The moment Rias and the others returned from their sightseeing tour of the Gremory castles—still glowing with excitement from walking through structures older than most civilizations—I barely had time to ask how it went before we were herded toward the private train line.
Rias apologized with a small smile. "We'll have more time later. For now, we depart for the Maou territory."
And just like that, we were boarding a sleek crimson train that gleamed like polished gem stone. Once we stepped aboard, several magic circles flared into existence around the carriage—glowing, humming, rotating in layered patterns. That was the signal for long-distance travel.
The train lurched forward.
Then came three hours.
Three hours of constant jolting, shaking, and magic humming. By the end of it, even my Balance Breaker-enhanced body felt tired.
But when we finally arrived—
The modern scenery stunned me.
The station was bright and spacious, lines of glowing signage running along the walls, vending machines humming beside the pillars. Rows of pristine homes could be seen outside the glass windows—sleek designs, clean lines, and buildings with strange magical accents built directly into their walls.
If I didn't know any better, I'd think I was looking at some futuristic Japanese city.
"This is the city of Luciferd, within the Maou's territory," Kiba explained while adjusting his school uniform. "It's the old capital of the Underworld where the previous Lucifer resided."
I let out a low whistle. "Fancy place for an ex-demon king to live."
Summer uniforms felt oddly fitting here. No matter how you looked at it, this place had a clean, modern academy vibe. Maybe that was why our uniforms blended in so naturally.
"We're switching over to the subway from here," Kiba added. "If we walk on the surface with Rias, it'll turn into a spectacle."
I chuckled. "You talk like she's an idol."
Akeno, who had overheard, hid a giggle behind her fingers. "An idol? More like a princess. Don't forget, she is the Maou's younger sister. Low- and mid-class devils adore her."
Before I could respond—
"Kyaaah! Princess Rias-samaaaa!"
A chorus of high-pitched screams exploded from across the station.
I turned, eyes widening at the crowd of young devils—boys and girls alike—staring at Rias with sparkling, adoring gazes.
Rias smiled politely and waved, though I could tell she wasn't sure how to handle the sudden fanclub eruption.
"Akeno," I whispered teasingly, leaning slightly closer so only she could hear, "I'm surprised you're not causing the same reaction. Must be nice that you're just mine."
Her return whisper was sultry enough to melt steel. "Issei-kun… if you tease me like that in public, I might not be able to restrain myself."
I immediately straightened before I accidentally became a public scandal.
"Hiiiiii…"
A trembling voice came from behind me. Gasper's hands gripped my shirt like a terrified child clinging to his mother. The sheer number of devils in one place made him shake like a leaf.
"Hang in there, man," I said. "Just a little longer."
"For a hikikomori," Akeno commented lightly, "this level of social exposure is equivalent to torture."
We were quickly escorted by black-suited bodyguards—each one surprisingly strong in aura alone—toward a private staircase.
"Rias-sama, this way," their leader said respectfully.
"Let's go before this becomes chaos," Rias agreed.
We hurried down onto the underground subway platform where a sleek, polished private train was already waiting. The interior was quieter, more elegant, and thankfully free of screaming fans.
The ride lasted only a few minutes before we reached a private platform beneath a skyscraper—the largest building in the city. The place where young devil nobles would gather.
As we walked toward the elevator, the bodyguards peeled off and waited behind us. Rias motioned for us to board.
The elevator was huge—almost like a small lounge room—and as it rose smoothly, Rias turned around to face us.
"Everyone, one last reminder. No matter what happens, remain calm and collected. This gathering is full of future rivals. We must not display any disgraceful behavior." Her gaze landed directly on me. "And Issei… please control your rage."
"Hey! I'm calm," I protested.
"Yes," she replied dryly, "you're calm—until you're not. And when that happens, you're an entirely different person."
…Fair point.
The elevator chimed, and the doors opened.
A wide, luxurious hall greeted us—polished marble floor, crystal chandelier, and magical lights floating in the air like softly glowing butterflies. An employee bowed the moment he saw us.
"Welcome, Gremory-sama. Please come this way."
We followed him through a long passage—
Then Rias paused.
"Sairaorg."
Ahead of us stood a group of imposing devils. And at their center was a tall, broad-shouldered man with black hair, sharp features, and a confident grin.
He turned—and the air condensed around him.
That monstrous presence. Those burning eyes. A physique so powerful it looked sculpted for combat.
Sairaorg Bael.
I felt a thrill run through me. He was the strongest of the young generation of devils—the benchmark.
If I fought him… could I win with my current Balance Breaker? (Without the use of other side)
I had to.
If I couldn't, then I was weaker than canon Issei—and that was unacceptable.
"It's been a while, Rias," Sairaorg said warmly.
Rias shook his hand. "It has. I'm glad to see you well."
Rias looked at us, then back to him.
"This is Sairaorg Bael. He's my cousin on my mother's side."
Sairaorg stepped forward, voice steady and powerful.
"I am Sairaorg Bael, heir to the Bael family. It's a pleasure to meet all of you."
~~~
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