All preparations for the start of the Rating Games between the young demon heirs had been completed. In the VIP box reserved for the faction leaders, there were three Demon Lords. The last of them had completely dedicated himself to his sin and was indulging in laziness, preferring not to move unless necessary. In addition to the invited Shinto representative, the leader of the Grigori was also sitting in the room. In addition to being an ally, the fallen one helped the young demons with advice on developing their Sacred Gears. When Azazel entered the room and met the murderer of his adopted son, he only greeted everyone dryly. The man remained silent, ignoring the half—demon in order to control his hatred and not attack him.
— …Show me your best, — Sirzechs announced the first match after finishing his long introductory speech. — Sona Sitri vs. Seequires Agares.
Kiyoshi watched all this with some boredom. After the draw, the match of object destruction was chosen. The girls' strengths were approximately equal. Therefore, they decided to avoid direct clashes, focusing on finding the monoliths. In the final period of time, Sona took a risk by attacking Agares. While they were engaged in a tough battle, the previously sent "Pawn" Sitri found and destroyed the monolith, bringing victory to its owner.
The second match pitted the strongest demon of the younger generation: Saeroarg Bael against the heir of Glasya-Lobalos Zefador.
Zankoku watched with joy as Bael single-handedly defeated the entire group of opponents. The game did not take even twenty minutes, as the winner was determined.
The last and most important match for many sides was between the two younger relatives of the Maou — Rias Gremory against Diadora Astaroth. The moment the opponents were teleported into the created dimension of the Rating Games, everything began.
— Where did they teleport to? — Lucifer shouted.
— No idea. This shouldn't have happened. I specifically checked everything before the games started, but... — Hell's chief scientist answered him, conducting a magical analysis of the system. — Someone made changes to the transfer coordinates a few minutes before the start. This can't be done if you have a low access status.
— So there is a traitor among the management, — Sirzechs said angrily.
To his surprise, Kiyoshi realized from the emotions that this was not an act in front of him. Someone really had carried out sabotage in front of the rulers and kidnapped two heirs of the pillars. And the most curious thing for the half—demon was the reaction of the silver-haired maid. Grayfia still had a cold expression on her face, but inside she was anticipating the outcome, mocking and despising her superiors.
"If this isn't her doing, then at the very least she's happy about the trouble with Rias," — Kiyoshi concluded mentally, continuing his magical calculations.
— Found it! — Ajuka exclaimed, bringing up the picture on the screen. Due to the violators using the Rating Game system, the scientist was able to quickly find the coordinates and use the video broadcast of what was happening. — I figured out where they are, but the barrier was too strong. I'll need time to break it.
— How long? — the red-haired man asked worriedly.
— I'm not strong in spatial magic, so at least three minutes, — the man answered regretfully.
— This is bad! — Hundreds of teleportation magic circles appeared on the picture. — Supporters of the previous lords. Ajuka, do something! My sister could die dozens of times during this time.
— I'm trying!
Zankoku felt even more contempt from Lucifuge. In confusion, the blond focused his senses on Sirzechs and understood the reason. Lucifer is not worried about his sister as a relative. No. He does not want to lose a valuable and useful resource.
"I see. So his sister complex is a show for the crowd. What a dangerous and calculating guy", — Kiyoshi finally finished his magic and addressed the others. — I can teleport to the place now, but I will have to face all those demons. The battle will be deadly. I would not want to break our future alliance because of killing demons.
— You don't have to worry about it, Zankoku-san. The demons will have no claims against you.
— Excellent! — the half-demon's figure disappeared in a flash of flame.
***
Akeno's POV
As soon as the door closed behind Grayfia and Kiyoshi, my "mistress" could not stand it.
— I can't understand, Akeno, how can you like someone like him?
I didn't like her tone at all. She had disliked my friend since the first meeting. The meeting in the church where he demonstrated his cruelty and the result of that massacre in the basement really scared my "King", but she doesn't want to admit it. After the incident in the Rating Game against Raiser and the clash with Kokabiel.
— "Same as him"? What exactly does that mean, Rias? — My cold tone slightly upset the red-haired girl, but she quickly came to her senses.
— He's impudent, cruel, and ruthless! — While we were talking, the others watched in silence. Except for me, everyone had a negative attitude towards Kiyoshi. Fear, envy, or disgust at his actions.
— I don't see anything wrong with that, — a smile appeared on my face by itself. — I like that part of his personality. I'm not saying anything about your choice, — I looked skeptically at Hyoudou's stupid face, who was looking at our chests with a lewd grin.
— What's wrong with that? Issei is a great guy. Not like your Kiyoshi.
— I agree, — not only Rias, but everyone else was surprised by my confession. — They can't be compared. Issei is a stupid, naive, weak pervert, whose every thought is directed at women's breasts. No wonder they dubbed him "Oppai Dragon". Ha-ha-ha!
— Hey! I'm not that bad, — the guy was indignant.
— Really? You want to become a harem king, right? — he nodded in confirmation. — Then why haven't you become one yet? There are three girls next to you who agree to be with you, but you still haven't done anything to them, — Asia only blushed at my words, while Xenovia nodded in agreement. — Your constant fights, with or without reason, are enough. You are the reason for this, but instead of acting, you act like a doormat, letting the girls decide everything for you, — I began to point at the girls one by one. — Rias, who does not want to share her beloved, although she herself claimed that harems are the norm in hell. Asia, who got into a terrible life situation because of which she died, considers you her light in the night. She doesn't care about her competitors — the main thing is to stay with you. And Xenovia, who just wants to conceive a child with you. How are you going to become the harem king if you can't even handle these three?
The room fell silent. Issei and his supposed harem were processing what they heard, while Gasper was shaking in his box.
— And one more thing, — they looked at me again, — if you don't want to share Kiba's fate, then continue your training. Strength is the most important thing in our world. Without it, you won't be able to decide your own destiny.
I spent the remaining time before the competition in my thoughts. At first, I was overcome with nervousness and stress, but everything changed when Kiyoshi appeared here. His hugs and support gave me strength and also... Now I was able to make out the magic that he placed in me during the hug. The magic beacon is capable of tracking its target over a great distance. This magic can be easily dispelled, but I will not do so.
Given Kiyoshi's words, something dangerous should happen soon, but I do not plan to warn anyone. After I became close to my beloved, Rias and the others have become too wary of me, and after my recent statements, the situation will surely worsen.
It is better to focus on the upcoming troubles and their possible causes. After arriving in the underworld, training began under the supervision of Azazel. The Fallen One explained to everyone the path they should take to improve. When he told me to stop running away and accept my origin, I showed Lightning Lightning with an outstretched hand with a smile. What a surprised face he had, as did everyone else. Haha! No one knew what exactly I had been training so hard lately.
One day, everyone was invited for an interview before the upcoming games. Nothing serious — the usual questions. Only Hyodo Issei was invited to a special show as the Sekiryutei of this generation. The host managed to reveal Issei's true nature. After this show, Hyodo became famous throughout Hell. For his excessive love for women's breasts, he received the title "Chichuryutei" or Oppai Dragon. Ddraig became very angry with Hyodo because of this. The dragon even promised to kill its host, but these were just threats. It is easy to understand Ddraig's reaction. Dragons are very proud creatures. He was previously known as one of the "Two Heavenly Dragons" that even the gods feared.
A week ago, there was a meeting of the participants of the games, where all the Pillars of Hell gathered. There was an incident that may have something to do with Kiyoshi's warning. Diadora Astaroth approached Asia, and it turned out that he was the one who was cured by the blonde in the human world. This whole situation was too suspicious. I am almost 100% sure that Diadora set this all up. The heir of the family and the brother of the Demon Lord cannot be attacked with impunity, but no information was made public about this. Neither Sona nor Rias heard this from their relatives.
Every day after this meeting, Asia received gifts. The heir of the Astaroth family tried to stand out in front of the former nun in every way. He even tried to exchange her for his retinue, but Rias refused him. His good nature and persistent desire to get the blonde are too unnatural. Most likely, Diadora is the cause of the danger that Kiyoshi hinted at.
After watching the rest of the opponents play, it was our turn. The teleportation circle on the prepared platform flashed, transporting everyone. The magical light dissipated, but the sensation was not similar to what you experience in the artificial dimension of the Rating Games.
— Be prepared. Something is wrong here, — everyone listened to my warning, instantly preparing for battle.
Looking around, I realized that we were in one of the remote parts of the underworld. There was a huge wasteland around, and only an abandoned temple stood out against it. A magic circle lit up in the sky. At first, one, but then more and more joined it, until their number exceeded a hundred.
— What's going on?! — Hyodo asked in horror.
— Who are all these? — Rias also did not understand what was happening. — The only thing I can understand is that all these circles belong to demons.
— If I remember correctly, some of them belong to the families that supported the old Maou, — I said, noticing a few familiar crests. — And that means the Khaos Brigade as well.
— Damn it, — the Sekiryuutei cursed, — they're everywhere.
There were numerous terrorist supporters hovering in the sky. They were looking at us with hatred.
— Relatives of the false Satan, Gremory. Your doom awaits here.
While we were distracted by the words of the demon speaking, Asia's scream was heard.
— Kyaaaaaa!
The nun disappeared from her previous position. Everyone turned their heads to look for her, until they found her in the arms of Diadora, who was hovering tens of meters above us.
— Hello, Rias Gremory and her retinue. I'm taking Asia with me.
While they were talking, I began to concentrate my strength. Small sparks of lightning began to flash across my body. I can't be so careless now. If they had tried to attack us instead of taking a hostage, someone would have definitely died.
— ...If you're able to move, then chase me into the depths of the temple. — The space around Astoroth and Argento began to distort, and they both disappeared.
— Asia!!! — Hyoudou yelled at the top of his lungs. He tried to rush forward, but Rias stopped him.
— Wait, Issei. — Gremory held the boy's hand. — You need to calm down. We'll definitely save her, but first we need to take care of the enemies in front of us.
I sensed movement behind me and instinctively attacked. When everyone turned around, they saw a silhouette emerging from a clot of fire. Recognizing that person as Kiyoshi, I was glad that my attack couldn't harm him.
— What a 'warm' welcome, — he said with his usual smile.
— I'm sorry...
— No need, — he interrupted me, not letting me finish. — You did the right thing. There is no time to hesitate in this situation.
— How did you get here? Are you in league with them too? — the red-haired girl couldn't stand it.
— I'm here to help. The others will arrive in a couple of minutes, — the half-demon turned his gaze to the preparing attacks in the sky. — We just need to hold out.
I stood closer to him. As long as he was next to me, I was not afraid of anything.
— I need to save my servant. She is in the temple.
— Do you think they will let you in there so easily? — the blond asked mockingly.
— Do you have any suggestions? I won't leave Asia with this bastard for long, — Rias firmly stated.
I also looked at my lover's face. He slightly narrowed his eyes, looking at the red—haired girl, and then laughed cheerfully. His reaction surprised everyone except me. I have long known Kiyoshi's character and the words of my "King" seemed like a funny joke to him.
— Okay, — Zankoku replied, sending a wave of fire, knocking down the enemy's oncoming magic. — I will help you get there, but leave Akeno here. While I deal with these scum, she will not allow anyone to sneak up on you from behind.
After a moment of hesitation, Rias agreed. Taking one last look at me, she led the others to the entrance of the temple, while Kiyoshi covered them with his fire. After sending the others away, he covered us with a dome of fire. I watched in surprise as he used projection magic, creating a small magic circle behind him. The fire disappeared and the battle resumed.
— Of course, I don't mind staying with you, but what is the real reason? — I asked curiously, sending my lightning at the gaping demon, burning him with a holy element. — I will never believe that you need help.
— Ha-ha! You know me well, little Akeno, — a shiver ran down my spine when he showed his sadistic smile. — I remember I promised you a good practice and here are so many suitable test subjects. I am also nervous about the real instigators of all this.
— Isn't it Diadora? — I was a little surprised by his words.
— No. This kid does not have such an opportunity to gather so many demons here. And since we are only pawns, they can hide somewhere nearby. At least in the same temple, — I hesitated for a moment because of such information and he had to pull me out from under the blades of the wind. — There are too many of them. Let's balance our teams a little. Then you can practice. Balance Breaker: Holy Legion of Inferno.