Alex followed the other six Devils into the wide room, that had several high class Devils seated above them and the four Maou above them. With Zephyrdol recovered enough even though his face was still swollen, the seven of them lined up in front of the high class Devils. Alex was standing in between Sona and Rias, and the one in the center started talking.
"Good it seems you have all gathered, you are all here so that we may get a look at each of your faces, the faces of the future of the underworld. We also have the intention, of having each of you display your capabilities resulting in your pedigree, or in rarer cases luck, by competing against each other." Alex couldn't help but frown at the obvious jab directed at him, he was pleased that Sirzechs had a similar reaction. He then spoke up,
"However, first we would like to hear your hopes and dreams, that we would better understand what our new generation strives for." Sairaorg immediately stepped forward and declared,
"I would like to become Maou." Everyone started talking at his declaration, as there had never been a great King leaving his house. Alex thought this was a good idea from Sairaorg though, as he recalls a future discussion with the original Bael. He states that it would be impossible for Sairaorg to inherit his house regardless of his strength, due to not inheriting the power of destruction. Rias then declared her dream. Originally she wanted to lead her house and win in the rating games, but after meeting Alex,
"I want to climb the hight of strength, and never lose again no matter what." There were a few murmurs at her goal, but it was relatively normal so they didn't make much noise. They then went through the other three, before Alex said,
"I never imagined joining the devil world, so I'll just say what I said at the peace conference, I just want to travel and fight powerful opponents while surrounded by beautiful women." There obvious signs of disappointment from the higher ups, but Sirzechs and the other Maou didn't seem to mind Alex's goal. The only exception was Serafall who was still pouting as she recalled his actions at the conference. After Alex was the last one, Sona.
"I want to create a school for the rating games, that doesn't discriminate based off of rank or privileges." Only a second after she finished her words, and the high class Devils started laughing. They had also dropped insults such as how she was a dreamer, and how impossible her dream was. The only ones not laughing were the other young Devils, and the Maou. Rias had a bitter face at the rejection of her friends dream. As they started calming down, Alex suddenly spoke up outside everyone's expectations.
"May I ask something?" The higher ups were surprised for a second, but gave him the go ahead since he probably didn't have much to say anyways.
"If I understand correctly, Sona's dream is to build a school for all to attend regarding rating games, right?" Sona nodded her head at Alex's words, with a look of confusion on her face.
"Does that also include those who are not Devils, that have an interest in participating in rating games now that we are at peace with the other factions?" The entire hall was suddenly silent. Sona then widened her eyes and nodded her head once again, with an idea of what Alex was trying to say. He then continued,
"Then by saying that it's impossible, is that also referring to the other factions participating? If so then wouldn't that go against the peace agreement that the Maou arranged and were also attacked for? Isn't that the same as saying the agreement itself is also impossible?" Alex was trying to put words into the higher ups mouths, as they wouldn't be able to easily deny Sona's dream if it conflicted with the Maou's interest. Serafall also seemed to understand Alex's motives, and for once appreciated his actions, as it supported her Sona. She then piped up,
"That's right, do you intend to deny our efforts for peace? There are several people in the other factions with an interest in the games, and would like the privilege to compete in them. If all of our schools only allow high class Devils, then how do you propose they learn about them? My Sona's school is needed for the peace of the future!" The higher ups didn't know what to say, as a result Sirzechs suddenly spoke up,
"If this is the case, then shouldn't we have a game to decide? How would you like to fight each other, Rias, Sona?" The two in question looked surprised, then faced each other with a confident look.
"I don't intend to lose, Sona."
"I could say the same, it seems like fate that my first rating game is against you, Rias."
After that was decided, they matched up the rest of them. Alex was surprised to find that he was included as well, considering that he didn't have a peerage. Sirzechs looked surprised as well, but kept silent. Alex figured that it was some form of revenge from them for before. The match ups were Sona vs Rias, Zephyrdol vs Diodora, and Alex vs Seegvaira. As the odd one out Sairaorg was given a free pass for this round, much to his displeasure. They would be held at the same time, so Alex would be fighting Seegvaira at the same time Rias was fighting Sona.
"Today is the 27th of July, we'll have the games on the 20th of August. That gives you a little more than twenty days to prepare. Use the time until then smartly." After Sirzechs declared those words, the meeting came to an end. After the meeting was over, they were about to head back to the Gremory castle when Sirzechs joined them.
"I have business there, so I was going to go back with the rest of you." After his explanation, they all got onto the train once again and returned back. After arriving at the castle though, as Alex and the rest were about to head back to their rooms Sirzechs called out,
"Alex and Rias, I'm afraid that my buisness includes the two of you. Please join me." They followed after Sirzechs, curious what he wanted with them, when he opened a door and Alex saw a group of people, he nearly gulped.
"The Pheonix family greets Maou Sirzechs."