The next day, Kuroyami stood outside Kuoh Academy, stretching as the morning sun cast long shadows over the schoolyard.
He hadn't told Rias about his meeting with Azazel, but judging by the way she was glaring at him from across the courtyard, she had definitely found out.
"Yo, Princess," he greeted lazily.
Rias crossed her arms, red hair fluttering in the breeze. "You met Azazel and didn't tell me?"
Kuroyami smirked. "Didn't think you needed to know."
Rias sighed. "You're impossible."
Akeno, who stood beside Rias, chuckled. "Did he at least try to recruit you?"
Kuroyami shrugged. "If you call throwing a fancy bracelet at me 'recruitment.'"
Rias narrowed her eyes. "And? What did he tell you?"
Kuroyami's smirk widened. "Something big is waking up."
Rias' expression shifted, concern flickering across her features.
Before she could press further, a crack echoed through the air. A magic circle formed in front of them, its crimson glow unmistakable.
"Sirzechs," Kuroyami muttered.
The moment the teleportation completed, Grayfia stood before them.
"Kuroyami Saisei," she said, her voice composed but firm. "The time has come. Sirzechs-sama is expecting you in the Underworld."
Kuroyami yawned. "Already? Man, I was hoping to take a nap first."
Grayfia didn't react. "Come."
Rias took a step forward. "I'll come too."
Grayfia shook her head. "Not this time, Rias-sama. Sirzechs wishes to speak with him alone."
Rias frowned but didn't argue. She instead looked at Kuroyami. "Don't piss him off too much."
Kuroyami smirked. "No promises."
As he stepped into the teleportation circle, the world around him blurred.
Lucifer's Audience
Kuroyami arrived in a grand hall, the luxurious decor of the Gremory estate surrounding him.
At the end of the room, seated on a throne-like chair, was him.
Sirzechs Lucifer.
Despite his usual calm smile, Kuroyami could feel the sheer weight of his presence.
"Welcome, Kuroyami-kun," Sirzechs said, his voice smooth yet carrying an undeniable authority.
Kuroyami stuffed his hands in his pockets. "Sup, Crimson Satan?"
Grayfia, standing at Sirzechs' side, visibly twitched at the lack of formalities, but Sirzechs merely chuckled. "Straight to the point as always."
He gestured for Kuroyami to approach. "Let's not waste time. I need to know… what did Azazel tell you?"
Kuroyami lazily walked forward and pulled the folder from his inventory, tossing it onto the table between them. "This."
Sirzechs opened the folder, his eyes scanning the documents. The lighthearted aura around him faded as he reached the last page.
Grayfia peered over his shoulder, her eyes narrowing. "Dimensional distortions… vanishing territories… ancient energy signatures?"
Kuroyami grinned. "Sounds fun, right?"
Sirzechs closed the folder, exhaling. "Azazel isn't wrong. Something is coming."
He looked up, his crimson eyes gleaming with power. "Kuroyami, do you have any idea what this could be?"
Kuroyami chuckled. "Nope. But I really want to find out."
Sirzechs studied him for a moment before smiling. "Then let's make a deal."
Kuroyami raised an eyebrow. "Oh?"
Sirzechs leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table. "I won't ask you to join the Underworld's forces. But… if this threat becomes a reality, I want to know where you stand."
Kuroyami smirked. "And if I decide to watch from the sidelines?"
Sirzechs' smile didn't falter, but his aura shifted—an overwhelming pressure filling the room.
"Kuroyami-kun," he said, still smiling, "I don't believe for a second that someone like you would sit back and do nothing."
Kuroyami's grin widened. "Heh. Fair enough."
Sirzechs leaned back. "Then we have an understanding."
The tension faded.
Kuroyami turned to leave but paused at the doorway. "Oh, by the way…"
He glanced back, his midnight-purple eyes gleaming. "This ancient thing waking up? If it's strong enough to make all of you nervous… then I really hope it doesn't disappoint."
With that, he stepped through the teleportation circle, leaving behind a thoughtful Sirzechs.
Meanwhile… in the Shadows of the Underworld
A storm brewed over a forgotten land.
A lone figure stood atop a ruined castle, watching as cracks formed in the sky.
The wind howled.
Then—BOOM.
A colossal claw burst forth from the abyss.
The earth trembled.
The figure grinned.
"The Dragon King has begun to awaken."
To Be Continued…
Author's Note:
Kuroyami meets Sirzechs!
The Underworld is preparing!
The ancient force makes its move!
Next time: The Dragon King Awakens!