The next day, Issei and the others departed for the Maou Territory, where a gathering of young devils was scheduled to take place.
This annual gathering was essentially a formal introduction between the young devils—those turning eighteen this year and officially recognized as adults—and the higher-ups of the Underworld, including the Demon Lords themselves. A tradition that carried both prestige and pressure.
Upon arriving at the venue, one of the grandest buildings within the Maou Territory, they found that many groups similar to their own had already arrived.
"Sairaorg!"
Rias suddenly called out, having spotted someone familiar. The man who approached was striking—short black hair, fierce violet eyes, and the kind of muscular frame that looked like it belonged in a wrestling ring. He had that raw, primal aura… and there was something about him that echoed Sirzechs's presence.
"It's been a while, Rias."
He was Sairaorg Bael—the next head of the prestigious Bael Clan, second only to the Demon King in influence. And Rias's cousin.
As the two began to exchange greetings, the ground trembled with a deep, thunderous BOOM that made the entire structure shake. Before anyone could ask what happened, both Rias and Sairaorg dashed off toward the disturbance. Naturally, Issei and the rest of the group followed.
What awaited them ahead was the wreckage of a massive audience chamber. In the center of the chaos stood a stunning young woman with icy eyes behind her glasses—Seekvaira Agares—locked in a heated argument with a thug-like guy who oozed vulgarity—Zephyrdor Glashaboras.
Sairaorg stepped in to de-escalate, but Zephyrdor barked back at him like a rabid dog.
'Big mistake.'
Sairaorg didn't waste time. With a single, blinding punch, he sent the punk crashing into a wall like a ragdoll. The dude collapsed, totally out cold. His subordinates looked ready to throw hands, but Sairaorg's sheer pressure made them drag their unconscious master out in silence.
'D-damn… That punch… It was on par with Senpai's Tiger Cannon! If they fought, who would win!?'
That was the moment Sairaorg Bael etched his name into Issei's chest—a wall to surpass, an enemy worth challenging.
Once the damaged hall was restored by the staff, the introductions resumed. Among the familiar faces, even Saji and the Sitri peerage were present, which helped ease the tension.
Eventually, the Gremory peerage was summoned to the main venue, led by Rias at the front.
The hall resembled a grand lecture theatre, terraced so that the upper ranks could literally look down on those below. Elder devils, young nobles, aristocrats—many powerful figures filled the upper seats.
At the topmost tier sat Sirzechs and Serafall, flanked by two other men, most likely the Demon Lords Beelzebub and Asmodeus.
The Gremory group lined up in order. Behind Rias stood Akeno, then Asia, Koneko, Yumi, and Xenovia. Then Issei and Kazuki lined up at the back.
And then, the roll call of the "Rookie Devils" began:
Sairaorg Bael
Seekvaira Agares
Rias Gremory
Sona Sitri
Diodora Astaroth
Zephyrdor Glashaboras
These six rising stars of the Underworld had gathered in one place. And with that, the meeting officially began.
The atmosphere was suffocating.
From the top seats, the gazes of the devils bore down with condescension, mockery hidden just barely behind polite expressions. It was clear—they saw the rookies not as hope for the future, but as children playing games in a world too cruel for innocence.
Discussions began about upcoming Rating Games, the threat of the Khaos Brigade, and all sorts of complicated politics that mostly went over Issei's head.
Eventually, they were asked to share their goals.
Sairaorg spoke of his ambition to become a Demon King.
Rias declared her intent to dominate the Rating Games.
And finally, Sona took the floor—her goal was to establish a school in the Underworld. One that didn't discriminate between nobility and the low-born. A place where even lower-class devils and reincarnated ones could receive equal education.
Laughter erupted from the top seats.
Not joyful laughter—derisive laughter. Scornful. Cruel.
'Saji and I couldn't understand? Hadn't they been asked to share their dreams? Why laugh when someone actually dared to dream something meaningful?' Issei thought.
Saji, unable to restrain himself, bit back at the high-ranking devils. But instead of being acknowledged, Sona was scolded for failing to control her "ill-mannered servant."
'It was bullshit.'
Issei could feel the blood boiling in his veins. He wanted to lash out. But before he could, a firm grip landed on his shoulder from behind.
"Hold it in, Issei. If you lose it here, it's Rias who'll take the fall."
Kazuki's whisper was quiet but sharp.
"Damn it, Senpai! Aren't you pissed off too!?"
"Of course I am. But if Rias and, more importantly, Sona, are holding back, what right do we as their servants have to explode? Think, idiot."
"Ghh…!"
'Senpai is right. As much as it hurt, losing control would only burden our masters!' Just as Issei bit his lip in frustration, Serafall Leviathan snapped.
Her aura surged like a storm.
Even the high-ranking devils didn't dare challenge a Demon Lord's fury. Their smug expressions stiffened.
Serafall argued that if Sona could win in the game, she had the right to make her dream a reality.
Sirzechs then suggested a game between Rias and Sona. Both sides accepted, and so it was decided, albeit unofficially…
Once the meeting ended, the group split up—some left immediately, while others lingered in the lobby to chat. Rias stayed behind, deep in conversation with Sairaorg and the others.
After a while, Kazuki excused himself to the restroom. Finishing up, he stepped out into the hallway—only to find a lone girl standing there, lost in thought.
"What's wrong, President?"
Kazuki called out to her—Sona Sitri.
"Huh? …Oh, Fuwa-kun…"
Sona offered a weak smile. He moved beside her, leaning against the wall.
"You did great today. That was rough."
"…Thanks. But I guess this is just how 'distinguished elders' are, no matter the world."
"Guess old farts are universal, huh…?"
"(Giggle) …You can't just say that." Sona let out a soft laugh, amused despite herself.
"…Why do people like them have to mock others' dreams like that?"
Her murmur was quiet, almost vulnerable.
"You were amazing, President! No matter how much they laughed, you never backed down. Well, in the end, Serafall-nee flipped the table for you, but still."
"Nee-san, really…!"
Sona pressed a hand to her forehead, chuckling wryly—yet there was a faint warmth in her expression.
"President, I'm not your servant, and I'm not some rival upstart devil either. So if you ever need to vent or let your guard down… I'll listen. Just as your fellow student at Kuoh Academy."
"Fuwa-kun…"
"You did a great job at today's meeting. You looked great."
Without thinking, Kazuki reached out, gently stroking her hair. Her eyes shimmered suddenly, tears welling up.
"I see. So this is how you seduced Rias, too… You're a dangerous man!!"
"…That's a hell of a way to put it."
"But… just for now… let me indulge a little… (Sniff) …It's just… so frustrating…"
Sona buried her face against his chest, her voice trembling. Wrapping an arm around her slender back, he held her close, softly patting her until her quiet sobs subsided.
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