(Third Person)
"I could've run on my own," Avalon said with a pout.
"You're still too slow, which wouldn't be the case if you didn't skip out on today's lesson." Souji replied.
"It was one lesson! And it ended up being a good choice didn't it?" While Avalon was fast asleep at Captain Nox's encampment, Souji had rushed over there and grabbed him by the collar without warning. Hoisting him up and speeding back towards Zeoticus's camp before the Captain could even notice that Souji was there.
"Skipping my lessons and the word good don't belong in the same sentence," he chopped his student on the head. "However, your contributions are indeed worthy of praise. Well done, Avalon." He smiled warmly, Avalon's face turning beet red as he turned away in embarrassment. "Now then, Lord Bael apparently wants to talk with both you and Adaloth. I trust you can figure out where he is on your own?"
"Lord Bael is here?" He honed his senses, tracing the encampment until he found someone with similar Demonic Power to his that wasn't Venelana or Adaloth.
"Mhm, this region is about to become a major battlefield. The conflict you were just a part of was technically the first battle of the war between us and the Fallen Angels."
With that said, it was unlikely that they would be seeing many small ambush battalions from this point onwards. From now on, genuine armies would be taking to the field.
As Avalon walked towards Lord Bael, he noticed that an influx of soldiers not originating from his father's territory had arrived. Presumably all being from his maternal side, each of them carrying a noticeably haughty demeanour.
Eventually he arrived in front of a white tent, with two guards wearing golden armour standing at attention blocking the entrance.
"Let him in," a voice spoke from inside.
Now that Avalon was back in friendly territory, he didn't see the need to mask his presence any longer. Combined with the fact that he was still recovering his stamina.
The guards stepped aside, allowing Avalon to enter as he was met with the sight of two figures.
One of them much to his chagrin was Adaloth, who was shooting a sharp glare his way accompanied by a blatantly annoyed look on her face.
The other was a man who looked to be in his twenties with slicked back black hair, sharp violet eyes, and an expression of sheer indifference. His eyes focused onto Avalon with an analytical gaze, as if he were attempting to gauge him through sight alone.
"So you're Avalon," he hummed inquisitively. "I'm going to assume you already know who I am?"
"Of course, Lord Bael." He was the second-generation Great King in the flesh, as well his mother's younger half-brother.
"There's no need for the title, we're all family here." Avalon had a hunch that something else was meant by that phrase. "You may call me Sylas. Now I hope you'll forgive me for being so blunt, but is it true that you are indeed blind?"
That was the story Venelana had decided to go with, not even the Great King Faction was capable of getting the truth from Ajuka's personal files. Leaving them with no choice but to accept what they were given, unless they were able to find evidence proving otherwise through some other means.
"That is correct," he caught on immediately.
"I see, then it is also true that you are using your Demonic Power to substitute for your loss of vision?"
"That is also correct," he didn't need to lie for that one.
"However, even with this disability you were still capable of pulling off a great feat in aiding the evacuation effort. Something I ought to commend you for." He smirked. "Fret not, I assure you'll be properly rewarded for your work."
From his perspective, combat ability was the only thing that mattered in determining a Devil's value. Avalon killing over 200 Fallen Angels had most definitely put him on Sylas's good side.
"There's no need-"
"Nonsense," Sylas was quick to shut him down. "Your feat in the field of combat should be commended, especially considering the fact that you accomplished it at such a young age. I'd expect no less of a Bael."
A Bael, not a Gremory.
"Now before I get to why I requested your presence in the first place, there's something else I'd like to confirm. Would you mind allowing me to see your Power of Destruction?" Adaloth had already shown him a small smidget of hers, but stated that some complication prevented her from doing more.
Of course, with Mathers around trying to probe Adaloth for more information was guaranteed to end poorly for him.
"As you wish," he held his hand out, creating a highly-detailed rose out of his Power of Destruction.
"Ah, what a splendid showing of control." His smile grew wider, a certain glimmer becoming visible in his pupils. Confirming Avalon's hunch. "I'm a little curious though, why were you sent on such a dangerous mission without proper equipment?" All Avalon was wearing was his casual wear that consisted of a simple white shirt and sweatpants.
"I volunteered to go on the mission, actually I pushed my parents somewhat to allow me to go."
"Eagerness to contribute in the field of battle is a good quality for a Devil, one I hope my children share someday." He seemed to interpret what Avalon said in a different manner. "However, it's important that you are properly equipped before heading into combat. I'm not sure what the Duke was thinking, sending you without suitable attire."
This was their first meeting, and Sylas was already trying to diminish Zeoticus's image.
Sylas snapped his fingers, one of his servants stepping forwards with a strand of measuring tape in their hands. Starting to measure Avalon's proportions in a matter of seconds, and then doing the same for Adaloth.
"I'll ensure that you both have gear befitting a Bael, and if you have any special requests you'd like to make then don't hesitate to ask. We're officially at war now, it would be improper to have either of you not fitted."
"We are?" Adaloth asked.
"They went after our logistics, and tried to slaughter no small number of civilians. An endeavour that had been bravely stopped by your brother, what would it say about our character if we didn't meet such a transgression with equal force? It's clear that the Fallen Angels are intent on warring with us, so we'll give them the end they desire. The Underworld was never big enough for both of us in the first place."
Sylas was lacking in many departments, speeches weren't one of them.
Today marked the first day of the Underworld Supremacy War, the war that would determine who the Underworld truly belonged to.
Even though it probably wouldn't last a decade, each year would need to be fought with every last drop of blood, sweat, and tears that both sides had to offer each other.
"The Fallen Angels can't even begin to compete with us when it comes to numbers. However, since the Great War they've adopted a workaround that's prevented us from taking full control of the border," Sylas pulled out a few files and handed them each to Avalon and Adaloth. "Unmanned weaponry, that's what's been keeping us from tearing down their defences."
The pictures showed an alarmingly wide array of machinery, towers, traps, artillery, golems, and even things that looked like they belonged in a Gundam episode rather than real life.
"They're all equipped with Light Magic as well, and as much as I hate to admit it our normal soldiers aren't capable of holding a candle to their creations."
Adaloth frowned, already having discerned where Sylas was going with this.
"Avalon, that's why someone like you will be of immense help during this war. With your speciality, it should be possible for you to sneak past enemy lines and help us gather more information on these constructs. Maybe it'll even be possible for you to sabotage them outright, but we'll cross that bridge some other time."
Detection barriers were also one of Grigori's strengths, the average infiltration unit from the Devil's side probably wouldn't suffice.
"So this is my next mission?" He held up the file.
"Yes, but we're not going to send you straight away. First I'll make sure you have enough time to properly recuperate from the one you just accomplished, and are equipped and trained accordingly." Sylas confirmed. "Both you and your sister's teachers will remain here to continue aiding in your training, and also act as a defence in the rare case that a Cadre or someone of that calibre should appear."
"I see, is that all?"
"No, I said I was going to reward you for your efforts didn't I? Tomorrow morning you'll be going to the Beelzebub's territory." Neither Avalon nor Adaloth missed the fact that Sylas hadn't referred to him as Lord. "If you're going to be fighting on the frontlines from now, it only makes sense that you have your pieces."
Naturally, this arrangement was not made by Sylas, but rather Zekram himself. The First Great King wasn't on great terms with Ajuka, especially since he didn't recognise him as the legitimate Beelzebub. However, unlike Sylas he did have the capacity to acknowledge Ajuka's might nonetheless.
Not that comprehension and empathy went hand in hand for him, his values were still steadfast as ever.
Ajuka himself didn't have any reason to deny Avalon his right to obtain his pieces, especially since he'd be going to war it'd be much better than he had them on hand.
Granted, Zekram's motives for pushing his attainment were questionable.
Avalon's eyes widened a little. "I'm getting my pieces already?" He had expected to receive them in a few years time, but not now.
"You've proven your combat effectiveness, and your teacher also supported the decision. There was no reason to refuse," Sylas then looked at Adaloth. "The same privilege will also be extended to you should you prove yourself in a similar manner, the Underworld has high hopes for the both of you."
"I'm thankful for the opportunity," Avalon said plainly.
"There's no need for gratitude, this is something you earned through your own merit after all. I look forward to seeing what kind of peerage you end up creating, especially if you're intent on participating in the Rating Games one day."
"I am interested in doing so, and I'm happy to hear your confidence in me."
Not revealing his desire to become a Satan was a better move than Avalon knew, if Sylas became aware that he was trying to follow his brother's path. Chances were that he would take a drastically more aggressive approach to roping him in, out of fear of his chance to bind him to the Great King Faction slipping through his fingers like sand.
"However I have to ask, if you are the one assigning me this mission. Would it be fair to assume you'll be taking command of this station from now on?"
"Yes, is there a problem with that?"
"No, of course not. I just wished to confirm."
"I see, with that out of the way I suggest you get some rest for the time being. You'll be notified by one of my soldiers when your pick-up arrives in the morning."
Adaloth and Avalon bowed respectfully and left the tent.
"Is something wrong? Lord Bael." One of his close servants asked him.
"Why do you ask?"
"You seemed particularly agitated during that conversation."
Sylas exhaled, raising his arm as he looked at the hairs on it all stood up. The same situation being present with the ones on the back of his neck. "Agitated? Yes, I suppose that's one way to put it. Did you notice anything off about them? Particularly the girl?"
"I'm afraid not, Lord Bael."
There were no evident changes in Adaloth's demeanour, expression, or tone of voice.
But for some reason, her presence started to make him feel as if needles were gradually starting to poke his skin. Enough to make him uncomfortable, but not enough to draw blood.
Something was wrong.
"I probably just need some rest, wake me if Zekram has an update or anything of note occurs." The servant nodded.
Sylas had just attempted to take something that Adaloth deemed her possession, an attempt that had not gone unnoticed.
Actions had consequences, and Adaloth was certainly not the type to let go of something she considered attempted robbery.
"He's trying to flip us," Adaloth said the second they were far enough from the Bael side of the encampment.
"Yeah, he wasn't being very subtle about it either." Adaloth and Avalon were just children in Sylas's eyes, strong children, but children nonetheless. "However, he hasn't given us anything to act on either. Father already knows what's going on, so for now I guess all we can do is let them handle it."
"I wouldn't be so sure of that."
"Of them knowing what Lord Bael is planning?"
"No, of them handling it."
"I doubt he's going to make a particularly bold move, especially with Souji and Mathers still around."
"That's not what I mean either."
"Then what do you mean?" Avalon grumbled.
Adaloth sighed. "Even after killing all those people, you're still too soft."
But that was fine, because she was here.
Everything he couldn't do, she could make up for.
He needed her.
"Whatever you say," Avalon shrugged. "Just try not to start anything before I get my Evil Pieces."
"I have it under control, you should just focus on your training." She left to go meet up with Mathers, and Avalon did the same for Souji.
---
(First Person - Avalon)
"So, how was it?" Souji asked me after I had finished meeting with Lord Bael.
"It was, interesting, to say the least. Apparently he's already got a new mission planned for me. Oh, and thanks for helping me get my pieces by the way."
"Don't mention it, Lord Beelzebub decided that you were prepared to obtain them. It wouldn't have mattered what my response was, but just for the record I do in fact believe you are ready." He smiled. "Make sure you're careful with choosing who you bring into your peerage, unless you end up trading them they'll be your subordinates for life."
"I already have someone in mind," I think I've been keeping Lars waiting long enough. "But I'll make sure to take your advice into account."
"Good, and what about this mission he has planned for you?"
"It's about the unmanned weaponry the Fallen Angels use, he wants me to sneak over the border to collect information on it, probably to look for some kind of weakness we can exploit. Or possibly sabotage them outright if that becomes an option."
The images he showed me on that file were rather intimidating, especially those golems. They looked like something you'd see in Transformers.
"I see, ever since the Great War ended they have been investing a fair bit into those to make up for their lack of manpower. I'm pretty sure I remember them having some kind of weapon that was nearly as strong as an Ultimate-Class Devil."
"Seriously?" I suddenly feel drastically less confident about this assignment.
"Yeah, it was some sort of super-charged golem they created. Quite the nasty thing if I do say so myself, they only created a handful of them, but they were more than enough to take out an entire battalion of normal Devils."
Great, so they have Decepticons on their side. Totally not worried about that.
Could I beat Megatron one on one? Actually, I think I'd rather not put myself in a situation where I'd have to answer that.
Also, the Great War happened centuries ago, so doesn't that mean they've had an awful lot of time to fine tune whatever abomination they created?
"You can worry about that another time, right now we're going to resume training as usual, and for twice as long since you decided to try to skip out on today's session."
He's still mad about that? Sheesh.
"Follow me," he brought me over to a training range that had been reserved specifically for us. Standing in front of a desk that had been riddled with all sorts of weapons, swords, spears, bows, things I didn't even recognise, you name it. "Let's see here," he hummed, holding up a few armaments as he seemed to be brooding about something.
"What's that?"
In one hand he was holding what looked to be a dagger, and the other he had what also looked to be a dagger but with three-prongs instead of just one.
"These are kunai, they're useful weapons for scouts and stealth specialists in general. They're also versatile enough to be used both in a ranged manner and in close quarters," he handed me the one-pronged kunai first. "The three-pronged will take some time for you to learn, so we'll start by ensuring that you master this one."
Souji planted his left foot in front of his right, holding the kunai by the bladed part and aiming at a wooden target that had been placed almost a hundred feet from his position.
"If you throw the kunai by holding the bladed side of it," he threw the weapon, hitting the target's red mark in the centre of its head with pinpoint accuracy. "It'll do a half rotation like so, and if you hold it by the handle," he threw another, somehow knocking off the one he had already thrown and piercing the mark with the new one. "It'll do a full rotation, now these kunai are high quality, so wasting them is unacceptable."
He held out his hand, spreading his fingers and showing me what looked to be strands of Demonic Power connecting his fingers to the kunai like strings. He proceeded to tug on them, recalling the kunai back to him effortlessly.
"That technique shouldn't be very hard for you to learn, it's your throwing form that you might need to spend more time on." He handed me both kunai, leaning against a nearby pole and waiting for me to replicate him. "And don't even think about taking your blindfold off, it's only a matter of time until you won't be able to remove it anymore. So it's important you're as accustomed to fighting with it on as possible."
Well there goes that.
I started by attaching the circular handles of the kunai to my fingertips, which barely took any effort whatsoever. The next part was what I needed to pay attention to.
My senses are above other Devils, so while it may not be possible for me to hit the bullseye from the get-go. I think I have it in me to at least hit the target.
I stepped forward, assuming the same stance as Souji and holding the kunai by the bladed side.
Welp, here goes nothing.
"Well done."
Woah, I actually hit the bullseye! Did I just get lucky or something?
"If you're curious about whether what you just did was a fluke or not, why don't you have another go at it?"
Good suggestion.
I held the second kunai by the handle this time, spinning it around on my finger for a bit before taking a deep breath to hone my concentration.
Alright, time to see if it was just the wind blowing in the right direction or not.
"As expected of my student," he smiled.
I did it again!
"I think that blindfold might actually be helping you out more than you think, don't you find it a little easier to focus on your targets with everything highlighted for you?"
He has a point, but I think that only applies to targets that require a low to medium amount of effort to deal with. Controlling all those arrows at once, and adding my Power of Destruction to them during the evacuation wasn't doable with my blindfold on.
I guess I just have to be as quick as I can when I encounter a situation that requires me to remove it.
"I do," I used the strings of Demonic Power I had created to bring the kunai back into my hand. "But there are still limits to what I can do with it on," I suppose it wouldn't be much of a seal if there weren't.
"Then it's up to you to make the most of those limits, you have a sharp mind Avalon. Use it." He tossed the three-pronged kunai towards me. "Although this one works just fine at a distance, it's a lot better suited for close quarters than the one-pronged." He unsheathed a sword, the sound of it telling me that it was metal rather than wooden. "Hold it in a reverse-grip, that kunai works well with fast-paced movements so it should blend nicely with your strengths."
I assumed my battle stance. "Just out of curiosity, are you ever going to start teaching me how to use a sword?"
"First focus on mastering the tools I've given you, then maybe I'll consider it."
I'll take that as a deal.
---
(Third Person)
The sun was just about to rise on the following day, and the rural settlements near the border had been successfully evacuated to one of the nearby cities.
Captain Nox and his soldiers had also been repositioned to an area that would be easier to both defend and keep surveillance over the region, no longer needing to worry about having to protect civilians and fight Fallen Angels at the same time.
Moreover, the equipment upgrades Zeoticus ordered had finally arrived. Enabling the Captain to better reinforce his men, and handle his new assignment of keeping watch over the transport lines with more efficiency.
"Captain," one of his subordinates approached Nox while he was keeping watch from the top of a guard tower. "There's been an update."
"Go on."
"They've shifted the command back at the main camp, Duke Gremory is no longer in charge."
Nox turned around, raising an eyebrow from behind the silver mask he wore at all times. "Then who is?"
"Great King Bael has taken over."
"I'm going to assume the older one didn't come out of retirement?" The soldier nodded, to which the Captain breathed a deep groan, shaking his head as he put his hand on his mask. "They actually put that crybaby in charge during a war? I'm appalled." As someone the Duke considered a close friend, Nox had been privy to some of his more restrained opinions about people like Sylas. "If they were going to do that, they could've at least given us the first generation instead of the second."
The soldier gulped down a nervous chunk of saliva, shocked to see his Captain speak of someone who ranked infinitely higher than him in such a manner. "Captain, we've also been told to watch out for a female Fallen Angel with eight wings."
"Eight? That's just below a Cadre, what are they doing sending out someone of that calibre this early on?" He scratched his chin. "What happened?"
"There was an attack on the Phenex estate, one that almost resulted in the death of Marquis Phenex. However, apparently the combined efforts of the Marquis and his Heir managed to keep the eight-winged Fallen Angel at bay long enough for reinforcements to arrive."
"They managed to get that far into the Phenex Clan's territory? Wait, did you say the Heir? How old is he?" Nox didn't really keep up to date with the ongoings of the Noble Clans, but he could've sworn Zeoticus mentioned the Phenex Heir being as old as his second son.
"Uh, I don't know the exact age. I think he's supposed to be pretty young, maybe around the same age as The Blindfold Devil?" Unbeknownst to Avalon, his farce had resulted in him obtaining a new name. One that was for now, spread only amongst Nox's men.
Zeoticus had decided to keep quiet about Avalon's identity to the Captain, knowing full well that he would be targeted if he gained too much of a reputation. Which would be disastrous at his age, especially if he needed to enact missions of covert nature.
There was that, and also the fact that he didn't want information about him to spill should the Captain end up captured. This was war after all, anything could happen.
Unfortunately, Avalon being pretty much the only Devil who ran around wearing a blindfold meant that he would be associated with his title whether his name was attached to it or not.
Such is life.
"Just what are they feeding children nowadays?" He couldn't help but wonder. "I imagine they went after the Phenex to sabotage the Phoenix Tears, it's a good thing the Marquis survived. Those are going to be vital from this point onwards. Did they manage to get a picture of the assailant?"
"I'm afraid not, even during her retreat the Fallen Angel was apparently too fast for anyone to catch."
Nox smiled. "That's fine, we know someone who's faster don't we?"
The soldier caught onto what he was implying. "He's far more powerful than we'd expect someone his age to be, I'll admit. But isn't an eight-winged Fallen Angel a bit much for him?" Everyone had seen the artillery barrage Avalon had caused during the battle, both civilians and soldiers alike.
But only a few of them had actually seen Avalon himself, the Captain was responsible for spreading the word.
"Maybe, maybe not. I'm still putting my money on Blindfold nonetheless, is there anything else I should be aware of?"
"There's just one more thing, the Border Commander said he'll be paying a visit to our station in a few days time. He didn't state the specifics, just that he wanted to discuss something with you."
"Oh? Lith is coming here?" Nox smirked. "Good, he's probably elated to get a chance to go on another rampage. Make sure everything is suited to his accommodations before he arrives," the soldier nodded, leaving to do what he had been told. "I wonder how he's going to react when I tell him about Blindfold?"
With Lith, the Umbral Knight, returning to the frontlines. The morale of his men were sure to receive an insurmountable boost.
---
(Third Person)
"Well that was something wasn't it?" A young woman chuckled as she examined the set of burns on her arms. "The Marquis's strength was expected, but that runt actually managed to hurt me a little." She blew an impressed whistle, holding open parts of her garments to view all the damage she had endured. "Oh well, I don't think we'll be able to get rid of the Phoenix Tears during this war regardless. Father is free to try attacking them himself if he wants to."
Even though the Marquis was still alive, his injuries would require him to spend no small amount of time in recovery. Which would make it a little harder for his territory to operate since his wife would more likely than not need to take the reins for now.
"Lady Eurus! Lady Eurus!" Raynare came running towards her, sweat pouring down her face as something seemed to have made her panicked.
"What?"
"It's urgent! It's about the ambush that was planned on the settlement owned by the Duke!"
Eurus scratched her head. "Ambush? Oh, that boring plan to elicit chaos. What about it?"
"It failed! There were no survivors to report back what happened!"
Eurus lifted her eyebrows, letting out a surprised hum. "All 200 of them were killed? Interesting, tell me the specifics."
"We sent someone to examine the battlefield after they finished their evacuation, and by the looks of things some sort of explosive was used to kill our men before they could make it out of the treeline."
"Explosive? I thought we already determined that the garrison in the area was underequipped?" She scoffed. "I guess father allowed himself to be fed faulty intel, can't say I'm surprised." Eurus continued to think for a bit, noticing that something else was off. "Wait a minute, forget the explosions. How did our men even get detected in the first place? We made sure to equip them with presence-masking cloaks right?"
"We did, we're not sure how they were caught either. Putting aside the fact that there was no way for the Duke to have found out about the ambush, he shouldn't have been able to send any scouts in the short window of time he had."
"Maybe it was just a really good scout," Eurus shrugged. "Still, that would only explain the detection part. Not the destruction. I have to admit, I was expecting us to lose this war nonetheless. However, I wasn't expecting it to be so one-sided to the point where a worn down garrison could take out one of our fully equipped squads."
"What should we do now?"
"Nothing, that ambush wasn't my responsibility. I'm busy licking my own wounds, father should be doing the same." She applied some kind of ointment on the burns, causing her to flinch a little from the stinging sensation it caused.
Eurus noticed Raynare and the rest of her subordinates all looking at her with apprehension. "You clearly have something to say, so you might as well go ahead and say it."
"Uhm. Lady Eurus, is there any reason you didn't use your other power during that fight? I feel like you would've won if you did." The rest of the Fallen Angels around her all nodded in agreement.
"Probably," she replied casually. "I didn't feel like doing it though, especially not against a brat."
"But the mission-"
"How many times have I told you? This war was a lost cause from the beginning, I'm just trying to have some fun before I leave the Underworld. They beat one of our squads with nothing but a bunch of rag-tag starving soldiers, Phoenix Tears should be the last of your concerns."
At first, they had taken Eurus's intent to desert as nothing but her temperament flaring up. However, as time went it started to become apparent that she wasn't joking.
"Listen, the second that the Governor failed to stop my father from getting what he wanted, was the second that our race's fate was determined. All our technological advancements will do is prolong the inevitable, honestly speaking I'm willing to bet money that the Governor has the exact same plan as me."
The difference between a Satan and a Cadre was huge, especially if either Sirzechs or Ajuka decided to take to the battlefield themselves. The Fallen Angels would be lucky to last even a few weeks should that happen.
However, this war was a great chance to nurture talents like Ruval, Avalon, and Adaloth. Alongside a whole bunch of other prodigies who had yet to reveal themselves. Ending the war now might be beneficial to the Devils in the short term, but not in the long term.
If by some miracle it got bad enough to where the Satans needed to step in, they would.
But until that time came, this was a chance for the younger generation to hone their claws. Just like the older one had during the Great War and Civil War.
---
(First Person - Avalon)
I somehow managed to get a good night's rest despite being forced to sleep in the same room as Adaloth.
Sylas got rid of all the tents, and upgraded the encampment to a full on bastion so it could act as the central command centre for that region.
I'm not against the decision, but I'm pretty confident he did it just to one up my father.
"Have you decided whether you're going to make Esdeath a part of your peerage or not?" Adaloth asked me as we neared Lord Beelzebub's territory, a place we had only visited once before to get a series of tests run on us in order to better understand our mutations.
"Not yet. Putting aside the fact that she's five, she's unstable. Knowing her she'll probably want to join in on the war, and if anything goes wrong I'm confident that her father will tear me apart."
"But you're fine with bringing Lars?" She tilted her head a little.
"Lars is different, he knows what he's doing. Even if he doesn't want to participate in the war I'm not going to force him, but I have no doubts about making him a part of my peerage."
Devil children are not the same as human children, holding them to the same standards is bound to lead to all sorts of misconceptions.
"Which piece are you going to give him?"
"He'll be my Bishop, I don't think there's any other piece that would suit him."
I'm not in any rush to find my pieces, so I'm content only having one for now. Like Souji said, I need to be certain before bringing them in.
"I see, you can go ahead and give me your Queen piece by the way."
I paused, my face contorting a little as I wondered if I had misheard what she just said.
Did she just ask me to make her my Queen?
"What?" I blurted aloud, looking at her utterly dumbfounded.
"What's wrong? The Queen is the most important piece, and the same goes for the person you assign it to."
"I know that, for a second there I thought you were asking me to make you my Queen." It was definitely just me mishearing things.
"That's because I did, don't tell me that blindfold is already starting to dampen your hearing?" She looked at me as if I were an idiot.
After experiencing what I've experienced, very few things in life can leave me speechless.
I've just been left speechless.
"Normally I can tell when you're messing with me or not, but right now I can't." She said it way too casually for her to have been serious, I think.
"I'm not messing with you, nor do I see what you're so confused about. You won't get a better choice for a Queen, especially if you're aiming to become a Satan."
My eyes narrowed as I stared at her, my intuition forcing me to accept the reality that she was in fact being genuine.
"You've never mentioned this to me before."
"Because I wasn't expecting you to get your pieces this early either, but now that it's happening I thought I might as well tell you."
I was not prepared to have such a bomb dropped on me during this trip.
If her intent was to confuse me as much as possible, she succeeded.
"I have multiple questions."
"Shoot," she replied calmly.
"First of all, don't you want a peerage of your own?" She's definitely not the type to just obediently work under me, that's a notion I'm not even going to begin to entertain.
"Being your Queen isn't going to stop me from doing that."
"That's not what I mean, I thought you wanted to participate in the Rating Games on your own? You do understand that joining my peerage means you'll have to compete on my side?" Having to work with her is one thing, having to do so permanently is another.
"I know, and I never mentioned anything about the Rating Games. You just went ahead and assumed that on your own," I still couldn't decipher any hesitation in her voice.
"I don't understand, why do you even want to join my peerage to begin with?" We're not exactly on good-terms.
"To fulfil a goal of mine."
"Which is?"
"I can't tell you that, for now at least. Actually I was hoping you'd figure it out on your own." Her smile stretched noticeably, a faint chill running down my spine as she locked eyes with me.
"You want me to make you my Queen before knowing what you're up to? Fat chance," I scoffed.
"Is your determination to become a Satan so weak that a bit of paranoia is enough to stop you? I'm capable-"
"I know exactly what you're capable of, and it's because of that your decision to join my peerage makes no sense. It's not your skills that are the issue here, it's my lack of trust. I'm pretty sure I've made my dislike of you pretty open."
Even though I harbour great disdain for her, I'm not so blinded by it to the point where I can't see her clear strength.
But I can't envision a future where I get along with that strength, therefore making her my Queen isn't a good idea. Not that I understand why she even wants to become one in the first place.
"Then trade me."
"What?"
"If you find that having me as a Queen is unbearable, you can just trade me later on can't you? Maybe even Lord Beelzebub could remove the piece outright. You've probably already made the assumption that you can't work with me, but I'm confident that the opposite will be proven."
I feel like I'm having a bad dream.
"Why are you so intent on this? What benefit could joining my peerage possibly have for you?"
"Like I said, I can't tell you that now."
Fine, if she's going to be like this.
"Then at least answer one thing," I pulled my blindfold down. "Is your goal going to harm me, my peerage, or our family in any way?" I dare you to lie to me, Makima.
"No," she answered without hesitation.
I put my blindfold back on, leaning back into the seat of our carriage as I clasped my hands together in my lap.
Shit, I don't think she was lying.
And that only makes everything more confusing.
The only concrete benefit I see her gaining from this, is the fact becoming my Queen means she can gain the reputation and influence one gets from the Rating Games without having to go through the process of actually forming a peerage herself.
But she's more than capable of doing that, and would have more autonomy from doing so.
Wait, autonomy? The pieces don't actually have put any physical restraint on the people reincarnated with them. Even if she becomes my Queen, it's not like I can just wave my hand and make her do whatever I want.
"Well?" She asked me while I was still contemplating.
"I'll consider it, I have to admit you've really put me on the spot here." I replied, putting my blindfold back on.
This isn't really a decision I thought I'd ever have to make, but here I am nonetheless.
Nor is it a decision I should make without very, very careful thought. She's right, if I don't like her the possibility of trading her does exist. However, I'm not so sure about the piece removal part.
Still, the dots aren't connecting.
"Hey, have you ever thought about it?"
"Thought about what?"
"Why we were reincarnated together? All that was shared between us at the time was the fact we died, but we still ended up being sent with one another when it could theoretically have been anyone else."
"I can't say I spend much time brooding about that, it's something only the higher power responsible for it would know after all."
Her lips curled upwards into their usual faint smile.
"You should think about it more."
I don't like this feeling, it's as if I'm about to be ensnared in some carefully concealed trap.
But she has a point.
Just why exactly was I reincarnated with someone like her of all people? It's like they wanted to make sure I never forget what it felt like to be Adrian Shepard. Like they're trying to mock me.
But even If that's the reason I was sent with her, then what's the reason she was sent with me? What purpose does my presence serve?
Or was there really no purpose at all? Could it really just have been random chance?
I find that hard to believe.
---
(Third Person)
"About time you showed up," a familiar voice reached out to Avalon once he had been granted entry into Ajuka's estate, alongside Adaloth who was standing right beside him.
"Sorry to keep you waiting, Lars." Avalon smiled, having requested for Lars to be brought over as well so he could be reincarnated as planned.
"It's fine, actually I was expecting to have to wait a few more years before this moment came. I'm going to assume you did something special while you were over at the border?"
"Pretty much, Lord Bael decided to take over command of the area and was pleased with a contribution I made. So this is basically my reward."
"Lord Bael? I see, you seem to be getting more in touch with your maternal side then." They both shot each other a knowing look, Lars understanding full well what Avalon was implying. "Well, your real father is waiting for you upstairs. Let's not keep him waiting any longer shall we?"
Avalon's shoulders slumped. "That rumour is going to be the destruction of my family."
If it weren't for the blindfold he was wearing at the moment, all the servants in the estate were guaranteed to start calling him Young Lord.
Having already been in Ajuka's house before, Avalon didn't need any directions to make it to the room where he had first met with the Satan.
"It's good to see you again, Avalon." A gentle voice spoke, belonging none other to the head of the household. "I'm pleased to hear about your accomplishment over at the border," the plan was to eventually make Avalon's feat public. However, they were still debating on whether to do so out of fear of Avalon becoming a target too early on.
"I'm just glad to have been of use," like Avalon, Ajuka preferred those he considered himself to be on good terms with to be more casual with him.
"I'm sure you've still got plenty more to offer, how's the blindfold been treating you? I trust you haven't experienced any complications thus far?" He said, as if it were possible for an invention of his to be flawed.
"It's taking a little getting used to, but I haven't experienced any problems."
"Excellent, there's something else I'd like to discuss with you later on, but it can wait until after you've gotten your pieces." Ajuka motioned for the group to follow him.
They were led into what looked to be a ceremonial hall, with a stone monument standing at the end of it. Taking the shape of what looked to be a gargoyle.
"All you have to do is insert some of your Demonic Power into it," Ajuka handed him a small box. "Your pieces are inside there, once it's acknowledged you as a King they'll activate and become usable."
Avalon nodded, reaching out to the statue and doing as Ajuka instructed.
The gargoyle's eyes lit up once it felt his Demonic Power enter it, Avalon felt like he was being scanned as he sensed some sort of change start to occur in the box he was holding.
"You're all done."
"Just like that?"
"Just like that," Ajuka confirmed. "You don't need to manually take out the pieces to use them, once they detect your intent to reincarnate someone as a piece they'll simply appear in your hand."
"That's convenient," Avalon approached Lars. "Ready?"
"Mhm, I'm looking forward to getting to experience some combat of my own."
Avalon willed the pieces to appear in his hand, intent on turning Lars into his Bishop.
But something strange has occurred.
"What?" Avalon said, looking down at his hand.
Two Bishop pieces had appeared.
"Oh? It seems you have a good eye for talent Avalon, Lars here appears to have more potential than you assumed." In rare cases, people required more than one piece in order to be reincarnated, depending on the amount of the latent potential they carried.
Moreover, the more powerful a King was, the more strength each of their pieces would have.
The fact that Lars needed a value of 6 from a Super-Devil spoke volumes to what he would become in the future.
"What can I say? I'm just amazing like that." Lars shrugged with a smug grin on his face.
"That you are," Avalon exhaled, the pieces in his hand being absorbed by Lars and marking him as the first official member of his peerage.
They heard the door behind them open, a figure that only Ajuka recognised approaching them.
"Ah, here she is." Ajuka said.
A woman had stepped into the ceremonial hall, her skin was pure white to the point where it almost resembled porcelain. She had black, abyssal eyes that shone with profound intellect, and had long straight hair that reached down to her back which was white as snow.
She wore a jade-green butterfly hairpin, and donned an elegant black dress, the contrast between it and her skin only serving to further pronounce her striking beauty.
"This is Echidna, she's my Bishop."
"Is it that one?" Echidna pointed at Avalon.
"Yeah."
"Interesting," much to Avalon's shock, she reached out and grabbed him by his armpits. Hoisting him up into the air and examining him as if he were a specimen of some sort.
"Uh, is this some kind of special greeting I don't know about?"
"You see Avalon, originally I was planning on teaching you how to create seals myself, like the ones I used to create that blindfold you're wearing. However, now that we're at war I don't exactly have the time to do so. Therefore Echidna's going to take over for me, she's a great teacher so make sure you pay attention alright?"
"I don't have any problem with that, but could you please tell her to put me down?"
"Very interesting," Echidna continued on as if she hadn't heard a thing. She reached forwards, gently pulling up his blindfold. "Indeed, you look exactly like your father." He had a feeling she wasn't talking about Zeoticus.
"Echidna, you're being rude." Ajuka admonished her, earning a miffed groan from the woman.
"It's not my fault, you know that I can't contain my curiosity." She finally put him down, Adaloth scooting in front of him and shooting a chilling glare Echidna's way. "Ajuka, I think this one wants to kill me."
"You're the one who grabbed her brother out of nowhere like a stuffed animal, now introduce yourself properly."
"Fine," she groaned. "It's a pleasure to meet you Avalon, my name is Echidna. I'll be instructing you on sealing magic from now while you're stationed at the border." He could only imagine how Sylas would react to having three Satan peerage members present in his camp.
"The pleasure is all mine," Avalon replied while Adaloth decided to push his blindfold back down and readjust his clothes for him.
Who did she think she was? Putting her hands on her property so casually?
---
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