What's this? Another chapter already?! This is my way of paying you kind people for your love and support. I need to update my other fanfic' and publish at least two of my new stories soon.
Diavolo's paranoia arguably worsened after becoming the Boss of one of the largest criminal organisations in Europe, so he resorted to more drastic means of protecting his identity than simply running away or burying people alive.
How did he find out about the arrows in Egypt? Miraculously he found out from some really powerful individuals, like the old Mafia! Maybe some absurd intuition from his demonic essence, almost like a calling for his destiny. Fate led him to the artefacts. Without Lorenzo even realising it.
Reason for starting his own criminal organisation?
He sees people knowing his identity, including his past, as a huge vulnerability. Diavolo doesn't want that. He thinks that if his life never "ebbs", then he will never fail.
Thus, he wishes to erase his past so nobody can find his weaknesses.
His Demonic side seriously had a God complex and was power hungry too. Er, Devil complex, I meant - whatever. To be king, on the top-blah, blah, blah.
Basically, he wanted both anonymity and power. This is why he worked as the leader of Passione. It works secretly (outside of the law's view), but still has a lot of power.
He definitely created his own syndicate. Started from the bottom and came on top. As he became stronger he wiped out all other organisations and gained knowledge in the process. How they ran their illegal business and inserted those processes within his. Diavolo was spying on them before he took them all out. Eventually he started owning the country afterwards.
.o0o.
DISCLAIMER : I don't own anything!
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s̸̢̨̟̊͌́̓͂̊͘r̴̨̡̛͎͍̝̟̻͎̅̾͂̎̉̊͆̃̚r̶͓͎̪͆̊̄̿̌̃͐̅j̴̡̜̳̲͎̭̱͎̯̬̪̫͚̬͖̏̍̉̊͠ǫ̶̗̺͖͓̣̰͔̝̈͛̓͋̆́̆͘͘ ̷͖͔̓͐́ḿ̶̢̛̖͓̚o̶͉̎̌̐̐̂̀͘r̴̨͕̞̥̖̗̤̜̭̬̮̐̽̈́̎ͅͅo̷̝̦̪̼̊̓̾͌̈́́̀̈̿͒̒͘ḱ̵͚͐́̈́̂̂̽͋̌͘͘ ̴̛͈͚̝̹̪̫̽̄̈́̔́̚w̸̨̧͚͚͉̤̪͖̰̼̦̪̯̞̣͝q̶̣͛͂̇̈́̉͋̄̈́͑͝ẽ̶̡̧̮̜͉̠̜̝̥̘̈͂̿̂͑̋́̕r̸̢̻̜̘̠̹͇̜̭̘̍̋̊̑̀̈́͋̾̕̕͜ī̶̹͕͙͖̞̱͙̹̂͆̀̽̈́̈̽̕̚͘͝͠j̷̙̥̣̝̫̉̽̇̕ ̷̡̧̪̩̩͔̦͚͋́̆͗̓͊̃̆r̴͖͚̙̬͓̖͔̫͓͉͈̮̫͓̽̓͛͊͗q̷̛̺͒̀̆̐͐̏͋̍̇͋̇̌̾ė̷̛̙̱̭͔̗̻̪͚͙͚̐͛̓̎̋͒͂͗͆i̸̧̢̭̣͕̬̺̭͔͕̱̹͒̑̽̈́̔̈j̷̛̩̏͂̽͛̌̀̾͊̚ ̸̧͔͙̦̫̼̰͍̹͉͖̀̐̊͠ͅy̴̨̙̞̝̥̦͛̀̎̾̍̕ĕ̶̳̥̟̗̗̣̹̘͑ỹ̶̮̲̲͇̗̤̐͐̈́͒͂̋̋̈́͘̚͜͝͝͝ư̵̢̖̖͕̭̲̭̼͎̪̪̙͗̋̓̔̅̀̍͗̈͛̓͝
s̵̝̪͙̬͉̿̎̂́̒ͅȑ̶̖͊̔͂r̶̙͍͓͙̺̎̐̄̐̒͐̓̽͠j̵̡̡̡̧̯̠͎̺̘̗̔̂̍̀̇̈́͋̔͑̈́ỏ̴̡̗̣̔ ̷͇̰̇̒̓̃͝ͅm̸̪̾̆͂̓͝o̷̡̨̪͍̟͖̱͚͖͛̍̍̇́͗̒̈́́͠r̷͇͔̟̽́̀͒̈͂̏o̴̢͔̦͖̗̬̯̗̓̓̈́͜k̶̨̗̠͚͖̻̪̔ ̵̧̼͑̐͋̆̒̕͘͝͝ẃ̴̱̫͂͌̆q̶̹̲͇͖̬̱̝̜̪̔̃͘͜ȩ̵̟̟̞͉̘̙͍͑̆̓̓̃̏͒͑̕͝ṙ̸̡̭͛̆͒̈́͐̍̍̚͘í̷̤̩̿j̴̲͍̮̥̋́̄͆̇̐͘ ̵̛͉̖̟̗̰͍͈̇͂́͂̕͜r̸̡̹̤͍̊̄̇͝q̵͖̠̏͑̿̍ë̸̤́i̶̡̙̺̺͚͎̩̓̊̽j̶̧͕̦̦̺̆̉̉̌̑̾͠͠ ̴̛̳͖̰̐̐͆̾̎̒̿̿̋͜y̶̝̠̻̬͕̝̘̠͛͌͊͐̐͆͝ế̸͍̪̠̝̟͖͉̂̿͘͝y̶̪̿̒͝ų̷̹̱̪̜̇͠
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"I guess he's nervous?" Yunyun muttered, a little bit upset. Quickly following her friend and almost caught up to him.
Lorenzo nearly closed the doors on the Crimson Demon. Inside the hall all went quiet as everyone around turned to look at the newcomers.
The Italian eyed the tense adventurers within the vicinity. People who were drinking, talking, eating and doing everything else in between came to an abrupt stop.
Random mutters filled the air as the guild took their measure of the heroes. Yunyun stood in the doorway with a nervous smile and scratched the back of her head while Diavolo scowled.
Lorenzo knew there would be some rough characters inside. They might find trouble with Diavolo if they see an unfamiliar face.
'Fear of the unknown is the root of almost all hate. It is born of ignorance and fed by those who would keep everyone divided.ʼ the Italian thought bitterly.
The Zeppeli noticed something was amiss. He observed the crowd and glanced back at his companion. 'Are they scared of this brat?!' the Italian thought dumbfounded.
To the Adventurers, Yunyun does everything with a style and grace that's only matched by her beauty. Most people are afraid to talk to her because she has a powerful gaze and gives off a menacing aura. At least, that's how everybody sees her.
Only the brave and courageous would approach someone as ruthless as Yunyun. Teaming up would her will be suicide! Anyone who was similar in personalities would only cause conflict?
Unknown to the public, Yunyun is just a socially awkward individual.
Diavolo ignored their gazes and continued with his original objective. Yunyun seemed apathetic for some reason?
Suddenly, a waitress with short red hair tries to welcome our heroes. "W- we- welcome! I-I-I- if you're looking for a jo- j- job, please a- a- ap- approach the count- counter. If y- y- you are he- here to eat, please ta- ta- take a seat!" She quickly ran away.
The Zeppeli looked at the registration area and headed towards it, but he suddenly got interrupted.
"So you're Diavolo." A voice caught the pink haired man' attention . Lorenzo swung his head to the direction of the person who spoke.
A blue-haired woman appeared from behind him. She wore a sapphire-blue, short-sleeved top and low-cut skirt, along with sapphire-blue stockings that went up to her thighs. Her arms were covered in long white arm warmers. A green ribbon was attached to the front of her shirt, an aqua-colored gem set in it.
"Diavolo, it means Devil in Italian. What a ridiculous nickname. You must have been some petty Mafia gang member." the Archpriest stated mockingly.
The offended Zeppeli's eyes widened. He senses a divine aura from this wretched woman. He was almost freaking out. 'Who the hell is this? Could this maggot be one of Eris' subordinates?' He tried to remain calm.
Yunyun looks flabbergasted and glances towards her friend. 'Diavolo 'actually translates to devil? Why such a name? Italian must be his home language? I never heard of such a thing…' so many questions were formulating in her mind. Realised that she will have to talk to her comrade soon.
The blue-haired lady seems to have noticed that he was confused. "I'm fluent in many languages, so don't strain your head."
She continued talking nonetheless. "Who are you? Better yet- what are you?" Placing hands on her hips, authoritatively. Aqua couldn't figure out this man at all. The Goddess had this bad feeling whenever she looked at Diavolo.
Lorenzo paused a bit, lost in thought. He decided to humour this girl.
"An interesting question. What would you expect to be a satisfactory answer? I could give you my real name, of course, but that would not convey anything of my true essence - it is, after all, but a conventional moniker used to refer to the person that is myself. In fact, it could be said to be even more devoid of meaning as right now no one alive knows my name except me, so I could tell you anything else, and it would be equally valid. Or I could tell you about my life - which would probably not be the intended answer, and would still not tell you much about who I am, as a simple series of events does not inform you of how those events shaped me, specifically. Nor would the me who lived those events be the same that faces you right now - as this is the me that has gone through them, and has been changed by them."
This left everyone a bit stunned. Of all things they could possibly expect from a newcomer, philosophising was not one of them.
Diavolo noticed that his comrade was looking at him. "Well?" He wasn't fooled but decided not to push her. Also fiercely glaring at the Adventurers, they immediately got the hint.
"Eep!" Yunyun jumped at the realisation that she had been staring too long and turned to look at the floor in apparent interest.
It was the Italian's turn to question this blue haired girl. "Are you one of Eris' lap dogs?"
"WHAT?! Eris is my Junior! I am Aqua, the Goddess of water!" the blue haired woman exclaimed angrily.
" If you are the superior. Why the hell are you down here?" Diavolo asked harshly.
"It was someone else's fault…" the divine being trying to forget that horrible moment.
But Aqua was not done with her interrogation. "That filthy aura you were radiating is very concerning. Are you in league with the Devil King and trying to infiltrate this town?" The blue haired girl was accusing him.
Discrimination… Lorenzo was being discriminated against based on the aura he was giving off?
Before Diavolo could voice his opinions. Someone unexpectedly tried to stand up for the former Mafioso.
"That's enough, insulting him for false suspicions won't get you anywhere." Yunyun of all people scolded Aqua. Lorenzo would never admit it, but he was almost grateful that the Crimson Demon tried to defend him.
Kazuma was trying to call Aqua again. The Goddess noticed him and decided to go towards her friend. Looks like he chose a quest already.
"Hmph, don't think this is over. I'm watching you! " she threatened, while preparing to go somewhere else.
"There's nothing to watch. " Diavolo retorted smoothly.
Then he continued to speak; "Your threats are all empty. They mean nothing. " Lorenzo glared harshly.
Aqua clicked her tongue rudely. "Hmph, you don't even look that strong." the blue haired muttered, as she walked away. The water lady had better things to do.
Unfortunately, Diavolo heard that and the situation changed quickly. "Presumptuous words, Goddess..." immediately retorted.
Aqua stopped and turned back at him, frowning. "Hm, what did you say?" she asked him.
"I said you would not be a match for me." Lorenzo gave her an ireful look.
There was silence throughout the guild, everyone stopped what they were doing again and watched what was about to unfold.
Yunyun that's beginning to worry now. Hopefully nothing gets out of hand.
Suddenly the blue haired beauty burst out laughing aloud.
"You really have no idea who you are talking to, right?" the Goddess questioned, in an arrogant manner.
"Only foolish ignorant people choose to prejudge and hate people solely based on a characteristic they cannot control." Lorenzo adds intensely.
Yunyun looks taken aback for a second, but soon grins at her friend. She decided to also voice her opinions.
"If you judge people by their appearance you're stereotyping them and you'll never see the person inside." The Crimson Demon's expression seems calm. But deep inside she was a nervous wreck.
That made Aqua quite angry at them, she growled. "One good deed is not enough to redeem a man of a lifetime of wickedness." The Blue haired lady glaring at Lorenzo.
"But it seems enough to condemn him… Your opinion of me doesn't define who I am." a slight grimace on Diavolo's face.
"Leave him alone, Useless Goddess." Kazuma interrupted them before it got bad.
Aqua lips trembled and then screeched at her friend. "But, Kazuma!" she couldn't keep her emotions in check.
"You're making me deaf with your voice and making me blind with your face. Come on, let's go before you cause more trouble." The Japanese tried to drag his companion away.
"Let go of me- don't treat me like I am one of your filthy body pillows!" The blue haired girl freed herself from Kazuma's hold.
"How dare you- Useless Goddess!" the Satou male fumed with irritation.
Now the two of them were opposing each other, face to face. Their foreheads were almost touching.
"Stupid NEET!"
"Alcoholic!"
"Titty Lover!".
"Debt Queen!"
"Cheapskate!"
The air swung around, thick and heavy with insults as everyone in the guild watched the hilarious argument between the looney couple with mixed feelings.
Diavolo remembered that Giorno had a team to help him. Those fools put their trust in the blonde boy and it did pay out in the end.
While the former boss was overconfident in his own abilities and thought he had already won the battle.
So having a team… He can't go in alone this time. He will need all the help he can get. Lorenzo will play along for now.
"I do not have an overinflated ego!" Aqua was waving her arms around frantically.
"How many times have you claimed that you need the best treatment and the most expensive things just because you're a 'Goddess?'" Kazuma countered back.
"But I am a Goddess!" Aqua cried. "Why do you keep saying that I'm not?! You know the truth!"
"Yeah, and the truth is you contribute little but trouble." the male brunette crossed his arms.
She shook her fist at her comrade and was on the verge of strangling him.
Then Kazuma got a wicked thought. "You were a real Goddess but now you're a fallen Goddess."
"I have not fallen! I am a real Goddess!" Aqua was raising her voice higher.
"Can't see it behind the rotten personality." the panty thief said sarcastically.
"Of course I can! Don't you remember what I'm the Goddess of?" the divine individual gestures.
"Debt, misfortune, poverty, alcoholism, party tricks-" Kazuma was counting on his fingers.
"Goddess of Water! I'm the Goddess of Water you idiot! You don't have to be so mean. You should be able to tell by the colour of my eyes and hair!" Aqua was whipping her hair around like a lunatic.
They go on again with their usual verbal fights, much to Megumin's annoyance and the rest of the guild's entertainment.
Diavolo was getting sick of this nonsense and decided to get registered. He was looking for his companion but noticed that she was busy?
Yunyun was interacting with a young-looking girl wearing a short red dress, a brown cloak tied around her neck, and a witch's hat on her brown hair. She had an eyepatch with a cross on it covering her left eye, and carried a wooden staff with a blue gem.
"Oh! Megumin! So happy to see you- I mean I challenge you to a duel!" Yunyun pointed out towards the little dark haired mage.
"I'm not in the mood, Yunyun." the shorter Crimson Demon seems to be irritated.
Yunyun began howling incoherently at the hat wearing girl. Who covered her ears, just to spite her rival.
Megumin noticed the pink haired man close by. "Ahh, so you are Diarrhoea." the frail girl looked assured.
"It's Diavolo!" he exclaimed loudly at the tiny nuisance.
Nonetheless she flung aside her cloak hard. "My name is Megumin! I am a-"
"I don't care." the Zeppeli bluntly interrupted the self-introduction of the explosion girl. He recognised this mage is also a Crimson Demon.
Megumin angrily points her staff at Diavolo. "Hey! I would appreciate you not being so rude!"
Lorenzo wasn't intimidated in the slightest. He ignored her and turned towards Yunyun. "Is everyone from your clan this obnoxious?" But noticed that his companion is preoccupied with her mind.
Diavolo watches Yunyun with an extremely exasperated look. "I spoke too soon…" He shakes his head and responds with a casual shrug of his shoulders.
"I bet that you're envious of the almighty Crimson Demons." The Arch wizard' cheeks puffing with indignation at being disregarded again.
Megumin does some weird moves and points her right arm towards Diavolo. "Darkness blacker than black and darker than dark, I beseech thee, combined with my deep crimson. The time of awakening cometh. ~ "
"What are you doing?" A perplexed Lorenzo turned his attention back to the hat wearing girl.
Few of the surrounding Adventurers heard the infamous chant and were foreboding the worst.
'By the Gods… all I've been doing all this time… just watching her back, or standing at the sidelines. Thinking, Megumin is the best! WELL, NO MORE!!' Yunyun was determined.
"Are you scared that you'll lose the challenge?" Yunyun quickly intervenes. She sounded confident, but was fidgeting a lot.
"No! " Megumin stopped her spell and turned to look at her rival. The guild members were thankful for the Crimson Queen saving them.
"I accept, but I am the one picking the challenge!" the Explosion mistress said, while striking a pose.
"O-Ok!" Yunyun said as she did her cool pose.
Lorenzo's left eye was twitching. Then realising that he could observe Yunyun's capabilities.
Everyone else was busy focusing on Kazuma and Aqua.
"The challenge is to compare our levels." Megumin pulls out her adventuring card dramatically. Yunyun is doing the same action.
Both Crimson Demon girls analysed each other's Adventurer cards.
Diavolo curiously looked over their shoulders. Noticing that these cards had a lot of skills and stats written on it.
Megumin's level is 34 and Yunyun's is a surprising… 43!
"I won!" the usually shy Crimson Demon shouted joyfully.
"But how!?" cried out the smaller girl in shock.
The root of Megumin's frustration had revealed itself and wasn't as simple as her being bratty. She turned towards Lorenzo looking upset.
"Did poor little Yunyun tell you the sob story where she had to eat her birthday cake all alone in her large house?" she asked in a bitter tone while staring at Diavolo.
"What?" Lorenzo was taken aback by this information. Because something like that happened to him a long time ago. Looking at his companion, trying to understand the matter. He was able to empathise a little with his comrade.
"Nothing like that happened!" Yunyun exclaimed, quite embarrassed.
Megumin's anger ran deeper than imagined. This was more than a simple rivalry. There was actual growing resentment for Yunyun, Aqua, her village and the world as a whole.
The Explosion caster just walked away bitterly. Yunyun tried to follow her rival. But Diavolo placed a hand on his comrade's shoulder and shook his head.
"Don't even waste your time, child." Lorenzo advised his companion. The kind-hearted girl wanted to protest but kept silent.
'Can't even handle such a small loss? How pathetic. Then again I'm one to talk… ' Diavolo ponders heatedly.
Kazuma honestly just wanted to end his suffering. He felt it was impossible to control these girls.
Darkness was previously talking to a certain silver haired thief about something. Eventually they were done and both walked their separate ways.
The jingling of buckles snapped Lorenzo out of his thoughts. A blonde woman with blue eyes, wearing white and yellow armour over black underclothes.
"Are you Diavolo?" the Knight questioned.
"What do you want?" Lorenzo bluntly asked. He was getting irritated fast, meeting all these random people.
"I am Darkness. My calling is that of- Wait! Don't turn your back on me!" She exclaimed and was blushing now.
The Italian ungraciously tried to walk away. But the heavy breathing knight was persistent and blocked his path.
'I will not satisfy this filthy woman's urges!' Lorenzo recoiled slightly. Even poor Yunyun was very traumatised.
The Dustiness Ford had an overjoyed look on her face. "Please, I wish to spar with a powerful warrior-"
"NO!" Mr Zeppeli impolitely cut her off. He stared at her with disgust. Unfortunately his harsh gaze only made her squirm and wrap her arms around her body.
Yunyun still can't believe that Darkness is from the highly respected Dustiness house of nobles.
Lalatina began having some unique thoughts, which were involving the Italian. "The thought of this man… being able to overtake me, seems kind of a…hah…hah…" She said, as the majority of the folks looked at the crusader awkwardly.
"Darkness, snap out of it!" Kazuma said, while trying to escape Aqua' violent headlock.
The Dustiness Ford wasn't paying attention and was staring at Diavolo. "Such a cold, uncaring look. I can see your face, I just know that you're glaring at my team with such disgust!" Lalatina said, with a creepy expression.
Diavolo was trying so hard not to kill anyone right now. His eye twitches rampantly, his mind swirling with one, continuous thought. 'I'm surrounded by idiots.'
"Calm yourself, pervert." the Japanese exclaimed. He turned the tables around and had Aqua in a headlock now.
Darkness heard what Kazuma called her and turned towards him. "I-I am not a pervert, don't make such baseless accusations of me!" The expressions on the crusader's face made her an open book to read.
Kazuma wanted to introduce himself to Diavolo. But he was very occupied at the moment.
Lorenzo was quickly beginning to feel very uncomfortable in the presence of the masochist. He was slowly trying to sneak away for his own safety and well-being. All these pointless distractions are gonna cause him to snap viciously.
Yunyun was grateful that she wasn't in the same team as Megumin and her friends.
Kazuma then ignored the crusader and was busy focusing on his blue haired nuisance.
"Ok, Aqua- fine, I'll admit that you're not useless, because you can still be used as an example!"
The Japanese roughly pushed his teammate away and decided to do something wicked.
"Steal!" Kazuma made a fist and it filled with light. Aqua had a startled look and tried to dodge but it was too late. Inside his fist he could feel something materialise.
Mr Satou opened his hand to see what he'd got. It was a light blue bra. "Ooh yeah!" He hollering and waving the bra above his head.
Diavolo' eyebrow raised at the idiocy. Yunyun and every other female in the vicinity quickly covered themselves defensively.
Except for Lalatina, secretly she wanted to be humiliated. Succumbed into her own delusional fantasies. Darkness ended up heavily panting on the floor.
Some of the female guild members began chanting; 'Kazu-trash' over and over again. They were also giving him a murderous look. Few men are silently cheering Kazuma on.
Mr Satou was so excited at having his hands on his friend's bra that he didn't notice when Aqua started to cry. The blue haired lady began chasing Kazuma angrily around the guild.
"Uwah~ What a creep."
"The sadist adventurer is back at it again."
"First, he brought back toad slimed girls, then a locked up slave in a cage and now he stealing someone's bra."
Numerous female guild members were very upset. They weren't afraid to express what was on their minds.
Diavolo slowly turned his head towards Yunyun incredulously. It was the first time in his life that Lorenzo had witnessed such tomfoolery. Even the Crimson Demon couldn't believe how they were behaving.
"Let's go before I lose my patience. We wasted enough time." the Zeppeli exclaimed tiredly.
"R-right…" Yunyun was still happy about her victory against her Rival.
Aqua had caught Kazuma and was pummeling and straddling him. The Japanese boy was blocking her attacks with his forearms while mockingly apologising and laughing gleefully.
Both impassioned friends noticed the position they were in. Now getting embarrassed by their actions, the two blushed slightly at the same time.
Aqua felt something long and hard poking her butt. Her eyes widened, then she had a mischievous look on her face. "Someone seems very excited."
Mr Satou was confused at first then he noticed what she's talking about. "Wha? Ah, that's Chunchunmaru." Kazuma pulled out his sword. Then regretting what he said loudly.
Numerous Adventurers were laughing at the ridiculous name. Megumin wasn't fond of everyone's amusement. Because she actually named the weapon.
The Japanese gave Aqua a deadpan look. "I don't find you appealing at all."
"Liar! You always sexually violate- HHMMFF?!" The Goddesses mouth was quickly covered by a nervous Kazuma.
A deprived Lalatina and jealous Megumin ganged up on their Leader and were able to overwhelm him with kicks.
The men couldn't do anything to help their friend. Otherwise they would have further pissed off the surrounding ladies and then get beaten up in the process by them.
"Hell has no fury like a woman scorned." Dust muttered quietly, a fellow adventurer.
.o0o.
The official quest-giver of the Axel guildhall and the go-to woman for adventurers visiting the guild.
Luna' outfit consists of a red ribbon worn around her neck, a white off the shoulder low-cut top that reveals a large amount of cleavage, with black shoulders and sleeve cuffs, low-rise jean shorts, and short brown boots.
The blonde lady is a very kind, caring and cheerful young woman who has a rather big sister aura about her. She has common sense which is a rarity in this World. Luna is also a calm person, taking everything in stride.
It was in human nature to observe those around you, watch the interactions of the strange and unusual.
"I'd like to become an Adventurer. Get on with the procedure." Diavolo coarsely orders.
Which startled Luna, her gold-colored eyes didn't even notice the pink haired man. "O- of course!"
Yunyun standing by his side. Couldn't wait to see what unfolds for her companion.
Luna did a double take and immediately recognised the Crimson duo. "It's you two! Under normal circumstances there's supposed to be a registration fee…"
Lorenzo frowned, hoping his day wouldn't get any worse and Yunyun was very puzzled.
Quickly Luna went into the back of the employees area and returned a minute later. She came out with two small bags?
The receptionist handed Team Crimson each a purse full of money!
"This is your reward for defeating the Behemoth! You can count it later." Luna winks at the stunned duo.
Every Adventurer began cheering loudly for the odd duo. A blushing Yunyun looked sheepish and Diavolo let out an inaudible sigh. Both heroes weren't given this much positive appreciation in their lifetime at all. It was quite the experience for them.
Most of the Adventurers regretted how they treated Yunyun. Now they realised that she wasn't all that bad, just greatly misunderstood.
Diavolo on the other hand was difficult to fathom.
For the Italian receiving praise from others when he mostly feels negatively about himself. It elicits discomfort because it conflicts with his own inconsistent belief systems.
Yunyun with her low self-esteem feels uncomfortable because it contradicts her own poor self-views. She lacks confidence about who she is and what she can do. The Crimson Demon often feels incompetent, unloved or inadequate. She is consistently afraid about making mistakes or letting other people down.
Hopefully our favourite Duo could help each other out and become a better version of themselves in the brighter future…
Luna cleared her throat to grab the newcomer's attention. Also giving the Adventures look to get them to stop. Eventually the guild ceased their mirthful praises.
Yunyun and Lorenzo turn towards the woman behind the counter. Both of them also tucked away their money safely.
Diavolo can pay his comrade back later. The Crimson Demon was planning to store money in the safe at her house after this.
"I'll explain how everything works. Adventurers each have their own occupations." She made a hand gesture towards the surrounding members.
The former Don wordlessly nodded his head. He'll have to be patient for this tutorial. Yunyun was getting this wonderful nostalgic feeling.
"Since you want to become an Adventurer. You should have some basic knowledge about this job. But, I'll explain it from the start… Firstly, Adventurers are responsible for the extermination of monsters wandering outside the town. They're also jacks-of-all-trades, taking on odd jobs that require their talents. Collectively known as Adventurers are people who earn a living this way."
Luna pulled out a blue orb in a strange device while also pulling out a familiar card. It was about the size of a driving licence, and seemed to be a kind of identification card.
"This card is very important, as it tells you your stats, basic information, and is the way to acquire new Skills."
The guild worker noticed the Italiano' confused gaze. Yunyun can relate, it was pretty overwhelming for her in the start.
"Skills vary from the most basic ones to the most advanced ones. Of course you will need a Skill Point in order to learn Skills. Every living being here has a special kind of soul that could be obtained when you eat those things or defeat them, called Experience Points. Use that to level up and unlock new Classes! Before I forget to mention, every quest-related information will be shown here. From how many enemies you have defeated and your Level progress."
'It's almost like a videogame… Finally, it is all coming together.' Diavolo thought to himself. This was a norm for adventurers. Be it jobs, class, or whatever other title. You had to choose the way you fought in this world.
Luna places the blank card under a special device. "Now, please raise your hand over this crystal!" She waved to the blue sphere held in place by a metal apparatus, like a globe used in geography.
Lorenzo did as instructed warily and the orb began glowing. While the rings surrounding it began to spin back and forth, clicking every so often.
" Fascinating…" Diavolo breathed, entranced by the light. Particles began dropping from the gem, being funnelled into a needle point, which then blasted a laser at the registration card beneath, and began filling it out.
Yunyun pondered what her friend's stats would be like.
"With this, you'll learn of your current status, soon you can pick your desired occupation based on your stats!" Luna exclaimed, having done this numerous times.
Then Diavolo noticed Luna was leaning over her desk to inspect the machine. Lorenzo was trying to avoid looking at her Chest, he had manners.
The perverted male Adventurers, on the other hand, were enjoying the show. Much to the annoyance of some of the girls around the guild. It looks like Team Kazuma had left already on a quest.
When the engraving was done. The counter staff picked up the card.
"Right, thank you for waiting… Mr... Diavolo? Interesting name- Let me see…" It was the first time the blonde woman ever heard such a name.
Yunyun was actually disappointed, hoping to hear his actual name.
'Luckily my real name wasn't mentioned. Perhaps it's based on your will?' The Italian almost had a nervous breakdown.
Suddenly, Luna yelped in surprise, making Diavolo jump and Yunyun flail.
"Ah, despite being level 17. Your strength stats are impressive! Same with your Agility... Intelligence…. Wisdom…. Defence- my word, most of your stats are way above average!" She was scrutinising the card.
Yunyun was awestruck. She didn't even start off on a high level like that during her humble beginnings.
A crowd started to stir and draw in nearer. They just finished hearing something incredible, of course, they'd be curious.
That curiosity died a writhing second, the moment the Pink haired man turned around and glared at everyone.
Lorenzo quickly snatched the card from the startled counter lady.
"Ahh, well then please look at your card and pick the job available on your card." Luna pointed out.
As ordered Diavolo looked at the Jobs available. There were many choices but he didn't even bother to look at all of them.
Yunyun got closer and looked at his card. Lorenzo didn't seem to mind her being close to him.
Something perked Diavolo's interest. "What is Ranger?"
Yunyun actually wondered if the former Mafioso was planning on choosing this class.
Luna' eyes widened, taken aback. "It is a Class similar to Adventurer. Except the status are much higher and is really well-balanced. In exchange you can gain all skills from any kind of class. Sadly, there's a slower growth rate and it costs more points to learn skills." the blonde lady gravely stated.
"That's fine with me." Lorenzo muttered, shrugging. He preferred to be versatile.
"I choose Ranger…" The card in his hand flashed, and when Diavolo looked down, the label Occupation now had the word Ranger next to it.
"Splendid, your registration is completed! Without further ado, welcome to our Adventurer's guild, Diavolo! We'll be looking forward to your future exploits!"
Lorenzo gave a curt nod and walked away. The Crimson Demon warmly thanks Luna and swiftly follows her friend.
While walking Lorenzo was busy scanning his card. Checking out what skills are available for him. Quickly deciding that he should do all of that later.
"Congratulations Diavolo on finally becoming an Adventurer!" Yunyun was genuinely happy for her friend.
The Crimson Demon smiles at Diavolo in delight. Which despite himself, earns the young girl the tiniest of smirks. That only makes Yunyun beam even more.
Lorenzo fought the urge to roll his eyes. He felt these sentimental feelings were so nauseating. "Thanks child. Shall we take a quest now?" he suggested, more like demanded.
Yunyun led the way, the older man following behind. Both heading towards the job bulletin. They browsed the sheets of papers pinned to the board together. Mr Zeppeli ripped off an easy looking one.
Defeat 10 timberwolves in two days, for 3000 gold
'If this stat card isn't lying, this should be a good quest. Something to ease my way into this whole adventuring matter.' Diavolomentally thought to himself
...
.-ooo000ooo-.
…
Had all those years of being at the top made him rusty? Had it inflated his ego to the point where he was nothing but a failure who couldn't even get something done. If he acted more on instinct rather than any actual coherent thoughts.
Lorenzo simply wasn't an amicable person; large crowds, whether it be the excessive amount of chatter, the sheer volume of people, or some combination of both, tended to irritate him.
The Italian found the atmosphere around the village to be suffocating. The silence and tranquillity away from people, this he truly enjoyed.
'Do watches and clocks exist in this world? Do these people even know about the idea of time?' Diavolo glanced up at the sky to judge the time. Based on the position of the sun, it had to be around eleven or twelve o'clock.
Yunyun called out to Lorenzo and told him that they were nearing their destination.
Sometimes these opportunities lead to new pathways that can be good or bad. It's wise to take in account these new pathways, to follow them through, and to guide them toward the path that helps you the most. If you are lucky, your journey might end up succeeding in a different way
They made it to Eterna Forest, which was a thick growth of trees and underbrush covering an extensive tract of the land.
'Nothing ventured, nothing gained…' Lorenzo thought positively.
When Diavolo and Yunyun entered the grove, there was a strong scent of the distinct aroma of foetid earth.
The odd duo noticed the rustling sounds of small animals scurrying under the thick ferns and over the thousands of brittle branches and twigs… the constant sound of a breeze, gently swaying in its caress…birds twittering and flying from tree to tree.
Diavolo has never been in this much forestry before. Lorenzo in the past, had no time to explore rural settings. He was too busy trying to survive.
The odd pair could hear the gentle gurgling of a small creek and the forest hiding all the animals that drink from that creek.
Sunlight makes polka-dots on the ground, lighting up dead tree trunks where shelf fungus grows like dinner plates for the creatures inhabiting its sanctuary.
Lorenzo noticed something and crouched down on his knees to take a look at something. Yunyun was poking her head over his shoulders.
The ground was wet, perhaps from some rainfall, it was dark and damp. The curled brown leaves were half-embedded in it, trampled by some forest creatures.
There were paw prints on the soil.
Both our heroes stopped when a realisation fell over them. The forest was all but devoid of animal sounds. It was too quiet for this time of day. They looked around and didn't pick anything unusual.
The odd team had this feeling in the back of their necks, that they were being watched.
'We are being followed!' The Italian hated being stalked.
Both Adventurers exchanged understanding looks. Yunyun looked ready for anything. Lorenzo already had a plan and was gonna set it into motion.
A large creature dropped from the trees and tried to bite our heroes.
The sound of a subtle sparkle signifying King Crimson being summoned to deal with the pesky enemy. The Stand punched its foe really hard. Shattering the monster's head into a hundred wooden pieces? King Crimson retreated for now.
Yunyun realised that it was a-
Suddenly there was a noise from a deer. However, in the blink of an eye, the animal was suddenly pounced on...by large wolves made of wood?
Timberwolves.
Creatures that resemble real wolves, but their bodies are composed entirely of twigs, logs, and leaves.
A slight movement from Yunyun's vision prompted her to peer around Diavolo's arm in time to find a wolf about to pounce on him. Her reflexes kicked in and she cast out a flaming attack before the enemy could hurt anyone. Lorenzo turned to see the animal slumping over dead. One small fire spell had pierced it through the head.
The wolves heard the commotion and spotted some intruders. They started barking and growling. Beginning to show their fangs at the humans. Aware that they were dangerous.
There were only three wooden timberwolves with sharp teeth and claws, and green glowing eyes. They were all looking at these humans with unknown capabilities.
"I can handle it from here Child." Diavolo began approaching his targets.
A very concerned Yunyun obeyed his wishes. But always keep a watchful eye, if anything goes wrong she will back him up.
The three timberwolves then began to back up as the taller human walked towards the wounded deer that was still alive and bleeding. Without warning, a few of the pack were going towards the deer quickly.
Diavolo swiftly got in the way. Purposely blocking their kill.
The timberwolves got aggressive, all running towards the deer and Lorenzo. The first of the timberwolves jumped towards the pink haired man as the other beasts were going for the deer.
The flying wolf was going for the Italiano's rib-cage with its fangs.
Lorenzo quickly pulled out his dagger. Immediately King Crimson appears again, grabbing the monster mid-air. Diavolo started cutting up the monster. The timberwolf was now torn up from the brutal slashes as it was dripping tree saps everywhere on its body. King Crimson disposed of it like garbage far away. The Stand departs from existence.
Yunyun was almost unsettled. Honestly she had seen worse.
As he killed one of the timberwolves, he saw the rest of them, dragging the body of the dead deer away when they were retreating.
Diavolo was about to charge at them. Suddenly another wolf jumps at him from the surrounding vegetation.
Lorenzo steps out of the way. Swinging his dagger fiercely across the underbelly of his target.
It fell limply on the ground dead.
The only thing he could do is stare at where the timberwolves retreated with the dead deer.
Yunyun did not budge from the spot she stood. The Crimson Demon realised that it wasn't over yet.
After a few seconds, seven hostile wooden wolves jumped out of the bushes around Lorenzo.
Growls constantly came from their wooden jaws as they began to pace back and forth before Diavolo.
Lorenzo's eyes widened a bit, but little emotion was shown through his face.
The wooden animals began surrounding their prey. All around him were the dark brown creatures, growling and showing their long sharp fangs, eyes fixed on Diavolo.
"Foolish animals…" Lorenzo whispered in a neutral tone.
When the wolves had gotten so close within attacking range. All at once they jumped at him.
"DIAVOLO!" Yunyun cried out anxiously.
Lorenzo barely rolls out of harm's way. He was able to find an opening in their lousy attack pattern.
The stupid timberwolves ended up forming a disorderly heap.
"King Crimson!" With the help of his summoned Stand. They quickly started throwing Vermeil fangs with deadly precision at the canids.
Whatever stranglers were left- Diavolo and King Crimson hastily finished them off. It was either a devastating punch or slash.
There were zero survivors from the onslaught. Various wooden body parts littered the environment.
"No stopping what can't be stopped. No killing what can't be killed." Diavolo whispers coldly.
Those words send shivers down the Crimson Demon's spine. Yunyun was nonetheless amazed by the display of battle.
Rustling branches and leaves were coming fast. Somewhere directly behind Diavolo.
"What the…?!" Lorenzo turned just in time to see another timberwolf burst out of the underbrush. Clearly having decided to go after the biggest threat of the two creatures it saw.
Just as it leapt at Diavolo with wooden fangs bared. A flash of golden yellow light came from the Italian's right and slammed into the beast.
The creature was instantaneously disintegrated. Lorenzo's heart was still pounding from that close brush with an imminent mauling.
He instantly turned to face Yunyun. She was looking at him with a panicked expression, her hands still coated by a billowing aura.
The Crimson Demon then rushed to his side and stood protective in front of him, whilst glancing around cautiously.
When it became clear that the monster had not come with a pack, she let out a long sigh of relief. "Are you all right?"
Diavolo felt himself relax. "Yes… I had it under control..." The agitated Zeppeli went around retrieving his hunting knives.
Yunyun blinked and nodded her head. She decided not to annoy her companion further. Truthfully she hated being a spectator. The Crimson Demon genuinely wanted help out.
'How things have turned out…' The older man tried to remain stoic. To be saved by a child. It wounded his pride, whatever is left of it.
Lorenzo was a Mafia boss, and ran his own organisation… It was a quick getaway to the top. He was able to control everything. Now in this new world... He is almost powerless. It's so insufferable for him.
'But now- there is no weapon more deadly than the will.' the Zeppeli thought, whilst looking around attentively.
Diavolo was in completely new territory and no matter how composed one might be. Being caught completely unaware in a very serious situation would cause anyone to falter.
When he got caught up in the Mafia syndicate, it was the only way to live... The organisation he was tied to and prevented him from leaving.
'Can't be chained to the past forever, can I? That'd be a sad way to live.' Lorenzo thought pathetically.
They escaped the forest and came to this new area. Arriving at one of the Devil King's deceased Generals ruined castle nearby. That used to scare weaker monsters into hiding while bringing some stronger monsters out.
But something was seriously off!
Now stood a fully repaired construction that stood in stark contrast to the elegant and enchanting scenery. One tall, sturdy and gothic building.
Yunyun was almost speechless! 'Has the Dullahan Beldia returned? No, it can't be- perhaps it's the Devil King' doing… '
Lorenzo got vigilant and kept an eye on Yunyun. 'This can't be good, I'm guessing?' he frowned, whilst immediately noticing her reaction.
Now it's a magnificent castle that seemed to grow out the small mountains on the other side that demanded all their attention though. The fully repaired castle is huge and has many towers. All sparkling with lights shining from the countless windows. This was something straight out of the pages of a fairy tale.
'How is this even possible? Megumin destroyed everything...' Yunyun could not fathom out how any of this was real and was almost scared. But remembered that she has faced worse and is not alone this time.
The suspension was driving Lorenzo crazy. "What's going on child? You better start explaining now!" Diavolo needed answers this instant.
.
.
.
.
.
DIO: Stop's time
Diavolo: Erases time at the same time
DIO: w h a t
Diavolo: w h a t
.o0o.
Cursed with an insatiable thirst for power and an unusual appearance, Lorenzo slowly embraced his evil side.
Has since evolved into a tragic figure? He was doomed to suffer his own personal hell with no escape.
Despite his savage instincts, Diavolo is a victim of fate. He displays his willingness to lead a better life now?
Doppio ( translated to double ) was just a puppet of his own creation. Lorenzo trusted no one but himself, right? He wanted a way to hide and also be able to go out in public. No one suspected a child to be the head of the biggest crime mafia in Italy.
Doppio and Diavolo's relationship was still very manipulative and not good or healthy in any way, but I still like to think that Diavolo did care about his Doppio (Younger self).
Because that's how dissociation works, a person creates a new personality to cope with situations and most of the times the split personality is "just the right person" in their eyes (most of the times it's just a "happier" person, them being all dark. It's a myth, but it's true sometimes.)
At age 17-19 for the young Zeppeli. His mother must have finished her jail time and seeked out Lorenzo. To check on her son, to see what type of man he has become. It wasn't a truly happy reunion- When she revealed the truth about his true origins- that's when things took a turn for the worst…
That was when he snapped. Finding out the TRUTH about his birth and perhaps father? Adding the trauma of everything that happened in his hometown of Sardinia culminated in a split in his psyche.
Poor Lorenzo was definitely treated similarly like young Naruto. Remember how shitty the Uzumaki' childhood was? Just because people couldn't understand him? People thought he was the fox and not a warden.
Diavolo's Innocence cast aside and the Darkness took over.
No, not Lalatina! That would be very scary!
Lorenzo couldn't bring himself to kill his own mother with his own hands; because he wanted to torture her for leaving him and blames her for his terrible life. Also in a sick way, to find answers. He was testing out his powers on her.
The mom doesn't look like a stand user? Diavolo being born with 2 souls during his two year birth is kind of bullshit. Definitely a Virgin Mary birth. In this case Anti- Virgin Mary?
No, I'm over thinking nonsense again.