Gremory Family Room
Maxius, Kei, and Katsumi were seated on a plush, ornately designed couch in the grand living room, their postures radiating calm composure. Behind them, Nox, KO, and Luna stood in attentive silence, their solemn expressions betraying an air of quiet anticipation. Across from them, the entire Gremory family, Rias' peerage, and Azazel sat assembled, their gazes fixed intently on Maxius. The room itself was an elegant blend of Underworld craftsmanship, adorned with intricate tapestries. Everyone's attention was locked on Maxius, their breaths held in anticipation of the revelations from his mysterious five-year absence.
"So, Maxius, what have you been up to these last five years?" asked Sirzechs.
"Not much," Maxius began with a faint smirk. "Katsumi and I have been exploring every corner of the world, uncovering its secrets, honing our skills, and completing my peerage." He leaned back into the couch with a relaxed air, the weight of countless adventures reflecting in his calm demeanor. "Each journey brought us new challenges, and I'd say we're stronger than ever because of it."
"So, are you saying that you're not the one who created the Nexus Corporation and Stardust Island? After all, the person running the island should be one of your androids," said Azazel with a coy smile.
Maxius looked at him for a few seconds, his expression unreadable, before answering. "Yes, I created the Nexus Corporation to handle my ventures outside the Underworld and to finance the extensive research I carried out during my travels. Stardust Island was designed to be more than just a marvel—it's a neutral hub where mythologies can interact freely, untouched by the usual political entanglements. I wanted a space where commerce could thrive, and knowledge could be shared without interference." He paused briefly, "As for the two devil families I partnered with, they were carefully selected for their expertise in logistics and their ability to endure prolonged stays on the island without complications. After all, Stardust Island's remote location in the middle of nowhere is both its greatest strength and its most significant challenge."
"Then I assume that makes you the Paragon of Creation and Destruction. But what exactly are the Eight Paragons, and what are the Lineage Fruits?" asked Azazel.
"So, you've heard about the Paragons, huh?" said Maxius, his tone laced with a mix of curiosity and guarded amusement. His piercing blue eyes briefly flickered with an intense light, as though weighing whether to divulge more. He leaned forward slightly, his demeanor shifting to seriousness, making it clear that the topic was not to be taken lightly.
"Let me answer your question about the Lineage Fruits first. Lineage Fruits are a product exclusively available on Stardust Island every three years during the Grand Auction, which is hosted by the Phantom Auction House. The auction house only appears on the island during this event; the rest of the time, it travels around the world and other realms, providing services and doing business.
"The Lineage Fruit was created as a centerpiece attraction for Stardust Island and the prestigious Grand Auction, drawing attendees from all over the realms. These fruits are a unique synthesis of magic and alchemy, granting the consumer an ability akin to the innate powers of the devil aristocracy. This bestowed ability is not only potent but also hereditary, allowing it to be passed down to future generations, and creating a legacy. However, the fruit's effects are nullified in individuals who already possess divinity, as their inherent nature renders them immune to its transformative properties."
"Would you mind sharing how the Lineage Fruits are created?" asked Sirzechs.
"No can do, big bro. That's classified information, known only to me and my closest confidants. The Nexus Corporation operates as an autonomous entity, completely free from the influence of any mythology or faction. While I may carry the Gremory name and stand as your younger brother, let me be clear—the Nexus Corporation is, and always will be, an independent force guided solely by my vision. It's a legacy I've built with my own hands, and I intend to protect that independence at all costs."
"I see. So, there's nothing that can change your mind, huh?" said Sirzechs.
"I see you've had other sources of income. No wonder you accepted your punishment so easily," said Venelana with a smile.
Maxius smiled at his mother and said, "Too late now. A deal is a deal. I learned from the best."
Tension filled the air as silence settled in the room.
"What are the Paragons?" asked Azazel, breaking the silence.
Maxius continued, "The Paragons are eight individuals who could be called irregulars. Two years ago, these eight met on a battlefield. It was during that battle that each of them earned their titles."
"What battlefield?" asked Azazel.
"That's not important right now. Just know that the Eight Paragons are strong," said Maxius.
"You already know that I am the Paragon of Creation and Destruction. The other Paragons are the Paragon of Heroes, the Paragon of Night, the Paragon of Fire and Lightning, the Paragon of Spirits, the Paragon of Water, the Paragon of Brutality and Cruelty, and the Paragon of Life and Death."
"What are the other Paragons like?" asked Rias.
Maxius thought for a second before replying, "They are individuals who act on their own whims, unrestricted by conventional rules or morals, and command groups of people far stronger than you are now. Their power is undeniable, but it comes with unpredictability. On that note, if you ever encounter the Paragon of Brutality and Cruelty, your only thought should be survival. Run as fast as you can. Never attempt to fight him, as he's ruthless and has no hesitation about killing. Mercy isn't in his vocabulary, and those who cross his path rarely live to tell the tale. Avoid him at all costs."
"You should also run if you meet the Paragon of Heroes. If you can't escape, never, under any circumstances, mention that you know me or that you're part of the Gremory clan. He has a particular grudge against me, and anyone associated with me would become a target of his ire. Rias, your hair is too distinct; if you encounter him, you'd be wise to conceal it immediately. The Paragon of Heroes may appear noble, but those he deems enemies rarely escape unscathed."
"What?!" exclaimed Rias.
"From your warning, I take it you and him don't get along?" asked Azazel.
"It's not that we don't get along," said Maxius with a wry smile, his tone both bitter and amused. "It's just that every time we cross paths, it's like a storm waiting to happen. We clash instinctively, like two opposing forces of nature destined to collide. we always end up trying to kill each other."
"Why do you two hate each other so much?" asked Issei.
"They have a personality clash that has turned into a rivalry-slash-feud," said Katsumi, her voice calm but carrying a hint of exasperation. She adjusted her posture slightly, her gaze flickering between Maxius and Azazel. "It's like watching fire and lightning trying to outdo each other. They're both so stubborn and full of conviction that when they meet, it's almost inevitable that sparks will fly—usually violently."
"I just don't like that arrogant bastard. He's smug, insufferable, and always so convinced that he's in the right," Maxius muttered, his irritation evident as his tone grew sharper. Then, as if realizing he was straying too far into dangerous territory, he glanced at Katsumi and added, "And you're one to talk! What about you and—" Just as he was about to finish his sentence, he froze mid-speech. A sudden chill ran down his spine, his instincts warning him of imminent danger. It was as if an invisible force had pierced the air, and Maxius's expression shifted to one of immediate caution.
"I hope you weren't about to mention that wench's name, were you?" said Katsumi with a cold smile.
"No, I was talking about someone else," said Maxius quickly.
"Maxius, do you have any interest in competing in the Rating Games with the young lords?" asked Sirzechs with a serious expression.
"No, I don't have any interest in participating directly. But I do look forward to watching the Rating Games closely, especially the matches of Rias, Sona, Sairaorg, and my new fiancée, Seekvaira," said Maxius, his tone shifting slightly as he mentioned Seekvaira. His piercing blue eyes gleamed with intrigue. "It will be interesting to see how they fare.
"I see. But I really hope you'll change your mind and participate in the Rating Games," Sirzechs said, his tone earnest and slightly pleading. The weight of his request lingered in the air as he leaned forward, his normally calm demeanor replaced with a subtle sense of urgency. It was clear that this was more than a casual suggestion; Sirzechs truly believed that Maxius's participation could bring something extraordinary to the games.
Maxius looked at his brother thoughtfully, his expression calm yet calculating, before replying, "Fine. I'll consider it. But there are a few conditions that need to be met first, or I won't participate." He leaned forward slightly, his piercing blue eyes narrowing as if measuring the weight of his own words. "These aren't trivial conditions, Sirzechs. If I'm going to enter the competition, I expect things to be handled precisely as I outline—no deviations or compromises."
He raised his hand, and a black folder appeared in it. Passing it to Nox, Maxius motioned for him to give it to Sirzechs. Nox walked over and handed the folder to him.
"This folder contains my conditions. Two of the three conditions need to be fulfilled before I agree. They're carefully considered and well within your power to grant, without causing any undue strain politically or otherwise," said Maxius, his tone measured. He tapped the folder lightly, emphasizing the importance of its contents. "Let me be clear—these are not requests. They are conditions, non-negotiable and essential for my participation."
Sirzechs looked at the folder's contents, surprised by the conditions. They weren't excessive and wouldn't cause him any political trouble. "Maxius is just like Ajuka," he thought. "He predicted I'd ask him to participate and already had his conditions prepared."
"I agree to your two conditions. What is your third?" asked Sirzechs.
"The last condition is a stipulation designed to ensure fairness, given that my participation would create an imbalance in the games. Here's my proposal: I will first have a preliminary match against a participant from the younger generation to assess my standing. Following that, I'll face the team that finishes last during the Rating Games. If my team defeats them, we'll proceed to challenge the team that placed first for their title. This method ensures that I don't needlessly participate in multiple matches. After all, there's no point in overcomplicating things when beating both the weakest and the strongest teams will prove my point decisively."
Sirzechs thought for a moment and agreed to the stipulation.
"Does this mean we have to fight a Paragon?!" said Issei, alarmed.
Maxius laughed. "Haha! Don't worry. It's not like you'll be fighting to the death."
"I'll show you how strong I've become since you left," said Rias confidently.
Bael Territory
A young, muscular man was training hard, working up a sweat.
"I can't wait to fight Maxius again and show him how much stronger I've become since we last fought," said Sairaorg, his voice brimming with determination. The midday sun bore down on him as he climbed a rugged mountain path, sweat streaming down his muscular frame. With every punch he threw against the mountain's unyielding rock face, shockwaves rippled through the earth, shaking the surrounding terrain. Craters formed where his fists landed, and dust and debris exploded outward, evidence of his relentless training. Sairaorg grinned fiercely, his mind focused on the upcoming challenge. "This time, I'll show him the true strength of my resolve," he muttered to himself, his fists striking with renewed intensity.
Agarres Territory
Seekvaira was diligently working on her mechs, her hands moving with precision as sparks flew from the machinery. Her workshop buzzed softly with the hum of tools and the glow of holographic displays. As she adjusted a critical component, her thoughts began to wander, drifting to the boy she had met just a few days ago. That boy, Maxius Gremory, was no longer just a fleeting acquaintance—he was her fiancé and had recently returned after five long years. Their meeting had been brief but unforgettable, his piercing blue eyes and confident demeanor lingering vividly in her mind. She paused momentarily, a faint blush creeping across her cheeks "I wonder if he likes mechs," she murmured softly, her voice barely audible over the hum of her workshop. Despite herself, she couldn't help but imagine what he might think of her creations, hoping to impress him when the time came.