"By the way, Kaiser, can't you turn on the AC?"
Kaiser silently watched Rias shed her coat.
He had it on.
But soon, his attention shifted.
Her crimson hair burned like flames, tousled down to her waist.
Flawless face lightly made up, faint blush radiating fatal allure.
A lavender top woven from countless straps, threatening to snap, tracing a heart-stopping cleavage.
Black micro-skirt positioned perfectly—one move revealing glimpses.
Legs sheathed in black stockings, proportions ideal.
If everyday Rias was a perfect ten, he'd add two more—and offer the rest in 666 form.
Snapping from daze, Kaiser's expression turned odd.
Something wrong.
Very wrong.
What was his childhood friend playing at?
Feeling his stare, Rias blushed inwardly, heart racing.
Was the outfit too bold?
But the arrow was nocked.
She stepped forward, sitting beside him.
Subtle, elegant fragrance enveloped.
"Ahem."
Kaiser eyed the surging view inches away, coughing lightly.
"Rias, what's this really about?"
If not for her being his childhood friend—and his respect—he'd lose control.
"Nothing much. Just thanking you for today," Rias smiled softly. "And checking if you're hurt."
Tone warm, caring.
But…
Checking injuries involved hands? Stop clinging.
Kaiser's eyelid twitched.
Well now.
Never noticed his childhood friend like this.
"Phew!"
Kaiser breathed deeply, steadying.
The scent grew stronger.
Then…
He couldn't hold back.
"…"
Sensing the change, Rias's pupils shrank.
Bad.
He seemed fine outwardly.
Would she be okay?
Oddly, she worried for herself.
But soon, resolve hardened.
No choice.
Delicacies tempted all.
Kaiser said earnestly, "No injuries, don't worry."
Truthful answer.
The rest? Ignored.
Rias gritted teeth lightly.
"No, I don't believe you."
"A ten-winged fallen angel—near Devil King level."
"Rias, really unhurt. No need to lift collars."
"Quiet. Let me check properly."
Quarrel faded; clicks echoed.
"Kaiser, my strength really grew."
Rias had plateaued at High-Class long.
No matter effort, Ultimate-Class remained distant.
High-Class marked qualitative shift—further growth hard.
Now different.
Ultimate-Class path crystal clear.
She understood why Shiho's group advanced rapidly.
"You satisfied? For faster growth, effort needed."
"Hmph, got it."
Rias shot him a sultry glance.
She intensified, devouring strengthening energy.
Cycle fueled intense emotions overwhelming her mind.
She forgot herself, cells cheering.
"Right, Rias—if you want more strength, become my peerage member?"
"Mmm…"
Before reaction, Kaiser explained. "No worries."
"You see my uniqueness. My ritual doesn't use Evil Pieces—won't affect your peerage bonds."
Rias, mind hazy, grasped it.
She nodded. "Okay… I agree."
Kaiser didn't hesitate; blood dripped onto her skin.
Hum!
Brilliant light; mysterious runes flashed.
Attributes appeared.
[Rias Gremory]
[Race: Devil]
[Master: Kaiser Lucifuge]
[Level: LV37]
[Skills: Power of Destruction, Eyes of Destruction]
[Power of Destruction: Gremory clan trait—peerless in ruin.]
[Eyes of Destruction: Irrespective of resistances/weaknesses, annihilate anything.]
…
As expected of Rias.
Kaiser's eyes brightened.
Pure destruction skills.
With Power of Destruction, impersonating Gremory believable.
And…
"Eyes of Destruction—my strongest skill now."
Kaiser's eyes darkened profoundly, fingers tracing her jade back.
Feeling it, Rias ignored internal changes; intense emotions surged.
One thought: level up fiercely.
…
Morning light faint.
Kaiser rose early, stretching.
Near-sleepless night unaffected.
His strength transcended norms.
Harvest satisfactory.
[Experience 1006]
[Experience 1087]
[Experience 2005]
First so diligent—Rias topped the list.
Fainted dozens times, yet resilient.
Worthy of High-Class.
Only Esdeath comparable.
One might surpass—untested.
A soft whimper.
Kaiser turned; Rias stirred drowsily.
"Hiss…"
Waking, she winced.
"Easy."
Kaiser cradled her head, stroking gently.
"Mm…"
Feeling tenderness, Rias smiled faintly.
Soon, she pinched him jealously. "You treat other peerage members like this too?"
"How could I? You're my childhood friend—special."
Kaiser whispered in her ear.
Lie.
But no fool—he avoided trouble.
"Hmph, sweet talker."
She said, but eyes gleamed happily.
"Right—your attributes. Check."
Rias took it, scanning.
Normal at first.
Then eyes sparkled.
[Eyes of Destruction]?
Upgraded Gremory destruction.
Gaze annihilates all.
Dominant skill.
She smiled, murmuring: "Great. With Eyes of Destruction, even Phoenix immortality won't hold."
"Still on your engagement?"
Kaiser chuckled, shaking head. "No need to worry—I'm handling it."
"???"
Rias blinked blankly.
"You think I'd let my childhood friend go to another?"
Past inaction: time and strength lacking.
Now, not invincible, but no tail-tucking.
"Don't act rashly. Even as Devil King, some things immovable."
Rias touched, then worried.
"Relax. I know limits."
Comforting her, Kaiser headed to bathroom.
Too many marks—needed shower.
Underworld!
Phoenix family castle.
Study.
Raiser Phoenix, next head, sat at desk.
Creak.
Door opened; red-suited man without tie, fierce face entered.
Third son: Riser Phoenix.
"Go to human world, bond with fiancée. Why no move?"
Lord Phoenix displeased.
As leader, family interests first.
Marriage must proceed for pure-bloods.
Riser lounged, legs crossed. "What's the rush? Wed when time comes."
Lord shook head, disappointed. "Think it's guaranteed?"
"Even joint pure-blood push might fail."
Deep worry.
He'd sensed Sirzechs Lucifer's disapproval.
One of four Devil Kings, transcendent.
Underworld pinnacle.
No open opposition—playing rules.
But table-flip?
Old fossils useless.
Strength ruled.
Then, distant skies parted clouds; figure appeared above Phoenix castle.
Boom!
Vast pressure descended, quaking air, trembling castle.
Thud! Thud! Thud!
Countless devils and servants collapsed, shaking.
"What's this aura?"
"Devil King—which one visits Phoenix?"
Shock and anger; horrified faces.
Phoenix pure-bloods—exalted.
First doorstep challenge since ancient war.
Some looked up.
Human-attired, aristocratic handsome figure hovered.
"Unknown Devil King—what brings you to Phoenix?"
Lord with Riser ascended, bowing to Kaiser.
Furious inwardly.
Posture low.
"For him."
Kaiser overlooked, eyeing Riser.
Lord glared at brother, grave. "What offense did Riser commit? We apologize together."
"No need."
Kaiser smiled. "Just his life."
Calm tone.
Like squashing an ant.
Chilling all listeners.
Hum!
Instantly, Lord's magic surged.
Dark red circles expanded, visible barrier enveloping castle.
Lord composed. "Why kill Riser?"
"Rias is mine. Why else?"
"…"
Lord silent; Riser roared. "Brother, enough talk."
"Signaled for aid. Soon they'll carve him—"
"Shut up."
Lord interrupted.
Bowed hastily. "Sir, negotiable."
"Was. Not now."
"Supermagic Lightning."
Words fell; brilliant circles formed skyward.
Crackle!
Vast thunder descended, immense might.
Boom!
Deafening roar; barrier glowed under lightning, visibly quaking.
Many in castle paled, ears ringing.
"Hahaha, see? Barrier renders your attacks useless."
Riser laughed madly, glaring at Kaiser.
Kaiser silent.
Gaze colder.
Hum!
Crimson light; Boosted Gear manifested.
"Boost!"
Deep voice echoed; power multiplied.
"Boosted Gear?"
Lord paled. "Sir, hear me—"
More immense thunder answered.
Boom!
Deafening; multiplied lightning shattered castle barrier.
Riser's fear emerged; lightning engulfed him.
"Aaah…"
Wails drowned in roars.
Thud!
Riser plummeted charred, yet alive.
"Phoenix blood—true immortality. Can't kill me."
Riser glared, defiant.
"Really?"
Kaiser indifferent; eyes blackened.
Eyes of Destruction chilled Riser and Lord.
Hum!
Black light flashed.
Riser's body dissipated.
Souls annihilated by Eyes of Destruction.
Done, Kaiser eyed Lord.
"Mercy, sir."
Lord performed ancient devil salute, submitting.
"Riser offended gravely—death deserved."
"As next head, I share blame, but spare our family."
"We'll pay any price."
Pragmatic.
Kaiser's eyes gleamed. "Then—Ravel Phoenix."
If you want to read more than 20 chapters early feel free to visit patreon.com /Archus