Chapter 27 - Chapter 26: The Challenge and the Coiling Coil

🌑 The Gala's Aftermath

Moments after the last toast had echoed through the grand hall, the air in Lucien Lucifuge's estate seemed to shift. The music had softened, the laughter slowly receding, leaving behind a palpable tension. 

Conversations hummed with quiet tension, the chamber brimming with unspoken intent. As guests mingled, they weighed rivals and allies alike, each interaction a move in the game.

But it was not just the nobles that Lucien was concerned with.

A breeze swept in as the door creaked open, scented with twilight flowers and something older, an enchantment that clung to the air like memory. Sona Sitri entered with all the grace of a practiced tactician. Her indigo gown shimmered with sapphire undertones, and her gaze swept the room with the precision of a general scanning a battlefield. Her retainers followed, stepping with quiet discipline, her peerage close behind her, ready to follow any orders given.

"Lucien," she greeted him with a tone as crisp as winter, her eyes scanning the room with sharp calculation. "It seems the rumors of your rise were not exaggerated."

"They rarely are," Lucien replied smoothly, his smile carrying a note of humor as he inclined his head toward her in politeness.

Sona's lips quirked into the slightest of smiles. "Serafall spoke with our parents," she continued, lowering her voice just enough for him alone to hear, though a few nearby nobles leaned in, eager for the secret. "As the head of my household's next generation, I've decided to come and stay within your territory for a time. I wish to observe how you govern, manage your vassals, and… see what lessons might be of value to House Sitri's future."

Her words were like a match in the dark, striking a spark that set the room murmuring. 

The nobles nearby exchanged subtle glances, both curious and calculating. The Sitri Clan, historically known for its political acumen and pristine legacy, had just thrown down the gauntlet.

Lucien's brow arched in recognition. He could feel the weight of this move. "An insightful move," he said, his voice low, but not without a hint of challenge. "Kuoh will welcome you, Sona. Though know this…" His voice dropped, the challenge wrapping itself in velvet. "What you witness here will not be the old ways. I intend to reshape what it means to rule."

Sona's eyes gleamed with a sharp intelligence, a subtle challenge mirrored in her gaze. "That's precisely what makes it worth studying."

Their eyes met for a heartbeat longer, an unspoken tension hanging in the air. Then, with signature grace, Sona turned to mingle with the crowd, her peerage trailing behind in a perfectly disciplined formation.

🔥 The Phoenix Flame – Iolka's Challenge

The room's attention shifted again, and the tension thickened as House Phenex entered. A procession of crimson robes and flames adorned their banners, but it was not the Phenex family's usual figurehead that led them.

Instead, a woman stepped forward, her long fiery-orange hair cascading in controlled waves behind her. Her gown, a blend of crimson and midnight black, glowed with intricate flame-inscribed runes, each step a flicker of living fire that seemed to heat the air itself. Iolka Rivel Strachur, the stunning heiress of House Strachur, exuded regal power, her gaze sharp and commanding.

Lucien's breath caught in his throat.

"Iolka Rivel Strachur…" he murmured, his voice low as his thoughts raced.

Beside him, Rias's grip tightened on her wineglass, her eyes narrowing as she muttered, She looks exactly like the character from 'Pick Me Up Infinite Gacha' manhwa ?!"

Iolka moved through the ballroom like a blade cutting through silk, stopping in front of Lucien. Her gaze lingered on him, intense, as if she were judging his very soul.

"Lord Lucien Lucifuge," she greeted him, voice smooth yet carrying an underlying fire. "I come bearing greetings from House Strachur… and a personal challenge. Should you accept?"

A ripple ran through the gathered guests. Conversations faltered. Eyes narrowed, and for a moment, the air seemed to crackle with anticipation. Was this to be a duel? A test of wits? Or something deeper and more binding?

Lucien's lips curled into a slow, dangerous grin. He wasn't one to back down from a challenge.

"It would be my pleasure," he said, his voice steady but carrying a promise of things to come.

⚔️ The Duel of Proxy Champions – A Test of Strength

Iolka's challenge was clear: a duel of champions, with Lucien to select his chosen representative. The terms were simple, but significant; the right to propose a union would be decided not just by strength, but by trust.

Lucien thought for a moment. The choices were vast, but only one person truly embodied the warrior spirit of his house.

"Ghislaine," he said, his voice resolute.

The war-queen stepped forward, her military-style crimson dress billowing as she unsheathed her sword, the air crackling with the tension of impending battle. Her stance was perfect, a balance of confidence and readiness.

Iolka's champions, two phoenix knights, flaming warriors with a long history of battle, stood at the ready. The fight would be brutal.

The duel began, fire clashing against steel. Ghislaine's sword rang with every strike, cleaving through flame as she moved with deadly precision. In the end, she won but not without difficulty, showing the weight of Lucien's trust in her and her restraint.

The nobles, watching in stunned silence, began to murmur. Lucien had just proven something not just power, but leadership and loyalty.

🏰 The Unwanted Advances – Riser's Lackey

The tension in the ballroom was palpable, thickening in the moments following Lucien's duel victory and the fiery entrance of the Phenex clan. As the noble guests continued to mingle, a few attempted to wedge themselves into Lucien's circle, hoping to win favor or make deals. But it wasn't the negotiations that would soon steal the attention.

Across the ballroom, one of Riser Phenex's lackeys, a minor noble known for his questionable charm and his ties to devil purist factions, was sizing up Kuroka. She stood near the edge of the room, her tails were swishing lazily, her expression calm but with a glimmer of amusement as she observed the crowd.

The noble, emboldened by the open whispers and rumors of Kuroka's status as a former traitor, decided to make his move. With a confident smirk, he sidled up to her, offering a forced, insincere compliment.

"You know, with those eyes and that figure, I'm sure you could be something far greater than a mere servant. How about you come with me, and we—"

His words were cut short when Kuroka's ears flicked back, her eyes narrowing.

The noble was undeterred and took another step closer, his breath too warm for comfort. As he reached for her arm, Kuroka's lip curled, revealing the faintest hint of her fangs.

Before she could react, Lucien's voice rang out like thunder, silencing the noise of the ballroom in an instant.

"Step away from her now !"

The room stilled. The noble's hand froze in the air, and all eyes turned toward the Lucifuge heir, who had stepped forward with an icy calmness that threatened to freeze the very air.

⚔️ The Challenge – A Rating Game Issued

The noble hesitated, confused by the intensity in Lucien's voice. His gaze shifted from Lucien to Kuroka, who stood unmoved, her tail twitching as if amused. 

"Do you need a reminder of your place, or shall we make it a bit more official?" Lucien continued, his voice growing colder.

The noble, now realizing the gravity of his misstep, turned pale but still attempted to play the bravado of his rank. "What? You can't be serious. You think I'd be afraid of"

Lucien's smile was a dangerous thing. He turned his crimson gaze toward him, and the entire room seemed to hold its breath as a shadow pulse rippled through the air.

"If you dare lay another finger on my peerage members, I will show you the cost of disrespect. I challenge you to a Rating Game. I'll see how well your bloodline fares against me on the battlefield."

The noble's face drained of color as the weight of Lucien's words hit him. He was no match for the Lucifuge heir's power, especially not in a Rating Game. That, in some cases, was a matter of life and death in the Underworld.

Lucien turned to the other nobles, his voice laced with trained authority: "I'll leave it to you all to decide if this is the behavior we condone at such a gathering."

Serafall Leviathan, who had been watching with curious amusement, quickly spoke up, her voice light but with underlying seriousness: "What Lucien says goes. House Lucifuge is on the rise, and the last thing anyone wants is a stain on this event. A Rating Game will settle this. Let's see if your noble bloodline is as strong as you think."

The noble tried to stand tall but knew he was beaten. He nodded, humiliated, as the other guests murmured in approval.

"Then it's settled," Lucien declared, turning back to Kuroka, who smirked as if she'd just watched a particularly satisfying show. "Make sure he understands his place. I'll arrange the game's details."

🏆 The Battle Looms – Raising Stakes

Lucien stepped back, the ballroom resuming its usual hum. Guests exchanged looks, some in awed silence, others in subtle approval. 

His power had been on full display, not just in the Rating Game challenge but in the way he handled the situation. 

The lackey had been dealt with decisively, but the challenge itself brought more than just the promise of a duel.

The tension between houses had just escalated. 

House Phenex's influence was strong, and a public Rating Game would bring their conflict into the light.

 Lucien would now have to prepare for a battle that would test his mettle and his allies.

Just as quickly, the focus returned to the gathering as Lucien turned to his peerage.

"We prepare for this battle like any other. No half-measures."

 Poison in the Veins – A Plot Unraveled

Narberal and Grayroad quickly delivered unsettling news: one of the guests had been poisoned. The assassin's target had been clear: Lucien himself. 

The poison was magical, designed to affect only those with Maou-class bloodlines.

Lucien felt a chill run through him. 

He immediately reviewed the surveillance shadows with Kuroka and began to track the assassin's movements. 

They traced the plot back to House Varnoct, a lesser noble house with hidden ties to devil-purist factions. 

That sought to rid the Underworld of "impure" Maou-bloodlines like his.

With cold calculation, Lucien issued judgment: "Discredit them. Expose them. Make them vanish."

The assassin would be dealt with, and the incident would be swept under the rug, forever hidden from the world.

🧠 Makima and Magik – The Chessboard of Power

Later, Makima cornered Lucien briefly in a quiet corridor. Her eyes gleamed with silent hunger, studying him with the unhurried grace of something wild and watchful.

"I find power that builds with restraint far more dangerous than power that destroys recklessly," she said, her voice silky and unsettling. "That's why I'm still watching you."

Lucien held her gaze for a moment, his smile tight but controlled. "I'm glad you're intrigued," he said.

As she walked away, Lucien turned to Magik, who stood watching the interaction from afar.

Magik flicked a glance at him, eyes calculating. "Your rise is both impressive and inevitable. But will it break the system, or will the system break you?"

💥 Family and Tension – The Storm Approaches

Meanwhile, as the guests continued to gather and the nobles began to plot their futures, Tiamat arrived, a towering presence above them all.

Her blue robes, trimmed in gold and elaborate scales, sparkled as she descended from the sky, a regal force of nature among mortals. Her horns gleamed in the moonlight, and her presence made the very air charged with ancient magic. 

With a voice like a roaring flame, she declared her intentions to the room: "I've decided to move to my soon-to-be grandson-in-law's territory. And if anyone has a problem with that… I'll show you what happens when you mess with a dragon's family."

The devils around her stiffened. No one would dare challenge a dragon of her magnitude.

Lucien held her gaze, his respect for Velzaria's grandmother unmistakable in its quiet weight. She had chosen his side, and her presence would only strengthen his resolve.

🌀 The Watchers – A Brooding Fate

Later that evening, Lucien sat in his private study, the quiet hum of magic vibrating in the air. The Rating Game rules were sprawled out before him, his crimson eyes scanning over them with a focused intensity. The duel with Riser's lackey had escalated swiftly, but Lucien knew he had to approach it with caution. 

This wasn't just about winning; it was about changing the course of his future and the future of his family.

Suddenly, a soft knock interrupted his thoughts. Lucien looked up, expecting it to be one of his servants or perhaps a messenger, but instead, his father, Sirzechs Lucifer, entered the room.

Sirzechs had a knowing smile on his face, his crimson hair catching the candlelight as he stepped inside. His presence was both comforting and unnerving, like a towering mountain that both protected and tested everything that came close.

"I saw the challenge," Sirzechs said, his tone steady but with a hidden weight to it. "You've done well, son. But remember, in this world, nothing is ever truly settled."

Lucien's gaze remained firm, unwavering. He didn't flinch. Instead, he met his father's eyes and replied in kind, his voice low but filled with determination. "I know. But I intend to shape this world."

Sirzechs chuckled softly, but there was something more in the depth of his voice, a quiet pride, yet also a warning. "Good. Just don't forget… those who shape it often end up breaking it."

Lucien stayed silent, allowing the words to sink in, feeling the weight of what was to come. 

Sirzechs' gaze softened, and he stepped closer to his son, placing a hand on his shoulder."Two days," Sirzechs continued, his voice solemn but filled with authority. "The Rating Game will take place in two days. The full Underworld will be watching. Those who crave your downfall will be watching, looking for the slightest weakness. Those who are still on the fence, unsure whether to join your camp, will also be watching closely. Give it your all, my son."

Lucien stood tall, feeling the intensity of his father's words settle on him like a mantle he could not cast aside. His father's pride and concern were both evident, but so was his belief in Lucien's ability to succeed.

Sirzechs' eyes softened, and he added, his voice low with an undercurrent of emotion, "Your mother and I are both proud of you, Lucien. We've always been. The other three Maou and I share that pride, even if they won't say it aloud. But remember this: the price of power is steep. They'll watch you fall or rise, and those that wish to control you will always have their eyes on your next move."

Lucien took a deep breath, his pulse steadying. The weight of the Rating Game was no longer just about personal pride; it was about something much bigger now. His choice struck like a drumbeat in the dark, each action echoing through the veins of the Underworld. The stakes were higher than ever.

Sirzechs gave his son a final, knowing smile before turning to leave, his voice echoing softly in Lucien's ears: "Just don't burn yourself out too quickly, son. You remind me so much of your mother. But there's a balance you must find. Remember that."

Lucien watched his father leave the room, and the door clicked shut behind him. The room felt colder now, and his gaze turned back to the papers spread before him.

Moonlight poured through the windows like liquid silver, casting a pale glow as Lucien sank into his chair, the weight of unseen burdens pressing deep into his bones. He wasn't just preparing for a duel. He was preparing for the future, for the legacy he would leave behind.

As Lucien stared into the reflective surface of the enchanted glass in front of him, his mind wandered to the Rating Game. 

It wasn't just about showing his power, but making a statement to all who would listen. The Underworld was at a crossroads, and Lucien was standing at the very heart of it.

The time for the game had come. The players had been set in motion.

🌙 The Forces Align

In the distance, Ophis sat in her shadowed domain, watching the pieces move as if guided by unseen hands. Her twin voids flickered with dark intent.

"If the pieces are moving," Ophis spoke to the shadowed figure beside her, her voice low and deliberate. "We must observe. The boy may be the change this world requires."

Her cold gaze lingered for a moment before her focus shifted. Somewhere far below, Lucien was beginning his preparations for the final step in his journey. The game was more than a duel; it was a turning point, a pivotal moment in the history of the Underworld.

Meanwhile, far from the hidden gazes of dragons and gods, another voice echoed through the realms: that of Trigon. Through Raven's pendant, his deep, rumbling growl echoed with an edge of both threat and warning.

"This world is your proving ground," Trigon's voice rumbled, a growl that reverberated in Lucien's mind. "But I'll not see my daughter bound to a fading flame. Survive. Or be consumed."

Lucien shivered slightly as the weight of the words pressed in on him. He had always known that the cosmic forces had their eyes on him, but now, more than ever, he felt the weight of destiny pressing down on his shoulders. Would he survive? Or would the flames of ambition consume him?

🌙 The Calm Before the Storm - Rias's Worry

Lucien stood at the balcony, the distant horizon painted with the soft glow of the moon, the calmness of the night betraying the storm of thoughts swirling in his mind. He had not been alone for long before Rias joined him at the railing. The Gremory heir's presence was familiar and grounding, but the quiet between them only seemed to heighten the tension in the air.

They both looked out at the grounds below, their thoughts intertwining in the heavy silence that surrounded them. Eventually, Rias broke the quiet, her voice soft but laced with concern.

"What's your plan for the Rating Game?" she asked, her words barely above a whisper, as though testing the air between them.

Lucien glanced at her, the quiet of the moment making it feel like the world itself was holding its breath. He saw the worry in her crimson eyes, the quiet unease that lingered behind the question.

"You're worried about the peerage, aren't you?" Lucien replied, the understanding in his voice almost immediate. He had felt her hesitation. It was a valid concern.

Rias nodded, her gaze turning down toward the estate grounds, her fingers tightening around her wineglass.

"You've only got five members in your peerage," she said, her voice edged with worry. "Six if you include yourself. Meanwhile, Corvinus almost has a full team. That's a huge advantage."

Lucien looked at her, his expression thoughtful for a moment. He had considered the size disparity. It was one of the reasons he had trained relentlessly with his peerage, pushing them to refine their skills. The numbers were a clear disadvantage, but quality over quantity had always been his strategy. His mind raced through their abilities, their unique strengths. He wasn't outnumbered; he was strategic.

"I know. I've thought about it," he said, his tone calm but determined. "But we're not bound by the same rules as Corvinus. You've seen what my peerage can do. Ghislaine, Yue, Kuroka, Yamato, and Rangiku are stronger than most full peerages. I trust them more than any group of strangers."

Rias looked at him, a small frown tugging at her lips, but the reassurance in his words seemed to ease her a bit. She took a deep breath, her crimson eyes flicking back to the estate below.

"But it's still risky," she admitted. "A larger team means more options. It's harder for a smaller group to compensate for weaknesses in combat or strategy. You'll be facing more than just Corvinus. There's politics, too, and the fact that this challenge is about more than just winning, it's about sending a message."

Lucien didn't flinch. He had heard the worries, felt them, but he knew his path better than anyone else. His peerage has formed a tight-knit core bound by trust and loyalty, the very traits often lost in the sprawl of greater factions.

"I'm not here to play it safe," he said, his voice unwavering. "We'll have to play our hand differently, but we'll do it on our terms. The Rating Game is a tool. We use it to show strength, unity, and resolve. I will lead them into this Rating Game. I won't let us be defined by our numbers but by our strength. We're already at an advantage with what we can do when we work as one."

Rias studied him for a long moment, her concern still present but mingled with admiration.

"You never stop surprising me, Lucien," she said softly, her gaze softening as she placed a gentle hand on his arm. "Just... be careful. You're already dealing with so much. If you win this game, it'll open doors. But if you lose..." 

Her voice trailed off, but Lucien understood the weight of her words.

He looked down at her hand on his arm, feeling the warmth of her touch, then lifted his gaze to meet hers, the shared resolve between them unspoken but clear.

"I won't lose. Not now. Not when the world is finally within reach."

They stood in silence for a moment, side by side, feeling the weight of what was to come. Tomorrow was the beginning of something bigger. It wasn't just about the Rating Game. It was about carving their path in a world that had already tried to dictate their future