[System Notification]
New Quest Available: "Journey to the Underworld"
• Objective: Travel to the Underworld with Rias Gremory.
• Bonus Objective: Gain recognition from a high-ranking devil.
• Rewards: 750 XP, Unique Skill Unlock, Reputation Increase.
Gremory Mansion – Night Before Departure
The moon hung high over the vast estate, casting a silver glow over the Gremory Mansion. Naruto stood on the balcony of his guest room, arms crossed, as the weight of tomorrow's journey settled in his mind.
"The Underworld, huh?"
A place of pure devils, ruled by powerful factions, noble families, and ancient monsters. Unlike Kuoh Academy, where supernatural beings hid in plain sight, the Underworld was the real game.
Akeno's voice echoed in his mind: "Magic isn't just about power, Naruto-kun—it's about control."
He clenched his fists. He had barely scratched the surface of Destruction Magic, and while he had talent, raw power wouldn't be enough against high-class devils and their schemes.
A small ding from his System interrupted his thoughts.
[Stat Update]
Level: 3 (Progress: 650/900 XP)
• Strength: 18
• Dexterity: 16
• Intelligence: 12
• Charisma: 22
• Magic: 10 (+3 from training)
"Not bad. But I still need more."
His thoughts were interrupted when a soft knock came from the door.
"Naruto?"
It was Rias.
He turned to find the red-haired devil standing there, wearing a casual silk nightgown that left little to the imagination.
Naruto arched a brow. "Damn, princess, did you get lost on the way to your room?"
Rias smirked but didn't rise to the bait. Instead, she stepped onto the balcony beside him. "You don't seem nervous about tomorrow."
He shrugged. "Should I be?"
She studied him. "The Underworld isn't like Kuoh. You'll be surrounded by people who think they're superior just because of their bloodline."
Naruto chuckled. "So, snobs with sticks up their asses?"
Rias sighed but smiled. "Something like that."
There was a brief silence before she continued. "You don't have to prove anything to them, Naruto."
He turned to face her fully. "But I do have to prove something to myself."
His crimson eyes burned with determination.
"I didn't come here to be just another noble devil," he said. "If I'm going to make a name for myself, I'm going to do it on my terms."
Rias studied him for a moment before nodding. "Then I'll be watching."
She turned to leave, but before she did, she shot him a teasing glance.
"And if you impress me, maybe I'll reward you~"
With a flick of her hair, she disappeared down the hallway, leaving Naruto grinning to himself.
"Yeah. This life is gonna be fun."
Scene Change – The Underworld
The portal shimmered as Naruto stepped through, and in an instant, he was no longer on Earth.
The Underworld stretched out before him, a land of vast blackened skies, floating castles, and crimson rivers. The very air pulsed with demonic energy, raw and untamed.
"This is the Underworld?" Naruto muttered. "Kinda expected more lava and screaming souls."
Kiba chuckled beside him. "That's just the bad parts."
Rias led the group forward, her presence commanding respect from the guards and nobles watching them.
Naruto, however, felt the stares. Some curious, some disdainful. He could practically hear their thoughts.
"A Bael reject?"
"Why is he with Lady Rias?"
"Tch, another commoner pretending to be important."
His smirk widened.
"They're gonna eat those words soon."
Gremory Castle – Meeting the Greats
Rias led them into a grand throne room, where two high-ranking devils awaited them.
One was Sirzechs Lucifer, Rias's older brother and the current leader of the Underworld. His crimson hair and piercing blue eyes held warmth, but his presence was undeniably powerful.
Beside him stood a woman who radiated chaos and excitement.
Serafall Leviathan.
Dressed in a frilly magical girl outfit, her childish appearance hid her status as one of the Four Satan Lords. But Naruto's instincts screamed—she was dangerous.
Rias greeted them formally. "Onii-sama. Lady Serafall."
Sirzechs smiled. "Welcome home, Rias." His eyes then drifted to Naruto. "And you must be the infamous Naruto Bael."
Naruto met his gaze evenly. "Infamous already? Damn, I'm popular."
Serafall zipped forward at impossible speed, suddenly inches from Naruto's face.
"Kyaaa! So you're the mysterious Bael reject!" she chirped. "You don't feel weak, though~ What's your secret?~"
Naruto smirked. "Good genetics?"
Serafall giggled, her eyes glinting. "Ooooh, I like you! You're fun!"
Sirzechs chuckled. "You have quite the presence, Naruto."
But before Naruto could respond, another voice interrupted.
"Presence means nothing without power."
The temperature in the room dropped as a tall, regal man stepped forward.
Zekram Bael.
The head of the Bael Clan. The man who had deemed Naruto worthless in his past life.
His cold, unforgiving gaze locked onto Naruto. "You are an anomaly, nothing more."
The tension skyrocketed.
Naruto grinned. "An anomaly? That's a new one."
Zekram's eyes narrowed. "Your mere existence is an insult to the Bael name. If you think you can walk into the Underworld and claim power, you are gravely mistaken."
Rias's fists clenched. "Zekram—"
Naruto raised a hand, cutting her off. His smirk never faded.
"If that's how you feel, old man, then why don't we make things interesting?"
Zekram's eyes darkened. "And what do you propose?"
Naruto cracked his knuckles.
"A fight. Right here, right now."
The entire room froze.
Sirzechs's eyes gleamed with amusement. "Oh? Now this is getting interesting."
Zekram scoffed. "You are unworthy of my time."
"Afraid you'll lose?" Naruto taunted.
A ripple of shock went through the nobles watching. No one spoke to Zekram Bael like that.
Zekram's killing intent filled the room.
"Very well," he said darkly. "I will teach you your place."
[System Notification]
New Challenge: "Battle Against Zekram Bael"
• Objective: Survive 3 minutes against Zekram Bael.
• Bonus: Land a single hit.
• Rewards: 1,000 XP, Special Skill Unlock.
Naruto grinned, excitement surging through him.
"Time to shake things up in the Underworld."
To Be Continued…