Chapter 56: Whispers of the Wanderer
The town of Kuoh was alive with chatter, though most of it seemed mundane at first glance. Students whispered about exams, couples gossiped in cafés, and shopkeepers exchanged pleasantries. But beneath the surface, a different kind of rumor had begun to spread—one that carried a hint of danger and intrigue.
Kael Drakos was gone, but his absence had left a ripple. Those who had encountered him, even briefly, could not forget the aura of power he carried.
In the Occult Research Club
Rias sat at the head of the table, her arms crossed and her expression thoughtful. Akeno stood nearby, her usual serene demeanor masking the unease that had settled over the club.
"Another report came in," Kiba said, placing a folder on the table. "Whispers about someone matching Kael's description in the outskirts of the Underworld."
Rias picked up the folder, flipping through its contents. "It's just a rumor, but it's spreading fast. The Ninth Hell, old allies, and now potential sightings... It's like the Underworld can't let him go."
Akeno leaned against the wall, her voice soft. "It's only natural. Someone of Kael's caliber doesn't just vanish without leaving a trail."
Rias nodded. "The question is, what are they hoping to find? The Kael we knew, or the Kael they fear?"
Asia, sitting quietly in the corner, looked up. "Do you think he's okay? Wherever he is?"
Rias glanced at her, a faint smile touching her lips. "If anyone can take care of themselves, it's Kael. But that doesn't mean we shouldn't be prepared for what might come next."
In the Student Council Room
Sona tapped her fingers against the desk, her sharp gaze fixed on the reports in front of her. Tsubaki stood by her side, her usual calm expression betraying a hint of concern.
"It's strange, isn't it?" Sona said, breaking the silence. "Kael Drakos vanishes, and suddenly everyone in the Underworld seems to remember his name."
Tsubaki nodded. "Do you think it's intentional? That he's trying to draw attention elsewhere?"
Sona adjusted her glasses. "Possibly. But knowing Kael, he's more likely avoiding attention than seeking it. The rumors might just be a byproduct of his name resurfacing during the battle with Kokabiel."
A knock at the door interrupted them, and Serafall Leviathan entered with her usual exuberance.
"Sona-chan! Did you hear the latest gossip? They're saying Kael might have gone to the Eighth Hell!"
Sona sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose. "And why would he do that, Serafall?"
Serafall shrugged dramatically. "Who knows? Maybe he's on a secret mission, or maybe he's trying to uncover some ancient mystery! Isn't it exciting?"
"It's a headache," Sona muttered. "If the rumors keep spreading, it's only a matter of time before someone dangerous decides to act on them."
Serafall's playful demeanor softened slightly. "You're worried about him, aren't you?"
Sona didn't respond, but the look in her eyes was answer enough.
In the Underworld
In the grand halls of the Gremory estate, Sirzechs Lucifer sat in his study, the weight of recent events heavy on his shoulders. Grayfia stood beside him, her expression as composed as ever.
"The rumors are spreading faster than we anticipated," Grayfia said. "Kael Drakos has become a point of interest for many factions."
Sirzechs leaned back in his chair, his crimson eyes thoughtful. "It's only natural. A devil of his strength and bloodline, hidden for so long… It was bound to draw attention eventually."
"Should we intervene?" Grayfia asked.
Sirzechs shook his head. "Not yet. Kael has made it clear he doesn't want to be involved in the politics of the Underworld. If we step in now, it could escalate the situation unnecessarily. For now, we watch and wait."
Grayfia hesitated before speaking. "And if the rumors lead to conflict?"
Sirzechs' expression hardened. "Then we'll deal with it. Kael may not consider himself one of us, but his presence in Kuoh indirectly helped Rias and her peerage grow stronger. I owe him at least that much."
In the Shadows
Far from the bustle of Kuoh, in a dimly lit tavern on the outskirts of a forgotten town, two figures sat in a secluded corner.
"I heard he's been seen in the Eighth Hell," one of them whispered, his voice hushed.
The other shook his head. "No, the Ninth Hell is where his name first resurfaced. If he's anywhere, it's there."
"And what if he's not? What if this is just a wild goose chase?"
The first figure leaned forward, his eyes glinting. "Then we keep looking. A devil like Kael Drakos doesn't just disappear. And if the rumors are true about what he can do…"
The second figure smirked. "Then finding him might just be the key to rewriting the balance of power."
Kael's Quiet Resolve
In a secluded corner of the world, Kael stood beneath a night sky filled with countless stars. The air was still, the silence comforting. Lyra sat on a rock nearby, her arms crossed as she watched him.
"They're talking about you, you know," she said.
Kael chuckled softly. "They've always talked, Lyra. It doesn't mean anything."
Lyra frowned. "It means they'll come looking. And when they do, it won't just be one or two. It'll be armies, Kael."
Kael turned to her, his golden eyes calm but resolute. "Let them come. If they want a fight, they'll get one. But until then, I'm going to enjoy the quiet."
Lyra sighed, shaking her head. "You're impossible, you know that?"
Kael smirked. "I've been told."
As the two of them sat in the quiet, the stars above seemed to burn a little brighter, as if watching over the devil who had become a legend in his own time.