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Xerzo LotCN: Again, big reviews are killing me! I will deal with you in PM's!
Walker300: The DxD hierarchy was never that well-set, in my opinion. Too many factors are not taken into account or not properly explained. So, I decided to make my own. Every 70 years, there is an evaluation of some kind to see where everyone stands. However, not everyone takes part in this. The Egyptian God of Chaos and Lord of the Desert, Seth, is one such being. Trust me, the guy could tango with Indra by himself and win. Not an easy fight, but an assured W. How? Well, you will see.
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It was time to depart for the Underworld. Issei and the others finished their last courses at Kuoh Academy, and now, they were receiving a 2-month Summer Break! More than what the Japanese system offers, Kuoh Academy operated on a more Western system. And now, they were enjoying the fruits of that! But this also came with another side to it.
Their entire Summer Break is not going to be spent at a beach or something or at their home in Mai. No, instead, they were going to go to the Underworld for training. It isn't that Issei has been slacking off at home, either, but things had been more difficult with his Sacred Gear. He was lucky nothing major happened.
Or at least, nothing significant involving them. The defeat of the Hindu Pantheon by the Snake of Adam sent shockwaves throughout the supernatural world. Meanwhile, the media celebrates on TV, reporting how a vaccine has been discovered, and people are being treated everywhere. However, Sirzechs informed him that this was probably the Snake releasing the cure.
It was impossible to pin a role to those guys. Their actions, from the general perspective, painted them as clear villains - killing millions to weaken and then attack the strongest pantheon in the world. Hard to justify that. Strangely, Issei wondered why they were even bothered by a vaccine. Had they wanted to, they could have just left the virus to ravage the entire Indian subcontinent.
Those were the moments he missed Solomon. Solomon's wisdom could have allowed them to make more accurate theories and guesses about what their enemy was up to, but since losing him, Issei felt like he had lost a part of himself.
"Issei, we are ready to go, nya!" Kuroka walked into the room as he was packing and saw him there, lost in thought. "Oh? Is everything alright?"
"Kuroka? Yes, I am just finishing up packing up for the trip." Issei replied, trying not to give himself away.
"You cannot fool me, Ise," Kuroka said, going closer to him. "Tell me, what is worrying you so much?"
"Solomon is still not back," Issei confessed. "It's been a few months already, and nothing. I also feel like I've been wasting away since then, you know?"
"That's not true." She argued in a soft tone. "You have been working hard ever since. You even said that, without your Gear, you were able to make massive progress, correct?"
"While true, without my Gear, I am also significantly weaker than I was before," Issei admitted.
"But we love you all the same." Kuroka's words really struck the cord within Issei, who looked at her slowly. "It doesn't matter if you are the Red Dragon or not. We won't leave you."
"Thank you, Kuroka," Issei replied, a weak smile on his face. "Well, I guess I need to finish packing."
"Here, I will give you a hand," Kuroka told him, getting up and helping him pack for their trip. Azazel had promised them that specially chosen tutors would train them.
The journey to the Underworld was not as Issei expected it to be. For starters, well, he never expected to take the train there! However, it seems this was the official way to get into the Underworld. The train appeared out of nowhere when they reached the train station and then disappeared through a portal as soon as they were on. It took them around one hour to reach the Underworld, and once there, Sirzechs and Grayfia escorted them to where they would be staying.
Namely, at the Gremory estate.
"You have to be fucking kidding…" Leon said, seeing the large building. He was no stranger to devil housing, but this was the most ridiculous he had seen yet. "You mean to tell me we will be staying here? I can't even see where the place stops stretching!"
"It is certainly…A large house." Ingvild said, intimidated by the size. "Are all devil houses this large?"
"Not really," Rias replied.
"However, our parents do enjoy living lavishly," Sirzechs added before opening the door and right from the start.
"We have been awaiting you, esteemed guests."
Two long rows of maids welcomed them. To say Leon's eyes were big as plates would be an understatement, as the guy was quite clearly eyeing up the maids left and right. "Oh yeah." He said, nodding his head as they entered. "This might not be so bad after all."
"I would suggest you refrain from harassing our staff," Grayfia warned him. "Need I remind you that you and Kuroka Toujou are technically felons?"
"No need to say it out loud…" Leon whined, and then the sound of footsteps rushing to them was heard.
"Dad! Mom!" A young kid with short crimson hair and red eyes rushed to them, leaping into Grayfia's arms. "You're back!"
"Militas! Where are your grandparents?" Sirzechs asked his son.
"Right here. Sorry, Zechs, but the little one has some speed in those little legs of his." The one who spoke was middle-aged, with long crimson hair tied in a loose ponytail with a black hairband. He has bright blue eyes and a short, red beard with protrusions similar to fangs or horns.
"How are you, dear? Oh! Rias! It's been too long since you last visited!" Coming up behind him was a woman who resembled Rias quite a bit, albeit with shorter, flaxen hair and violet eyes. She looked quite young, although Issei knew better than to assume.
"Hi, Mom," Rias replied, confirming that this was indeed her mother.
"Care for introductions?" The man asked.
"Of course. This here is Issei Hyoudou, this generation's Red Dragon Emperor." Rias began, starting with Issei. "Issei, everyone, those are my parents. Zeoticus Gremory and Venelana Gremory."
"A pleasure," Issei replied, offering a polite bow. "Allow me to introduce my group. First, this here is Leon."
"Good day." Leon saluted, offering a simple hand wave.
"Then, this here is Asia Argento." Issei continued, introducing Asia.
"It's a pleasure to meet you. I hope we are not a bother," Asia replied, being more polite than Leon.
"Then, we have Raynare, a Fallen Angel." Issei continued.
"I hope my presence doesn't make you uncomfortable," Raynare said, trying to be polite in her own way.
"There is also Mit, my maid and also a Fallen," Issei added.
"Not of my own will, but when the alternative is dying, you hardly have a choice," Mit said, irking Issei a bit with how brash she was about her situation.
"Moving on, this here is Kuroka Toujou," Issei added, and at that point, Venelana seemed to react.
"Oh my! As in the wanted criminal?" She pointed out, which seemed to make Kuroka uncomfortable.
"I'll have you know. She did what she had to do to protect her sister." Issei intervened for Kuroka. "I doubt you'd do anything different had you been in her shoes."
"Issei…" Kuroka called out to him softly, likely to prevent any bad situations from going out of control.
"Oh! Forgive me, I didn't mean to be rude." Venelana apologized.
For defending her sister, you gained 3 RP with Koneko (Shirone) Toujou!
"I also apologize for Issei here. He can be quite protective of us." Kuroka added, aiding the situation.
"Well, and who is this lovely lady here?" Zeoticus asked, pointing at Ingvild.
"My name is Ingvild Leviathan, Sir." Ingvild introduced herself, providing the biggest shock to date.
"Leviathan? As in, THE Leviathan?" Zeoticus asked, trying to make sure.
"Indeed. I am a descendant of the original Leviathan demon. From my knowledge, I am also the last descendant currently alive." Ingvild added. "I hope my lineage doesn't raise concerns."
"No! Absolutely not!" Zeoticus clarified. "I was just surprised to learn that a descendant of the original Leviathan is in my house, that's all."
"Well, there is also Xenovia here to introduce. The latest addition to my peerage." Rias cut in, introducing Xenovia to the two devils.
"A pleasure to meet you, Lord and Lady Gremory," Xenovia said respectfully.
"Likewise, but Rias, would you care to explain something to us?" Zeoticus asked. "Namely, the fact you are engaged to this young man here now? And you are apparently part of HIS peerage?"
Rias seemed to freeze upon being called out, which prompted Sirzechs to look at her. "Rias, you did tell Mom and Dad about your little scheme, correct?" he asked.
"I…I might have forgotten to do so." Rias admitted slowly.
"Is Aunt Rias in trouble?" Militas asked his mother.
"Possibly," Grayfia replied.
"Well, how about we talk more about this arrangement over dinner? Our staff has prepared a true feast for our guests here, and we'd be delighted to have you for dinner, especially considering you won't spend more than a night here."
"Kicking us already?" Leon questioned.
"No, silly," Venelana replied with a small laugh. "You do have training, correct?"
"That is right," Kiba replied instead of Leon. "I reckon we need to depart tomorrow, correct?"
"Correct!" Sirzechs confirmed. "Your tutors will be arriving tomorrow to pick every single one of you up for your training. However, Kuroka will be required to remain here since this is the only way she is going to be allowed to remain in the Underworld without legal trouble."
Kuroka sighed. "If that is what it takes. I got my eyes on you, though." She playfully pointed at Zeoticus. "I am the woman of the Red Dragon. Doubt you'd want to make a move on me knowing the consequences."
"Oh, I doubt my husband would try," Venenala said, going closer to her husband and slyly grabbing his hair. "Right, dear?"
"R-right! I wouldn't dream of it! Not the woman of another man." Zeoticus said firmly.
"Well, let's go dine, then!" Venelana said, and with those words said, everyone headed to the dining table.
"So, this engagement is more or less so you wouldn't be getting any more suitors. I must say when I got the offers, but it came back, you were engaged with the Red Dragon Emperor, and many backed down instantly! The ones that didn't, well, they documented themselves on the power of the Red Dragon and backed down then!" Zeoticus sighed. "There is also the fact you broke the engagement with Riser."
"An engagement I never agreed to go through with." Rias pointed out. "You also agreed to let me break it if I defeated Riser in a Rating Game. A deal is a deal, father."
"Indeed it is…" The man sighed, defeated. "Still, the Red Dragon…" He eyed Issei carefully. "At first sight, you don't seem like much. No offense."
"None taken," Issei replied. "I am still mostly human, so I doubt many people expect much from just one look."
"But then the Sacred Gear comes out, and everything changes." Zeoticus chuckled. "Sacred Gears…Never quite understood them, you know? Fancy toys made by the big man upstairs to empower humans."
"I don't think the subject is very appropriate here," Issei said, trying to change the subject. "Instead, how about we discuss something else? I heard the Gremory possess a power called [Charm], correct?"
"Hmm. That is right." Zeoticus confirmed. "We can essentially bend the love of others to our will. Works best on women for some reason, however."
"You certainly didn't need it when you courted me," Venelana said playfully. "You should have seen him! He serenated me and everything!"
"Dear…" Zeoticus begged his wife.
"It was so silly, yet the fact he faced my father was so…hot at the same time. I couldn't help but fall for him!" She continued.
"Speaking of, how's the Bael House nowadays?" Kiba asked out of curiosity.
"Rias' cousin, Sairaorg, is preparing to take over as the new head," Zeoticus replied. "I admit, what happened to my brother-in-law was…no less than tragic."
"What happened?" Issei asked, curious.
"Ignium Ophirius happened," Sirzechs replied. "When he tried to run away following the reveal of his illegal activities with the Great Kings Faction, the demon got to him before us. He was arrested and judged and is now serving a hard sentence in prison."
Leon chuckled, not hiding the fact he enjoyed hearing about that. That figures, considering he was directly involved in it. "He was the main cleaner who got rid of the evidence," Leon said suddenly, surprising Zeoticus.
"How does he know that?" The man asked, and Sirzechs sighed.
"Leon here was part of the group who exposed them." He revealed, with Leon putting his hands up.
"Guilty as charged! It was a team effort, however. Can't take all the credit." Leon said.
"So, you exposed my brother for his misdeeds," Venelana said, looking closely at Leon. "I would have been angry had I not known my brother essentially did this to himself. But do tell, I heard one of the intruders was shot by my sister-in-law's arrows."
"That was me," Leon confirmed. "It took our magician a bit to heal it successfully."
"I see. It is not every day someone survives an arrow from a member of the Leraje House." She added further. "You are quite something, Mister Leon."
"I am a hustler and a bastard," Leon said. "Trust me, I did my fair share of misdeeds in life."
"And joining Issei is a way to atone for those misdeeds?" Akeno asked. "My, what a naughty boy."
"Sheesh." Leon shuddered, seeing Akeno's smile. "Way to spook a man."
"Speaking of a scare, news of what happened to the Hindu reached here as well," Zeoticus said. "The Snake of Adam…What a force."
"I faced them before," Issei added. "However, not like this. What I faced, if I were to give a comparison, was nothing compared to what they did in India."
"Ignium Ophirius…" Zeoticus leaned back. "Now, there is a name I hoped I'd never have to hear of again. During the wars, he was a pretty ruthless leader. He rose through Lucifer's ranks quickly. Not to mention the things he did…"
"What did he do?" Raynare asked out of morbid curiosity. "You act like he killed someone on screen for the whole Underworld to see."
"Kill? No. Rape? That is another story." Sirzechs looked down after his father spoke, looking somewhat ashamed of something. "He had a captured female officer raped and broadcasted it all over the Underworld."
"That's horrible!" Asia gasped, with most people at the table sharing her shock.
"He did such a thing?" Issei asked slowly. "Why?"
"Retalation," Sirzechs replied with a sigh, glad Militas was in another room playing with his mother. "During the Civil War, one of our commandants went rogue and committed a serious war crime. As revenge, Ignium did what you just heard."
"The woman in question was given back a few months later, pregnant at a stage where interruption was impossible," Zeoticus added further. "Today, she lives with her rape-born child. Strangely, however, she claims to be quite happy."
"Multiple experts claim her mental state to have altered as a coping mechanism. Her child is her world, and she lives for them." Sirzechs added further. "And that is just one of the things he did during the war…"
"Ignium Ophirius…" Issei spoke the name carefully. "The more I hear about him, the more he seems like a true monster."
"You have no idea," Zeoticus added. "But, enough of this serious stuff! Tomorrow, Rias, I hope you didn't forget about the party!"
"Party? What party?" Issei questioned.
"It is a meeting of all young devils," Rias answered. "We are to present ourselves and speak about our ambitions. It is a chance to make our mark unto society."
"The higher echelon of devil society is also going to be there," Sirzechs added. "Judging and seeking youths to support, if they think their ideas have merit. Granted, things are going to be different here."
"You don't have to come, Issei, but considering our arrangement, it would be preferable," Rias told him. "I gave you all rights I had as a peerage King. Anyone who bothered to check would know I am also your Pawn."
"Isn't this a bit dangerous?" Issei asked, looking at Sirzechs.
"I will ensure that you won't have to demonstrate your power to anyone, " he assured him. "You have my word. The secret must be kept."
"What secret?" Zeoticus asked.
"Something above your fortune, father," Sirzechs told his father, who shrugged and left the matter alone.
"You also said our tutors are going to arrive tomorrow, right?" Issei asked.
"After the party, that is." Venelana corrected herself. "They have clear instructions to wait until after it."
"Good to know."
"Well!" Akeno spoke up. "I think it is almost time we head to bed. It is getting quite late."
"Akeno is right," Koneko spoke for the first time at the table. "We need to be rested for tomorrow."
"I will have the maids prepare your rooms and lead you all to them," Zeoticus said, but then something caught his attention. "Oh! And Issei?"
"Yes?"
"Welcome to the family, son!"
"Dad!" Rias shouted at her father's little joke, the man laughing quite well from his daughter's reaction.
Well, there was a party alright. Unfortunately, as far as attendance went, Kuroka and Leon had to remain behind at the Gremory estate. Same with Mit and Raynare, given that this was an event for the devil nobility, who might not take kindly to Fallen Angels being among them. As such, from Issei's group, it was only him, along with Asia and Ingvild. Dressed in a crimson three-piece suit, which Zeoticus had lent to him, Issei felt like he belonged there.
Ingvild and Asia were also dressed for the part. Asia wore a simple yellow dress with floral models, and Ingvild wore a blue dress with purple detailing. Everyone was dressed fancy!
"Welcome, Miss Gremory." The doorman said, welcoming Rias as she went in first with her peerage. "And…Red Dragon Emperor, Issei Hyoudou."
"Good to know I was not forgotten," Issei said, showing a bit of cheek. "Chin up. This is a party, not a funeral."
The doorman mumbled something under his breath as he opened the door, letting them all walk inside. "What was his problem?" Ingvild questioned.
"Unfortunately, you are," Akeno replied. "There are still plenty of devils who dislike the mingling of races, and they could easily tell Issei and Asia here are not devils. They might have been able to tell you are a half-breed as well, hence their reaction."
"He looked quite young. I was under the impression that the younger generation was more open-minded." Issei said.
"They are," Rias replied to him. "However, there are still the ones taught by their parents and grandparents otherwise."
"Makes sense," Issei said slowly, the group walking through the hallway toward the main ballroom where the main event was being hosted. "So, is this a yearly event?"
"It is," Rias replied. "It is hosted twice a year, actually. The first half today and the next at the end of summer. It is meant to be a chance for young devils to speak about their desires and dreams, and at the end of summer, we will show our dedication to our goals and desires by competing against challengers."
"You don't say…" Issei said, now feeling somewhat nervous about the possibility of a battle being on the horizon. "Well, hopefully, my reputation works as a good deterrent."
"Not looking to fight?" Rias asked.
"You know why," Issei replied to her, and sure enough, Rias nodded in understanding.
"I do. Don't worry. If it comes to it, we will manage." Rias replied. "The stakes are not as high as before, so you don't have to worry about there being serious consequences to losing."
"What about your reputation?" Issei questioned. "They might also see it as a show of cowardice or weakness if the Red Dragon refuses to fight,"
"That's a good point," Kiba said, agreeing with Issei. "Devil nobility can be very shallow."
"Issei is strong," Koneko said. "Even without his Gear, he is strong."
"This is all so nerve-wracking," Gasper complained. "Why do I have to come as well? And why couldn't I get my box?"
"Gasper, you cannot hide in a box during such an event," Xenovia told him sternly. "Plus, I was not allowed to bring Durandal either, so you don't get to bring your box."
"What kind of reason is that?!" Gasper argued.
"Quite down, you two," Rias told them. "Let's not make a scene, alright?"
Unfortunately, it seemed someone didn't get the memo as the wall before them broke into pieces. Issei was immediately on guard, summoning his Sacred Gear and morphing it into his bow, but Rias was swift to intervene. She put a hand up, signaling him to stand down and not act. And good thing he didn't. As the dust settled, they saw a young devil effectively knocked unconscious on the ground.
"Oh, Rias!" And from the hole, someone came out. The black hair and violet eyes, plus that muscular frame, were impossible to mistake.
"Hello, cousin." Rias greeted him, and Sairaorg went to hug Rias. "It's good to see you. However, I was under the impression you won't be participating in this year's party or any of them anymore, given your pending promotion."
"The elders of the Bael house are raising a stink about me taking over, but one by one, I am silencing them," Sairaorg said, but then his eyes locked onto Issei. "And look who is here. The Red Dragon Emperor himself. A pleasure to meet you."
"Likewise." Issei took Sairaorg's hand into a firm handshake. "Though, can you tell me what that guy did to deserve being punched through a wall?"
"That guy?" Sairaorg pointed at them as their peerage came to pick them up. "They got a bigger mouth than brain, that's what. No need to worry. I think he learned his lesson."
"Hopefully," Issei said softly.
"Oh my, what a mess." However, the person who came through the hole next, likely to inspect the damage, was a different sight. Asia gasped upon seeing him.
"It's you!" She said suddenly, getting their attention to the man who had entered the hallway.
"What? Well, what do you know? The world really is a small place." The man said, approaching them. He looked like a gentle-looking, handsome young man with dark green hair and squinted eyes. "A pleasure to meet you again."
"Asia, who is this?" Issei asked, getting the attention set to him.
"Oh! Where are my manners? My name is Diodora Astaroth." The man introduced himself, offering a polite bow. "And you must be the fabled Red Dragon Emperor. I heard quite a bit about your exploits against Riser Phenex. I even heard his sister is not part of your harem as a reparation cost of some kind."
"Inaccurate rumor," Issei replied. "Ravel Phenex is not part of my harem, as you put it. Instead, she is more or less a political prisoner, given the debt her father owes me."
"Ah, I see. That is certainly a different tale than what I heard." Diodora added.
"How are you?" Asia suddenly asked, walking up to him. "Oh! Issei, forgive me for not explaining, but this is the young devils I healed way back!"
"The reason you were excommunicated from the church?" Issei asked.
"I never meant for her to be banished." Diodora suddenly said, looking somewhat apologetic about it. "However, had it not been for her, I wouldn't be here. I owe her a great debt."
"It's alright. I long since came to accept what has happened." Asia said, leaning toward Issei. "If it had not happened, I wouldn't have met Issei."
"But don't you miss being a sainted nun?" Diodora asked, making Asia blush, a reaction that confused him.
"Even if I wanted to return to that station, I'm afraid I no longer fit the requirements," Asia confessed slyly. Still, Diodora was able to understand what she meant, given how close she was to Issei and her blush.
"I-I see…" His composure wavered for a bit. "I am glad to know you are happy, then, and everything turned out well in the end."
"Still, Diodora, your presence here is a surprise," Sairaorg suddenly said. "Weren't you under investigation?"
"Investigation?" Issei echoed.
"Unfortunately, during one of my previous Rating Games, there was a malfunction, and the heir to the Glasya-Labolas House was killed in my attack," Diodora confessed. "A truly tragic event, but the investigation concluded some time ago, and I was cleared of any charges."
"Is it common for Rating Game safety measures to malfunction?" Issei asked.
"Not at all," Sairaorg said. "Those are maintained regularly, not to mention triple-checked before any game. For a malfunction this grave to happen, it was truly a one-in-a-million chance."
"A tragic event, indeed," Diodora added. "Anyway, I better get back to my peerage. Have a good day, everyone."
And with that, Diodora left them be. "He has a point. Come, I made a quicker entrance anyway." Sairaorg then led them inside the main room through the hole he had made in the wall. However, upon entering, multiple sets of eyes were on them.
"Hey, isn't that the young Rias Gremory?" A devil asked.
"And the man with her…The Red Dragon."
"I heard he utterly dominated Riser Phenex during the Rating Game, and he single-handedly took on his entire peerage."
"Ludicrous! He is so young. There is no way he has that much power already!"
"He is also engaged to Rias Gremory." Another set of devils began to murmur.
"What a catch for the Gremory. The children of such a pair would be quite powerful."
"Maybe it is not too late to tempt the young dragon. You do have a beautiful daughter, do you not?"
"Forget it. If rumors hold, he is a hopeless pervert with plenty of women already. My daughter has no chance."
"Quite a few mutters are going around," Issei remarked. "Some pretty wild rumors, as well."
"This is just how the devil high society tends to be," Ingvild said. "They talk and whisper, spreading rumors and schemes. Try not to pay them much attention; they are only rumors, after all."
"You are right, Ingvi," Issei replied. "Let's just enjoy the party."
"Well, if it isn't the Red Dragon himself." Suddenly, Issei's attention was taken by something else. Sona Sitri entered the room, followed by her peerage.
"Sona, what a nice surprise. Last I checked, such events are not exactly to your taste." Rias commented, but Sona had other business.
"My business today is less with you, Rias, and more with your king." Sona clarified, approaching Issei. "Red Dragon Emperor, I wish to forward a formal challenge." Those words drew gasps from everyone in the room. The boldness Sona displayed was nothing short of amazing, given she was challenging the Red Dragon Emperor. Everyone thought she was challenging him to a battle, but when she continued, everyone reacted differently. "A game of chess."
"Is this happening?" A guy asked from the crowd. "Sona Sitri is challenging the Red Dragon to chess?"
"Hey, but isn't she…"
"She is…"
"Is the Red Dragon not only a powerhouse but a genius able to defeat Sona Sitri as well?"
"Hold on, Sona, are you sure of this?" Saji asked.
"I am. And if I win, there is nothing to worry about." Sona added further. "So, what do you say, Issei Hyoudou? Before the party is over, or right now?" One of her peerage members walked forward with a chess set, clearly showing how serious Sona was about this. But Issei had a feeling there was more to this.
"Depends. What is this about, Sona?"
"I will reveal it only after the game is over, " she replied. "I would appreciate it if no one revealed anything before then."
"Have it your way." Rias sighed. "Granted, I have to say. This is awfully bold of you, Sona. Are you entirely sure about this?"
"You were when you gave your hand to him, were you not?" Sona rebuked.
"You know why I did it…"
"Indeed, I do. Now, Red Dragon, your answer?" Sona asked again.
"Very well. Let's play." Issei said, not letting the challenge affect him. Swiftly, a table was cleared for them and brought over, where the chest set was laid on the table together with a clock. "Oh? So, we will do this properly. Timed, not giving us all the time in the world to think our moves through, I see."
"Indeed. If it is alright with you, I will be playing with the white pieces."
"Fine by me," Issei replied, taking his seat behind the black side of the board.
"Partner?"
"Ddraig? What a surprise. Why are you talking with me all of a sudden?"
"I saw you were about to play against the Sitri heir. Want my aid? Been playing a lot with Solomon in here."
"Are you sure? You did say talking took quite a bit." Issei replied, worried about Ddraig's state of being.
"This is also a chance for me to tell some good news. Lately, somehow, I've been feeling better. Whatever Solomon has been doing, it seems to have some effect." Ddraig explained. "Now, are you ready?"
"Let's go."
In the meantime, in another location.
"That monk…Is dangerous." Errgo said as he stood on a table, receiving repairs. His last encounter with Danbooru, the first and hopefully last he will have to suffer, left him almost out of order. "Report! What is the state of the repairs?"
"The enemy had inflicted heavy damage. Core damages were found, and repairs are underway." A unit replied. "Estimated time until repairs are complete: Four days."
"Not good enough! Get me repaired in two days or less." Errgo barked.
"Ill-advised. Cannot follow that order." The unit replied.
"Y-07, are you disobeying a direct order?" Errgo asked with a dangerous edge to his voice.
"I recommend you listen to the units." The female golem from before entered the room, facing Errgo. "You suffered heavy damage. You should feel lucky it is less than a week."
"Very well." Errgo backed down, continuing his immobile state on the table. "How goes surveillance of the POI's?"
"The persons of interest have kept a steady schedule until yesterday. Issei Hyoudou departed with his group to the Underworld. Investigation revealed they are attending the yearly party the devils' host for the younger generation." The female golem stated. "The Snake of Adam as well. After their successful attack on the Hindu pantheon, they seem to be lying low. They have made no move against any other faction and seem to have simply entered a period of recovery. Investigation revealed that among the casualties was also a Colonel, meaning that they are likely to replace them soon."
"And the White Dragon Emperor?" Errgo asked.
"Unfortunately, he has found our surveillance drone and destroyed it. We lost track."
"So we have…" Errgo said slowly.
"Is there something troubling you, Errgo?"
"My creator is not a man to stand idly by. Nor is the Snake one to back away once they gain momentum. No, something is happening. They are planning something, I am sure of it." Errgo replied. "I am unable to access their systems anymore. Tadeus has improved their firewalls, and now I am locked out."
"We still have funds from the sale of the stolen Magitech." The female golem pointed out. "We could use them to invest in improving our production capabilities."
"A wise call. See what can be done regarding investments into the human market." Errgo ordered. "The more funds we have, the more we can afford materials for repairs."
"Compliance." The female golem left the room, leaving Errgo to return to his repairs.
"Initiating shut-down protocol to initiate priority core repairs. Do we proceed?" The unit asked.
"Proceed…"
"With the success in India, it is time to proceed with another objective," Ignium said as he sat down at the table together with the rest of the Five-Leaf Clover Council, including a new member.
The man in question had long hair that reached down to their ribs, which had a pale brown color. Their eyes were of a striking blue. However, a trait Ignium was certain they inherited from another side of their family. This man wore the same skull-like mask as Darium, but instead of fully covering their face, they instead chose to place the skull down on the table during meetings. This man was Duram Satanachia, Darium's Great-Grandson and current head of the Satanachia House.
"And what is this new objective, Sir?" Alonzo asked. "I don't mean to disrespect, but our troops need time to recover from the attack on the Hindus."
"Do not worry, Alonzo. This won't be a large-scale operation like India was." Ignium confirmed. "Instead, we have another target."
"Such as?" Jeanne asked.
"The Gremory Estate."
"I…" Sona looked in awe at the chess table in front of her. "This was very unexpected."
"Wasn't easy. You almost had me a few times there." Issei admitted. Truth be told, she put him in check multiple times during their match, but ultimately, Issei managed to pull a win. He took the long approach, seeking to leave Sona without some of her favorite pieces. He noticed she favored the knight quite a bit, so he sacrificed one rook and one bishop to take them out.
However, ultimately, he won by using his remaining bishop and knight to trap her King. After that, he put her in checkmate using a simple pawn protected by his remaining rook.
"She wasn't easy. She is almost as good as Solomon at this game!" Ddraig said, but then something odd happened. Sona got up from her seat, her peerage looking closely at the two.
"I admit defeat." Sona declared, causing the room to erupt into mutters and stunned gasps.
"Ok, now, can someone please tell me what this was about?" Issei asked. "Waltzing in and demanding a game of chess is unlike you, Sona."
"W-well, I guess a deal is a deal," Sona said, but then another voice entered the room.
"Heya, everyone!" Serafall Leviathan showed up. "So sorry for being late! I was held up with something! Sona!" She went right for her sister, hugging her tightly. "How's my pretty little sister doing?"
"Serafall Leviathan, I assume?" Issei said, catching her attention. "One of the four leaders of the Devil Faction."
"Oh! You must be Issei Hyoudou, the current Red Dragon Emperor! A pleasure to make your acquaintance. What are you doing here? Last I checked, I think you were more dragon than devil, correct?"
"That is correct, but given the arrangement between Rias and I, I had to come," Issei replied. "Couldn't bring my entire group, unfortunately. Ravel, for example, is off visiting her home."
"You allow her to visit? How nice of you! By the way, what has…Has…" Serafall's gaze fell upon the chess table. Seeing the positions Issei and Sona were in, she realized which pieces each of them had used. Her eyes seemed to lose all light as she spoke slowly. "Did you…Defeat Sona in chess?"
"I did," Issei replied plainly. "Is there something wrong with that? I keep asking what the deal is with it and why everyone is acting the way they are acting, but I am not getting any clear explanation here."
"Allow me…" Saji stepped up. "You see, Sona has a similar arrangement like Rias here did with Riser, but in her case, it is not a Rating Game that someone has to beat her in."
"Oh! Wait, then it's…OH!" Issei realized the issue and saw Sona looking away as well. "Wait, so I have to- She has to-"
"As of this moment, Issei Hyoudou, you and I are…engaged," Sona said, and alas, Serafall blew up.
"You Sona-defiling bastard!" She raised her staff at Issei, aiming right at him to blast him with a powerful jet of water. However, Ingvild stepped between them in time, using her water magic to divert Serafall's attack. "Hey! How'd you do that?"
"You might hold the title of Leviathan, but I am Leviathan by blood. The water is my domain." Ingvild declared.
"You are Ingvild Leviathan?!" Serafall gasped.
"A member of the Leviathan House? Truly?" The devils muttered.
"To think the Red Dragon has such a person in his group. He is more formidable than we thought!"
"Ok, perhaps I should reconsider offering my daughter…"
"Serafall!" Sona shouted at her sister. "Please, don't make a scene. I challenged Issei, knowing full well the consequences of losing, and I accepted them. Now we are engaged."
"Hold on, I haven't agreed to that!" Issei argued. "In fact, I was not even aware of what would happen if I won! This is more of a trap than it is a formal process!"
"It doesn't matter!" Serafall shouted. "Bottom line is that Sona lost! To you! And I am a witness to this, so by the agreement made with the Sitri House, Sona is required to marry whoever defeats her in chess fair and square…Please tell me you cheated somehow."
"There was no foul play." A man from the side said. "I watched the entire game, and both sides played masterfully! Issei Hyoudou won fair and square, as there was no foul play."
"Why, you!" Serafall hissed at the man, who must have realized their mistake as they stepped back into the crowd.
"This…This took an unexpected turn." Kiba said. "Are you alright, Rias-" The poor guy gasped, seeing Rias absolutely fuming with power, showing that she was barely restraining her feelings right now.
"I'm fine…I am very much fine." She replied, but truth be told? She was anything but fine. "Looks like both Sona and I are not engaged to the same man."
"It seems so, Rias." Sona suddenly said, fixing her glasses. "However, I hope this doesn't change our relationship too much."
"How can it not change? You two are essentially going to be sisters!" Saji spoke, only to be elbowed by a member of the peerage. "Ow! Am I wrong, though?"
"Saji…" Sona sighed.
"Well, this is certainly a development," Sairaorg noted. "Still, I believe it is time for everyone to take a stand on the podium."
"Is it that time already?" Rias asked.
"Well, their game took a bit. Party's reached that point, yes." Sairaorg added. "Given this is my final year, I will go last. They will then announce the main event after."
"Then, let's take a seat and…I guess we get through this day." Issei said.
The event then continued, with everyone stating their dreams and desires. First, Rias proclaimed that she desired to grow in power and stand by herself at the top, not having to rely on her name or brother for anything to achieve what she desired. In her speech, however, she called out to her peerage, giving them due credit for helping her take the first step toward this goal by defeating Riser.
She didn't forget about Issei, either. She credited him with the victory and stated that, despite their engagement and her giving up her privilege as King to him, she knew he wouldn't trample over her dream to be free of what others desired for her.
Sona, however, took a vastly different approach. She wished to open the first official Rating Game school to help young devils in their endeavors. She also said it would be open to reincarnated devils who acquired the right to have a peerage. However, she faced harsh words as older devils from the crowd called her dream an aberration. Luckily, Serafall was there to silence them.
"Alright!" After everyone was done, Serafall took to the stand. "As everyone knows, we will re-host the party at the end of summer! But, unlike before, things are different now! The open challenge for the young devils will not be allowed this year, and instead, the Four Satans have agreed on a special tournament between the six present heirs! The Youth Devil Rating Game Tournament!"
The crowd erupted in mutters over this, and now, things were growing clear to Issei. This is why Azazel helped them find suitable teachers to train. "The rounds and participants are as follows: Rias Gremory against Sona Sitri! Sairaorg Bael against Zephyrdor Glasya-Labolas! And lastly, Diodora Astaroth versus Seekvaira Agares! The first round, which will be between Rias Gremory and Sona Sitri, shall be held after summer ends! Good luck to everyone!"
"Well, what do you know," Sona said with a smirk. "Looks like we get plenty of time to prepare and a chance to vent frustrations."
"I have a powerful dragon on my side," Rias argued, but that was when Saji stepped forward.
"Not for long! I have been working my ass off! Hear that, Issei? I am ready for you, dude!"
"We will see who stands as the strongest dragon in the end, Saji!" Issei replied with confidence.
And so, the party was over, and everyone went in their separate ways. Not long after, once they were back at the Gremory mansion, everyone was taken to their respective areas for training. The following weeks will be quite something.
"He defiled her!" Diodora raged as he was back at his home. "That filthy, infuriating dragon defiled my prize! This is bullshit!"
"Hardly anything you can do about it." Another figure said from within the shadows, a magician by the looks of it. "Remember your role during the upcoming tournament, Diodora."
"Fuck that!" Diodora, however, didn't listen and blasted the magician instead. The magician got killed in the process, and Diodora went to the basement of his castle. "This won't stand! I won't allow him to take another breath! I might not know where they took her, but I sure as hell can track him down! And when I do…"
Torches lit up, revealing a sight to behold. Golems, the same ones the Snake of Adam uses, lined up under Diodora's castle. And more.
"I am ready…To kill a dragon."