Two days had passed since the meeting that confirmed the peace agreement between the factions of angels, fallen angels, and devils. The news reverberated throughout the underworld, causing a mix of emotions among the different groups. While some welcomed the idea of peace with optimism, others still harbored reservations and suspicions.
Furthermore, another piece of news gained prominence on DevilNet: the upcoming Rating Game between Riser Phenex and Tannin, scheduled to take place in just 12 days. Anticipation and excitement were palpable, with many speculating about the outcome of this showdown, with most devils taking Tannin's victory for granted as he was in the top 10.
Gremory Territory
In the Gremory territory, in Sirzechs' office, Azazel was seated in the chair opposite the leader of the devils, while Grayfia stood behind Sirzechs. With a gentle smile, Sirzechs addressed Azazel, curious about the reason for his visit.
"What do I owe the pleasure of your visit, Azazel?" asked Sirzechs, his voice calm and welcoming.
Azazel leaned slightly in his chair, his expression serious reflecting the importance of the matter he wished to discuss with Sirzechs.
"I would like to offer myself to train your sister and her Peerage," declared Azazel, his voice firm and determined.
Sirzechs looked at Azazel with curiosity, surprised by the unexpected proposal. He pondered for a moment before responding.
"Why do you want to do that?" asked Sirzechs, his tone neutral but full of interest.
Azazel crossed his legs, maintaining eye contact with Sirzechs as he explained his motivation.
"I see great potential in the Sekiryuutei and I want to train him to reach his full potential," explained Azazel, his voice filled with conviction.
"Are you sure it's just for that?" questioned Sirzechs, observing Azazel's reaction closely.
Azazel furrowed his brow, surprised by Sirzechs' suspicion.
"The White Dragon Emperor was like your own son, and you trained him," reminded Sirzechs, his voice laden with meaning.
Azazel took a deep breath, understanding Sirzechs' concern.
"Vali has nothing to do with this," replied Azazel, his voice firm.
Sirzechs asked Azazel to calm down, recognizing the tension in the room.
"Riser is strong, the strongest of his generation, and I'm still not sure about anything regarding him," continued Sirzechs, capturing Azazel's attention.
Azazel listened attentively, interested in Sirzechs' words.
"I don't want anything to be done openly, but if you can make Issei as strong as Riser, you have my permission," said Sirzechs, his voice firm and decisive.
Azazel nodded, understanding Sirzechs' instructions.
"But Rias, since Gasper's disappearance, isn't the same," continued Sirzechs, his expression serious. "It will be impossible for you to train her, as Rias considers you a suspect."
Azazel shook his head in agreement, acknowledging the challenges ahead.
"I have nothing to do with the boy's kidnapping, I even used my sources to search for him, but unfortunately found nothing," explained Azazel, his voice filled with frustration.
Sirzechs sighed, understanding the complicated situation they were in.
"I believe in you," said Sirzechs, his voice soft. "But it doesn't matter if Rias doesn't believe. I'll talk to her about special training for Issei and say that he needs to be removed from her Peerage for a while, giving you the opportunity to train him."
Azazel nodded, thanking Sirzechs for his trust.
"Will your sister accept?" Azazel questioned, concerned about Rias's receptiveness to the proposal.
"Yes, she trusts me," replied Sirzechs, his confidence evident in his words. "Just leave it to me, and I'll talk to her about Issei."
Azazel nodded, satisfied with Sirzechs' response.
"Call me when you've talked to her," Azazel requested, preparing to leave Sirzechs' office.
With a nod, Sirzechs bid farewell to Azazel.
After Azazel left Sirzechs' office, he turned to his wife, Grayfia, with a pensive expression.
"Grayfia, I need you to organize things. We're going to Kuoh," said Sirzechs, his voice calm but firm.
Grayfia raised an eyebrow, surprised by Sirzechs' sudden decision. She knew that her husband had important responsibilities in the underworld, and a visit to the human world could interfere with his obligations.
"Sirzechs, you still have meetings and pending matters here in the underworld," reminded Grayfia, her voice calm and rational.
Sirzechs sighed, aware of the responsibilities he carried as the leader of the devils. However, he had a clear goal in mind and was determined to pursue it.
"I know, Grayfia, but this is important," replied Sirzechs, his expression determined. "I need to talk to Rias about special training for Issei."
Grayfia pondered for a moment, understanding the urgency of the situation. However, she had her concerns.
"Do you think it's prudent to antagonize Riser Phenex in this way?" questioned Grayfia, her voice serious.
Sirzechs reflected on Grayfia's question. He understood the possible ramifications of his actions, but believed that strengthening Rias's Peerage was crucial for their future.
"I have no intention of being an enemy to anyone, Grayfia," replied Sirzechs, his voice firm. "I just want to ensure that Rias and her Peerage are prepared for the challenges ahead."
Grayfia nodded, trusting in Sirzechs' wisdom and discernment. She knew that her husband would act with prudence and consideration.
"I understand, Sirzechs," replied Grayfia, her voice soft. "I'll organize everything for our trip to Kuoh."
Sirzechs smiled, grateful for Grayfia's understanding and support.
"Thank you, Grayfia," said Sirzechs, his voice filled with gratitude. "With your help, I'm sure everything will go well."
Kuoh Academy
While Rias remained in the Occult Research Club room, completely lost in her thoughts, Akeno watched her with growing concern. Rias's serious and distant expression did not go unnoticed by Akeno, who knew that something was deeply troubling her friend.
Akeno decided to delicately broach the subject, hoping to bring some lightness to the heavy atmosphere surrounding her friend.
"Rias, are you okay?" asked Akeno, her voice soft and concerned.
Rias blinked, momentarily snapping out of her reverie to look at Akeno. Her expression was tired, but she tried to force a smile to reassure her friend.
"I'm fine, Akeno. Just a little distracted," replied Rias, her voice tinged with resignation.
Akeno wasn't convinced by Rias's answer, but decided to change the subject, hoping to distract her friend a little.
"You know, Riser is going to have a Rating Game against Tannin soon," informed Akeno, hoping this would pique Rias's interest.
Rias raised an eyebrow, her expression slightly hardening. She didn't seem excited about the news, which further worried Akeno.
"I already know that," replied Rias, her voice sounding distant. "But I'm not interested."
Akeno furrowed her brow, perplexed by Rias's response. She knew her friend would usually be excited about news like this, especially when it involved such a renowned opponent as Tannin.
"Why aren't you interested?" questioned Akeno, her curiosity piqued.
Rias sighed, turning her gaze back to the wall once again. Her mind was preoccupied with concerns much deeper than a simple Rating Game.
"I'm worried about Gasper," confessed Rias, her voice filled with concern. "He's been missing for 2 days, and we have no clues as to where he might be."
Akeno felt a pang in her chest at Rias's concern. She had lost her mother and was used to the idea of losing someone important, she could never tell Rias, but she believed if the Old Satan faction was involved, Gasper could be dead now, but as a queen, she had to do her job.
"We'll find him, Rias," reassured Akeno, her voice full of enthusiasm. "We won't give up until we bring him back safe and sound."
Rias looked at Akeno, her eyes conveying gratitude for her friend's promise.
"Thank you, Akeno," murmured Rias, her voice soft. "Your friendship means a lot to me."
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