[Isaiah's POV]
"So" Rias set down her teacup. The clink against the saucer, getting our attention to her "In a few hours, you'll have your own Evil Pieces"
"How does it feel?" She smiled in amusement, leaning on her hand.
Akeno's chopsticks paused halfway to her mouth. Koneko stopped chewing, golden eyes flicking toward me with rare attention. Asia leaned forward slightly, hands folded in her lap, green eyes wide with that innocent curiosity she always had.
Nobody spoke. They were waiting for me to respond.
I picked up my coffee cup, the heat flowing through porcelain into my palms. Gave myself a second to organize the thoughts bouncing in my head.
"Excited?" I said finally "I can now challenge Lady Belphegor and other powerful individuals in Rating Games. It has opened lots of doors of opportunities for me. Have my own trusted individuals whom I can call family, like Buchou"
Rias's expression shifted. Something softer crept into those eyes.
"Ara~, Most devils your age don't think past the power, Isaiah kun" Akeno said. Her voice still had that musical quality, but the teasing edge wasn't there "Most of the devils thinks having a peerage means status. Pieces to command. Tools for combat"
"While I do think they are pieces to command, I won't go as far to consider them as tools. I am not following the footsteps of entitled high class devils"
The words came out harsher than I'd meant. But I didn't take them back.
Silence dropped over the table like a heavy blanket.
Then Rias smiled—genuine warmth that transformed her whole face.
She raised her teacup in a small salute. "You're going to be a good King, Isaiah. I have absolute trust in you"
"Ara ara~" Akeno's tone shifted back to playful "Such noble thoughts. But I'm curious..." Her violet eyes gleamed with mischief that made my pulse kick up a notch "Who gets the first piece? Your Queen, perhaps? Someone special to stand at your side?"
"I haven't thought that far," I replied "The right people will show up when they show up. So, I'll leave it for fate to decide"
"Fufu~" She chuckled, so did Rias and Asia.
"Senpai will be a good and kind King" Koneko said flatly, returning to her mountain of sweets. The simple statement carried more weight than any flowery praise, any devil noble would offer me later.
"I think so too!" Asia's enthusiasm was pure sunshine "You're so kind, Isaiah-san! And strong! Anyone joining your peerage would be lucky!"
The conversation drifted after that—speculation about the ceremony, discussion of who might attend, Akeno finding new and creative ways to make Asia blush cherry-red. But Rias's question stuck in my head like a splinter I couldn't dig out.
How does it feel?
Like standing at a cliff's edge and watching down at the Chaos, knowing very well it's troublesome to be part of it, but still jumping in.
Exciting.
Inevitable.
---
The limousine convoy was absurd.
Three sleek black vehicles that probably cost more than most people's houses sat in the circular drive, polished to mirror-brightness. Windows tinted dark enough to hide state secrets. And surrounding them—at least a dozen security cars, packed with devil guards whose formal attire couldn't quite hide the weapons or the power radiating off them like heat waves of Dabi's flames.
"Is all this really necessary?" I stared at the assembled vehicles, trying to process the sheer excess.
Rias chuckled, flicking her hair "You're about to become a High-Class Devil, Isaiah. That makes you VIP status in the Underworld." She gestured at the convoy like it was perfectly normal.
I followed her into the limo, settling into leather seats that felt like sitting on clouds. The interior was spacious enough for all five of us with room to spare. Ambient purple lighting. A minibar in the corner stocked with bottles I suspected cost obscene amounts.
Rias took the seat across from me, Akeno beside her. Koneko claimed the spot next to me, immediately pulling out a piece of chocolate from somewhere and nibbling it as usual. Asia settled beside Rias, eyes wide and full of curiosity as she took everything in.
The door closed with a soft thunk.
The convoy moved like floating rather than driving.
Through the tinted windows, I watched the Underworld scroll past. Buildings that shouldn't stand but did. Streets paved with materials that gleamed from within. Devils going about their business—some pausing to watch us pass, others ignoring us entirely.
The convoy turned, entering what looked like a more formal district. Buildings here were grander—architecture designed to impress and intimidate. Columns reaching toward the shifting sky. Facades carved with devil history. Plazas with fountains that flowed with glowing liquid.
We passed through massive gates—twenty feet tall, worked with designs so intricate they hurt to look at directly. Guards stood at attention as we rolled past.
Then the Hall emerged.
It dominated the landscape like a cathedral that had fucked a fortress and produced something from fever dreams. Spires reached skyward, topped with crystals that caught the aurora light and fractured it into thousands of colors. The main building stretched wide, built from dark stone that was absorbed and gleamed with an inner fire simultaneously.
Massive doors stood open, carved from single slabs, worked with scenes depicting devil history back to the original Satans.
The convoy pulled up in precise formation.
Grayfia waited outside, dressed in her immaculate maid uniform. Her expression professionally neutral. Behind her, servants stood in formation, a receiving line for promoted devils.
"Isaiah-sama" She bowed, then gestured behind her "Welcome to the Hall of Ascension. Follow me, please."
I stepped out. Rias and her peerage flanked me immediately. Security cars disgorged their guards, forming loose perimeters. Other nobles were arriving—glimpses of elaborate dress, formal attire in every color, hairstyles that defied gravity.
Grayfia led us toward the entrance, steps measured and precise.
We passed under those massive doors—I had to crane my neck back to see the top, at least thirty feet overhead, carved with scenes from the Devil Civil War.
The interior stole my breath.
The hall stretched impossibly vast. The ceiling arched overhead, worked with magical lighting that created the impression of a night sky filled with moving stars. Columns lined both sides—carved from single pieces of dark crystal, containing veins of light that pulsed rhythmically. Banners hung between columns, displaying family crests in intricate detail.
And the people. Hundreds, maybe thousands, filling seats along both sides of the central aisle. Every seat was occupied by nobility or high-ranking members of Underworld society, all dressed in their finest, all turning to look as we entered.
The noise was a low murmur—hundreds of conversations creating a susurrus that filled the space.
At the far end—a hundred yards distant—stood the altar.
It rose from the floor on a raised platform, built from the same dark crystal as the columns. But where the columns glowed, the altar seemed to drink illumination, creating a focal point that drew the eye. Behind it, carved into the wall, was a massive relief depicting the four Satans.
"This way" Grayfia guided us toward seats near the front.
We settled into cushioned seats, positioned for clear sight lines to the altar. Around us, noble families occupied similar positions. I recognized a few faces from Rias's descriptions—heirs to major houses, influential members of devil society.
Someone was already at the altar.
A devil I didn't recognize, mid-promotion, kneeling before Ajuka Beelzebub. The Satan held a certificate, reading from it in a voice magically amplified to carry through the vast space.
"...for exemplary service in magical research, for contributions to transportation magic development, and for distinguished conduct in Rating Games, it is my honor to proclaim you High-Class Devil."
The promoted devil remained kneeling, head bowed, as Ajuka placed a hand on their shoulder.
"Rise. Be recognized."
They stood, turning to face the audience. Applause rippled through the hall—polite, measured, appropriate to formal ceremony.
Ajuka produced a crown—simple circlet of dark metal worked with subtle designs. He placed it on the devil's head to another round of applause.
Then the monument appeared.
Ajuka raised his hand, power gathering visibly. The air shimmered. A stone monument materialized—floating at chest height, rotating slowly. Black as void, surface drinking light. Maybe three feet tall.
The promoted devil stepped forward, hand enveloped in crimson aura. When they touched the monument, it flared brilliant red—bright enough to make me squint. Their handprint appeared on its surface, glowing like molten metal, then faded as the monument returned to black.
Ajuka produced a small box from nowhere—ornate, containing the Evil Pieces. He handed it over with words I couldn't hear from this distance.
The devil bowed deeply. Turned. Walked down from the altar with measured steps as the audience applauded.
Ceremony complete.
"Next," Grayfia's voice rang out, magically amplified. "Isaiah, Knight of House Gremory, approach the altar."
Every eye in the hall turned toward me.
Thousands of devils, all focused with sheer intensity.
This is an absolute nightmare for introvert.
I stood. Legs steadier than expected. Rias gave me an encouraging smile. Akeno's grin carried mischief and pride. Koneko offered the tiniest upturn of her lips. Asia clasped her hands together, beaming.
I walked.
Each step echoed despite the murmuring crowd. The aisle stretched before me, impossibly long, lined with nobles who watched with expressions ranging from curiosity to calculation to barely concealed disdain. Some whispered behind raised hands. Others stared openly, assessing, judging.
The altar grew closer with agonizing slowness. Ajuka had stepped aside. Sirzechs Lucifer stood in his place—crimson hair catching the magical light, green eyes fixed on me with intensity that made my pulse hammer.
Behind him, Grayfia held a certificate, silver eyes forward, expression professionally neutral.
I reached the platform. Climbing the steps. Each one felt significant, weighted with symbolism I didn't fully understand.
I stopped before the altar, before Sirzechs, acutely aware of the thousands watching.
He smiled.
"Isaiah" His voice rang out, magically amplified to reach every corner. "Knight of House Gremory. You stand before us seeking recognition as High-Class Devil and acceptance as King. Before the assembled nobility of the Underworld, before the witnesses gathered here, I will now read the reasons for your promotion"
He accepted the certificate from Grayfia, holding it so the magical light illuminated the text.
"For exceptional courage in combat against Fallen Angel Kokabiel, whose power rivals Satan-Class beings. For protection of Kuoh Town against supernatural threats that would have resulted in catastrophic loss of lives. For unwavering loyalty to House Gremory and its heir, Rias Gremory. For exemplary conduct that honors the values of devil society and upholds the dignity of our kind"
His words led to murmurs among the devil nobles, which died down when he continued with his speech.
"For these reasons and more, for the strength of character you have demonstrated, for the power you have demonstrated, and for the promise you represent for the future of devil kind..."
He paused, green eyes meeting mine directly.
"I, Sirzechs Lucifer, as Satan and leader of the Underworld, do hereby proclaim you High-Class Devil."
The words resonated through the hall.
I dropped to one knee, right fist pressed against the altar platform, head bowed. The stone was cold against my knuckles, smooth as glass.
Sirzechs stepped forward. The certificate appeared in his hands—rolled and bound with a crimson ribbon that glowed with its own light.
He extended it toward me.
"Rise. Receive your recognition"
I stood, accepting the certificate with both hands. The paper was heavier than a normal one. The ribbon was warm against my fingers, pulsing with magic I could feel through my skin.
I turned to face the audience.
Thousands of devils looked back. Nobles in elaborate dress. High-Class devils in formal attire. Servants and guards lining the walls. All watching and assessing, waiting for me to do the gesture.
I raised the certificate overhead.
Applause erupted—a wave of sound that crashed over me from all directions. Not a polite ceremony applause this time. Genuine recognition. Acknowledgment of achievement. It filled the hall, echoing off the distant ceiling, building in intensity until it felt earned rather than forced one.
I lowered the certificate, while fully aware of the moment's significance.
Behind me, Sirzechs spoke again, silencing the applause.
"As this ceremony honors a reincarnated devil, we will now proceed with the crowning ritual"
I turned back. Rias was there—when had she moved? She must have approached during the applause, taking her position as my King for this final act.
She smiled, blue-green eyes bright with pride and something else I couldn't quite name.
Just as I was instructed beforehand.
I dropped to one knee before her.
A crown appeared in her hands—simple design, dark metal worked with subtle flame patterns. She lifted it, holding it above my head for a moment that stretched into eternity.
Then she lowered it, placing it gently.
The metal was warm against my scalp. The audience applauded again.
"Rise" Rias said.
We stood there for a moment, King and Knight, the relationship that had defined us for years, formally acknowledged before the entire Underworld.
Then she stepped back, returning to her place as Sirzechs moved forward again.
The demonic power gathered around him—visible as crimson light, thick as smoke, pressing against reality itself.
He raised both hands. The air between us shimmered.
A monument materialized.
It was around four feet tall, floating at chest height, rotating slowly. Black as void, surface so smooth it seemed to drink light. Made from the same material as the Evil Pieces themselves. I could feel the magic radiating from it—ancient, powerful, resonating with something deep in my chest.
"Approach" Sirzechs commanded.
I stepped forward, right hand rising instinctively. Crimson aura enveloped my fingers—my demonic power responding to proximity with the monument, flaring bright enough to cast shadows.
The hall fell silent. Every conversation ceased. Every eye focused on this moment.
I touched the monument.
My heart beat once—loud, powerful, filling my entire awareness.
The monument flared crimson—brilliant, blinding, light exploding outward in a wave that washed over everything. My handprint appeared on its surface, glowing like molten metal, burning with intensity that should have been painful but felt right.
Then it faded.
The monument returned to black, my handprint vanishing. But something had changed—I could feel it, a connection established, a bond forged between me and the Evil Piece system itself.
"Your registration as King is complete," Sirzechs announced.
He produced a box from nowhere—small, maybe six inches square, made from the same dark material as the monument. Worked with elaborate designs that seemed to move when I wasn't looking directly at them.
He opened it.
Fifteen pieces sat inside, nestled in velvet. Each one glowed with internal light—one Queen, two Rooks, two Knights, two Bishops, eight Pawns. The components of my peerage. The pieces I would use to build my own family.
My hands didn't tremble as I accepted the box.
"Use them wisely," Sirzechs said quietly, voice not amplified, meant only for me. "Choose well. The people you bring into your peerage will shape not just your future, but theirs and whole devil kind as well"
I nodded firmly.
He stepped back, turning to address the audience.
"The ritual is complete. Isaiah, formerly Knight of House Gremory, is now recognized as High-Class Devil and registered King. Let all gathered here witness and acknowledge this achievement"
Final applause. Louder than before, sustained longer, carrying genuine respect.
I stood there, box of Evil Pieces in my hands, crown on my head, certificate tucked under one arm, acutely aware that everything had just changed.
I'm a King now.
The thought carried weight that threatened to buckle my knees.
Sirzechs gestured toward the side exit—time to leave the altar, make room for the next ceremony, allowing this part to conclude.
I walked down the platform steps, each one feeling significant. Back down the aisle, past the watching nobles, toward where Rias and her peerage waited.
The ceremony continued behind me—Grayfia's voice calling the next name, another devil approaching for their moment.
But for me, this part was over.
Now came the harder part.
---
The congratulations lasted forever.
Nobles approached in waves, each offering formal words that all blurred together after the first dozen. Names I'd never remember. Faces that merged into a sea of expensive clothing and elaborate hairstyles. Handshakes ranging from genuine warmth to calculated political maneuvering, to marry their daughter to me.
"Congratulations on your promotion..."
"Such an honor to witness..."
"Your achievements are remarkable..."
"House Gremory should be proud..."
I smiled, nodded, thanked them all with appropriate formality. Rias stood beside me, occasionally interjecting when someone important required special attention or when my responses veered too far from proper courtesy.
The reception hall was almost as elaborate as the ceremony space—smaller but no less impressive, with food tables stretching along one wall offering delicacies from across the Underworld, servants moving through the crowd with trays of drinks, magical lighting creating ambiance.
"You're handling this well," Rias murmured during a brief lull "I imagined you to be like cornered prey after the first hour"
"Now that you mentioned it, I do feel like cornered prey. Just having good luck at hiding it"
She laughed, the sound bright enough to draw glances.
More people approached with more congratulations. More handshakes and formal words that meant nothing.
My face got tired from smiling.
The box of Evil Pieces sat in my jacket's inner pocket, slight weight against my ribs, constant reminder of what I now carried. Fifteen chances to recruit my own individuals. Fifteen responsibilities I hadn't held an hour ago.
"Isaiah-san"
The voice cut through the crowd's murmur—smooth, pleasant, carrying undertones I couldn't quite place.
I turned.
A devil stood there. Young, maybe early twenties, with features that belonged on magazine covers. Dark Green hair in the anime I vaguely remembered, styled with casual perfection. Golden eyes that gleamed with intelligence. His smile was warm, friendly, inviting trust.
Every instinct I had screamed danger.
"Congratulations on your promotion," he continued, extending a hand "I've been hoping to meet you. Your exploits against Kokabiel have become quite famous in Underworld"
I accepted the handshake, noting the firm grip, the way his eyes never left mine, the calculated friendliness that felt rehearsed.
"Thank you" I said carefully. "Though I'm afraid you have me at a disadvantage. You are?"
His smile widened, gaining an edge that made me control to not punch him yet.
"Forgive me. How rude." He released my hand, taking a small step back "My name is Diodora Astaroth. I've been very interested in making your acquaintance, Isaiah-san"
"The pleasure is mine," I lied smoothly "What brings you to speak with me specifically?"
Diodora's smile never wavered, but something flickered in those violet eyes—calculation, assessment, measuring me in ways I didn't understand. He glanced at Asia, who was unaware about his intentions as she smiled kindly to him smiling at her.
"Oh, I have several reasons." His voice remained pleasant, friendly, utterly unthreatening "But perhaps we should discuss them somewhere more private? Away from all these eyes and ears?"
He gestured subtly toward the crowd, toward the dozens of nobles who were definitely watching this interaction with poorly concealed interest.
"I promise it will be worth your time," Diodora added, that smile fixed in place. "There are matters concerning your new status as King that I think you'll find.... fascinating"
I glanced at Rias. She was watching Diodora with an expression I couldn't quite read—something between suspicion and concern, eyes narrowed slightly.
"Of course," I heard myself say, committing to a choice I suspected I'd regret. "Lead the way."
Diodora's smile widened, violet eyes gleaming with something that made my skin crawl.
"Excellent. Follow me, please"
He turned, moving through the crowd with easy confidence, nobles parting to let him pass as I kept myself calm and composed. He must be scheming something for sure, or else he won't have approached me, instead went for Rias.
So what's he after?
. . .
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