The clubroom was quiet as Draconis listened to Rias explain the promotion exam.
"Devil ranks are split into four: low-class, mid-class, high-class, and ultimate-class. But really, what we call 'rank' actually means two different things." Rias held up two fingers, her tone both teacherly and playful. "One is pure strength. The other is your official status."
Draconis raised an eyebrow. "So what's the difference?"
"Most of the time, devils are sorted by status. For example, I'm a high-class devil. Akeno and Koneko are mid-class. You, Draconis, are still officially low-class. You've heard that plenty, I'm sure."
He nodded. Enemies loved to sneer at him for it—'lowly low-class devil' was practically a nickname by now. Not that it bothered him. Everyone started weak.
Rias smiled, then leaned in. "But I bet you've wondered why Akeno is still mid-class, even though her power rivals mine."
That had bugged him for ages. Akeno's strength was easily high-class.
Now, after Rias's explanation, it finally clicked. "So even if Akeno's power is high-class, her official status stays mid-class until she passes the promotion exam. The words sound the same, but they're two separate systems."
"Exactly. You've got it."
Draconis let out a low whistle. "So one's about what you can do, the other's just a title."
Rias grinned and hugged his arm. "Don't underestimate titles. Only those granted high-class status by the Maou can be given Evil Pieces."
He blinked. "You mean, like the ones used on us?"
"Bingo. That's why the promotion exam matters. Even you, Draconis, could become a high-class devil and a King in your own right."
"But I'm your peerage member."
She squeezed his arm, eyes sparkling. "Once you're high-class, you'd become independent. You could build your own team."
He snorted. "Sounds like a distant dream. I'm happy where I am. No rush."
Rias's gaze softened. "You should have some ambition. Even if you leave, you'll always be my favorite person."
"Ara ara, is that a confession?" Akeno teased, her voice lilting from across the room.
Rias froze for a heartbeat, something dark flickering in her eyes. She liked him—he knew that—but there were things holding her back. Family. The fiancé her clan had chosen for her.
Draconis caught her hesitation. He reached out, voice gentle. "Let's not worry about the future. Let's just live in the moment, yeah?"
He meant it for both of them.
Rias gathered herself, forcing a smile. "Anyway, that's how it is. Your strength is mid-class now, but until you pass the exam, everyone will still see you as low-class."
The exam sounded tough. But Draconis shrugged it off. "Is it really that hard? If I can't do it, so what? Low-class, high-class—it's just a label. As long as I'm strong, that's enough."
Titles didn't matter. Power did. He'd rather be a strong 'low-class' than a weak 'high-class.'
Rias shook her head, amused. "To take the exam, you need to make a special contribution or stand out in the Rating Games. The system is there to strengthen our race, so it's worth trying. The higher your status, the more even angels and fallen angels have to take you seriously."
"Got it."
She brightened. "Good. Try to land some big contracts, too—that's part of the evaluation. And don't neglect your relationship with that celebrity girlfriend!"
She said it with a perfectly calm face, but Draconis caught the flash of jealousy in her eyes.
"Draconis, are you dating your contract partner?" Asia's voice trembled, eyes brimming with tears. "I… I could do that too, you know. I'll have to work harder…"
"What a playboy," Koneko deadpanned from her corner.
Draconis stared at the sudden swirl of jealousy, lost for words.
He sighed. "Honestly, Mai's situation gives me a headache. She's not exactly open to all this supernatural stuff."
Rias arched a brow. "You're missing the bigger picture. Your celebrity girlfriend is human—eighty years, tops. But you're a devil. You could live forever."
He exhaled, suddenly sober. "Yeah. I've thought about that. Maybe I do need to reach high-class after all."
Only as a high-class devil—with Evil Pieces of his own—could he offer immortality to those he wanted to keep by his side.
Rias's smile returned, warm and satisfied. "I'm glad you understand. So work hard. Help us devils grow our clan."
Draconis laughed. "Whoever invented Evil Pieces was a genius."
"Who isn't saying so!" Rias leaned in and, in front of everyone, kissed his cheek. "Don't slack off tonight, either!"
🔥 Want to read the next 20 chapters RIGHT NOW?
💎 Patreon members get instant access!
⚡ Limited-time offer currently running...
👉 [Join on - patreon.com/GoldenLong]