This is a rewrite of a project I started working on a year ago, I wasn't too proud of it but the idea seemed nice so I'll try to revamp it now that I've gotten a bit better in terms of grammar and writing so I think it's worth it to give it a shot. The premise is as the title says, I'll insert a new villain into the story, who will not be an absolute spastic, and I'll buff up both the main cast and the stooges in the old satan faction for the sake of the story fluidity. It is horrid to work with two-dimensional bad guys who villain for the sake of being evil, so hopefully, I won't make them even worse.
Now, this won't be a walkover, this is not a power fic, and canon will (mostly?) stay intact. I am still unsure of the fate I will bring upon Issei, but I will leave this up to the future me. The fic starts ten years before canon, and time skips will bring it up to the main story so as not to drag out the past. There will be some OCs, but they will not play significant roles except for the MC. Alright, let's get to it!
It has been centuries since the civil war when families turned on one another and brothers fought brothers. My father has partaken in the war, and almost my entire bloodline was wiped from existence during it.
The four true Satans, descendants of Lucifer, Beelzebub, Leviathan, and Asmodeus respectfully, were fighting for their right to lead our people against the upstarts, calling themselves the new devil faction. Well, They lost badly, so bad in fact that they held no more ground in the official land ruled by the devils and now live on the outskirts of civilized society.
Why am I saying all this? The thing is, I just happen to be the son of perhaps the most incorrigible man known to the underworld.
Rizevim, still a super devil deserved a dose of respect, if not for how he treated him and his brother, but for his social standing and combat potential. It is not a secret that my father has done nothing to improve upon his powerful gift; nonetheless, he is a leading figure for the old satan faction.
"Listen, father-"
"I'm not hearing any more nonsense out of your mouth! My orders are law! And I specifically remember telling you not to fight Razevan!" - He berated me in an angry voice. A face twisted in rage was looking at me in disgust. I was visibly cowed, my head hung low as I kneeled in front of my father. He marched up to me, his arms shaking as he swung one back. Then I felt a stinging sensation on my face as I felt the floor hugging my back. I carefully brought a finger to my nose and surely enough, blood came leaking out.
Now of course I could've dodged the pathetic swing of this bastard, but as a model heir, I take the punishment on the chin. I could care less that Rizevim is an absolute dick deserving of a good knock-out, so long as he furthers the cause, he must remain in power.
I slowly got back on my knees, my hands stuck to the ground supporting my weight. Again, I've left my face exposed so as not to show any resistance. If I bring them up to defend myself then the torture will only get worse.
Again, my fuming father came closer hand raised, but this time, he extended his palm facing upwards. I, a bit naively accepted the kind gesture. Maybe I'll get off light this time-
His left hand clenched into a fist as Rizevim delivered a mean hook. I was flung backward, hitting the wall of his throne room. In a daze, I heard bellowing laughter as Rizevim threw his head back while repeatedly slapping his knee.
"You really are an idiot! Who would've thought?" And the laughter continues. My face was red and bruised from the super-devil-powered punch I took point blank. Nonetheless, I stewed in anguish and persevered.
"I'm just kidding man, cheer up." A huge smile stretched across the Satan's face as he came closer to me. Yeah, not falling for that one. I mentally prepared myself as he grabbed me by my collar and threw me across the room, all the while gleefully laughing.
What a lunatic! Why was I cursed with such relatives Mother Lilith?!
Rizevim made sure to take his time walking over to me, stepping into a pool of blood that I left behind from my face's nasty meeting with his fist. He looked mildly disgusted with the situation as my father in a squeamish manner rubbed his shoe on my clothes, getting rid of the blood.
"Listen here Rozavel, I'll tell you this once, and never again." Rizevim crouched, his eyes coming to level with mine. "Don't you, ever, overstep your boundaries. It is Razevans business alone what he does with his child, just as I treat you, so can your bother to treat his son." As if to make a point he once again swung his arm, this time a faint purple glow could be seen emanating from it. My eyes could only process the color as the blow reached my face. The floor cracked as a perfect imprint of my skull was created. Blood pooled in my eyes and mouth as my nose bent inwards.
"Hell yeah! That felt fucking amazing!" Rizevim almost danced above me as he pumped his fist in the air, blood still dripping from his fingers. Then again in a sudden mood swing, his cold eyes looked towards me with ill-concealed intentions.
Were it my will, I could wrestle this coward down and give him a beating of his life. But until I'm completely sure that such usurpation is possible in its entirety, I'd rather stay amicable with my father, or as amicable as it gets.
Rizevim stepped on my chest as he looked down, in what I assume is supposed to be an intimidating manner.
"Let this be a one-time lesson for you. It is a discipline issue and not one born out of being stupid." He violently poked a finger into my forehead.
"You knew of the consequences and still decided to fight Razevan. Not only was his mansion destroyed but you also stained his honor!" He got up from me and made a distance of a few paces. I already knew what was coming, it wasn't the first time my father was punishing me so severely. What he normally uses as an execution method for disloyal subordinates, he uses to ensure I feel the worst pain of my life.
A dark power traced Rizevims fingers as I curled up into a ball to protect my vital organs. Not even a second passed when I felt one of the worst pains of my life. The dark tendrils stretched and encompassed my hands, moving up to my shoulder and consuming my body.
My eyes popped wide out of their sockets as blood started seeping out of every facial crevice, for a second I felt my organs shutting down but mentally I hung on, if I let concentration slip for even a second, I would go to sleep… Forever. My hands gripped the floor so hard it cracked, causing my fingers to sink into the marble tiling like sand.
It felt like an eternity, and even though no more than 30 seconds had passed I couldn't wait for it to stop. Just when I was about to lose consciousness the emanations stopped and I dropped limply, my body spasming uncontrollably.
"Ah… Hyak-" Instead of words, all that came out of my mouth was saliva. Dribbling down my lips and chin like a river, mixing with blood a pinkish pool of liquid was forming on the floor under my face.
"Pathetic." Rizevim proclaimed in a bored manner as he walked out of the room and closed the door, leaving my aching body and wavering consciousness in the dark.
"You look like shit"
The last person I expected to see was this woman. Dark skin, glasses, and a whole lot of smugness.
"Rizevim is being his old self huh? Well, no matter, he and Shalba have a task for you." Feeling quite regenerated, I managed to stand up, only to realize I was in 'her' chambers. This also explained quite well the reason for my unnatural vigor and health this morning.
"And it is urgent enough to warrant this?" I asked, pointing to the fact, that the leviathan next to me lacked any clothes, and perhaps, modesty as well.
"Would you have liked for me to leave you in the destroyed throneroom choking on your own blood and gore?" Her deadpan face made me realize how stupid of a question I had just asked. Nevertheless, I'm always grateful for even the most minute help from the higher-ups.
"I didn't think you would care to be honest, but since you've gone out of your way for me…" Out of the four idiots she was the most tolerable one. She didn't beat me up every two hours, she didn't steal my research. Overall, we have a pretty stable working relationship. A showing of gratitude is the least she deserves.
"I appreciate that, Katerea." Unsurprisingly her face betrayed my expectations as it turned into an ill-hidden sneer. Well, there goes the mood.
"Caring about you is a job, not a blessing." She huffed a bit and readjusted her glasses.
"Just think about your actions next time. I have a feeling this won't be the last time I'm getting you out of this mess." In the most dignified manner, a naked person can walk, she strutted towards the exit of the room, hips swaying as she picked up her clothes on the way to the washroom
Understanding I might have also overstayed my welcome a bit, I gathered as much strength into my aching body and lifted off towards opposite her direction where the exit was. As I was making my way out, Katarea, as if forgetting something quickly walked up to me and grabbed me by my left elbow.
"Hold up there. I didn't give ya something important." A document slid into my left hand adorned with multitudes of sticky notes and pictures.
"Now I gotta warn ya, these orders ain't for the faint of heart. I'd rather you didn't die in the near future, cuz then Rizevim is going to start beating on me!" What is it I'm hearing? Concern? Not in a million years. She might be a more honorable and competent Satan than the three stooges playing pretend leaders on wooden horses, but this is a very alarming warning. I am an asset after all, and losing me might set back our plans quite a bit.
I smirked at the fact that perhaps she cared, but quickly fear swallowed any joy I'd felt. What can get an ultimate class devil's knickers in a bunch? I a bit clumsily put on my military dress that has been out of date for at least 200 years. The pants were the hard part as I jumped and wobbled on my left leg trying to fit my right into the socket.
Looking in the mirror just outside of Katarea's room I've struck a dashing figure. A white coat going down to my calves secured by a belt at my waist. Underneath were my black shit and similarly black pants that were tucked into heavy-duty boots. On my shoulders were rather meaningless shoulder straps signifying my rank as a general of the Old Satan army. On my officer cap and my collar were marks showing the Lucifer coat of arms.
I subconsciously flexed and attempted to do various serious facial expressions, but nothing could hide that I looked a bit too young to wear this uniform. Eh, I'll grow into it.
I made my way outside where I'm usually briefed on the mission specifics, only to be met with an empty field and only one person standing.
"This can't be." I simply stated. Surely these are my mere delusions after dealing with lunatics for a good part of a decade.
A cool voice boomed, cool if it was anyone else except the man I was staring at. "Fancy seeing you here Ross." A deep smile crossed his face as the man bowed.
"Euclid. What a 'pleasant' surprise." This guy is an absolute nutcase. I would've been okay if it was the 'Deranged psychopath kind of lunatic, but instead, I'm dealing with an "Unhinged genius" type of guy. To each their own I guess, but there has to be a limit to how weird a person gets.
"So, uh, why exactly are you here?" I quizzed, raising an eyebrow and looking around an empty field.
Smiling, Euclid met my gaze. "Remember the Lucifaad assault Rizevim ordered? Well, let's just say only a trickle of soldiers came back from the battle."
Again, I started questioning the state of mind that my father has. Basically sending the last of our forces to their assured deaths. He never explained to me his line of thought, nor the strategic value that could've been gained. When I volunteered to lead I was sidelined for Daimadosu, Creuserey's brother. Many things could be said for that man, but imbecile is the first thing that comes to mind. Not only could he not command an army of devils, this guy can't even command a Roomba to clean.
Positions are provided via bloodline. Skill and aptitude play no role in the selection process. A stagnant hierarchy is doomed to fall alongside the king piece.
"Can't say I have forgotten it…" A grim reminder of how far we have fallen as a faction. Euclid stood a bit taller when I brought out the mystery folder actually labeled 'top secret'.
Upon opening it I was greeted with the date of my death and the face of my executioner.
"Serafall…" Her smiling face peered back at me from the pages, alongside her portrait was a list of actions I'm supposed to undertake.
"Keep her busy until '?' then withdraw with minimal losses." I flipped and twisted the pages as if the text is going to change but upon being greeted with the same suicidal orders I gave up and looked up. The clouds gathered above me as if reading my emotions.
Feeling the internal battle I was having Euclid stepped up closer to me to take a glance. Well, his reaction was a bit more visceral than mine.
"This bitch! The one that defeated my sister! Finally, I will have my revenge!-" A finger was violently brought up to his mouth. "One more word about Grafiya." I left the threat lingering in the air. Of course, I couldn't do anything to this idiotic pile of Lucifuge garbage but a threat of no further cooperation kept him from speaking any further.
We both are aware that even having the slimmest of chances to succeed would require unparalleled teamwork and trust. Two things that seemed to be lacking between us.
"How can I achieve the dreams of Satan's world domination when I am surrounded by idiots on all sides?!" Exasperated, I looked up into the sky, hands raised greeting the oncoming rain, silently cursing God, Lilith, and Lucifer.
Euclid seemed to pointedly ignore my comment and decided to follow along with whatever plan I came up with.
"Better gather whatever remains of our army. I really hope Father knows what he is doing." At around this point, I decided to head for the royal barracks. Or at least it used to be royal before the usurpation.
The path to the royal Pagoda which was linked to the barracks was rather uneventful.
We passed by the civilian district, which housed mostly women and children and I managed to see views I missed lately. Children were playing the magic chicken, flying around in a haphazard manner, some were trying to tag each other in the air. Others are located in a fenced area sitting in a broad rectangle, listening to their educator while attempting to utilize magic. This place looked untouched, almost serene, and reminded him of his cause. Maybe it didn't align with the goals of the old satan faction but I will be damned if I let all that was built come to ruin.
As soon as we reached the town square we were approached by several market traders attempting to sell us, whatever it is that they had. Items ranging from swords to holy water (Which is banned) *Ahem*. Thankfully a death glare from Euclid scattered them.
Several children ran near me and even dared to touch my cape. Before Euclid managed to murder them I hurried my pace, breaking contact with the populace.
Euclid followed in my steps acting as overwatch for me, which is probably his natural instinct after serving as Rizevims personal bodyguard. His intelligent eyes scanned our surroundings for any potential assassins. I merely strode the empty and ruined hallways of the not-so-royal pagoda making my way to where our soldiers resided.
"Now that I think about it wasn't this place a bit livelier?" I absentmindedly asked.
"The assault on the capital-" Before Euclid could speak any further I turned to face him with a scowl. "Yes, yes, I remembered, it was nice to forget for a moment you see?" There is a saying that ignorance is bliss, and oh boy does it serve me well when dealing with people with an IQ that you can count on one hand.
After reaching the doorway where the 7th legion resided, the only one left loyal to the old satan faction, I instantly felt a gloomy atmosphere. Opening the door, I noticed a distinct lack of personnel. Two-thirds of the bunks lay empty, while the last third is occupied by banged-up and weary devils.
The moment my boot stepped on the floor, Euclid moved to my front in a defensive manner "Is this how you greet your master!? I should-", rather forcefully my hand reached his mouth, but Euclid's anger didn't subside as he attempted to break out from my hand's firm clasp over his mouth. After a second of struggle, I managed to shove him behind me and made my way to the hostile legion.
My eyes glossed over the men belonging to the 7th Legion, bitter faces looking toward me. A scowl in one direction, a sneer in the other. Is this how Daimadosu treated them? Is this why they are in such a state?
Disregarding the unfriendly atmosphere, I made a move to introduce myself.
"My name is Rozavel Lucifer, and I will be your commanding officer." A small bow of acknowledgment from me. A rough-looking devil with a muscular build and many facial scars made his way toward me. In what I assume was an intimidation tactic, he puffed his chest out centimeters from my face while looking down at me. The rest if the legion seemed to align behind him as if announcing their allegiance. Well, no matter, even if they are elite soldiers, they are just that - soldiers.
Oh, is this how it is?
"I don't take orders from a spoon-fed Seventeen-year-old boy." Well, if it isn't a question regarding my age it is definitely a request to display my competency. To deal with this situation there is only one way, The devil's way. People around here from the Old Satan faction know only the power of fists.
Suddenly the burly-looking devil ended up on the floor with a smoking red mark imprinted on his face, with the perpetrator being my outstretched foot hanging in the air, its sole smoking from sheer force.
"I didn't take elite soldiers for a rowdy bunch of drunkards, but here we are. I understand your wrath and your disappointment for your superiors and this command structure, but this time it will be different." Angry faces sprung up. I could see the fire emanating from their eyes. Now, all that is left is to give them an excellent disciplining action. Their reaction is exactly what I needed as a casus belli to whip them into shape.
I motioned for Euclid to stand back and took off my general's overcoat, leaving me only with my black shirt on. This is to prevent them from exploiting its length and grabbing me by it. Also, I kinda like it, and I'm sure Father won't replace it if I tear it.
"Don't take me for my word, I'll show you." Action, is the only language devils understand. Finally, I was set upon by the entire remnant of the 7th Legion.
A powered high kick from the first devil deflected, an overswing ducked under followed by my hand shooting out and knocking the second devil out of the fight. From between the swings I noticed the scarred and burly soldier getting up eyes blazing.
"You will just be more of the same! We never mattered to Lucifer and the Satans! We are just meat for your pointless wars!" A hoarse voice screamed. I could hear frustration, anger, and dejection. And isn't he correct? They were thrown away by Daimadosu like pawns in a game of chess, even if that is the tactically sound move... It is cruel.
Probably anticipating me to be caught up in the battle, he rushed toward me while my guard was seemingly down. Unexpectedly, the burly devil was struck by my fist, and the legionnaires in the way between me and the scarred devil lay as broken husks on the rough barrack floor. Some were embedded into the walls, while others were simply knocked unconscious.
Before I could deliver another punch I was caught from behind in a sort of headlock. A wimpy soldier of a small stature who I thought defeated got up and firmly grasped my neck and head. This sudden stoppage of my momentum allowed the burly devil to land a strike on my stomach. Though I almost emptied my breakfast on the floor, I made sure to keep my facial expressions neutral. Any sign of weakness is exactly what they are looking for.
Without warning I swung my legs upwards, kicking the scarred devil in the face. As I anticipated he blocked and took a step back. Using this opportunity I threw my head backward breaking the nose of the soldier behind me. After being suddenly released I immediately jumped into action. Fists were flying left and right, avoiding the guard the burly devil put before himself. I knew that his powerful hands could take on any of my attacks so I decided to circumvent his guard completely and exploited his large stature.
Before he could mount any meaningful counterattack the scarred devil buckled under my growing amount of pressure. I made sure to target his vital areas that cause more pain than actual damage. A kick under the ribs knocked the air out of him, a knee strike delivered to his liver, and a sideways swing hit his temple. Rather quickly, the burly devil could only blame his loss on the gigantic frame he had.
After giving his kneecaps a much-needed reflex test, the devil's right leg shook and gave up right under him. The mass of muscles slowly collapsed onto his knees, before completely falling flat on his face.
Seeing my main opponent down and out of the count, I proceeded to look around, only to see the crumpled bodies of my elite force. The rest who were standing quickly found themselves outmatched with their main heavy hitter laying breathlessly on the floor.
I could tell they didn't go all out, their weapons remained unused and their strikes only used magic to enhance their hits. If we truly fought here, the barracks would've not survived our little bout. Those that remained standing backed up towards the injured in a protective manner making sure that I had no further access to them.
Slowly and meaningfully I started walking toward the burly man, through his enormous will he mustered a defiant look towards me and closed his eyes with a grimace once he saw my fist drawing near his face. But the finishing blow never came, instead, the devil opened his eyes to my outstretched palm. I ignored the surprised looks of members of this room and made deep eye contact with the perpetrator of this situation.
"Wha-?"
"We may have our differences, in birth, in rank, in our livelihood, but don't let that get in the way of our camaraderie. I see men led astray, their convictions and beliefs broken, but over all that, I only see brothers and defenders of the devil kingdom." I took a sigh, looking at the state I'd put my own forces into, but it was necessary. This was the only way to gain respect in the old satan faction.
The muscled devil firmly grasped my hand and got up to his knees.
"I will make all of you into the meanest fighting force the underworld has ever seen. Those that still honor their ancient ties to Lucifer and his bloodline stand with me, those that do not, raise your hand and you will be excused from the command chain, no questions asked." My piercing gaze went over the gathered elite soldiers, with all of them getting in a kneeling position with their heads down. Slowly but surely they made a neat line of battered devils, weapons on the floor in front of them. This is a sign of subservience. No hands were raised.
"Should I make an example out of one of you? For disrespecting your commander?" Suddenly I brought my shortsword close to the neck of the main instigator. The burly man looked up at me with horror before I saw acceptance in his eyes as he ducked back into his former position. I saw pleading eyes from the rest of the men, but none of them dared say anything. Just as I swung my sword I heard a loud cry.
"Please don't!" I turned around to a frail-looking devil with a broken nose, his uniform ill-fitting. He bravely put his hand between the sword and the devil's neck, with blood being drawn from the scrawny soldier's thumb by my blade.
"Convince me," I said matter-of-factly. Sweat gathered between his brows as the thin devil struggled for answers.
"Konrad… He is just looking out for us y'know?" Voice shaking with nervousness. Wordlessly, I gestured for him to continue.
"Whenever Daimadosu was angry and wanted to punish us, he took all the hits. When we ran out of food he paid out of his pocket to feed our entire legion. It is because of him that we returned alive from Lucifaad…" I could see the conviction in his voice, his eyes unwavering despite his shaking body. Suddenly I swung my sword up before spinning it several times until it slid snugly into its sheathe.
"Your name and rank?"
"It's Kruize sir, Sergeant-Guardsman." Kruize looked very uncertain regarding the situation. I eased his worries by putting a hand on his shoulder.
"Good man Kruize. Everyone except Kruize and Konrad, one demerit." Though faced with punitive actions, I saw relief in the faces of my soldiers. It may take years to mend the wounds, but I need them within the next few days for an impossible task ahead.
"You have a twelve-hour break, use this time to recuperate. Tomorrow we will march towards our objective, you will be briefed at a later date." Placidly, the men marched into the barracks hall. Calmly I overlooked them with a small smile.
I had a feeling my good mood couldn't last, as right when the legion left for their private rooms, I heard footsteps approach from behind me. "Your mercy was undeserved, I would've made an example regardless of their groveling." Ah yes, I felt the headache returning.
"I appreciate you for holding back, Euclid." I turned to face him to see a grimace of mixed emotions.
"Then I shall also take time to prepare, see you tomorrow Rozavel." Immediately he turned his back to me before marching out of the barracks.
I've definitely received the short end of the stick here. Having to deal with a shattered and demoralized legion full of angry and jumpy soldiers. It wouldn't have been so bad if I wasn't stuck with an absolute nutcase of a lunatic called Euclid. To put it in perspective he is a lunatic among the old Satan faction which is a noteworthy achievement.
I would assume this is a punishment from my father for fighting with Rezevan. Well, guess I will see where my mettle is tomorrow. There is much to prepare.
And this should be pretty much it. It is sort of a test of concept, never really attempted anything similar so this experience will prove novel. I always wondered what if the main character met some actual resistance that they can't overcome with the power of love and boob-filled dreams. Well, I just happen to have placed such an obstacle in front of our lovable Issei and the main cast.
Thanks for reading!