny it—the models have perfect bodies that incarnate sin. The blessing of being a Devil.
He didn't remember his room being like this from the anime when Raiser goes to train with Tannin about his fear of dragons. Maybe he had it when he was a brat? And as he grew up, he began modifying his room to look fitting to an adult one?
Danhauser shook his head and glanced down, closing the door. He couldn't see even a square centimeter of Raiser's bedroom carpet.
He didn't care about the room's image, in his previous life—he also had it like this when he was a lazy ass.
As his eyes wandered over the floor, they widened slightly when he spotted underwear. Female underwear.
Raiser followed his gaze and laughed shamelessly. "Ha! Don't worry about my bedroom's appearance! The maids didn't have time to clean the rooms, all of them are focusing on making the greatest feast for our guests."
"But why the panties?" Danhauser dumbly asked as he picked his way across the room on tiptoe, trying not to stand on any of Raiser's objects.
Raiser casually shrugged. "Someone from my harem accidentally left it behind."
"Your harem?" Danhauser repeated, while Raiser puffed his chest and nodded proudly. "All your Peerage, I suppose?"
"Of course!" Raiser exclaimed before looking back at Danhauser with a lecherous grin. "What about you? How many sleep with you?"
Someone harshly kicked the door behind them, ending their conversation and their heads around.
On the corridor stood a pouting Ravel Phenex.
"Big brother!" called out Ravel angrily. "Where were you?! The show's about to start! What's taking you so…"
Her words slowly died when she finally noticed the second guest staring back at her with an amused quirked eyebrow.
"Hello there," Danhauser waved.
"L-L-Lord Danhauser!" stuttered Ravel as she hid behind the wall. Then she popped her head around the wall with shaky smile. "I-I'm sorry…! I didn't know you were here!"
"Really? For a second I thought you were informed, Ravel." Danhauser had a hand around his waist, frowning.
Before the blonde girl could respond, her brother attacked. "Ravel! How dare you to kick my door!" he scolded her. "Can't you knock properly?! Now he'll think you're rude. He's our guest, Ravel!"
"Grrrr…!" She glared daggers at Raiser, blushing madly and clenching her tiny fist. "W-why didn't you tell me we had visitors then…!"
The Third son flinched at her sharp gaze but quickly regained his stance. "Maybe if someone paid attention and stopped reading comics…!"
"Comics?" Danhauser spared the wide-eyed girl a curious glance. "You like reading comics?"
"N-no!" She rapidly shook her head—it almost looked like a blur. "No-no, I don't! Only boys read comics!"
"She loves them," Raiser bluntly answered with an eye roll. "She has boxes filled with them."
"S-shut up you s-stupid jerk!"
While Danhauser was enjoying the sight of Ravel's cute display, but she was almost on the stage of shedding tears, something that Raiser also noticed. "You like comics? That's actually interesting to hear."
"…You mean it?" Ravel sniffed and poked her fingers together.
"Of course," he ruffled her golden hair. "It's harmless fun. It's a hobby a lot of outsiders mock, but so what? If a cute, little girl enjoys it, why treat it different than anything else might do to entertain themselves?"
"…" She never said a word, but the shy smile on her face expressed her gratitude.
A slight cough behind them caught their attention, they faced Raiser who was approaching them.
"You wanted me to watch an episode, right?" said Raiser enough to make Ravel's eyes lit up. "Let's go then before I change my mind."
As happy as a rabbit in a carrot field. The blonde jumped from her spot in joy before turning to Danhauser, beaming. "You can join if you want too, Lord Danhauser!"
The gray-haired Devil nodded encouragingly at the door. "Well, lead the way."
The episode was so action-packed that the screen owns Ravel Phenex's eyeballs from start to end. Her heart rate hiked and only when it ends do both males notice her muscles are tensed. It takes a moment to digest such compressed drama – muscle-bound heroes, celebrities with less and exotic clothing than any girl would wear to the beach and weapons that would make a commando drool.
So far, Ravel was the only one showing her exaggerated reaction at specific events, sometimes muffling her gasp with her small palms, or even absentmindedly leaning over someone to cup her small hands on Danhauser Belial or Raiser Phenex's ear, whispering spoilers, and then she would yelp when both males jabbed her in the side to shut her up.
The camera zooms in on the sky for this progressively serious monologue before cutting to black. Credits roll, accompanied by an upbeat exit theme.
Ravel timidly shook Danhauser's sleeve, nervously looking at him and tearing his attention away from the tv.
"S-so?" She shyly played with her dress. "W-what did you think?"
Danhauser gave his thumbs-up of approval. "It was better than I thought."
Her demeanor took a 180-degree turn. "I know right! It only gets better as the plot keeps moving and they work out and evolve as characters. Lots of people quit in the first couple episodes 'because they don't like the writing' or some other stupid reason. But they have no idea what they're missing! The writing has improved a million times over the seasons it's been on air!"
The Heir blinked at her rant, chuckling afterward. "Well, you have to understand that everyone has different tastes, some people like this, some don't. Simple as that."
She pouted. "B-but! People are always talking badly about it! It's not fair!"
"Just ignore them," Danhauser advised her, patting her. "Thinking about them is just going to get you angry and that's not healthy for someone of your age."
"…Fine!" She huffed and looked away, her cheeks still puffed.
The Heir's eyes darted over the quiet Raiser, who was blankly staring at the commercial still displayed for them.
"What about you, Raiser?" Danhauser asked after shutting off the TV with the remote control. "Like it?"
The blonde teenager grinned lewdly. "I liked the actresses!"
His sister glared, blushing. "…P-pervert."
"Whatever," he waved off Ravel's accusation. His deep, blue eyes clashing with Danhauser's. "Say, heard about the upcoming Rating Games? What am I saying? Of course, you do. You're from the House of Belial—it's obvious you'll be participating too."
"… What of it?"
"Do you have a full Peerage?"
Danhauser shrugged nonchalantly. "Maybe I do, maybe I don't."
"Ha! Keeping your servants in secret, fair enough." Raiser returned the shrug, albeit smugly. "Then I guess you know we'll fight? Don't worry. I'll do my best to put an end as soon as possible."
Danhauser frowned at his confidence. "Well, aren't you a generous lad?" he said, quite mockingly. "What makes you think you'd win?"
That's when Raiser stood up and incinerated his hand, smirking down at Danhauser. "I have the powers of the immortal bird. Wound me as much as you want, my wounds shall be gone in haste!"
"Does he even know I have Worthlessness?" Danhauser's frown deepened but stayed quiet.
"Just because you can nullify powers doesn't mean you'll win." Alright, he's indeed aware of Danhauser's powers.
"Just because you can regenerate wounds doesn't mean you'll win." Danhauser shot back.
"Big brother Raiser will win!" Ravel countered. "H-he has been training with Big Brother Ruval! Plus he already has a full Peerage! There's nothing that can stop us, the Phenexes! Nothing!"
Danhauser stared at her before closing his eyes, triggering his Senjutsu—he noted the small red glow coming from her stomach. It was a Bishop Piece.
"So, she's on his Peerage…" Danhauser popped his eyes open and sighed. "I don't want to sound arrogant, but I'm not like many Devils of our generation."
"Nonsense!" Raiser pointed a challenging finger at him. "True, you may be the brother of the Emperor himself, but that doesn't mean you're as strong as him! You are from my generation, you just said it! Our strength should be equals then! Besides, everyone knows that power comes from our Clan Traits, nothing else matters!"
Ravel nodded at her brother encouragingly, supporting his words all from beginning to end. Even if she has a good relationship with Danhauser, she would never swap the people she's kindred with a friend.
Even if that person is a friend she can trust a lot.
The family is always above anything else, after all.
"Sorry, but you're wrong," Danhauser shook his head, moderately irking the boy. "But I won't discuss anymore, have it your way."
Raiser grunted. "Only four days, Belial."
Danhauser remained quiet.
It didn't take so long for the fourth day to finally crawl between the mountains. It was the time that the Rating Games will commence on the Colosseum. And just when he finally made it to the entrance with his little brother and his Peerage, they were greeted by a horde of Devils waiting impatiently for their turn to participate. It was loud, something that Danhauser Belial even showed displeasure from the way he either grunted or frowned.
It was a sea of people.
It was suffocating.
He noted there was a fair of awestruck stares from the group of young Devils, the parents and the reincarnated ones as they walked through the cramped place to find a suitable place to take a seat. Interesting enough, like real Rating Games, they're taking place over the Dimensional Gap, protected by advanced barriers designed by Ajuka Beelzebub himself. The VIP room isn't an exception, making it easier for the Top Ten to have a better look at the players.
He made sure to stay for a while with his brother, to give him some comfort before his match starts. As he kept stealing side-glances at Danhauser, he would always find him rocking back and forth on the seat. When his eyes flitted to the huge television displaying the ongoing games they left again just as quickly. At any moment his fate was sealed one way or the other. They both knew that.
It didn't matter what The Emperor did, even if he patted Danhauser's back and assured him that everything is going to be alright, the latter just forced a smile and continued rocking himself.
In the end, both brothers had to take a different route, Diehauser on his way to the VIP room meanwhile Danhauser to the arena, it was his turn.
Diehauser sighed for the sixth time during his walk, eyes locked on the floor dressed on a red carpet and in search of the VIP room, where the rest of the Top Ten are watching the quick matches closer than the audience.
He wasn't alone, though.
"Your brother appears to be anxious, Emperor Belial," that light-blonde girl, Valerie Tepes, pointed out. "For a second I thought he would be nibbling his nails."
"I know and it's understandable," said Diehauser after looking up. "This is his first Rating Game and a lot of people are watching him, including the Top Ten."
"Yet, we've been fighting terrorists," Valerie remarked. "This should be a piece of cake for him–he fought dangerous foes than the newbies around here."
"Dan knows he'll win," Diehauser pointed out, massaging his temple. "He's concerned about something else."
"Oh? Enlighten me, where lays the main problem?"
...
...
...
"Emperor–!"
"Me," Emperor Belial finally said. "I am Diehauser Belial, a Devil who has been dominating the Rating Game for a very long time, being undefeated since his debut, and is famously known as "The Emperor" and "Champion of the Rating Games" to everyone in the Underworld."
"… He's insecure about being worthy of the name Belial," The Dhampir finally realized. "Because of your achievements, titles, fame and as the Champion, isn't it?"
Diehauser laughed bitterly, it didn't suit him. "Exactly." He breathed out. "It hurts me seeing that expression on his face, more so when I'm the reason for his self-doubts… at times like this, I just wished I wasn't the Emperor."
Valerie frowned. "Unfortunately, Ars Goetia sees those from the Belial Clan as masters over the Rating Games, they're expected to be talented since birth…. if he loses a single Rating Game…"
She never finished her words, but the Devil and Dhampir knew the rest of the sentence.
Diehauser harrumphed awkwardly after stopping at the VIP's door. He grabbed the knock and gazed down at the girl. "… I have to say you're the first person to be in a VIP room with the Top Ten, not even a Devil has ever managed that."
That's when Valerie brought out her sardonic smile. "I can easily picture the jealous glares coming from half of the Underworld. Amusing."
The Emperor quickly winked down at her, a gesture that right away reminded her of the younger Belial.
He twisted the knob open and let the girl enter first, which she gladly did.
Just as she made it inside, she immediately clashed stares with those who were waiting here.
…
"Well, shit," A familiar voice said. She knew who it was, the forked tail and light-red eyes were a giveaway, this was the man who changed her life in the first place. "Long time no see, bloodsucker!"
Her eye twitched at the nickname but stayed on her ground. "Indeed, long time no see, Mr. Malebranche."
"Do you know her, Malacoda?" said a blond-haired gentleman, glaring daggers at the intruder. "Why is a non-Devil on prohibited grounds?"
Malacoda Malebranche laughed and wrapped a friendly arm around the Devil's neck. "Gee! Don't get your tight n' wet panties in a bunch, Bedeze! She won't do any harm!"
Bedeze Abaddon grounded his teeth and pushed Malacoda away from him. "Get off me, you brainless ape!" He angrily dusted off his suit. "How can the Champion handle your vulgarity is beyond my reach!"
Malacoda just rolled his eyes, smirking. He gave a playful and welcoming salute to his nephew.
Diehauser smiled and waved back.
"Oh, Bedeze darling," came the voice of a sensual and mature dame. "You should wipe that frown off your face, it doesn't suit you."
The third ranker sharply turned at the woman, growling. " Mind your business, Roygun."
Roygun Belphegor sighed disapprovingly, passing a hand through her long, wavy, cherry-blossom hair, almost brushing her horns. "That attitude of yours won't get you anywhere."
Before any Devil could invoke their demonic powers, Diehauser immediately intervened. "The girl comes with me. I'll keep an eye on her if she tries to do something suspicious."
"… If The Emperor is fine with it then I concede," Bedeze stepped back, briefly glaring at Valerie before walking away, joining the rest of the Top Ten sightseeing the countless television screens.
Roygun just hummed in acceptance whilst sneaking a smile at the Dhampir before addressing Diehauser. "The time has come for your little brother. How does he feel about this?"
Diehauser heaved a sigh. "When I gave him some company, he was agitated… I don't know if he's already calm and focused."
"I'm afraid not," a familiar voice brought the unfortunate news. "Prince Danhauser is still looking uneasy by this event."
"You think so, Rudiger?" Diehauser stood beside the Rosicrucian, peeking at the televisions with worry. "I hope he gets a hold of himself."
"It's understandable why he's tense," Rudiger Rosenkreutz continued, his green eyes reflecting the screen's light. "This is his first Rating Game after all."
"Are you alright, Rudiger?" The Champion asked, concerned. "You seem angry."
"He looks very sad to me," Roygun muttered.
"I'm fine."
"Don't get why he's nervous," Malacoda's barbed tail scratched his head. "My nephew's ripped. He'll kick that chicken's ass in no time!"
"I wouldn't be so sure, Coda," another blond man laughed humorously, it was Ruval. "I've been training my brother. He's got this."
"Yeah, no," Evil Tail snorted. "Only three weeks he'd trained from what you'd told me. My sister's brat has been training for a few months now, she even sees him as a training maniac. You better start calling the ambulance!"
"My brother has a full Peerage already!"
"A shitty one!"
"The fight hasn't started yet and both of you are already insulting one another." grunted an irritated Bedeze. "A pathetic sight that's for sure. Both of you just shut your mouths and wait for the match to begin."
"I'm with Bedeze," Tannin grunted, eyes not leaving the televisions. "… If you two are wishing to argue so badly, use your fists, not your mouths."
"…You two are always pissed," pouted Malacoda. "Maybe it's time to pull out that stick off your asses."
Bedeze snorted at his vulgarity. "Typical of you, Malacoda."
Valerie watched silently, give a sarcastic remark was like begging for a death wish. Those standing over the Top Four are Ultimate-Class Devils among Ultimate-Class Devils and have power equal to the present Satans, it would be unwise to try and look smart just to gain the hatred of the Top Ten.
"Only ten minutes until the match finally commences," muttered Rudiger. "And so far…"
"He hasn't calmed down," Diehauser finished with a sigh. "Troublesome."
"I can talk to him if you want," blurted out Valerie, surprising herself. "Maybe you could also try it yourself, but we both know the reason behind his nervousness."
Rudiger finally understood. "Hoh. So that's the glaring issue with Prince Danhauser?" He hummed thoughtfully, rubbing his chin. "Interesting. To think that his fear came because this was his first Rating Game… but the source comes from something… someone else."
"What?" Malacoda tilted his head. "Whaddaya mean?"
"Only eight minutes remaining," Roygun reminded them. "If you two have something in mind to help the boy then it's now or never, darling."
Diehauser pursed his lips, glancing at Ruval. "You… wouldn't you mind? I promise she won't tell a thing about your brother's Peerage members… but I understand if you don't want to."
The Heir of Phenex nonchalantly shrugged. "If I were in your shoes, I'd also be sick worried about my little brother and my little hummingbird, the cameras aren't recording for the audience yet and visits are still allowed. Plus this fight isn't something you should take seriously…"
Bedeze snorted in disagreement. "Wrong, Ruval. This is their very first match. With this fight, they'll make a reputation in the Underworld's society either a good one or a bad one… and we know how strict they are."
Ruval sighed. "You really have to darken the mood, don't you?"
"Nobles are watching this game from their mansions," Bedeze pointed out. "They never hold back when it's all about using their sharp tongues and spreading their judgment to other people."
"And brainwashing them…" muttered Malacoda, arms folded. He had to side with Bedeze, while Raiser may be pardoned in this match, his nephew is a different story, you can't compare those two. Danhauser is a Belial, Raiser is a Phenex.
One House is famous for the victories in Rating Games, the other Clan because of healing tears.
"Either way. Sure, go for it." The blond turned to Valerie. "Just don't go telling him about Raiser's plans and servants."
She just nodded in acceptance.
"Thank you. I owe you one, Ruval," Diehauser smiled before facing Bedeze. "Bedeze, can you please use your powers over Hole to teleport her there?"
The third-ranked scowled and shot Valerie a warning glare. He clicked his tongue. "Be grateful that the Emperor himself asked for this, or else I wouldn't help you."
Before Valerie could give a mocking bow, Bedeze immediately snapped his fingers. A hole of her size sculpted besides her, almost startling the Dhampir.
She carefully peeped inside the hole, it was all black and endless as if she was gazing into the abyss with the latter staring back at her.
"Get inside and you'll be in the lobby with Prince Danhauser in a haste," Bedeze ordered, a pinch of pride mixing with his voice after witnessing his work. "When the match begins, I'll make another one and you better get inside. Make it quick and don't waste anyone's time."
Valerie turned to Emperor Belial. "I'll make sure he's calm," she promised before inhaling and hesitantly stepping inside.
Everyone just stared silently at Bedeze's Clan Trait, as if the girl was going to come back already from her quest.
"So…" Malacoda said after an awkward silence, nudging Diehauser with a mischevious grin. "Are they dating now or what?"
"…" The Champion looked from the portal to his uncle's wiggling eyebrows, repeating the same steps a few times.
He snorted and broke into a smile. "I don't know… but I guess I've got teasing material."
Danhauser Belial blinked owlishly at the sight of a hole glaring back at them, of all things, he wasn't expecting a damn void shape in front of them.
Satanael attacking them made more sense, honestly.
"What," Tobio Ikuse plainly said, pointing at the portal, with Jin taking a stance. "The hell's that?"
Siegfried just pointed his sword at it, standing in front of his master. "Stand behind Master!"
"Relax," Danhauser laid a hand over his tensed Knight's shoulder, softly shoving him aside. "While this doesn't happen in the Rating Games at all, this isn't something threatening."
"How can you tell?" asked Tobio.
"The Top Tens are also here with us, but in a different room," Danhauser explained. "Pretty sure if this was something that could kill us, they would jump right into the action."
Bova Tannin grunted, disappointed.
Finally, a familiar, feminine beauty walked out of the portal, surprising the Peerage.
"Valerie…?" Danhauser trailed off. "Is something wrong? Or are you here to know about your friend's progress?"
"None of that," Valerie Tepes shook her head. "I'm here because of you. You seem agitated."
He suddenly chuckled, running a hand through his gray hair. "Well, the Top Ten and a lot of people are waiting for this match to begin. Of course, I'm nervous."
"We both know your problem doesn't lie in the match itself," Valerie bluntly said. "It lies on you as a Belial."
…
"Uh…" Slash Dog awkwardly pointed somewhere else. "We will, uh, give you some privacy guys."
"We would appreciate it," she said, not looking away from Danhauser's intense eyes.
"R-right…"
Just as they left, Danhauser released an empty sigh. "This fight is winnable… but this isn't my last Rating Game, there are more to come... sooner or later, I'll fight against the Top Ten and the chances of losing against them are so damn high..."
"So what?" The Romanian scowled. "I understand your issues, if you somehow lose a match, they'll rain rotten tomatoes at you for failing as a Belial, but from the time we spent together, you never cared what other people think about you, except your family."
He dryly chuckled. "There, you just said it. My great family. Ars Goetia is not going to hold back insulting my Clan and my brother because of my crime. Diehauser worked hard to make the Belial into what it is today. I'll just... fuck everything up if I lose any Rating Game."
"So…" he said, stopping to take a deep breath. He let it all out in one sigh. His eyes remained fixed on the floor, swallowing hard. "I don't want to…"
He didn't want to say it.
"… Continuing to think about it certainly isn't going to help anything," scolded Valerie. "How many times have I told you? Anyone who can't adapt will die, or in this case, lose. Misfortune and death is the only thing awaiting those who are unable or unwilling to adapt. If that happens, you only have yourself to blame."
He weakly flailed his arms, grunting. "Then what should I do?"
"Adapt and win…" Valerie stated the obvious, playing with a pigtail. "… but in a unique way."
Danhauser raised a confused eyebrow, letting her continue.
"Your dream is to become the next Champion of the Rating Games, is it not?" Valerie smirked devilishly. "Then prove it in this fight. However, keep in mind that most of your generation also wants the throne. You need to conquer this match unexpectedly. So you can remind those who want to steal your goal. The House of Belial that is."
Danhauser glanced down at his hand and clenched it. "I need to defend it. My title." He met her gaze. "Right?"
The Heir saw how her red pools glinted with satisfaction. He liked it. "Indeed."
He took a deep breath and relaxed his thrumming heart. "Alright then, I'll do that." He flashed her a weak smile. "Thank you, Valerie. I needed that."
The Dhampir stared skeptically. "That… that was surprisingly fast."
"Didn't you said that thinking about it isn't going to help a thing?" Danhauser winked at her. "Don't take it in the wrong way, I'm still scared as hell of the future Rating Games." He said, amused. "But I guess I have to suck it up and face my fears head-on, eh?"
"That's another way of seeing it," drawled Valerie. "While I would love to converse more, I think it's about time for you reunite with your Peerage."
Danhauser nodded and spun around. "Totally. I would say enjoy the game, but it won't last too long."
"Just one last thing," said Valerie before stepping inside Bedeze Abaddon's hole.
Danhauser glanced behind his shoulder. "Hmm?"
"Take advantage of this game," she advised. "Chances of the Top Ten ever seeing your future games are quite low. Opportunities like this one aren't meant to be wasted. Win their attention."
The Heir of Belial nodded. "Take care, Valerie."
"Break a leg," were her last words before drifting away in Bedeze's hole.
"Nothing wrong I hope?" Siegfried asked when Danhauser joined them on the rounded table.
"Nothing wrong," Danhauser repeated, rubbing his hands. "Alright then, who's ready for the match?"
"Only three minutes," Tobio warned, glaring at the clock on the wall. "We don't even have time to build a plan, damn."
"I have one," said Danhauser. "Don't hold back and win. Simple as that."
"Heh!" Bova cracked his knuckles. "A plan I could follow and gets straight to the point. I like it!"
"If we're going to do that, do we at least know how many servants our opponent has?" Siegfried asked with a frown.
"All of them," responded Danhauser, shocking both Knights. "Yes, that includes the Queen."
The Rook chuckled. "Now, it gets fun."
"And you want us to fight without a strategy?!" Siegfried said concerned. "We can't do that!"
"Yes we can," insisted Danhauser. "This is just another mode of Rating Game called Lightning Fast Game. It's a quick match. The moment we stepped outside of the doors and walk further away from this room, we'll be facing two corridors which take us to the middle of the arena, where the supposed battle between both Peerages are going to be seen."
"Are they trying to test the strength of this generation?" Tobio scratched his head.
"Definitely," responded the King before looking down at the map. "There's no point in scouting the arena because we can't leave yet, and there's no place to hide for a surprise attack, all we can do is counter their attacks and win."
Before anyone could respond, a new voice came from a broadcast. [Both Peerages stand in front of the doors. One minute before the match starts.]
"Shit," Bova paled slightly, his tail freezing. "T-that's my father…"
"Wait, your old man is in the Top Ten?" Tobio asked aloud.
"Yes, he is!" Bova gulped, tapping his foot impatiently on the floor. "Now we can't lose no matter what!"
"Don't worry, we won't," Danhauser assured him, moving in front of the exit alongside his Peerage.
It was silence after that, everyone looked at the locked entrance with different levels of determination. Bova looked around the room as if he was trying to spot any camera recording them and melt it with his fire. Apparently, the news of his father watching the event surprised him.
Danhauser could understand him, his brother and uncle were also there. His mother wasn't, after all, she has a dislike for the Rating Games' system.
The tension was like joining a new school and introducing yourself to your new class or pass to the front to present a topic about a subject-matter.
But there's no other option left. He has to do it. He has to do something that no one from the past, present and future generation would dare to do. An arrogant move everytime Danhauser thought about it, but it was necessary. For his dream and to give a greater name to the House of Belial.
Danhauser's thoughts vanished when the twin doors slid wide open.
[Begin!]
They never clashed stares to see who goes first, everyone jumped right in, rushing on the single corridor with their wings exposed. Bova, because of his gargantuan size, had to shrink his size to not fall back from the two Knights and King.
It was embarrassing because his father was mostly keeping an eye out on him.
They stopped when they reached two directions.
"The corridors!" Tobio said, constantly looking from right to left. "Where?!"
"Go to the right!" Danhauser pointed to that direction. "I'll take care of the left side! If something wrong happens, remember we can communicate with our earpieces."
Siegfried looked ready to argue, but he never had the opportunity when the dragon grunted in approval. "You got this, Danhauser," Bova growled and turned to the rest. "You heard Boss Hauser! Get moving!"
The King quickly left before anyone could start a quarrel, this was supposed to be a quick match! The faster the game ends, the greater they would be graded by the professionals.
As he kept flying on the large corridor, he closed his eyes and triggered his Sage Arts. He sensed the figures from the right side flying at the same speed as him, obviously his Peerage. Surprisingly, there where multiple sources of life approaching them.
Danhauser immediately brought a finger to his ear. "Targets are approaching you guys. Four in total."
[How do you know?] Tobio asked before realizing. [Senjutsu?]
"Bingo," he said after taking a halt in the air. "… Three Pawns and a Bishop."
[Okay, I can get you can see them with Senjutsu,] said Tobio. [But know what pieces they are? That's kind of broken.]
"Well, I do know what Pieces they are anyways, thanks reincarnation!" Pretty much it was a useless ability for him, but if he didn't know about DxD then his reaction would be so different.
He never looked a gift horse in the mouth anyway, so he's fine with it.
"I can see things related to life," Danhauser explained, resuming his flight. "The Evil Pieces can reincarnate people that were dead, but there's a time limit for that. That's just a theory, though."
[Understood,] Siegfried probably nodded. [Anything else we should be warned of, Master?]
"Since they're already in our corridors, they have the ability to Promote to any other piece, only pawns can do that." Danhauser spotted four life sources coming from his corridors. "When you guys are done, leave me the rest."
[Break them.] Bova grunted before falling into silence.
Slowly, Danhauser descended and sheathed his bat wings. While the room was slightly damped in darkness, his night and enhanced vision helped him to see who he's standing his way.
Two Nekomatas. A girl with a mask covering half her face. And a girl with a huge sword.
He could also see the doors behind his adversaries.
The red-haired Youkai sniffed the area. "He... he knows Senjutsu, careful Ni."
Ni nodded at Li and raised her hands defensively.
"Is that so...?" The masked girl smirked with satisfaction and placed a finger in her ear. "We found him." She quickly took a stance. "For a second I thought we had to walk to your hiding spot, but lo and behold, you ran right—!"
Her words died out when a fist of resin crashed into her face, hurling her away.
"Isabela!" The girl with the huge sword cried out, wide-eyed after seeing her ally lay unconscious on the ground before vanishing.
[Raiser Phenex's Rook, retired.] came the voice of Tannin.
"..." Danhauser quietly pulled his spear out.
The Knight saw red. "You fuck!" she cursed and unsheathed her Zweihänder, racing at him and boosting her speed thanks to her piece. "Crush that bastard!"
"Let's go, Ni!"
"Nya!"
Both Nekomatas leaped at him after promoting into a pair of Rooks and started venting streaks of punches and kicks. Meanwhile, Siris tried to swing her heavy sword to any part of his limbs to put him down like a stray dog.
Danhauser countered the punches and kicks with attacks of his own and parried the sword with the base of his spear and finally, he snapped his fingers and a two magic seals formed under the Nekomatas, prompting a large arm made of resin to smash against their chins and blasted them on the ceiling.
[Two of Raiser Phenex's Pawns, retired.]
Siris saw in horror as her partners teleported away from the battlefield. None of them had the chance to even scream in pain.
Her grip around the Zweihänder weakened as she hesitantly turned to face the culprit, only for her face to suddenly morph itself inside-out when Danhauser's fist slammed down.
Seconds later, Danhauser watched how his attack made Siris fly away like a ragdoll, destroying the doors as she forcefully built distance from him.
[Raiser's Phenex's Knight, retired.]
Danhauser never contemplated his work as he closed his eyes and turned on his Senjutsu, multiple figures were ahead of him, curiously enough, one of them didn't have an Evil Piece implanted in their body.
"Raiser," Danhauser opened his eyes and ran to where the source of light came.
[Raiser Phenex's Bishop, retired.] Tannin said once more. This time it came from the hands of his Peerage.
Danhauser finally stepped inside the arena, coming face-to-face with Raiser and his remaining servants."So, here I am."
The third son of Phenex had his eyes wide in shock. If it wasn't for his sister who gripped his sleeve and shakily shook it, he'd be resembling a statue. "W-what have you done to my girls?!" He demanded with a hand engulfed in flames. "You'll pay for that, Belial!"
[Three of Raiser Phenex's Pawns, retired.]
...
"N-no way…!" Ravel whispered the pawns that stayed with them were still intact. "The Pawns we sent to scout the area… they were defeated by Lord Danhauser's servants..."
[Done, Boss Hauser.] Bova said from Danhauser's earpiece. [We leave you the rest. Kick some ass!]
Raiser felt his body heat in anger. "Damn you! Damn you! DAMN YOU!" He exploded and quickly took his time to calm down. He didn't want to scare his sister after all. "... You may have defeated some of my girls, but that's just it!" He suddenly pointed aside. "The Top Ten and the whole Underworld are watching us up close! I will not lose!"
That's when Danhauser's stoic mask shattered. His eyes widened in realization as his head bolted to where Raiser's finger was pointing to the distance.
Truth to his words, there was a VIP room floating from far away, the glass was tinted in black, impossible for the players to see the spectators, but those inside the Igloo-like structure have the perfect view of the arena. From the corner of his eyes, he also spotted a few cameras floating around through magic, their optic lenses locked on them.
He looked away when he felt his brother's stare clashing with his. Danhauser's frazzled nerves jumped all together, and in different directions, but never made it to his facial muscles or skin. His complexion remained gray-pale and matt, his eyes as steady as if he was calmly engrossed in a book.
He let out an understated sigh and charged his arms with demonic energy. "I won't lose either, Raiser."
The blond gritted his teeth in silent fury. "… Fine then! Attack! Show him the power of the immortal bird, girls!"
"You heard Lord Raiser! Karlamine, Xuelan!" The Bomb Queen said to the Rook and Knight before taking upstairs. "Let's win for Lord Raiser!"
The Knight readied her sword and nodded. "I will honor the Phenex Clan!" She vowed before turning into a blur.
The Chinese Rook turned to the maid Pawns and the blue-haired one. "You three! Don't stay there watching!"
[For Lord Raiser!]
Danhauser just observed the remaining servants charging at him. The Queen just flew upwards, ready to rain down explosions at him. He was still charging his power. Quickly wrapping himself over Worthlessness when the Queen and Raiser tossed fireballs from the distance, attempting to break his stance.
The Heir of the Rating Games reacted after seeing how fast they were closing. He slammed his palms on the floor and two large demonic circles expanded on the floor with waves of Pitch Resin sliding out of them.
While they had the time to invoke their wings, they weren't quick enough to take flight and dodge the incoming flood that crashed into them, seizing them.
"I-I can't move!" Xuelan angrily shouted, trying to pick herself up, but to no avail. "It's so damn sticky!"
"Use your powers!" Ravel called out from the air, Raiser quickly joining her.
"W-we can't Lady Ravel!" The blue-haired one, Mira, said trying to launch fire from her palms. "Something is impeding us!"
"I can't even cut it out!" Karlamine cried out, awkwardly stabbing the blobs of resin.
That's when Ravel understood everything. "… The Resin is combined with his Belial Trait!"
"What?!" Her brother snapped. "How in the hell are they getting out of there then?!"
The blonde began ravishing her brain for a plan. Magic was impossible because of the Resin being surrounded by Worthlessness and just by looking at Xuelan, struggling in Resin proved that not even physical force was enough to be free from the pool. Truly, the Belial Trait working together with the Malebranche Trait was a threatening combination.
It made the victim feel weak and worthless.
"I-I don't know…" Ravel stammered and hung her head down from shame. "Defeat Lord Danhauser is the only way… but… c-can we?"
Suddenly, Danhauser snapped his fingers, summoning multiple demonic circles around his trapped opponent, shaping them into limbs of resin, and then he struck at his opponents from various directions repeatedly, pummeling his targets deeper into the viscous lake.
Ravel watched in horror as the girls cried in agony, reaching the stage of unconsciousness from the bruises and unyielding attacks. Yet, that was the only way to escape from the Danhauser's trap.
Raiser felt a lump in his throat as the light wrapped his servants and magically left the arena, followed by Tannin's strong voice promptly announcing their retirement.
His greatest fighters easily handed down by someone who was still a virgin on the Rating Games, just like him. And the more he kept looking at him, he noticed how his clothing wasn't ruined and his grey skin held no bruise.
"Y-Yubelluna!" Raiser called out after tearing off his shock. "Do it!"
"Y-yes my Lord!" Yubelluna invoked magic circles around her and released her artillery in Danhauser's direction. "Perish!"
Danhauser in return brought out his fake Gate of Babylon and countered it with his own waves of demonic power.
The attacks collided and created a curtain of smoke that impeded sight of everyone. The entire arena was now engulfed by smoke. Even the spectators were having trouble looking. They only caught barely, noticeable silhouettes.
While the Phenex Clan were famous because of their powers over immortality and fire, they also held control over Aerokinesis. Raiser proved it by unleashing torrents of wind to dispel the smoke. His sister immediately assisted him.
Just as the Phenex was halfway done with the fume, they noticed a figure behind the mist holding something akin to a lance, tightly twisting his resin arm and then untwisting it while thrusting the spear forward, creating a powerful drilling stab that was launched at Yubelluna's direction.
They never had the chance to warn Yubelluna, watching with mouths hanging open as the limb of resin reached the Bomb Queen and stabbed her with the spear, easily slamming her on the nearest wall.
Yubelluna gasped out, her hands instinctively reaching for her stained abdomen, wincing whenever her digits felt the cold weapon piercing her stomach and the fingers of resin gripping it.
Coughing a chunk of blood, she vanished in the same light.
[Raiser Phenex's Queen, retired.]
"No…" Raiser barely audible murmur flew from his dry lips, slowly turning to the one responsible for this wrongdoing. He instantly felt his veins and soul boil to an unimaginable temperature. "No! No! NO!"
Ravel gasped when Raiser flew away from her, arms enveloped by Phoenix fire. "B-big brother! W-wait!"
"I'll turn you into ashes!" roared Raiser with the might of a lion. Taking flight and amassing a large amount of flames around his body, by first swinging his outstretched hand around him, summoning the flames in preparation for an attack.
"BURN!" And lastly, his fist grasped into the flames and launched it as a column of fire at his target, slowly taking the shape of a primordial bird.
The Heir made a single demonic sigil beside him—he took aim at the enraged flames and fired a large, tentacle-like blunt weapon of resin, with much of it imbued with Worthlessness that the flames dispersed just by touching it. Finally, the resin reached his opponent and harmed the immortal body of Raiser and at the same time, entrapping him.
"Good game, Raiser," Danhauser, however, wasn't done. He gritted his teeth and changed the trajectory of his resin, saving Raiser from crashing into a wall and vigorously changing his landing spot.
"…" Ravel fell to her knees and watched her desperate brother trying to pull his limbs out of this sticky situation but seeing no progress on escaping from the resin, he let out a frustrated scream to the heavens as he and the VIP room closened gaps. "… B-but, we're immortal… birds…!" she insisted, tears threatening to fall from her eyes.
A single train of thought stopped on her mind.
She cast an unsure look at her small hands but said nothing, hesitantly watching Danhauser's back.
She quickly looked away when an immerse scream of pain erupted from Raiser's mouth as he pierced the building.
Valerie Tepes coughed and blinked, the room was consumed with a single shade of light brown. It looked like the light has given up on trying to break through this iron curtain of clouds that it has become content to lounging out behind them.
Thankfully, the cloud of debris dispersed by the perfect powers of aerokinesis made by Ruval Phenex.
When the room was finally cleaned their eyes followed the black tentacle crawling away from its hole, leaving an unconscious Raiser Phenex down on the ground.
No one reacted when they found the third son of Lord Phenex lying on the floor with eyes rolled back. Ruval's brother instincts triggered as he and ran knelt in front of his little brother. Unfortunately, Ruval never had the time to check his brother's wounds, as Raiser vanished to the medical bay.
Tannin, whose tail was holding a microphone, brought it closer to his powerful jaws. "Raiser Phenex has been defeated, victory goes to Danhauser Belial."
…
"Shaaahahahahaha!" Malacoda Malebranche laughed giddily, slapping contently his knee. "The way he used his old geezer's Clan Trait! I'm proud! Really, really proud!"
"W-what is the meaning of this?!" Came the angry words of Bedeze Abaddon as he glared at Evil Tail. "Is this treason?!"
"Nah, this isn't a threesome."
"That's not what I said, you dumbass!"
"It isn't," Diehauser Belial massaged his nose. "He wouldn't do that."
"Then what is it?" Bedeze demanded, fists clenched. "Emperor Belial. He knew, from the beginning, we were here, there's no way this was an accident."
"It would be unwise for him to do something like that, darling." Roygun Belphegor pointed out. "He totally knew we were here. It would be a fool's gambit to rebel against Ars Goetia when the Top Ten aren't so far from him."
"Why didn't you stop him, then?" Malacoda's eyes darted over Bedeze with a grin. "I mean, you could've used your Hole."
The blond-haired Devil sweated slightly. "W-well!" He stuttered, breaking stares. "S-shut your mouth, Malacoda!"
"Not trying to antagonize him but…" Ruval sighed as he stood up, rubbing his neck. "…. then why would he attack us?"
"Isn't it obvious?" The Dhampir accidentally spoke, catching everyone's attention. "… this is a message to all of you."
Ruval's eyes widened slightly. "A message…?" He muttered, getting a hum from Valerie. "You… You are not… he wouldn't do something so…!"
Suddenly, an empty chuckle left from Rudiger Rosenkreutz's throat, silencing the Phenex. "… He's defending it. His dream."
"Heh!" Tannin grunted, smirking whilst folding his heavy arms. "Danhauser Belial is confronting us to become the next Champion."
Bedeze gaped. "So he's threatening us?" He glared demandingly at the girl. "Doesn't he understand that the Top Ten is made by Devils whose strength is compared or rivals that of a Satan-Class Devil!?"
Valerie gave her trademark, sardonic smirk. "Of course he does, but that won't stop him."
Ruval frowned and watched from the hole his brother passed through, he easily spotted Danhauser Belial walking to a stunned Ravel Phenex, ruffling her hair.
Finally, he looked at another way. "Is that so…" he trailed off, snickering while shaking his head in amusement. "Welp! Now I'm excited to meet him!"
Diehauser blinked. "… Excuse me, what?"
Ruval just gave a thumbs up, looking over his shoulder. "Hey, Bedeze, think you can take us there so we can catch up with him?"
The third ranker raised an eyebrow but quickly smirked knowingly. "Leave it to me, Ruval."
"Great!" Ruval nodded before facing the other Devils. "So, what is it? Who wishes to say hello to Diehauser's brother?"
"Sign us in!" Malacoda instantly answered for everyone with enthusiasm.
Diehauser clashed stares with Valerie with the light-blonde girl slowly shrugging. He shot Ruval a suspicious glare. "What are you trying to do?"
The Heir of Phenex just laughed and slapped Diehauser's back assuringly. "Relax! We just want to know him better. Am I right, guys?"
"Hell yeah!" Malacoda gave the goofiest grin of all time. "Gotta see my little nephew, after all!"
The Emperor kept glaring.
"If you wish so, you may come with us," Rudiger suggested with a charming smile. "Taking the responsibilities of an older brother, you must be eager to congratulate Prince Danhauser for his first, victorious match."
Before Diehauser could open his mouth, Bedeze finished his Hole. "Everyone, the portal is done."
Not wasting any more time, Bedeze, Rudiger, Ruval, and Malacoda walked in, leaving the portal open for the remaining people.
Tannin stood beside Diehauser. "You know they aren't going to give your brother a warm greeting, don't you?" He dropped the bomb.
"I know," Diehauser held back a sigh. "… but Dan asked for it."
"Then that means you're not going to help him," Tannin commented, nodding in approval. "Good. Danhauser Belial needs to confront his consequences alone."
"Seriously, they're going to try and intimidate a teenager," Roygun shook her head. "Sometimes, I don't understand the mindset of a male… but I guess we females aren't easy to understand either."
Diehauser curved an eyebrow. "So you're not offended by his actions, Roygun?"
"Of course not, darling," the cherry-blossom woman waved off his worries lazily. "This is a child we're talking about, one whose ambition is to become the second champion apparently. Why would I get angry at a teenager chasing his dreams? In fact, I'm curious to see him climb the ladder."
"You know Danhauser Belial isn't the only one who wants to be the next champion?" Tannin reminded her with a grunt. "What makes him different from the other brats?"
The second ranker nonchalantly pointed at the hole in the wall. "His dedication to attain his ambitions. Just like Bedeze said, no one would dare to threaten the Top Ten… he's the first one to do so."
"While I would not wish to interrupt your conversation," Valerie pointed at the portal. "Perhaps it would be wise to keep at least an eye out if things start to get out of control."
Diehauser nodded in agreement. "Good idea, let's move."
"We did it!" Tobio Ikuse broke into a cheer after teleporting back to the waiting room. "Holy shit! We've won our first Rating Game! We should celebrate! Drink's on the house today!"
Jin barked in agreement!
"A pity none of them were a swordswoman," Siegfried sighed in disappointment. "Master took the only two Knights from our opponent's Peerage."
"Damn right he did!" roared Bova Tannin, tail dancing happily. "He took half of them! I knew joining your Peerage was a great decision after all!"
Danhauser Belial flushed, distracting himself with the multitude of Devils waiting for their turn. "Yeah…"
"Not only that," Bova continued, eyes sparkling with childish amazement. "You even dared to attack the Top Ten! Especially my old man!"
"About that," Tobio drawled, massaging nervously his sore shoulder. "Was that really a good idea?"
"Totally," a new voice responded to him, surprising Danhauser and his Peerage. "As a Belial, it would be disappointing if his fight ended like the others, after all."
The Heir of Belial followed the familiar voice. He smiled slightly when he spotted a familiar figure. "Fancy seeing you here, Sairaorg."
The new Heir of Bael returned the smile. "Likewise, Danhauser."
…
…
…
"O-Oh!" Danhauser finally caught on, he coughed awkwardly behind a fist and turned to his Peerage. "Everyone, he's a good friend of mine, Sairaorg Bael."
"An honor meeting you, Prince Sairaorg." Siegfried bowed politely.
"Same here," Tobio gave a two-finger salute. "The name's Tobio Ikuse, and that little dog is Jin."
Jin barked obediently!
"Bova," The Dragon said with arms folded.
"Nice meeting you all," Sairaorg nodded at everyone before turning to Danhauser. "Either way, I'm here to congratulate you for your flawless victory."
"Thanks for the words," Danhauser said in gratitude, frowning. "When does your match start, by the way? I don't want to miss it."
"It already finished a while ago," replied Sairaorg after a long sigh. "I was one of the first ones chosen to fight on the Rating Games. I've won."
Danhauser clicked his tongue. "Damn… that's unlucky. I never had the opportunity to see yours, I'm so sorry."
Sairaorg shrugged. "Don't think about it. It wasn't that difficult and didn't last long either, so you didn't miss anything special."
"Which begs the next question…" Danhauser trailed off, eyebrow curled. "Why were you here if your game was done?"
That's when a pair of beautiful hands landed on Sairaorg's shoulders. "That is because my little prince wanted to meet you."
Embarrassed, Sairaorg uttered. "M-mom, please!"
Misla Bael gave her son a whoopsie grin and addressed Danhauser. "It's a pleasure seeing you for a second time, Prince Danhauser." She bowed her head. "I've seen your match alongside my little prince… I never expected for you to indirectly attack those among the greatest in Rating Games…"
"Everyone's whispering about it," Sairaorg added, eyeing the Devils who were staring at them, murmuring and quickly looking away. "… You really made a scene, expect a few challenges."
"Heh!" Bova chuckled as he also noticed a few glaring in their direction. "Good timing. I want to know if Devils' gut is best served at room temperature or not."
The Dragon grinned, pleased with their terrified expressions.
"Heard it's even better if the Devil is still breathing, the fear adds... spice," Danhauser said slowly.
"That's something Valerie would say," Slash Dog pointed out.
"By the way…" Misla trailed off as her eyes narrowed and wandered around in search of something.
Failing, she focused on Danhauser. "Where's your mother?"
Danhauser's shoulders slumped slightly. "She's…" he pursed his lips and kicked clumsily the floor. "She-she dislikes the Rating Games… so…"
"Don't let that get you down!" Misla almost shouted, alarming everyone. "Your mother has her reasons. What matters is her love, passion, and compassion for you. Keep your chin high, Prince Danhauser!"
He suddenly felt awkward by Misla's berates, the cute and determined frown shaped on her face made it more embarrassing. He raised his hands in self-defense. "Don't get me wrong. I fully understand why her distaste for the Rating Games… and I won't judge my mother because of that."
Misla gave a motherly smile. "It's nice to see how understanding you are with her."
Before anyone could change the subject, a sudden portal black as the abyss rippled near the group.
"Is that what I think it is…?" Sairaorg murmured with wide eyes. He knew very well that hole is famously known across the Underworld. His Queen has the same power as a well-known third ranker of the Rating Game.
"That's Valerie?" Tobio asked loudly. "… right, guys?"
"… I have the feeling this isn't the case here," Siegfried frowned. "Unless Valerie has obtained immense power right off the bat."
Danhauser was as well aware of it. At first, he expected Valerie Tepes stepping out of the portal, but what he didn't expect was a blond-haired man left the hole followed by other powerful devils that involved familiar faces such as his uncle and brother.
The Dhampir was the last one to leave the portal before it vanished from sight.
He accidentally clashed stares with Rudiger Rosenkreutz, hastily looking away from his deep, green eyes.
"O-old man…" Bova cracked out, trying his best to freeze his shaky tail.
His father nodded at him, ignoring his nervousness. "Bova."
The blond-haired gentleman, Ruval Phenex, took a deep breath and released it. He glanced down at Danhauser with a smirk. "Ah… Danhauser Belial, just the Devil we wanted to meet."
"Everyone, look!" A Devil alerted the whole room, Danhauser didn't even notice how the horde had shifted closer to them, it made him nervous. "The Top Ten, they're here!"
It didn't last long for the citizen to pile up the crowd and try catching the Top Ten Devils' attention. Danhauser had to push and shove just to get his personal space back, he couldn't see if he was going to bump into a wall or crash into a person. The cameras flashed and the questions hurled at them without any mercy.
Devils such as Bedeze Abaddon and Ruval turned a blind eye at the multitude—their gaze fixated with Danhauser's tensed ones.
Diehauser Belial and Rudiger showed discomfort by the tight spotlight, doing their best to look invisible.
Valerie silently slid next to Danhauser and his Peerage without them noticing.
Meanwhile, Roygun Belphegor smiled coolly, patting and ruffling the children's head affectionally.
Malacoda Malebranche, however, stuck with flexing his muscles out for the cameras and flirted with any single woman he caught sight of.
Unfortunately, all ended when Tannin grew angrier by the flashes and multiple, noisy voices, slamming his tail to the ground. Hard. "Silence!"
The room fell in complete silence.
…
…
…
Ruval the Phoenix chuckled. "Welp, this turned awkward." He laughed, attempting to lighten the atmosphere. "We've seen your match. Not bad, for being your first time on a Rating Game... perhaps the myth about the Belials is true. They always win Rating Games or a fight."
"…"
"Don't think I'm here because of how you defeated Raiser," Ruval continued, rubbing his neck. "A shame he was getting prideful at being a Phenex. No, don't take it wrong, being proud of being your own family isn't bad, in fact, I admire those people—but there are limits. My young brother, unfortunately, crossed that line. Hopefully, this fight will prove him that we cannot be compared to the real immortal birds…"
"He isn't the only one who crossed the line," muttered Bedeze as he shot a knowing glare at Danhauser.
Danhauser still remained quiet.
"We're here for a different reason," a sigh blew from Ruval's mouth. "The way you ended the match."
"Shit," Tobio cursed quietly. "I knew it was a baaad idea..."
Jin whimpered softly.
"A little bird told us that that was supposed to be a message, for us, the Top Ten." Ruval explained as he shook his head, hands in his pockets. "Honestly, do you even have the slightest idea what you've done?"
"…"
Ruval looked at Diehauser from his shoulder. "Not a brat of many words, eh?" He dropped a joke before turning back to Danhauser, arms open wide. "Look around you, Danhauser. Look around. This place is where each generation earns a name in the Underworld. We, the Top Ten, are not the only ones whose dream is to become The Second Champion of the Rating Games. The past, present and future generation are also fighting to sit on that old, dusty throne, we're just the closest and strongest amongst Ars Goetia. Each one of us carrying the strength of a Satan-Class Devil..."
The Champion almost took a step forward, but a hand on his shoulder stopped him. Looking behind he saw his uncle, Malacoda, shaking his head.
"Let him handle this," the black-haired devil susurrated. "Your brother is old enough to take care of himself."
The Emperor pursed his mouth and looked back at his little brother, fists balled.
At last, the Heir of Phenex lowered his arms. "Do you understand how insignificant you are to stand against us? Do you understand the multitude you have to fight against?
…
Danhauser watched them without turning his head, his heart is hammering but he kept his stoic face with no hint of fear. The tide changed, not in his favor at least.
He finally broke stares, clenching and unclenching his hands into fists. Rolling his shoulder's forward, he looked back at Ruval's ocean, blue eyes. Fear bubbled up in his chest, but he can't let it show.
"I understand..." Danhauser said after a pregnant silence. "But ... It's been years since the creation of the Rating Games. Did anyone literally carry out anything at all?"
"..." This time, Ruval stayed quiet and listened.
"All of you defeated anyone who dared to steal your place. I always hear that the Top Ten are said to be Ultimate-Class Devils among Ultimate-Class Devils and have power equal to the current Satans, thus to be unmovable..."
It was now or never.
Danhauser smiled defiantly. "I'll break that cycle!"
Diehauser's heart stopped for a second. "Wait..."
"…What?" Ruval's eyebrow curved in surprise.
"Did I stutter, Ruval?" Danhauser sharply asked. "You heard me! I'll challenge the Ars Goetia for the title of the Second Emperor!"
...
"He… he said it!" stuttered a Devil.
"Does this brat understand the meaning of screaming that?!"
"He… he declared war on the 72 Pillars!"
The multitude of voices from young and old alike increased, the sea of people were so loud that it made Danhauser's skin tingle and his ears ringed, almost turning him deaf.
Sairaorg and Misla smiled.
"Heh-heh-heh!" Bova laughed with mirth. "That's why I joined your Peerage, Boss Hauser! Big stuff! BIG STUFF!"
"Well, damn," Tobio gulped the lump in his throat. "This… this isn't going to end well, right?"
Jin barked in agreement!
"Doesn't matter," Siegfried responded calmly. "This is our King's wish, we'll support him."
"Oh well," Tobio shrugged. "Guess we'll fight a whole capital."
Valerie watched with hidden awe her surroundings and then stole a side-glance at the gray-haired Devil "This was definitely not exactly what I had envisioned the entire time." She quietly said to herself, smiling blandly. "What a tragically humorous twist of events..."
Before Ruval could even blink, Bedeze shoved him harshly aside. "Are-are you out of your mind?!" The third ranker screamed at him, veins popping from his face. "Don't think you'll be able to win having the Ars Goetia as your archenemy!"
"YOU WANNA BET?!" Danhauser shot back, startling slightly Bedeze. "Nothing will ever stop me from stealing my place in the throne, not even Diehauser!"
Malacoda grinned like a Cheshire cat.
Instantly Bedeze regained his professional posture. "You…!" He stopped when someone moved beside him. He scowled. "What now, Rudiger?"
Upsetting Sorcerer ignored him. "Is it your boldness or ignorance that causes you to declare such thing to the Ars Goetia, Prince Danhauser?"
"None of them!" The Heir firmly declared. "It's my ambition!"
Rudiger's mouth twitched and Danhauser was pretty sure he was fighting a smile. "I see."
Bedeze, however, didn't lower his guns. "You're crazy... Your opponents are the whole 72 Pillars now! It's damn evident—you should give up your dream rather than facing humiliation! IT SHOULD BE CHILD'S PLAY TO ABANDON YOUR AMBITION, RIGHT?!"
"But I can't look back," Danhauser dismissed. "Not anymore. I can only move forward and try to claim that title for myself. And I have to keep on getting stronger because my dream is to become the second Emperor. From the day I was brought back, I've been training. Hell chose me to live as its next champion."
Roygun turned to Diehauser and stopped whatever she was going to say, giggling quietly at the sight. "Oh dear..."
Throughout the discussion, the corners of Diehauser's mouth lift up into a genuine smile. He let his smile widen into a brilliant, shaky grin. He's laughing now, feeling absolutely delirious.
"Holy shit, you're actually laughing," Malacoda said with worry. "I think I'm scared."
Ruval and Tannin nodded in agreement.
Diehauser just waved his hand in the air, signaling his apology. "… What a strong will. I haven't seen anything like yours in a while, Dan."
Danhauser frowned suspiciously. "… You're saying it because I'm your brother, right?"
"Not at all. I mean it." Diehauser said, his lips still curved upwards. "I already want to fight you seriously, but it's too early for you to fight us." His smile quickly faded. "My name is Diehauser Belial! Learn to become a Devil! Learn to become a King! And become strong for the upcoming Young Devils Gathering! Doesn't matter how many years it takes, I will hold this title of the Champion and wait for you. Try to surpass me, Danhauser Belial!"
Danhauser couldn't stall the happiness molding on his face. "Thank you."
"Don't thank me," said the first-ranker. "You have the Ars Goetia as your enemy now, let's see how you handle it. Good luck."
Ruval sighed, hands in his waist. "Welp, everything's solved and chit-chat's over. Time to go back, I guess."
"On it," Bedeze crankily muttered as he formed a portal. He shot a sharp, warning gaze at Danhauser. "Later, adversary."
"You know what to do, darling," Roygun called out. "Remember this moment of us as a stepping stone and move forward."
"I will," vowed Danhauser, scoring a wink from her.
Tannin, who was quiet during the confrontation, snorted a puff of smoke. "This is war, then."
"So it seems!" The Heir of Phenex grinned and snapped his fingers, while it was a quick motion, Danhauser caught a glimpse of his flames. They were blue. "When your family visited father's territory, we never talked, right? As heirs of our respective houses, we should know each other better, yeah?"
The Heir of Belial slowly nodded. "Of course," he then pursed his lips. "I'm sorry about Raiser and Ravel."
The blond-haired just laughed profoundly. "Don't think about it! Just make sure to keep an eye out for my little hummingbird from now on, alright? Goodbye."
Danhauser just nodded and quickly gazed at the seventh-ranker. "Sorry about everything."
"… Best wishes, Prince Danhauser."
Nothing else to add, each ranker entered inside Bedeze's portal with the exception of the fourth-ranker.
"Well, well!" Malacoda whistled at Danhauser. "Now you better keep your promises and kick our asses in the future! It'll be disappointing if you failed!"
"I'll do my best, uncle," the heir watched how the crowd slowly disperse, few of them glared or showed signs of fear.
Malacoda chuckled. "You better be brat…" He trailed off, eyebrow furrowed. "By the way, what's up with the 'Dan the Man' thing?"
Danhauser's heart skipped a beat.
Malacoda scratched his ear. "Your mother won't stop laughing about that when I talked to her on the phone, it started on your school I suppose."
Danhauser stayed quiet.
Sairaorg openly snorted. "Dan the Man?" He repeated, holding back a snicker. "Seriously, someone from the school came up with that terrible nickname? It sounds plain dumb."
"Yeah…" Danhauser mumbled. "Who would come up with that…?"
Valerie suspiciously narrowed her eyes at him. "You wouldn't come up with that awful—!"
"Of course not." He quickly interrupted her.
She blinked and grinned. "My, my. You really did. Ehehehehe…"
Misla's features softened. "Oh dear," she said after seeing his shoulders slumping. "Everything is alright, sweetie. Everyone makes horrible mistakes."
"What's wrong with that?" Bova folded his arms, scowling in confusion. "I think it sounds cool. Plus it fits him."
"I know right?!" Malacoda gave a thumbs-up to his nephew. "Ignore them, they're just jealous!"
"Right. You caught them red-handed, uncle," Danhauser rolled his eyes. "I bet Valerie is so damn jealous for not being as macho as Dan the Man..."
"Ehehehehe…" The Romanian giggled behind her hand. "Correct. I'm burning with pure jealousy right now, wish I could lift weights as you do."
"It… has a nice ring to it… " Out of nowhere, Tobio grinned encouragingly. "But I think it'll be better if you go with… Manhauser."
Danhauser stepped on his feet.
Slash Dog gasped. "Fucking hell!" He furiously massaged his aching toes. "It was just a fucking joke!" He bit his tongue to hold back the curses, glaring daggers at the culprit.
Danhauser took a deep breath and relaxed. "Sorry, my true-self slipped out for a second."
Siegfried just sighed.
Valerie smirked.
"Shaahahaha!" Malacoda ruffled Danhauser and Tobio's hair simultaneously. "You guys are getting along just fine! Good to know!" He pointed at the exit. "Alright, since Diehauser's already there watching the other matches, I'll teleport you brats back to the manor, sounds good?"
"Are you not going to stay?" Danhauser frowned. "You're the fourth-ranker, after all."
"I'll just throw you brats there, talk with sis and return," Malacoda explained, clapping hurriedly. "Now, move your asses!"
"If you say so…" Danhauser prepared himself to leave but quickly turned to Sairaorg. "Good to see you again, Sairaorg."
The Heir of Bael stared for a while. "… Is it true?" He said. "You'll challenge Ars Goetia to become the second champion?"
"Yes."
Sairaorg chuckled and folded his arms. "Then I'll make sure to give you hell when the time comes."
"I mean, you could always try," Danhauser winked at Sairaorg.
"Also!" Misla chimed in. "We would love if you and your family could visit us! I'll treat you properly!"
Danhauser couldn't say no to someone full of optimism like her. "We'd love to."
"Great, I look forward fighting you," Sairaorg raised a hand with a playful smirk. "Later, Dan the Man."
Danhauser grunted as he brushed Sairaorg's hand aside. "Get handzoned."
Sairaorg looked at his rejected handshake and cheerfully laughed to himself, leaving with a content Misla.
As both son and mother started to leave, Danhauser felt a magic sigil under his feet. "Get ready!" His uncle called out before departing back to the manor with his Peerage.
Chances of you guys caring about Danhauser's ambition is relatively low, but Dan's adventures won't end until he defeats Diehauser on a Rating Game. I promise. And the only way to obtain his dream, is becoming strong physically and mentally.
Yes, he'll fight the Top Ten in the future. If you prefer to skip it whenever I put the chapter, then its fine. I'll still put the RG. If I didn't, I'd just be insulting my fanfic and Danhauser's dreams.
Next Chapter: Your Eminence, The Holy Saint.
