Chapter 35: The Darkest Day in the Underworld: Part One: Calm Before Chaos
Prelude
"Wait brother let me stay and help," Arthur was trying to shove Le Fay through a portal he created using Caliburn.
She was the only one able to move or still conscious. Vali had multiple stigmata on his body from his head to his feet glaring up at a man with an ornate spear with a dark blue rod, over his shoulder.
Kuroka was in the mouth of a dragon made of holy swords struggling to keep the mouth open as swords were poking out of her side and legs, "Dam she still won't go down," said a muscular man with Greek armor with long black hair, "Would you just blow her up already," sighed a girl with golden hair and sky blue eyes.
He then fired two missile-like objects from his arms blowing up Kuroka and the dragon made of holy swords. Kuroka flew up into the sky before crashing into the ground barely breathing.
Bikou was surrounded by fifty humanoid monsters with resistance against senjutsu, Bikou was panting on one knee with half of his broken staff in his hand.
"Le Fay you are the one able to move freely so get through the portal," Arthur was currently fighting a man with six arms that had magic swords in each of them. Arthur then kicks the man away, and in a burst of speed hugs his sister but the moment he hugs her, he feels a sharp pain run through his back.
Le Fay then coughs up blood feeling a similar pain in her stomach, "You got some nerve turning your back on me Arthur."
The man had run through Arthur and Le Fay with his magic sword luckily he pushed her back in time so the sword only went an inch inside of Le Fay so she wasn't critically injured.
"Le Fay, find Anos and warn him what's coming, if you don't hundreds are going to die," Arthur then pushes Le Fay through the slash in space.
As Ley Fay falls through the portal she sees Arthur drop to the ground, as the portal closes. Le Fay tumbles down a slope clutching her aching stomach and crying, "Dam-it Arthur," she says slamming her fist on the ground.
Le Fay then blinked in surprise she was supposed to be in the city of Lilith but what she saw was a ruined city.
She then feels a sharp pain in her stomach and looks at her wound as it starts to turn black, she starts to feel lightheaded as her vision blurs but before she falls unconscious in the distance she sees two people and one shorter person talking.
"You know we need them alive Siegfried," said the man holding the spear, Siegfried then kicked Arthur, who growled in response, "he seems pretty alive to me."
"I was talking about Ley Fay," "She escaped what do you want from me," the spearman sighed, "Well it shouldn't matter she is dead now."
The Day Before at 12:30 in the Afternoon Before the Tournament
Rias, Ravel, and Sona were in Rias room drinking a cup of tea talking amongst themselves, and enjoying each other's company.
It was the day before the end of their week-long training, Azazel called off sparing with him deciding to let the fruits of their training come to light during the tournament.
Sona left her peerage to train along with Rias own peerage, "Sona how did your training go to beat Anos at chess," asked Ravel picking up a cookie from the table they were sitting at drinking tea.
Sona put down her cup and spoke, "I am not sure. I mean I have come up with a few ways but I don't believe any of them will work. Anos is just too smart but I plan on giving it my all anyway."
Rias tilted her head and scrunched her face deep in thought, "What is it Rias is something on your mind," inquired Sona curious as to what she was thinking.
"Actually odds may be more in your favor than you think. I don't know the details but apparently one of his tests failed and he has been in a funk for a few days now," Ravel then added to where Rias left off.
"I have tried to ask him about it but you know how Anos is he doesn't like to burden others with his problems," this was true but Ravel knew the real reason after talking to Rin about it.
Anos never openly admitted it even after countless times of her asking, "That's nice to hear but I would have liked to beat him at his best," said Sona a little upset she wouldn't be playing him at his best.
"I mean compared to then and now his demeanor has changed considerably," Rias took a sip of her tea then continued, "Earlier this week your Asia took two of your bishops to go see Anos for help, and from what she told me she could barely recognize him.
I even tried to ask him about what was bothering him but Anos was being tight-lipped about it and I only think he has improved thanks to whatever he and his personal maid Rin are doing in their spare time."
Sona flinched spilling some of her tea, "what do you think they are doing," asked Sona trying to hide her anxiety thinking Anos was doing something sexual with the maid to alleviate his frustration.
Rias tried to hide her amusement from Sona who was visibly trying not to shake, "Training," slowly said Rias clearing any negative thoughts.
"Apparently, Rin is a Devil Dragon hybrid and Anos has been helping her control her abilities," this was partially another lie, Rin wasn't part dragon she was a full dragon.
From what Rias overheard in their conversations, they were doing some sort of training even though she didn't know the full details.
"Thanks to whatever the heck they were doing, it has taken his mind off what was bothering him," Sona relaxed a little, deep down she knew Anos wouldn't be doing something like that with anyone, she even doubted he even wanted to get married or have children.
"Hey, Ravel is Anos okay with this I mean...I'm sure you know he never wanted to get married or have children even though it seemed he held some sort of romantic feelings for us," Sona and Anos had played chess numerous times in hopes that he would beat her but every game ended in a draw or he wouldn't play her at all.
So she couldn't help but wonder like with Ravel's situation was this some plot by the devil council to get her married?
Sona wanted to marry Anos with every fiber of her being but she didn't want to force him to marry her, she wanted him to do it because he wanted to.
"Do you want the truth, Sona," asked Ravel getting a little more serious, "Anos cherishes you more than you think. As we all know Anos was a very closed-off person when he was young having a very negative view of devil society."
Sona and Rias started nodding in agreement young Anos was a very different man than he was today, a lot more closed off to the rest of the world like he didn't want to be in it.
Rias puffed out her chest with a satisfied smile, "Except for me of course," at that Sona and Ravel nodded in agreement and Ravel continued, "But he said you opened his eyes that there are devils who are similar to him.
In my opinion, I think Anos just felt alone growing up so when he met you. Someone who had similar beliefs and world views. It opened his eyes showing him that not all devils were like the majority like himself."
Ravel was implying that Sona opened him up to the new world making him form his first attachment to someone that wasn't his family.
Sona started blushing, "I honestly didn't do much, I was happy to have someone who had similar views to me and that I could talk to about it. Was something like that some impactful?"
Ravel nodded, "Yeah I asked him about it and he told me that liked how the both of you could talk for hours about your differences with devil society, he also loved learning so much about you."
Sona was now trying to hide her blush by sipping on her tea, "I think I heard enough thanks," "But after hearing that Ravel can you say it didn't make you jealous?"
Ravel shook her head, "A little but, Anos told me what he likes about me so it is fine," Sona smiled warmly to herself and after there was silence for a while there was silence as the three drank their tea and ate their cookies.
Sona then spoke up again, "I know I haven't been here but, how has my peerage training gone," this question was more directed at Rias than Ravel.
Rias put down her cup and spoke starting with her knight Tomoe, she had been practicing with the wooden puppets Anos gave her to train with.
Tomoe sparred with Kiba, Irina, and Xenovia at times when she wanted another challenge and thanks to that and the way the puppets evolved anytime they were defeated it challenged her even further.
"I see so her swordsmanship has improved considerably over these past few days what about my bishops?"
Rias then continued, Sona's two bishops did have a hard time trying to break the orbs Azazel gave them but after Rin showed them how to imbue objects with magic from the surrounding area they were finally able to do it.
By learning this they were intern able to strengthen the power of their spells increasing their combat and support abilities.
"That's good I'm glad they have also made steps to get better as well," Rias then tried to speak on what Momo and Reya have been doing but Koneko has been so secretive about what they have been doing since Ravel did spend some time observing them Rias turned to her to elaborate further.
"I honestly don't fully understand what they are doing but it has something to do with getting a stronger form of Touki by changing the color of their auras," said Ravel trying to think back to the conversations she overheard between Koneko, Momo, and Reya.
"I guess I will just have to ask them about it in detail, I can't make plans in the tournament around unknown abilities, so what about Tsubaki."
Thanks to Baraqiel she was able to reflect more powerful attacks using her sacred gear, "Well that's to be expected Tsubaki is exceptional."
The girls wrapped up their tea party, Rias had other things to do with her mother, Ravel wanted to catch up with Koneko and Sona wanted to finish her final preparations for tomorrow.
Anos raises a barrier to block an attack from Rin that was pushing him back, the small red orb the size of a golf ball.
The tiny red orb contained a tremendous amount of magic despite its small size.
Not surprising since it contained the concept of Infinity.
The magic in the orb wasn't running out nor did it show signs of slowing down it was better to say that it was growing in power.
The barrier Anos had up was cracking and reforming as he continued to try to hold back something that was growing in power.
Ophis then dismissed the red orb allowing Anos to drop his barrier, "Nice going you starting to show considerable growth," "Much appreciated but I am curious what happens when I combine trying to pull everything to me while trying to push it away."
Anos got into a ready position now this sounded more dangerous than anything she had done so far, pushing and pulling at the same time was a paradox so what would happen if Ophis created something like that?
On one hand, Ophis generated a blue orb, and on the other was a red one and started to try and merge them.
Space started to distort with bright purple light emanating and when the light died down Ophis arms were gone, "Seems it didn't work," "I'm sure with time you could figure out a way to do it."
Ophis regenerates her arms and Anos relaxes his stance, Ophis has developed two new magic spells, red which was born from the concept of infinity always growing, and blue the magical form of how Ophis could pull or grab anything from anywhere.
"This has been very fruitful and I feel stronger than before," Ophis manifested both red and blue then dismissed them again.
"Yeah but you won't attain true power unless you unlock your emotions fully," commented Anos creating a chair for both of them to sit in.
Ophis sat tilting her head, "I don't see the need for them I have the power to destroy the world if I desired what would emotions give me that I don't have now."
"Power and emotions are intertwined and unless you were to unlock them you won't be able to awaken you're power fully," "I believe I understand but how will I unlock them."
Anos shook his head, "Unfortunately that is something you will have to learn on your own, but I don't think it should be that hard you are nearly there you may need some sort of catalyst."
Ophis crossed her arms while tilting her head to the opposite side, "Should I try talking to others or trying to observe other people besides Anos to try and understand emotions better," thought Ophis to herself.
The Next Day at 4:30 in the Morning Approximately 14 Hours Before the Game
It was early in the morning and Anos was sitting in his room arms crossed head held high and his eyes closed, across from him was a chest board with an empty chair in front of the board.
In his room were chairs sitting along the wall, and the only other person inside was Rin, she also had her eyes closed but she was observing more memories to come up with ways she could improve her own abilities.
The door to his room opened with Venelana, Zeoticus, Lord and Lady Sitri, Ravel, Serafall, Rias, Akeno, and Tsubaki walking inside taking seats silently waiting to watch the game.
The last one to walk inside was Sona with measured steps she advanced toward her chair, and she had her hands clenched tightly trying to mask her nervousness.
Sona pulled out her chair took a seat then gulped, "You seem nervous Sona," "No I am fine although you seem awfully calm." Anos opened his eyes staring directly into Sona's, "I have my own ways of masking my emotions," "I see," was all Sona said in response before moving her first piece.
Sona was using every ounce of brain power she could muster, trying to think at least a hundred moves ahead but Anos was an excellent player and didn't hold back.
There was a good reason they started early into the hour the game had lasted a total of five hours, and Serafall had long fallen asleep unable to stay awake any longer.
Sona had tried every trick in her arsenal even the ones Serafall recommended to her better judgment only earning a raised eyebrow or a slight nod. from Anos.
Currently, Sona was staring at the chess board she felt victory in her grasp but she had a tough time reaching out and grasping it.
Anos was black and Sona was white, the following are the positions of Anos pieces: his King was in B8, his one remaining Rook was in D7, his Queen was in F8, he had two pawns left with one in G6 and another in H7.
Sona had eight pieces remaining her King was at A6, her knight was at C4, her Queen was at F3, and the remaining pieces were her pawns A4, B5, H3, G4, and G5.
It had been ten minutes since Anos moved his queen to its current position.
Sona was deeply frozen in thought contemplating what her next move should be, she was also assessing counter moves Anos could make after she decided on her next move.
She felt she was so close but she just needed to think, she wanted to be with Anos more than anything and she couldn't afford to lose this game.
"Do you give up," asked Anos closing his eyes and letting out a deep breath, completely relaxed, contrary to Sona's demeanor.
"Silence I am trying to concentrate," barked Sona ordering Anos to be silent, "Now where can I move, where is my opening, what can I use to get him in checkmate?"
Another ten minutes later and Sona still hadn't moved, Sona would take all the time in the world even though she had a tournament to prepare for later in the evening.
Then something clicked, "If I moved my queen there, he takes my queen but if I move my knight next to his King then I can take his rook unless he moves his king.
Then he would have to move his king again letting me take his queen."
Sona then executed her next move by doing everything she formulated in her thoughts, "Nice play seems I fell directly into your trap," "Be quiet and just go," Anos shrugged in response and moved his king to D8, Sona then moved her pawn to B6, Anos finally moved his king to E7.
In response to this Sona took his pawn at H7, Anos stared at the board for a few seconds and flicked over his King.
The clang of the King striking the board woke Serafall from her slumber, while Sona just stared at the board in stupefaction, "I could keep avoiding you for all eternity but let's call it a game how about you?"
Sona's knees were shaking, she was staring at his toppled king, she then pinched her arm she wanted to make sure she wasn't dreaming.
A tear then began in her eye, "Did I really do it," she then looked at her mother and father in disbelief, "I did it right?"
Her mother had her hands clasped together holding back tears of excitement while her father mouthed to her flawless job.
Anos leaned across the table and placed his head on her head caressing it softly, "Good game I could tell you really worked," Sona wondered if having her head rubbed by Anos really felt good.
Koneko appeared to relish them so something about them must have been pleasant but now having him caress her head she could finally understand why Koneko treasured them.
"Thanks, I really did," said Sona brushing her tears, "but now I want you to beat me," Sona valued the fact that she won but there was another form of fulfillment that she wanted from being beaten by Anos.
Thirty minutes was all it took for Anos to mop the floor with Sona, she may not have been trying as hard but she didn't even manage to take a single one of his pieces.
Sona let out a pleased sigh, this made her truly content and really sunk in that she and Anos were now engaged.
"Congratulations Sona," said Serafall tackling Sona to ground kissing her cheeks, "Get off and stop kissing me."
Lord and Lady Sitri made their way to Anos, "Congratulations are in order Anos," "Yes please take good care of our daughter," "Oh course Lord Sitri."
"Well isn't this just lovely," said Zeoticus hanging back with Venelana, Rias, and Ravel, "Took him long enough, for someone who doesn't like to waste time he took his time to just beat her at chess."
6:30 in the Morning Approximately 12 Hours Before the Game
The Four Devil Kings and Azazel were having a meeting about the tournament and two Olympian gods attending.
"We can't very well turn them away that would be suspicious," reasoned Falbium a little annoyed that he had to suspend his interrogation of Katerea, well he was more upset he couldn't sleep while he did it.
"That might actually raise even more suspicion, " began Azazel, "The other gods fear the three factions because they believe we are harboring this Shadow but thanks to that fear none have made a move based on what Michael has discovered."
"Speaking of our two Goddesses where are they now," inquired Ajuka toward Serafall, "I have Baraqiel escorting them to my estate and then he'll be escorting them to the venue for the game."
Roughly the same time at the Sitri domain that led to Serafall's estate, Baraqiel stood at a train station besieged by more than fifty Fallen Angel guards along with Parisa standing to his left.
"All of you treat these two with the utmost respect I won't tolerate any district," ordered Baraqiel, "Lord Baraqiel who are we guarding," questioned Parisa watching the train pulling into the station.
"The Olympian gods Artemis and Athena," the doors to the train swung open, and all Parisa did in response raise an eyebrow.
The Fallen dropped to a knee out of respect except for Parisa and Baraqiel, "For a place that's supposed to be all doom and gloom it looks pretty lively," said Artemis stepping out of the train with Athena, "Oh Hush."
Baraqiel bowed his head greeting the two daughters of Zeus, "Lady Athena, Lady Artemis it is a pleasure to see you again in good health." "Likewise Baraqiel what has it been three or five hundred years," Baraqiel raised his head, "Hey now is that Parisa the betrayer," "With all due respect don't call me."
Said Parisa narrowing her eyes at the off-handed comment from Artemis, Athena elbowed Artemis in the side for that comment, "Shut it, that's rude."
Baraqiel sent a glance that said cool it, after seeing how tense she was getting, Parisa looked back at him and that was the only other reaction she had.
Transition back to the Devil Kings, "I know we couldn't really turn them away but do we have any hint as to why are they here," contested Falbium. Azazel propped his feet on the table tilting back in his chair and earning a muted sigh from Sirzech, "Probably try to gather information but as to why they chose now," Azazel then trailed off unable to discern why they chose now.
"I'll make sure to keep an eye on them since they will be residing in the presidential suite in my mansion."
"If the information you obtained is reliable then everything should be safe until the Chaos Brigade launches their attack next week to obtain Katerea but by then we should be ready for them," elaborated Falbium, "But what are to do about young Diodora, he is selling secrets to the enemy?"
"I suggest we do nothing for now if we arrest him now they may learn we are onto him," answered Sirzech.
Thanks to the efforts of Anos and Azazel's informants within the group they were able to make the proper countermeasures and troops were stationed for the attack that would take place next week.
Serafall's Estate 8:00 in the Morning Approximately 8 Hours Before the Game
Athena was going over the file in her room on Anos, Artemis was present as well but she was about to depart to collect intel.
As a huntress Artemis was among the top gods who could mask her presence entirely making her excellent for infiltration missions.
"I am ready so what do I need to be looking for besides evidence tying the Shadow to Anos," Athena flipping to the next page of the report without glancing at Artemis leaning on the wall.
"See if you can find any evidence that they are our allies or our enemies but if you come across the Shadow do not engage and just retreat."
Athena put the file on her lap and scrutinized her sister, "Let me say that again if you see the Shadow retreat," Athena felt the need to say that again because she could imagine Artemis trying to hunt the Shadow for sport.
"Yea…yea mom I gotcha all work no play," Artemis then clapped as she disappeared, this was one of Artemis's capabilities.
Even if Athena tried her hardest to find Artemis, she wouldn't be able to because when Artemis concealed her presence this flawlessly there were very few who could find her.
Artemis fazed through the wall landing on the outskirts of the estate, she then took off in a full sprint reaching the gate surrounding the estate in the blink of an eye.
"Did you see those two gods," "I know they are hot as hell," while roosting on the gate on the gate Athena listened to the exchange of the two Fallen Angels.
Athena rolled her eyes as she was about to leave but one of the Fallen spoke again piquing her interest, "Man I wish I was a part of the task force being kept on stand-by to counter the Chaos Brigade."
"That's where the real excitement is," signed the other Fallen leaning on his spear bored that he had to guard two beautiful gods.
"So an attack is looming, thank you guard one and guard two," said Artemis choosing to stay here and listen to what else they had to say.
"It's not all bad though we got the most straightforward job protecting two gods and all we gotta do is carry a spear," said the one that was leaning on his spear yawning and appreciating that he had the most lethargic job in the underworld.
"You know I'd rather watch that Promotion Game, I heard that Gremory boy is fighting," "You know what I heard from some of the people who betrayed us with is pretty hush hush," the Fallen paused taking a glance around to make sure no one was around.
Artemis didn't bother moving because she knew for a fact that he couldn't perceive her, "I heard he single-handedly overpowered Kokabiel and Parisa at the same time," "Yeah sure and I was the one to kill father," mocked the other in doubt.
"Come on you don't find it weird that all of them were put under a gag order about the whole situation," "I mean," began the Fallen but he snapped to attention seeing Parisa making her rounds.
Parisa halted in her path while glancing around as if probing for something, her gaze paused on Artemis's unnoticed form, generating a light spear she threw it past Artemis killing a magic bird monster resembling a small flying dinosaur.
"Your job is to keep creatures like that from entering the grounds," reprimanded Parisa causing the guards to shake in fear.
"Apologies Miss Parisa we were," "I don't care for your excuses just do your job," said Parisa walking past the two while glancing at them out the corner of her eye causing them to stiffen up.
After Parisa was long gone the soldiers didn't move or speak, so Artemis deemed that this source of information had dried up.
Artemis then jumped away, "Good intel but I bet I can find better information," Artemis made her way through the nearest town not finding even helpful information worth retaining.
"The Lucifer estate is nearby but should I risk Sirzechs possibly finding me out leading to Athena nagging me," she was sitting on the top of an eatery taking a watch over the town.
"Nowhere was Ajuka's laboratory, Athena said he has a few but spends most of his time at his private one. I doubt he keeps the real juicy stuff anywhere except his private laboratory if there is any."
Artemis then stood taking a big stretch, "Apparently he spends most of his time at the private one so I should be fine prying at the other ones."
Artemis flexed the muscles in her legs readying for an immense leap, it was moments like these when she wished she could fly but with physical abilities like hers, she could move just as fast as anyone in Olympus who could fly even faster at times.
Hermes, Zeus when using the power of lighting, Poseidon when in the sea, and Hades at times were the ones faster than her.
Artemis soared through the sky and the millisecond after she landed on the ground she was back in the sky skyrocketing away.
It didn't take long for her to reach one of Ajuka's laboratories landing a few yards away from the two-story building.
Artemis sniffed the air, "Forty devils in the laboratory," she placed her hand on the ground rubbing her hands into the dirt.
"There are ten subfloor under the building that are being protected by considerable barriers. Not strange unless you are trying to keep people out. Now how will I get in, the building is being protected by a powerful barrier that is being used to identify anyone that enters the area based on their magic."
Artemis was good at hiding her magic but this was a barrier to Ajuka's creation, if she didn't care about being found out she would have rushed inside not caring about the repercussions.
She then mulled over her options; risk being discovered and have Athena shouting in her ear or call it a day and head back for now.
Artemis settled to visit the other laboratories noticing not all of them had the same number of sub-floors but they did have the same barrier types.
Artemis then reappeared back in Athena's room causing her to yelp in surprise, "Would you not do that?"
"Sorry but I got information for you," said Artemis plonking on Athena's bed, "So an attack is imminent but couldn't you determine when or where."
"Yeah but...from their exchange I doubt the attack is anytime soon since they seemed so relaxed about it," "Be that as it may, it is weird they accepted our invitation when an attack is imminent but."
Athena started pacing around the room trying to sense if she could find the bigger notion behind the situation.
Athena then started to scowl as she watched Artemis get too cozy in her bed, "Would you mind exiting out of my bed you reek like a beast?"
Artemis sniffed herself, "This is how I always smell," a fine hunter needs to camouflage their smell so their quarry won't pick up on them.
Although Artemis didn't smell horrendous she did smell like a beast, Athena then summoned her spear, "Move."
Artemis whined she did all that running about and she couldn't even unwind, "Jerk I was just taking a break, also you were right it seems the general populace of the underworld know nothing of the Shadow's existence."
Athena added that scrap of knowledge to the back of her mind, "Good now go and gather more information we have about three hours before we need to leave for the tournament."
Artemis lamented even further as she lazily strolled toward the window then masked her presence even again.
Gremory Estate 11:00 in the Morning Approximately 6 Hours Before the Game
Anos was in his room getting dressed to attend a party that would be happening before the tournament for the young devils.
An independent affair was happening for the grown-ups but this was exclusively for the young devils.
Anos wasn't alone in the room, Mittelt, Koneko, Ravel, and Rin were also getting ready for the party.
"Anos is it necessary for Rin to wear a maid uniform," Ravel was wearing a towel and holding up different garments wondering what to wear.
While she was looking at her clothes she noticed Rin standing off isolated minding her business presumably skimming at Anos memories.
They would be attending a party so it was conceivable Rin was going to come so she supposed she might want to wear something else, "I leave that decision up to her."
"Well Miss Rin would you like to wear something else," Rin blinked pulling herself out of his memories and then looking toward Ravel.
"These are the clothes of devil servants correct is there a problem with wearing these," Ravel smiled nervously, "Well no but don't you want to dress up and look pretty?"
Rin tilted her head, "It never crossed my mind," "I wouldn't bother Ravel, she's got no sense of style," laughed Mittelt putting on stockings. Koneko then flunked a shoe at Mittelt, "What the fuck," Koneko just waved her hand for Mittelt to throw her back her shoe.
"I should burn this stupid thing," she said tossing it back, Rin then sent a look at Mittelt who just turned on the stool she was sitting on to avoid her gaze.
"What do you think should alter my appearance," asked Rin looking at Anos for his views on the topic.
"Your uniform is nice but I wouldn't object to seeing you in a change of clothes," Rin nodded and in a flash of purple she was naked.
Both Koneko and Ravel dropped what they were doing, Ravel ran to cover Anos eyes while Koneko threw a blanket over Rin.
Ravel was a little too short to reach Anos eyes but that didn't stop her from trying so Anos just closed them to help her out.
"Miss Rin where are your clothes," cried Rin, "Yea you can't just show Anos your naked body there's a line for that," continued Koneko.
"I fail to see the issue he has already seen me naked," Mittelt, Koneko, and Ravel jerked at that answer.
"To clarify there was a cause for that," Ravel started pinching his arm, "Please elaborate darling?"
After Anos's justification, the girls settled down slightly, "Sounds like a lousy excuse if you ask me," humphed Mittelt, Koneko, and Ravel conveyed a knowing look that said we might have a new adversary.
"But to get back on track, are there any types of dresses you like," asked Ravel still trying to cover Anos eyes.
"I have only worn a maid uniform and Gothic Lolita garments," Ravel then dropped her hands to get a better look at Rin.
Ravel then started to massage her chin to envision what she would look good in, "Something purple I imagine would look nice, but what type of style? She has a nice figure so maybe something slim to insinuate her curves."
Ravel then snapped as a good dress idea popped into her mind, unfortunately, she didn't have that type of dress or anything equivalent to it.
"Hey Anos can you create a dress for me based on what I'm imagining," "Yes should be simple enough," Anos positioned his palm on Ravel's head while opening his other hand constructing the dress she imagined.
The dress that appeared in Anos's hand was a vintage 1950s-style purple silhouette dress with dragon markings with a black zipper on the back.
Ravel took the dress and flashed it in front of Rin's face, "Dragon's markings," Rin nodded acceptance, "I approve," said Rin grasping the dress from beneath the covers.
Rin then put the dress on as it fit flawlessly, "How does it look," said Rin turning toward Anos to get his opinion on how she looked.
Anos looked her up and down, "You look stunning," "Thank you," "I kinda want to do your make-up," said Ravel then thought again, "Actually she doesn't actually need it, she has really good skin?"
"I do not understand," responded Rin tracking the little devil as she encircled her, "Hey chicken if you take too long we are going to be late."
"Oh yeah nearly forgot," said Ravel running back to the closet to again look for what to wear.
A few minutes later they were all ready for the party and met up with Rias and the rest of the peerage along with his parents to leave.
"Well don't you five look lovely," said Venelana watching them stroll down the stairs together, after reaching the base of the stairs Ravel twisted on her heel putting on a little display.
After admiring each other's attire they make their way to the venue for the party which is the same place where the tournament will be taking place.
They were being driven in three independent limos, Rias had a limo for her peerage, Anos for him Mittelt, Ravel, and Rin.
The last limo had his parents inside, they were all separated for two simple reasons, Rias and her peerage took up one limo and their parents were going to the same venue but a separate entry for the adults.
Koneko protested that she wanted to ride with Anos but for the sake of public image, she needed to be seen leaving the same limo as the rest of her peers.
Another reason why she protested so much was the fact Ravel kept sending her a look like she had one-upped her.
The limo Anos was in was behind Rias's own car which was behind five more cars in a line, "seems were are going to be in line for a while," said Ravel looking out the tinted window.
The reason why there was a line was because there was a red carpet where the devils were strolling down, while flocks of journalists took their photographs.
"Can't be helped everyone wants to show off their peerages," after ten minutes a devil opened the car to Rias limo.
The members of her peerage lined up outside the car leaving a gap in the center for Rias to walk through.
When she stepped out of the car the journalists started photographing as many pictures as feasible, "they all look so nervous," said Mittelt laughing at Asia's timid smile.
"But I wish they would hurry up they are taking forever," another ten minutes had passed and they barely made it midway down the red carpet. Another reason why they were taking longer than other peerages was because all the journalists wanted a word with Issei the current Red Dragon Emperor.
"Over Red Dragon Emperor is it accurate you nearly vanquished Riser in single combat," "I mean it was a group effort by my companions," answered Issei rubbing the back of his head.
"Over here Miss Koneko," Koneko sighed, she didn't understand why they kept addressing her with Miss, "Is it true you obtained one-on-one training from Anos Gremory what was it like can you describe in detail?"
"Yes it was hard," was all Koneko said before turning away from the reporter evading follow-up questions but this did make it seem she turned away from him to answer another reporter's query.
"Miss Angel will you be officially joining the peerage," "Oh no I was uhh…just here for training," said Irina nervously rubbing the back of her head with a smile.
This lasted for another twenty minutes before Rias had to steer her friends in line so she wouldn't hold up the line any further.
Anos limo pulled up to the red carpet as a devil servant opened the door, Mittelt strolled out shadowed by Rin as cameras started flashing no-stop, "Hey over here can you give me a pose," "Hey Miss with the pointy ears sorry I don't know your name but can you give me a smile."
More flashes and questions started flying but they all stopped the moment Anos's leg exited the car, it seemed as if it all was happening in slow motion.
It was speechless not a single reporter spoke or snapped their cameras, fear wasn't the sensation that washed over everyone outside it was admiration.
As he extended his hand inside to assist Ravel out of the car, she latched onto his arm as the pair strode to the venue.
They were all seized at the moment observing them walk down the red carpet, the elegance existence originating from Rin along with her beauty caught the men for a loss.
When paired with the lavish reality coming off Anos and Ravel it left the reports caught in the moment marveling at them. It should be said this grace did not spread to Mittelt who was beautiful in her own way but unfortunately, she was outclassed by the other three.
They made their way down the red carpet without their advancement being suspended by a single question as even the servants watching them forgot to open the doors for them as they were also too caught up in the moment.
Anos coughed into his hand, "Apologies Lord Anos we meant no disrespect," "It's fine," said Anos as the two servants opened the doors for them and they walked inside with the doors closing behind them.
When the doors closed the atmosphere over the area disappeared, "Dammit my boss is going to fire me I didn't get a single picture or ask the questions I was supposed to," cried a devil furious at his boneheadedness.
This was a similar reaction that all of them were having, "That sucked not a single one of them took a picture of me," Mittelt then flipped her hair, "But it seems they were too distracted by mer perilous beauty." Ravel just rolled her eyes and they continued into the party where a variety of devils of all shapes and sizes were assembled and chattering.
Now that Anos got a better look a lot of the young devils were only conversing with members of their own peerages.
Although some were conversing with one another they were few and far between.
One example of the outliners in the congregation was Rias and Sona's two peerages who were conversing like close friends.
Anos was about to walk over to Rias and Sona but he noticed a very familiar blonde devil walking at him from the right, "Big brother how are you? You are looking better," said Ravel noticing her brother too.
Anos smiled at Riser whose face distorted in annoyance after seeing the said smile, "I am doing fine Ravel I just hope he has been an upstanding citizen as everyone says."
Riser was followed by his peerage who had a tough time looking anywhere around Anos's direction, "Hello ladies, all you seem to be in much better health."
They sank to a knee, "Yes sir we are doing splendidly," Riser snapped at them, "Get the hell up and you stop agitating my peerage?"
"Brother calm down," Riser just came over here to check up on his sister but now he had everyone staring at him and his peerage who were kneeling in front of Anos.
"Apologies Lord Riser we were just trying to show respect," apologized Yubelluna on behalf of the rest of them.
"Whatever," Riser then turned back to Anos stretching out his hand with a scowl on his face, "Thanks for taking care of my little sis," Anos clutched his hand, "But like I said before if you hurt her you die."
Anos winked at Riser earning a much deeper look of disgust, "Wouldn't dream of it," Riser then walked passed Anos without another word along with the rest of his peerage.
"Salutations I figured out of everyone here your group would have taken the longest," said a feminine voice that sounded colder than Sona's behind Anos. Anos turned to see a woman with pale greenish blonde hair that reached her butt and reddish pink eyes with glasses that stared at Anos impassively.
But compared to the other attendees at the party they weren't filled with envy or contempt but admiration.
"Well if it isn't Miss Serious herself Seekvaira," "I would appreciate it if you didn't call me that," her tone sounded antagonistic but Anos knew from experience that this was just the way she acted in front of others.
"Hello Seekvaira, you look stunning I like your dress really brings out your eyes," said Ravel sending the girl a compliment, "Much appreciated Ravel you look stunning yourself."
Seekvaira's cold expression turned towards Anos, "But I did want to congratulate you on your engagement and your promotion," "Thanks how is your hobby coming along," Seekvaira's eyes contracted while pressing up her glasses, "Fine, and if you are curious I can give you a tour on what I collected so far."
Anos smiled, "I would have to decline I don't have the time for that detailed of a tour," Seekvaira shrugged, "Your loss," Seekvaira bowed her head slightly to Anos once more before taking leave while being followed by her two peerage members.
"She seemed rude what was her problem," said Mittelt crossing her arms, "Don't sweat it that's just her character."
Anos and his group finally made their way to Rias and Sona, fortunately, he didn't have to greet many devils on the way, since there were very few in his generation who liked him.
"Hey, there Asia you're looking good in your little dress," Asia blushed at Mittelt, "Thanks you look lovely as well," Mittelt then started striking small poses, "I know right."
"Hey Rias enjoying the party so far," Rias sipped the drink she was drinking before sighing, "Good but I just received the most bizarre proposition from Diodora over there," she said nodding to the devil in question surrounded by his all-female peerage.
"What did he ask," inquired Anos, "He asked if I would trade Asia for one of his peerage members, I told him no of course but it was still strange."
"Yeah, Lord Anos it was so creepy the prick got on one knee and clutched Asia by the hand and started confessing his love almost made me want to thrash the guy," yapped Issei bashing his hand into his fist.
"Try to refrain from doing that it may cause problems for Rias," Issei humphed in annoyance at that, "But yes it was strange," now that the girls were within Anos line of sight, he sensed magic in use specifically centered around their brains probably some form of hypnotic magic.
"Seems he's just as sick as I have heard," considered Anos turning his concentration away from Diodora and back to Rias and Sona.
Sona for her part kept sending Anos weird looks and would look away anytime he happened to glimpse at her, Ravel then poked him in his side.
"Oh by the way Sona you look amazing the blue in your dress brings out your eyes splendidly," Sona's cheeks started to turn red as the female members in her group started chuckling as Tsubaki started poking her in her back, "Stop it."
2:30 in the Afternoon Approximately 3 Hours Before the Game
After the party preparations for the rating game started Rias was working hard to formulate a plan to counter Sona since they would be battling after Sairaorg and Seekvaira.
If she defeated Sona then she would be facing the winner of the two, so she was in her study drafting plans for all three.
The rest of the peerage was out fine-tuning what they had learned earlier this week, Issei was doing some light cardio, Asia was practicing some spells, and Kiba, Irina, and Xenovia were practicing their swordplay.
Although Irina would not be partaking since she wasn't a member.
Akeno was practicing controlling holy lighting, she wanted to use Jirasd but she still wasn't able to use it without Anos so she just continued controlling holy lighting like Rin advised, and Koneko was meditating with Touki.
With all this preparation going on what type of preparation was Anos doing, absolutely nothing, well not precisely he was talking to Ravel she wanted to become his bishop like Mittelt was his Pawn.
Anos didn't have any reason not to give her the mutated Bishop piece besides the fact that his pieces drained magic to create Demon magic so she would become mana-exhausted quickly.
"I understand the precautions but if Mittelt could do I am sure I could," "Well Mittelt has lived for much longer than you have and has more magic than you but I understand your point."
Mittelt was outstretched on the bed reading a book at the moment but stopped after hearing her capabilities being made fun of but said nothing and just turned back to her book.
"Is there any way you can lessen the drain from the piece," Anos relented if Ravel wanted to do this it was her choice, "You aren't going to drop this are you," Ravel shook her head with a smile basically saying she wasn't. Anos then got up from the chair he was sitting on to get the piece from his drawer, he then made some modifications so it wouldn't deplete too much magic from her.
"Here I have modified the piece so it drains less magic," Ravel marveled at the mutated piece in wonder.
She then let out a silent chant as the current bishop inside her drifted out of her chest with a crimson glimmer. Ravel stumbled back as she began feeling lightheaded, "You okay," "Just fine but I see why it's instructed you don't do that." Ravel then promptly put the mutated bishop piece in her chest feeling rejuvenated, "Wow that feels a lot better but I still feel slightly lightheaded."
"It's the drain from losing the augmentation from the bishop piece and now having your magic depleted from the new one but I am sure you will be used to it in no time the same way Mittelt is."
A knock sounded on the door then Koneko walked in she first saw Ravel, noticing that she looked pale, "You look awful."
Ravel rolled her eyes dropping back on the chair, "That's rude," Koneko shrugged it was just an observation, "But Anos gave me one of his pawn pieces so I am just a little tired."
"I thought you were meditating," asked Anos as Koneko pulled up a chair to sit next to Anos, "I was then I got hungry."
Mittelt abruptly shut her book as her stomach started to whine, "I could go for something to eat too be honest."
Agreed Ravel rubbing her stomach thinking if she got something to eat she might be able to feel rejuvenated. The girls all looked to Anos expecting him to tag along, "I would but I want to take a look at the arena, I have a worker at the game showing me around," Koneko grumbled and the other two made similar noises, "It's not like you are going to lose."
Anos patted Koneko's head, Anos then clarified, "There are other things to prepare but, should you be leaving, at the moment you guys are about to depart yourselves?"
"I talked to Rias before I came here she said it is fine as long as I get back before the game ends."
4:30 in the Afternoon Approximately 1 Hour Before the Game
The two Greek Goddesses were accompanied by a dozen Fallen and a dozen Devils being led by a Parisa under the supervision of Baraqiel.
Serafall was walking between the pair as they made their way to their seat for the rating game, the game was being held in a gigantic coliseum capable of harboring well over a thousand devils.
"Serafall what is your opinion on Anos," inquired Athena, "Like what type of devil is he? I have discovered many things about him but I am curious about our opinion on him."
Serafall crossed her arms tilting her head and let out a little high-pitched hum, Athena hugged her in the arm, "Come now I have heard anytime he comes by you make room for him in your schedule," "Ohh my has the all-powerful Athena been spying me."
Serafall and Athena were laughing but even Baraqiel who was a few steps behind them understood what was happening, Athena was probing for information, "Annoying he hasn't accepted my proposal to guest star in my show as a character but besides that, he isn't like most devils."
Serafall inferred that they were here to surmise if they were working with this Shadow that endangered all of reality but she thought they believed Anos was this shadow or if they had a clue of his true character she would have to figure that out. "
As you know devils are led by their desires and that desire can manifest in favorable or damaging ways," Athena leaned in close, "But that is true for Anos he isn't led by any desires to attain power, riches, or notoriety.
You could say he is more resigned to staying a background character.
With that being said he is more than okay with coming to for front to defend those he holds dear, which is the reason why this whole game is transpiring."
Athena nodded in understanding this was happening because Kokabiel wanted to resume the great war, "Yes I did hear about what happened in Kuoh from Amaterasu but tell me this how can a devil so young oppose Kokabiel."
Serafall was prepared for this discussion "To be frank Anos was born with a lot of magic which his young body couldn't tolerate but thanks to training from Ajuka and Sirzechs he has come to master it. Although he still has his limits."
Artemis then inquired about his limits as a hunter if he were to become quarry she would want to know them even if what Serafall was saying could be a lie, "Well even after all the training he has done his body is still weak so he can't use too much magic at onetime or he might injure himself," Artemis took a mental note of that while Athena remembered a vision she heard from Odin that the Shadow said something about awakening his power.
So if Anos was the Shadow then it would make sense if his body couldn't handle his power, although both gods were analyzing everything Serafall was saying as the gospel.
With that being said Serafall was lying through her teeth mostly, the group stopped in front of a wooden door as Baraqiel opened it, "My ladies we have arrived," they walked inside followed by Baraqiel and ordered Parisa to wait outside with the rest of the guard detail.
They were in a box at the top of the Coliseum and from their position they could see the battle arena for the game.
The arena was encased in a barrier that was the size of a football field, "Is that the arena I thought it would be larger," observed Artemis looking over the railing.
"The space inside the arena can be manipulated, so the current size will be adjusted for the game as well as the environment inside," Artemis nodded thinking the arena would be a good place to hunt in. While over the balcony an abnormal yet familiar aroma washed over her, "Dragon," she said it loud enough for the other occupants to hear her.
"What do you mean dragon," inquired both Serafall and Athena. Artemis then perched herself on the rail still sniffing the air like a dog, "What on earth are you doing get down," urged Athena getting unsettled by her sister by the second. Artemis to everyone's stupor jumps off the rail, no better word would be plunges toward the arena.
"This is the scent of a dragon I know it," Artemis says crashing down into the arena grounds and coming face to face with Anos being accompanied around the arena by one of the administrators of the game followed by Rin.
"And this Lord Anos is the arena for the," but the male devil official stops as something collides on the ground just a few feet away from them.
Artemis surveyed the three before her eyes fell on Rin, she blinked again looking back up toward Anos.
Before Artemis could say or do anything further she heard someone screaming her name, "Artemis you muscle-brained idiot what in the of Zeus name are you doing?"
Athena, Serafall, and Baraqiel floated down from the balcony to get Artemis, "I smelt," "I don't care what you smelt get your behind back up here." Athena landed on the ground scolding Artemis all the way down who was just staring at a group of devils in front of them, "When she says Artemis you don't mean the goddess Artemis." Asked Anos looking between the goddess in
the impact crater at his feet Anos then looked to the other woman, "And you must be Athena?"
Athena then stepped forward extending her hand finally realizing who was in front of her, "And you must be the notorious Anos Gremory, as you expertly surmised I am Athena goddess of Wisdom."
"It is a pleasure my Lady I am Anos Gremory second born son of the House of Gremory," Anos took her hand and shook it.
Anos and Athena stared at each other in the eye sizing up each other mentally. "He is strong I can see how he was able to hold his own against Kokabiel but the magic I am feeling doesn't compare to mine unless he is suppressing it," believed Athena.
"She's appraising me not just with her eyes but with her own magic, I can feel it discreetly flowing into me but I am sure she can't sense me concealing my magic."
Athena lets go of Anos's hand nun the wiser of the spell, "Apologies for my sister's brash actions I hope she didn't trouble you," Athena promptly booted on the ground Artemis still staring at Anos. "Get up," Athena said in an authoritarian tone of voice, "Huh what, oh yea sorry," Artemis rubbed her butt and stood, "Is something the matter, My Lady," asked Anos with a tilt of his head.
"No, I made a mistake that was all," Anos didn't miss the look Athena dispatched Artemis after she said that, "Well if you would excuse us I should get them back to the venue," inserted Serafall trying to get them away from Anos. "Yes you're right I need to thoroughly chastise Artemis," after arriving back in the venue Athena asked for the room to themselves so she could berate her.
Athena then cast a barrier around the room to obscure their conversation, Athena was about to scold Artemis for acting so recklessly but Artemis spoke first.
"Okay look here, honestly I tagged along with you so I could get out of Olympus," started Artemis, "I didn't believe we would actually find anything." Athena opened her mouth to speak but Artemis lifted her hand she wasn't done, "But holy fuck that was extreme could you seriously not sense it."
When Artemis first sensed and smelt a dragon she was over-enthused by the possibility of finding out what a dragon was doing here.
But when she landed in front of Ophis who was disguised as Rin, Artemis froze out of instinct.
The devil's aura she was perceiving from the dragon was almost undoubtedly an illusion, so when she indirectly got by the illusion, Artemis was frozen in shock when she felt the power of The Infinite Dragon God, Ophis. Innumerable questions then rushed through her, like why was Ophis here, she then noticed two other individuals close by.
Once Artemis realized who the devil was, she could finally see the pieces of the puzzle that Athena trying to put together.
Another thing she detected was Anos's aura was too stable for someone who is always suppressing their aura, for example, Artemis was perfect at suppressing her own aura but even so there were subtle fluctuations when she was suppressing it. But when studied at Anos aura there were no instabilities in it, he was perfectly suppressing it, which isn't a bad thing but to this extent, it was unnatural natural…too perfectly suppressed.
"Well let me just say your suspicions were spot on, for one the maid was no maid at all it was Ophis," Artemis lingered for a theatrical effect to observe Athena's reaction, "Okay but what does that have to do…" Athena paused calculating what Artemis just said, "Wait did you say Ophis, that maid was thee Ophis," Athena bumbled back almost fainting.
Athena's head started turning she was ready to perhaps face many things but she didn't envision coming so close to Ophis without discovering it.
"Exactly that's why I was frozen stiff on the ground I could barely believe it myself and Anos I wasn't expecting much he's strong I could tell just by being that close."
"Anos I think that god knows my true identity," said Ophis initiating a mental conversation with Anos the moment they left.
"Yes it was a blunder on my part to not notice them coming," it wasn't as though Artemis snuck past Anos capability to sense her.
Anos knew the two gods were around but as far as he was aware they were at Serafall's estate getting ready for the tournament so he wasn't foreseeing for Artemis to just drop in on him.
Plus his attention was attracted toward listening to the devil who was giving him a tour not to sensing gods falling in on him, "As far as I know Artemis is one of the top gods when it comes to sensing so it is possible she can see through the illusion."
"Should you deal with her, she is likely informing Athena of what she learned," "That would be the best course of action," sighed Anos mentally.
Things were beginning to take an unclear turn first he learned a portal had been in his world for some time and now he had to wipe the memories of the two powerful Greek gods.
5:00 in the Evening Approximately Thirty Minutes Before the Game (The City)
"Shouldn't we be heading back now, the game is about to start," said Mittelt as she walked out of a convent store with Ravel and Koneko.
Koneko looked at her watch, "It should be fine as long as I get there before the end of the first match."
"Mittelt's right I think we should start heading back there is no telling if the game might end earlier than scheduled," continued Ravel looking both ways before the three of them crossed the street.
"Before we head back I would like to get Anos a little snack before the game," concluded Ravel looking ahead at a pastry shop wondering what he would appreciate.
Mittelt shook her head not knowing if he even liked pasties, "I don't think I have ever seen him eating stuff like that," "We used to eat cookies on the roof of the estate but they were the cookies I liked so I don't know if they were the kind he liked." Added Koneko as they stopped in front of the pastry store, "I mean it wouldn't harm to to kill five minutes bringing something."
The three girls walked in expecting the line to be short unfortunately fate was not on their side, "Well there goes expecting the line to be short," lamented Mittelt leaning to the side and seeing there five other people ahead of them.
After ten minutes they were finally next, in between then and now Rias called Koneko for an ETA on when she would be back, "Finally that took longer than expected but if we hurry we can make it back in time for the tournament."
"Excuse me Miss did you say you are going to the tournament today," said a man from behind the trio Ravel twisted to the man with pointed ears and jet-black hair with gold strands in between.
His hair was in a high pointy tail and he was sporting a tight suit with a gold tie and raven dress shoes, "He seems awfully well dressed for a simple pastry shop but I have overdressed myself I guess," supposed Ravel before answering him.
"Oh yes my friend Koneko here is partaking in the game but my fiancé Anos will participating in the promotion ceremony," replied Ravel glancing back at Koneko to witness her reaction to her saying Anos was her fiancé.
But she see didn't the typical glare she usually received when she said that, Koneko's fists were clenched and she was quivering.
Ravel then looked gradually at Mittelt whose fingers were quivering as drops of sweat trickled down her cheek.
Koneko and Mittelt were better at sensing magic than Ravel but Koneko was better than Mittelt even though Mittelt was more senior.
So what were Koneko and Mittelt sensing, simply nothing from this man, they could feel the magic of everyone in the pastry shop, even the people strolling outside.
But they didn't even know he was here until he spoke and even now when they were looking at him his presence was non-existence.
Mittelt only recognized when Anos did something similar to this and remembering from then it was very off-putting to not understand what you were witnessing when it was right in front of you.
Even though Koneko had more robust sensing powers she couldn't understand what she was looking at either but her Nekoshou side was advising her to flee like she was standing in front of a ferocious beast and she was being hunted by said beast.
Ravel didn't catch what Koneko and Mittelt did but her intuition was telling her something was off, the man scrunched his face rubbing his chin, "Wait a second," said the man snapping as he recalled something important, "That would make you Lady Ravel."
Alittle weirded out Ravel shook her head, "Uhhh yeah but who are you," the man then began laughing, "People just call me Mr. Black, and no need to be so skittish I'm just here for a snack before I get back to work."
It was now the trio's turn to order and Ravel placed her's while Koneko and Mittelt continued to eye the man cautiously, they couldn't describe it but they were certainly accumulating a bad sensation from the guy.
The man stepped to register to order his food, "Okay what is with you two," interrogated Ravel since they were awfully wary, Koneko then stepped closer to Ravel's ear, "We need to get out of here as soon as possible I don't trust that guy."
Ravel nodded comprehending Koneko wouldn't be this solemn unless she needed to, "Okay but what about the food," "Forget the food Ravel this doesn't feel right," argued Mittelt, and Ravel then reluctantly decided to leave the food.
The trio were about to leave but Koneko bumped into Mr. Black, "Dam I was hoping to get my food before I went back to work," while Mr. Black was reading his watch.
"Oh sorry Koneko didn't see you there," Koneko then leaped back while Mittelt stepped in front of Ravel, "How do you know my name?"
"Uhhh…" said Mr. Black rubbing the back of his head, "Dam you never said it did you," Mr. Black then looked around, "It's a little congested in the city, it would be better to have negotiations in a much more open space."
Mr. Black's eyes turned to slits and Koneko could finally tell exactly what was as he knelt in front of her, "Don't worry I don't want to kill you three," in a split second Mittelt and Koneko grabbed Ravel to flee but they crash into a golden barrier.
"Please don't try to leave you might get hurt," Mr. Black's body started to glow a golden aura as Koneko, Mittelt, and Ravel's entire world turned to golden.
Same time 5:00 in the Evening Approximately Thirty Minutes Before the Game (The Hidden Prison)
"Please just stop I'll talk I swear it, just stop," hollered Katerea, she looked and smelt horrid, she was discolored and thrashed all over.
Ajuka scratched his arms he was irritated hoping Katerea would have held out a little longer so he wouldn't have to go to the tournament.
Ajuka snapped as the magic he was using to torment her rescinded, "Dammit I was hoping to sleep here a little longer," Ajuka then bashed on the door.
A devil then opened it, "Yes sir," "She finally broke go get someone to take notes," the devil nodded and left to bring someone.
"It is over I am finally free," wept Katerea delighted she was finally going to weather this ordeal, "Huh who said you were going to live," yawned Falbium, "I am still going to kill you after we accumulate the information you have."
"But you said," Falbium hummed, "I don't believe I asked you any questions," Katerea blinked away the scabs in the hub of her eyes along with the dried tears.
"Wait I assumed if I agreed to give you information you might let me go," Falbium just studied his nails searching for any filth under them.
"Appears you mentally persuaded yourself of that reality in hopes that I would stop your nightmare but if you," Falbium was about to trigger the spell again, "No I swear I'll talk please just no more."
Falbium lowered his hand back down and then looked at his watch wondering what was taking so long, "What is taking so long?" Katerea observed as Falbium stood from his chair in the corner she also him open the door before.
"Where the hell are they," Falbium made his way down the hallway growing more concerned by the minute by the absence of guards.
As he reached a junction where he would turn left up some stairs a devil guard with his face caved in smashes into the wall.
Then three more devils with similar damage to their faces soar into the same wall, "Seems you finally came out to play Falbium I was getting bored," a dragon's claw then grabs the corner dripping with blood.
Then an enormous wave of blood lust pummels Falbium in the face, "One question where is Katrina," "No one of that name resides in this penitentiary."
A dragon in a humanoid form rounds the junction, he isn't able to stand fully in the hallway due to his stature so he is hunkered over walking on four limbs.
Blood and gore dribbled from his maw, Falbium tried to hold his breath because the fume of blood was just so strong.
"Who are you," the portion of power Falbium was feeling from this dragon transcended that of even the Dragon Kings and he wasn't happy about that fact.
"Grendel, now where are Kataria," warning bells were shouting in Falbium's head, "Wait what Grendel but he's supposed to be dead," thought Falbium as he cautiously started to back up, "I need to contact Sirzechs or Ajuka they are the only ones capable of."
"Excuse me sir based on the data we gathered Katerea's cell should be down this hallway," said a voice from behind Grendel.
"Good I found a new toy," Falbium's eyes shot open manifesting a barrier, but seconds later he was lying in a cavity outside. His barrier was gone, his chest ached and his armor was torn with a tremendous laceration in the center, "How did I end up outside."
Falbium strumbled to his feet he felt light and his eyesight was blurry, "Did he hit me am I bleeding, I need to call for backup."
"I thought you were stronger, I mean you're a devil king right," Falbium looked at Grendel roosted on a hole in the side of the prison. "You have Katerea now leave," "Those devils came for her, I came for a slaughter," Falbium then spit out some blood.
"As the Devil King tasked with the protection of the Underworld I must halt you here," Falbium wishes he could back up those words but if earlier was just a glimpse of his power he was screwed.
Same time 5:00 in the Evening Approximately Thirty Minutes Before the Game (The Arena)
The coliseum for the tournament was packed to the brim with devils eagerly awaiting the game to start, the sound of devils cheering for which peerage they thought was going to win made the coliseum feel like it was shaking.
Athena and Artemis sat in their venue along with Serafall waiting for the game to commence, and Sairaorg stood on one end of the arena with the eight other members of his peerage.
On the opposing end of the arena was Seekvaira with the two other members of her peerage although the numbers may have looked one-sided in actuality this match was a lot more even than it seemed.
Artemis sniffs the air again, "For a land of devils you guys have a lot of dragons here, both of those peerages have dragons."
She concluded by indicating Seekvaira's queen and Sairaorg's knight who may have appeared sickly but was decently strong for a devil.
"How very astute of you Lady Artemis, Seekvaira's queen, Alivian, is an East Slavic Dragon from the Zmei Clan," started Serafall pointing at Alivian, "And Ladora is from the house of Bune one of the bygone families of the 72 Pillars."
Athena already knew this information and Artemis just nodded rubbing her chin she was still trying to wrap her head around why Ophis was here, it was all she could think about. Athena was the same, she would have loved to be wrong about Anos, although she didn't have any evidence Anos was the Shadow.
The idea was completely thrown out the window since she couldn't understand why Ophis was dressed as a maid following him around like she was his servant.
Although both goddesses were actively engaging in conversation with Serafall could tell just from observing them that their thoughts were elsewhere and she had an inkling as to what those thoughts were. When Athena asked her to step out she informed Sirzechs they came into close contact with Anos.
They both the illusion around Ophis could be seen through depending on the strength and the observer and how close they got.
And since Artemis was among the strongest when it concerned seeing through illusion, plus the fact Artemis got within five feet of Ophis was more than close enough for Artemis to see through the illusion easily.
A little after said conversation Sirzechs called her back and told her Anos was planning to erase their memories after the match, Serafall didn't like the idea of their memories being altered but she couldn't think of a better solution to the matter.
The three's conversation led up to the start of the match as the announcer's voice echoed throughout the coliseum silencing all the attendees in anticipation for the start of the game.
Artemis starts to sense some teleportation magic from the center of the arena which is weird since Serafall didn't tell her about them being transported to another arena for the match.
"Weird I thought they weren't being transported to another arena," said Artemis pointing to the center of the arena.
Serafall raised a brow, "There isn't," both Athena and Serafall looked at Artemis weirdly since she already knew this information.
Artemis had really good senses, so good that she could perceive things so well that she didn't notice at times that others weren't perceiving the same things.
Artemis was sensing a large teleportation circle preparing to activate right in the center of the circle and she had yet to realize that she was the only one and this was not a part of the festivities.
A large green magic circle appears in the center of the arena then in a flash of green a brown-skinned man young man wearing black vestments has his head bowed with his hands clasped together with prayer beads wrapped around them.
The arena was silent as to no one understood what was happening, "So many unfortunate souls," the man then lifted his head revealing reptilian slits.
Epilogue 1: Plans Falling Into Place
In a six by six-foot bock with no doors or windows was a child no older than five whose skin was pale with scars across her body, she had a device strapped to her head with a red gem in the center that was monitoring the child's magic keeping it under control.
The little girl sat in the corner of the cell with her head tucked between her legs, she was isolated in this cell from the moment she could remember, she knew nothing of the outside world only of this box.
The gem on the center of the device strapped to her head started to glow illuminating the red room, a red aura then started to ooze from her body, and when the aura started touching the chamber it started to disintegrate but the device sent a shock throughout her body knocking her unconscious.
"My Lord the intermission between outbursts is growing and the device nor the room can keep up, what should we do," asked a devil scientist toward Rizevim, the monitors in the room were blaring just moments ago but were now silent because the girls power had been suppressed.
Rizevim bit his thumb in protest they had to slow the child's accelerated aging due to her power growing too unstable for them to manage.
Different levels of seals were being used and over time the child would overpower them without even trying, Rizevim wasn't done though the power she held was remarkable so he wanted to harness it for himself but before he could he had to get her under control.
With that being said he couldn't understand why her power kept growing uncontrollably, he had to stop her torture because her power was growing far too fast for his liking, even after it was decided to suppress her power it continued to grow.
He didn't want to kill her but if things progressed like they were now he would have to, "Just keep monitoring her magical signature, if it spikes again suppress it."
Rizevim left the room to go on a stroll to clear his mind but after only a few steps another scientist called for him, "My lord Her Majesty calls," Rizevim was tempted to ignore her again but decided this could help him clear his mind.
Rizevim followed the scientist to a set of double doors pressing a button as they slid open and closing abruptly as both of them walked inside, they walked down a hallway with numerous runes on the walls which were for sealing and concealing magic.
They reached the edge of the hall as Rizevim started typing a password on a panel a sublevel opened revealing a set of stairs, Rizevim then continued down but he scientist remained above.
Rizevim then walked down another hallway with similar runes as the hallway above before reaching a door and walking inside.
Rizevim walked inside coming face to face with a woman with black hair tied by two elastic hairbands and she had deep blue eyes with a whitish outline.
She was standing on the other side of the portal connecting both of their worlds, "Rizevim well aren't you looking worse for wear," "One of my tests is not going so well pay it," Rizevim was about to ask her what she wanted but she was a tad faster.
"I don't mind hearing your problems what's on your mind," Rizevim didn't feel like going over his thoughts on the matter but what did he have to lose so he told her everything.
"Well, that sounds like a predicament, to think a child could cause you so many problems. What is she mixed with," Rizevim opened his hand as a magical projection of Ophis manifested, "The child is the daughter of Ophis and son of Anos Gremory by using both their genetic material I created a powerful being," Rizevim was about to go on a tangent about how weird Anos DNA was but she cut him off.
"Did you say Anos Gremory," she said slowly, Rizevim paused the way she was acting was extremely out of the normal for someone who was carrying herself arrogantly.
"Yes," was all he could say before the woman's aura exploded from the other side of the portal, "He lives...I can't believe it all this time he has been right under my nose," now it was Rizevim's turn to ask her to clarify.
"So you believe the Anos Gremory in my world is," and the woman nodded with an intense glint in her eye, "Well that would make sense as to why I can't get her magic under control but that doesn't mean he is but I have someone there already and if he is who you think he is then we will have to alter out timelines."
"I concur," she then created a magical item in her hand and stuck it through the portal, "Here put this around the child's neck, she may be on the verge of awakening her source after all the torment which is bad for because she a Voldigoad so if she does she might take out half your compound."
Rizevim took the amulet inspecting it for a moment before tucking it away, "What will you do now," "Oh me, It's time to start executing my own plans of course."
End Chapter