"...A strike, you say. That kind of strike?"
"There's only one kind of strike I know..."
Strike. In the human world, workers collectively refusing to provide labor to force through demands for improving or maintaining working conditions. Recognized as workers' basic right, and... something certainly inherited by underworld workplaces with solid protections like the human world.
Devils with rank were mainly management side, so it didn't really resonate. However, for the working side like lower-class devils and reincarnated devils, it would be an important right. Though the underworld wasn't exactly like the human world, while small ones might exist, strikes had never been openly conducted.
"Hahaha, I see... Me and probably other devils didn't view Rating Games with eyes of it being a workplace. I was a bit surprised."
"But it's not wrong, right?"
"...Yeah, that's right. Not wrong."
At Kanata's casual words, Mephisto's smile stiffened slightly. While having various things to say about Rating Games' background, when told "but it is a workplace, right?" he certainly couldn't deny it. There was such a perspective. Striking with a fastball as always.
Conducting a strike in Rating Games watched by all underworld devils. Moreover, by top players boasting Hollywood star-level popularity. Furthermore, with the Emperor praised as serious and sincere with full fan service taking the lead. That attention level, that topicality, would definitely shake the entire underworld.
"However, the content the Emperor appeals is proper as a worker. While underworld people will be surprised by a strike occurring in Rating Games, riots won't happen. Rather, with too much impact, I think they won't be able to move for a while."
"That would be so. Precisely because unprecedented, not knowing what they should do, they can't move carelessly."
"Yes, furthermore the Demon Lords won't move either. Rather, they can't move."
Demon Lords couldn't openly stop the Emperor's strike. After all, the opponent was just exercising labor rights boldly. Underworld leadership suppressing worker players raising the "legitimate reason" of appealing workplace improvement—that itself could cause underworld citizens to riot.
The danger of negative voices arising—what did it mean for Demon Lords supposed to protect citizens to ignore citizen appeals!? Above all, regarding Rating Games, Demon Lords were driven away by upper echelon hands. Even if upper echelon said something, being told "regarding games, we thought it was everyone in upper echelon's territory," they couldn't say anything back. If still condemning Demon Lords, just saying "then you'll let us intervene in games henceforth, right?" would suffice.
"However, Kana-kun. While the Emperor striking might be effective, their influence is still large, you know?"
"Huh? Lord Mephisto, it's a strike. It's meaningless unless done collectively."
"Collectively... Don't tell me Tannin-kun starting a drinking session..."
Laughing about involving the Emperor and Old Satan Faction, he himself got grandly involved in Kanata's idea. Rest in peace.
"For upper echelon to suck sweet nectar, naturally the more exploited sides the better. Game corruption is conducted among nobles, specifically high-ranked devils. In other words, even among nobles, those belonging to 'upstart' groups and reincarnated devils don't know this."
"...Making them allies, you mean."
"Of course, everyone is difficult. There'll be fence-sitters too. But once flags tilt this way, they must move. Because not moving despite corruption problems being appealed—wouldn't that mean being viewed with suspicious eyes from surroundings like 'didn't you actually commit corruption?'"
What Kanata recalled from Rating Game 'upstart' groups was naturally the Phoenix House. One house most rising through Rating Games. Climbing games utilizing 'immortality' characteristics, plus Phoenix Tears healing any wounds being used in games, a house greatly expanding influence.
They could obtain status, wealth, and honor through games—truly winners. However, what did the Old Satan Faction think of them? At minimum, they wouldn't have found it amusing. How could those valuing hierarchy not find upstart groups joining top ranks vexing?
Their ranking manipulation conducted likely included such pride aspects, not just pieces and dirty money.
"Lord Ajuka said upper echelon committed corruption. Meaning he possesses some evidence they committed corruption. Since this matter's origin is 'something Old Demon Lord Faction devised to entrap current government,' I think we can insert some of Lord Ajuka's evidence there without arousing suspicion."
"Ajuka-kun would certainly possess some."
"Yes, for that evidence, let's present some related to houses with strong influence and financial power even among Rating Game 'upstart' groups. Then which side those watching will become allies of—Emperor or upper echelon—is obvious."
"...Learning corruption occurred in games concerning themselves, both as nobles valuing appearances and emotionally, they can't leave it alone. They'll direct harsh eyes at management henceforth, and might gratefully back the Emperor for this matter."
Ranking manipulation wasn't necessarily conducted only in top ranks. Management side convenience like "that house has been cocky lately, let's lower their ranking" could determine things. Arranging matches favoring opponents, manipulating to prevent ranking increases—no one would approve current situations only benefiting Old Satan Faction.
As influential players agreed with the Emperor, fence-sitting players would also raise voices. Furthermore, citizens dumbfounded by unprecedented strike news and observing would gradually start voicing to follow the players' wave together. No matter how upper echelon tried stopping, it was immediately imaginable which way citizen feelings would tilt—toward the Emperor and others who were light, or them who were invisible darkness as management.
"Of course, presented evidence must be carefully selected. Otherwise riots will occur from nobles rather than citizens. I'm thinking of asking Lord Ajuka for this delicate balance."
"While an important point... you're casually assigning very nerve-wracking parts to Ajuka-kun."
"Ah, hahaha... Um, Lord Ajuka said before he'd provide support. So, I think maybe it's okay? Because Lord Ajuka is a super genius, incredibly smart Demon Lord!"
Mephisto silently directed his gaze to the adjacent magic circle. He hung his head enough to want apologizing—sorry Kana is an idiot child. He decided in his heart to have him bring super-premium wine too when returning the handkerchief next time.
"Um, so. Wishing Rating Game workplace improvement isn't just the Emperor. If one person won't do, gather player voices enough that Old Satan Faction can't suppress, making citizens allies. A collective strike led by the Emperor occurring right before year-end major events."
"...It'll get rough."
"Yes, initially everyone will be surprised, and there might be criticism about why this timing. ...But precisely because of this timing, I think the public will direct arrows at upper echelon to quickly settle the strike by accepting demands."
"Emperor Belial's Ten Matches."
"Yes, everyone wants to see it. While it might get messy after the strike, they absolutely can't cancel it. Because everyone looks forward to Rating Games. ...Going this far, I absolutely won't let them escape."
This strike would disadvantage the Emperor's side if prolonged. Citizen passion was often temporary. Agreeing with the Emperor's thinking and raising voices was genuine. However, if too much time passed, passion would gradually cool. Rather, possibilities existed of directing criticism here.
For citizens unrelated to games, Rating Games were ultimately just entertainment. Even if important problems for players, it had nothing to do with their actual lives. Therefore, continuing to cancel game entertainment remained a dangerous bridge for this side too.
However, now was year-end. Even if Old Satan Faction tried evasively escaping, the underworld's maximum approaching event would refuse that. If not lifting the strike, what all underworld devils looked forward to couldn't be seen. That itself would cause huge commotion.
Then, to avoid causing confusion, Demon Lords in positions maintaining order could naturally possess rights to act to somehow handle the strike. Since persuading Emperors and others not wrong as workers would only lower Demon Lords' centripetal force, Demon Lords would necessarily flow toward persuading upper echelon. No matter how upper echelon tried escaping, citizens and Demon Lords wouldn't let them. They'd eventually be dragged before Emperor and other players appealing the strike.
"Hmm, Kana-kun. While you could certainly direct toward improvement going that far, what about Cleria Belial? Becoming that adversarial with upper echelon, discussion would be difficult."
"Huh, Lord Mephisto. That's where the real thing starts. Everything until now is preparation stage for the real thing."
"...Huh?"
Wait, was preparation stage scale always this large? When Mephisto directed his gaze toward the Demon Lord listening nearby, he silently shook his head as if sharing Mephisto's mental voice.
"Lord Mephisto, the Old Satan Faction is mighty. Therefore, we absolutely mustn't let them hold reins. We should always hold them, or... have Demon Lords hold them."
"I agree on that. Showing weakness to those guys, they'd immediately bite."
"Yes, so requesting discussion from our side won't do. We make them request discussion from their side. Using this strike."
Strike execution would occur after Demon Lord and Great King Bael discussion began. Conduct Emperor-led strike in Agares, leading players and citizens through media. Then what would Demon Lords and Great King doing nearby meetings do?
"Upper echelon will be confused, unable to properly command. The Emperor dismisses their words too. At such time, Great King Bael, Old Satan Faction ringleader, happens to be right by the striking Emperor. Upper echelon will probably cry to Great King Bael. Nearby Demon Lords will also advise Great King Bael to quickly settle this situation. At Demon Lord and Great King Bael's appearance, the Emperor who'd 'lost himself slightly from anger and justice' regains calmness and agrees to discussion saying if going that far."
"...Right, Diehauser-kun also does acting work. I see, having Demon Lords and Great King request discussion in that situation."
"Because normally strikes don't happen. Meaning the Emperor's mental state is 'possessing that much anger, somewhat losing himself.'"
If this matter truly involved Old Demon Lord Faction, what actions would the Emperor originally take? The Emperor learning Cleria would be purged by upper echelon schemes, plus knowing some corruption evidence and piece information. While definitely not striking, possibilities existed of causing similar disturbance. Because the Emperor possessed internally passionate aspects.
That passion would be expressed as strike this time. The Emperor would purposely try continuing the strike with 'anger and justice,' but Great King Bael stopping by requesting discussion, Demon Lords holding reins as mediators to settle it, and Agares Archduke receiving complete collateral damage becoming everyone's buffer would proceed.
"From there is finally the real thing. Negotiation with Great King Bael begins."
"...Before the real thing, the underworld becomes outrageous though."
One Demon Lord was holding his head.
"I'll have Diehauser-san express anger toward upper echelon and straightforward emotions anyway. To the point of not permitting settlement through discussion. At that time, casually mention pieces and Cleria-san. Then with Old Satan Faction thinking—"
"...They'd try settling the Emperor's anger using Cleria Belial as opening. To avoid more damage to themselves."
"Yes, have them play the card about Cleria-san's purge from their side. In exchange for overlooking Cleria Belial, settle further anger. Then have Diehauser-san agonize tremendously over that through acting."
"Making Diehauser-kun use nerves quite casually too."
"When confirming earlier, he said 'I was resolved to yield the Emperor's seat. Somehow everything feels liberating now' while gulping alcohol."
"Hey, wait. Is the Emperor really okay?"
"I'm a bit worried too. Is drinking that much alcohol okay..."
No, not that meaning of okay! Mephisto desperately suppressed the retort reaching his throat. Ajuka also wanted drinking pick-me-up (alcohol).
At any rate, with such background, the Emperor's passionate aspects would be interpreted as skillfully exploited by agitators. Not us threatening the Great King, but having the Great King bring up Cleria's matter to mutually settle conflicts. That would reduce hate toward the Emperor, making known bothering him was troublesome. Partially pinning hate on Old Demon Lord Faction though complete false charges.
"Thus, the Emperor settles the strike in form of accepting upper echelon's deal for Cleria-san's sake. Demon Lords tell citizens about what Great King Bael and Emperor discussed, management apologizes showing some sincerity. Since games can't continue as-is, some purification will occur. Many players will watch harshly."
"Striking all at once here, upper echelon might take drastic measures too. Still, it becomes small opportunity to review Rating Games."
"For strike reasons too, announce broadly as 'excessive ranking manipulation by upper echelon,' appealing to make games clean. Just this much, Old Satan Faction will tentatively approve, receiving public criticism but not that much damage. At that level, settling conflicts with the Emperor becomes easier. ...Apparently things were done for houses too."
Actually, in the original Riser Phoenix deliberately lost two of ten Rating Games for consideration toward friendly houses. Regarding this matter, overly appealing upper echelon might direct arrows at themselves for some houses. Therefore, surrounding nobles wouldn't carelessly step in either. Evidence that demon game fairness was so low these were openly recognized.
Ending here, upper echelon would be settled at merely painfully experiencing upstart by underlooked players. And the Emperor could obtain compromise stopping Cleria's purge from upper echelon. Moreover, the Emperor only presented partial evidence, still holding several trump cards of "upper echelon corruption and wrongdoing." Knowing the Emperor's passionate aspects this time, upper echelon couldn't carelessly make moves.
"If 'corruption and wrongdoing involving money' is exposed, citizens will be furious. Thinking about being struck again, upper echelon might settle down somewhat."
"In a sense, those guys' problem was overdoing it. If just 'pieces,' they wouldn't be bombed that much."
"Thinking about it, it's simple. Without using piece-nitro, those guys already overdid it enough. Corruption, wrongdoing, dirty money, ranking manipulation. Already a grand slam."
In a sense, Kanata was pulled too much by original knowledge. Because he'd premised on the Emperor's method of using King Pieces to revenge the Old Satan Faction. However, remembering well, he'd noticed. This method was devised by Rizevim Livan Lucifer, evaluated as 'genius agitator.' As the Demon Lord said, something purposed at agitating citizens and confusing the underworld. For Rizevim, the Emperor's revenge was merely decoration adorning the stage.
"Honestly, my idea just made bullets from what those guys accumulated until now and grandly revealed them. By raising the Emperor hero confronting evil head-on as figurehead, focusing citizen arrows to one point."
Kanata's idea consolidated entirely on one point—creating negotiation material to save Cleria. Just slightly including Diehauser Belial's future too. Therefore, the strike itself would settle quickly, and Rating Games might become only slightly cleaner.
That meant not expecting purification effects like the original. Just cutting away part of upper echelon, making them wary of the Emperor, slightly restraining their selfishness. However, Kanata thought this opportunity would definitely not be wasted.
Sudden changes like the original were grand but sacrifices occurred accordingly. But from now, these ten years before. If even small, if a wedge called opportunity could be driven in. The Four Great Demon Lords might gradually open paths from here. By the Emperor and players genuinely wanting to enjoy games, perhaps gradually changing.
Kanata wanted to entrust such hopeful wishes to the underworld.
"This strike burdens Diehauser-san considerably, and other players too. Having Demon Lords move considerably, and confusing the underworld is fact. Still this is... the bullet negotiation card I thought up to avoid anyone being sacrificed, directed at the Old Satan Faction."
"Quite lavish..."
"Since it's the underworld's problem, the underworld's everyone should solve it, I think. As a human, I can't do anything, so it's a super-relying-on-others idea though."
"No, Kana-kun already sufficiently... broadened the underworld's possibilities."
Listening to Kanata's apologetic-sounding voice, Mephisto's eyes directed toward Ajuka Beelzebub thinking with serious gaze. Within him, various developments were probably spreading now. The Demon Lord who'd gotten distant-eyed at various points switched thinking, deploying massive magic circles, spreading information continuously gathered underwater.
Influence on each direction, breakthrough strategies to suppress that as much as possible, coordination to various types and places. Numerous evidence he could give the Emperor and follow-up timing. How to move respective personnel for each negotiation's success and failure cases. Capable personnel likely picked up from this opportunity. Phenomena greatly impacting political, economic, human worlds and all directions. Furthermore, adjusting intervention from other factions.
Without doing something this large-scale, settling more minimally by producing small sacrifices would be possible. Originally, taking that method would be normal. Still Ajuka's eyes showed no resignation. True, inviting confusion was certain. Success possibility wasn't necessarily high plans either.
However, those were... compensation devils must eventually pay. Ajuka exhaled deeply—deeply and grandly. Truly thinking up outrageous things. Without being dragged into despair-filled current situations, without anyone wanting to look away from demon darkness, he'd literally stirred things up from always humanly perspective.
"But this is the crucial moment as Demon Lord..."
The opportunity was obtained. Then just pulling in the desired future. Preparation had been done for hundreds of years already. Searching trustworthy people, continuously picking up talent unable to be appointed despite having abilities due to cunning old foxes' pressure. How swiftly responding to confusion countermeasures would be important.
Many concerns existed. When demon side confused, fallen angel camp living in same underworld might intervene. Brake adjustment necessary to prevent upper echelon and nobles from rampaging. Media-related regulations and confusion must be considered. Backing for Emperor and Cleria necessary. Really, too many things to do.
However, that's why the crucial moment.
At Ajuka's muttered words, Mephisto quietly nodded. For most ancient devils, even Four Great Demon Lords like Ajuka were childlike. While not intending to originally involve in underworld politics, cheering children's efforts was fine. The Association wouldn't move openly. However, suppressing human world influence or calling friends for follow-up support would be possible.
"...What does the Emperor intend henceforth? Even gathering comrades with strike, suddenly doing alone is disadvantageous. Just Tannin-kun would be difficult."
"Um, I'm thinking in my own way. While requesting Tannin-san individually too... I'm thinking first recruiting people the Emperor might persuade precisely because he learned 'piece' secrets."
"...I see. Certainly for them, King Piece information would be effective. After all, they're directly involved."
"Yes, if going well I think we can make them allies. But with Diehauser-san, we haven't properly discussed that yet..."
Mephisto perceived Kanata's considered concern. This depended entirely on the Emperor's emotions and resolve. Because if the Emperor couldn't forgive them, it was hopeless. Irreplaceable rivals who should have purely enjoyed Rating Games, mutually improving power and game content together. However, their abilities were through falsehood.
For the Emperor, their existence would be complex. What appeared in his expression learning facts was more sadness colors than anger or disappointment. Even Kanata seeing that expression felt hesitation about asking him. However, this was what the Emperor himself must overcome.
They'd eventually have to face each other. In fact, since they couldn't be obstructed by them in this strike, making them allies or promising non-interference was necessary. If successfully making them allies—they who were actually ordered corruption from upper echelon—cards beyond Ajuka's possessed evidence might possibly be obtained.
Emotions as champion, emotions as rival friends. Many other thoughts would be intersecting within him. What answer could the Emperor produce?
"...Three days later, there's coordination toward year-end grand match. Then, contact is possible with Roygun Belphegor-san serving as arbiter overseeing games, and Bedeze Abadon-san as special guest. Probably that time is first and last chance."
Precisely because games decorating the year, many top players were also involved somehow. As match commentators, as advisors—numerous devices entertaining underworld fans were implemented. Therefore, contact was certainly not difficult.
Now, here in Agares, many Rating Game players gathered. To fight the Emperor, to glamorize the Emperor's stage, to watch the Emperor's matches—truly many players came to Agares. Crystals gathering centered on the Emperor. By gathering those, dreams could be changed to reality.
Loading respective thoughts, demon gears started moving with small sounds.
***
Today's Magical Girl
"This is Japan."
"Is this your first time here, Princess?"
"Yes. Hearing from Kana, I'd always wanted to come!"
Immediately after getting approval for support from fully-wimpy Kanata, Lavinia obtained winter break from her guardian. Matching when Kanata went to meet the Emperor, she successfully set foot in Japan.
For Japan transfer, naturally she was helped by the duo called Milky Magician and Devil by Kanata. The Japanese land she visited first. What reflected in her eyes were massive magical girl figures and numerous giant posters filling house walls. Furthermore, Milky dolls flying through the sky with mysterious effects were spinning greetings.
So this is Japanese housing—Milky causing massive misunderstandings to foreigners about Japan.
"I think this was a character seen with Kana in anime. The same magical girl as me, right?"
"Ah, they're allies of justice carrying love, hope, and dreams. If Princess is interested, we'll welcome you as comrades like Kana-tan."
"Kana-tan?"
"A friendly name permitted only to comrades."
"Wow, sounds interesting!"
In places the person didn't know, Kana-tan's rumors (damage) kept spreading.
"Oh, if it isn't the Princess. I'd gotten contact from Kana-tan, but... so today was coming day."
"Magician-san, I'll be in your care. I hear you'll guide me to Kana's house. Plus to today's lodging..."
"Ah, I heard from President Feles. The house is small, but feel free to stay. Protecting children is natural... That's right, another comrade happens to be visiting. Since we're at it, Princess, won't you meet them?"
"Really? So lively."
At her Japanese friend's social relationships, Lavinia smiled warmly. Staying at Kuramoto House with friends away was indeed too presumptuous, so this time she'd decided staying at these colleagues from Gray Magicians.
While Kanata worried in Milky meaning, he'd requested if Lavinia had no problems. Incidentally, he'd seriously conveyed just this—because of sleepwalking habits, absolutely lock doors. Accidentally making acquaintances into criminals would be terrible.
However, Kanata forgot. Lavinia coming to Japan naturally meant coming via Milky them. And that an existence had been introduced to them as comrades. Not knowing such things, Lavinia followed the magician, stepping further into alien space depths.
A giant presence currently making daily advances on Touji Shidou's stomach in Kuoh Town. He had another frequently visited place. Deepening friendship with comrades who'd mutually recognized admired Milky and pledged improving together. That heart cherishing friends—exactly Milky.
And that was finally fulfilled.
"Nice to meet you nyo. I'm called Mil-tan nyo. As magical girl comrade together with Kana-tan, please treat me well nyo!"
"...Oh my."
Magical Girl (True) encountered Magical Girl (Broken). While completely overwhelmed by that transcendent presence, Lavinia timidly extended her hand similarly to the hand extended with pure gaze. The young ten-year-old girl learned this day the profundity of existences called 'magical girls.'
And Kana-tan getting cited as always.
***
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[10 Advanced Chs] [7 Chapters/week]