"Did you just call me weak?"
Gilgamesh didn't want to start a fight here, only to warn them enough to make them back off from Sona, and then he would leave it at that.
"Yes," said a voice, cutting through Gilgamesh's thoughts.
Gilgamesh's eyes widened momentarily before narrowing toward the source of the voice.
Turning in surprise, Gilgamesh discovered that Zekram Bael was the one who had spoken. The oldest demon was smiling pleasantly at the King of Heroes from where he was leaning back in his chair, his eyes wrinkled with joy.
"What did you call me?"
"I called you weak." Looking like nothing more than a kindly grandfather teasing his grandchildren, Zekram threw another insult at Gilgamesh, his lavender-colored eyes dancing with barely concealed glee: "Didn't you hear me, or are you a deaf human and also a weak boy?"
Gilgamesh wasn't the only one surprised by the First Great King's words. Most of the occupants of the hall turned to Zekram in shock, jaws dropped. Even Sona, who hadn't yielded an inch when mocked, cast a look of disbelief at Zekram with wide eyes.
A fury flashed in Gilgamesh's crimson eyes as an immense bloodlust surged within him, and the only thing stopping him from killing the demon was his self-control.
"Zekram Bael," called Sirzechs, drawing his attention to the Maou Lucifer. Even Sirzechs, who was skilled at hiding his emotions, had a hint of fear in his eyes.
"Have you forgotten who you're talking to? I'm certain that with the reputation Gilgamesh has, he is anything but weak," said Sirzechs calmly.
"With all due respect, my Lord Lucifer," Zekram nodded pleasantly to Sirzechs, "I haven't seen anything. All we know is his reputation, but we've never witnessed his power to confirm if it's true," said Zekram with a pleasant smile on his face.
"Then what would it take to convince you of his power?" asked Sirzechs with amusement. "Do you wish to fight him?"
"Oh, no, no. An old man like me would be no challenge. With these old bones, I can barely walk anymore, let alone fight," the hidden ruler of the Underworld lied through his teeth while laughing at the suggestion. "No, what we need is for him to fight in public so there's no doubt about his skill. Perhaps against a younger opponent, one closer to his age."
Then Zekram Bael deliberately turned his eyes to the middle of the hall, where a hundred or more young demons were lined up, with their peerages right behind them.
The competitors of the Young Devils' Gathering.
"If I'm not mistaken, you're seventeen, the right age to participate," said the First Great King. "So, will you fight or run?"
But before Gilgamesh could respond,
"What nonsense," said a voice, breaking everyone's focus.
When all turned their attention, they saw Achilles standing calmly beside Gilgamesh, leaning on his shoulder.
"What do you mean?" asked Zekram, slightly narrowing his eyes.
"What I mean is, why should our leader have to prove himself to a decrepit old man who thinks he's above everyone else? You can't even pose a threat, just like these young demons," said Achilles calmly.
It was astonishing how the hall fell into a profound silence.
Neither Sirzechs nor Zekram could speak due to their surprise.
After all, Achilles had insulted the Great King of the Underworld as if it were nothing.
"What do you have in mind, Achilles?" asked Gilgamesh calmly with a small smile, making everyone turn their attention to them.
"It's simple, leader. You don't need to participate in such a farce. The rest of us can handle any demon peerage, and that would prove our power," said Achilles calmly.
Gilgamesh smiled at the shocked looks of everyone. "Well, that's a good idea. So, how about it, Zekram? If my group fights, there shouldn't be any objections, right?" asked Gilgamesh with a mischievous smile.
Even with his fury burning, Zekram gave a gentle smile. "Yes, I agree," said the demon before turning to the young demons. "But I believe only a strong peerage can challenge your group. So, how about before that battle, we see some young demons fighting, like the Gremory and Astaroth heirs?" The moment Zekram spoke, the eyes of the two mentioned widened.
Sirzechs and Ajuka turned furious gazes toward the older demon. "What do you mean?" asked Sirzechs.
"Well, both are sisters of the Maous, so they would be worthy opponents, and it would also show a bit of the new generation's power," said Zekram, smiling pleasantly.
Sirzechs gritted his teeth before agreeing. "Very well, Rias and Rin, do you accept to face each other?" asked Sirzechs.
The two looked at each other before nodding.
"Very well, the winner will face the King of Heroes' faction," said Zekram calmly.
"The competition date will be August 20 in the human world. You can make use of your time until then as you wish. Details will be provided later," said Sirzechs calmly while giving Zekram a look.
"But even so, we won't get to see the power of the King of Heroes, what a shame," said Zekram with feigned disappointment.
"Actually, I have an idea," said Sirzechs, drawing everyone's attention. "One of the young demons wouldn't be able to offer a good fight for him, so I think, as he's also the leader of a faction, he should face an opponent of his caliber."
"What do you mean, Sirzechs?" asked Ajuka at his side.
"What I mean is that I will fight him," said Sirzechs for all to hear.
A profound silence fell over the hall, so quiet you could hear a pin drop.
Gilgamesh narrowed his eyes at Sirzechs. The Crimson Demon King seemed to have forgotten what happened at their last encounter.
"What are you planning, Sirzechs?" Gilgamesh wondered mentally.
"So, what do you think, Gilgamesh?" asked Sirzechs with a slight smile on his face.
Gilgamesh narrowed his eyes before smiling. "Very well, Sirzechs, I agree, but don't regret it later," said Gilgamesh, smiling.
The Crimson Demon King had challenged the King of Heroes to a battle.
And in a fight between a hero and a demon, only one could emerge victorious.