The Grand Arena was overflowing with spectators, the excitement at its peak. For an entire week, Azeroth, the enigmatic and undefeated masked warrior, had crushed every challenger that dared to stand before him.
His mastery of combat, along with his shocking use of the Power of Destruction, had catapulted him into legend.
On this final day, Azeroth faced his most formidable opponent yet—a warrior at the Ultimate-Class Peak, much like himself. The demon was a veteran gladiator, a savage beast who wielded the infernal flames of Gehenna, his every strike shaking the very foundation of the arena.
As the gong rang, the air grew heavy with tension. The veteran challenger roared, unleashing a wave of hellfire that surged toward Azeroth like a tidal wave. The flames curled and writhed, threatening to engulf everything in their path.
But Azeroth stood calm, his black cloak fluttering in the fiery wind. He extended his hand, and the crimson glow of the Power of Destruction pulsed to life. With a sweeping motion, he unleashed a concentrated sphere of annihilation, cleaving through the infernal flames and hurtling toward his opponent.
The crowd erupted into cheers as the crimson sphere obliterated the flames and struck the warrior head-on. The explosion of energy shook the arena, and when the dust settled, the challenger lay defeated, unconscious in the center of a smoldering crater.
Azeroth had won again.
The crowd roared in ecstasy, chanting Azeroth's name. But instead of leaving as he always did after his victories, Azeroth remained in the center of the arena. Slowly, deliberately, he raised both hands to his mask.
The chanting died down as the crowd fell silent, watching in rapt attention.
In one fluid motion, Azeroth removed the black mask, revealing a striking young man with crimson eyes and a confident smirk. His aura seemed to swell, commanding the attention of every soul in the arena.
"I am not just some masked warrior," he began, his voice ringing with authority. "I am Algernon Gremory of the Gremory Branch House."
Gasps rippled through the crowd, followed by murmurs of disbelief.
"Gremory? But he's not…"
"Isn't he from the Branch House? How is he wielding the Power of Destruction?"
"Wait, could he… could he be stronger than we thought?"
Algernon raised his hand again, conjuring a swirling orb of crimson energy that hovered ominously above his palm. "You've all wondered how I could wield the Power of Destruction. Let me make this clear—it is no longer a power tied to a bloodline. It is mine, claimed through my will and strength!"
His declaration echoed through the arena, silencing the murmurs.
Algernon's eyes scanned the crowd, his expression resolute. "For a week, I have defeated every warrior you've sent against me, all to prove one thing—I am not bound by my origins. I am not just a Branch House demon. I am a conqueror, and I will rise to the pinnacle of this world!"
He clenched his fist, extinguishing the orb of destruction. Then, he pointed toward the ornate viewing platform reserved for the Satans, his voice rising with challenge.
"To the Four Satans, I issue this challenge: Face me in combat, or acknowledge me as your equal! No longer will I be content in the shadow of your rule. I will claim my place among the strongest, whether by your recognition or by your defeat!"
The crowd erupted into chaos—some cheering, others shouting in disbelief. Algernon's boldness had ignited a fire in the hearts of every spectator.
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In the luxurious viewing chambers above, the Four Satans watched with varying reactions.
Sirzechs Lucifer, the strongest of satan, Rias' older brother, leaned forward, his crimson eyes narrowing. His lips pressed into a thin line, but there was a faint flicker of surprise hidden in his expression. "So, Azeroth was always near me, I didn't expect him to be Algernon"
Ajuka Beelzebub stroked his chin thoughtfully. "Interesting. He's not just making a statement; he's drawing all eyes to himself. He's challenging the order of our world."
Serafall Leviathan, ever the eccentric, clapped her hands in excitement. "Oh my gosh! This is so dramatic! I love it! Who would've thought Rias' Branch House cousin would stir up such chaos?"
Falbium Asmodeus, lounging lazily in his seat, smirked. "It's bold, I'll give him that. But boldness doesn't guarantee survival."
Sirzechs stood, his aura of power making the air around him tremble. "If he wishes to challenge the authority of the Satans, then he must be ready to bear the consequences."
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Back in the arena, Algernon turned to the roaring crowd, his crimson eyes burning with determination. He had thrown down the gauntlet, and there was no turning back.
"Remember this day!" he declared, his voice carrying to the farthest reaches of the arena. "This is the day the name Algernon and Azeroth becomes immortal!"
The cheers grew deafening, a mix of awe, excitement, and fear. The world of demons had been shaken, and the Satans had been challenged.
The roars of the crowd reached a fever pitch as a pulse of overwhelming energy descended upon the arena. The air grew heavy with power, and the ground beneath Algernon's feet trembled.
One by one, the Four Satans appeared in bursts of light and energy, their presences radiating authority and unimaginable strength.
Standing at the edge of the arena were Sirzechs Lucifer, the Crimson Satan and the strongest among them; Ajuka Beelzebub, the genius tactician and inventor; Serafall Leviathan, the eccentric yet deadly water manipulator; and Falbium Asmodeus, the laid-back but deceptively powerful strategist.
The crowd fell silent in awe as the rulers of the Demon World faced the lone figure standing proudly in the center of the arena. Algernon stood tall, his cloak fluttering in the residual energy of their arrival, his crimson eyes locked onto them without a trace of fear.
Sirzechs was the first to speak, his voice calm yet commanding. "Algernon Gremory. You've made quite the spectacle of yourself this past week. Power, audacity, and now a direct challenge to the authority of the Satans." He crossed his arms, his piercing gaze meeting Algernon's. "Do you truly understand the magnitude of what you're asking?"
Algernon smirked. "I understand perfectly, Lord Lucifer. I've trained, fought, and risen to this level not to be ignored, but to claim what I deserve. The Demon World needs leaders who earn their place, not those born into it."
The crowd murmured at his boldness, while Serafall clapped her hands excitedly. "Oh, he's feisty! I like him already. So, what's the plan, Algernon? You think you can beat all four of us?"
"I don't need to beat all of you." Algernon's voice was calm, but his words carried weight. "I only need to prove myself against one of you. Let me make this clear: If I win, I demand the right to form my own clan—the Azeroth Clan—and add it to the ranks of the 72 Pillars."
The crowd gasped at his audacity, and even Ajuka raised an eyebrow. "A new clan? That's a bold demand, considering the history and tradition of the Pillars."
Algernon's eyes burned with determination. "Tradition means nothing without strength to uphold it. I've earned my place through sweat and blood, not through the luck of birth."
Falbium Asmodeus, who had remained silent until now, let out a low chuckle. "Interesting. You think strength is all that matters? Let me tell you something, boy. Being a leader isn't just about fighting. It's about strategy, responsibility, and—most importantly—survival."
Algernon's smirk deepened. "Then why don't you show me, Falbium? Prove to me that I'm not worthy. Or are you too comfortable on your throne to face me yourself?"
The crowd gasped at the blatant provocation, and Serafall giggled. "Oh, he's poking the bear now."
Falbium sighed, rubbing the back of his neck lazily. "Fine. You want a fight? I'll humor you. But don't cry when you realize how outclassed you are."
Sirzechs raised a hand. "Falbium, are you sure? If he's truly ascended to Satan-Class, this won't be a simple fight."
Falbium shrugged, his casual demeanor unshaken. "A warm-up won't hurt. Besides, I'm curious to see if this boy's all bark and no bite."
The other Satans stepped back, giving the two combatants the stage. The tension in the arena was palpable, the air crackling with anticipation.
The gong rang, silencing the crowd as Algernon stood tall, his crimson eyes glowing with a steady intensity. Across the arena, Falbium Asmodeus stretched lazily, the orange hue of his Absolute Defense aura becoming more visible. His casual demeanor belied the overwhelming power radiating from him.
"So, you've climbed all the way to the Satan Class to face me," Falbium said, his voice carrying across the hushed arena. "Impressive. But let's see if you can actually make me move."
Algernon smirked, his own crimson aura of Power of Destruction flaring to life. "I didn't come here to just make you move, Falbium. I came to win."
The crowd erupted in cheers, but their excitement was short-lived as the two combatants charged toward each other.
Algernon opened with a wave of Power of Destruction, the crimson energy cascading toward Falbium in a violent torrent. The crowd gasped as the sheer magnitude of the attack seemed capable of obliterating the arena itself.
But Falbium didn't even flinch. The moment the energy reached him, it collided with the orange aura surrounding his body and simply dissipated, reduced to nothing.
"Nice try," Falbium said, his voice calm as ever. "But brute force alone won't get through my Absolute Defense."
Algernon narrowed his eyes. "We'll see about that."
He lunged forward, closing the distance in an instant. His fists, wrapped in the destructive crimson energy, struck Falbium's aura repeatedly, each blow creating shockwaves that reverberated through the arena. Yet, the aura held firm, blocking every attack effortlessly.
Falbium yawned, his casual tone almost mocking. "This is why I don't bother fighting anymore. It's just so tedious."
Deciding to change tactics, Algernon leapt into the air, creating a massive sphere of Power of Destruction in his hands. The energy pulsed and crackled as he poured more and more power into it, creating a devastating attack that would cover the entire arena.
"If your Absolute Defense blocks everything, let's see how it handles this!" Algernon roared as he hurled the sphere downward.
The crowd held their breath as the sphere collided with Falbium's aura, the explosion shaking the entire arena. Dust and debris filled the air, obscuring the battlefield.
When the dust settled, Falbium stood in the exact same spot, his aura completely intact. However, this time, he smirked.
"Interesting. You've got enough power to make me use this," Falbium said as his orange aura began to shift and intensify. The glow became more vibrant, and the air around him seemed to crackle with energy.
Falbium's aura suddenly inverted, condensing inward before exploding outward in a fiery orange blaze. "You should feel honored," he said, his tone now serious. "I haven't used this technique in centuries. Let me show you the Offensive Position of my Absolute Defense."
Algernon's eyes widened as he felt the shift in energy. The aura surrounding Falbium was no longer just a defense—it was absorbing the remnants of every attack Algernon had thrown at him.
"Let's see how well you can take your own power," Falbium said, extending his hand. A massive, condensed blast of combined demonic power and Power of Destruction energy erupted from his palm, heading straight for Algernon.
Algernon had no choice but to counter with everything he had. Channeling his own Power of Destruction, he created a barrier to absorb the impact. The collision of energies sent shockwaves across the arena, forcing the crowd to shield their eyes.
For a moment, it seemed as if Falbium's attack would overpower him, but Algernon gritted his teeth and pushed back with a roar. His barrier expanded, deflecting the blast and forcing Falbium to take a step back—his first movement in the entire fight.
The crowd gasped.
"He made Falbium move!" someone shouted.
Realizing this was his chance, Algernon didn't hesitate. He surged forward, pouring every ounce of his strength into a final strike. His Power of Destruction burned brighter than ever, the crimson energy enveloping his entire body.
Falbium, seeing the determination in Algernon's eyes, chuckled softly. "Alright, kid. Let's see what you've got."
Their final clash shook the very foundation of the arena. When the dust settled, Falbium was on one knee, his aura flickering. He let out a weary sigh, then smirked. "Congratulations. You've proven yourself."
Algernon stood tall, his chest heaving but his resolve unbroken. He turned to the Satans, his voice echoing across the arena.
"I've won. And as agreed, I demand the right to form the Azeroth Clan and add it to the ranks of the 72 Pillars."
Sirzechs nodded, a proud smile on his face. "You've earned it, Algernon. From this day forward, the Azeroth Clan shall stand among the great clans of the Demon World."
The crowd erupted into cheers, chanting his name. Algernon had done the impossible—not only defeating a Satan-Class opponent but also carving his name into the history of the Demon World.