Hello, dear readers! I feel incredibly excited, do you know why? Because our story is about to reach 50 comments! I am infinitely grateful to each and every one of you; you are the engine that drives my imagination and has brought this fic to prominence. I want to continue sharing great moments with you and make this story one of the best fics I have ever written.
It is thanks to your curiosity, creativity, and passion for the story that we have come this far. Every comment, question, and contribution has enriched our collective experience, and for that, I am deeply thankful.
I hope to continue counting on your loyalty and that you continue to enjoy the story as much as I enjoy writing it. Thank you for being part of this incredible adventure!
Let's get to the review responses:
Civen434: Showing the transformations would be jumping ahead too much, everything in its own time, my friend. Second, although I like the idea, it wouldn't steal Issei's girls in a certain way. Even if he's a pervert, this protagonist has shown that he has a sense of duty, and I agree with you; it seems deplorable. I'll probably take your suggestion into account, and some of Issei's girls might end up with Trunks.
Dimiel: Of all the Bible you wrote me, the only thing I'll tell you is that... you're right. I won't give any further details about it.
Fenrir505: You're absolutely right, my friend. Trunks is a thousand times more of a hero than Issei, and as I told Civen, I might consider taking some of the girls from Issei's harem for Trunks. It's an idea that I'm still considering.
Some1call4MR-E: I love your detailed comments dude, once again thank you for sharing your thoughts on the chapter.
If you don't like Rias Gremory's character then you haven't heard of kirino kosaka, she is the definition of disgustingness incarnated in a human being, the archetype of the "perfect" girl, good grades, good at sports, good at everything and supposedly beautifull... Due to these factors she has never been told no and always gets what she wants, so during her adolescence she was forging a disgusting personality. She thinks she's better than anyone else and insults everyone, either because of their physique or their way of thinking, and goes over anyone's head whenever she feels like it.
She usually appears in magazines with little clothes and suggestive poses to pay for her hobby and that is: Tadaaah playing video games and watching anime of little sisters who want to take their older brothers to the garden. Coincidentally she has an older brother that she uses as a slave, because she must think that as she is a goddess, she has those rights and more.
She is more fake than a 1000 USD paper and to hide her hobbys she laughs and humiliates people who like Japanese animation. A jewel.
Second, I could give you the reason for your argument except for one thing: Future Trunks never met Tapion. You see, the Dragon Ball Z movies could be considered alternate timelines since their connection to the original canon is almost nil. But I understand where you're coming from; perhaps I'll consider your suggestion and reveal that the sword is made of unknown elements from outer space.
Rias might be able to repair it, although it would be a great challenge and she may have to use extremely rare materials from other supernatural factions. You'll find out in time.
winterwolf23543: You're wrong in several aspects, and I'll explain why:
First of all, Trunks is surprised that Sirzechs' energy has some similarities to that of a Hakaishin, especially due to its destructive nature, but not impressed by its power. He is also not worried about the magical girl's power; he is just alert because he senses her hostile intentions. In summary, no, he does not fear them both, and they will not overshadow him. In fact, I detest the idea of nerfing characters to highlight others.
Secondly; indeed, he is a warrior from an apocalyptic world. Did you not read how he tore Kokabiel to shreds? Although you may not like it, Trunks has a docile and polite behavior towards people with positive ki, so he will just limit himself to that. He will be polite, but he will know how to set boundaries, as you will read this time.
DannyElVito: Yes, Serafall was a nuisance, but everything has a reason for being. Keep following the story, and soon you'll know why she has that attitude.
: Thank you for your kind words. I hope you'll be encouraged to keep reading this fanfic; I'm sure you'll enjoy it a lot.
Emiya Pendragon: Here is!
Alright, now that the Q&A session is over, let's get started with the chapter.
Chapter 9: A peculiar Dinner.
In a luxurious office, two individuals occupied the elegant armchairs that adorned the room. The furniture exuded refinement, with a desk that appeared to be a restored relic from the 19th century, surrounded by curious artifacts, striking ornaments, and shelves filled with books. This eccentric ambiance clearly reflected the owner's penchant for the Victorian era (1).
The owner, a young demon with manners befitting royalty, exuded a calm and serenity that contrasted with his infernal nature. His appearance, within demonic standards, was attractive: aquamarine blue hair, well-defined features, and high-quality attire. Despite his perpetually kind, enigmatic smile, paradoxically, instead of inspiring trust, his perpetually closed eyes aroused a sense of unease in those who observed him closely.
The other person in the room was a teenager of astonishing beauty. Her platinum blonde hair with blue tips cascaded in silky waves over her shoulders, framing eyes of the same tone, sparkling and deep as the ocean. Every feature of her face seemed precision-carved, blessed with a well-endowed body that had nothing to envy in terms of beauty and voluptuousness to Rias Gremory, and her figure, wrapped in an elegant red dress, stood out amidst the opulence of the surroundings.
Although the atmosphere of the office was relatively informal, she radiated a natural elegance that could not go unnoticed.
Despite being having tea in her "relative's" office, there was a slight tension in her posture, as if she were alert to some lurking danger.
"I must say it's a pleasure to be able to gather from time to time, dear Latia," the subject spoke with a calm tone. "Not every day one has the opportunity to enjoy a good cup of tea in the company of a relative."
"I completely agree, Diodora-san," she replied with an elegant smile and a friendly tone. However, her instincts warned her to be cautious, as that individual seemed capable of anything, and the fact that they were relatives didn't change much. "It's been more than six years, hasn't it?"
"6 years, 8 months, and 27 days, to be more precise," the young demon heir responded calmly. "It's not that I mind your presence, quite the contrary, I'm very glad to see you again, dear. However, I can't help but have certain doubts assail my mind," he added, placing his tea cup on the table.
"And what would those be?" she asked as she took another sip from her cup.
"Why now?"
Once Diodora had posed his question, the atmosphere became tense immediately. A discreet but penetrating glance was enough to alert the senses of the noble demon. Despite being within the Astaroth clan's domains, the room where they shared tea was sealed by four walls, except for a small, narrow, and isolated balcony that would be useless in case of needing help in a moment of danger. It was a perfect scenario for committing a crime.
However, it was unlikely that Diodora would commit such foolishness within the clan's domains. But why, then, did she feel so uneasy in his presence? There was something strange and dangerous, something she couldn't identify. This feeling of alertness and nervousness worried her, but Latia managed to hide her emotions behind a mask of calm and serene.
However, it was unlikely that Diodora would commit such foolishness within the clan's domains. But then, why did she feel so uneasy in his presence? There was something strange and dangerous, something she couldn't identify. This feeling of alertness and nervousness worried her, but Latia managed to hide her emotions behind a mask of calm and serenity, even flashing a slight smile that seemed to convince Diodora. After all, if anything characterized Latia Astaroth, it was her ability to act.
"In reality, there isn't much to investigate, Diodora-san. I learned from the clan's higher-ups that you're the most likely to become the clan leader, so I wanted to come and congratulate you," she replied honestly, although her initial intention had changed drastically since her arrival. The atmosphere in the office had completely altered her plans.
Diodora, despite his perpetual smile and closed eyes, raised an eyebrow in confusion. They weren't particularly close, so Latia's sudden visit aroused his suspicions.
"That's very kind of you, but I can't help but suspect that you're hiding something from me, dear," Diodora thought, downplaying the situation. He quickly changed the subject, pretending to sigh as if it weren't very important. "I'm very flattered by this gesture of yours, dear Latia. Truth be told, I was hoping for words of encouragement. Although it may not seem like it, I'm somewhat nervous, and I worry about not being up to the task that's being bestowed upon me."
"I can imagine, soon you'll have greater responsibilities. After all, the stability of the clan will soon rest on your shoulders," she replied, observing her reflection in the teacup. "I would feel nervous too if I were given a similar position."
Diodora briefly opened his eyes, but it was such a fleeting gesture that Latia couldn't catch it.
"I see... But are you okay with this?" Diodora asked curiously, not changing his usual demeanor. "You were also a candidate, you fought tirelessly to prove your worth, only to not be chosen in the end. I can't imagine how you must feel about the elders' decision."
Latia sighed, feeling uncomfortable with the situation. Her uncle was completely mistaken, especially with his last comment. Latia couldn't help but think that Diodora was a hypocrite.
"You don't need to worry about me, at least not in this regard," she replied with a tone of relief. "Honestly, I'm relieved not to have been chosen. I don't think I'm suitable for the leadership position, at least not for now."
"Really?" Diodora asked with amusement and disbelief. "Your words move me..."
"Please, don't make fun of me," Latia replied, showing some annoyance. "I'm being completely serious."
The demon chuckled.
"I'm sorry, it wasn't my intention to offend you, but it's hard to believe," Diodora said, in his usual tone. "People like you have the potential to gain true followers, to lead entire legions, to make others willing to give their lives for you... You've demonstrated those skills on several occasions."
"I respectfully disagree with you, Diodora-san," she said, still in her solemn tone. "But I don't agree with your way of thinking."
Diodora observed her attentively, his gaze focused on the woman, genuinely interested in her response.
"Interesting..." he murmured, inclining his head slightly. "But let me ask you something. Don't you think your modesty could be underestimating your own potential?"
Latia considered the question for a moment before responding carefully.
"I might see it that way, Diodora-san," she said, choosing her words cautiously. "But I prefer to be cautious and realistic in my assessments. I believe it's important to recognize our limitations and work within them, rather than overestimating our capabilities."
Diodora's expression softened slightly, as if he appreciated Latia's honesty.
"I didn't think you were someone too modest," he replied, "I must say, you surprise me."
"I appreciate your words, Diodora-san. Now I realize that our clan is in the hands of a capable leader."
Diodora, with his typical enigmatic smile, took another sip of his tea.
"You're very kind to say that, dear niece," Diodora replied, his tone soft and appreciative. "I appreciate your support and your trust in me as a leader. I promise to work hard to meet expectations and lead the clan towards a prosperous and safe future."
The young demon said nothing and prepared to drink her tea. Diodora closely observed his niece's actions and suddenly snapped his fingers. Immediately, an elegant and young woman with long white hair appeared, dressed as a maid in a blue and white outfit representing the colors of innocence adopted by the church's followers. This woman was Diodora's queen.
Upon her arrival, Latia shuddered slightly, still feeling that unknown fear that kept her on alert. She didn't understand why Diodora had summoned his strongest piece. Without him noticing, Latia began to recite a magical spell in her mind, prepared to defend herself if necessary, although she maintained a calm expression to avoid arousing suspicion.
"Dear, could you bring some more tea?" the young man asked kindly to his queen. "We've run out of what we have."
"Yes, Diodora-sama. I'll try to do it as soon as possible," the white-haired woman replied before disappearing into a magic circle, causing Latia to breathe a sigh of relief.
"Wouldn't it have been better to notify her with a communication circle?" she asked, raising an eyebrow with curiosity.
"It's good for them to exercise from time to time," Diodora replied naturally. "You know you're more than welcome to enter my humble abode, but perhaps I'd be a little annoyed if they tried to deceive me, dear Latia," he added, and now that he was opening his eyes a bit, they showed a threatening golden color, making him even more intimidating. "Could you tell me what you really came for?"
Latia began to feel a growing fear towards her own uncle. Although they didn't know each other well and had no real connection beyond business meetings between partners, something was clearly out of place in this situation.
And Diodora knew it perfectly well.
"I knew you would figure it out, you're very intelligent after all," Latia said, her face and voice suddenly changing, surprising the young man. He didn't expect this change of mood. "I've come to give you a warning."
"Excuse me?" Diodora replied, clearly puzzled.
"The heir of the Glaysa-Labolas clan is missing, the news hasn't been announced yet to avoid causing a stir in the underworld."
No one, not even with the privileged sight of a demon, would have noticed the subtle change in Diodora's tension. The noble demon's brow furrowed slightly, worried that Latia might suspect something.
"I wasn't aware of that, it's a shame, he was a young man with exceptional potential, hopefully the fact can be clarified soon," he said, maintaining his imperturbable demeanor. "But what does that have to do with me?"
"Much more than you can imagine, Diodora-san," she replied, serious, surprising her uncle with those words. "According to the elders of the family, there are rumors that Chaos Brigade spies are walking freely through the underworld, and if they're planning an attack, there's no way to anticipate it."
Diodora relaxed a bit at these words, although inside he was wearing a somewhat grim smile. His niece had good leadership skills, but she was still naive. And that suited him quite well.
"So, do the clan elders think that I could be the next target?" he asked, seemingly interested.
Latia nodded, eliciting a subtle expression of amusement on her uncle's face.
"You're the next heir of one of the most important clans in the underworld, need I say more?" she said, crossing her arms seriously. "We suspect someone is behind all of this to start something, we don't know what, but it can't be anything good. So, it's better to be prepared."
Diodora smiled as usual and appeared more at ease, as if a great weight had been lifted off his shoulders.
"Oh, dear niece. You don't need to worry about that," he replied, with his usual calm and confidence. "Believe me when I say I can handle myself."
Latia was about to refute his lack of concern for his own safety, but suddenly she froze, her eyes widening slightly. Diodora didn't notice. But seconds later, Latia returned to normal.
Suddenly, everything felt lighter for her. That fear and sense of danger had dissipated. The hostile and heavy atmosphere was no longer there. Now, there was a feeling of peace, security, and calm.
What had happened? She didn't know, but it must have been something good, as she smiled in relief.
"Is everything alright, dear niece?" Diodora asked curiously, noticing the change in his relative's mood.
"Oh, nothing out of the ordinary, dear uncle. You shouldn't worry," she replied, now without fear and with more confidence. "I must say, this visit was pleasant, but I must take my leave now. I've delivered the message, after all," she said as she elegantly rose and picked up her bag.
"Are you leaving so soon?" Diodora asked, feigning kindness. "The tea isn't ready yet."
"It will be another day, I can't stay any longer. I'm sorry," she apologized, with a slight bow. "I must inform the elders of the family that you are relatively well, and also report that my message was successfully delivered. I hope you understand."
Latia left her uncle's office through a magic circle, appearing at the entrance of the secondary residence. Here resided those who belonged to the secondary branch of the family. She began to walk towards the interior of the place, being greeted with respect and politeness. Despite being part of the secondary branch of the family, she was still a noble demon of the Astaroth clan after all.
The guards, the servants, and other clan members gave her slight bows as she advanced. It was evident that she was quite respected within the family hierarchy.
When she finally reached her modest mansion, before entering the door, Latia flashed an enigmatic smile.
"What has just been revealed to me is very interesting" she murmured, with a slight smile.
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In the annals of history, the legend of King Arthur Pendragon holds a prominent place. It tells the story of a brave and noble leader, chosen by the sword Excalibur to be the king of Britannia and lead his people in times of war and peace. The sword, embedded in a stone, could only be removed by one who proved to be the true heir to the throne. And so, under the watchful eye of the wizard Merlin, Arthur pulled out the sword and became the legendary King Arthur, a symbol of justice, honor, and nobility.
It was that same sword, whose essence was fragmented, and which was the cause of the recent events, that was once considered a revered treasure protected by generations.
Contrasting with the ancient legend that surrounded that place, the scene unfolding before Sirzechs and Trunks was of a strange and picturesque nature. To help Trunks recover what belonged to him and hoping to get rid of that inconvenience, Sirzechs took him to that place. Upon arrival, they were greeted by a surprising sight: a crowd of guards gathered around a particular point, emulating the same scene that the knights of Britannia had played out centuries ago at the place where the sword Z rested, trying to extract it.
"I see now what you meant when you mentioned that this matter concerned me, Sirzechs-sama," responded the warrior from the future upon seeing the situation.
"And you said it, I'm surprised at how easily you're able to cause so many problems in just one day."
Who had said that? It was Serafall, plain and simple. Trunks gently shook his head as he tried not to take Leviathan's Maou's words too seriously. Although he tried to maintain his composure, he couldn't help but feel increasingly uncomfortable with her attitude. However, he preferred not to respond to her direct provocation, knowing that it wouldn't lead to anything good.
"It's just a small setback that can be resolved, Serafall-sama," Trunks replied, trying to remain calm. "I'll go retrieve the sword right away, I won't be long."
Sirzechs nodded in approval, appreciating the calm attitude that the warrior from the future was showing.
"Look at that."
"Another one coming to try."
"Poor weakling, looks as fragile as if he's going to break."
"His appearance looks delicate, like a lady."
"This will be fun to watch, who bets he'll hurt his little hands?"
Trunks ignored the murmurs of the demons around him as he approached the sword Z. Despite the derogatory comments, he was determined to reclaim what was rightfully his.
With firm steps, he reached the stone where the sword rested, observing it carefully. The blade gleamed with an unknown brilliance, something he hadn't seen on past occasions, as if it were imbued with a quasi-divine essence. He didn't understand why the sword was transmitting those sensations to him; he would have time to think about it later. Trunks reached out for the hilt of the sword, feeling a strange connection to it, as if a being were inside it, as if his destiny were intertwined with that weapon that Dabura failed to destroy.
"It's trembling like a chicken."
"What's wrong with you, kid? Too heavy for you?"
"Better go back to your mommy and let real men pull out that sword."
"What the fuck are you waiting for?! Just do it already and fail like the loser you are!"
The murmurs of the demons intensified around him, with taunts coming from all sides, but Trunks wasn't affected by their words. He advanced with determination toward where the sword was buried, took hold of the sword's hilt with his hands, and applied slight pressure. Trunks began to pull the sword from the stone. At first, it seemed like it wouldn't budge, but slowly, the resistance gave way, and the sword began to free itself from its stone prison. The demons watched in amazement as Trunks continued to effortlessly extract the heavy sword.
After a few seconds of anticipation, Trunks managed to completely free the sword Z from the stone. A tense silence fell over the crowd as everyone watched in astonishment at the saiyan's achievement. Trunks held the sword aloft, feeling the pulsating energy emanating from it, as if it recognized its rightful owner once more.
"What the hell was that?!"
"This has to be a damn joke!"
"He cheated, I'm sure he cheated!"
The murmurs and voices of disbelief rose among the crowd of demons, filling the air with their skepticism and discontent. Looks of disbelief and disdain were directed at Trunks, while some questioned the legitimacy of his feat.
"This is absurd!" exclaimed one of the demons, waving his arms in indignation. "It can't be that this lady pulled out the sword without any effort!"
"They must have used a cheap trick!" shouted another, pointing angrily at Trunks. "A puny weakling like him would be incapable of pulling that heavy sword from the stone!"
"Yes, we must force him to reveal what kind of trick he used."
The accusations and murmurs from the crowd of demons came from all sides, creating a hostile atmosphere that seemed like the demons would attack at any moment. However, Trunks remained undeterred by the insults of those who were unable to pull out the sword. All he cared about was that he had retrieved the Z sword, the last memory he had of Shin and Kibito; the rest mattered less to him.
"ENOUGH NONSENSE!" exclaimed Sirzechs, raising his voice to assert his authority, causing the crowd of demons to fall silent. "The young man here has managed to pull out the sword, and you failed, that's it. Now that the matter is settled, I suggest you all go back to where you came from."
Sirzechs's firm and authoritative tone momentarily silenced the crowd, although some still murmured in disagreement among themselves. However, the imposing presence of the demon leader was enough to deter any attempt at aggression, and one by one, the demons began to retreat, murmuring their discontent as they left the scene.
Trunks felt palpable relief as he watched the crowd of demons fade away. He wasn't used to being the center of attention, let alone facing the hostility of an angry mob. He deeply appreciated Sirzechs's intervention, which had prevented the situation from escalating into something more dangerous.
As he reflected on what had happened, Trunks couldn't help but wonder what would have occurred if Sirzechs hadn't intervened. He imagined using his abilities to dispatch the crowd of demons, creating an even bigger commotion, which would have triggered a more intense reaction from Maou Leviathan. Perhaps she would have decided to expel him and Mai from the underworld, or it could have been the perfect excuse for her to attack him, as she was aware of her intentions.
"Thank you, Sirzechs-sama," Trunks said sincerely, casting a grateful glance at the demon. "I really appreciate that you intervened to prevent a larger conflict. I'm not used to these kinds of situations."
"That was quite entertaining to watch," exclaimed Maou Leviathan with a mocking smile. "I'm surprised that someone who was capable of defeating a cruel being like Kokabiel needed someone else's help. Do you expect us to believe that deep down you're a pacifist?"
Trunks remained silent in the face of Serafall's hostile comment, but his gaze reflected a flash of irritation at her attitude. The same happened with Sirzechs, who was about to tell her to calm down, but apparently the warrior from the future beat him to it.
"If things had gone differently, I have no doubt that you would have found the perfect excuse to attack me. Fortunately, Sirzechs-sama's intervention prevented the situation from getting worse and prevented many from getting hurt... "And for the first time, the young man flashed a half-smile directly copied from his father. "... including you..."
That comment wasn't well received by the young woman. She clenched her teeth tightly as the phrase repeated itself in her mind over and over again. A vein appeared on her forehead as her heart rate accelerated uncontrollably. Her hands clenched into fists, trembling slightly from the force with which she squeezed them. In a burst of uncontrolled emotion, she unleashed her magical power without any discretion. The magical energy emanating from her was palpable, like a storm ready to wreak havoc around her.
"You damn bastard, DARE YOU TO THREATEN ME?"
Trunks maintained his composure in the face of Serafall's furious reaction, but his expression reflected a calm determination.
"I'm not threatening anyone, just pointing out an obvious possibility," he replied calmly, not averting his gaze from Serafall. "But if you prefer to interpret it as a threat, that's your business."
That response only worsened the mood. Serafall raised her index and middle fingers, increasing her power. Trunks's hair swayed in the winds generated by Serafall's power. He admitted, the power of that girl was impressive, but it didn't pose any threat to him. Sensing her intentions, he assumed a fighting stance, ready to incapacitate her if the situation required it. However, he felt another aura with sinister undertones completely overshadowing Serafall's.
"Serafall... lower your fingers," he said with a somber tone, while his crimson aura flooded the surroundings and began wreaking havoc. "NOW!"
Maō Leviatán shot one last disdainful look at Trunks before doing what Sirzechs asked or rather ordered her to do. Gradually, she began to reduce her power as Sirzechs did the same.
"It wasn't necessary for you to increase your power to that extent, Sirz-chan," she said as the atmosphere returned to normal. "I have a lot of self-control, even if it doesn't seem like it."
Trunks watched the scene attentively, impressed by Sirzechs's quick intervention to calm the situation. Although the tension had decreased, the atmosphere remained hostile as Serafall retreated to the Maōs' castle, not without giving Trunks a challenging look, which he returned. Trunks's eyes remained fixed on the girl as she disappeared from his sight, aware that it wouldn't be the first or last time he would have run-ins with her.
"I'm sorry for what happened, Trunks-dono," Sirzechs apologized, looking deeply apologetic. "Serafall's behavior is... complicated, but even so, her attitude is not justifiable."
"Don't worry, Sirzechs-sama. I'm used to dealing with difficult personalities," Trunks replied calmly, remembering his father's attitude. "I appreciate your intervention… for the second time."
Sirzechs nodded with a reassuring smile.
"I'm glad to hear that," Sirzechs replied kindly. "And now that we've resolved this matter. I'd like you to accompany me to the castle, there are many things I'd like to discuss with you, if you don't mind."
Before Trunks could respond, a roar resembling a monster's bellow echoed in the area. The sound made Trunks blush intensely, and without wasting time, he quickly placed his hands on his stomach, as if he could hide the embarrassing sound that way... This reaction provoked contagious laughter from the red-haired Satan.
"It seems you're a bit hungry," Sirzechs responded between laughs, but he tried to keep his composure.
Trunks nodded, trying to regain his composure as he felt the blush on his cheeks intensify.
Sirzechs gave him a understanding look and then pointed to a nearby hallway.
"I've got an excellent idea, how about I invite you to a banquet to forget the bad experience you just had," he said, indicating that the incident of the stomach roar would be forgotten for the moment. "And that way, we can have a more pleasant conversation."
"Well, I don't know..."
"I insist, our maids serve excellent banquets," Sirzechs insisted on his invitation without knowing very well what he was getting into.
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The castle stood majestic before those who approached it. Its imposing towers and stone walls conveyed a sense of power and grandeur that did not go unnoticed. Sirzechs and Trunks walked through the castle grounds, admiring the architecture as they made their way to the main entrance.
Upon arrival, they were greeted by Grayfia Lucífuge, the castle's housekeeper and personal servant of Sirzechs, a woman with silver hair and eyes of the same color who had a voluptuous figure dressed in the typical attire of a maid; her presence exuded a serene elegance. Upon seeing Sirzechs, the woman performed a respectful bow.
"Welcome back, Sirzechs-sama," she greeted with a respectful gesture. "I see you've returned earlier than expected. I suppose the matter regarding Kokabiel was resolved faster than we imagined."
"Oh, Fya-chan," he replied casually. "Let's just say that matter was swiftly dealt with. I want to introduce you to Trunks-dono, the young man who appeared weeks ago and was hospitalized in the Sitri clan hospital. He was the one who saved Sona-chan and Ria-tan," he said, gesturing for the future warrior to come closer.
"Pleased to meet you, my name is Trunks," he introduced himself with a bow.
Grayfia's penetrating gaze ran over Trunks from head to toe, evaluating every detail of his presence with meticulous attention, making the Saiyan nervous. However, her neutral expression revealed nothing of what she was actually thinking.
"Etto, is something wrong?" the future warrior asked, not knowing what was going on.
"A pleasure to meet you, Trunks-dono," she finally responded, returning the bow courteously. "I'm glad to hear that you're recovered and that you were able to help in such a delicate situation."
Grayfia's voice was serene and calm, but Trunks could perceive a subtle intensity behind her words, as if she were analyzing his every move for some hidden clue.
"If you'll excuse me, Sirzechs-sama, Trunks-dono, I must attend to the final details for tonight's dinner," Grayfia continued, before inclining her head slightly in farewell and retreating into the castle.
"Fya-chan, could you take care of making preparations for one more guest at tonight's dinner?" Sirzechs asked the housekeeper kindly.
Grayfia nodded solemnly, mentally noting Sirzechs' request.
"Of course, Sirzechs-sama. Is there any particular preference for the new guest?" she asked, showing her willingness to fulfill the assigned task.
Sirzechs reflected for a moment, considering what kind of food someone like Trunks might like, but he certainly didn't know him at all. Just as the crimson Satan was about to respond quickly, Trunks beat him to it.
"There's no need to prepare anything special for me," Trunks replied hurriedly. "Whatever you have planned to serve will be sufficient."
However, Grayfia persisted with her offering, showing her willingness to accommodate any preferences Trunks might have.
"I'm sure we can prepare something that suits your tastes if you wish. Feel free to tell me if there's anything in particular you would like to eat tonight," Grayfia insisted with her characteristic seriousness and professionalism.
Trunks maintained his decision, politely declining Grayfia's offer once again.
"Really, it's not necessary. I'd rather not cause any more trouble and just enjoy whatever you have prepared. I don't want you to go to any more trouble than necessary."
Grayfia nodded understandingly as she withdrew to begin setting the table.
Despite the initial tension with Serafall, the atmosphere in the castle seemed friendlier now that things had calmed down. However, he didn't want to be too confident, aware that there was much he still didn't know about the demon world and its intrigues.
While they waited for dinner to be prepared, Sirzechs offered to take Trunks on a tour of the castle to show him more of the place and explain some of its more interesting aspects. Trunks quickly accepted the proposal of the crimson Satan, as it would give him the opportunity to immerse himself more in the world he was in. Grateful for Sirzechs' generosity and excited to learn more about his surroundings. After all, although Ddraig had provided him with detailed information about the supernatural world, there were still many things to discover about the demon world.
"It seems like it's the first time you've seen a castle, Trunks-dono," said Sirzechs with a friendly smile as he watched the Saiyan admire the impressive architecture, atmosphere, lamps, and the number of armors in the castle. "There's a lot to see, and I hope you find our demon world as fascinating as we do."
Trunks nodded enthusiastically, impressed by the architecture and beauty of the castle, as he observed every detail with curious eyes and a smile on his face.
As Sirzechs explained the castle's antiquity and the history of how power was divided among the four regents, Trunks couldn't help but notice a peculiar piece of ivory artwork carefully stored on a shelf, presumably so that no external agent could damage it. The piece seemed to exude a mysterious and ancient aura, and Trunks was intrigued by its presence amidst the history and grandeur of the castle.
"Hey, Sirzechs-sama," said the future warrior, catching the attention of the crimson Satan. "Is that what I think it is?"
The crimson Satan stopped in his tracks as he looked at the future warrior with curiosity.
"Would you care to be a little more specific?"
Trunks seemed to meditate on what he was going to say.
"I'm not entirely sure, but I think it's a work of art that was considered destroyed, I think it was...," the future warrior said as he closed his eyes trying to remember what he had read weeks ago. "Charlemagne's Screen?"
Sirzechs nodded with a smile, impressed by Trunks' knowledge.
"Exactly!" exclaimed Sirzechs excitedly. "A work of art of incalculable historical and cultural value without a doubt. According to legend, it was created in the 9th century and it is said to have been a gift from the Byzantine Emperor Nicephorus I to Charlemagne in the year 810. This screen is an exquisite representation of the artistic skill of the time and has been preserved with great care over the centuries. I'm surprised you know about it."
Trunks listened attentively, fascinated by the history behind the work of art.
Sirzechs couldn't help but find the company of the future warrior pleasant, as he wanted to verify firsthand what Doctor Abbader had detailed in his reports. He thought it would be a good idea to spend some time with him to find out what kind of temperament he had. While Trunks was polite, Sirzechs noticed that he was not very talkative and had difficulty relating to people. However, he appreciated the small gestures and showed a genuine interest in his surroundings. Over time, Sirzechs was becoming more convinced that Serafall was wrong to suspect someone like Trunks.
"It's incredible that something so ancient remains in perfect condition to this day," he commented, admiring the screen with reverence. "But according to the book I read in the hospital, it said it was destroyed centuries ago, how is it in your possession?"
"The work was recovered three centuries ago, during an archaeological expedition in the depths of an ancient castle on the borders of what was known as Mesopotamia. Those archaeologists were from the Glasya-Labolas clan, and when they brought it to the underworld, I acquired it at an auction of historical artifacts a few years ago," explained Sirzechs, his voice tinged with excitement. "It was an unexpected stroke of luck. I learned how valuable it was and decided it must be part of our collection here in the castle. After all, knowledge and history are invaluable treasures."
"It's amazing how objects can have so much meaning and historical value," commented Trunks, reflecting on Sirzechs' words. "And it's a privilege to be able to preserve and appreciate them for future generations."
Sirzechs nodded with a smile in agreement.
"Exactly, Trunks-dono. We are privileged to be able to preserve these relics and ensure that they remain intact, preserving those magnificent works of art that were created from the earliest times of human age."
Trunks carefully pondered the crimson Satan's response, and then a concern arose within him.
"But, with all due respect, wouldn't it be more sensible to return it to the human world so that many people could appreciate it?" Trunks suggested, with a pensive expression on his face. "After all, its historical and cultural value could inspire entire generations and enrich the knowledge of history. Not to mention that a highly valuable art that was considered destroyed would be recovered."
Sirzechs considered Trunks' proposal, recognizing the Saiyan's perspicacity. While he belonged to a new generation of demons with characteristics different from those of the previous ones, they were still demons after all, and ambition was ingrained in their being. Sirzechs had acquired the work by buying it, therefore, it was his. However, Trunks' idea had merit, and the crimson demon paused to reflect on it.
"It's an interesting idea, Trunks-dono," Sirzechs responded, weighing Trunks' words. "Perhaps we could consider that possibility. Although, of course, we would have to make sure it's in good hands and displayed properly for everyone to appreciate. When it comes to something valuable, you can't help but think that someone might be capable of stealing it and replacing it with a fake, don't you think?"
Trunks nodded, acknowledging the validity of Sirzechs' point.
"You're right, Sirzechs-sama," Trunks agreed. "I didn't consider that possibility."
After admiring that rare work of art, they continued exploring the castle; Sirzechs continued with that tour while the future warrior continued to admire the various works of art and relics that adorned the rooms. However, his attention shifted when Grayfia appeared in front of them in a magical circle, indicating that dinner was ready.
"It seems they didn't take too long this time," observed Sirzechs, giving Trunks a knowing look. "Come, you wouldn't want to miss that."
Trunks nodded eagerly, feeling his stomach rumble slightly at the prospect of a good meal after such an eventful day.
"I'm looking forward to it," he replied with a smile, following Sirzechs and Grayfia into the dining room.
As Sirzechs and Trunks headed towards the dining room, they were greeted by a line of maids waiting at the entrance, each with a respectful bow. Sirzechs stopped in front of them with a courteous smile.
"Good evening, ladies," he greeted kindly. "I hope you're having a good day."
The maids responded courteously, offering their greetings in a harmonious chorus. Sirzechs gestured for them to enter, and one by one, the maids stepped aside to allow them to pass.
Once inside the dining room, Sirzechs and Trunks settled into their respective seats. As the servants began to bring out the first dishes, Sirzechs took the opportunity to inquire about the absence of the other Maō.
"Will the other Maō Leviathan, Beelzebub, and Asmodeus not be joining us tonight?" he asked, showing interest in the presence of the leaders of the other clans.
One of the maids, serving as the group's spokesperson, responded deferentially.
"Adjuka-sama had to attend to some urgent matters in his clan tonight," she explained softly and respectfully. "Asmodeus-sama went on a mission that required his presence and will not be available for dinner. And Serafall-sama apparently, for some strange reason that we cannot understand, requested that her meal be sent to her room."
Sirzechs nodded understandingly at the explanations, thanking them for the information.
"I'm not entirely sure, but I think I understand why Serafall-sama decided not to dine with us," Trunks commented, choosing his words carefully as he remembered that tense encounter with the Maou Leviathan.
Sirzechs instantly understood and decided not to dwell on the topic any further.
None of the maids, not even the Crimson Satan himself, could understand where such a large amount of food was going to end up. From the moment Trunks began to eat, it was as if a black hole had opened up in his stomach. It wasn't just about the amount of food he consumed, but also the speed at which one plate disappeared after another.
The Saiyan seemed to have an insatiable appetite, devouring each bite with impressive speed. It was as if he were in a race against time, trying to finish each dish before anyone could even blink or as if someone else intended to eat his food, and for that reason, he ate quickly to prevent that. His way of eating wasn't as vulgar as Goku's, but it wasn't a pleasant sight to behold either. It was more like an exhibition of voracity, a demonstration of his immense appetite that left those who watched him astonished.
While Trunks devoured the food with impressive voracity, Sirzechs watched with a mixture of fascination and concern at the speed with which the Saiyan consumed each bite. While he had occasionally observed members of the Norse faction eating like beasts, Trunks' manner was incomparable, as if he were on a personal mission to ensure that no one could take his food away.
The maids, on the other hand, exchanged puzzled glances, wondering among themselves if they had cooked enough food to satisfy the guest's appetite. Some even hurried to bring more plates, fearful that Trunks would still be hungry.
Trunks, unaware of the curious looks he was receiving, continued his feast, showing no signs of slowing down. It was as if he were in his own world, focused solely on satisfying his insatiable hunger.
The scene was almost surreal, with the maids moving frantically back and forth, as if they were participating in a culinary relay race. Every time Trunks finished devouring a dish, he barely had time to place the next one before another was swiftly replaced.
The sound of plates clashing and the hurried voices of the maids filled the air, creating a bustling and chaotic atmosphere in the dining room. However, despite the frenetic activity around him, Trunks seemed completely focused on his task, showing no signs of fatigue or slowing down.
After devouring his sixtieth plate, Trunks finally stopped, letting out a sigh of relief. A feeling of fullness spread through his stomach, and although he still felt satisfied, he knew it was time to put an end to the bizarre culinary spectacle.
The maids, who had been running back and forth to keep up with Trunks' voracious appetite, sighed in relief at those words. Many of them had their elegant dresses a little disheveled as they looked angrily at the guest who had begun to remove the empty plates, although they did not do it as vivaciously as they usually did since they were tired of having to go and bring plates, as well as preparing extra portions.
"I think that's enough for today," he exclaimed with a satisfied smile on his face as he patted his stomach. "I'm sorry, I think I caused you a lot of trouble."
"Son of a..." Grayfia thought to herself.
The remaining maids couldn't help but think that Trunks had the audacity to say such a thing after devouring so many plates and making them work tirelessly. One of them, who gathered enough courage despite being in the presence of Grayfia, dared to intervene with a sarcastic tone.
"Are you sure you ate well? It seems like you have plenty of room for dessert," she said with a touch of irony, watching the young Saiyan in disbelief.
Trunks smiled at the comment and shook his head.
"No, thank you. I think I've had enough for today," he replied sincerely, feeling the food settling heavily in his stomach. "I appreciate your kindness."
Trunks was unaware of the effect his comment had on the maids, which, while not malicious, sounded a bit out of place. The young servants, with a nervous twitch in their eyes, seemed to barely contain the impulse to throw themselves at him and commit first-degree homicide. Although Grayfia maintained her composure, she showed a slight frown at the young man's comment. The tension in the room was palpable, but Trunks, unaware of the discomfort he had caused, used one of the napkins to wipe the food residue from around his mouth.
"I thank you very much for the banquet, Sirzech-sama, it's been a long time since I've eaten anything so delicious," the boy said as he sighed again, "By the way, I was told that you wanted to talk about some things with me, am I wrong?"
The maids understood that they should retire, once they left the dining room. Sirzechs put a serious and deep look on Trunks, indicating that the matter was important.
"I've read Dr. Abbader's reports about you," Sirzechs began with a serious tone. "But I prefer to find out for myself who you really are. While I appreciate that you saved my sister, I hope you understand that I need to make sure I can trust you."
Trunks nodded, although with a slight expression of doubt. However, he understood Sirzechs' need and agreed to respond.
"I understand perfectly, Sirzechs-sama," Trunks replied sincerely. "I will do my best to prove to you that you can trust me, if it's because of what happened with Serafall-sama…"
"Don't get me wrong, Trunks-dono," said Sirzechs with a calm but firm tone. "It's not just about what happened with Serafall-sama. It's a matter of trust in general. In turbulent times like these, we need to make sure that everyone here shares our values and objectives."
Trunks nodded, understanding Sirzechs' explanation.
Trunks narrated in detail how a divine being, known as Zamasu, had triggered a series of catastrophic events that led to the destruction of his homeworld, including the eradication of most living beings, including his family and friends. He explained how, in a desperate attempt to prevent the disaster, he and his companions had embarked on a mission to stop Zamasu, but their efforts had been in vain.
Explaining how, driven by desperation and the need to stop Zamasu, Goku had summoned Zeno-sama, the king of everything, to intervene and eliminate the threat. Zeno-sama annihilated Zamasu and thus the universe
Finally, he described how, in a last-ditch effort to survive, he had used a time machine to escape the imminent annihilation, only to end up in an unknown and completely different place. Trunks shared his inner struggles, his feelings of loss, and his determination to find a way to restore peace and justice, both in his world and in this new destination he found himself in.
It was an experience that had left an indelible mark on his mind and heart, constantly reminding him of the extent of divine power and the fragility of his own existence in front of it.
Sirzechs listened attentively to every word of Trunks, feeling how the Saiyan's story resonated deep within him. Although he had read Dr. Abbader's reports and was aware of the events that had occurred in the future, hearing it directly from Trunks gave him a new perspective, a visceral sense of the magnitude of the threat they had faced.
The impact of Trunks' words was reflected in Sirzechs' expression, whose eyes showed amazement. It was evident that the Saiyan's story had left a lasting impression on the demon leader.
"I'm not here to cause disasters, nor do I intend to destabilize your world, and much less do I intend to harm your people, it simply happened and if I could find a way to leave so as not to cause you any more problems…"
Sirzechs listened to Trunks' words attentively, recognizing the sincerity in his tone and the anguish reflected in his eyes. Despite the impact of the story, the Crimson Satan maintained composure, knowing he had to act with prudence and caution in such a delicate situation.
"I understand, Trunks-dono," Sirzechs replied seriously. "What happened is something beyond your control, there's no point in dwelling on the matter, in a way, it was lucky that you appeared at the right moment," he admitted with gratitude. "Thanks to you, both my sister and Serafall's are safe. I don't know how we could thank you enough for that."
"It's not necessary for you to thank me, Sirzechs-sama, it was something I felt I had to do," the future warrior replied completely embarrassed.
Sirzechs nodded with gratitude towards Trunks, recognizing the humility of the future warrior.
"I greatly appreciate your attitude, Trunks-dono," Sirzechs replied sincerely. "Although you insist on not accepting our gratitude, many lives were saved thanks to you."
Trunks remained silent, unsure of what to say in these moments.
"I know it wouldn't be much on my part," he replied sincerely. "But once you and your friend are fully recovered, I'll tell my sister to take care of finding a suitable place for you two to live. Now, how about we return to the hospital?"
End of the chapter
Clarifications:
(1) The Victorian era was a historical period that spanned from 1837 to 1901, during the reign of Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom. This period witnessed significant social, economic, political, and cultural changes in Britain and had a lasting impact on Western society in general.
During the Victorian era, Britain experienced rapid industrialization and urbanization, leading to significant changes in the country's social and economic structure. The Industrial Revolution transformed production and trade, creating an industrialized middle class while a large gap persisted between the rich and the poor. Cities grew rapidly, and issues such as overcrowding, poverty, and inhumane working conditions in factories emerged.
In the political sphere, the Victorian era was marked by the consolidation of the parliamentary system and the rise of the British Empire as a global power. During this time, Britain embarked on a series of colonial expansions, extending its influence across Africa, Asia, and other parts of the world.
(2) In the original manga, Dabura turns the Z Sword into stone, so what I did was once Dabura spat on the Z Sword and it slowly began to turn into stone, Trunks threw it, embedding the metallic part, and when Trunks finished off Dabura, it returned to normal.