Two days later, it was a holiday──。
It was the day that the Maou Ajuka Beelzebub will turn over the custody of Ravel and Riser to them. The others are preparing a magic circle to teleport to Ajuka's place. In order to soothe his mood, Issei went to the first floor to get a drink of water.
In the living room, Issei's father was present and is polishing a fishing rod. Issei's father told him that him and his mother is going fishing and asked him if he wants to come along. Asia can tag with them as well.
Issei regretfully refused as he's tied up with other things. Issei's dad was sad and he said that he thought it might have been good for a parent and child fishing together again, although it might be an inconvenience for him who is already high school student. Issei apologized once again.
Issei's dad said that there is no need to worry but Issei cannot look directly at his eyes.
At that time, Issei's mom appeared and said that Issei and Asia can accompany them on another time.
Issei thought that it might be embarrassing to have a talk with his father now as he's not a child anymore but he decided that he will do once he returns.
At the basement, the ORC, Sitri group, Griselda, and Azazel were present. Dulio and Tobio are out on a different mission.
With the exchange that he had with his parents upstairs, Issei's mind is a little ruffled. He is currently heading to where Ravel is but in consequence, he can't go with his parents.
Azazel and Rias noticed Issei and immediately thought that it must be because of his parents. Issei explained that he rejected an offer to go with them so that he can meet up with Ravel. Azazel said that he should definitely go with them next time. It doesn't matter if there is something good or bad happening. Azazel continued saying that a person's parents will not last forever so there is no reason to act as their child from time to time.
After hearing this, Issei decided that he will definitely go fishing with his father next time and he will spend more time with his family.
The time to go to move has arrived. Azazel just gave them a vague explanation on where the destination is -- Ajuka's place. The magic circle shines and they were teleported away.
When the light disappeared, they were teleported to a sandy beach. It seemed that they were at the seashore but immediately thought that the Underworld doesn't have a sea so it must be a giant lake. Although that idea was rejected as the sky is not the usual purple sky of the Underworld. It looked more like the human world but even that was rejected as there are two moons. They are in a place that is not the Underworld nor the Human World.
Sitting in a chair at the corner of the beach, Ajuka spoke to them that the place reproduces a part of the dimensional gap and can be considered as "different world".
Close to Ajuka is a bed and there is a person sleeping there.
The group and Ajuka greeted each other and Rias asked about Ravel and Riser right after. He told them that Riser was transported to the Phoenix Household and the Ravel is Ravel is sleeping on the bed. He decided that it was better to directly give Riser to the Phoenix household and Ravel to them. Issei and Koneko immediately ran to Ravel and called on to her. Ajuka assured them that she is only sleeping. Ravel responded to the two as if she is just waking up. Azazel added that he had arranged for SLASHDOG's team to escort Riser to prevent anything that might happen.
With the safety of the Phenex siblings confirmed, Ajuka talked to them and said that turning over the custody of the two is not the only thing why he asked them to come to his dimension.
After saying that, he took out a single piece. It does not have the appearance of the other pieces. Ajuka said that the thing he is showing them is an Evil Piece. Issei clearly understood that as he's feeling the same wave of energy coming from his own pieces.
Ajuka then revealed that this is the 『King』 piece.
Everyone but Azazel were surprised as all of them were taught that there is no such thing as a King piece. When a High-class Devil is about to be given his/her Evil Pieces, they go to the Maou's castle located at the Maou's territory and touch a monument to register themselves as King.
Azazel was the only one not surprised as he already has heard rumors about that certain piece.
Rias who is a
King herself said that she heard that there was no way to create a King piece for the Evil Pieces and the 『King』 piece itself is just the monument where new Kings will register themselves.
Ajuka replied that she is indeed correct. That creating 『King』 pieces is said to be impossible and the registration monument is the supposed『King』 piece. He said that when reincarnated Devils become eligible to attain their Evil Pieces, the 『King』 piece would overlap with their own piece and will be dangerous to them and so was discontinued.
Ajuka continued that the 『King』 piece's ability is simple. It just strengthen the user. It is will not just make the user stronger twice or three times. It strengthens them from ten to one hundred times. By obtaining a power so great, it can lead to certain people to use it for bad deeds and so was deemed forbidden to use.
Ajuka then used a magic circle to project the appearance of a few people. Rias and Sona recognized them as the top rankers of the Rating Game.
Ajuka said that the current top rankers all have things in common. They are pure-blooded High-class Devils from the 72 pillars and they are using the 『King』 piece. With the strengthening ability of the 『King』 piece, it was not an exaggeration that there are people from that group that has reached Ultimate-class or even Maou-class.
Everyone was shocked from what Ajuka said. Sona then asked Ajuka if the abilities of those projected are "fake"?
Ajuka nodded and said that they used it and improve their abilities that is not accepted by the rules. He also added the most of the members of the executive committee are part of this "fraud". They use bribes, match fixing, and such. Of course not all of those who reached the top used the power of the 『King』 piece. Examples are Tannin, Rudiger Rosenkreutz. Ajuka said that the trend of not using the 『King』 piece are mostly the reincarnated Devils.
Ajuka shrugged and said that the Rating Game became much like the Human world's competitions. He said that he was the creator of the games and he left the basic management to the others. As the game flourished, he became something like a hanger-on and is one step away from completely being separated from the thing that he created.
With that said, that fraudulent actions of the top rankers and the management is the reason why it has been a long time for their positions in the top to change. Only those who are exceptional has made it through.
No matter the popularity or the abilities of someone who is going up the ranks, the "wall" created by 『King』 piece and the management itself is too high.
Sona fell on her knee as the information that she heard can be considered as a poison to her dream. Her dream of creating a Rating Game school for everyone to have a chance to climb up the ladder.
The values of the people of the Underworld would greatly fluctuate if this information becomes public. Sirzechs also knows it but he can't do anything about it.
As of now, there is a balance among the officials that are doing this act. But once a group becomes dissatisfied and internal conflict arise, the information about the King piece might be revealed. If more people know about it, they will try to get their hands on it, especially the old devils. This kind of disaster may be even more dangerous than what the Old Maou faction presents.
The grandness of the Rating Game just turned into politics and deception.
Issei thought that to an extent their rating game against Sairaorg can be considered as fight against the current Maou faction and the Great King faction. That match itself is sincere as it seems like Sirzechs did all that he can for the game to be clean.
The person who has not known about the 『King』 piece and all the shenanigans behind the scene is Diehauser. But not anymore.
When asked if Diehauser's strength was real, Ajuka nodded and said that Diehauser reached the top on pure talent. He has reached the apex without needing the help of the 『King』 piece. But when the opportunity of investigating more and proving the fraudulent acts behind the scenes presented itself because of the actions of Rizevim, Diehauser took it. He helped Rizevim steal Agreas. He did it to know the truth.
Ajuka continued that the actions of the old devils continued to distort the backbone of Underworld little by little and when the limit was reached, Diehauser took his action.
Issei then asked Ajuka why Riser and Ravel?
Ajuka said that Diehauser's action in the Rating Game was all for him to appear. During the game, when something was tampered with, his management would be notified. Using Diehauser's ability [Worthless], he made the retiring system of the game worthless. This made the emergency program trigger. Even though he can make the program worthless as well, Diehauser didn't do it and this made Ajuka appear in front of him.
Azazel said that the conversation is what him and a selected higher ups watched.
Ajuka continued that Diehauser talked about the 『King』 piece and also confided that he aided Rizevim to steal Agreas. The risk of being affiliated with a terrorist extended to Ravel and Riser as well. If not for Ajuka's continued protection, they would have targeted after being treated.
Issei was extremely angry that they even want to dispose of Riser and Ravel who are innocent.
Ajuka replied that that is how important the secret of the 『King』 piece for the old devils. They will do anything so they can monopolize the power. Diehauser was afraid on what might happen to the Phenex siblings after the game. That's why he entrusted the two to him.
Riser and Ravel's safety was kept confidential is part of this protection.
Issei thought that Ajuka is full of mysteries. But you can fully trust him. He is the Maou that saved the Phenex siblings and come to think of it, he also adjusted the Evil Pieces for him.
Sona then asked Ajuka what Diehauser is about to do.
Ajuka replied that he will reveal the secret to the Underworld and to other factions as well.
Sona agonized at the reply. The kids and the people all look up to the top rankers as their heroes and hope. What would be their reaction if the were to be told that they've been lied to. She also added that Diehauser's actions has caused them a great lot.
Ajuka agreed that Diehauser's actions cost the Underworld greatly especially that they lost Agreas.
When Issei asked "Why Riser? Can't there be anybody else to be his opponent?", Ajuka smiled and said that they will understand the reason soon.
Azazel then asked what he would do with the surveillance video that they had. Ajuka said that he will do the appropriate action for it.
Azazel shrugged and questioned if he would be ready for countermeasures, Ajuka replied that he is a Maou and this kind of job is something that Sirzechs cannot do.
Azazel said that he should still minimize the use of possible sacrifices. Ajuka agreed that there is no reason to sacrifice innocent people.
Ajuka and Azazel continued to talk each other about things only VIPs know.
Issei bowed in front of Ajuka to thank him for saving Ravel. Koneko and Gasper did too.
Ajuka smiled wryly and said that the troubles that they should survive the troubles that them young devils encounter. He will deal with the top. They can act as much violently as they can and he will try his best to protect those around them.
Azazel then questioned Ajuka. "How many 『King』 pieces are there?"
Ajuka said that the production line has stopped and there is no way to create new ones and even the method is only known to him. He continued that in total, there are NINE 『King』 pieces; including the one that he showed them. Diehauser gave the one that he has to Ajuka and now has four in total. The remaining five is in the possession of the old devils.
Azazel had a grim look on his face and he said that it would be difficult to take those pieces away from them. Ajuka with a determined face said that he still intend to retrieve them.
Ajuka once again talked to Azazel. He warned him that Azazel should take precautions as there will be lots of people from different factions targeting him. Azazel shrugged and said that a certain God of Destruction also said that to him. He assured him that he is well prepared.
Azazel questioned him in return. "Did you find the locations of Innovate Clear and Telos Karma?", "What is this "game" that you're managing?", "How did you create this space?"
Ajuka apologized and said that this is his domain and it is impossible even for him to capture the two Longinuses as it it something that is outside the law of this world.
It was that time that a small communication circle appeared on Ajuka's ear. Ajuka murmured that "was it an unexpected move or a bad move". He then quickly turned around and told them to return immediately as something bad has happened
--- Ophis was attacked by an Evil Dragon ---
2015-07-18, 07:42
