"They haven't?"
Ichika looked disappointed, she spoke in a raised voice, "Onii-chan and Rias-san look so good together. Way better than that Riser or whatever he was. Hmph, I don't like the vibes from him."
Rias looked at Tatsuya to see if he had any reaction to her words but all she saw was a small smile.
Still, remembering the words from the balcony she didn't directly agree to Grayfia's words and remained silent
Tatsuya forcefully patted Ichika's head, shaking her slightly.
"Ah, ah stop! Onii-chan!" Ichika grabbed his hand and after a moment of silence said, "That Riser guy looked strong, you won't get hurt will you?"
"In your dreams." Tatsuya laughed.
"I suggest you watch some of his Rating Games on Devitube, Yamamoto-san." Kiba decided to speak and Tatsuya looked at him with a smile.
"Thank you, I'll do so." Though for a second his expression froze as he looked at Kiba, 'Though... how do I use Devitube?"
Unexpectedly, Kiba chuckled at his confused expression.
"I'll show you."
Tatsuya stood next to Kiba as he magically summoned a tablet. After that, he wrote a domain while explaining, "The Devitube is just like YouTube on Earth. You can watch videos and streams of various Devils and Fallen Angels. You can also register a creator account after verifying your identity."
"Oh hoh..."
While Tatsuya and Kiba were engrossed in their conversation, Rias looked at them with a smile.
"Grayfia-san can Yamamoto-kun really win?" Akeno asked a bit more seriously to which the busty silver-haired maid just smiled and nodded.
"You'll be surprised tonight."
"But shouldn't you have asked for a bit more time so he could get used to his Devil Powers!? He just became a Devil yesterday!" Rias complained.
Grayfia looked at her with a complicated emotion.
The scene of Yamamoto piercing his own chest, almost killing himself was settled deep inside her heart.
It was not the Immortality that was the most dangerous, nor was it his strength.
It was his mentality.
Someone who could be so ruthless to himself... just how much worse would he be to others?
She hesitated for a second before shaking her head, "He doesn't need it."
"I believe in Onii-chan! He'll definitely win!" Ichika clenched her fist before waving it in victory. However, a second later she turned to Rias and smiled mischievously, "By the way, Rias-san, my brother doesn't have a girlfriend!"
Rias froze before forcefully calming herself, "I've never asked."
"Ever since middle school about 132 girls have confessed to him." Ichika ignored Rias' words.
Rias felt her lips twitch but there was slight girlish curiosity in her eyes as she raised a brow, "How many of them has he dated?"
Ichika giggled like a little devil, "I thought you didn't want to know?"
Rias felt a hint of red colour on her cheeks as she crossed her arms in front of her chest, "I don't care, but I don't mind knowing more about my new peerage member."
"Really?" Ichika smiled, "Well, I'll tell ya anyways! None!"
Both Rias and Akeno were surprised, "No past relationships!?"
"Onii-chan always claimed to be busy, wanting to focus on his studies but everyone thought he was just being polite. After all, who cares about studying in middle school? No one really knew how hardworking Onii-chan was and is!"
With them always being in danger of getting attacked by Yamamoto's past hunts it would be a wonder if he could really date anyone. Rias thought her judgment was flawless considering Tatsuya's story, Wait! Now that he's safe here in the Underworld does that mean...
While Rias was enveloped in her own daydreams no one noticed a small figure slowly inching away from the group towards Tatsuya and Kiba.
No one besides Akeno.
Akeno couldn't help but giggle seeing Koneko's shyness and Ichika's enthusiasm.
She really has blind faith in him.
Even earlier there wasn't a mention of defeat in Ichika's words, only concern if he would be injured. It was as if she couldn't perceive the fact that Tatsuya could lose.
It was quite heartwarming.
Or at least it should've been.
If... if only she didn't have to deal with the sorrow in her heart.
Perhaps this is karma... you left Mother and me alone in death and now... in your death, you too remain alone.
Akeno looked at the people around her.
The curious Koneko, who was watching the Rating Game with Kiba and Tatsuya. Ichika, who was excitedly talking with Rias and trying to get her together with Tatsuya.
And Grayfia-san who was watching the entire group with a kind motherly smile.
All her negative emotions washed away in an instant.
After all, why ruin things for everyone for someone who couldn't even bother showing up to protect them?
As the thought crossed her mind she felt a weight lift off her shoulders.
She held a small wish.
A wish that everyone including her could live happily just like this, after and forever.
"Ara ara~ Rias you've been glancing at Yamamoto-kun for a while now, could it be...?" Watching Rias become flustered Akeno's smile widened.
She began teasing Rias alongside Ichika.
...
Tatsuya separated from the group after a while with the excuse of needing to prepare.
He exited the main chambers and walked along the narrow hallway.
The decorations in Gremory were really splendid.
If only Sirzechs hadn't appeared beside him casually, he could've enjoyed the view a bit more.
Tatsuya turned his head, smiling at the shorter red-head.
"I thought the esteemed Maou was busy."
"I'd rather not listen to a lecture from Father. It was hard to convince them of your abilities in the first place." Sirzechs smiled his pace and steps exactly the same as Tatsuya.
"Is there something else you wish for me to do?" Tatsuya asked politely and seeing his demeanor, Sirzechs was satisfied.
He nodded, "Two things. First, the fight can go however you wish for it. As long as you're smart Riser has no chance of winning against you. Before the match ends I want you to give a simple speech or perhaps a statement would suffice."
"What kind of speech?
Sirzechs was still smiling but his eyes held frost, "Humiliate and destroy the pride of all Noble Devils."
"... You're insane." Tatsuya pretended to be shocked.
"To be in my position and not crumble you have to be insane." Sirzechs smiled wryly, "Don't worry. No one will dare touch you. I'll keep all the older Devils in check. Though, some young Devils will inevitably challenge you... it shouldn't bother you, right?"
"As long as you keep my earlier request in mind I'm not averse to anything." Tatsuya shook his head bitterly, "What's the second request?"
"How do you feel about Rias?" Sirzechs asked bluntly and Tatsuya was a bit stunned.
He frowned as silence etched between them.
After a moment he smiled, "She's a good girl."
Sirzechs looked at him profoundly before nodding in acceptance though reluctance hid deep in his eyes.
"Don't hurt her." His words echoed as his figure vanished.
Tatsuya looked at the previous spot Sirzechs was standing and pondered.
Humiliate the prideful Devils?
An uncontrollable grin spread across his face which vanished as soon as it appeared..
His elegant and refined image could not be sullied.
Not yet.
****
—At Midnight.—
Deep within the Gremory Territory was a personal arena belonging to the Family.
Visitors had arrived from far and the entire arena was buzzing with excitement.
How could they not be?
Riser, an experienced noble Devil, with the power of Immortality, Wind Manipulation and Hellfire, a true High-Class Devil, was fighting a newly reincarnated Devil!
But if that was all there would not be so much curiosity and excitement.
The real reason was much more shocking!
Rias, the Princess of Gremory and the younger sister of the Lucifer, had declared her love for her new peerage member in front of the Phenex Family!
One of the most sought-after and prettiest Devils was having her marriage decided by a Duel!
Who could afford to miss such an event?
Not to mention the millions of spectators on Devitube were already getting impatient.
They wondered just what kind of man it took for the sole Heiress of Gremory to declare her love so boldly.
And these spectators weren't the only ones.
Sona looked at Rias in shock.
They were both standing with their peerages together, only Tatsuya was nowhere to be seen.
"What the hell is going on?" The cool and calculating young lady of the Sitri Family was beyond shocked.
"I... don't know. Onii-sama arranged for all of this."
Rias could only answer like this while sitting in her own private room.
The Arena had multiple private viewing rooms at the top that were spacious enough to allow visiting guests. Rias and Sona were sharing the same room.
The one-sided glass window allowed them to view the entire arena and the twenty thousand or so spectators.
"Your brother must be really confident in him." Sona's voice held a tinge of curiosity.
"I know." Rias nodded, equally confused..
From what she knew all Tatsuya had was incredible physical strength.
Why was her brother so confident?
Confident to the point the entire Underworld now knew there was a fight deciding her marriage.
Tsubaki behind Sona was much more curious, she remembered the look Tatsuya had given her on the first day of school. At that time she thought he was interesting and her curiosity only grew knowing that he had joined Rias peerage.
Of course, conversations like Rias and Sona were being held everywhere.
There was a particular viewing room that had not hidden who was sitting inside.
There were four seats and most Devils didn't dare stare too long at the inhabitants. Only throwing glances of worship and admiration occasionally.
****
"Quite the fanfare, Luci-chan~" A giggly and childish voice sounded inside the private room. The voice belonged to a beautiful girl looking in her late teens with black hair, tied into twin tails and pink eyes. She had a child-like body, albeit with large breasts that jiggled deliciously with each movement.
"I must say, I've never seen you so enthusiastic towards someone." Another calm voice echoed. It belonged to a bewitchingly attractive young man in his early twenties, with light blue eyes and green hair that was slicked back.
Sirzechs smiled proudly hearing the words of Serafall and Ajuka.
"You'll definitely be shocked. I've come across quite the character for my sister."
The only one that didn't say anything was the bald middle-aged man with a goatee. He appeared quite lackadaisical while looking at the arena.
The Four Satans of the Underworld were passed down through respective titles.
The Current Lucifer, Sirzechs.
The Current Beelzebub, Ajuka.
The Current Leviathan, Serafall.
The Current Asmodeus, Falbium.
"Say say, what's he like? Can he beat Riser-chan?" Serafall seemed excited and Sirzechs nodded.
"Why would I spoil it? Just watch."
"...Then why did you nod Luci-chan? You meanie!" Serafall pouted before turning away.
While the Satans quabbled with each other the excitement in the Arena was reaching its peak as the time for the fight was beginning.
The most prominent visitors besides the Satans were The Phenex Family, The Gremory Family, The Bael Family, The Agares Family, The Astaroth Family and many more.
All major powers had their eyes on this fight, not only because of entertainment but because of Sirzechs attitude.
It made this fight all the more interesting and worth spectating.
****
The Arena was ready.
A specialised barrier was erected so that the audience would remain unaffected.
The Devitube had thousands of comments barraging the live screen.
The spectators were all waiting for the arrival of the two competitors.
And they didn't need to wait long.
The first to arrive was Yamamoto Tatsuya.
The moment he stepped inside the arena his demeanour caused the crowd to slowly grow silent.
His steps were calm and relaxed.
He exuded an almost divine aura.
He wore a loose black robe, flowing like midnight silk, open just enough to see his chiselled physique that was partially exposed, each muscle sculpted to perfection.
His long black hair cascaded down to his shoulders, smooth and untamed, framing a face that seemed almost too perfect. Sharp, handsome features gave him an ethereal charm. His onyx eyes, dark as the void itself, held an unfathomable depth.
Despite his tranquil stance, the confidence that radiated from him was extremely contagious.
As he locked his hands behind his back and closed his eyes to wait for Riser, cheers erupted in the arena, though more prominently from the female Devils.
"Oh my god..."
"That robe, those muscles... I can't take it!"
"He's so perfect, I need to see more!"
"Have my baby already, Yamamoto!"
"Where do I sign up for his fan club?"
"This arena just got a lot hotter!"
"We had Beelzebub-sama and now we have Tatsuya-sama!"
"Why does he need to fight for Rias? Aren't there much better options among us?"
"Look at your face, It must be a miracle for someone to be a Devil and ugly at the same time."
****
In the private rooms, Rias was already gritting her teeth as her eyes turned into fine lines from anger.
Sona glanced at her before looking at Tatsuya, she suppressed the faint blush on her face before coughing, "Handsome indeed. It seems his looks have only advanced after becoming a Devil."
Behind her, her pawn Saji seemed devastated by her remark, crying comical tears.
"You don't say?" Rias felt a vein pop up her forehead as she saw the barrage of inappropriate comments on Devitube. She couldn't say anything to those Devils on the livestream but seeing the lively crowd in the arena she couldn't help but hiss, "Sluts! Just because they're Devils they don't know modesty now!"
After all, in name, this fight was happening for the hand of Rias in marriage which meant technically Tatsuya could be her future husband.
They were making passes at her future husband!
Akeno giggled, "My, my Rias looks like the competition will be quite fierce in the future even if you do marry him."
While they knew the whole marriage was happening in name only, it was clear in Akeno's eyes that Rias held some affection towards Tatsuya.
Her feelings were like that of a high school girl's crush.
Of course, Akeno knew Rias wouldn't admit it for the time being.
But that was what made it all the more fun teasing her.
****
Riser too arrived, he was wearing his usual outfit.
His expression was nonchalant as he entered the Arena ready for the usual cheers that he got because of his handsome face.
"...Hmm?"
However, as soon as he stepped inside the arena he noticed the somewhat subdued silence.
"???"
How could've Riser known he had dampened the mood of the audience with his appearance?
While puzzled, Riser didn't let that stop him as he glanced at the pretentiously dressed Tatsuya.
His eyes twitched.
"Foolish vermin, you'll pay the price for challenging me." He didn't even bother waiting for a second before throwing an insult at Tatsuya.
Riser was not actually hot-headed and could remain cool and composed but there was just so much humiliation he could take from a newly reincarnated Low-Class Devil.
Unfortunately for him, Tatsuya remained silent and kept his eyes closed, as if Riser didn't matter.
"Arrogant bastard." Flames rose around Riser as he glanced at the judges, the four Satans.
"You may not kill each other. When either of you surrenders or falls unconscious the match shall be ended. Whoever wins shall have the right to marry Rias, the Heiress of Gremory." Sirzechs' voice boomed in the arena.
"Start!"
The moment 'start' was uttered a huge wave of dark flames crashed towards Tatsuya,
Tatsuya looked at the approaching flames before dodging. The speed of the flames was nothing special. It was the destructive force behind it that Tatsuya needed to watch out for.
Riser snorted in disdain before fiery wings erupted behind him. The wings flapped as he was raised in the air.
Wind currents surged around him as his hands were engulfed by raging flames.
"Dodge this!"
Another wave of flames came crashing towards Tatsuya but this time the flames spread throughout the Arena using Wind Manipulation.
Tatsuya stood amidst the swirling inferno, his stance relaxed, unreadable. Flames roared around him, the air thick with heat, yet not a single bead of sweat formed on his skin.
Riser floated above, his wings burning with noble arrogance. His gaze was condescending, yet laced with confusion.
He sneered. "Not even trying to counterattack? Or are you finally realizing your place, Low-Class trash?"
"You talk too much." Tatsuya finally spoke, his voice as steady as ever.
Riser's smirk twitched. "Is that so? Then I'll talk with fire!"
With a powerful flap of his wings, he surged forward, his body bursting into a streak of golden-red flames, spiraling toward Tatsuya like a meteor. His fist, wreathed in devastating heat, struck-
But he hit nothing.
Tatsuya tilted his head. That was all. No wasted movement, no unnecessary flash. Riser's punch barely grazed the air where his face had been a millisecond ago.
Riser's eyes flickered with confusion, but he didn't stop. He swung again, his other fist now wreathed in Hellfire flames-stronger, hotter.
Again, Tatsuya slipped past it.
Then again.
And again.
A flurry of Phenex-infused blows stormed toward him, yet none connected. Tatsuya wasn't dodging like a normal fighter-his movements were eerie, inhuman.
He bent, twisted, and shifted with grace, his eyes locked onto every micro-movement of Riser's body.
Ayanokoji's memories made sure he fought like a flawless machine.
And then, when Riser's frustration peaked-
Tatsuya struck.
A single step. A single shift. A single movement.
Riser's chest caved inward.
The impact sent shockwaves rippling through his entire body. His ribs cracked, organs compressed-but there was no pain.
Riser stumbled back mid-air, blinking. "Hah...!?" His body already began knitting itself back together, flames bursting along the wound.
Tatsuya tilted his head, eyes narrowing. "Phenex Immortality..."
Riser grinned, flames licking at his lips. "Idiot. You could punch me a thousand times and it wouldn't matter." His arms spread wide, his flames surging with renewed arrogance. "I am Immortal. You are nothing but a weakling who-"
Tatsuya was suddenly in his face.
A fist collided with his throat.
His head snapped backward, cutting off his words instantly. His vision blurred for a fraction of a second before his body auto-corrected, regeneration forcing his posture back.
But Tatsuya was already moving again.
Another blow-this time to the side of his knee.
Hyperextension.
The joint nearly buckled before repairing itself instantly.
Another- spine.
The vertebrae momentarily fractured before flames forced it back together.
Another- jawline.
A precise shockwave punch that disoriented his senses, scrambling his equilibrium for a half-second before being undone.
Tatsuya's movements were relentless.
Calculated and vicious.
This wasn't even a fight anymore.
He was breaking him.
Strike. Rebuild.
Strike. Rebuild.
The crowd stared, awestruck, as the Third Son of the Phenex struggled against an opponent with next to no demonic energy, no flashy magic, no overwhelming presence.
Just raw technique.
And it was working.
Riser growled, flames bursting outward, forcing Tatsuya to leap back.
"Enough!"
His voice boomed, his wings expanding into a spiraling vortex of fire. "I don't need to dodge, because I can't be hurt! But you-"
He raised his arm and clenched his fist.
The arena ignited.
Flames exploded from every direction, forming walls of burning hellfire, turning the battlefield into a domain where escape was impossible.
Riser grinned, his aura flaring. "Try dodging now, rat!"
Tatsuya looked around, a smile forming on his lips "I won't dodge."
And then-
He walked forward.
Straight into the raging inferno.
The audience gasped. Riser smirked.
Then-
His smirk vanished.
Tatsuya emerged, completely unharmed.
No, completely unharmed was wrong.
His figure was wreathed in fire, skin peeling, muscle charring, bones blackening-yet instantly restoring.
The audience gasped.
Riser's smug grin flickered. "What...?"
Tatsuya's body was in a constant cycle of destruction and rebirth. His flesh was burned to the bone, only to be immediately reconstructed. Limbs were devoured by the flames, yet reformed faster than the inferno could consume them.
He was walking through absolute destruction and treating it as irrelevant.
Riser's hands clenched. "No... that's impossible."
Phenex Regeneration was the pride of his clan, their absolute defense, a power that granted Immortality so long as their stamina and demonic energy held out.
But this-
This was beyond that!
Tatsuya shouldn't be able to heal like this.
Immortality belonged to the Phenex!
Not him!!! Not belonging to a Low-Class Devil that had just reincarnated!
It should be impossible!!!
Yet it wasn't.
Every step he took, his body tore apart and rebuilt, the cycle happening within milliseconds.
Faster than even a Phenex.
The realization sent a chill through Riser's spine-his first real sensation of fear.
Tatsuya smiled as another wave of flames ripped his torso apart, exposing ribs, heart, and sinew-only for his entire upper body to reform instantly.
He exhaled. "This is annoying."
Then-
He vanished.
*BOOM!*
A sonic boom cracked through the arena as Tatsuya closed the distance in an instant.
Riser's instincts screamed. He barely managed to flare his wings and throw up a wall of hellfire between them-
It didn't matter.
Tatsuya's fist pierced through the flames.
His knuckles collided with Riser's ribs-and this time, he didn't just fracture them.
He obliterated them.
The impact sent shockwaves through Riser's entire frame, his body folding around the strike before being blasted backwards.
Yet, as expected-his regeneration kicked in.
Bones snapped back into place. Organs stitched together.
But the moment his body recovered-
Tatsuya was already behind him.
*CRACK!*
A vicious elbow strike caved in Riser's spine.
Riser's flames flared wildly as his body tried to force itself back together.
Tatsuya didn't let him.
Before his back could heal, Tatsuya grabbed him by the skull and slammed him into the ground.
*BOOM!*
The arena ruptured from the impact, the stone floor caving in as a massive crater formed beneath them.
The crowd watched in horrified awe.
Tatsuya wasn't just overpowering Riser.
He was humiliating him.
Destroying him.
Piece by piece.
Faster than Riser could recover.
It didn't matter that Phenex regeneration made him immune to pain. It didn't matter that he was Immortal as long as he had stamina.
Because Tatsuya's assault was relentless.
Because Tatsuya's regeneration was faster than his.
Riser's mind raced. 'How? HOW!?'
His body flickered with golden flames, healing the crushed bones, the ruptured lungs, the torn muscles -only for another strike to undo all his efforts instantly.
A fist to the throat.
A heel to the stomach.
A palm strike to the jaw.
Each attack landed before the last wound could even finish healing.
For the first time in his life-
Riser couldn't regenerate fast enough.
Tatsuya finally gripped his collar, lifting him off the ground, their faces inches apart.
Riser gasped, his vision blurry, his wings flickering between life and death. "You.. you can't... kill me.... I'm... a... Phenex..."
Tatsuya stared at him and for the first time ever since the beginning of the match his calm smile faded into a mocking sneer.
"A Phenex?" His voice was filled with disdain, "I remember you called me a Filthy Human. It seems like your disdain for Reincarnated Devils like me comes from your bloodline and nobility. But what does that matter now? No matter how noble your bloodline, aren't you just a bug I can crush whenever? My Immortality is greater, my strength is infinitely more and my willpower is incomparably nobler. Tell me"
He slammed his knee into Riser's gut.
Riser's stomach collapsed inward, his body folding around the blow like a ragdoll.
His regeneration struggled to repair the damage.
But before it could-
Tatsuya's hands tore into his chest.
Literally.
Flesh ripped.
Bones cracked.
Bloodless wounds gaped open.
The audience gasped in horror.
For the first time ever, Riser Phenex's body was not regenerating.
Because Tatsuya had drained him completely.
His demonic energy.
His stamina.
Gone.
Tatsuya leaned in, his voice cold.
"-Does bloodline grant Nobility or does Strength do?"
"Are you the Noble or am I the Noble?"
He threw Riser's broken body to the ground.
The proud son of the Phenex family, the Immortal devil, lay sprawled on the stone floor-unmoving.
Defeated.
He turned around, his black robe untouched and his skin as pristine as ever.
Then, without even glancing back, he left the arena.
"Match over."
Sirzechs blinked, then raised his hand.
"The winner is-Yamamoto Tatsuya!"
The arena erupted into chaos.
-x-X-x-
"The winner is - Yamamoto Tatsuya!"
As Sirzechs voice echoed the arena was thrown into chaos.
No one cared about the twitching Riser, barely hanging onto his life by a thread.
Instead, Yamamoto Tatsuya's voice echoed like a hammer driving a nail inside.
"Does bloodline grant Nobility or does Strength do?"
"Are you the Noble or am I the Noble?"
Inconceivable!
Every single person in the audience felt a chill go down their spine. The significance behind these words was too heavy!
What Yamamoto Tatsuya was implying was that the bloodline system of the Devils was worthless. At first, these words may seem completely foolish, stupid even.
But the fact remained that a High Noble Bloodline Devil belonging to the Phenex Family, a family known for its durability, was almost beaten to death.
To the point their fabled Immortality was worthless!
And if talking about Immortality.
The image of Yamamoto walking through the blazing flames would become a highlight of the Underworld. His name would echo in every corner of the Underworld for a long time.
And this excited those that were lowly Reincarnated Devils.
Yamamoto Tatsuya was a Reincarnated Devil.
He was just like them.
Yet he could stand up for himself and spit on the faces of all the Pure-blooded Devils that looked down on them!
It was an inspiring tale for all Reincarnated Devils.
But... the Noble Devils?
Undoubtedly, this humiliation will not be accepted.
Riser was long taken back to the Phenex Quarters and was fed a Phoenix Tear. While his injuries were healed he remained unconscious much to the dismay of the Phenex Family.
"Onii-sama!" Ravel wept as tears ran down her face.
She tried to shake him awake but he remained unconscious.
"Ravel. Calm down. Come with us." Lord Phenex spoke calmly but the frost in his eyes was hidden by nothing. Ravel flinched before wiping her tears away.
"Return to the estate and let him rest. Take care of him." Lord Phenex said to Riser's peerage members as they nodded with fearful and concerned expressions.
Lord Phenex, Lady Phenex and Ravel wasted no time as they confronted the Gremory Family.
Zeoticus was still recovering from his shock as he looked at Lord Phenex with some guilt in his eyes.
"My old friend... I didn't think it'd turn out like this. His words made his involvement clear but they also highlighted where he had drawn the line."
Lord Phenex looked at his guilty friend for a while in silence before shaking his head.
"I presumed it was Sirzechs. Zeoticus... you've given birth to a very good Lucifer." It wasn't known whether he was praising him or insulting him but Zeoticus could only smile bitterly as he exchanged glances with his own wife.
When Sirzechs had come to them explaining how Yamamoto Tatsuya was better suited for Rias they were shocked and tried to deny whatever plans he had but he insisted on waiting till Yamamoto and Riser dueled.
By then it would be clear if he was better suited or not.
And now...
Does Sirzechs intend to strike back at the Old Devils?
Zeoticus frowned as he continued to placate the Phenex Family.
Having Regeneration itself was fine, but when it clearly surpassed the Phenex Family which was known for Immortality that itself would bring trouble.
If not for the fact they were the producers of Phoenix Tears they would have no dignity left.
"I suppose this engagement was a disaster in the first place..." Lord Phenex was disappointed with how this entire event went and could only drown his frustration, blaming his weak incompetent self.
Should he have had enough strength would Sirzechs be so blatant in his actions?
Ultimately, there was no point in crying over it now.
The Phenex Family departed bitterly.
****
"Is this what you meant by interesting character, Luci-chan?" Serafall stood up and brushed her skirt in a mock manner. Her voice was less giggly and cheerful..
"Is he not suitable?" Sirzechs smiled, "It'll make our days infinitely easier."
"Can he win against Sairaorg Bael? If he can't then all your efforts are for naught. Even weaker Ultimate-Class Devils won't find it easy to fight him if he uses his Sacred Gear."
"I think the Yamamoto kid will win..." Falbium spoke lazily, despite his eyes showing faint interest, "The kid is too cruel. He tortured himself more than he did to that Phenex brat. His facial muscles were twitching like crazy trying to control the pain. What's his past like Sirzechs?"
"Yeah, yeah!" Serafall bobbed her head.
"He told me he was born like that. Hunted some stray Devils and Fallen Angels for fun and justice only to let them live. Long story short, they came back for revenge, killed his family and tried kidnapping his sister. Came under me and Rias for long-term protection."
"I feel bad for saying this but why the hell are you so lucky!?" Serafall was filled with grievances, why couldn't Sona encounter someone like him?
"Ne ne, I want to meet him! He has got to know about So-tan and Magic Girls' greatness." Serafall was determined in her mission and Sirzechs smiled wryly as he looked towards Falbium and Ajuka.
"I'll leave it to fate. If he keeps growing stronger we'll eventually meet." Falbium departed with these words and Ajuka nodded similarly.
"When he becomes a High-Class Devil officially and comes to retrieve his Evil Pieces, I will meet him then."
Serafall seemed disappointed they weren't all going all along but that didn't dampen her enthusiasm.
They both disappeared.
****
Fuck that was annoying.
Returning to my private waiting lounge I couldn't help but snort in irritation. I've dealt with normal flames before so I was prepared for the pain of being burnt alive but his Hellfire flames were much more devastating.
Of course, I expected this but it was still a bitch to endure while trying to maintain the 'cool' image I was building meticulously.
Thankfully Barn's regeneration was so fast that before I could fully feel the pain it disappeared.
I have to say, aura farming is quite pleasurable. I can see why people get addicted to showing off.
[Ding!]
[Challenged Riser for the right to become Rias' husband. Humiliated Riser and the Phenex Family. Made a name for yourself as the Undying Immortal Devil in the entire Underworld, having also become the idol of all lower-ranked Reincarnated Devils that were human or non-devil before. Earned the ire of the majority of Pure-Blooded Devils. Reward- 1,500 World Essence.]
I felt my dissatisfaction melt away as a melody akin to the angels' blessings echoed in my ears.
But-
...Undying Immortal?
I'm not in some Xianxia, what kind of nickname is that?
[From what I've gathered through the threads of Chaos the diehard fans of Rating Games and Duels are filled with admiration towards you despite your disdain for Pure-Blooded Devils. They felt that you were too cool and couldn't simply be called Yamamoto Tatsuya. They also didn't want to simply call you the Immortal Devil because Immortality was a trait of a Phenex and your personal Immortality seemed much more superior.]
I have no words.
1,500 huh... I suppose the Phenex Family and the engagement are only worth this much.
[They are minor characters and if it weren't for the engagement bit you would've only gotten 500 World Essence. This entire ordeal was barely worth more than just stealing Asia's Bishop Piece.]
Hmm... she's right.
Shaking my head I asked another question.
How much World Essence do I have?
[World Essence-5,117 units]
5,117 units of World Essence... Should I just go for it?
I guess there's no reason to prolong it.
Kaguya, spin the wheel.
[I was waiting for you to do this. Give me 1,000 more World Essence.]
I raised an eyebrow in response before nodding.
I was curious, this was the first time I've seen Kaguya request something other than devouring Heavenly Spirits.
[Congratulations!]
[You have received a modified version of 'Shinigami Eyes' from Death Note! Assimilate?]
Now... this was information to take in.
My mind clocked the significance of this spin. Or rather the significance behind it.
I couldn't help but frown.
What's the meaning of this, Kaguya?
This time she didn't answer as the 'System' and sat down beside me. Her long pretty legs dangled in the air and her pearly toes caught my attention. This goddamn 'System' is trying to seduce me again and again. The fact her entire body is crafted in a way that entices me is just too soul-searing.
"Since I've divided the powers of this world numerically shouldn't you also have an ability to discern these power levels, my dear Host?" Her ethereal voice echoed beside me as I felt a bit lost.
"I was going to ask you to create a spell for me instead for that, you should've known. Is there a reason you've wasted my spin along with the extra World Essence? I delayed this spin so that I'd have extra points to spare."
If I spun the wheel just after amplifying myself I would've been left with 500 or so World Essence which is just not acceptable in my opinion. A minimum of two thousand was something I thought was safe. After all, World Essence was quite versatile in Kaguya's hands.
"I know but the spell I would've created wouldn't be as trustworthy because of the lack of World Essence. If I made a spell not only does it have to accurately note everyone's power levels above the High-Class Level but also hide its presence. Just hiding its properties would've been a headache with the amount of World Essence you have right now. If you look at anyone with the spell I make without the cloaking effect you'd be detected instantly."
"...So the modified Shinigami Eyes-"
"Yes," Kaguya cut me off with a bright smile, "The Shinigami Eyes' innate trait of being undetectable will be a blessing here and instead of learning anyone's name and lifespan I've modified it to make sure you can see their power levels, hence the extra World Essence."
I was delighted to hear that.
The cost of the Shinigami Eyes were lifespan but that was irrelevant to me considering I had the Fountain of Youth, granting me infinite lifespan.
I had undoubtedly benefited in the matter.
But there was something that troubled me.
"You can personally select which world you bring abilities or items from and know what exactly you're giving me?"
If the answer was yes then things would become quite straightforward from here on out. I won't even care why she hid this fact earlier on.
"No." Kaguya shook her head with a somber expression, "Actually the process of selecting worlds and skills itself is complicated. I'll explain briefly. The strength of a world like Death Note on a grand scale is similar to that of an ant. Barely and I mean it when I say it, just barely a Green-Level World. It's actually easy for me to know which World I am forming a bridge to by going through your memories. Once I identify the world I can then siphon out an ability or item."
"So basically my knowledge of these worlds helps you identify them? Otherwise, to you, these worlds are simply domains and only the rank of the Heavenly Spirit matters, correct?"
"Correct, in fact, I also choose abilities and items through the selection of the various threads available. These threads are similar to the threads I showed while explaining the process of creating parasitic bridges. To me these threads aren't colored, merely black. The only difference is the density of each thread. The denser the thread the stronger the ability or item."
The picture slowly became clear to me.
"I see... So if I'm right about this the World of Death Note should only have two threads. One that signifies the Death Note, and the second the Shinigami Eyes. Considering that the Shinigami Eyes are less significant than the Death Note you simply chose the thread with lower density."
Kaguya nodded as she glanced towards the entrance of my lounge.
Noticing her gaze the curiosity in my heart grew.
Assimilate it.
At my command, Kaguya disappeared and the door was knocked.
Without being allowed to say anything or give permission the door was opened.
Two figures walked in.
Sirzechs - 88,750
Serafall - 69,200
Two numbers hovered over the head of Serafall Leviathan and Sirzechs Lucifer. I forcefully stopped myself from glancing towards the top of their head blatantly and simply greeted them politely.
Given their strength I suppose it's only right for them to be at the peak of the Maou-Class.
I wonder how strong Sirzechs would be in his Power of Destruction Form.
"Ya-hallo~! Nice to meet you. I am the Maou Serafall Leviathan. Call me Levia-tan."
At the end of each sentence, stars exaggeratedly glittered around her leaving me baffled. I was somewhat knowledgeable about her personality but this still surprised me.
"Ahem!" Sirzechs coughed and pulled Serafall behind him, "Please don't mind her, she's just a bit odd." Sirzechs smiled, "But that aside, Yamamoto-kun... What a great performance. I couldn't have asked you to do better!"
"I was simply following the will of Lord Lucifer."
"Ma, ma, shouldn't you be calling me Brother-in-law now?" Sirzechs smiled in a teasing manner and I showed hesitation.
"For that matter, I'd like to leave it to Rias."
Sirzechs paused for a brief moment however his expression didn't falter as he nodded, "Of course. That was the purpose of this arrangement."
By now, I had refused to take the initiative to marry Rias twice, though subtly, I didn't want to show too much enthusiasm nor did I outright deny it.
Desire brought value.
Should Tatsuya's value increase in the future, which I planned to slowly accomplish, the more Sirzechs desire would grow towards me.
And the more the desire... the more room for negotiating when making demands in the future.
I will not allow Sirzechs to manipulate me to his favor even if these actions will benefit me without a cost.
The more I can bleed this peace-seeking Super Devil the better. In the near future, the situation would become so that even if Sirzechs despised me for some reason he wouldn't be able to take action because of his status as the Lucifer.
The thing preventing Sirzechs from taking action against me in the future wouldn't be strength but instead, the restrictions he had placed on himself subconsciously.
Yamamoto Tatsuya, the hope of Low-Class Devils, could not be killed carelessly!
Not unless 'he' commits a crime warranting death!
Hiding the malice in my heart I looked towards Serafall with curiosity, not trying to hide it.
She clearly noticed it as she jumped forward, pushing Sirzechs away and shoving her magic wand towards me, "What is it? Could it be that Yama-chan is interested in Magical Girls!?"
She asked with stars in her eyes, ready to explain all the glorious points of magical girls. Of course, there wasn't any hint of flirting or desire, just a simple wish to share her hobby with others.
I just wanted to talk for a bit to build a connection but....
I could only nod helplessly to her enthusiasm which Sirzechs seemed to be gloating about, if his smirk was to say anything.
Why the fuck is he giving me such a shit-eating grin?
Retard, I'll fuck the wife you love so much and make her my personal maid, I'll make sure you witness as she warms my bed every night.
Making a personal vow, I chatted with Serafall for a bit before suddenly asking, "Why haven't Rias and the rest come visit? I thought they'd be worried about me."
"I've sent her home, along with your sister. There's a short trip you guys have to make so she's going to prepare for it in advance. Follow me in a bit and I'll teleport you home." Sirzechs was the one to answer and I grew curious.
"Where exactly...?" I asked only to be met with another grin.
"It's a secret." He winked and my lips twitched.
This guy is getting on my nerves.
I ignored Kaguya's amused giggling before returning to the conversation with Serafall.
****
After about an hour, Sirzechs led me inside a teleportation circle he created.
"This is your second time, right? My magic circle is a bit stronger so don't be alarmed if you feel slightly dizzy". Sirzechs warned kindly as the magic circle glowed in crimson.
I nodded as he waved goodbye and my vision blurred.
But before I could even open them I felt someone crash into me.
"Onii-chan!!!" Ichika's voice reached my ears as she seemed relieved by my appearance.
"You could've told us about this insane ability before and none of us would have to worry about you." She complained as I looked ahead only to see Rias pouting in dissatisfaction while crossing her arms.
I walked up to her and said nothing, simply staring at her.
Rias' eyebrow twitched in annoyance as she stomped her foot in frustration, "How great! The Undying Immortal Devil really is great! No time for people like us huh?"
The match had ended more than an hour ago and it shouldn't have taken me more than ten minutes before meeting them.
Unfortunately, my conversation with the Leviathan was going quite well so I couldn't abandon it midway.
It was understandable if Rias was angry.
She was pretty cute.
"You should've just told us you had something similar to Immortality. You should've seen Rias' face when she saw you walk straight into that storm of Hellfire. She almost barged into the Arena." Akeno exclaimed in relief, glad that Rias hadn't done so.
"Akeno!!!" Rias yelled, clearly mad at Akeno for spilling the beans.
Barged into the arena? Hahaha, what was I, Issei?
Had she done so I would've forcefully kissed her in front of everyone just to humiliate that Riser more.
The mere notion filled me with laughter but my face didn't change as I nodded awkwardly.
"Lord Lucifer told me to keep it a secret for dramatic effect."
"What!? Onii-sama did!? What the fuck do you mean dramatic effect? I was so concerned!" Rias growled as her hands clenched into tight balls.
Fuck you Sirzechs, handle this on your own now.
Letting out an evil chuckle inwardly I patted Rias' head forcefully, "Alright, you can deal with him later but tell me what he meant by we had somewhere to go."
Rias snorted as if she planned to thoroughly scold Sirzechs later. She shoved my hand away with slight embarrassment.
"We're going to the Familiar Forest."
"Familiar Forest?" I was genuinely puzzled, my knowledge of DxD was really quite vague, only remembering the main plot arcs. It really had been too long.
"Yeah!" Rias nodded her head as a black sphere with big doodly eyes and small bat wings appeared, floating around her.
I looked to my left and saw Ichika playing with Koneko's familiar cat.
Kiba had a bird familiar that was perched on his shoulder.
Akeno smiled before raising her hand, a small light burst forth as several small multi-colored oni-looking imps appeared jumping and playing happily around her.
"Yayayayayayayaya!"
I ignored the cute sounds they made, "Should've told me this earlier, I like the idea of having a magical pet."
"Yeah, yeah!" Ichika nodded next to me enthusiastically as Koneko stood beside her, her familiar cat lying on her head lazily.
"Let's go!" Rias said as her wings unfurled..
As I looked at her with confusion she giggled, "The Familiar Forest is in the Gremory Territory itself. We can just use our wings to fly there."
"Oh yeah! The wings!" Ichika was the first to jump as her wings appeared.
*Thud!*
She flapped them a bit too hard causing her to collide with the ceiling.
With a teary expression, she rubbed her head as everyone laughed.
She's really going all out in her acting as a naive excited girl or maybe... a part of her really is naive and searching for excitement?
Nonetheless, whatever it was I too unfurled my Devil Wings. Unlike Ichika, I displayed only slight trouble before mastering normal flight..
"Wow..." the monotone Koneko muttered in amazement and Ichika pouted.
Akeno seemed jealous while looking at me while Rias showed some embarrassment.
"It took her three days to master flight." Akeno exposed her without mercy and Rias started bickering with her. They flew about with Rias chasing her and Akeno evading.
Just like that, our comedic group flew towards the Familiar Forest.
****
Just as we were about to reach the forest Rias began briefing Ichika and me.
She told us all the relevant information about the forest before nodding in encouragement.
"I believe in you two, as long as you try hard enough you'll definitely find some Familiars compatible with you!" Rias looked at Ichika, "You lack strength so you can only find a familiar that willingly wants to become your pet. As for you..." she looked at me and I smiled energetically.
Rias grumbled, "Do whatever you want. With your strength, you can get any familiar you want. Just beat them down a bit and make them submit."
"Hahaha." I laughed much to her annoyance.
By now we could see the outline of the forest.
It looked quite eerie.
Grim-looking trees, constant subtle magical fluctuations, dark eyes looking towards us from the depths of the forest.
It all made up to be quite scary.
"Ah, by the way, there's a few things to note" Rias suddenly said as we landed.
"There's a Nine-Headed Hydra which will be quite suitable for you Yamamoto-kun. I heard it's quite strong but hard to find. If you can tame it, that would be the best."
"Oh? Hmm, alright." I nodded and looking at the forest a question surfaced in my mind.
I looked towards Rias.
"What's the strongest creature in this forest? Is it known?"
I wasn't really expecting anything concrete from her but much to my surprise she nodded and put a finger to her chin in a pondering manner.
"I've heard that Tiamat, the Strongest Dragon King, is also in this forest. Though no one has been able to make a contract with her before. Ah, she's also quite grumpy and fierce so take care to not anger her."
"Tiamat?" For a second I tried to recall if I knew anything about this character.
Unsurprisingly, I failed.
However, from Ayanokoji's memories I found a single piece of information - Tiamat was a Mesopotamian goddess.
Why did he know so many random things?
However, Rias seems to misinterpreted my whisper as a question.
"Yeah, the known Dragon Kings are Tiamat, Yu-Long, Vritra, Midgardsormr, and Fafnir. Ah, there was also Tannin who was also one of the Dragon Kings but he became a Devil which stripped him of that title." Rias showed a look of admiration as she mentioned these Dragons, "As of now, Tiamat, the Chaos Karma Dragon, is said to be the strongest Dragon King."
I was originally listening to her words in a lackadaisical manner but all of a sudden my heart froze.
I snapped my head towards Rias who seemed frightened by my sudden change in demeanor.
"What did you say?" I demanded fiercely and Rias seemed confused.
She began speaking again, "The known Dragon Kings are Tiamat, Yu-Long, Vritra-"
"No! The last part!"
"As of now Tiamat, The Chaos Karma Dragon, is said to be the strongest Dragon King...?" Rias wondered why I seemed startled but I didn't have the heart to explain anything to her right now.
The title Chaos Karma Dragon boomed inside my mind like thunder.
-x-X-x-