Chapter Four - Academy Arrival and the Duel Decree
The following morning, a soft glow filled the room as the teleportation circle activated, depositing Seekvaira and Andreas into the spacious house the Agares family had prepared for them. The air inside was cool and still, yet filled with the anticipation of a new day. Both were already dressed in their Kuoh Academy uniforms, with Seekvaira's freshly tailored attire delivered by Sona the night before.
Without missing a beat, they moved toward the front door, stepping outside to greet the morning. Parked in the driveway was a sleek, sporty convertible, a gift from Seekvaira's parents, its polished exterior gleaming in the sunlight.
As they stepped out into the open air, two things happened simultaneously.
Seekvaira felt a slight wave of weakness wash over her. It was faint, almost imperceptible, but enough to make her pause briefly. She quickly shook it off, attributing it to the intensity of the morning sun.
But Andreas… his reaction was entirely different.
The instant he stepped into the sunlight, he felt a surge of energy, powerful and all-encompassing, coursing through his body. It was warm and invigorating, filling every fiber of his being. He halted, his eyes closing as he allowed himself to revel in the sensation. The sunlight embraced him, soothing and strengthening him in a way he couldn't quite describe.
Noticing that he had stopped, Seekvaira turned back, her expression shifting to mild concern. "Andreas?" she asked softly, watching as he stood with his face tilted toward the sky, a serene look overtaking his features.
He slowly opened his eyes, a faint, almost awestruck smile on his lips. "The sunlight… it feels incredible," he murmured, his voice filled with quiet wonder.
Seekvaira observed him closely, a hint of puzzlement crossing her features. It was subtle, but she could feel the faint drain the sunlight had on her, the telltale weakness that all devils experienced under its direct rays. Yet, Andreas seemed entirely unaffected—in fact, he looked more energized than she'd ever seen him.
Why isn't he affected? she wondered, a mix of curiosity and slight concern flickering in her mind. It was unusual, almost unnatural, for a devil to not feel at least some weakness under the sun. But as she watched him bask in the warmth, his face filled with peace and strength, she couldn't deny a sense of relief. Whatever this meant, it clearly wasn't harming him—in fact, he looked more alive than ever.
"I take it… the sun doesn't affect you as it does most devils?" Seekvaira ventured, her tone light yet probing.
Andreas turned to her, still absorbing the lingering warmth. "No, it… it doesn't feel the same way. If anything, I feel… stronger," he replied, his voice filled with wonder.
Seekvaira's expression softened as she nodded thoughtfully, filing the observation away for later consideration. Whatever the reason, she was grateful he was well.
"Well, let's make the most of this strength," she said, a small smile crossing her lips as she gestured toward the car. "Shall we?"
Andreas returned her smile, feeling a new confidence as they walked toward the convertible. The morning was theirs, and with the sun's warmth still pulsing through him, he felt ready for whatever awaited them.
As they settled into the car, Seekvaira slid into the driver's seat, placing her hands on the wheel with practiced ease. "Ready?" she asked, casting a brief glance in Andreas's direction.
He nodded, a hint of excitement flickering in his gaze as he adjusted in his seat. "Ready."
The engine purred to life as Seekvaira navigated the car out of the driveway and onto the road, heading toward Kuoh Academy. The drive was smooth, with the morning sun casting long shadows along the winding roads that led them from their new house to the school. Despite the quiet between them, a sense of anticipation hung in the air, unspoken but shared.
As they approached the academy, the familiar sight of Kuoh came into view, its gates and tall, proud buildings surrounded by the morning bustle of students arriving for the day. Seekvaira expertly pulled into a parking space near the entrance, and the sleek, unfamiliar car immediately drew the attention of the students around.
The murmurs started as soon as they stepped out. Andreas could feel the weight of dozens of eyes on him, but he didn't flinch. It was a stark contrast to his last time here; now, he stood taller, healthier, and with Seekvaira at his side, he felt a newfound confidence.
Among the crowd, he noticed Sona and her peerage. Sona's gaze softened when she saw him, and a subtle smile appeared on her face, relieved to see him looking so well. Her peerage greeted him with friendly waves, which Andreas returned with a small, appreciative smile. He caught Tsubaki's encouraging nod and Aika's cheerful wave, both welcoming gestures that made him feel grounded in familiar company.
But just as he and Seekvaira began making their way toward the main building, Saji, Sona's Pawn, strode over to them, his expression a mix of irritation and superiority. He stopped a few steps away, folding his arms as he eyed the car behind them.
"You two! Do you even have a parking pass for that spot?" Saji demanded, his tone laced with irritation. "We have rules here, and you can't just pull up wherever you want."
Seekvaira raised an eyebrow, her expression cool and collected. She looked at Saji as though sizing him up, unphased by his attitude. Andreas, sensing her calm confidence, remained silent, knowing she would handle it.
"Is there an issue?" she asked, her tone polite but firm, an underlying authority in her voice that made Saji hesitate briefly.
Saji huffed, trying to recover. "Yeah, unless you're staff or have permission, you can't just park there. This isn't some noble's estate."
Andreas watched the exchange with a quiet curiosity, noting the way Seekvaira's posture subtly shifted, her calm exterior belying the firm resolve underneath. He felt no need to intervene, trusting she would handle Saji's rudeness in her own way.
Just as Saji continued his questioning, Sona and Tsubaki appeared, their expressions showing a mix of authority and mild annoyance. Sona, with her usual composed demeanor, stepped forward, her gaze directed at her Pawn.
"Saji," she said, her voice firm, "that's enough."
Saji froze, the commanding tone immediately catching his attention. Tsubaki stepped to his side, giving him a look that held both understanding and a hint of disapproval. Without another word, Sona nodded toward Tsubaki, who gently took Saji by the arm and began guiding him away, directing him back toward the student council room.
Once Saji was gone, Sona turned back to Seekvaira and Andreas, her gaze softening as she addressed them. "I apologize for Saji's behavior. I'll deal with him personally for any rudeness. Please let me know if there's anything else I can do."
Seekvaira nodded gracefully. "Thank you, Sona. We appreciate it."
With a small smile, Sona gestured toward the main building. "Allow me to escort you to the front office. We'll get you both set up with class schedules, and I'll have a parking pass issued to you immediately. We'll make sure everything is handled smoothly."
Together, they walked through the bustling halls, students casting curious glances as they passed. Sona's efficient guidance made the process seamless, her calm confidence reassuring as she led them through each step.
Within a short time, Seekvaira and Andreas were issued their class schedules, and a quick review showed they had every class together—a detail that brought them a sense of comfort, knowing they'd have each other as they navigated their new routines. They also noted with some surprise that they shared several classes with Sona and Tsubaki, although not all of them.
Satisfied with the arrangements, Sona gave them an approving nod. "I'm glad everything is in order. If you need anything further, don't hesitate to reach out."
Seekvaira inclined her head respectfully, and Andreas offered a grateful smile, both appreciative of her assistance.
Just as they were about to head toward their first class, Seekvaira and Andreas noticed some movement in the bushes nearby. Peering closer, they spotted three boys crouching low, all of them staring at Seekvaira with unmistakable, lustful expressions. Andreas could feel their glares turn toward him every so often, as if his mere presence was an affront to them.
Sona, noticing the trio, let out a long-suffering sigh, a mixture of annoyance and resignation in her expression. "Those three… they're known around here as the 'Perverted Trio,'" she explained, voice tinged with exasperation. "They have a… reputation, to put it mildly. One of them," she added, giving Andreas a knowing look, "is Issei, Rias's Pawn."
Seekvaira raised an eyebrow, her distaste for the situation clear. "Should I be concerned?"
Sona nodded seriously. "Yes. I'd advise you to be cautious when you're changing clothes at school. They've been caught peeking more than once."
Seekvaira's brow furrowed, irritation flashing in her eyes. "And they're allowed to stay enrolled? Why haven't they been expelled for behavior like this?"
Sona sighed again, looking slightly uncomfortable. "Unfortunately, I can't expel Issei. He's protected as Rias's Pawn, and she would challenge any action taken against him."
Andreas frowned, a flicker of old annoyance rising. "What about the other two? They're not part of her peerage, so what's stopping them from being expelled?"
Sona blinked, surprised, as if the thought hadn't fully occurred to her. A spark of realization dawned in her eyes, followed by a small, determined smile. "You're right, Andreas. If they're caught again, I'll have grounds to expel the other two."
Seekvaira's lips curved in satisfaction. "Perhaps that will give them an incentive to act with a bit more respect."
Sona nodded firmly, her resolve renewed. "I'll be keeping a close watch on them. If they cross the line again, they'll be facing the consequences."
With that matter settled, the three of them turned away from the bushes, heading toward their first class. Behind them, the Perverted Trio remained oblivious to the new set of eyes that would soon be watching their every move.
The day's classes had passed smoothly for Seekvaira and Andreas. Each lesson had been straightforward, and they had both found the material easy to grasp. As the final bell rang, signaling the end of their last class, they began to make their way through the bustling halls when they noticed a familiar figure waiting for them just outside the classroom.
Kiba Yuuto stood there, his friendly smile welcoming as he nodded to Andreas. "Good to see you, Andreas. Lady Seekvaira." He inclined his head respectfully toward her before speaking. "Rias sent me. She'd like the two of you to join her in the clubhouse for a discussion."
Andreas glanced at Seekvaira, silently deferring to her. She nodded, meeting Kiba's gaze with calm authority. "Thank you, Kiba. Andreas can lead me to the clubhouse, but I have a stop to make first."
Kiba nodded, understanding her intent without question. "Of course. I'll let Rias know you'll be there shortly." With a respectful bow, he turned and made his way back down the hall.
As Kiba's figure disappeared around the corner, Seekvaira turned to Andreas. "I want Sona and Tsubaki with us for this discussion. Let's go find them before heading to Rias's clubhouse."
Andreas nodded, appreciative of her prudence, and together they made their way toward th
After gathering Sona and Tsubaki, the four made their way to the ORC clubhouse. Andreas couldn't help but feel a hint of nervousness, though he kept his expression neutral as they entered. The others inside greeted him warmly, exchanging nods and smiles, though two notable figures remained silent.
Rias glanced at Andreas only briefly, her gaze cold and indifferent. She gave him no greeting, her focus instead directed toward Seekvaira, Sona, and Tsubaki, as if Andreas were invisible to her. Andreas felt the familiar pang of dismissal but quickly shook it off, standing with quiet confidence by Seekvaira's side.
However, Issei's reaction was anything but subtle. His eyes narrowed, and he pointed at Andreas with open hostility. "Why is he back?" Issei demanded loudly, his voice tinged with disdain. "Didn't we get rid of this loser?"
A tense silence filled the room, as Seekvaira and Sona's eyes narrowed slightly, both clearly unimpressed with Issei's outburst. Andreas held his ground, saying nothing, his posture calm and collected.
Before Andreas could respond, Sona stepped forward, her expression steely as she directed her gaze toward Rias. "Rias," she said sharply, her voice carrying an authority that left no room for argument. "I suggest you reign in your Pawn and his attitude."
Rias's cold indifference faltered for a moment as she glanced between Sona and Issei, catching the disapproval in Sona's eyes. Issei, realizing the intensity of Sona's gaze, hesitated, looking briefly to Rias for support. But Rias, aware of Sona's position and not wanting to escalate things further, gave a small, reluctant nod.
"Issei," Rias said, her tone clipped, "that's enough. This is not the time or place."
Issei scowled but finally fell silent, casting a final glare at Andreas before stepping back, muttering something under his breath.
Sona gave Rias a nod, her expression softening slightly but her resolve clear. "We're here to have a civil discussion. Let's keep it that way."
With that, the tension in the room eased slightly, and Seekvaira led Andreas further into the room, ensuring he felt her support beside him. The atmosphere settled, and the discussion prepared to move forward, though an underlying tension still lingered.
Once Sona, Seekvaira, and Tsubaki were seated, with Andreas standing respectfully behind Seekvaira, Rias's expression shifted slightly, her formal tone failing to mask the irritation simmering beneath the surface. She took a measured breath before beginning, though the tension was evident in her stance.
"In the next couple of hours," Rias started, her voice edged with a hint of reluctance, "there will be a meeting involving myself, my peerage… and Riser." She practically spat the name, the disgust in her tone unmistakable.
Her hand clenched briefly at her side as she continued, her gaze directed away, as if even mentioning his name soured her mood. "As fellow Kings in the territory, you," she nodded toward Sona and Seekvaira, "are permitted to attend as witnesses, along with one member of your peerage each."
The distaste on her face deepened. "This entire ordeal," she added, voice tight, "will be conducted in the presence of Grayfia."
Seekvaira and Sona exchanged glances, each noting the strain in Rias's voice and her open disdain for the upcoming meeting. It was no secret that Rias had no love for Riser, and this obligation clearly weighed heavily on her. Her frustration was palpable, a reminder of the turbulent dynamic between the two noble families and their longstanding engagement agreement.
Rias took a breath, visibly working to contain her frustration. "Your presence as witnesses is entirely optional," she finished, her gaze still avoiding Andreas and the others. "But I thought it fair to extend the invitation."
Seekvaira maintained a respectful expression, though the unspoken tensions in the room had grown thick. Andreas, observing the exchange, sensed the unease radiating from Rias and the curiosity sparked between Sona and Seekvaira.
Both Sona and Seekvaira confirmed their attendance for the upcoming meeting, and after bidding brief goodbyes, they departed with Tsubaki and Andreas to their homes. There, each took the time to unwind and prepare, knowing the encounter ahead could be as delicate as it was tense.
A couple of hours later, they gathered again at the ORC clubhouse. Grayfia stood near the center of the room, a model of composed formality, her mere presence lending a sense of gravity to the space. The quiet settled over the room as Sona and Tsubaki, along with Seekvaira and Andreas, took their places, assuming the same arrangement as before. Andreas, standing behind Seekvaira, observed each figure in the room with an air of attentiveness and resolve.
Rias used the waiting time to explain her situation to Issei and Asia. Her voice held a mix of resignation and restrained frustration as she discussed her engagement to Riser Phenex. She outlined the weight of the arrangement and the expectations it carried, though the strain in her expression made it clear this was not a path she wanted. Issei's expression tightened with every word, his fists clenched, while Asia looked on in concern.
Then, suddenly, the room was illuminated by a vibrant orange glow as a teleportation circle appeared in the center. Its intricate lines of energy crackled with power, casting shifting shadows across the faces of those present. An aura of heat and authority filled the space, foreshadowing the one about to emerge.
With a flash, the orange light intensified, and a tall, imposing figure stepped out of the circle. Riser Phenex was striking with his bright blond hair, styled meticulously to match his confident expression. His red suit, tailored to perfection, gleamed in the light, and he wore it like a crown. A smirk danced on his lips as his gaze swept the room, lingering with smug satisfaction on each person he passed over.
When his gaze finally landed on Rias, his smirk deepened, and his voice dripped with smug amusement. "Rias, my dear fiancée," he drawled, letting the word linger in the air, "it's a pleasure to see you again."
Rias's expression tightened, her lips pressed into a thin line, but she held his gaze, unwilling to show any weakness. The tension in the room thickened, each person sensing the unspoken resentment radiating from Rias and the palpable arrogance exuding from Riser.
As he took a step forward, he turned his attention to the others, his gaze flickering briefly over Sona and Seekvaira before dismissing them. "I see you've invited quite the audience. You didn't need to go to all this trouble, Rias," he said with a low chuckle. "But I suppose it's only natural that others would want to witness my future bride-to-be."
Sona and Seekvaira exchanged a glance, both unimpressed by his overt display of superiority. Andreas, standing attentively behind Seekvaira, noted every subtle shift in expression, understanding more of the strained dynamics at play.
Grayfia cleared her throat, stepping forward slightly to direct the conversation. "Riser Phenex, as agreed, this meeting will allow for discussion in the presence of other representatives. I trust you will conduct yourself accordingly."
Riser waved a dismissive hand, his smirk unchanging. "Of course, Grayfia. I'm here to uphold my part, though I hardly need an audience for this." His gaze flicked back to Rias, his voice lowering. "I simply came to remind my fiancée of the position she'll soon hold by my side."
Rias's eyes flashed with a mixture of anger and defiance. She squared her shoulders, her jaw set as she took a steadying breath, then looked Riser directly in the eye. "Let's be perfectly clear," she said, her voice steady but laced with steel. "I have no intention of marrying you, Riser."
A shocked silence settled over the room. Riser's smirk faltered for the briefest moment, before he let out a low chuckle, as though he found her words amusing. "Ah, Rias, always so spirited. But this engagement is not something you can simply refuse. It's been arranged for the benefit of our families, for the future of our houses."
Rias's gaze didn't waver. "This is my future," she replied sharply. "And I won't let anyone dictate it for me—not you, and not my family."
Riser's expression shifted, his amusement fading as frustration seeped into his eyes. "Your feelings are irrelevant. This engagement was decided upon by our families. As devils of noble blood, our duty is to our lineages and to the prosperity of our families. It's time you accept your role, Rias."
Grayfia stepped forward, her tone formal yet respectful, a final attempt to keep control over the tense atmosphere. "This meeting is a time for discussion, not coercion. Riser, you have made your stance clear, but the Lady Rias's wishes must also be considered."
Riser scoffed, his gaze shifting between Grayfia and Rias, simmering irritation turning into something darker. "So, what are you suggesting, Grayfia? That we ignore our traditions, our responsibilities, all for one person's fleeting desires?"
Rias lifted her chin, defiance flashing in her eyes. "Call it whatever you want. I won't be forced into a life I didn't choose."
A silence fell over the room as Riser's gaze hardened, his smirk disappearing. For a moment, he simply studied Rias, as if measuring her resolve. Then, without warning, he turned his gaze toward the others—Seekvaira, Sona, and their peerage members—his eyes gleaming with malicious intent.
"So," he began, his voice cold and venomous, "this is how you want it, Rias? Defy me, and you'll learn the consequences." He raised his hand, conjuring a flickering flame that hovered just above his palm, casting an eerie light across his face. "I could reduce your precious peerage, your friends… and even these fellow Kings… to nothing but ash."
Sona's eyes narrowed, her stance shifting slightly, and Seekvaira's expression turned icy, though she remained composed. Andreas, standing protectively behind her, felt a surge of anger at Riser's brazen threat.
Grayfia's gaze hardened, her voice laced with warning. "Riser, this is not a battlefield, and threats of violence will not be tolerated. Stand down immediately."
But before Riser could respond, he became acutely aware of a strong, painful grip around his wrist. He winced, the flame in his hand flickering and dying as his arm was forced down and away from Rias. Turning sharply, he found himself face-to-face with Andreas, whose expression was set in an intense glare, his eyes narrowed with a dangerous edge.
Andreas's grip tightened, each word laced with steely resolve. "You will not threaten my friends," he said, his voice low and calm, but carrying an unmistakable warning, "and especially not my King. Ever again."
Riser's usual arrogance wavered as he met Andreas's unwavering gaze, feeling the strength in the grip that held his wrist. For a brief moment, he faltered, clearly unused to being challenged so directly, especially by someone he had thought beneath him.
The room fell into a tense silence, all eyes fixed on the confrontation between Andreas and Riser. Rias looked at Andreas, her eyes widening in complete surprise. She hadn't expected this show of strength, especially from someone she had previously dismissed as weak and useless.
After a beat, Grayfia stepped forward, her tone as cold as ice. "This meeting will remain civil, or it will end immediately," she stated, her gaze shifting to Riser. "Release any further hostilities, or there will be consequences."
Andreas held Riser's gaze a moment longer before releasing his wrist, the silent warning in his eyes leaving no room for doubt. Riser yanked his arm back, rubbing his wrist with a scowl, his face twisting in indignation and fury.
"How dare you," Riser spat, his voice low and venomous, "how dare low-class trash like you lay a hand on me."
As Riser glared at him, sneering in outrage, Andreas held his ground. He turned back toward Seekvaira, his expression shifting as if silently asking for guidance. Seekvaira met his gaze and gave a single, approving nod, interpreting his look as a request for permission.
With her approval, Andreas straightened and turned to Grayfia. He bowed respectfully, his voice steady and calm. "Lady Grayfia, I apologize if my actions were a slight against you or Lord Sirzechs's honor," he said, his tone filled with respect for the room's authority. "But given the circumstances, I feel I have no choice."
He lifted his head, his eyes meeting Riser's defiant glare. "I hereby call for a formal dispute settlement against Riser Phenex for his threat against my King."
A ripple of surprise ran through the room. Grayfia's expression remained unreadable, but her gaze sharpened slightly, observing Andreas with newfound interest. Riser, on the other hand, looked incredulous, as though Andreas had just declared something impossible.
"A… dispute settlement?" Riser echoed, his voice laced with disdain, his face twisting into a sneer. "You? A low-class devil, challenging me? This is laughable!"
But Andreas didn't flinch. Instead, he stood firmly, his posture unwavering as he awaited Grayfia's response.
Grayfia, recognizing the gravity of Andreas's challenge, raised her hand, conjuring a circle of intricate, glowing symbols. The air shimmered as her magic pulsed, and moments later, a red teleportation circle appeared in the center of the room. Within seconds, Sirzechs Lucifer himself materialized, his presence commanding immediate respect and silence.
Sirzechs took in the tense atmosphere, his gaze moving from Rias to Riser and finally resting on Andreas. Grayfia stepped forward, bowing slightly before speaking. "My lord, I summoned you to witness a matter of great importance. During this meeting, Riser Phenex made a direct threat against Lady Rias and her allies. In response, Andreas has called forth a dispute settlement against him."
Sirzechs's expression turned serious as he absorbed her words. He regarded Andreas with a mixture of surprise and intrigue. "Andreas, I understand you've requested this settlement. State your intention."
Andreas stepped forward, maintaining his calm yet determined demeanor. "Lord Sirzechs, I formally request a one-on-one Rating Game between myself and Riser Phenex to resolve this matter."
A murmur of shock rippled through the room. Even Rias's eyes widened, caught off guard by Andreas's unexpected declaration. Riser, on the other hand, looked both insulted and outraged, scoffing loudly.
"You think you're worthy of facing a King of the Phenex family?" Riser sneered. "This is laughable. A nobody like you could never stand a chance against me."
Sirzechs's gaze remained focused on Andreas, assessing the weight behind his words, before nodding with calm authority. "The request is valid, Riser. This challenge, whether unconventional or not, has been called under proper tradition. I accept it on behalf of both parties."
He lifted his hand, signaling his decree. "Both sides will be given two weeks to prepare for the Rating Game. Until this matter is resolved, the engagement between Rias and Riser will be put on hold."
Riser opened his mouth as if to argue, but the cold, unwavering gaze from Sirzechs silenced him. He clenched his fists, fuming in silence.
With the terms settled, Sirzechs looked to both Andreas and Riser. "Prepare well. This will be a fair contest, and the result will settle the matter once and for all."
The decision hung heavy in the room, the tension now accompanied by a sense of finality. Andreas gave a respectful nod, knowing he had just taken a step that would change everything.
With Sirzechs's decision final, the room fell into a brief silence before he, Grayfia, and Riser each departed via separate teleportation circles. Once the last trace of their magic dissipated, the tense air in the room began to ease.
Sona and Tsubaki approached Seekvaira and Andreas. Sona placed a hand on Andreas's shoulder, her expression solemn but supportive. "Two weeks isn't much time, but I have confidence in you," she said softly, her words carrying both encouragement and a hint of worry. Tsubaki nodded in agreement, her calm gaze filled with reassurance.
Seekvaira gave Sona a respectful nod. "Thank you, Sona. We'll make the best use of this time."
With a final exchange of supportive looks, the group parted ways, and Seekvaira led Andreas back to the house they shared. Though her concern for him lingered, her confidence in her Rook's strength remained firm. As they walked, her mind was already turning to the preparations needed for his training—he'd need a structured plan to maximize every moment of the next two weeks.
Upon arriving at the house, they were met with an unexpected sight: Ajuka Beelzebub, standing at their doorstep, his usual air of calm composure slightly offset by the object in his hand.
Andreas's eyes fell upon the item immediately—a collar, unmistakably the same one that had plagued him for so long. But now, where the green gem once radiated corrupted energy, there was instead a crystal-clear gem, gleaming like a shard of pure light.
Ajuka held up the collar slightly, nodding in acknowledgment as they approached. "Good timing," he said, his voice quiet yet firm. "We need to talk."
The sight of the transformed gem left Andreas frozen for a moment, countless questions flooding his mind. Seekvaira, equally caught off guard, turned to Ajuka, her eyes narrowed slightly as she awaited his explanation.
But Ajuka merely held their gazes, his expression unreadable.
"Come inside," he said, gesturing for them to follow. "There's a lot you'll want to know about this… especially you, Andreas."
The three of them entered the house, the heavy silence thick with anticipation as Ajuka closed the door behind them.