(Chapter 4: The Devils You Know)
The month of July had gone considerably well for Milicas and Riser despite the dark cloud over their heads that was their families, but their solace in their friendship, their paths as an aspiring archmage and proficient artificer respectively had proven to make up the difference. What with Riser finding his tinkering and making of new inventions and armaments both to sell to his clients, and both to upgrade his peerage for the missions he'd send them on and their contracts were to him incredibly relaxing.
All the while with Milicas, he'd decided to split his time between laboring over his studies in the arcane, hanging out with Riser and his girlfriend when he could, going out on missions with his peerage and one of his more important goals. That being to hopefully convince Odin himself to teach him what he knew of Norse magic and runes, as the aspiring archmage wanted to make damn sure that if he was going to learn of an arcane art that he was gonna make sure it was from someone who knew their shit.
(July 9th, 2018, Riser's Mansion, 1:54 Pm)
It was in the early afternoon as once more Milicas and Riser were at the latters' place hanging around one another, and seeing how both were doing.
"So how're things going with the Allfather?" Riser asked the son of Sirzechs
"It's a process, to say the least. But at least I have a shot to try and learn from one of the greatest mages to ever do it." Milicas answered back with a weary groan
"Is it that bad?" Riser questioned by the tired expression on Milicas's face
"Not exactly, Riser. It just means that I'm going to be doubling down on my studies if I want to learn from Odin himself. The man said that he wants me to put my money where my mouth is. So I'm going to be rather busy these coming months." Milicas told his good friend
"Should I send you the standard of liquor, industrial-strength aspirin, and Phenex tears?...Because by the sound of it, it looks like you will be needing it in bulk." Riser asked
"I definitely am…Hopefully, Roygun will understand about this... I really don't want to have to cancel our date nights, because of this." Milicas said knowing full well that a sizable chunk of his plans with her were going to be up in flames
"I'm sure she will, as you two are one of the strongest power couples in the Underworld right now..For good reason too, as to how it is that the two of you haven't tied the knot yet. Is completely beyond me." Riser replied
"Oh come on, man. We aren't anything special. We just happen to vibe really well together." Milicas said back
"Look, all I know is that you and Roygun at the rate you two are going. That the both of you are going to get as one of my other friends call it an apple pie life. With a white picket fence and all." Riser spoke with good faith at the redheaded devils' chance of having a happy ending with Roygun
"Trust me, I am doing everything I possibly can to make something akin to that happen. Even though I can't imagine a moment where Roygun or myself are leaving the life of suburbia. I will say that one of these days, I'll make sure that the both of us will have our happy ending one day." Milicas replied with a voice borderline brimming with determination to make an outcome a reality
"If there is anything I can do to help out with that, then let me know." Riser said
"You being quite literally my best friend, is more than I can ask for." Milicas replied putting a hand on the Phenex's shoulder
"Which is why it's a damned shame that my aunt can't see what I see in you. If she was able too, then the majority of your problems with her would be null and void." Milicas added
"Something she never will see, considering how her head is permanently affixed to her ass. I swear she is the most pigheaded, asinine twat I've had the displeasure of knowing….No offense by the way." Riser spat in complete disgust of his betrothed
"You're fine. In fact, I can't really blame you, as what you're saying is the truth…If there are a few things I detest about her. It is that she is nothing but a spoiled brat, who is in dire need of a reality check." Milicas responded in agreement
"Too bad the chances of that happening are slim if any if your father has anything to say about it." Riser spoke back getting an annoyed groan from Milicas
"Do not remind me of that man, and the fact that he's the epitome of a siscon…I swear every day that I am reminded of it, I feel a migraine coming." Milicas spoke
With their being one thing that Milicas was ashamed of, it would be his father being a siscon for his aunt; the fact that he let her get away with more than what he would've been allowed to when he was growing up vexed him greatly. Considering how it meant that even if he was several steps ahead of her in terms of both power and in social standing, that it didn't matter to his father; who would nevertheless dote on her like a lovesick puppy.
"...But enough about the source of both our headaches. How are things going for you?" Milicas asked the artificer before him
"They're going quite well actually. I've just finished the newest model of my armors; which I'm excited to test out soon. I've also finished upgrading Xuelan's, Karlamine's, and the twins's gear. Which is a good thing too, seeing as how in a few weeks time; I will be going against Diodora in an upcoming Rating Game." Riser answered back on some of what he had been up too
"Diodora of all people? Huh, never would've thought he was good enough to go against you." Milicas spoke in having more or less seen him as subpar in strength
"He isn't. However, he's good enough to be a field test dummy for my peerages' newly updated armaments I've made for them. Therefore, I figure I'll indulge myself in having a free test dummy for my inventions." Riser responded back with a self-assured smile
"Good luck then. However, please make a show out of it. I want to see that little creep get utterly embarrassed on live television." Milicas requested from the artificer whose smile only widened
"Trust me, Milicas. What I and my servants will do to him, will make him look like a total joke. In fact, if I have my way about it. I'll probably beat him so bad that the video of his decimation will go viral." Riser said as his smile turned into a more vicious one
"After all, there is one thing I love doing beyond my tinkering. It is showing that my machines are far superior than anything my peers can come up with…Thus far, I've only gone nowhere but up! I swear that at this rate, it's only a matter of time before I can test my mettle against the likes of Sairaorg or even Diehauser himself." Riser added with hopes at one day being strong enough to go toe to toe against the Rating Game elite
"I would still be careful, Riser. You are without a doubt one of the craftiest, cunning and most intelligent Devils'; I have ever known. However, I would still be careful if you ever fight against them. They aren't at the top when it comes to Rating Games; for nothing." Milicas reminded his friend at the prowess either one possessed
"I'm fully aware of that, Milicas. Which is why I'm in full preparation to develop countermeasures against them." Riser responded with a look of self-assurance
"While there is no doubt that they are indeed powerful. They are not infallible in their might. Therefore, they can be brought low like anyone else. All it takes is to crack the code of what they are, and then punish them for it; once I do." Riser added, his mind already swarming with the possibilities and variable to account for how to perfectly and systematically dismantle them
'His track record certainly does speak for itself. He maybe a playboy and horndog no doubt. Yet that analytical part of him is truly terrifying…Hells, if he really wanted to, he could be the next Akuja.' Milicas noted at how despite his perverseness, Riser's mind functioned more like a supercomputer than a normal mind
"Anyways, do you have anything else to do this summer? You have to have something else in mind besides getting good enough to study under Odin, and getting it on with Roygun?" Riser questioned the red-headed mage
"Other than my peerage and I doing our regular jobs, and searching for anything on lost magics. There isn't much else for me to do, as my schedule is otherwise full." Milicas answered back
"I often forget that if it wasn't for Roygun and I, you would be a full-blown workaholic at this rate." Riser noted, getting an eye-roll from the Gremory before him
"Could you two really blame me? There is a lot that I wish to accomplish if I want to realize my dreams. While our kind is borderline immortal. That doesn't mean I'm getting any younger, or any closer to becoming a fantastically powerful archmage…The only way that gets done is if I put my fingers to the bone and never take my eyes off of my target. Not even for a single moment." Milicas responded with utmost seriousness towards his goal
"Hey, I'm not knocking you for being on your shit. If anything I applaud you and then some. Its far more than others of our generation are aspiring towards." Riser said
"But that doesn't mean it won't kill you to relax every now and again. Which is why I'm telling you to relax every now and again. Because if I won't, then Roygun will and she will definitely be on your ass about it." Riser added knowing full well that Roygun would do so more fervently than he would
"You need not remind me, Riser." Milicas spoke
With his girlfriend in Roygun being a proponent for self-care, and as such made sure in their few years of dating each other that Milicas would actually take time to relax and not burn himself out, because of his intensive focus towards becoming a famed archmage. The son of Sirzechs knew full well to argue against his incredibly powerful girlfriend, who even despite her kindness was known for being only second to Diehauser for a reason.
"So have you done something to occupy your time, when you aren't busy?" Riser asked
"I have, now that you've mentioned it." Milicas said back
"Really? Would you mind sharing what it is?" Riser questioned
"I've taken up an interest. Or to be more precise, learning how to play an instrument." Milicas answered back
"Really? I never would've taken you to try your hand at music." Riser said somewhat surprised
"Well, I figured why shouldn't I. I've excelled at magic and my familys' power. So I figure why not apply the same hard work I've put into that, and extend it towards learning about and playing music." Milicas replied
"Hmph, hopefully I'll be able to see you play whatever it is, you've been practicing at." Riser said now curious to see what his friend had been practicing with
"Perhaps, sometime in the future. But not until I've accomplished a level of proficiency I'm proud of." Milicas told his friend
"That's fair enough, as it would be like asking me to debut one of my machines that's still in its prototype phase." Riser replied in understanding
"Glad you see it that way, Riser…However, I will have to cut this short. I have to get ready for my date with Roygun in an hour. So I'll see you again later this week." Milicas told the blonde artificer in realization of the time
"Alright, I'll see you later then and have fun." Riser said back as Milicas got up and proceeded to teleport back to his home to get ready
'Well, might as well get back to it with prepping everyone for Diodora. The last thing I need is that creepy little shit pulling anything out of his ass, and making a mockery out of me.' Riser said to himself as he head back inside to get to work with his machines
( A week and a half later, July 19th, 2018, Gremory Household, 12:25 Pm)
It was a week and some change later as Milicas was visiting with his mother, whom due to his dating Roygun, hanging with Riser, going on missions with his Peerage, and his intensive studies into the arcane; hadn't seen her as much as he would've liked.
"It is so nice to see you again, Milicas. It feels as though it has been ages since I've last seen you." Grayfia greeted her son
"It's nice to see you again as well, mother." Milicas replied giving his mother a hug
"Again, I'm sorry I haven't been able to visit with you lately. It is just with everything going on, I've been rather busy." Milicas apologized to the strongest Maid
"You're fine. I completely understand. Your a young man, who is on his way to becoming one of the greatest sorcerers of all time." Grayfia spoke returning the hug
"Still you will always be my sweet boy, so how about I make us some tea. Then you can tell me what you have been up to all this time." Grayfia told him
From there she made both herself and Milicas their favorite cinnamon apple tea, before the two sat down and the son of Sirzechs began to catch his mother up on recent events.
"I wish you the best in getting the apprenticeship under Odin. Especially, when you consider how he acts…" Grayfia said knowing full well that the Allfather was a shameless lecher
"Perhaps, I can offer him, Aunt Rias. That'll certainly assure my chances as an apprentice." Milicas halfheartedly suggested, getting a chuckle from his mother
"While that certainly sounds hilarious, to see her squirm. I would rather not deal with your father throwing a tantrum over it…Even if his expression over it would be priceless." Grayfia replied still giggling to herself over the expressions of both redheads
"I know he would throw a massive hissy fit about it. Which is why I won't lie when I say that I'm not tempted to do so." Milicas said back with impish grin spreading across his face at the thought
"I don't blame you for wanting to do so either. As much as I hate to say this about my own sister-in-law, and I truly do. Beyond her looks and charms, she has nothing of note going for her." Grayfia spoke with a bitterness tinged voice
"You certainly aren't wrong. She and her entire peerage are essentially all flash and very little substance…If she put as much time into playing schoolgirl, into improving herself and her peerage, or even into learning a new skill. Then she would be able to easily escape the predicament she's in, instead of having to panic for help, beg my grandparents for more time to escape her predicament, or worse yet cry to father and have him prolong it." Milicas replied in repulsion of his aunts' laziness
"Do not remind me of it…You aren't the one who has had to endure her continuous complaints of the unfairness of her marriage to Riser. Which has done little to help my relationship with your father." Grayfia said with an equal if not greater detesting of the current circumstances
"...Is it really that bad between you and father?" Milicas inquired, sensing the undercurrent of bitterness in her voice
"Understand that while I still love and care for your father, that as of late…Things have started to sour between us." Grayfia told her son her bright scarlet eyes looking down at the table
"For all your father's incredible power and strength; that has made him one of the strongest of our kind. However, this has also made it so that the Old Satan Faction and others that wish to bring us down to ruin; know exactly how to send your father into a rampage that would further reduce our numbers. Something I told him numerous times that his constant spoiling of your aunt will have its consequences." Grayfia added as Milicas looked back in acknowledgement
The main caveat that was acknowledged and agreed upon by all in the Underworld to having an incredibly powerful siscon for one of your leaders, was the fact that it made Rias a massive target for any and everyone that wanted to screw over the Devils. As such everyone pretty much feared the day should Rias suffer an untimely death at the hands of an enemy, and risk a furious Sirzechs going on a rampage that would put the current regime in a horrid position; that would leave them ripe for the Old Satan Faction to step in and take over.
Something that Milicas to an extent couldn't even argue with, considering how it made his outrageously powerful father an incredibly loose canon that very few Devils could stop or hinder should he become enraged.
"I have told father repeatedly not to openly spoil and favor Rias. However, the man simply refuses to listen and ignore my warnings; that what he does puts a larger and larger target upon her." Milicas responded knowing his father's coddling Rias would only have severe repercussions
"Your father is an incredibly stubborn and protective man when it comes to his family and loved ones…Something that while it is one of his most endearing traits, it is also one of his greatest weaknesses." Grayfia said knowing full well the double-edged sword that was one of her husband's greatest strengths
"Honestly, it is one of the reasons I fear he may do something reckless one day; that will doom us all. If there is one thing that I can't believe I am saying…Even Serafall has more restraint and self-control than him, despite all her bluster." Grayfia added
"It feels strange to note that Lady Leviathan is like that, despite her acting like a hyperactive magical girl most of the time." Milicas noted over the Satan's eccentric behavior
"To be fair, that is only for public appearances, as well as when she gets to see her sister. Otherwise, she acts much more composed than what she is given credit for…There is a reason why she is one of our most skilled diplomats." Grayfia replied
"Fair enough, I suppose." Milicas replied
"Still, I am excited nonetheless to continue my studies. Once my servants and I return from our next mission. I plan on studying more upon Norse magic, as well as looking into black magic as well. It never hurts to know a few curses and hexes, for a rainy day." Milicas added with a contained excitement coloring his voice
"While I wish you and your servants luck on these endeavors you undertake. I also wish that you are careful. The Old Satan Faction isn't something to be taken lightly." Grayfia spoke
"If you are worried about my possibly encountering Uncle Euclid. Then I and my peerage are prepared for such a situation." Milicas replied knowing full well the danger of his psychotic uncle
"I wouldn't warn you, as I always do when you do these things if I didn't care. That man may share the same blood as me, but he is a nihilistic, psychotic monster. One that other than Rizevim, are the true threats of that faction that you shouldn't cross." Grayfia told her son
"I'm well aware of the danger he presents, which is why I already have spells prepared and at the ready, for a retreat in the event we do face him." Milicas cooly responded
While Milicas was more than confident in his abilities in the arcane, and the prowess of his peerage; he would not send them to their deaths against someone who was comparable to his mother in any circumstance imaginable.
"Thank you, for having the prudence to do so. I would rather not bury my son." Grayfia said thankful her son had the common sense not to face Euclid at his current level of power
"However, on a less grim note. After, Roygun and I talked for a little bit on our date. I convinced her to meet with you next week, so you two may get to know each other." Milicas informed his mother who finished sipping her tea
"That sounds delightful, Milicas. Just let me know when she's coming, and I will make sure to have the day off." Grayfia replied with a small yet genuine smile gracing her features
"I will be sure to do that. Also, I'm sure you will love her. She is without a doubt, one of the wonderful things to have come into my life. Even then I'm sure that I'm doing her an injustice with my words." Milicas said back with a level of joy and happiness that Grayfia rarely saw in him
"Seeing as how you speak so highly of her. I'm sure I will find her as delightful as you have." Grayfia said getting a smile from her son
"Thank you, mother. I can't tell you how much I appreciate this!" Milicas replied with a rather cheerful smile on his face
"You're welcome. Now then, tell me more about her. I'm sure that with her being one of people's rising stars, and your girlfriend. That you must have an abundance to tell me." Grayfia said
From there the two spent the rest of the afternoon with Milicas telling his mother more in-depth on his relationship with Roygun, as well as the progress with his arcane studies and some of the missions his peerage had been on. All the while, the Underworld's Strongest Maid was mainly content that after such an extended period of time, she was able to spend time with her son as used to when he was growing up.
(3 days later, July 22nd, 2018, 2:40 Pm, Riser's Mansion)
It was a few days later as Riser was watching Xuelan, Siris, and Karlamine practice and spar with each other using the new gear he'd crafted for them, much to his approval in how they were functioning so far.
"Great work you three, that should suffice for today." Riser said to both servants
"As you wish, Lord Riser." The trio of servants said in unison as they went their separate ways
"Is there something you wish to say, Karlamine?" Riser asked his knight
"Yes, my lord. I wanted to air out the grievances I have concerning the red-haired harlot you are to wed." Karlamine answered back
"Say your piece on the matter. For you and your fellow servant's opinions and thoughts are always welcome." Riser said turning his attention to the armor-cladded woman
"If I may say this, my lord. Are you sure that you must go through with this arrangement? Are there not any other suitors that you may be wed to? Surely their is someone better suited than her." Karlamine questioned with a potent disgust for the Gremory heiress
"...Believe me, there are many and I mean MANY others who I would rather spend the rest of my days with than her. However, my parents for some unknown reason have chosen her. Which astounds me, considering that she isn't even anywhere close to being worthy of her title as a house heir." Riser answered back
"How it is, that she hasn't been replaced by Milicas; is beyond me." Riser added
"I wholeheartedly agree with your sentiment. Lord Milicas would make a far greater leader for House Gremory than her. When you consider that everything she is capable of, Lord Miliicas can do a hundred-fold. In addition to his status as a rising mage, I am often astonished as to why he has not become his households' true leader." Karlamine spoke
"Your guess is as good as mine. I have been wondering that for ages, myself." Riser replied
'I guess that's a point I should really ask, Milicas. Perhaps it could be an additional key, towards freeing me from this farce of a marriage.' Riser said in making a mental note to ask said question in the future
"Furthermore, Lord Riser. I do request that if this Rating Game between you and the harlot; commences. That you would allow me first blood against her." Karlamine requested
"May I ask why you would want this? I never took you for being particularly bloodthirsty." Riser inquired, as he saw the look of spite and even hate in Karlamine's eyes
"It is not because I have given in to any desires for bloodlust and newfound sadistic impulses, my lord. Moreso to the fact that I grow tired of her slandering your name, and dishonoring you as some perverse swine whenever she sees fit." Karlamine furiously answered back
"But more than that, I am infuriated by how she looks down on us all as lesser. As how dare she and her band of good-for-nothing cretins look at us as though we are inferior when all of us work twice if not thrice harder than her servants. When we have fought alongside you to not only become the most dominant forces in the Rating Games, but help you to become something greater. All the while she plays schoolgirl in the human world and turns her servants into playthings. The absolute nerve of that wench!" Karlamine spat in pure contempt of Rias for daring to look down on not just her, but her fellow servants and lord
"Which is why I make this request of you, Lord Riser. Allow me to punish this wench for her arrogance, and strike her down on your behalf when the chance arises." Karlamine said, her eyes burning with the desire to punish Rias and her peerage
For Karlamine was greatly incensed by the crimson-haired wretch who dared to think of herself as greater than her master, when all she was, was little more than a succubus who would be better spreading her legs for any ill-forgotten bastard than an heiress to one of the 72 pillars in her mind.
"If that is what you wish, Karlamine. Then I will be happy to grant it to you." Riser told his knight
"Thank you, Lord Riser. I promise to you, that I will strike her down as quickly as possible when the opportunity presents itself. That harlot will know retribution for the slanderous words that come from her foul tongue." Karlamine replied with a smile gracing her features
"You're quite welcome. Besides, who am I to deny you such a generous request." Riser said
"You have my word, that I will not fail in this endeavor." Karlamine swore
"I'm sure you won't. Now then, other than your new sword and armor. How has your training progressed? Is there anything I need to do to help improve upon it?" Riser asked his knight
"The only thing I would request from you, Lord Riser, are more books on battle tactics, strategy and weapons…These are the only things I request from you." Karlamine answered back
"I will be sure to get on that, as soon as possible. I would be a poor leader if I didn't properly equip all of you with the tools necessary to succeed." Riser said, whilst making a note to acquire these things for her
"Thank you. Part of my duties as your trusted knight is to not only be a great warrior. It is also to make myself as proficient in the ways of combat, strategy, and tactics as possible. So that way, I may better aid you on the battlefield." Karlamine replied
"I certainly won't argue with the results, considering that Xuelan, Isabela, and Mihae have told me you are becoming our very own battlemaster; from what I hear." Riser noted causing a bashful grin to come across the armored woman's face
"While I am most grateful for the praise and kind words. I feel it is only necessary to take up the role. Lady Ravel, shouldn't be the only one to shoulder the burden as one of our tacticians. Therefore, I saw it in our best interest to diversify and improve upon my skill-set. This way, I can be of even greater use to you." Karlamine spoke knowing that it wouldn't hurt to diversify herself
"At the rate you continue to improve at. I have no doubt that eventually, you will replace my sister as our lead tactician." Riser told her with a smile that made Karlamine's face light up
"Y-You really think so, Lord Riser?" Karlamine questioned
"I am completely sure of it. You alongside Mihae, Xuelan, and Yubelluna continue to improve by leaps and bounds. This is why I am certain that in due time, you will help our peerage to flourish to its full potential." Riser answered back as he put a hand atop one of her pauldrons
"For I foresee our future being as bright and majestic, as the very bird my family takes its name after. That is why; I need more people like you that are always progressing towards something greater. Because with your help, I can see a very prosperous future ahead." Riser added causing his knight to almost glow with newfound resolve
"Then from this day forward, I will continue to make you proud of me. You have my word that I will not let you down, my Lord. I assure you that I will put forth my all towards helping the peerage improve under your watchful eye." Karlamine swore with a determination that could burn a lush jungle to a cinder filled wasteland
"I will hold you to that, Karlamine. Now then, why don't you head home for the day. You've fared a bit better than expected. However, you can always be better." Riser told his knight who nodded
"Then I will be, Lord Riser. I will become the greatest weapon at your disposal, and strike down all who stand in your way." Karlamine spoke before running over to find Mihae or Yubelluna to teleport her back to her house
'At the rate, everyone is improving. I should be able to go against someone like Sairaorg within a year's time..perhaps even two.' Riser noted to himself, proud of the overwhelming force his peerage was becoming
(2 days later, July 24th, 2018, 2:10 Pm, Agares Estate)
It was the following Sunday as Riser had finished delivering some of his inventions to Seekvaira, with the mecha-otaku being very delighted at having received her shipment of machines from the blonde artificer.
"I trust that everything will be to your liking?" Riser asked the Agares heiress
"With everything you have delivered to me, it is far more than what I could hope for." Seekvaira said still marveling at some of the high-tech machines that had been built
"How it is that you do not have your own factories to produce these to everyone in the Underworld, is completely beyond me. You could make a fortune if you had 3 or 4 factories set up." Seekvaira noted as she looked at enough weaponry and armor to outfit a small battalion
"That actually isn't a bad idea. Although, I still have to save up quite a bit more before that becomes a reality…I'd rather not bankrupt myself to make my dream a reality." Riser responded, knowing the effort of building so many factories would put a hefty dent in his funds
"Perhaps, I can assist you with that." Seekvaira said to the blond Artificer
"How, so?" Riser questioned
"To simply put, I say that we join our forces together, and proceed to go into business. After all, now that I've recently become the head of House Agares; due to my father stepping down from the position as of last May. I am currently in a highly suitable position to help you out." Seekvaira answered back
"Hmmm, let's say I agree to go into business with you. What exactly do you have to gain from this? Better yet, what will I have to give to you, in order to make this happen?" Riser questioned the Agares heiress
"I won't require much. Just a few simple things from you." Seekvaira told him
"If you wouldn't mind my asking, what are some of your stipulations?" Riser asked
"I want to commission my own mech-suit, as well as augmentations for my servants." Seekvaira requested from the artificer
"The augmentations I can easily do, all I will need is to see what your servants are capable of. Then from there, I can easily build the augmentations you desire. However, why is it that you want your own mech suit?" Riser replied
"To put it simply. I need it in order to help with controlling my familys' power. While I am proud to have manipulation over something as powerful as time. The fact that I am unable to truly master it to its fullest capabilities, is beyond vexing. Therefore, I want you to build me a mech-suit; or at the very least equipment that will allow me to better utilize and control my familys' power." Seekvaira explained to the blonde artificer
"This is something that will take up a considerable amount of time to do, Seekvaira. Building something to help control time itself isn't going to be any easy feat." Riser responded
Even Riser knew full well that building something that would allow for greater control over something such as complex as temporal manipulation, would be incredibly… time-consuming and arduous. Considering the fact that, one wrong misstep and the device could implode upon itself, or Seekvaira could accidentally overload it and cause chronal distortions strong enough to age herself into infirmity.
"I know full well what I am asking from you. Building something to help regulate my control over this is not something I would request from you lightly. Therefore,I will make sure to compensate you accordingly." Seekvaira spoke knowing she would be asking a momentous task for Riser
"As long as you know what you're getting into, then I have no problem working on this." Riser replied
"Now then, will there be any other stipulations you have in mind?" Riser asked
"Other than monetary and financial matters, that we can discuss at a later date. Nothing that comes to mind, other than having a say in having projects of my own getting pushed out every now and again." Seekvaira answered back on what she wanted at the moment
"Just as long as it is within reason, and is something that can be used in a practical manner. Then I am all for it." Riser replied, more than fine with the second stipulation
"Excellent. I will make sure that negotiations begin within the next two weeks. Then by this fall, I will make sure to begin building the factories." Seekvaira told him
"Well, if there is nothing else. Then I will be on my way, once my drones put everything where you want them." Riser replied
"...If it will not be too much trouble on your end of things. Perhaps, once the negotiations are over. You and I could go out to lunch together…if you're available that is?" Seekvaira said to the artificer
"I will check my schedule. If I am free during that time, then I will be happy too." Riser replied
"Good to know. Once again, Riser. Thank you for doing this for me." Seekvaira thanked him
"It is no problem at all." Riser responded
'Didn't expect all of this to happen, but who am I to complain about it.' Riser noted to himself over getting more than what he bargained for
Once his delivery was finished at the Agares Estate, Riser had returned to his workshop where he was hard at work on one of his pet projects. At least until he got a Facetime call from Millicas who was in battle-ready attire in one of the rooms of his own house, where the artificer in question could see the forms of his Rook and Bishop in the process of donning their own armor and gear.
"Oh hey there, Millicas. What did you need?" Riser questioned
"Nothing at all really. I just wanted to see how things went with Seekvaira." Milicas answered back
"They went rather well, actually. In fact far better than what I had hoped to be honest with you." Riser replied, still quite surprised at how well things went for him
"Really? You'll have to tell me all about it, once I get back from the assignment we will all be going on." Milicas informed him
"What's the assignment about?" Riser asked while making sure his machines were operating in precise concert with each other
"Apparently, some upstarts in the Magician Faction figured they could get a leg up on their peers by seeking out the power of a dragon. Except when they sought it out, and tried to bind it to them. They, unfortunately, awoke a rather old dragon, one that is nearly a wyrm at that." Milicas told him
"As you can imagine, a dragon that had been forcefully roused from its slumber and in its mind insulted by peons who would try to control it…You can put the pieces together on what an enraged, very old, and quite power dragon is doing now." Milicas added
"Where is it wrecking shop at now?" Riser questioned
"Somewhere over in the Philippines. Luckily its awakening didn't cause its lair to go into an active eruption…The last thing we need is a volcano erupting, on top of an enraged dragon scorching everything; because it wants to throw a tantrum from being woken up from its nap." Milicas answered back in relief
"Had I known you and your servants were doing this ahead of time. I would've sent you something to help with being flame resistant…Unfortunately, I didn't make anything of the sort." Riser spoke
"Its fine, we've had worse encounters. So this will be nothing different." Milicas replied
"Nevertheless, what is it your working on?" Milicas inquired seeing the different machines that being directed by Riser
"Oh, I'm still working on my pet project. Hopefully, I will be ready to field test it by the end of the year." Riser replied having never broken eye contact as he directed them like a conductor would an orchestra
"I still can't believe you're still working on Dread Needle. I figured you would've given up on by now, after how many times its taken you to get it right." Milicas noted after the years of trial and error it had taken Riser
"Are you kidding me, Millicas? This has been my pet project to finally put me on the map, for the past few years. There is no way that I would give up on Dread Needle." Riser replied with a determined smile
"That is fair. In fact, I'm pretty sure this is in the running for one of your longest-running projects." Milicas noted
"It is indeed. My greatest fuck you to my parents, and after so many years of perfecting the Dread Needle. I will be able to take the one thing my family values, and make it my own." Riser said as he looked back at his creation the machines were handling as delicately and precisely as possible
The liquid that was the Dread Needle in question, was a liquid that had the sludge-like consistency of boiling hot tar; that was a mix of fiery magenta and putrid scarlet like the flames from a rubber tire burning. That seemed to consistently bubble and froth as though it were a bottle of Dr. Pepper that had a full pack of Mentos dropped into it.
"How much longer do you think it will take you, before its ready to be tested?" Milicas inquired as he handed his Rook their maul
"Hopefully by either late November or early December, at the earliest. I've been working non-stop on making sure that it will be ready for field testing." Freed answered back with genuine excitement at soon being able to test it out
"Then I wish you the best on that front, Riser. Soon enough, those years of hard work are going to finally pay off." Milicas said as Riser's smile could only widen
"Trust me, I can't tell you how long I have waited for this to finally be realized. Because with this, I will finally have an equalizer to people like Diehauser." Riser replied with a broad grin as he continued to manipulate his machines in the process of handling the Dread Needle
"Well, I certainly can't wait to see it in action. However, as much as I would like to stay and chat with you more on how its progressing. I'm afraid I will have to cut this short." Milicas told the artificer of a Phenex
"That's fair, and good luck to you and your servants." Riser said to the son of Sirzechs
"Thanks, Riser. See you later!" Milicas replied before ending the call
'I can't wait to finally test this out on someone…I would test it on that red-haired bitch for my fiance, but I'd rather not have Sirzechs bearing down on me.' Riser said to himself as he continued his intensive focus on perfecting the Dread Needle
So as we gain perspective on things from both young up and coming Devils, the aiming for a prosperous future for both Milicas and Riser seems rather arduous. But can they reach their own end goals and get what they desire, or will it all fall away into ruin? Find out in the all new chapters of, Heavyweight Dragon Emperor: Alternative!
Now then onto some of the reviews from the last chapter.
Dragonsaiyanblue: Glad you like the whole outcast vibe with Riser and Freed. Considering that I hated that given the circumstances of what they were and could've potentially been. The two could've led to being something a lot greater than what they were in canon (as come on, either one of them could've been great long-running villains if Ishiboomer actually tried hard enough.) But yeah, I will continue to give them their just dues as I would've in the original.
Obsidian Nova Arc: Concerning Riser's skills as an Artificer and what your talking about. While it is possible, its also something that would take awhile later on into the story. Considering that doing something like that, would take a lot of resources he doesn't have quite yet and making something like that; that wouldn't heavily exhaust Tyson to where he's unfit for combat should any shenanigans from Khaos Brigade or anything like that come to pass is a long ways off. I'm not saying it ain't doable, just that things like that are going to be a long ways off for everyone before its feasible to have happen within the story.
JoshL1294: Its' all good man, I completely understand. Plus I'm glad you like the story so far.
Well, that takes care of that as I hoped you enjoyed this chapter and everything that went into it, as I hopefully did a good job on showing things from both the ends of Milicas and moreover Riser. But without further delay let's hop into it.
First up, I hoped you guys enjoyed the bits of Milicas and Riser chopping it up with each other and more or less being bros to each other.
Coming up after that we have a bit between Milicas and Grayfia, which I hope you guys enjoyed. Since to me we rarely get an inside on how Grayfia and someone close to her (besides Sirzechs) deals with everything going on with the arranged marriage and moreover Sirzechs himself without it being overblown.
Following that, I hoped you enjoyed the little bit I did with Karlamine and Riser. Which is something I've wanted to do in terms of fleshing not just her out, but more of his peerage out than having them be just the 'harem' he fucks with in other stories.
Lastly, I hoped you guys liked the bit with Seekvaira and all that went into it. Because what I've seen is that people forget that Riser in canon would have a good number of connections that he's made, despite being a playboy as he's depicted. So say what you want about him, but unlike Rias, Riser is probably pretty good at networking when you think about it from what we know about him canon-wise.
That being said I hope y'all enjoy this story and what's to come in the future chapters of it as well as favoriting, following and sending reviews so that we can hopefully make this a pretty decent story. With flames for the most part will be ignored unless you got anything nice to say or that helps the story then go somewhere else.
With the next chapter having some stuff go down with Darian and Freed among other things, so stay tuned for that.
Prelude Theme Song: Sinner by Drowning Pool
Random End Song: The Devil you Know by Anthrax