A/N: Hello everyone, here's the newest chapter. I hope you enjoy it as things spiral out of control. If you have any thoughts, let me know in the comments.
Belial Manor, Belial Territory
Diehauser Belial POV
Diehauser was worried, very worried.
He wiped the growing sweat from his forehead with a handkerchief and put it back into his waistcoat pocket.
Ethel Paimon, the second heir of the Paimon Clan, and only daughter of Lord Paimon, had run away.
Even Miss. Ethel's maid had been scrambling for some time when she disappeared. The maid had immediately teleported back to the Paimon estate to check if the young heiress was there, but the maid's distressed return confirmed her absence.
Unfortunately, his magic tutor had yet to finish the lessons on teleportation spells so Diehauser was still not adept at using them. It made him feel inept that he could not fully help, but there was not much he could do about it at the moment.
At least the servants had deciphered enough of the teleportation coordinates to confirm Miss. Ethel had gone to one of the nearby mountain valleys near the manor. Which elevated some anxiety from young Diehauser's heart.
However, there was a new problem.
Despite his Clan's Territory being small and poor compared to other 72 Pillar Clans, the area was still roughly the size of the Swiss Confederacy, a country found in the Human World. Similar to the Human country, Belial Territory had a familiar geography of tall mountains with several mountain valleys and forests, and it proved finding the young Paimon to be quite the challenge.
So Diehauser and the two maids had spent the majority of the afternoon trying to find any trace of the young lady. Several other Belial servants, who were not sick and resting in the servants' quarter had joined in the search as well.
When they followed the trail of clues it led to one forest, but after some searching they had lost the trail. In the meantime, Diehauser and a few of the servants were resting and drinking refreshments in the Manor's gardens, while the other group was still searching for Miss. Ethel.
Diehauser took a big sip from a cup of chilled water. The water was infused with the faint taste of a citrus fruit that grew in the Underworld that he was fond of.
However it was not enough to relax him. Diehauser leaned back in his chair and sighed.
"This is the worst…" Diehauser muttered.
Considering Lord Paimon had partly entrusted him to look after his daughter, his actions would look very bad on his Clan. The Belial Clan had fallen onto hard times ever since the ending of the Great War. Through a series of mistakes by his ancestors, Diehauser's family lost their rank as Archduke and fell to the lowest rank of Baron.
Disgraced. Impoverished. Tarnished.
Diehauser tightened his fist on his lap.
Diehauser loved his family greatly. Even more so he was proud of the ideals of his father and grandfather.
To always be humble. To never look down on those who are lesser.
Even while trying to help his family reclaim their lost glory, he would never give up those ideals.
Which is why he was tasked by his father, Lord Belial, to use this chance to make a good connection with the young Paimon, and to hopefully further expand ties with the prominent Archduke family.
But he failed. Miss Ethel had ignored him and ran off.
It was not like his family were trying to arrange an engagement between the Belial and Paimon Clans too. Yes, Miss. Ethel was an exceptionally beautiful girl even for Devil standards, and with time, would only become more so.
Except, he did not want to marry the heiress; a part of him just wanted to make a new friend.
Loneliness stirred within him.
Like he did not even get a chance to bring up the novel conversation topics or his tea skills he had recently been taught by his various tutors. Very expensive tutors, he eventually realized.
His father and mother put their hopes and dreams into him, spending money on expensive tutors in the hopes that he will bring a boon to the family. For an 11 year old Devil, it was a heavy burden to carry.
Guilt riddled inside of Diehauser's heart as he gently placed the empty glass on the table.
"I will take that, young Lord."
"Thank you, Swethyna." Idly said Diehauser with a forced smile.
Swethyna was his personal maid and the vice-servant of his Clan, and the person who had raised him besides his very own mother. She was a beautiful young woman with pink eyes and mint green hair tied into a large bun. She wore a french style maid uniform with a long skirt.
Swethyna had taken away the glass and teleported the object away.
While the servants were cleaning up the table. Diehauser was left in his thoughts once more.
Was there a way to recover from this?
What could he do?
Then Diehauser had an idea. It was outlandish, but it might just work to win over the heiress. Perhaps instead of talking about the topics he was recommended by his tutors, what if he tried talking to Miss. Ethel about one of his newest hobbies?
Would she like that?
"Do you…do you think Miss. Ethel would be interested if I spoke about Rating Games?"
His personal maid paused for a moment.
She appeared in thought, and Diehauser could almost see the endearment in her eyes, before replying with a warm smile. "There is a chance Lady Paimon would enjoy the topic, young Lord."
Hope renewed in his eyes, he should not give up. "I think I will try that. Once Miss Ethel returns. Thank you again, Swethyna."
"My pleasure, young Lord." The maid bowed and returned to his side.
"Well, in a few minutes we should go back and continue searching. Luckily, the meeting between Father and Lord Paimon has not finished yet, so we still have some time left." Diehauser stood up from the chair and fiddled with his wristcuffs. "I was thinking this time we could ask the townsfolk if they had seen her. Although, it would be convenient if we could ask more servants to help…"
Swethyna smiled apologetically. "Apologizes young Lord. Unfortunately, many of the servants have become sick recently. It's best we leave them be."
Diehauser was able to pick up the underlying message; Swethyna did not want to take the risk of himself also getting infected.
For some reason, a strange illness has been plaguing the people lately. Even though it's been observed the disease is not contagious, it was best to let the servants rest.
As his Father and Grandfather always said, 'a good ruler always takes care of the citizens'.
Diehauser proudly nodded.
However, just as Diehauser and some servants were about to head off, he felt a wave rush through him and he recoiled in pain.
"Gah!"
Not just Diehauser but also the servants near him were wincing in visible pain. Some were worse than others, and had abandoned any sense of propriety and were bent over groaning in pain.
Diehauser felt his heart rate pick up as if some had set his heart on fire. The burning began to spread throughout his body, and at the same time Diehauser noticed glowing red web-like veins growing on hands.
Tears began to well in his eyes.
"I-it hurts…!" Cried Diehasuer.
Except when the pain was becoming too unbearable a brief respite arrived. As fast as the sensation had come, the burning in his chest simmered and the glowing red web-like veins receded from his hands.
"What just happened…?"
Diehauser was very confused. Where did that feeling come from?
Swethyna and the other servants also started to get up and recover themselves. That was good. Diehauser was worried if the others got hurt too.
Then a loud shriek cried out from the servant's quarters. From across the gardens and in the distance, one of the servants had broken through the door.
What was alarming were their disheveled appearance that revealed the same red web-like veins sprawled across their entire body. A dark red glow beamed from their eyes.
Everyone's attention snapped to the figure, and Swethyna defensively stepped in front of him.
"Stand down!" Ordered out Swethyna.
It seemed she was very on guard, but why? Was that not one of the servants who were sick?
The disheveled servant's head snapped to them, paused, then with a full chest bellowed out a roar. "Rurrraaaaaaaaaaagh!"
The disheveled servant broke into a dash and sprinted straight at them.
Swethyna casted a spell and the magic circle illuminated. Soon, the surroundings became cold and the servant was encased in ice from head to toe.
"Final time, stand down!" Swethyna ordered out, but the frenzied servant ignored her.
Before she could do anything, Diehauser felt the frenzied servant's chaotic Demonic Power begin to rapidly climb. Their body started to glow and their body swelled until reaching a breaking point.
The disheveled servant exploded into a searing burst of magical energy.
BOOOOOOM!
Diehauser covered his sensitive ears from the unexpected blast.
Diehauser was getting increasingly scared. Why did the servant suddenly explode?!
…Were they dead…?
Shortly after, more disheveled servants began to pour out of the servant's house. They appeared in the same condition as the first one, and immediately sprinted towards Diehauser.
"Restraint does not work. Aim to kill. Protect the young Lord!" Swethyna quickly gave out the orders and the uninfected servants made a defensive position.
Spells of fire, ice, wind, and lightning shot out at the incoming pack of infected servants. Their bodies were charred or shot to the ground as they were blown back.
For a moment Diehauser felt relief that it would soon be over. However, a few of the infected servants began to act strange, and their arms flared around and their eyes glowed until magic circles came to life.
Diehauser froze and a barrage of demonic bullets zoomed towards him.
"Young Lord!"
Swethyna jumped in front of him and blocked with a hastily prepared spellshield but it was not enough.
The demonic bullet pierced through her chest, and her blood sprayed onto Diehauser's aghast face.
[Line Break]
Belial Manor, Belial Territory
Lord Paimon, Vincent Paimon POV
Vincent Paimon took a sip of coffee and placed the gold-decorated cup back onto the cup plate that laid on a low-lying table. He also noticed the table was covered in the finest refreshments and deserts the Belial Clan could afford from his estimates.
He knew of the Belial Clan's precarious financial situation, and the pragmatic part of his mind found this display of wealth to be too costly. While at the same time, he knew this was their attempt to get on his good side and come out of these talks with the best deal they could salvage.
However, it was excellent coffee.
Coffea arabica, imported from the Yemen region in the Human World. Dark roast, slightly bitter with a rich chocolate taste and fruity aroma.
And it was one of his top favourites.
Well done, Lord Belial.
Vincent cleared his throat and relaxed his broad shoulders into the velveted chair.
"Lord Belial, what brings me here today? I am a busy man afterall."
Vincent knew why he had been summoned, why he had brought three entire legions of the Underworld's Military with him. The entirety of the Belial Territory, along with several towns in the neighbouring Shax Territory and Furfur Territory have been plagued by a mysterious disease.
The disease was not contagious, but very fatal; with the death toll already approaching 20% in the hardest hit regions. The origin and cause of the disease so far was unknown, and currently being studied by the top researchers under Satan Ajuka Beelzebub.
Recently, the commoners have been referring to the disease as The Red Plague.
What a shame.
Devilkind's population was already at its all-time lowest with a mere 30 million Devils populating their half of the First Layer of the Underworld.
Since the days of the Revered Father and Mother Lilith creating Devilkind after they were banished from Heaven, of Lord Lucifer's forging his immense armies, and birthing the Ancestors of 72 Pillar Clans. The Devil population has drastically been lowered from the fatalities of the Great War that continues to this day, albeit simmered in intensity, and the recent aftermath of the Devil Civil War.
So many great Clans had died and gone extinct. And millions more dead.
Only 32 Pillar Clans remained active, while the survivors of the Four Great Satan Clans and the Six Houses of Lucifer scattered into the wind.
This new disease only added to the pile of tragedies. And why this growing disease has been kept under tight lips and little information has been allowed to spread throughout the Underworld.
Propaganda to distract the public. Fatality numbers offhandedly underreported. Trade restricted between Belial Territory and others.
This was all on top of the constant border skirmishes with the Fallen Faction and periodic attacks from the Heaven Faction. This was not even considering the Military's duty of protecting the lands from powerful Demonic Beasts that would occasionally wander into cities.
Just another corpse in his long life that was tossed onto the pyre.
They were stretched thin; and he knew it.
It was why the Military was always seeking new blood to recruit. Why he fairly rewarded achievements, and strictly punished mistakes.
Vincent Paimon was a pragmatist to a fault, a commonality shared amongst his kinsmen. His son Gilmand was stalwart and cold-hearted at times, and even his dear daughter, Ethel, had inherited that aspect from him.
It was why his Clan, the Paimon Clan, had always been deeply involved in the affairs of the Military.
Logistics. Strategy. Providing arms and ammunition.
It was why he made the decision to support those four younglings and that old man Zekram Bael in the Civil War against the descendants of the Original Satans.
It was what led him to become the General of the Underworld's Military, and de facto leader.
People assumed that Satan Falbium Asmodeus was the Head of Military Affairs and Supreme-Commander, but despite the slothful fool that was his superior, Falbium knew that he held the real power.
It was why Lord Belial was currently trying his best to not fidget in his seat.
He was the leader of the supposed 'Military Faction' that contended with the other Factions that played in Devil Politics.
The Extra Demon Faction were a loose collection of different interests and fickle at best, while the Great King Faction was often greedy and denied the growing demands of lower ranking Devils.
He knew the New Satans' position was fragile, and failed to appease the various Factions while enacting radical reforms. They were fools pretending to be Human, when we were Devils at heart.
They desired an ideal path for the future of Devilkind. It held some merit, but was inevitably foolish. But at least it was not as foolish of the path that the Old Satan Faction desired, to reignite the Great War and lead to the destruction of Devils henceforth.
He tried to convince the New Satans to extinguish the remnants of the Old Satans, but they would not listen to him, citing lofty enlightened values and hoped for their change of heart.
They were foolish, indeed; but he recognized their usefulness, overwhelming power, and ingenuity.
Satan Ajuka Beelzebub, and his invention of Evil Pieces and the creation of Rating Games. It helped bolster the diminishing population of Devils and overcame the issue of Devil's low fertility, while at the same time provided a novel form of entertainment to appease the masses.
It brought in new blood that reinforced the defense of the Underworld, and the hopeful creation of new High Class Clans with powerful bloodlines.
However, it was not enough, and the bubbling frustration of newly Reincarnated Devils would only join the resentment of the Commoners and half-breeds who felt increasingly ignored. At least in the Military that resentment was stymied and honed into motivation and discipline for the greater good.
It was why Vincent Paimon was sitting in this chair and ready to offer the aid of troops and emergency supplies to the Baron who had abandoned their pride and formally requested aid. The other inflicted territories had not bothered, likely feeling no need to shine light on the problem.
It was admirable of the Belial Clan, but it would come with a price.
Vincent Paimon shifted in his chair and crossed his legs.
Lord Belial stiffened again and gave a nervous smile.
"Yes. I formally requested the aid from the Government to help keep the peace and relieve the suffering of my citizens."
"And why have you not used funds from your own treasury?" Vincent raised an eyebrow. This was merely a ruse.
Lord Belial pondered for his words. "We do not raise taxes often; to give more breathing room for the commoners. Our Belial Territory is impoverished compared to mightier Clans, our lands are small and infertile, mostly covered in mountains."
The Belial Clan was known for their kindness towards their family and citizens amongst Devil Clans, albeit to a lesser degree as compared to the Gremory Clan. This made sense but something off; according to his spies the Belial Clan had come across a great boon recently.
"Infertile lands and covered in thick forests, yes, I saw on my way here." Vincent began to stroke his well groomed mustache that matched his strong jawline.
"That's right, Lord Paimon." Lord Belial nodded along.
"...And mountains that could potentially contain Demonic Crystal veins. A valuable energy source that is always in demand. Especially, for the Military; we always need fresh arms to defend the Underworld."
Lord Belial tried his best to not show a reaction, but Lord Paimon caught the quick waver of his eyes.
Bullseye.
Vincent moved in his chair and crossed his legs again.
"30%. 30% of the crystals from your mine once its operation begins."
Vince did not need to explain what he implied, they both knew what he was asking.
Lord Belial stood up from his seat, exasperation carried in his voice. "That's too high! Apologizes Lord Paimon, but the Belial Clan has for years dutifully provided levies to the Government's ranks and loyal officers. This is unreasonable!"
Vincent gave a stern gaze. "Do you not care for your citizens, Lord Belial?"
Lord Belial pursed his lips. "I do...but that mine was meant to relieve the burden on the people, and find an alternative source of funds for the Belial Clan."
Good, he was off his balance now. Time to capture the objective.
Vincent hummed as he stroked his moustache. "I recall your Clan once held the rank of Archduke, before your ancestors had made several mistakes during the Great War and fell from grace. Once upon a time the Belial Clan was a mighty peer of the Paimon Clan and Agares Clan, but now you barely hold on as Barons." Vincent stopped stroking his moustache and shook his head.
Another shame.
The Belial Clan made good officers too, competent and reliable. Their unique Clan Trait [Worthless] was incredibly useful. It nullified all abilities of a person or items as long as the user understood the properties.
If the Belial Clan had not lost their status and power, then the Underworld would be in a better position against the Grigori and Heaven.
Vincent looked directly into Lord Belial's gray eyes. "What if the Paimon Clan were to support the Belial Clan in your attempt to reclaim your lost title? Once again Archdukes and new lands next to your border…"
It was obvious, Lord Belial had been eyeing the empty Nebiros Territory that bordered his own Territory.
Lord Belial froze, his mouth agape. "You would do such a thing?"
The final strike.
Vincent leaned forward with a sharp glint in his eyes as he gave a devious smile. "I would, but for a price. 20% of the harvested Demonic Crystals will be donated to the Military's effort, your levies increased by 5%, and the remaining Demonic Crystals will be exclusively purchased by the Paimon Clan for a set price."
Lord Belial's eyes moved as he internally calculated the costs. His expression shifted between excitement and begrudging, until taking a deep breath and flopped down into his chair.
Vincent smirked victoriously as Lord Belial rubbed the bridge of his nose. "...It's a deal."
On que, a servant behind Vincent had withdrawn a ready stack of contracts to be signed, enchanted to prevent forgery. One copy was gently placed on the table while the other was given to Lord Belial to browse.
With the wave of a hand by another servant, a bottle of enchanted ink and quill appeared.
"Let's iron out the details, shall we?"
Lord Belial only sighed.
[Line Break]
A few hours later.
Lord Belial tiredly ruffled his gray hair as the servants took away the remaining documents.
"You are very thorough, Lord Paimon. But I am glad you are an ally and not an enemy."
"Anything for the greater good of Devilkind, Lord Belial." Vincent smiled as he stood up, and offered his rough hand for a handshake.
Lord Belial accepted, and the two firmly shook hands.
"Now that's out of the way, I wonder how young Diehauser has fared with handling my dear Ethel. She has quite the temperament afterall." Lord Paimon chuckled while the servants were cleaning up the table.
Before Lord Belial could respond, he fell into his chair and clutched at his chest in pain.
"Ugrh!"
"Lord Belial are you alright?" Asked Vincent. As soon as he did, Vincent observed glowing red web-like veins grow along Lord Belial's face.
Were they under attack by an assassin? Or was this related to the disease?
"A-apologizes, Lord Paimon, but my chest feels like it's on fire. Servants! Please summon the physician!"
As Lord Belial called out, Vincent noticed all of the Belial Clans were also in pain and had the same strange glowing red veins on their bodies. While himself and his own servants were unphased.
Vincent quickly analyzed the symptoms, and felt their Demonic Power was erratic and going haywire. This was very concerning.
Vincent turned to his servants and gave out quick orders. "Summon the medical team, and bring medical supplies, quickly!"
"Yes, M'Lord." A few of the servants bowed and immediately teleported away.
As soon as the servants left, Vincent felt their Demonic Power simmer down and the eerie red veins receded from their bodies.
Lord Belial huffed heavy breaths until he collected himself. His servants, who had recovered, ran to their liege to aid him.
So it was not an attack, but something else. Very odd.
"Are you alright, Lord Belial?" Vincent questioned.
"Y-yes, I feel better now." Lord Belial reassured but following after, screaming, gunfire, and explosions could be heard from outside the meeting room.
A loud knock was heard on the heavy wooden doors, and were urgently opened by a squad of soldiers, and protected behind them was a distraught Lady Belial.
Lady Belial, seeing her husband was safe, ran towards him in tears. While the squad leader who was covered in blood saluted him.
"General, we're under attack! Several enemies are already within the barrier of the Belial Manor!"
"How?"
Vincent had been keeping track of the manor's barrier but he did not feel it disturbed.
"The servants, General! They have become crazed like wild beasts and are attacking anyone on sight! Please, let us escort you away."
A flash of anger passed Vincent as he snapped his head towards Lord Belial, but he saw the bewildered look on the man's face as he comforted his wife. Vincent also made note of the servants around Lord and Lady Belial, who appeared to be in healthy condition.
Something wrong was definitely going on.
With an intense scowl on his face, Vincent ordered out. "Defend the perimeter and escort Lord and Lady Belial! And someone find my daughter!"
Everyone in the meeting room was then rapidly evacuated. Winding through the halls of the large manor, until reaching the foyer of the manor.
To the side, Vincent saw a squad of soldiers and disheveled Belial servants barricading a set of doors to the Servant Quarters that tried to lurch open periodically. Bestial roars bellowing out and chaotic clawing were heard from the other side of the door.
Then with a rapid climb in Demonic Power on the side, Vincent's instincts kicked into gear.
"Prepare shields now!"
Following orders, the soldiers and servants hastily cast barriers just in time before the doors exploded in a blaze of magical energy.
A moment of silence passed as smoke billowed out into the large hall.
"Ready into position!" The soldiers and servants prepared their spells and readied weapons.
Vincent joined the defensive position and prepared his own attack using the unique Clan Trait of the Paimon Clan.
"[Armament Conjuration]"
A large pale blue ghostly cannon appeared, it had demonic engravings on along the barrel and stored 'inside' was something he once observed from the Greeks; Greek Fire. But this was not just any Greek Fire, it was enhanced by his unique trait.
Just like the name, the user was able to conjure a variety of ethereal weaponry and armaments that were magically enhanced by Demonic Power and control them at will. Along with this, any Paimon with the Clan Trait was also able to speak with dead spirits if they were skilled enough.
Vincent whisked his hand, and ghostly shield walls appeared circling around both the defensive position and around Lord and Lady Belial.
Ethereal flames flickered off the floating equipment as magical spells were prepared and rifles were aimed.
Not too long passed until more roars echoed from the depths of the hallway.
Flailing figures emerged from the smoke to reveal Belial servants with dark glowing red eyes, and the same red web-like veins covering their entire bodies. They acted in a frenzy manner, and without care for their appearance or bodily harm.
Their appearance was disturbing but Vincent did not hesitate nor would he bother in restraining them.
"ATTACK!"
Vincent let his Ultimate Class reserves of Demonic Power flow from his body to power the large cannon. Billowing out like a raging inferno, intense green-blue flames engulfed the squirming wave of infected servants.
Like breaking statues, their charred bodies were blown apart into crumbling ash by the barrage of prepared magical attacks, and any lingering targets were efficiently blown apart.
Only steam waffling off the burnt walls remained.
Anger rose inside of Vincent's chest as he stared at the sight. He wanted to confirm the situation, but at the moment he needed to safely escort Lord and Lady Belial and find his daughter as soon as possible.
Ethel should be guarded by the vice-head maid of the Belial Clan along with Ethel's own personal servant. Along with the nearby legions of troops, she should be safe until he arrives.
He then called out once more. "Move to the courtyard! Protect the Lord and Lady!"
The Belial servants naturally followed his command and nodded, they surrounded their liege while the squads of troops moved forward with readied weapons and Lord Paimon close behind.
Once they had reached the courtyard, Vincent saw chaos.
Wagons attacked and supplies scattered around. Small scorched craters littered the courtyard. However, taking a quick glance, it seemed there were very few casualties amongst his men and the corpses of infected servants covered the courtyard.
The blasts of demonic bullets echoed out as the last of the crazed servants were eliminated.
Worry swam into Vincent's chest as he did not immediately notice his daughter.
Scanning the battlefield, eventually he found young Diehauser crying on the side while guarded by injured servants.
"Diehauser!"
"My son!"
Lord and Lady Belial ran to their only son, tears welling up in their eyes. But Diehauser did not respond as his loving parents tried to comfort him.
Vincent saw the despondent and dead eyes of the young boy.
He knew that look uncomfortably too well, and saw it across too many battlefields in his long lifetime.
Vincent's heart began to sink in his chest.
No…
Vincent stormed right up to the boy.
"Swethyna…" Diehauser muttered softly under his breath. He had dried blood marking his face.
Vincent firmly grabbed the boy by the shoulder and ignored the cries of his parents. He gave young Diehauser a firm shake.
"Diehasuer! Where is my daughter? Where is Ethel?"
Diehauser slowly looked into Vincent's intense gaze.
"Ethel…?"
Slowly but surely, life returned to the boy's eyes and tears started to drip from his face.
"M-miss. Ethel ran away…s-she teleported away and we spent all day trying to find her…I'm sorry Lord Paimon…"
Anger and fatherly instinct welled inside of Vincent's chest at the response.
Quietly, Vincent nodded and left the boy to his parents.
Vincent walked to the edge of the courtyard that overlooked the mountain valley. Down below, Vincent saw the towns and villages burning as continuous magical explosions boomed across the mountain valley.
"Ancestors, what in the Nine Hells is going on…"
The situation was deteriorating faster than he could gather information. However, recalling the state of the frenzied servants, Vincent was confident this was not a simple disease.
And his dear Ethel was somewhere out there alone and in danger…
Demonic Power shot up as the air around Vincent began to visibly tremble.
Starting like a whisper Vincent spoke. "Men…assemble into units and move out." The whisper then grew into a storm of fury as it was laced with Demonic Power. "AND SOMEONE FIND MY DAUGHTER!"