Demon King's Territory – The Demon King's Palace…
Kazuki and Rias stood in the grand [Promotion Chamber], a vast hall reminiscent of an ancient temple. At its center, atop a raised platform, sat an ornate altar where the Four Great Satans awaited them in full regalia.
As they ascended the steps, Sirzechs Lucifer gave a solemn nod before declaring in a voice that resonated through the chamber:
"We now commence the [Promotion Ceremony]."
Kazuki stepped onto the altar, accepting a certificate of recognition from Sirzechs before kneeling before Rias. With graceful hands, she placed the crown of kingship upon his head—the symbol of a true [King].
"Now, touch the monolith," she instructed softly.
The moment his fingers brushed the obsidian stone, it flared crimson, pulsing with his demonic energy. This "Evil Piece Monolith"—forged from the same material as the [Evil Pieces] themselves—would now forever bear his magical signature, marking his official ascension.
"Congratulations, Kazuki," Sirzechs said warmly, clapping his shoulder.
"You are now a High-Class Devil Noble with the rank of [Baronet], and the founding head of the Fuwa Clan. We expect great things from you."
The Hierarchy of Devils by Sirzechs:
1. Demon King (Supreme Ruler)
2. Archduke / Archduchess (Exclusive to Bael&Agares Houses)
3. Duke (Gremory&Sitri Houses hold this rank)
4. Marquess (Phoenix House, due to their immense wealth)
5. Earl
6. Viscount
7. Baron
8. Baronet (Kazuki's current rank—non-hereditary)
'If I don't raise my rank to Baron or higher, my future children won't inherit my status…'
Kazuki Fuwa's next goal was clear.
"And this… is for you."
Ajuka Beelzebub handed him a small ebony box. Inside, fifteen crimson Evil Pieces glimmered—the tools to forge his own peerage.
'Who will become my servants…?'
Excitement thrummed in his chest as he imagined the warriors who would stand beside him.
But just as the ceremony concluded—
"Now, there's something you both need to know…"
Sirzechs' tone darkened, shattering the celebratory mood.
The Ban…
"W-WHAT!? BANNED FROM THE GAME!?"
Three days before the Rating Game against the Sitri peerage, Rias dropped the bombshell during their strategy meeting. Issei's outburst echoed the shock rippling through the room.
"Indeed," Rias sighed.
"The argument was that 'this match is meant to evaluate young talents.' Now that Kazuki has been promoted to High-Class Devil, allowing him to participate would compromise fairness."
'Because having two Kings in a rookie rating game is overkill…'
Kazuki clenched his fists. "Damn… My demonstration at the party backfired. Sorry, everyone."
A wave of unease spread through the group.
'Without Senpai… Can we really win?'
But then—
"It's fine!" Issei slammed his hands on the table, standing abruptly.
"We trained our asses off for this exact reason, didn't we!? To prove we're not just relying on Senpai! This is our chance to show the whole Underworld—we're strong enough to stand on our own!"
Silence took over after Issei's speech.
Then—
"Hell yeah!" Xenovia grinned, slamming her fist into her palm.
"I-I'll do my best too!" Asia stammered, eyes burning with determination.
"Fufufu~ My, my, Issei-kun~ You've grown so reliable~" Akeno purred, fanning herself.
"Nya-ha~ Red Dragon Emperor's all fired up~!!" Kuroka teased, tail flicking playfully.
Even Shirone, silent as ever, shadowboxed fiercely, her tiny fists a blur.
Rias' lips curled into a predatory smirk.
"Well said, Issei! My peerage isn't just about Kazuki—it's about ALL of you! Let's crush the Sitri team and show the world our true strength!"
"YES, PRESIDENT!!!"
Hearing that Kazuki couldn't participate had initially filled them with anxiety, but now, not a single one of them felt uneasy. On the contrary, each of them burned with unwavering determination.
At this moment, their hearts had become one—united under the absolute conviction that they would claim victory…
"I can't help but feel guilty about this whole situation with Rias and Kazuki…"
Sirzechs sighed under his breath, but Azazel cut in with brutal honesty.
"Kazuki's skills are certified bullshit. Letting him compete would turn this into a one-sided battle. Where's the fun in that for the audience?"
"True…" Serafall pouted, frustration lacing her voice.
"As much as it pisses me off, none of Sona's peerage stands a chance against Kazu-kun. And if a single overpowered servant decides the entire game? That goes against the whole point of testing the next generation's strength."
"Um, couldn't you have just banned him from using his Guyver form?" Gabriel suggested innocently.
"That guy's a monster even without it," Azazel snorted.
"Picture this: him dismantling opponents one by one with the Fuwa Enmei-ryu. Bare-handed, he's a goddamn technique-based martial artist. In Guyver mode? Sheer, raw power. Fucking cheat code is what he is."
Gabriel and Serafall exchanged glances. Even without Kazuki, the match would be stacked—Rias's peerage boasted the Red Dragon Emperor Issei, the Holy-Demonic Swordswordswoman Yumi, and Xenovia, wielder of Durandal. Sona's team was already at a disadvantage.
"Hmm… A shame," Michael mused. "I'd have loved to witness this 'Guyver's' power firsthand. But forcing a freshly promoted devil like Kazuki to scramble for his own peerage? Harsh, even for us."
Just then—
"Tch. So this 'Guyver' brat ain't fighting? One less thing to look forward to."
The door slammed open, and the gathered leaders nearly jumped out of their skins.
Standing there was Odin—the Allfather of Norse mythology, a true god unlike their own faction's fallen deities. Behind him stood his ever-loyal, lethally beautiful Valkyrie escort.
"Well, well. Long time no see, you northern fossil," Azazel sneered, recovering fast.
"Hmph. Peace treaties fresh as morning dew, yet here you brats are, cozy as thieves," Odin shot back, his single eye glinting with amusement.
"Ha! Unlike you backwater relics, we're adaptable."
"Adaptable? Pah! To me, you're just a pack of unruly brats who lost your gods and devils, scrambling to play king. Took you how many millennia to stop trying to wipe each other out?"
"That fucking—!" Azazel's eye twitched, but Sirzechs smoothly intervened.
"It's been a while, Odin, the chief god of the Norse Pantheon. Please, join us."
The old god grunted, taking a seat. "Heard your little sister and Serafall's are duking it out. Typical devils—always stirring shit up."
Sirzechs merely smiled. "Then watch closely. They'll prove the future of devils is brighter than ever."
For the first time, Odin's eye gleamed—not with mockery, but interest.
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