---
[Koneko's Perspective]
Koneko sat on the edge of the estate's balcony, her small legs dangling over the edge as she watched the stars. She wasn't trying to spy on anyone tonight; she simply enjoyed the quiet. The night sky was her refuge—calm, distant, and far removed from the chaos of her past.
But then, she sensed him again. Ahmed Gremory.
His energy signature was distinct, chaotic but growing stronger with each passing day. It was hard to ignore. And while Koneko wasn't one to meddle in others' business, something about Ahmed intrigued her.
She had seen him training in the shadows, alone and determined. There was something familiar in his eyes—a burning resolve to overcome something unseen. It reminded her of her sister, Kuroka, before everything fell apart.
Koneko's fingers tightened slightly around the railing. She didn't know Ahmed well, but she could sense that he was different. He wasn't like most devils she had met—arrogant, power-hungry, and selfish. Ahmed seemed… kind, despite his overwhelming power.
> "But why does he train alone?"
Her golden eyes narrowed as she leaned forward. She didn't trust easily, but maybe, just maybe, Ahmed wasn't as bad as the others.
---
[Ahmed's Perspective]
Ahmed stood in the clearing, his breathing steady as he faced three devil beasts. Each one was larger and more ferocious than the last, their glowing eyes fixed on him with primal hunger.
> [System Alert!]
Wild Devil Beasts Encountered!
Level: 5
HP: 150/150 (Each)
Ahmed smirked, rolling his shoulders.
> "Three against one? Let's see what you've got."
The first beast lunged at him, its claws slashing through the air. Ahmed sidestepped, summoning a Minor Destruction Orb and launching it at close range. The orb detonated on impact, sending the beast flying into a nearby tree.
> [Damage Dealt: 70]
The second beast charged, its massive frame barreling toward him like a freight train. Ahmed focused, his system menu flashing before him.
> [Skill Activated: Dash]
With a burst of speed, Ahmed dodged the attack, appearing behind the beast in an instant. He summoned another orb, this time imbuing it with more energy.
> "Let's see if this works."
The orb detonated with a fiery blast, reducing the beast to ash.
> [Enemy Defeated!]
+100 XP Earned
The third beast hesitated, snarling but keeping its distance. Ahmed raised his hand, preparing for another attack.
---
[Rias's Perspective]
From the mansion's second-floor window, Rias Gremory watched her younger brother with a mixture of curiosity and concern. She had noticed his odd behavior over the past few weeks—disappearing late at night, returning exhausted but triumphant.
Tonight, she had decided to see for herself what he was up to.
Rias's crimson eyes widened as she watched Ahmed fight the devil beasts. His movements were calculated, his attacks precise. It wasn't just raw power; he was using strategy, something rare for someone so young.
> "When did he learn all of this?"
She leaned closer to the window, her heart pounding. Ahmed was growing stronger, faster than she had expected. But why? What drove him to train so hard in secret?
Her thoughts drifted to their older brother, Sirzechs. Was Ahmed trying to live up to the Lucifer name? Or was it something else entirely?
> "I need to talk to him," Rias thought, her resolve hardening. "I can't let him face this alone."
---
[Ahmed's Perspective]
The last beast fell, its massive frame collapsing into the dirt. Ahmed stood over it, panting heavily but triumphant.
> [Quest Complete: Prove Your Strength]
Rewards:
+300 XP
Intermediate Destruction Skill (Wave)
Beginner Spellbook
Ahmed's system menu flashed before him, and he opened the Skills tab.
> [New Skill Unlocked: Destruction Wave]
Type: Active
Cost: 50 MP
Description: Unleashes a concentrated wave of destruction energy in a straight line.
Ahmed grinned, his crimson eyes gleaming.
> "Finally, a skill with real power."
But his excitement was short-lived. From the corner of his eye, he noticed a faint glimmer of crimson hair near the mansion. His sister was watching him.
> "Rias…"
He sighed, wiping the sweat from his brow.
> "Guess I can't hide this forever."
---
[Rias's Perspective]
Rias stepped away from the window, her heart heavy with worry. Ahmed was hiding something, and she had a feeling it was more than just training. She needed answers.
---