Chapter 6

Singularity

On the other hand, at that time— .

Rias Gremory visited a certain remote farm somewhere in Italy . On the farm — working in the grape field was a man around two metres tall with a sturdy body who was dressed in work clothes . Despite the young appearance of his body, he was actually an eighty-seven year old man . The old man — after Vasco Strada noticed Rias Gremory, a smile emerged on his face .

“Good day, Your Eminence Vasco Strada . ”

“Well well…if it isn’t the Gremory Princess . Have you been well lately?”

Strada welcomed Rias into his secluded home, and they began a tea party on the balcony . After the two of them sat down, Strada raised the teapot so that he could pour a cup of black tea for Rias . Although Strada had poured a cup for Rias, Rias cut straight to the point of what she was after .

“I didn’t come here to drink tea today . ”

Strada placed his hand on the table as he showed a gentle smile .

“Oh . ”

Rias asked directly

“—Have you heard of the Rating Game World Tournament, Your Eminence?”

Strada lifted his head as he looked up at the sky .

“Fufufu, I don’t suppose you have any idea about the number of guests I’ve already had, Princess…”

“It seems as though you declined all of those offers, Your Eminence . Considering your own skills, I’m sure you can imagine the temptations . ”

Strada’s wish was to spend his remaining day’s peacefully here as a human . This was something that Rias also knew . So Strada in turn asked Rias

“Since you especially came all the way here despite knowing this old man’s reasons…I presume that you have some way to persuade this me? I’m not as young as the Sekiryuutei boy . This old man has devoted his entire life to God, and he also understands that his mission is over . The Evil Dragon War was my final battle . ”

Perhaps that was what Strada believed . But Rias thought

Is this what His Eminence truly thinks? Does he truly not have any nostalgia? —Can the Evil Dragon War truly be regarded as the final battle of his life?

He had gone through the battle of the Church warriors, a fight against Arthur Pendragon, and the Evil Dragon War that had occurred not too long ago . Rias had already become quite deeply fascinated by Vasco Strada’s ‘sword’ . Rias said

“—In the prime of Your Eminence, you were able to totally defeat Fallen Angel cadres, and also ultimate-class Devils . Even the Maous were fearful of your sword . ”

Legends about Vasco Strada could always be heard of in the Underworld . Some had called him

[The Church’s Device of Violence]

Others had said that he was

[The Violence of Heaven]

Others had said that he was

[The Vatican’s Evil Killer]

Others had said that he was

[Mr . Durandal]

And some had called him

[The True Devil]

The Devils who had survived despite seeing the appearance of him in battle all felt immense fear at the time, and they trembled as they said this

—I never want to see that man again .

The Devils felt fear from the bottom of their hearts when they saw the young Vasco Strada . The Devils called him a ‘Devil’ . Indeed, they called him a ‘Devil’— . But, that ‘Devil’ was about to become a piece of history . He wanted his life to end here . He hoped for it to end this way . Rias earnestly thought

—Is this not too pitiful?

Strada sipped the cup of black tea as he said

“You wish to hear the heroic tales of battle of my younger days huh…but that doesn’t seem to be the case . Well, Princess . The Maou’s little sister . What do you want to ask me? What do you want to say to me?”

Rias — solemnly said

“—My [Knight] Kiba Yuuto, the present wielder of Durandal Xenovia, the wielder of Hauteclere Irina, Cao Cao who is regarded as a peerless genius, and the wielder of the Holy King Sword Collbrande Arthur Pendragon . After you became an executive of the Vatican, many talented people have appeared— . When Your Eminence was young, you regarded battle more highly than anything else, I’m sure this is what Vasco Strada believes . ”

Rias stood up, and she grew more passionate the more she spoke

“—As a warrior, and as a swordsman, you should do your utmost to fight against them!”

Rias’ passion-filled words poured out, and even the volume of her voice rose . After Strada heard Rias’ speech, he fell into silence . He calmly looked up at the sky . Rias quietly waited for his answer . Strada picked up his straw hat from the table and put it on, and only spoke after covering the top half of his face .

“…Princess of the Devils . What I’m about to say may be taboo for a believer of the Church . But, please regard them as the words that are left deep in the heart of a former swordsman as you listen to them . ”

After a brief pause, Strada, the man known as the [Violence of Heaven], said

“—If I was born sixty years, no, fifty years later, then I would be able to enjoy this era in which so many strong people have gathered . …It would be a lie to say that I don’t have any regrets . When I crossed blades with Arthur Pendragon — I wanted to cut him down because my heart was filled with a passion that swirled, and it could have been ignited if only I had been born even just thirty years later . ”

After finally hearing his true words, Rias relaxed as she whispered the temptations of a Devil to Strada .

“If I said that I could rejuvenate Your Emimence’s youth, what would you do? Of course, rather than using a Devil’s method, it would be like the work of God—”

These words caused Strada to stare at Rias from under the rim of his hat . Rias continued

“—With the power of the [Sephiroth Graal] and the Demon God Balor, along with senjutsu, it should be possible to temporarily return you to your youth, right? This isn’t a Devil’s method . It’s simply an application of the Sacred Gear System created by the God of the Bible and the power of a sage . ”

This was the new possibility that Rias had explored with her team members up until now . It was also a strong statement to convince Strada . Seeing a ray of hope, Rias came here for the final piece of the puzzle . Rias placed her hand on the table and created a small transportation magic circle, from which an object emerged . It was a long and slim briefcase . Rias unlocked it and allowed Strada to view the contents within . Inside — there were two long swords . One of them was a sword with a crimson blade . The other one was a sword with a blue blade which seemed to radiate an aggressive holy aura— . Rias pointed to the holy sword which released a holy aura .

“This is the newest holy sword that the Church has created — Durandal II . Your Emimence, it’s an evolution of the Durandal that you wielded before . …There are many people in the Church who wish to see you in your prime . This sword could be described as a masterpiece that was dedicated to you . —The believers wish to see the sword skills of yours that were called a living miracle . ”

As he looked at the new Durandal, Strada was like a father who had reunited with his son . To him, that was the kind of existence that Durandal was . The true Durandal was currently in the hands of his successor (Xenovia) . However, the Durandal before his eyes — was a masterpiece that the young ones at the Church had forged for him— . As his hand moved towards the blade, he was able to feel its aura . With just that, he was able to feel the sheer extent of the feelings that had gone into the sword . He was definitely able to understand . Strada looked up at the sky . With shame and excitement, the voice that he squeezed out of his mouth was mixed with regret and excitement .

“……Oh, O Lord . I never imagined that the Devil’s whispers would be so sweet… . As expected of the Maou Lucifer’s younger sister… . This old man has never heard such terrifyingly persuasive words!”

Rias didn’t retreat . She absolutely wouldn’t retreat like this . In her mind, a particular scene resurfaced .

Not long after the game between Ise’s team and the reincarnated Angel’s team concluded, Rias went to seek out a certain person . In a corridor for relevant personnel in the stadium, Rias and that person — Bina Lessthan met . Rias already knew her true identity . Because her mask had broken in the midst of the game, Rias was able to see the face that was beneath the mask . That face — was very similar to her younger appearance . —No, it was her .

[…Grayfia-oneesama . ]

Bina Lessthan — Grayfia Lucifugus took off her dragon-like mask and revealed her face before Rias . Although she appeared to be a teenage girl who was roughly the same age as her…that face was identical to the face of her dear sister-in-law’s face in the past . Her sister-in-law, Grayfia Lucifugus had used magic to change her appearance back to how she once looked when she was a teenager, and became the [Queen] of the [Sekiryuutei of Blazing Truth] team by taking up the name of Bina Lessthan . Grayfia put the mask back on, and then said to Rias

[…Rias, I won’t say too much . But, please remember one thing . ]

Grayfia stepped forward and stood beside Rias to so that she could speak at a close distance

[—I will make Hyoudou Issei-kun a Maou . ]

Upon hearing her sister-in-law’s confession, she narrowed her eyes and frowned .

[…I don’t believe that this is Ise’s own intention, right?]

[That’s right, these are my own intentions . However, I believe that that this will eventually be the intention of the entire Underworld . I will support him as his [Queen] . ]

Why did she have such thoughts, and why did she have such feelings? All Rias knew was that — after her sister-in-law lost her brother Sirzechs, a picture had already been drawn in her mind . Moreover, the person who could make it a reality — was Ise . Even if she tried to persuade her sister, she would not listen; that was something that Rias knew more clearly than anyone else . After all, she had taken care of her ever since she was young— . She had always admired her ever since that time— . Hence, Rias made up her mind from that point onwards . —She had come to ascertain her true feelings right after the game . Rias’ eyes were filled with determination as she declared to Grayfia

[…So long as I fight, even if my opponent is onee-sama, and even if my opponent is Ise, I will win . ]

Grayfia, her sister-in-law, and Bina Lessthan revealed a fearless smile as she accepted the declaration of war from her younger sister .

[Good . This is what I expect from my sister-in-law . ]

Indeed, Rias made a declaration of war against her precious sister-in-law . She looked forward to having a battle against the person that she loved . Hence, Rias sought a power which was capable to overthrowing her mighty lover and her sister-in-law— . If that power could help liberate the strength that Rias and the others had even further, then it would give them more strength than ever .

Vasco Strada seemed to make a final confirmation as he dryly asked Rias

“I may swing his sword down on your future husband-dono Princess, is even that alright? Whatever my blade meets — without exception, it will be cut . Even if he hosts the power of infinity, as long as I return to how I was in those days, I will be able to cut it without a problem . —No, it will be cut . ”

Rias didn’t hesitate to answer directly

“The man who is to become my husband must overcome this difficulty . ”

This one line marked the conclusion . Strada stood up, and the soft smile that was on his face vanished and immediately turned into a warrior’s face .

“……A wonderful answer…! From here on, Vasco Strada shall stand up before you as a hurdle for you husband-dono’s groom training!”

“Can we agree that this negotiation is successful then?”

On this day, the strongest swordsman in the history of the Vatican announced his intention to participate in the Rating Game World Tournament . After the negotiation, both Rias and Strada sighed . Strada was concerned about the other sword that was in the briefcase, so he asked about the crimson-bladed sword .

“Speaking of which, what about this weapon? It appears to be a sword . ”

Rias replied in a slightly shy manner .

“After I became engaged to Ise, Heaven gifted me a sword with a crimson blade as a blessing . It has already been adjusted so that Devils can use it . —But, neither Ise nor I will master it… So, perhaps our future children could use it?”

“I see, that’s not a bad idea . If I can live to that age, please allow me to bless to your future children . ”

“There’ll be a lot of trouble if Your Eminence blesses them . After all, we’re Devils . ”

“That’s true . ”

Just as the two of them were chatting like that— . Rias’ mobile phone received a message . As she took it out to check, what appeared was — a shocking piece of news that Akeno had sent over .

“…This is!”

“What’s wrong?”

In response to Strada’s question, Rias smiled wryly .

“……Fufufu, from the looks of things, it won’t be that easy for me to get into the finals of the Tournament . Your Eminence, I have received some news . ”

Rias told Vasco Strada directly without any intentions of hiding anything .

“—The Champion may return . ”

The message that Rias had received was that ‘The Champion Diehauser Belial has been temporarily released’ .

“—Hmm . …This is truly, quite excellent . ”

Her new team member simply revealed a bold smile to indicate his welcoming of it . The Tournament was still full of chaos and enthusiasm— .

(Part 1 of 1) (8/3)

HighSchool DxD Volume 23 (The Return of the King)

Continues on from Singularity
Continues on to Vidar & Apollon

Jump to:
Comments

The Return of the King

Diehauser Belial awoke quietly in a room made for one person . The place where he was currently staying was a prison of the Underworld that detained political prisoners . After he awoke in the single room, he sighed deeply . —He had a dream in which he recalled memories from his childhood . The Belial House could be considered to be among the poor aristocracy . He grew up in a house that was located in depths of a small mountain . Although his father was a high-class Devil with average ability, his ancestors from the previous few generations were unknown people, and in the previous War of the Three Factions as well as the Civil War of the old government, they had constantly made various errors, so the strength of the Belial House continued to decline, and the family’s authority also fell significantly . During the two generations spanning his grandfather’s and his father’s time, when Diehauser was young, the Belial family faced financial difficulties, but they managed to just scrape by . Under circumstances where it wouldn’t have been surprising for his entire family to break apart, the two heads of the Belial House still continued to maintain their ideals .

“Take good care of your family and the citizens . As long as you strengthen the bonds between your relatives and protect the citizens’ lives, the House of Belial and the Belial territory will continue to exist . ”

That was the ideal that his grandfather and father had always practiced . Hence, the family did not scatter from their small territory, they gathered together to prosper in a small community . Although their lives were more difficult than other aristocrats, if their entire family was gathered together, they were able to protect their territory and their citizens . Regardless of whether it was his grandfather, father or uncle, his relatives swore together that they would protect the Belial family and territory . Because of all that, the territory was not particularly prosperous, but there were almost no citizens who had difficult lives, and the tax system of the Belial territory was also praised . The amount of tax received from the citizens meant that their rank was considerably lower than that of other nobles, and that was also why the House of Belial was made fun of by some of the elite… . Although their own standards of living declined, the citizens were able to lead good lives— .

Diehauser — was proud of his grandfather and father who acted in this manner . As Devils, his grandfather and father didn’t have particularly high levels of demonic energy, and weren’t particularly good in battle, but even so, they were deeply appreciated by their own people, and they cherished their own people . Diehauser loved the Belial family and the Belial territory . Ever since Diehauser was young, he often saw his cousin and his family treated him and Cleria as true brothers and sisters in their upbringing . The other Seventy Two Pillars of the same generation — the extravagant lives of the children of other high-class Devils were no match for Diehauser, but Diehauser didn’t seem to mind . It was during this time that Diehauser realised the extraordinary power within his body, and everyone else also recognised his incredible power . —Diehauser was a rare once-in-a-millennium talent and a Maou-class Devil . Afterwards, Diehauser participated in the Rating Games and obtained good results, and that instantly solved the Belial family’s financial problems . Diehauser also began to spread self-promotions of his own, so that the specialties of his territory could be sold throughout the Underworld . Thanks to the outstanding achievements of Diehauser, his cousin Cleria was also able to become independent from the family as she obtained her own peerage and set out into the human realm to develop herself . Diehauser was incredibly proud of his own succuss which allowed his family to have a future, and he became their pillar of support . He truly valued his family . This was something that was always rooted deep within Diehauser’s heart . The fact that Cleria was able to go to the human realm was something that made him just as happy as his own circumstances . But a turning point came not long afterwards . News of Cleria’s death arrived— .

Diehauser investigated the cause to find out who to direct his hatred at and to determine who to target; since someone had robbed the life of his most important family member, that was the person he would eliminate . It was because Diehauser was convinced that it was impossible for Cleria to have made any blunders . And then, his obsession eventually led him to find an answer . Cleria was eliminated because she found out about the existence of the [King] piece— . …But at the same time, he also understood . —The opportunity for Cleria to investigate the [King] piece was always something that had raised his doubts . …He had always used his innate ability to help his family . It was in order to prevent them from being ridiculed by other nobles, and to allow his family to lead happier lives . …His actions were all for the sake of the Belial family, but as a result, this led to her death, and Diehauser constantly blamed himself for that— . During the battle in Agreas, he heard from the Sekiryuutei — Hyoudou Issei, of the final expression that was left behind by Cleria’s soul, and he felt as though some part of him was saved . But the crime that he had committed could not be erased . …He originally wanted to use his power to make his most valued family member happy . He once believed that this power was something that fate had gifted unto him . —But in the end, he brought trouble to his family and to other factions, and sacrifices were even made . …Diehauser intended to spend the rest of his life here quietly, and to slowly repent for his own sins . He would definitely cause trouble for someone if he went out again . If someone with immense strength misused their power, then that would only cause an unfortunate chain reaction . The news was being played in a corner of the single room . …The guard took good care of him and would tell him about news from the outside world . …The Rating Game World Tournament was being held in the world outside . Diehauser suddenly recalled something that the detective had said when he was interrogated .

[My son is going to turn nine this year . He’s a big fan of yours . …Most children are looking forward to the Sekiryuutei who is the Oppai Dragon, or Prince Sairaorg who is known as the Lion King . But my son isn’t interested in the Oppai Dragon or Lion King at all, he’s only fascinated by you . ]

The detective wore a complex expression on his face as he continued to speak proudly on the topic of his own son .

[Although what I’m saying may sound a little exaggerated, my son is very clever . He also has good grades at school, and he never forgets to study at home . The teachers at school also praise that ‘he’s a model student’ . …My son always watches your recordings whenever he has free time . He watches each match over and over several times and when I ask him ‘don’t you get tired of it?’, he tells me ‘I won’t get tired of it because the Champion is so cool’ . His room is also filled with posters of you . ]

The detective looked straight at Diehauser as he said

[As a detective, my son says things to me like ‘Please forgive the Champion’, and ‘The Champion wouldn’t do bad things like that’ . …I’m someone who stands in a public position . I have to prosecute you for breaking the law and committing a crime . But from the perspective of that child, I’m a completely bad person . ]

Diehauser then said

[…Please pass this on to your child . There are many other heroes out there who are better than I am . Most importantly, your father is one of them . ]

The detective quietly shook his head .

[…Champion, those words are completely useless to that child . —To a boy, there are many heroes that they have, but their number one will never change . …This is something that my friend who is a former human reincarnated Devil told me . ]

[……]

[It’s true to say that much . …I’m actually one of your fans as well . So though I’m quite disappointed, there’s nothing that can be done . I want to see more of your heroic figure in the upcoming World Tournament . I would like to see the most powerful player in the Underworld in an exciting game . ]

—The World Tournament . If he hadn’t committed a crime, then he would be able to participate as a normal player— . When that idea surfaced in Diehauser’s mind, he shook his head .

…I can’t think about such things . As someone who has committed a crime, I can’t have any fantasies about such things . …I can no longer return to the Rating Games . After I’ve committed such crimes, how could anyone possibly look forward to my return… .

In the single room, he was submersed in all kinds of thoughts . The Champion covered his own face . At that time, the guard appeared .

“Diehauser-dono, someone wishes to see you . ”

 

As he stepped into the visiting room, the person waiting there for him was — a man who was roughly fifty years old . He was a man who appeared to resemble himself . …The current head of the House of Belial — his father . After seeing the father whom he had not seen in such a long time — he seemed to have become somewhat slimmer . Through the glass in the visiting room, his father delivered a hearty smile .

“Diehauser, I’m sorry for being so late in coming to visit you . ”

“…Father . ”

His father casually began the conversation .

“Have you been watching the Games?”

“…I haven’t been watching television…but I’ve still heard the news . ”

“…The professional Devil players have been continuously defeated . Even the much-anticipated newcomer, the Sekiryuutei was defeated by the Angel team a few days ago . As the makers of the Rating Games, we Devils have been defeated by various factions one after the other . ”

“…After all, there are players who are god-class beings, and there are also highly ranked players who have gone to assist other factions, so I don’t consider Devils to be on the weaker side . …But…”

“…But?”

In response to his father’s question, Diehauser shook his head .

“…Nothing, it’s nothing . ”

Diehauser swallowed the phrase ‘if it was me’ . These were words that he was not allowed to speak . As someone who had committed a crime, he didn’t have the right to speak such words— . He still longed for it, and this was something that he realised . Diehauser also realised that his father had also come to understand his yearning in just that brief exchange of words .

“…Is mother well?”

The current head of the House of Belial nodded in response to Diehauser’s question .

“Yeah, she’s doing just fine . I originally wanted to bring your mother along today…but only one person is allowed to visit . So I let her stay at home . ”

“…To mother, I must be an unfilial son . Even at first she opposed my participation in the Rating Games . ”

Diehauser’s mother didn’t feel pleased about his participation in the Rating Games . No matter what he did, his mother still refused to come watch his games . But that didn’t mean that his mother hated him . The current head said

“…I’ve already said this many times, you don’t have to mind about the Rating Games . Your mother simply does not wish to see you fighting . Your mother is afraid of her only son being in a fight . Even though it’s practically impossible for you to lose… . But even so, your mother doesn’t want to see you get hurt . But I watch your mother’s share as well, so it’s okay . ”

Deiahauser apologised to his father

“…You’ve obviously put in such effort, but I…can no longer compete in a game again . Father, you’ve done so much for me to allow me to participate in the games…”

For his sake, his father did as much as possible to allow him to receive a high standard of education . His father allowed him to receive education that was equivalent to those of the same generation from Houses that had produces Maous . At the same time, finances were difficult, and to the poor aristocrats of the Belial House, this was not an ordinary expenditure, but his father did his best to support him without causing trouble for the family . Diehauser had always known this . In order to continue paying his tuition fees, his father reduced the number of social outfits he kept, and mother also sold her valuable jewellery . This was an immense amount for nobility, and even the young Diehauser understood that . And so, when he won his first Rating Game, he gifted the finest noble clothing to his parents . He never once thought that that would have been enough to repay all of the expectations that his parents had . Just the fact that his father was able to wear the finest noble clothing made Diehauser happy . Noticing this, the current head pulled on his sleeves and said

“Hahaha, these clothes…it’s a brand that even the Maou-samas often wear . Diehauser, the Belial House’s subjects, as well as all of the citizens are all thankful to you for allowing them to be seen by the outside world . There is no one in the Belial territory who would blame you . ”

The current head of the House of Belial moved onto the main topic .

“I think you should get out of here . ”

“—!”

Diehauser was speechless . His father continued

“Thanks to your fame and established relationships, through various channels, I want you to return to the Rating Games anew . I have also pleaded to the Maou Ajuka Beelzebub . This is something that I can do . ”

As the current head spoke with an overbearing tone, he suddenly seemed to have remembered something as he said

“Ah, I can’t use the connection to the Great King side anymore . ”

A puzzled expression emerged on Diehauser’s face . His father had joined the Great King faction in the past, and his own status in the Underworld had continued to climb, and that gave his father a similarly high position .

Father said it can’t be used anymore…?

The current head answered his doubts .

“No, it’s nothing . I just went to went to the First Generation Bael-sama to ask a few things about you and Cleria . Hahaha, well, what should I say . In the end, I couldn’t hold back and I ended up hitting that First Generation old man . So that’s why I can’t use my connection to the Great King faction . I’m sorry, your father is still immature . ”

His father laughed boldly . …In a sense, the First Generation Bael could be considered to be an authoritative figure even higher the Maous in the entire Underworld and for all Devils, a secret dictator . His father actually hit him… . Diehauser understood . His father truly cherished his family, and after learning the truth behind his and Cleria’s circumstances, he must have attacked the First Generation Bael . His father’s actions evoked a certain emotion in Diehauser’s heart .

“That’s what happened, so I’m now in the care of Beelzebub-sama’s faction . ”

“H-How could I possibly allow father to deal with this alone…!”

He could no longer allow his father and his people to be troubled by his own problems . However, his father looked up at the ceiling and said

“Calfa…as of late, your mother has constantly been watching video recordings of your matches . It’s a bit ironic . You’ve already been locked up here, and she’s been watching as if she’s looking back on the path that her son has walked . ”

—What .

…His mother was watching…his matches . His mother had always avoided it, but she was now watching his games . The current head continued

“Seeing your mother like that, I also made up my mind . No matter what happens, and regardless of what I need to do, I want to send you onto the Tournament’s stage . Don’t worry, as long as you and the family are fine, I’ll even start over back at that house deep in the mountains . Hahaha, after all, I’ve long been accustomed to the lifestyle of being a poor noble . Ah, if I say that, I’ll be scolded by my ancestors . ”

In that instant, Diehauser’s heartfelt feelings poured out as he could no longer restrain them . His tears flowed down without stopping . His father showed a gentle smile .

“I want to see you fighting in the World Tournament . …Your fans are also looking forward to it . Their voices have been reaching me every day . If Diehauser was there, it definitely wouldn’t be the same . As long as the Champion is there, the Devils will fight better . As long as it’s the Emperor Belial, he’ll be able to defeat them no matter which team it is . Everyone has been shouting out loudly or begging for this . In any case, they all wish for you to get out of here . There are so many people looking forward to you . ”

His father thumped his own chest as he faced Diehauser, and said to his son

“I have neither talent nor merit, but I am your father . —So, I want to protect my son’s honour . ”

With his face covered in tears, the Champion could only cry . He expressed his gratefulness to his mother and father, to his citizens and his fans .

“……Father, I…I…!”

The Champion loved the Rating Games .

“The Sekiryuutei’s mother who once slapped you…must be a far better parent than I am . I…couldn’t get angry at you . ”

—The Champion loved the Rating Games more than anyone else as it had acknowledged his existence .

“Diehauser, let’s repay your crime together . The House of Belial will not abandon you . So, I also hope that you won’t cast aside your own possibilities, as well as the hopes of the fans that are waiting for you—”

Diehauser suddenly recalled that at some point, his cousin Cleria had said to him

[Diehauser-niisama, I really admire the way you look when you’re competing, it’s really cool . You’re the pride of me and the Belial family . ]

…Cleria, will you also watch over my battles from afar? Can I fight as the Champion that you, father, mother and my fans admire?

—The Champion will return .

“—The Champion of the Rating Games, Emperor Belial, will you allow us, your admirers to see your heroic figure once again?”

—The Champion will return!

“……Yes, father…!”

In Diehauser’s eyes, in the eyes of Emperor Belial, a fire was ignited again .

—The strongest Champion will return!

This news immediately spread like a wildfire in the Underworld .

—Emperor Belial’s shocking participation in the Rating Game World Tournament!

Diehauser had been released on a temporary basis under the conditions of strict limitations on movement and surveillance .

 

Rias Gremory and Vali Lucifer would clash in the preliminaries, while Hyoudou Issei would also encounter a god-class opponent for the first time in the Rating Game World Tournament . The difference in combat strength — was far too obvious . Even if it was the Sekiryuutei, if faced with the team of the legendary monster Typhon, and the second generation chief gods of Olympus and Asgard, it was probably impossible for him to win . But through this game, the entire world would attain a new understanding of the [Welsh Dragon]— . And with this, the preliminaries finally came to an end, while a fierce battle in the final tournament began .

(Part 1 of 1) (8/3)

Vidar & Apollon

“Vidar, have you seen the new tournament combinations?”

“Oh, Apollon? Of course I’ve seen them . ”

“After all, all of the gods who control fate among the mythologies have been secretly manipulating the tournament . ”

“Well, it’s understandable that you have such ideas…but I don’t think the God of Destruction is the type to do such inconsiderate things . However, it isn’t harmful . As gods, it isn’t a bad thing for us to occasionally dance with fate . ”

“Well, from your perspective as the [Fenrir Eater], what are your thoughts on this combintation?”

“Don’t call me by that name . I’ve never had any interest in eating wolves . …But, I did believe that I would one day encounter him because of politics or other matters . So it’s not a bad thing to have an early battle against him . I feel a bit bad for stepbrother [1], but this is fate . ”

“Well, we should get in touch with Typhon then . It would be best to hold a strategy meeting earlier . ”

“It’s truly something to look forward to . As comrades who have been forced to take up the next generation, this should let us make a bit of a rumble, right? —Hey, [High School DxD][2] . I’ll be treating you the same as a god-class enemy . ”

(Part 1 of 1) (8/3)

[1] Alternate reading was Vali .
[2] Alternate Reading was Sekiryuutei of Kuoh Academy .

Team member

Registered members of the [Sekiryuutei of Blazing Truth] team in the Tournament . King — Hyoudou Issei Queen — Bina Lessthan (Grayfia Lucifugus) Rook — Rossweisse (sometimes Bishop) Rook — No regular member has been registered Knight — Xenovia Quarta Knight — Shidou Irina Bishop — Asia Argento Bishop — Ravel Phoenix (sometimes Pawn) Pawn [3] — Bova Tannin (sometimes Rook) Pawn [5] — Nakiri Kouchin Ouryuu (sometimes Rook) Alternate (Pawn [2] equivalent) — Elmenhilde Karnstein ?? — Roygun Belphegor Registered members of the [Rias Gremory] team in the Tournament King — Rias Gremory Queen — Himejima Akeno Rook — Toujou Koneko Rook — Vasco Strada Knight — Kiba Yuuto Knight — Lint Sellzan Bishop — Gasper Vladi Bishop — Valerie Tepes Pawn [8] — Mr . Black (Crom Cruach)

(Part 1 of 1) (8/3)

Nether world

In the lowest level of Hell — the Ice Hell, Cocytus . Those who committed the gravest sins or perhaps those who perpetrated betrayals were eternally bound here in the cruellest depths of Hell . In this Ice Hell — the God of the Netherworld Hades summoned all of his servants and Grim Reapers . What they saw there was — a research institute for the supernatural that was a complete mismatch for Cocytus . The research institute was located in the depths of an icy valley . After the two heavy doors swung open, Hades led the high-ranking Grim Reapers into the research institute . The inside had long been empty, and there was no indication of anything . Indeed, this was originally Qlippoth’s — Rizevim Livan Lucifer’s research institute, one of his hidden locations . Using the information that he had gained in advance, Hades solved the secret of the doors which connected each level one by one . After moving through around a dozen doors, they arrived at a place that was rather forbidding, a place that seemed to have something important concealed . That thing was now in front of Hades and the Grim Reapers . The floor space of the entire level was encompassed by a large culture tank . That thing was inside . Inside the culture tank— . After seeing that thing, although usually calm — the Grim Reapers that could be described as cold and cruel were all dismayed as they shouted

<<Hades-sama, this is…!>>

Hades — revealed a wide smile .

<<…When I received news that the Evil Dragon Apophis wanted to send me a ‘gift’, I still had some doubts…fafafa, it seems like you were truly hated, Prince Rizevim . >>

<<In other words, could that be…?>>

Hades and the Grim Reapers looked into the enormous culture tank, at mass of ugly flesh that was within . There was nothing that resembled a living being, it was simply left there, an ugly piece of flesh that made one shudder . However, that piece of flesh — was connected by pipes to numerous machines that pounded as they pulsated . That thing was alive in such a form— . Hades looked at the thing as he said

<<—Correct, that is the wife of the Devil King Lucifer, the Mother of Devils . —Lilith . >>

Indeed, Hades called that ugly mass of flesh the Mother of Devils . Lilith — Rizevim had kept Lilith hidden up until the very end . Even if he died, it was still kept hidden . However, due to Apophis’ betrayal, this thing was eventually made known to Hades . No, Rizevim wouldn’t have allowed Apophis to learn of the existence of this thing . —But, he underestimated that Evil Dragon and allowed that Evil Dragon to find it . Hades stood in front of Lilith and spread open his arms .

<<…In this short year, various mythological events have occurred — the rebellion of the Old Maou’s bloodline, the upheaval of the successors of Heroic souls, the extraordinary naiveté of the Maou Lucifer’s son, as well as the destruction of the legendary Evil Dragons and the Beast of the Apocalypse . Far too abnormal and strange events have occurred one after the other . What is at the centre of all this?>>

The holes in his eyes gleamed strangely, and Hades continued

<<It is the Sacred Gears, the Longinus . —But, the one driving and resolving this series of events were Devils and yet Dragons, Dragons and yet Devils, the faction of Dragons led by the Maou . The act of inviting the invaders from another world into this world is also because of their existence . Because of their existence, this chain of anomalies will continue . Hence, so that I can protect the Netherworld and our mythology, we must bury them . >>

The information on the other world [ExE] [1] was another report that Apophis had given away . After receiving information on Lilith and the other world, Hades ignited the last signal fire— . Hades gave orders to the Grim Reapers .

<<To my comrades, all Grim Reapers and the God of the Abyss Tartarus, tell this to the Kings of each Hell . —It is time to drive out the true ‘enemy’ . >>

<<<<<<<<Yes!>>>>>>>>

The Grim Reapers responded to their master and instantly dispersed from there . Left alone, Hades looked up at the flesh — Lilith .

<<…We alone are enough to stand in front of the invaders from another world . >>

The final battle in which reconciliation was absolutely impossible was also approaching— .  

(Part 1 of 1) (8/3)

[1] Alternate reading was Evie Etoulde .