Underworld – City of Lilith – Headquarters.
Generals and their lieutenants stood in formation, opening a path that led to four massive thrones, where three of the four Great Maous sat in command of the Underworld.
The lords of the noble houses and their heirs fell silent as the grand doors of the hall opened. Entering were none other than Maou Leviathan and Naruto Phoenix, the subject of heated rumors after saving several heirs. Though he had lost a large amount of supplies, the blow he had struck against the Fallen and Angels was heavier than anything accomplished in months.
Naruto's figure, walking behind Maou Leviathan, immediately drew the attention of those present. He wore no shirt, his chiseled physique exposed, streaked with blood.
Naruto noticed subtle nods of acknowledgment from some of the younger heirs and responded with a faint, calm smile.
The pillar lords observed him in silence, their expressions serious and scrutinizing.
Lord Phoenix exhaled softly at the sight of his son—it was a relief to know he was alive.
Beside him, Lord Gremory clenched his fists, as did Sirzechs, who scowled. Months on the main battlefield, and they had yet to gain recognition—while Naruto, relegated to the rear due to the "schemes of the elders," not only gained fame but had also faced Gabriel and Kokabiel, protecting heirs along the way.
Sirzechs snorted, his demonic side showing in his eyes.
Serafall gazed at her lover with admiration.
Ajuka moved subtly toward Naruto.
Falbium frowned, though he could not deny Naruto's triumph.
Zekram remained silent, scrutinizing the young Phoenix.
Ignoring the stares, Leviathan ascended the steps to her seat. Naruto, however, remained below, standing tall at the base of the staircase, looking up at the Maous without flinching.
Lucifer noted the young man's pride with interest.
Lucifer: "Why is he half-naked?" – he asked Leviathan casually, without turning to look at her.
Leviathan: "I just pulled him out of the battlefield and brought him here as you requested… not even ten minutes ago he was preparing to fight Gabriel and Kokabiel alongside reinforcements—Metatron, Uriel, Barakiel, and Penemue. There was no time to find him clothing, and it's not as if there was any available there." – she explained calmly.
The hall stirred in shock—those monsters had attacked the rear lines? And even more shocking, this young man had stood against them and survived.
Lucifer: "Astute… or an idiot." – he remarked coolly, for all to hear.
Naruto remained unfazed.
Leviathan: "Oh, he's anything but an idiot. Very intelligent, in fact. He knew the difference Gabriel made on the battlefield, so he used Kokabiel—pressured him, but not too much, ensuring Kokabiel kept Gabriel occupied while Naruto slaughtered Gabriel's forces. Then he struck Kokabiel again, preventing him from gaining the advantage. Kokabiel realized it, but could do nothing—either Naruto would kill him with a surprise attack, or Gabriel herself would. Truly, I was surprised."
Lucifer smirked faintly. That wasn't just cunning—that was a bastard who knew how to twist a situation to his favor.
Gasps filled the chamber.
Even Zekram was surprised. To pull that off in the middle of such a tense battle, with Gabriel involved—that was no small feat. That lunatic was powerful. Only the Maous could normally face her head-on.
Lucifer's eyes flickered.
Lucifer: "Why not run?" – he asked Naruto with genuine curiosity. Clever as he was, why not retreat when the odds were against him?
Naruto: "They wouldn't have allowed it. Kokabiel wanted to, but he knew we couldn't turn our backs on each other." – Naruto answered plainly. Lucifer nodded, as did the other Maous.
Lucifer: "I like you. You've got courage, and unlike many others who die pointlessly or cower in defense, you've delivered results. I, Lucifer, acknowledge you. Surviving Gabriel is no small feat, especially for someone so young."
The hall fell silent. Recognition from Lucifer himself was the highest honor, especially in wartime.
Then applause echoed, a rare moment of peace and recognition.
Sirzechs noticed it keenly. From today, Naruto's fame would only grow—if he didn't die. And though Sirzechs was his friend, he envied him deeply. He wanted what Naruto had.
Two hours later – Lucifer Castle – Rizevim's Office.
Naruto entered the office now dressed in formal clothes. Behind the desk, his friend was signing documents.
Naruto whistled.
Rizevim: "What are you doing here?" – he asked without looking up.
Naruto shrugged lazily.
Naruto: "Invitation from Lucifer, to make it clear I stand on his side and serve him. I'll stay the night here, and tomorrow I'll be deployed under Leviathan's supervision."
Rizevim nodded—he already knew, as well as the details of his "friend's" feats.
He pulled an envelope from his drawer and tossed it. Naruto caught it, closing the door behind him as he approached the desk.
Opening it, Naruto found documents: proof of his mother bribing generals, money transfers, threats, even kidnappings.
Rizevim: "She really is wicked." – he said, amused.
Naruto sighed.
Rizevim: "It wasn't the elders who pushed you to the rear, as they believe—it was her influence."
Naruto: "I suspected as much. But whether it's the rear or the front, it doesn't matter. This war affects us all."
Naruto: "More so when a certain filial son is selling weapons to the enemy." – he added casually.
Rizevim's head snapped up, then he smirked.
Rizevim: "You bastard… What do you want?" – half amused, half curious how his "friend" tracked him so well.
Naruto: "Nothing for now. I'm just tired of being in your house."
Rizevim raised an eyebrow.
Rizevim: "There are maids everywhere in this castle. Take one and fuck her." – he dismissed him with a wave.
Naruto shook his head.
Naruto: "I'm going for Leviathan."
Rizevim nearly choked.
Rizevim: "You're insane."
Naruto laughed. Soon both were laughing like madmen, their laughter echoing through the hall. Outside, startled maids ran away from the door.
Phoenix Territory – Phoenix Castle – Living Room.
Marianne Phoenix sat comfortably, sipping tea while a maid whispered in her ear. She smiled at the rumors of her lover and son's feats. With her campaigns aiding the wounded, their popularity soared, placing them at the peak of Underworld prestige, even amid the ongoing war.
A guard in armor entered, bowing.
Guard: "My lady, your order has been carried out."
Marianne nodded.
Marianne: "Your payment will be transferred within two hours. You may go."
He left as swiftly as he came. Marianne hummed softly. Ryu had been handled and the message sent—better her than her baby staining his hands. He had an image to maintain.
Marianne: "And Azula?" – she asked idly.
The maid bowed again. Marianne dismissed it. That bastard girl was busy with her own affairs. As long as she didn't harm her son, Marianne wouldn't interfere. Naruto liked her, which was why she hadn't been sold into slavery. Speaking of slaves… should she buy some? Or dismantle the market for prestige and influence?
A private legion, strong enough to deter any insult to the Phoenix family—that was tempting. Only Lucifer himself could crush such schemes. But the Lucifers supported them; she would only strike at threats. After all, the Lucifers weren't a power—they were the rulers of the Underworld.
She took another sip of tea.
Her maid watched silently with genuine admiration. Marianne was a complete woman—capable, wise, cunning, cruel. A role model of power and elegance.
Marianne: "What are you staring at, Hildegarde?" – she asked without turning, though she felt the gaze on her neck. If the maid weren't loyal, she'd already be dead.
Hildegarde: "Call me Hilda, my lady. I simply admire you." – she answered sincerely. Marianne smirked faintly.
Time passed. Naruto's actions were recognized by the Maous, who praised him publicly. This turned him into a demonic hero, inspiring the troops to fight harder, and motivating the new generation to aspire to his level.
It was a carefully crafted scheme by the Maous, with Naruto's approval. He would fight, but also serve as a beacon for their people as the war dragged on. Days became months, the soil fertilized by corpses, yet neither side retreated.
Main Battlefield.
Had he known the war would be this exhausting, Naruto would never have involved himself so deeply, nor become the "star" of the Underworld, always in the spotlight.
He cursed internally, drenched in sweat, chest heaving. He hadn't slept, eaten, or rested in seven days—just fighting, killing, surviving beside the Maous. Sirzechs's front had collapsed against Michael and his brothers, forcing the demons to retreat and leaving the Maous exposed. Elohim and Azazel pressed relentlessly.
Naruto: "Rizevim…" – he thought bitterly. That bastard could be useful, but right now his hands were tied defending the Underworld.
BOOOOMMM!
A body crashed beside him. Naruto glanced upward, unfazed.
Leviathan staggered, one knee hitting the ground. "Damn it…" She had reached her limit. They had lasted longer this time, but gained no ground.
Naruto clenched his teeth, unwilling to hear complaints.
Michael: "Surrender."
Michael and Metatron floated above, calm despite their own exhaustion. That child's strange fire had given them far more trouble than expected. Gabriel had been right—he was dangerous.
Naruto's fists tightened, his cold fury radiating heat that made Leviathan sweat.
The two Seraphim in the sky stiffened as a shadow loomed behind them. Their eyes widened at the sight of a colossal yellow sphere of burning energy forming.
Metatron: "W-What—"
Leviathan: "Get away!"
BOOOOOOOOMMMM!
The explosion engulfed the battlefield. Leviathan gritted her teeth, shielding herself, but felt the skin of her hand peeling away.
She opened her eyes to find golden, blazing eyes staring into hers—cold yet weary. A body pressed against hers.
Naruto: "Buagh…"
He spat blood, revealing a spear of light lodged in his back.
Leviathan: "Shit… We have to go. Lucifer and the others have abandoned the field—I can't sense them. Which means… shit…"
She raised her hand past Naruto, aiming at the approaching angels.
Leviathan: "Black: King!"
Darkness surged, swallowing everything—only to be dispelled by radiant light. Gabriel appeared above, snapping her fingers.
Gabriel: "Retreat."
The angelic forces withdrew, though their cold glares lingered. That pair had killed too many of their kin and still escaped.
Familiar Forest.
A magic circle flared in the dark woods. From it fell Naruto and Leviathan. Miscalculated, Leviathan struck her head against a rock, blood spilling.
Naruto, collapsing on top of her, was already unconscious.
Leviathan forced herself up, rubbing her head, scanning the area. She froze at the sight of a woman near a campfire, eating calmly.
Leviathan: "Who are y—"
Her vision faltered. She collapsed unconscious.
??? (Female voice): "Ara? What are demons doing in my territory?"
A clearly feminine silhouette approached, her form veiled by the night.
"Heheheh…"
TO BE CONTINUED.